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Within a few weeks, things started to go wrong with this. First, the ignition switch stopped functioning. Now I light it with a lighter. Also, despite efforts of covering it, it is rusting slightly. There are many burners out there that are less expensive and just as powerful (and more powerful) That said, I've now had it for two years and it still works. The small shelf is light duty. The entire unit is quite heavy and requires two people to move comfortably. That is probably a good thing. It is sturdy. The thermometer on the grill box busted after two uses. | 1 | neutral | [
"Within a few weeks, things started to go wrong with this.",
"First, the ignition switch stopped functioning.",
"Now I light it with a lighter.",
"Also, despite efforts of covering it, it is rusting slightly.",
"There are many burners out there that are less expensive and just as powerful (and more powerful) That said, I've now had it for two years and it still works.",
"The small shelf is light duty.",
"The entire unit is quite heavy and requires two people to move comfortably.",
"That is probably a good thing.",
"It is sturdy.",
"The thermometer on the grill box busted after two uses."
] |
Yes...it was delivered as expected...but..I have severe shoulder pain and researched this product carefully and thought it would be very helpful...It is very well constructed, although a bit confusing at first, but I did have my daughter help me with getting it fitted as best we could, Unfortunately, the brace is too big for my frame, even with adjusting it as best as we could do. Thus, it is very uncomfortable and extremely heavy for me. I packaged it all up as new and went to get the paperwork to send it back and find something smaller, but found out it was going to cost me over $8.00 to send it back...If I do this, then it will make it too expensive to buy another one that will work..I had no idea it would cost a Prime Member to send it back...I will have to watch the info much more carefully before I order the next time...My husband's brace was, however, just fine for him...Sorry, but I just can't spend that kind of $$ when it isn't returnable.... | 1 | neutral | [
"Yes...",
"it was delivered as expected...",
"but..",
"I have severe shoulder pain and researched this product carefully and thought it would be very helpful...",
"It is very well constructed, although a bit confusing at first, but I did have my daughter help me with getting it fitted as best we could, Unfortunately, the brace is too big for my frame, even with adjusting it as best as we could do.",
"Thus, it is very uncomfortable and extremely heavy for me.",
"I packaged it all up as new and went to get the paperwork to send it back and find something smaller, but found out it was going to cost me over $8.",
"00 to send it back...",
"If I do this, then it will make it too expensive to buy another one that will work..",
"I had no idea it would cost a Prime Member to send it back...",
"I will have to watch the info much more carefully before I order the next time...",
"My husband's brace was, however, just fine for him...",
"Sorry, but I just can't spend that kind of $$ when it isn't returnable...."
] |
I hope this collection will help some people, particularly young people, fall in love with Debussy. Once that happens you might want to check out some better recordings (Peter Schmalfuss, for one, really doesn't get this music at all. Noriko Ogawa isn't bad.)
For the piano music I would recommend the Walter Gieseking recordings, which are old and scratchy but magical, and the Paul Jacobs recordings, which are to me the best modern recordings - just stunning. There are many fine recordings. One that springs to mind is a live Horowitz recording of L'Isle Joyeuse, which is very exciting. Ivan Moravec is also a great Debussy player - and his recordings are available in decent sound.
For the orchestral works the Boulez recordings with Cleveland (both the older releases on Columbia/Sony and the later DGG recordings) offer great detail and balance. There's a beautiful new recording by Nezet-Seguin/Montreal of La Mer that I have on SACD and recommend highly. Karajan did a couple of spectacular Debussy recordings on DGG.
You must have a recording of the great Debussy string quartet. It's frequently paired with the amazing Ravel quartet, which is also a must. I have never found a recording of this piece that entirely satisfies me. I've heard some great performances of it in concert. But certainly there are many worthwhile recordings. I wish the wonderful Chiara String Quartet would record it. After all this time I don't think anyone has really gotten to the depths of this work in a recording and the Chiara Quartet seem to specialize in going deep. | 1 | neutral | [
"I hope this collection will help some people, particularly young people, fall in love with Debussy.",
"Once that happens you might want to check out some better recordings (Peter Schmalfuss, for one, really doesn't get this music at all.",
"Noriko Ogawa isn't bad.",
")\n\nFor the piano music I would recommend the Walter Gieseking recordings, which are old and scratchy but magical, and the Paul Jacobs recordings, which are to me the best modern recordings - just stunning.",
"There are many fine recordings.",
"One that springs to mind is a live Horowitz recording of L'Isle Joyeuse, which is very exciting.",
"Ivan Moravec is also a great Debussy player - and his recordings are available in decent sound.",
"For the orchestral works the Boulez recordings with Cleveland (both the older releases on Columbia/Sony and the later DGG recordings) offer great detail and balance.",
"There's a beautiful new recording by Nezet-Seguin/Montreal of La Mer that I have on SACD and recommend highly.",
"Karajan did a couple of spectacular Debussy recordings on DGG.",
"You must have a recording of the great Debussy string quartet.",
"It's frequently paired with the amazing Ravel quartet, which is also a must.",
"I have never found a recording of this piece that entirely satisfies me.",
"I've heard some great performances of it in concert.",
"But certainly there are many worthwhile recordings.",
"I wish the wonderful Chiara String Quartet would record it.",
"After all this time I don't think anyone has really gotten to the depths of this work in a recording and the Chiara Quartet seem to specialize in going deep."
] |
The hype of FF10 was unbelievable. Come on, a classic series finally moving on to a superior gaming console. But what FF10 delivers isn't close to the hype. It's downright terrible. Not terrible enough for 1 or 2 stars, but bad enough for just 3 stars. I give it 3 stars because the battle system is actually pretty descent (except for the sphere grids), the graphics as far as coloring and lighting are severely off, the voice acting is terrible, and the character's are barely even likeable. And how can this be called a Final Fantasy if there is voice acting in the first place? Most of the game is people trying to voice act. I'd rather read than listen to what the characters are saying. I pray that if FFXII has voice acting, that it is actually good or you can turn it off. Sadly, I don't recommend FF10 to a Final Fantasy fan or an RPG fan. | 1 | neutral | [
"The hype of FF10 was unbelievable.",
"Come on, a classic series finally moving on to a superior gaming console.",
"But what FF10 delivers isn't close to the hype.",
"It's downright terrible.",
"Not terrible enough for 1 or 2 stars, but bad enough for just 3 stars.",
"I give it 3 stars because the battle system is actually pretty descent (except for the sphere grids), the graphics as far as coloring and lighting are severely off, the voice acting is terrible, and the character's are barely even likeable.",
"And how can this be called a Final Fantasy if there is voice acting in the first place?",
"Most of the game is people trying to voice act.",
"I'd rather read than listen to what the characters are saying.",
"I pray that if FFXII has voice acting, that it is actually good or you can turn it off.",
"Sadly, I don't recommend FF10 to a Final Fantasy fan or an RPG fan."
] |
K.A.R.M.A is the story of child victims of violence and rape striking back in a co-ordinated attack against their tormentors by undertaking a secret chat room lead Strangers on a Train type directive, calling themselves Kids Against Rape & Murder & Abuse, (K.A.R.M.A) where victims kill a fellow victim's abuser and in return one of the others in the group will reciprocate for them. The idea really is an interesting premise for a novel but unfortunately the story itself isn't as well written as the plot idea was a good one.
We occasionally follow through the eyes of one of these child killers as they attempt to carry out their missions but we don't do this for enough of the pages. Instead the story concentrates for the most part on a freelance paparazzi photographer character called Hackett who is enlisted as an unwilling participant promotional tool by the K.A.R.M.A. Hackett is an annoying self-centred character with an even more annoying up herself girlfriend in Chandra, who is constantly whinging that life is so unfair because an even hotter radio reporter than herself has been signed by a TV network and she thinks she's a much better reporter and is going to show them! Neither of these two seems to have any real journalistic talent and just seem to stumble upon things to help with their careers. The only interesting character of the book is a deaf socially challenged guy expert computer hacker with the nickname Fats. That's the other thing that is never explained, K.A.R.M.A have these mad computer skills that outsmart anything Fats, or anyone else in the computer industry seems to be capable of, yet it's never explained how these kids, who seem to be from the streets, living on farms and places like this would have learnt these skills.
I did like how at the front of this novel in the other works section we learn that Grant McKenzie has written a few books under the pen name M.C. Grant. I was unaware of this, previously I've read McKenzie's novels No Cry for Help and Switch which were not just better novels than this one but also different types of novels, they were more your average everyday guy suddenly has to face the unexpected and fight for his life, a what would you do in this situation type read. If you haven't read a Grant McKenzie novel and were deciding on which one to buy I'd go with Switch. | 1 | neutral | [
"K.",
"A.R.M.A is the story of child victims of violence and rape striking back in a co-ordinated attack against their tormentors by undertaking a secret chat room lead Strangers on a Train type directive, calling themselves Kids Against Rape & Murder & Abuse, (K.",
"A.R.M.A) where victims kill a fellow victim's abuser and in return one of the others in the group will reciprocate for them.",
"The idea really is an interesting premise for a novel but unfortunately the story itself isn't as well written as the plot idea was a good one.",
"We occasionally follow through the eyes of one of these child killers as they attempt to carry out their missions but we don't do this for enough of the pages.",
"Instead the story concentrates for the most part on a freelance paparazzi photographer character called Hackett who is enlisted as an unwilling participant promotional tool by the K.",
"A.R.M.A. Hackett is an annoying self-centred character with an even more annoying up herself girlfriend in Chandra, who is constantly whinging that life is so unfair because an even hotter radio reporter than herself has been signed by a TV network and she thinks she's a much better reporter and is going to show them!",
"Neither of these two seems to have any real journalistic talent and just seem to stumble upon things to help with their careers.",
"The only interesting character of the book is a deaf socially challenged guy expert computer hacker with the nickname Fats.",
"That's the other thing that is never explained, K.",
"A.R.M.A have these mad computer skills that outsmart anything Fats, or anyone else in the computer industry seems to be capable of, yet it's never explained how these kids, who seem to be from the streets, living on farms and places like this would have learnt these skills.",
"I did like how at the front of this novel in the other works section we learn that Grant McKenzie has written a few books under the pen name M.",
"C. Grant.",
"I was unaware of this, previously I've read McKenzie's novels No Cry for Help and Switch which were not just better novels than this one but also different types of novels, they were more your average everyday guy suddenly has to face the unexpected and fight for his life, a what would you do in this situation type read.",
"If you haven't read a Grant McKenzie novel and were deciding on which one to buy I'd go with Switch."
] |
I remember that fateful day. I sat down to my PS2. Popped in the disk. Watched as GTAIII came up on my screen...and as my expectation of video games changed forever.
Fast-forward to today. Rockstar games is under pressure to sell out to EA Games (the mindless zombie gamemaker that will own all video games by the end of days), and has been resisting until the release of GTAIV.
Rockstar should have sold out. It would have been a chance for EA to review GTAIV and MAYBE stopped it before it was too late.
This game seems...forced. I am a Russian fresh off the boat complete with annoying accent that sounds like "I am toolking veeth da bouldars in da mou-tah." I have to listen to the "F" word about sixty times in the opening credits of the game. I have to hear the word TEEETIEEES and have them described as "like MEHLOHNS".
I like boobies as much as the next guy...but come on...I really don't want to hear some borscht slurping sack of crap describe them in a WAY over-done cutscene about "LIFE IN AMER-R-R-REEEKA". Well, GUESS WHAT, BORIS!? R-R-R-R-R-Ruffles have R-R-R-R-R-R-Ridges, mofo, and I'd rather eat a whole bag than pay $60 for this overhyped piece of crap! This isn't the 1940's anymore. Everyone KNOWS that America is just about as overhyped as this video game! I LOVE America with all of my heart...but I was born and raised here and have all of the amenities of this country being my home. Basically...if you come over here be ready to bag my groceries or drive the taxi that takes me where I need to go because the American dream doesn't really exist anymore for you.
Anyway...the storyline is forced upon you as if you'd gone out to buy a new sportscar to drive around and have fun in...but then you open the glove box and find out that you MUST use the car to go certain places. If you don't then there is an ANNOYING beeping that will go off in random intervals to annoy the crap out of you. Yeah...I'm talking about the cell phone. WHERE'S THE OFF BUTTON!?
Listen up, Rockstar. The little fanboys and kiddies (who shouldn't be playing this anyway) are going to bow down before you and talk about how l33t this game is and how it is so great...but you and I...we know the truth.
The real truth is that somewhere along the line this franchise got old and tired...but still worked. You felt the need to improve upon something that was already great and you screwed it up. Dates!? Is this GRAND THEFT AUTO...or is this the Sims - Real Life? I want to steal cars, run over pedestrians, and shoot police officers...I do NOT want to go bowling with an annoying Mid-West chick (I live in St. Louis...there are PLENTY of those around here).
Anyway...another over-hyped OKAY game for the X-Box 360. If you're expecting something amazing...try again (unless you're 12...and then the strip club scenes will seal the game for you as teh numberest oneest EVAR!)
TEEEETIIIIES!!!!
Edit: After playing this game a bit more...I would like to add something.
I think the previews for this game should have been edited slightly to be as follows...
A car pulls up and parks. Niko gets out of the car and, gun in hand, walks in slow motion up to a man who is facing the other direction...
A voiceover begins (with a crappy Russian accent)... *I am new here to Amereeka...eet ees strange cauntree... I have bought peepel...sold peepel...keeled peepel...I am mercenaree...I keel for mahnee...*
Niko then raises the gun and...
The scene blinks and Niko has no gun in his hand at all. He yells, "Hey...you peese of sheet...Broocie told me to keeel you so that is why I am here...to keel you weeth a gun...the gun here in my pants!"
Guy yells, "[...]!" and runs over and jumps in a crappy car.
Niko then, in slow motion, tries to get a gun out but heaven reaches down to the rusty beat-up Pinto that the target has jumped into and turns it into a rocketship that zooms offscreen faster than any other car in the game.
Niko runs over, getting stuck on some pedestrians and a tree, knocks over a hot dog stand, and then gets into his car that is now facing a completely different direction. He has to back up and move forward for a 10 point turn before he can get to chasing the bad guy, who is still flying at well over 200 mph in a rusty beat-up Pinto...until finally the guy reaches 10 of his buddies and God ceases to empower his Pinto with the fires of heaven.
The voiceover finishes... *Yes...Amereeka ees strange country. My car...eet moves by eetself and I must warn evereeone here before I keel them if it is relevant to thee storeeline...but I am now an expert in thee game of darts and can heet bullseye every time.* | 1 | neutral | [
"I remember that fateful day.",
"I sat down to my PS2.",
"Popped in the disk.",
"Watched as GTAIII came up on my screen...",
"and as my expectation of video games changed forever.",
"Fast-forward to today.",
"Rockstar games is under pressure to sell out to EA Games (the mindless zombie gamemaker that will own all video games by the end of days), and has been resisting until the release of GTAIV.",
"Rockstar should have sold out.",
"It would have been a chance for EA to review GTAIV and MAYBE stopped it before it was too late.",
"This game seems...",
"forced.",
"I am a Russian fresh off the boat complete with annoying accent that sounds like \"I am toolking veeth da bouldars in da mou-tah.",
"\" I have to listen to the \"F\" word about sixty times in the opening credits of the game.",
"I have to hear the word TEEETIEEES and have them described as \"like MEHLOHNS\".",
"I like boobies as much as the next guy...",
"but come on...",
"I really don't want to hear some borscht slurping sack of crap describe them in a WAY over-done cutscene about \"LIFE IN AMER-R-R-REEEKA\".",
"Well, GUESS WHAT, BORIS!?",
"R-R-R-R-R-Ruffles have R-R-R-R-R-R-Ridges, mofo, and I'd rather eat a whole bag than pay $60 for this overhyped piece of crap!",
"This isn't the 1940's anymore.",
"Everyone KNOWS that America is just about as overhyped as this video game!",
"I LOVE America with all of my heart...",
"but I was born and raised here and have all of the amenities of this country being my home.",
"Basically...",
"if you come over here be ready to bag my groceries or drive the taxi that takes me where I need to go because the American dream doesn't really exist anymore for you.",
"Anyway...",
"the storyline is forced upon you as if you'd gone out to buy a new sportscar to drive around and have fun in...",
"but then you open the glove box and find out that you MUST use the car to go certain places.",
"If you don't then there is an ANNOYING beeping that will go off in random intervals to annoy the crap out of you.",
"Yeah...",
"I'm talking about the cell phone.",
"WHERE'S THE OFF BUTTON!?",
"Listen up, Rockstar.",
"The little fanboys and kiddies (who shouldn't be playing this anyway) are going to bow down before you and talk about how l33t this game is and how it is so great...",
"but you and I...",
"we know the truth.",
"The real truth is that somewhere along the line this franchise got old and tired...",
"but still worked.",
"You felt the need to improve upon something that was already great and you screwed it up.",
"Dates!?",
"Is this GRAND THEFT AUTO...",
"or is this the Sims - Real Life?",
"I want to steal cars, run over pedestrians, and shoot police officers...",
"I do NOT want to go bowling with an annoying Mid-West chick (I live in St.",
"Louis...",
"there are PLENTY of those around here).",
"Anyway...",
"another over-hyped OKAY game for the X-Box 360.",
"If you're expecting something amazing...",
"try again (unless you're 12...",
"and then the strip club scenes will seal the game for you as teh numberest oneest EVAR!",
")\n\nTEEEETIIIIES!!!!",
"Edit: After playing this game a bit more...",
"I would like to add something.",
"I think the previews for this game should have been edited slightly to be as follows...",
"A car pulls up and parks.",
"Niko gets out of the car and, gun in hand, walks in slow motion up to a man who is facing the other direction...",
"A voiceover begins (with a crappy Russian accent)...",
"*I am new here to Amereeka...",
"eet ees strange cauntree...",
"I have bought peepel...",
"sold peepel...",
"keeled peepel...",
"I am mercenaree...",
"I keel for mahnee...",
"*\n\nNiko then raises the gun and...",
"The scene blinks and Niko has no gun in his hand at all.",
"He yells, \"Hey...",
"you peese of sheet...",
"Broocie told me to keeel you so that is why I am here...",
"to keel you weeth a gun...",
"the gun here in my pants!",
"\"\n\nGuy yells, \"[...",
"]!",
"\" and runs over and jumps in a crappy car.",
"Niko then, in slow motion, tries to get a gun out but heaven reaches down to the rusty beat-up Pinto that the target has jumped into and turns it into a rocketship that zooms offscreen faster than any other car in the game.",
"Niko runs over, getting stuck on some pedestrians and a tree, knocks over a hot dog stand, and then gets into his car that is now facing a completely different direction.",
"He has to back up and move forward for a 10 point turn before he can get to chasing the bad guy, who is still flying at well over 200 mph in a rusty beat-up Pinto...",
"until finally the guy reaches 10 of his buddies and God ceases to empower his Pinto with the fires of heaven.",
"The voiceover finishes...",
"*Yes...",
"Amereeka ees strange country.",
"My car...",
"eet moves by eetself and I must warn evereeone here before I keel them if it is relevant to thee storeeline...",
"but I am now an expert in thee game of darts and can heet bullseye every time.",
"*"
] |
I finally received this product on the 6th March 2014. I ordered it on the 15th January 2014 hoping to received it on time for my camping trip from the 1st -5th March 2014. I eventually had to purchase another pump since I had no idea it I would receive this on time. Then I finally received it today and the packaging was way too big, the box it came in could have held at least 4 pumps. The box was so big it cost me twice the cost of the pump to clear it. I am so disappointed that I couldn't use the pump or even receive it on time I would not purchase anything from this supplier again. Hope the pump works well after all of this. The pump that I received was different to the one I ordered (I received a red pump slightly smaller) then to make matters worse the price of the pump dropped to $9.94 after I paid $20.42 for it. | 1 | neutral | [
"I finally received this product on the 6th March 2014.",
"I ordered it on the 15th January 2014 hoping to received it on time for my camping trip from the 1st -5th March 2014.",
"I eventually had to purchase another pump since I had no idea it I would receive this on time.",
"Then I finally received it today and the packaging was way too big, the box it came in could have held at least 4 pumps.",
"The box was so big it cost me twice the cost of the pump to clear it.",
"I am so disappointed that I couldn't use the pump or even receive it on time I would not purchase anything from this supplier again.",
"Hope the pump works well after all of this.",
"The pump that I received was different to the one I ordered (I received a red pump slightly smaller) then to make matters worse the price of the pump dropped to $9.",
"94 after I paid $20.",
"42 for it."
] |
A friend of mine got the LP when it first came out [a l-o-n-g time ago] and it provided hours of amusement as well as totaaly over-the-top kareoke (before we even knew what it was). Shatner, along with a lot of actors like Eddie ALbert [Green Acers],Sebastien Cabot [Family Affair] and even Leonard Nimoy were enthralled with lyrics of Bob Dylan and went off on their own totally self-indugent interpretations of Dylan's lyrics and other songs.
It's only for those with a hearty sense of humor. The musicianship is mediocre, Shatner's interpretations supply enough 'ham' for any picnic.
Why do I like it? Shatner boldly went where few had gone before in trying to do a popular release of dramatic readings [think 'beatnik poetry reading on steroids'] and, well. . .seldom does a mission fail as miserably, as remarkably, and as entertainingly.
Not only do I still listen every now and then, I 'perform' small parts to my grandchildren and they think I'm nuts while they get a giggle or two.
After a listening, you'll be your own "Transformed Man' (or woman). It provides meaning to "so bad, it's good!" | 1 | neutral | [
"A friend of mine got the LP when it first came out [a l-o-n-g time ago] and it provided hours of amusement as well as totaaly over-the-top kareoke (before we even knew what it was).",
"Shatner, along with a lot of actors like Eddie ALbert [Green Acers],Sebastien Cabot [Family Affair] and even Leonard Nimoy were enthralled with lyrics of Bob Dylan and went off on their own totally self-indugent interpretations of Dylan's lyrics and other songs.",
"It's only for those with a hearty sense of humor.",
"The musicianship is mediocre, Shatner's interpretations supply enough 'ham' for any picnic.",
"Why do I like it?",
"Shatner boldly went where few had gone before in trying to do a popular release of dramatic readings [think 'beatnik poetry reading on steroids'] and, well.",
".",
".",
"seldom does a mission fail as miserably, as remarkably, and as entertainingly.",
"Not only do I still listen every now and then, I 'perform' small parts to my grandchildren and they think I'm nuts while they get a giggle or two.",
"After a listening, you'll be your own \"Transformed Man' (or woman).",
"It provides meaning to \"so bad, it's good!",
"\""
] |
I love 3rd person games with characters that are cute, but not TOO cute, and offer beautiful environments and inventive play. Vexx is very much that. Maybe not as much so as Starfox Adventures (my all time favorite game), but hey, nobody's perfect.
Problem is, this game is simply too hard. Many serious gamers will see this as a challenge (as I'm sure the author of the walkthrough I have did), but there are limits. Vexx seriously oversteps those limits.
The many environments of play are beautifully done, from the interior of a giant's den (you gotta love romping through grandfather clocks, grand pianos, and bouncing on sofa cushions), to a weird, darkened netherworld where the surfaces move like organic smoke, to pretty Aztec-ish cities and frozen landscapes.
Two things really kill this game dead, though. One is the enormously frustrating camera, which often forces bad perspectives on you that you can't override. And, again, many tasks are just ridiculously hard. Some just go on and on and on and on and on. Get bored or rushed and make one small mistake, and you'll find yourself starting all over. And over. And over. And over.....
I give it 3 stars because it is very entertaining when mearly challenging instead of impossible, beautifully animated, and I like the idea of a cute, pi**ed off little critter thrashing his way to revenge. If it weren't for the camera and some programmer's (seemingly) mad determination to make a nearly impossible game, it would be good for 5.
I got this because it's broadly similar to Starfox Adventures (3rd person critter goes on a multi-world adventure), and if you have similar tastes then get this only if you must have SOMETHING until a new Starfox or something else vaguely similar comes out. | 1 | neutral | [
"I love 3rd person games with characters that are cute, but not TOO cute, and offer beautiful environments and inventive play.",
"Vexx is very much that.",
"Maybe not as much so as Starfox Adventures (my all time favorite game), but hey, nobody's perfect.",
"Problem is, this game is simply too hard.",
"Many serious gamers will see this as a challenge (as I'm sure the author of the walkthrough I have did), but there are limits.",
"Vexx seriously oversteps those limits.",
"The many environments of play are beautifully done, from the interior of a giant's den (you gotta love romping through grandfather clocks, grand pianos, and bouncing on sofa cushions), to a weird, darkened netherworld where the surfaces move like organic smoke, to pretty Aztec-ish cities and frozen landscapes.",
"Two things really kill this game dead, though.",
"One is the enormously frustrating camera, which often forces bad perspectives on you that you can't override.",
"And, again, many tasks are just ridiculously hard.",
"Some just go on and on and on and on and on.",
"Get bored or rushed and make one small mistake, and you'll find yourself starting all over.",
"And over.",
"And over.",
"And over....",
".",
"I give it 3 stars because it is very entertaining when mearly challenging instead of impossible, beautifully animated, and I like the idea of a cute, pi**ed off little critter thrashing his way to revenge.",
"If it weren't for the camera and some programmer's (seemingly) mad determination to make a nearly impossible game, it would be good for 5.",
"I got this because it's broadly similar to Starfox Adventures (3rd person critter goes on a multi-world adventure), and if you have similar tastes then get this only if you must have SOMETHING until a new Starfox or something else vaguely similar comes out."
] |
I suppose that, the first time one watches this rather excessively sweet film, even the most hardened cynic would shed a tear at the ending, when George is revealed as one who has a matchless wealth of friends and support. James Stewart indeed portrays George Bailey superbly, but I found that, beyond the first viewing, this becomes rather an annoying film.
Of course, the contrast between George (the sort of man anyone would like on sight, and love all the more with acquaintance), and the dreadful Potter, who makes the pre-converted Ebenezer Scrooge look cuddly, provides much of the action - trouble is, the premise really is not that realistic. The idea that being good-natured, and having a spirit of self-sacrifice that goes from heroic to excessive, benefits one's community is taken to too great an extreme. The Baileys are always on verge of bankruptcy, yet manage to be the saviours of all of the rather poor people who want to fulfil the mid-century dream of owning their own homes. Intending no blasphemy, I found it annoying that George becomes something of a Christ figure... yet never is allowed to think of himself or his family in the process.
George seems a wonderful man, but it became difficult to see his as a "wonderful life." It seemed that everyone was entitled to fulfil their dreams except George... indeed, that he had to make certain that he sacrificed every aspiration (college, honeymoon trip, travelling) entirely so someone else could have them. Considering how, when George sees what the town would be like had he never lived, everyone is in miserable straits, the 'saviour' business is rather macabre, as are the people resident in Bedford Falls!
Romantic though I am at heart, the cynical part of me sighed, knowing full well that, no matter how good anyone was to others, the first accusation of embezzlement would be more likely to make the others think, "now we know how he really is!" Miserable though Potter is, it does not ring true that one with his resources could be totally unsuccessful in acquiring potential homeowners as customers because a good-hearted, impoverished sort simply was more pleasant.
Certainly, watch this once... but don't go back for repeated viewings, since the memory of the first viewing will be far more pleasant than the cloying effects of repeat performances. | 1 | neutral | [
"I suppose that, the first time one watches this rather excessively sweet film, even the most hardened cynic would shed a tear at the ending, when George is revealed as one who has a matchless wealth of friends and support.",
"James Stewart indeed portrays George Bailey superbly, but I found that, beyond the first viewing, this becomes rather an annoying film.",
"Of course, the contrast between George (the sort of man anyone would like on sight, and love all the more with acquaintance), and the dreadful Potter, who makes the pre-converted Ebenezer Scrooge look cuddly, provides much of the action - trouble is, the premise really is not that realistic.",
"The idea that being good-natured, and having a spirit of self-sacrifice that goes from heroic to excessive, benefits one's community is taken to too great an extreme.",
"The Baileys are always on verge of bankruptcy, yet manage to be the saviours of all of the rather poor people who want to fulfil the mid-century dream of owning their own homes.",
"Intending no blasphemy, I found it annoying that George becomes something of a Christ figure...",
"yet never is allowed to think of himself or his family in the process.",
"George seems a wonderful man, but it became difficult to see his as a \"wonderful life.",
"\" It seemed that everyone was entitled to fulfil their dreams except George...",
"indeed, that he had to make certain that he sacrificed every aspiration (college, honeymoon trip, travelling) entirely so someone else could have them.",
"Considering how, when George sees what the town would be like had he never lived, everyone is in miserable straits, the 'saviour' business is rather macabre, as are the people resident in Bedford Falls!",
"Romantic though I am at heart, the cynical part of me sighed, knowing full well that, no matter how good anyone was to others, the first accusation of embezzlement would be more likely to make the others think, \"now we know how he really is!",
"\" Miserable though Potter is, it does not ring true that one with his resources could be totally unsuccessful in acquiring potential homeowners as customers because a good-hearted, impoverished sort simply was more pleasant.",
"Certainly, watch this once...",
"but don't go back for repeated viewings, since the memory of the first viewing will be far more pleasant than the cloying effects of repeat performances."
] |
I hadn't previously read anything by Anya Bast before I read FURY, so I have no idea if TRANQUILITY is part of an ongoing series or something the author is writing separately to release as just the two interrelated short stories.
That being said, I liked the concept of the shifters, of being a Shadow, of the OtherKin in general. I enjoyed Roane, who is the brother of Merrick, the hero from FURY. When Roane realized that Merrick and Nikki (the werecougar who the elders of Fury had chosen as Queen) already had chemistry, he stepped aside and left town so as not to have to fight his fellow Alpha brother for the rule.
Now, Roane has moved to Tranquility, wanting nothing but to have a home with a pack and be left alone. He doesn't want to be the Alpha of the Tranquility pack, but the fact that he's recognized Scarlet as his mate is causing problems. Namely, that Scarlet is the sister of Marcus. And Marcus is the current alpha leader who hates Roane's guts. But, as always seems to happen, hot sex ensues, followed by the inevitable HEA filled with more hot sex.
Just as I said with FURY, I did enjoy the concept of the story, and I probably would have moved that to REALLY liked if not for two things. One, although I recognize the "I-just-met-you-but-want-to-sex-you-up-now" plot device, especially in stories involving shapeshifters who seem to "recognize" their mates upon meeting, just a tad more introduction before the horizontal tango would have been nice. And secondly, Holy Smokes, Batman!, this story badly needed an editor before it went up! I know Ms. Bast has published a bunch of stories through large-name publishers, but due to the lack of editing, I'm guessing this wasn't one of them.
So overall, a great concept, just as FURY was, and I'd definitely be interested in reading a full-length novel or novella starring the OtherKin. Yet on the other hand, the horrible execution of this short tale kept me from loving it like I wanted to. | 1 | neutral | [
"I hadn't previously read anything by Anya Bast before I read FURY, so I have no idea if TRANQUILITY is part of an ongoing series or something the author is writing separately to release as just the two interrelated short stories.",
"That being said, I liked the concept of the shifters, of being a Shadow, of the OtherKin in general.",
"I enjoyed Roane, who is the brother of Merrick, the hero from FURY.",
"When Roane realized that Merrick and Nikki (the werecougar who the elders of Fury had chosen as Queen) already had chemistry, he stepped aside and left town so as not to have to fight his fellow Alpha brother for the rule.",
"Now, Roane has moved to Tranquility, wanting nothing but to have a home with a pack and be left alone.",
"He doesn't want to be the Alpha of the Tranquility pack, but the fact that he's recognized Scarlet as his mate is causing problems.",
"Namely, that Scarlet is the sister of Marcus.",
"And Marcus is the current alpha leader who hates Roane's guts.",
"But, as always seems to happen, hot sex ensues, followed by the inevitable HEA filled with more hot sex.",
"Just as I said with FURY, I did enjoy the concept of the story, and I probably would have moved that to REALLY liked if not for two things.",
"One, although I recognize the \"I-just-met-you-but-want-to-sex-you-up-now\" plot device, especially in stories involving shapeshifters who seem to \"recognize\" their mates upon meeting, just a tad more introduction before the horizontal tango would have been nice.",
"And secondly, Holy Smokes, Batman!",
", this story badly needed an editor before it went up!",
"I know Ms.",
"Bast has published a bunch of stories through large-name publishers, but due to the lack of editing, I'm guessing this wasn't one of them.",
"So overall, a great concept, just as FURY was, and I'd definitely be interested in reading a full-length novel or novella starring the OtherKin.",
"Yet on the other hand, the horrible execution of this short tale kept me from loving it like I wanted to."
] |
I like the Matrix and the Matrix Reloaded, but I don't have a Matrix fan site, so I was a little hesitant to get this game. I'd heard some mixed things about it, but finally decided I was too curious not to buy it for myself.
Honestly, most of what you've heard is true. I'm still enjoying it, nonetheless! It's not mind-blowing great, but it could have been if they'd spent more time on it. Still, it was an interesting experience playing a game so closing tied in with a movie.
Specifically, I'm impressed with what they did do right with this game: The graphics are really impressive in some regards, especially the players. The cut scenes are well done; the voice work and score/sound is great and the movie clips you get are also a nice treat. The hacking utility is a neat addition that I haven't played around with much yet, and although Max Payne also utilizes bullet-time very well, Max doesn't run up the walls and do back flips. He doesn't do half of what these characters will do with just a little practice. All of the nifty moves in the Matrix from the wall-walk to the shooting cartwheel can be done. My favorite is when you fly through the air, spinning and shooting. The first time I managed to do that, I smiled and said, "Okay, that was cool."
However, that being said, they could have done a lot better. The driving sequences are pathetic with a capital P! Switching between hand-to-hand fighting and shooting is somewhat annoying, but not as annoying as the first-person mode that's difficult to get out of quickly. Furthermore, your aim in the game is absolutely horrid unless you use Focus, and even then it's not stellar. It uses auto-aim and it's absurd! If you come from the FPS world, you'll be really annoyed and probably want to stick with hand-to-hand fighting. That was my biggest frustration and I can't for the life of me understand why they don't allow us to aim for ourselves??? It's really not that difficult.
Also, the game is also a bit glitchy, so make sure you download the patch! It's worth the download time if you have a slow connection.
All that being said, I'm still glad I own it and even though it's not perfect and doesn't live up to its potential, I don't feel like I got ripped off like I did after I played Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring-another rush job. I'll keep this one and probably play it again from time to time.
If you're considering buying this for the Matrix fan in your family, do so-they'll love it, just make sure their PC meets the system requirements and they have access to the Internet so they can download the patch. | 1 | neutral | [
"I like the Matrix and the Matrix Reloaded, but I don't have a Matrix fan site, so I was a little hesitant to get this game.",
"I'd heard some mixed things about it, but finally decided I was too curious not to buy it for myself.",
"Honestly, most of what you've heard is true.",
"I'm still enjoying it, nonetheless!",
"It's not mind-blowing great, but it could have been if they'd spent more time on it.",
"Still, it was an interesting experience playing a game so closing tied in with a movie.",
"Specifically, I'm impressed with what they did do right with this game: The graphics are really impressive in some regards, especially the players.",
"The cut scenes are well done; the voice work and score/sound is great and the movie clips you get are also a nice treat.",
"The hacking utility is a neat addition that I haven't played around with much yet, and although Max Payne also utilizes bullet-time very well, Max doesn't run up the walls and do back flips.",
"He doesn't do half of what these characters will do with just a little practice.",
"All of the nifty moves in the Matrix from the wall-walk to the shooting cartwheel can be done.",
"My favorite is when you fly through the air, spinning and shooting.",
"The first time I managed to do that, I smiled and said, \"Okay, that was cool.",
"\"\nHowever, that being said, they could have done a lot better.",
"The driving sequences are pathetic with a capital P!",
"Switching between hand-to-hand fighting and shooting is somewhat annoying, but not as annoying as the first-person mode that's difficult to get out of quickly.",
"Furthermore, your aim in the game is absolutely horrid unless you use Focus, and even then it's not stellar.",
"It uses auto-aim and it's absurd!",
"If you come from the FPS world, you'll be really annoyed and probably want to stick with hand-to-hand fighting.",
"That was my biggest frustration and I can't for the life of me understand why they don't allow us to aim for ourselves???",
"It's really not that difficult.",
"Also, the game is also a bit glitchy, so make sure you download the patch!",
"It's worth the download time if you have a slow connection.",
"All that being said, I'm still glad I own it and even though it's not perfect and doesn't live up to its potential, I don't feel like I got ripped off like I did after I played Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring-another rush job.",
"I'll keep this one and probably play it again from time to time.",
"If you're considering buying this for the Matrix fan in your family, do so-they'll love it, just make sure their PC meets the system requirements and they have access to the Internet so they can download the patch."
] |
Knights of the Old Republic 2 is, in most ways, extraordinarily similar to the original. All the gameplay mechanisms are the same. There are a few new force powers, more feats to acquire, and more items and upgrades. This is not a criticism: the original KOTOR was a great game.
This is not, for one simple reason: it isn't finished. By this, I don't mean that the door is left wide open for a sequel, although it is. I don't even mean that the game is buggy, although it is. The game is literally not finished.
Plot points appear and disappear at random. For example, and without spoiling anything, in the first part of the game, your actions cause a significant problem on one of the other worlds in the game. You get a quest to fix the problem. You find a way to do so. The quest abruptly ends there--there is no way to let anyone know you've solved the problem. Then, at the end game, people complain to you that you never solved this quest. And that's a minor example. Frankly, more of the end game is explained by the brief blurbs on the loading screens than anything that happens in the game itself.
The game is filled with "Huh?" moments as a result. The end game, in particular, expects you to know things that are never revealed anywhere because those aspects were cut. Side plots are built up and suddenly dropped. One of the end-game cutscenes suggests a critical decision is about to be made, then is completely ignored.
Then there's the ending itself. Sheer garbage. There's no payoff for wading through the disjointed story. There's nothing but a brief little dialog that goes nowhere.
What's particularly sad is that, what story is there is very interesting. This game was designed by the designer for Planescape: Torment, one of the great RPGs. It has a similar feel, full of regret and melancholy, and the weight of decisions made in the past. I'm quite sure a complete story was developed. Some genius decided to start cutting so the game could get out the door sooner. It's a sad waste of potential, and leaves a bitter taste. | 1 | neutral | [
"Knights of the Old Republic 2 is, in most ways, extraordinarily similar to the original.",
"All the gameplay mechanisms are the same.",
"There are a few new force powers, more feats to acquire, and more items and upgrades.",
"This is not a criticism: the original KOTOR was a great game.",
"This is not, for one simple reason: it isn't finished.",
"By this, I don't mean that the door is left wide open for a sequel, although it is.",
"I don't even mean that the game is buggy, although it is.",
"The game is literally not finished.",
"Plot points appear and disappear at random.",
"For example, and without spoiling anything, in the first part of the game, your actions cause a significant problem on one of the other worlds in the game.",
"You get a quest to fix the problem.",
"You find a way to do so.",
"The quest abruptly ends there--there is no way to let anyone know you've solved the problem.",
"Then, at the end game, people complain to you that you never solved this quest.",
"And that's a minor example.",
"Frankly, more of the end game is explained by the brief blurbs on the loading screens than anything that happens in the game itself.",
"The game is filled with \"Huh?",
"\" moments as a result.",
"The end game, in particular, expects you to know things that are never revealed anywhere because those aspects were cut.",
"Side plots are built up and suddenly dropped.",
"One of the end-game cutscenes suggests a critical decision is about to be made, then is completely ignored.",
"Then there's the ending itself.",
"Sheer garbage.",
"There's no payoff for wading through the disjointed story.",
"There's nothing but a brief little dialog that goes nowhere.",
"What's particularly sad is that, what story is there is very interesting.",
"This game was designed by the designer for Planescape: Torment, one of the great RPGs.",
"It has a similar feel, full of regret and melancholy, and the weight of decisions made in the past.",
"I'm quite sure a complete story was developed.",
"Some genius decided to start cutting so the game could get out the door sooner.",
"It's a sad waste of potential, and leaves a bitter taste."
] |
Let, me start out by saying there should be "N/A" (non-applicable) space on the rating scales. Because you really can't say this is a toy -- it's a backpack. The stuff that goes in it, is the toy that is fun & educational. I purchased the bright froggy green and sky blue color to match my sons LeapPad. It is a very lightweight but durable backpack. It has adjustable shoulder straps, a handle for carrying and Velcro fasteners to secure it shut. The material is easy to wash (by using any soapy cloth or paper towel). There's a special pouch with extra padding for the LeapPad, another in front of it to hold LeapPad books, and net pouches to hold LeapPad cartridges. I know they made this to hold 4 books and cartridges, however, this could fit double that amount! My only complaint is, that I wish they made the net pouches just a little bit longer, because as it is now I can put 2 cartridges in each pouch (to fit a total of 8 cartridges) but the top cartridges hang a little over the netting (but they still stay in securely). If you have a lot of books and cartridges, as I do -- this is great for your child to travel with. I think it's worth the purchase! | 1 | neutral | [
"Let, me start out by saying there should be \"N/A\" (non-applicable) space on the rating scales.",
"Because you really can't say this is a toy -- it's a backpack.",
"The stuff that goes in it, is the toy that is fun & educational.",
"I purchased the bright froggy green and sky blue color to match my sons LeapPad.",
"It is a very lightweight but durable backpack.",
"It has adjustable shoulder straps, a handle for carrying and Velcro fasteners to secure it shut.",
"The material is easy to wash (by using any soapy cloth or paper towel).",
"There's a special pouch with extra padding for the LeapPad, another in front of it to hold LeapPad books, and net pouches to hold LeapPad cartridges.",
"I know they made this to hold 4 books and cartridges, however, this could fit double that amount!",
"My only complaint is, that I wish they made the net pouches just a little bit longer, because as it is now I can put 2 cartridges in each pouch (to fit a total of 8 cartridges) but the top cartridges hang a little over the netting (but they still stay in securely).",
"If you have a lot of books and cartridges, as I do -- this is great for your child to travel with.",
"I think it's worth the purchase!"
] |
WCW Mayhem seems like a pretty fun game at first. You have over 50 WCW wrestlers at your disposal, the ability to take the fight backstage to one of twelve different areas, ring entrances for each wrestler, a choice of six different types of match, a smattering of weapons lying about such as bats, chairs, and - my favorite - tasers, the ability to wrestle (in all of the historical rings from important WCW events) in exhibition and pay per view matches as well as go in quest of titles leading up to the coveted heavyweight championship belt, and the option to create your own wrestler. Another important aspect of the game is the color commentary provided by Tony Schiavone and Bobby the Brain Heenan. It doesn't take long for some of these plusses to start feeling like minuses, however.
I am not a big fan of the new manner of controlling your wrestler built into this game; it is much less intuitive than older WCW-based wrestling games, and I often find myself able to come up with only a very limited number of moves; still worse, I constantly find myself repeating moves I had no intention of repeating. The announcers do at least have fun with this, talking about move repetition in disparaging terms as it is going on. Their overall banter, though, while quite funny at times becomes repetitive itself after a short while. Even the overexcited shouts of Schiavone declaring a victory in the ring grow stale, as do his constant calls for someone to stop the bloodbath and call for help. I never get tired of the Brain, though; he is always hilarious.
I don't think the graphics here are much of an improvement over older games, either. There's really not a lot of difference in audio and visual between WCW Mayhem and earlier WCW games for the Playstation. You can fight backstage now, which is cool, but the graphics are largely unimproved and the gameplay is awkward and sometimes annoying. I would much rather play the older WCW/NOW Thunder than I would WCW Mayhem, when it comes right down to it. | 1 | neutral | [
"WCW Mayhem seems like a pretty fun game at first.",
"You have over 50 WCW wrestlers at your disposal, the ability to take the fight backstage to one of twelve different areas, ring entrances for each wrestler, a choice of six different types of match, a smattering of weapons lying about such as bats, chairs, and - my favorite - tasers, the ability to wrestle (in all of the historical rings from important WCW events) in exhibition and pay per view matches as well as go in quest of titles leading up to the coveted heavyweight championship belt, and the option to create your own wrestler.",
"Another important aspect of the game is the color commentary provided by Tony Schiavone and Bobby the Brain Heenan.",
"It doesn't take long for some of these plusses to start feeling like minuses, however.",
"I am not a big fan of the new manner of controlling your wrestler built into this game; it is much less intuitive than older WCW-based wrestling games, and I often find myself able to come up with only a very limited number of moves; still worse, I constantly find myself repeating moves I had no intention of repeating.",
"The announcers do at least have fun with this, talking about move repetition in disparaging terms as it is going on.",
"Their overall banter, though, while quite funny at times becomes repetitive itself after a short while.",
"Even the overexcited shouts of Schiavone declaring a victory in the ring grow stale, as do his constant calls for someone to stop the bloodbath and call for help.",
"I never get tired of the Brain, though; he is always hilarious.",
"I don't think the graphics here are much of an improvement over older games, either.",
"There's really not a lot of difference in audio and visual between WCW Mayhem and earlier WCW games for the Playstation.",
"You can fight backstage now, which is cool, but the graphics are largely unimproved and the gameplay is awkward and sometimes annoying.",
"I would much rather play the older WCW/NOW Thunder than I would WCW Mayhem, when it comes right down to it."
] |
I've often wondered if Gene Simmons gets tired of being 'the guy with the tongue.' While his face is forever linked to most peoples' mental images of KISS, his music is not quite so important. In fact some would argue that Gene's songs, as a whole, pretty much suck (his two biggest songs "God of Thunder" and "Cold Gin" were written by Stanley and Frehley, respectively.) Aside from the numbingly stupid "Calling Dr. Love" Gene hasn't contributed much music to the KISS canon.
With his solo effort he tried to be more than the blood-sptting guy. He tried to throw in some blues, some gospel and some heart. He tried to write some heart-felt songs that may have changed people's perceptions of him. Did he succeed? Not really.
At best this record is a mixed bag. At worst, it's a terrible record. "Radioactive" has a decent hook but otherwise most of the songs are pretty forgettable. There' nothing necessarily wrong with most of them but they just aren't that interesting. "See You Tonight" and "Mr. Make Believe" are decent enough tunes but they don't build to anything -- in fact "Mr. Make Believe" ends up being a first-rate bore.
Gene's embarrasing "When You Wish Upon A Star" doesn't help matters. Novelty is fine, Gene, but at least sing on pitch for God's sake.
But in the end, these songs aren't much better than what Gene contributed to most KISS albums. So, to most people he's still the guy that spits blood. This album didn't change that one bit. | 1 | neutral | [
"I've often wondered if Gene Simmons gets tired of being 'the guy with the tongue.",
"' While his face is forever linked to most peoples' mental images of KISS, his music is not quite so important.",
"In fact some would argue that Gene's songs, as a whole, pretty much suck (his two biggest songs \"God of Thunder\" and \"Cold Gin\" were written by Stanley and Frehley, respectively.",
") Aside from the numbingly stupid \"Calling Dr.",
"Love\" Gene hasn't contributed much music to the KISS canon.",
"With his solo effort he tried to be more than the blood-sptting guy.",
"He tried to throw in some blues, some gospel and some heart.",
"He tried to write some heart-felt songs that may have changed people's perceptions of him.",
"Did he succeed?",
"Not really.",
"At best this record is a mixed bag.",
"At worst, it's a terrible record.",
"\"Radioactive\" has a decent hook but otherwise most of the songs are pretty forgettable.",
"There' nothing necessarily wrong with most of them but they just aren't that interesting.",
"\"See You Tonight\" and \"Mr.",
"Make Believe\" are decent enough tunes but they don't build to anything -- in fact \"Mr.",
"Make Believe\" ends up being a first-rate bore.",
"Gene's embarrasing \"When You Wish Upon A Star\" doesn't help matters.",
"Novelty is fine, Gene, but at least sing on pitch for God's sake.",
"But in the end, these songs aren't much better than what Gene contributed to most KISS albums.",
"So, to most people he's still the guy that spits blood.",
"This album didn't change that one bit."
] |
Let me start by saying that I first got into videogames because of boxing games and have played almost everyone ever produced. That being said, I felt last year's version of Fight Night was awesome. The only weaknesses were that you could not clinch and also that you stopped on a dime when you punched or blocked. Hearing that those problems were fixed, I assumed that this version would be the ultimate boxing game. Well I was wrong. Like a previous reviewer said, why could they not have left well enough alone. My main problem with the game is: Parrying
In the old version, when you parried a punch, your opponents hands slipped upward leaving a very slight opening. It worked very well. In this years version, when you parry a punch, your opponent (or you if you are parried) literally drops his gloves and bends over exposing his face for a good second or two. It is literally like a dog gasping for air. At first I thought this was a defect in the game, but as I played I found out this literally was the parried punch reaction. So when you get into exchanges, you can expect at least one or two times an exchange to drop your hands and stick your face out. It is totally unrealistic and incredibly frustrating as you cannot prevent someone from parrying your punch (it is a defensive skill) and you cannot prevent yourself from being hit as your arms drop to your sides. I am amazed that they let this defect (and it is a defect) go through. It completely ruins the flow of the game. Whoever was responsible for the parrying effect ruined the work of all the other developers and much of the rest of the game is quite good.
My only other problem was the limited number of camera angles. There is NO long range camera so you cannot see the entire ring while you box. This is also a huge oversight as I like to see all the ring when I box.
So, despite the great reviews by mags and site, take it from a true fan that this game is actually an inferior game then last year's version (which I will continue to play simply due to the parrying defect). | 1 | neutral | [
"Let me start by saying that I first got into videogames because of boxing games and have played almost everyone ever produced.",
"That being said, I felt last year's version of Fight Night was awesome.",
"The only weaknesses were that you could not clinch and also that you stopped on a dime when you punched or blocked.",
"Hearing that those problems were fixed, I assumed that this version would be the ultimate boxing game.",
"Well I was wrong.",
"Like a previous reviewer said, why could they not have left well enough alone.",
"My main problem with the game is: Parrying\n\nIn the old version, when you parried a punch, your opponents hands slipped upward leaving a very slight opening.",
"It worked very well.",
"In this years version, when you parry a punch, your opponent (or you if you are parried) literally drops his gloves and bends over exposing his face for a good second or two.",
"It is literally like a dog gasping for air.",
"At first I thought this was a defect in the game, but as I played I found out this literally was the parried punch reaction.",
"So when you get into exchanges, you can expect at least one or two times an exchange to drop your hands and stick your face out.",
"It is totally unrealistic and incredibly frustrating as you cannot prevent someone from parrying your punch (it is a defensive skill) and you cannot prevent yourself from being hit as your arms drop to your sides.",
"I am amazed that they let this defect (and it is a defect) go through.",
"It completely ruins the flow of the game.",
"Whoever was responsible for the parrying effect ruined the work of all the other developers and much of the rest of the game is quite good.",
"My only other problem was the limited number of camera angles.",
"There is NO long range camera so you cannot see the entire ring while you box.",
"This is also a huge oversight as I like to see all the ring when I box.",
"So, despite the great reviews by mags and site, take it from a true fan that this game is actually an inferior game then last year's version (which I will continue to play simply due to the parrying defect)."
] |
This was the second router(s) I bought that I mainly wanted for handheld use. The weight and power are good enough for what I wanted to do. But there are just things that I wish they could be better.
Both for the fixed and plunge base, it's very hard to center the bit when using guide bushing. The screw holes in the base plate are counter-sunk, that means there is no room to position the base plate when the screws are tightened. Later I found other router plates have flat bottom recessed screw holes that allow you to move the plate in order to center the bit. So I have to drill another set of holes that allow me to make adjustment if needed and I do. Two wrench operation is another drawback. Come on, PC, we are in the 21st century, there got to be something easier and better than that. Even the Craftsman router has spindle lock. The locking lever on the plunge base travels too long. When you lock it down, it almost hit the router body. And it does not seem to have a way to set it at another angle. Once you centered the bit at a certain depth, if you raise or lower the motor, the bit becomes off center by quite a noticeably amount that requires another adjustment. That means the plunge rods are in question.
Actually, I bought a second motor to use in the second base. All I can say about these routers are that they are reliable and does a decent job, but not top notch quality for precision work. | 1 | neutral | [
"This was the second router(s) I bought that I mainly wanted for handheld use.",
"The weight and power are good enough for what I wanted to do.",
"But there are just things that I wish they could be better.",
"Both for the fixed and plunge base, it's very hard to center the bit when using guide bushing.",
"The screw holes in the base plate are counter-sunk, that means there is no room to position the base plate when the screws are tightened.",
"Later I found other router plates have flat bottom recessed screw holes that allow you to move the plate in order to center the bit.",
"So I have to drill another set of holes that allow me to make adjustment if needed and I do.",
"Two wrench operation is another drawback.",
"Come on, PC, we are in the 21st century, there got to be something easier and better than that.",
"Even the Craftsman router has spindle lock.",
"The locking lever on the plunge base travels too long.",
"When you lock it down, it almost hit the router body.",
"And it does not seem to have a way to set it at another angle.",
"Once you centered the bit at a certain depth, if you raise or lower the motor, the bit becomes off center by quite a noticeably amount that requires another adjustment.",
"That means the plunge rods are in question.",
"Actually, I bought a second motor to use in the second base.",
"All I can say about these routers are that they are reliable and does a decent job, but not top notch quality for precision work."
] |
Van Morrison's long and somewhat uneven musical career is punctuated by changes in direction and musical emphasis: the best is sublime, and the worst - well, isn't. True to form, "Avalon Sunset" falls short of the all-time great status of its immediate predecessor "Poetic Champions Compose" and lacks the earlier album's complex musical arrangements. It's very different.
Often regarded as one of Van's more "spiritual" offerings, the album's name comes from being in part recorded near the "Avalon" country of Glastonbury Tor and Avebury Circle. At least three of the songs have undisguised religious/spiritual themes, including the album's opener - a catchy duet with Britain's own vintage Christian rocker Cliff Richard. The songs are mostly mellow in style and supported by classy production, the competent backing vocals of Katie Kissoon and Carol Kenyan and fulsome string arrangements. Highlights include "Have I told you lately..." (forget the appalling massacre of this song by Rod Stewart); the poetic spoken-not-sung "Coney Island" (an experimental stylistic device perfected in the later "Hyndford Street" on "Hymns to the Silence"); "I'm Tired, Joey Boy" with its simplistic but memorable melody line and, most especially "Daring Night" with its lyrical theme of covert sexual passion woven into a cosmic star-crossed tapestry and radically different in tone to almost everything else on the album.
A lot of people really like this album but overall, "Avalon Sunset" has a populist, accessible feel and is not usually considered to be a career-milestone like "Astral Weeks", "Moondance" or the sublime "Hymns to the Silence." Bookended by the excellent "Poetic Champions Compose" (possibly one of the best repeat-playable albums ever, from any artist) and by the very good "Enlightenment" AS slips through the cracks and - dare one even suggest such a thing for a Van Morrison album - in places slides towards the mediocre. It's not actually bad, and one or two of the individual songs are quite good, but overall it's not great either and, for Van, falls short of his best work. | 1 | neutral | [
"Van Morrison's long and somewhat uneven musical career is punctuated by changes in direction and musical emphasis: the best is sublime, and the worst - well, isn't.",
"True to form, \"Avalon Sunset\" falls short of the all-time great status of its immediate predecessor \"Poetic Champions Compose\" and lacks the earlier album's complex musical arrangements.",
"It's very different.",
"Often regarded as one of Van's more \"spiritual\" offerings, the album's name comes from being in part recorded near the \"Avalon\" country of Glastonbury Tor and Avebury Circle.",
"At least three of the songs have undisguised religious/spiritual themes, including the album's opener - a catchy duet with Britain's own vintage Christian rocker Cliff Richard.",
"The songs are mostly mellow in style and supported by classy production, the competent backing vocals of Katie Kissoon and Carol Kenyan and fulsome string arrangements.",
"Highlights include \"Have I told you lately...",
"\" (forget the appalling massacre of this song by Rod Stewart); the poetic spoken-not-sung \"Coney Island\" (an experimental stylistic device perfected in the later \"Hyndford Street\" on \"Hymns to the Silence\"); \"I'm Tired, Joey Boy\" with its simplistic but memorable melody line and, most especially \"Daring Night\" with its lyrical theme of covert sexual passion woven into a cosmic star-crossed tapestry and radically different in tone to almost everything else on the album.",
"A lot of people really like this album but overall, \"Avalon Sunset\" has a populist, accessible feel and is not usually considered to be a career-milestone like \"Astral Weeks\", \"Moondance\" or the sublime \"Hymns to the Silence.",
"\" Bookended by the excellent \"Poetic Champions Compose\" (possibly one of the best repeat-playable albums ever, from any artist) and by the very good \"Enlightenment\" AS slips through the cracks and - dare one even suggest such a thing for a Van Morrison album - in places slides towards the mediocre.",
"It's not actually bad, and one or two of the individual songs are quite good, but overall it's not great either and, for Van, falls short of his best work."
] |
Okay so it fits my Ford F-150, but it was a pain to get in there, the clips seem to be a little short in some places, which makes the plastic warp in the little pocket thing, not a huge deal, I actually found a way to fix the budge by breaking off two of the clips that are suppose to be longer. It works, but I think I'll go a different route next time.
(You can get this but be warned!)
Had a truck fire in July of 2014, i lost a lot of stuff including my head unit and at least 5 items i had just bought from amazon, this being one of them. My only advice is, try to find one that doesn't fit so tightly, when my truck was on fire in the bed i was trying to save stuff from the cab. i went for my stereo but couldn't get it out because of this dash kit being so tight it was practically stuck and i had minutes to get it out or get burned. I unfortunately was not able to save it because this thing was not coming loose. Totally sucks that i lost my head unit but it was a POS anyways. Dying cd drive, glitchy lcd panel. Still sucked though cause i tried all i could to save it but this was in the way! | 1 | neutral | [
"Okay so it fits my Ford F-150, but it was a pain to get in there, the clips seem to be a little short in some places, which makes the plastic warp in the little pocket thing, not a huge deal, I actually found a way to fix the budge by breaking off two of the clips that are suppose to be longer.",
"It works, but I think I'll go a different route next time.",
"(You can get this but be warned!",
")\n\nHad a truck fire in July of 2014, i lost a lot of stuff including my head unit and at least 5 items i had just bought from amazon, this being one of them.",
"My only advice is, try to find one that doesn't fit so tightly, when my truck was on fire in the bed i was trying to save stuff from the cab.",
"i went for my stereo but couldn't get it out because of this dash kit being so tight it was practically stuck and i had minutes to get it out or get burned.",
"I unfortunately was not able to save it because this thing was not coming loose.",
"Totally sucks that i lost my head unit but it was a POS anyways.",
"Dying cd drive, glitchy lcd panel.",
"Still sucked though cause i tried all i could to save it but this was in the way!"
] |
I guess it's as good as it gets. For the price, yes it should have a lot more features. It's very comfortable and the sound quality is good. The only issue is it drains my battery like crazy and it amplifies all your background sounds. According to Bose Technical Support, it does NOT have noise cancelling technology like the Jawbone. It only has a microphone that is designed to help your callers hear you better. This statement is very misleading. "Noise-rejecting microphone allows callers to hear more of your voice-in windy and noisy environments" The Bose Tech could not even explain to me what that meant. In my daily use, if there is noise around you like when you're washing your hands, the caller can hear the running water in the background and it sounds a lot louder for them then it does for you. The jawbone was much better at canceling that noise out. As far as comfort, sound quality and hearing you in quieter environments, Bose does a good job there. I'm kinda disappointed that Bose would not use noise cancelling technology at this price. I guess there still is no perfect Bluetooth headset, even though Bluetooth was invented in 1994! 20 years later and we still can't get it right. | 1 | neutral | [
"I guess it's as good as it gets.",
"For the price, yes it should have a lot more features.",
"It's very comfortable and the sound quality is good.",
"The only issue is it drains my battery like crazy and it amplifies all your background sounds.",
"According to Bose Technical Support, it does NOT have noise cancelling technology like the Jawbone.",
"It only has a microphone that is designed to help your callers hear you better.",
"This statement is very misleading.",
"\"Noise-rejecting microphone allows callers to hear more of your voice-in windy and noisy environments\" The Bose Tech could not even explain to me what that meant.",
"In my daily use, if there is noise around you like when you're washing your hands, the caller can hear the running water in the background and it sounds a lot louder for them then it does for you.",
"The jawbone was much better at canceling that noise out.",
"As far as comfort, sound quality and hearing you in quieter environments, Bose does a good job there.",
"I'm kinda disappointed that Bose would not use noise cancelling technology at this price.",
"I guess there still is no perfect Bluetooth headset, even though Bluetooth was invented in 1994!",
"20 years later and we still can't get it right."
] |
I definitely love some of the greatest challenges in sports video games. Well it might be all worth its money, there are times to where the game isn't worth the dollars it has been made out to be. FOr golf games, they've been mostly no acception. Although there have been highly successful editions like Mario Golf for the Nintendo Gamecube, that hasn't been chipped in with other games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour. That could possible be said with what needs to be percise for the Nintendo DS too. Although there has been many noticibles, could Nintnedo DS have a decent golf game of their own?
True Golf Swing for the Nintendo DS is a interesting kind of gold game, but it definitely doesn't have all the makings of a hole in one. The object of the game is very simple, you have to try to score big in your games and holes, inorder to unlock much more advanced levels and trickier courses. The control here in the game of course is completely conjured with the stylus. Here you need to use your stylus percisely, to make a great swing shot across the fairway. Although that might seem easy, it absolutely isn't. One wrong miss, and you'll be penalized with an extra stroke. The graphics does fair very well and the sound is definitely masterful toward each one of the courses in detail and design, but it isn't really enough to make it a must buy.
All in all, True Swing Golf isn't one of the best games out there for the Nintendo DS, but it is good for die hard golf fans. For others who have a realistic desire to make a hole in one, I absolutely suggest that Nintendo DS owners wait for a better golf game to eagle with.
Graphics: B 1/2+
Sound: B
Control: C 1/2-
Fun & Enjoyment: C 1/2+
Overall: C | 1 | neutral | [
"I definitely love some of the greatest challenges in sports video games.",
"Well it might be all worth its money, there are times to where the game isn't worth the dollars it has been made out to be.",
"FOr golf games, they've been mostly no acception.",
"Although there have been highly successful editions like Mario Golf for the Nintendo Gamecube, that hasn't been chipped in with other games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour.",
"That could possible be said with what needs to be percise for the Nintendo DS too.",
"Although there has been many noticibles, could Nintnedo DS have a decent golf game of their own?",
"True Golf Swing for the Nintendo DS is a interesting kind of gold game, but it definitely doesn't have all the makings of a hole in one.",
"The object of the game is very simple, you have to try to score big in your games and holes, inorder to unlock much more advanced levels and trickier courses.",
"The control here in the game of course is completely conjured with the stylus.",
"Here you need to use your stylus percisely, to make a great swing shot across the fairway.",
"Although that might seem easy, it absolutely isn't.",
"One wrong miss, and you'll be penalized with an extra stroke.",
"The graphics does fair very well and the sound is definitely masterful toward each one of the courses in detail and design, but it isn't really enough to make it a must buy.",
"All in all, True Swing Golf isn't one of the best games out there for the Nintendo DS, but it is good for die hard golf fans.",
"For others who have a realistic desire to make a hole in one, I absolutely suggest that Nintendo DS owners wait for a better golf game to eagle with.",
"Graphics: B 1/2+\n\nSound: B\n\nControl: C 1/2-\n\nFun & Enjoyment: C 1/2+\n\nOverall: C"
] |
I suppose it's obvious I am not a big fan of the series, considering how long I waited to purchase this game. But I figure anyone sitting on the fence at this point is pretty much like me, so this review is for you. MGS4 is simultaneously the most amazing and underwhelming game I have played on the PS3. It paradoxically sucks and rules, but let's go beyond that and break down what (for me) worked and what didn't. This game is incredible visually...the color pallette is a bit muted (as one would expect from this type of game), and had too many "Final Fantasy" type player models in the supporting cast for my taste, but overall oustanding graphics. The gameplay is at times interesting and varied; I particularly enjoyed the "on rails" sections. But...it does get more than a bit repetitive. Without spoiling anything, certain boss fights follow a similar pattern, and some just plain disappoint completely. Getting a load screen about every 300 feet of game area at times is more than a slight annoyance (why all PS3 devs don't just go ahead and ask Naughty Dog for lessons on how to avoid large installs and lengthy load times is beyond me). And then there are the cut scenes...holy crap, the cut scenes. Don't get me wrong, some are well done, and a few characters turn in decent performances. But mostly the scenes are overlong, overly indulgent, and just plain boring. I found the sporadic attempts at high drama and humor to be mostly just silly. The majority of reviews indicate many people really like this game, but I wonder what kind of scores it would have gotten had it not come with the Metal Gear label. I would highly recommend renting this game and playing for a few hours to decide if this one is for you! | 1 | neutral | [
"I suppose it's obvious I am not a big fan of the series, considering how long I waited to purchase this game.",
"But I figure anyone sitting on the fence at this point is pretty much like me, so this review is for you.",
"MGS4 is simultaneously the most amazing and underwhelming game I have played on the PS3.",
"It paradoxically sucks and rules, but let's go beyond that and break down what (for me) worked and what didn't.",
"This game is incredible visually...",
"the color pallette is a bit muted (as one would expect from this type of game), and had too many \"Final Fantasy\" type player models in the supporting cast for my taste, but overall oustanding graphics.",
"The gameplay is at times interesting and varied; I particularly enjoyed the \"on rails\" sections.",
"But...",
"it does get more than a bit repetitive.",
"Without spoiling anything, certain boss fights follow a similar pattern, and some just plain disappoint completely.",
"Getting a load screen about every 300 feet of game area at times is more than a slight annoyance (why all PS3 devs don't just go ahead and ask Naughty Dog for lessons on how to avoid large installs and lengthy load times is beyond me).",
"And then there are the cut scenes...",
"holy crap, the cut scenes.",
"Don't get me wrong, some are well done, and a few characters turn in decent performances.",
"But mostly the scenes are overlong, overly indulgent, and just plain boring.",
"I found the sporadic attempts at high drama and humor to be mostly just silly.",
"The majority of reviews indicate many people really like this game, but I wonder what kind of scores it would have gotten had it not come with the Metal Gear label.",
"I would highly recommend renting this game and playing for a few hours to decide if this one is for you!"
] |
I rate this game 3 stars. It is ok, but could have been so much better. Sure the trucks are up to date but it is a little off of what the real life thing is. The game is about monster trucks. I thought they would have like freestyle and races but no they don't. After I bought it I wish I hadn't. No where near what I thought it would be. The graphics are very poor too. I think the developers were trying to make this into a twisted metal game with all of the firearms on the trucks. Unfortuneately if they ever come out with another game I will not buy it. I might rent it to try it but I wouldn't buy it first. I have already made that mistake once. I do not think this game is worth [$]. | 1 | neutral | [
"I rate this game 3 stars.",
"It is ok, but could have been so much better.",
"Sure the trucks are up to date but it is a little off of what the real life thing is.",
"The game is about monster trucks.",
"I thought they would have like freestyle and races but no they don't.",
"After I bought it I wish I hadn't.",
"No where near what I thought it would be.",
"The graphics are very poor too.",
"I think the developers were trying to make this into a twisted metal game with all of the firearms on the trucks.",
"Unfortuneately if they ever come out with another game I will not buy it.",
"I might rent it to try it but I wouldn't buy it first.",
"I have already made that mistake once.",
"I do not think this game is worth [$]."
] |
The storyline had so much potential...but somewhere it just fell flat. The idea that she was trying to establish was a great concept, but the characters were all over the place. Some of the scenes ended abruptly and moved right onto the next scene. I was left feeling confused quite a bit. The author threw in so many curve balls, I was more confused than more invested. The characters had a lot of potential, I really liked the budding relationship between Sam and Gail. The beginning of the book had some great flirting banter between the two, but they were so on and off with their relationship, I was not invested as much as I wanted to be.
All in all, it was ok. I really think the story had a lot of potential but just fell flat.
I still plan to buy the second in the series, Eyes of Jade. I really like Jake's character in Don't Let It Show. | 1 | neutral | [
"The storyline had so much potential...",
"but somewhere it just fell flat.",
"The idea that she was trying to establish was a great concept, but the characters were all over the place.",
"Some of the scenes ended abruptly and moved right onto the next scene.",
"I was left feeling confused quite a bit.",
"The author threw in so many curve balls, I was more confused than more invested.",
"The characters had a lot of potential, I really liked the budding relationship between Sam and Gail.",
"The beginning of the book had some great flirting banter between the two, but they were so on and off with their relationship, I was not invested as much as I wanted to be.",
"All in all, it was ok.",
"I really think the story had a lot of potential but just fell flat.",
"I still plan to buy the second in the series, Eyes of Jade.",
"I really like Jake's character in Don't Let It Show."
] |
This is a lovely and at times depressing tale that touches upon a long existent issue about the immigration experience. The emptiness, longing, hope, and desires are endless in the mind of a foreigner. It's nice that an author, who's a female Indian with the experience to write about it, is gaining attention and making readers realize the importance of knowing our own culture, and how other cultures influence, and at times complete change or manipulate, our own perspective on identity.
"The Namesake" is, at best, a nice summer read. The main problem I had with this book was its lack of emotion and focus. At times it felt as if the author, or narrator, was focusing way too much on providing details to buildings, clothing, and other slightly irrelevent and dull descriptions. But when it came to character development from the aftermath of one event after another, description of the character's thoughts and emotions was very rushed, at times unexplained, making the plot kind of dull, unexciting, and empty. I think with more dialogue, action, and detail on character development and emotion, the plot would have been riveting and exciting, and would have made Gogol's story more intriguing and interesting. There are a few well-written moments about Gogol's thoughts about his namesake, but his love affairs are barely worth reading, very forgettable, and just not interesting at all. I was hoping that there would be a punch after each chapter, making you want to read more, making your heart flutter, tugging your emotions. This book doesn't do that, surprisingly. Even the central event of the novel, when Gogol's father was nearly killed in a train accident when a book by Nikolai Gogol saved his life, thus being the source of Gogol's namesake, didn't really affect me. I suppose the main problem I have with this book is the way it's written. Simple, which is fine, but not intriguing enough.
However, I don't regret reading this book. It's nothing brilliant, it could have been written more affectively. But it's a nice, refreshing debut from an author who has lots of potential to write better. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a lovely and at times depressing tale that touches upon a long existent issue about the immigration experience.",
"The emptiness, longing, hope, and desires are endless in the mind of a foreigner.",
"It's nice that an author, who's a female Indian with the experience to write about it, is gaining attention and making readers realize the importance of knowing our own culture, and how other cultures influence, and at times complete change or manipulate, our own perspective on identity.",
"\"The Namesake\" is, at best, a nice summer read.",
"The main problem I had with this book was its lack of emotion and focus.",
"At times it felt as if the author, or narrator, was focusing way too much on providing details to buildings, clothing, and other slightly irrelevent and dull descriptions.",
"But when it came to character development from the aftermath of one event after another, description of the character's thoughts and emotions was very rushed, at times unexplained, making the plot kind of dull, unexciting, and empty.",
"I think with more dialogue, action, and detail on character development and emotion, the plot would have been riveting and exciting, and would have made Gogol's story more intriguing and interesting.",
"There are a few well-written moments about Gogol's thoughts about his namesake, but his love affairs are barely worth reading, very forgettable, and just not interesting at all.",
"I was hoping that there would be a punch after each chapter, making you want to read more, making your heart flutter, tugging your emotions.",
"This book doesn't do that, surprisingly.",
"Even the central event of the novel, when Gogol's father was nearly killed in a train accident when a book by Nikolai Gogol saved his life, thus being the source of Gogol's namesake, didn't really affect me.",
"I suppose the main problem I have with this book is the way it's written.",
"Simple, which is fine, but not intriguing enough.",
"However, I don't regret reading this book.",
"It's nothing brilliant, it could have been written more affectively.",
"But it's a nice, refreshing debut from an author who has lots of potential to write better."
] |
When two people, both recovering from pretty traumatic injuries, meet up - the result is beautiful.
Belle lost her vision in a car accident. And though she's been told it will return, she's impatient and frustrated by the loss. Adam was horribly scarred by a roadside bomb overseas. Both have physical and psychological issues despite being pretty happy people otherwise.
I have to say that I fell for Adam right off. Despite his trauma, he was a good, pretty even-tempered guy. Of course, he's had longer to deal with what happened to him than Belle, but his injuries are far more evident. Belle's attitude, on the other hand, tends to fluctuate. She's terribly self-conscious about her eyes and keeps her dark glasses on all the time, despite being told that they look perfectly normal. They struggle with learning how to deal with each other, and both worry that the other feels more pity than attraction.
I loved the potential in the story, but it just screamed for more length. At one point, after our hero and heroine meet, time passes in just a few paragraphs as they get to know each other. I wanted more and nearly screamed in frustration. This story easily could have been novella length, if not longer. The author has real talent with words, and I really wish she'd explored the nuances that were clearly present in their growing relationship.
Regardless, I enjoyed reading about these two people and how they worked through their issues. They were well-suited and fit each other in so many ways. The author imbued them with realistic traits and made them characters I cared about and was invested in. I was also impressed enough with Ms. Barrett's writing to look for other, longer pieces from her.
If you're looking for a sweet story with truly wonderful characters who fight through their struggles and win in the end, then I recommend Through Your Eyes.
Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews | 1 | neutral | [
"When two people, both recovering from pretty traumatic injuries, meet up - the result is beautiful.",
"Belle lost her vision in a car accident.",
"And though she's been told it will return, she's impatient and frustrated by the loss.",
"Adam was horribly scarred by a roadside bomb overseas.",
"Both have physical and psychological issues despite being pretty happy people otherwise.",
"I have to say that I fell for Adam right off.",
"Despite his trauma, he was a good, pretty even-tempered guy.",
"Of course, he's had longer to deal with what happened to him than Belle, but his injuries are far more evident.",
"Belle's attitude, on the other hand, tends to fluctuate.",
"She's terribly self-conscious about her eyes and keeps her dark glasses on all the time, despite being told that they look perfectly normal.",
"They struggle with learning how to deal with each other, and both worry that the other feels more pity than attraction.",
"I loved the potential in the story, but it just screamed for more length.",
"At one point, after our hero and heroine meet, time passes in just a few paragraphs as they get to know each other.",
"I wanted more and nearly screamed in frustration.",
"This story easily could have been novella length, if not longer.",
"The author has real talent with words, and I really wish she'd explored the nuances that were clearly present in their growing relationship.",
"Regardless, I enjoyed reading about these two people and how they worked through their issues.",
"They were well-suited and fit each other in so many ways.",
"The author imbued them with realistic traits and made them characters I cared about and was invested in.",
"I was also impressed enough with Ms.",
"Barrett's writing to look for other, longer pieces from her.",
"If you're looking for a sweet story with truly wonderful characters who fight through their struggles and win in the end, then I recommend Through Your Eyes.",
"Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews"
] |
I purchased the Jabra BT125 back in January 2008 when I bought my Samsung Flipshot. Actually, we got two on a discount from Best Buy.
As of currently, I have lost the bluetooth for a few months and have no clue where it is. But when I was using it, here were some pros and cons:
Fit right into my ears and was comfortable...did not feel like it would slip off any second as compared to my old Plantronics, which would slip off constantly.
Sound quality was good, however the con here was that I could hear too much static in the background at times. Not something I want to hear when I'm using my bluetooth. I made sure my phone was not far from me and I could still hear static.
The distance you could stand between the bluetooth and the phone was good. I could walk to the kitchen in the other side of the house with the BT on and could still be in a conversation without losing the other person. My Plantronics could not even do that and would drop my call if I went to far from the cell.
Charged fast and stayed for a few days....no problem with the charger or with the phone dying so fast.
Still decent for its price, but since I lost it, I need to find one that will work for me. I'd much rather stick with the regular wired headsets rather then BTs, as BTs can emit radio emissions that may or may not be dangerous for our ears and brains.
If you want something to start off with, this Jabra is good. But beware of the static you can hear in the background - I hated using it while driving and talking because of the static. | 1 | neutral | [
"I purchased the Jabra BT125 back in January 2008 when I bought my Samsung Flipshot.",
"Actually, we got two on a discount from Best Buy.",
"As of currently, I have lost the bluetooth for a few months and have no clue where it is.",
"But when I was using it, here were some pros and cons:\n\nFit right into my ears and was comfortable...",
"did not feel like it would slip off any second as compared to my old Plantronics, which would slip off constantly.",
"Sound quality was good, however the con here was that I could hear too much static in the background at times.",
"Not something I want to hear when I'm using my bluetooth.",
"I made sure my phone was not far from me and I could still hear static.",
"The distance you could stand between the bluetooth and the phone was good.",
"I could walk to the kitchen in the other side of the house with the BT on and could still be in a conversation without losing the other person.",
"My Plantronics could not even do that and would drop my call if I went to far from the cell.",
"Charged fast and stayed for a few days....",
"no problem with the charger or with the phone dying so fast.",
"Still decent for its price, but since I lost it, I need to find one that will work for me.",
"I'd much rather stick with the regular wired headsets rather then BTs, as BTs can emit radio emissions that may or may not be dangerous for our ears and brains.",
"If you want something to start off with, this Jabra is good.",
"But beware of the static you can hear in the background - I hated using it while driving and talking because of the static."
] |
I had some damage to woodwork in my home done by a couple of Gorillas delivering furniture. They actually broke chunks out of my custom made woodworking. I used this to repair it and it did a reasonable job. I have to tell you that you should use it as thinly as possible as it does tend to swell and foam. It did a good job but it is a big bottle and what you don't use will age and not be very good the next time you get out the bottle. The glue isn't clear and it looks yellow after it cures..
My suggestion is to use the right glue for the job. There are better wood glues out there that are easier to use and to clean up. I also like epoxy glues for many jobs as they are stronger and they dry harder. The gel versions can also be used to fill in gaps and it quickly hardens.
This glue seems to have a limited shelf life and you wind up throwing away a lot more than you will use. I have the 4 ounce bottle and most of it went to waste. I rate it as a 3 star item. I probably will not buy it again. | 1 | neutral | [
"I had some damage to woodwork in my home done by a couple of Gorillas delivering furniture.",
"They actually broke chunks out of my custom made woodworking.",
"I used this to repair it and it did a reasonable job.",
"I have to tell you that you should use it as thinly as possible as it does tend to swell and foam.",
"It did a good job but it is a big bottle and what you don't use will age and not be very good the next time you get out the bottle.",
"The glue isn't clear and it looks yellow after it cures..",
"My suggestion is to use the right glue for the job.",
"There are better wood glues out there that are easier to use and to clean up.",
"I also like epoxy glues for many jobs as they are stronger and they dry harder.",
"The gel versions can also be used to fill in gaps and it quickly hardens.",
"This glue seems to have a limited shelf life and you wind up throwing away a lot more than you will use.",
"I have the 4 ounce bottle and most of it went to waste.",
"I rate it as a 3 star item.",
"I probably will not buy it again."
] |
BIG DISCLAIMER:
Okay i brought this game new recently and played it for about an hour, after which swore up and down at how horrible it was. bad graphics(even for its time), annoying hub(mini map, health, ammo), unforgivable save system, and the worst of all the most pathetic task, map orientation i have ever seen. The map is so glitchy and its very difficult to find your objective, even if you are using the way points. IT WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE, thank god i only paid 6 bucks for this game.
Why did i give this game a 4/5 rating for fun. After a months of throwing this game in the shoe box of shamefully boring games, a friend recommended i give it another go. After i looked past those horrible issues, although the save system has its hair pulling moments, the game really picks up after a while. You appreciate the detail(although dated) of the landscape) and the story is the biggest what if scenario since the original fallout games.
What could have been improved?
-A better save system, the game only saves automatically when your cross into a new level of the map, all other saves have to be done by going to the main menu and saving. It may not seem like a problem, but after a few hours you really get into the story and neglected to save, when the player dies, i pray the game saved. At risk of loosing an hour or more of gameplay.
-A greater Weight limit for the backpack, this is a case were a game giving us great real world realism gets on my nerves. My character has a 50 pound limit for gear including weapon's, ammo, food, med supplies, and artifacts. An oz over the limit and the character cannot run for more that 20 seconds, and you have to wait 20 seconds for a full stamina regeneration.
-Graphics Issues, speaks for them self. | 1 | neutral | [
"BIG DISCLAIMER:\nOkay i brought this game new recently and played it for about an hour, after which swore up and down at how horrible it was.",
"bad graphics(even for its time), annoying hub(mini map, health, ammo), unforgivable save system, and the worst of all the most pathetic task, map orientation i have ever seen.",
"The map is so glitchy and its very difficult to find your objective, even if you are using the way points.",
"IT WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE, thank god i only paid 6 bucks for this game.",
"Why did i give this game a 4/5 rating for fun.",
"After a months of throwing this game in the shoe box of shamefully boring games, a friend recommended i give it another go.",
"After i looked past those horrible issues, although the save system has its hair pulling moments, the game really picks up after a while.",
"You appreciate the detail(although dated) of the landscape) and the story is the biggest what if scenario since the original fallout games.",
"What could have been improved?",
"-A better save system, the game only saves automatically when your cross into a new level of the map, all other saves have to be done by going to the main menu and saving.",
"It may not seem like a problem, but after a few hours you really get into the story and neglected to save, when the player dies, i pray the game saved.",
"At risk of loosing an hour or more of gameplay.",
"-A greater Weight limit for the backpack, this is a case were a game giving us great real world realism gets on my nerves.",
"My character has a 50 pound limit for gear including weapon's, ammo, food, med supplies, and artifacts.",
"An oz over the limit and the character cannot run for more that 20 seconds, and you have to wait 20 seconds for a full stamina regeneration.",
"-Graphics Issues, speaks for them self."
] |
I really like MSR. I'll embarrassingly say I'm even a fanboy, and would choose their version of whatever I'm looking for. For a small example, I already had a great Katadyn Hiker Pro, but grabbed (and use) the MiniWorks EX when it came out. I don't use Primus bottles or other alternatives to save, either.
When it comes to accessory kits, MSR seriously needs to do 2 things: 1) drop the price, and 2) make sure all the parts are there.
This kit was missing the pump cup oil and the check valve assembly. I set up a replacement, and just now opening, I see it also is missing the pump cup oil. I'll keep it, whatever.
Yes, I could grab mineral and silicon oil and use the squeeze bottles with their stoves and filters to transfer, but if it's advertised to come with it (especially if the kit is worth $10-15 in parts, max), it should be there.
Also, the case isn't needed. Just drop the parts into your ziplock bag that comes with the stove and shave off the weight (if backpacking/mountaineering). Same goes for all their annual/expedition kits for any MSR product. It's the obvious things that we overlook sometimes.
And their new child resistant fuel caps are crap, but that's another soap box rant and I'm tired of standing on this one. | 1 | neutral | [
"I really like MSR.",
"I'll embarrassingly say I'm even a fanboy, and would choose their version of whatever I'm looking for.",
"For a small example, I already had a great Katadyn Hiker Pro, but grabbed (and use) the MiniWorks EX when it came out.",
"I don't use Primus bottles or other alternatives to save, either.",
"When it comes to accessory kits, MSR seriously needs to do 2 things: 1) drop the price, and 2) make sure all the parts are there.",
"This kit was missing the pump cup oil and the check valve assembly.",
"I set up a replacement, and just now opening, I see it also is missing the pump cup oil.",
"I'll keep it, whatever.",
"Yes, I could grab mineral and silicon oil and use the squeeze bottles with their stoves and filters to transfer, but if it's advertised to come with it (especially if the kit is worth $10-15 in parts, max), it should be there.",
"Also, the case isn't needed.",
"Just drop the parts into your ziplock bag that comes with the stove and shave off the weight (if backpacking/mountaineering).",
"Same goes for all their annual/expedition kits for any MSR product.",
"It's the obvious things that we overlook sometimes.",
"And their new child resistant fuel caps are crap, but that's another soap box rant and I'm tired of standing on this one."
] |
the case is cool, i like that fact that it is double so i don't think my screen will break if i drop it. (i really don't want to test though..). the phone ends up a little bigger than normal but not huge (as it is with the otterboxes..) it is a little shiny, you can't see that on the pic but it's a little ...glittery??. not exactly what i wanted but it doesnt bother me too much. what did bother me is that THE CHARGING (SYNC) PLUG DOES NOT FIT!!!! so you have to remove the outer shell in order to plug your phone! i just filed it a little bit and now it's fixed. it was not a hard thing to do (took me about 5 minutes) but it should've been MADE like that. | 1 | neutral | [
"the case is cool, i like that fact that it is double so i don't think my screen will break if i drop it.",
"(i really don't want to test though..",
").",
"the phone ends up a little bigger than normal but not huge (as it is with the otterboxes..",
") it is a little shiny, you can't see that on the pic but it's a little...",
"glittery??",
".",
"not exactly what i wanted but it doesnt bother me too much.",
"what did bother me is that THE CHARGING (SYNC) PLUG DOES NOT FIT!!!!",
"so you have to remove the outer shell in order to plug your phone!",
"i just filed it a little bit and now it's fixed.",
"it was not a hard thing to do (took me about 5 minutes) but it should've been MADE like that."
] |
We've been waiting for this game for 3 years. After Sony's utterly nonsense trailer that they swore was gameplay (in 2005) the game finally hits. It's beautiful, but it's flawed.
Graphically- it's what they promised. Gorgeous. The drab and dark (and largely grey) environments are suitable to taste, but technically there are very, very few places you'd not be impressed. Sound is great, level design is also largely without fault.
The game however, falls apart IMO because the controls are HORRIBLE. There are 6 different settings, but NONE of them feel right. There's a lag or sluggish feeling when you're playing normally, and a jerky TOO sensetive sensation when you zoom in. And there's no setting for one vs. the other- it's all the way or nonthing. I played the entire game and it never felt comfortable from start to finish.
In the end- it's a great FPS- nothing "new" or "revolutionary" but still very good from all aspects on screen or speaker... but the issue of control is a MONSTER issue for me and that brings the score down a LOT. If a game doesn't feel right- it makes no difference what it looks like. Sadly, in Killzone's case- beauty was only skin deep. | 1 | neutral | [
"We've been waiting for this game for 3 years.",
"After Sony's utterly nonsense trailer that they swore was gameplay (in 2005) the game finally hits.",
"It's beautiful, but it's flawed.",
"Graphically- it's what they promised.",
"Gorgeous.",
"The drab and dark (and largely grey) environments are suitable to taste, but technically there are very, very few places you'd not be impressed.",
"Sound is great, level design is also largely without fault.",
"The game however, falls apart IMO because the controls are HORRIBLE.",
"There are 6 different settings, but NONE of them feel right.",
"There's a lag or sluggish feeling when you're playing normally, and a jerky TOO sensetive sensation when you zoom in.",
"And there's no setting for one vs.",
"the other- it's all the way or nonthing.",
"I played the entire game and it never felt comfortable from start to finish.",
"In the end- it's a great FPS- nothing \"new\" or \"revolutionary\" but still very good from all aspects on screen or speaker...",
"but the issue of control is a MONSTER issue for me and that brings the score down a LOT.",
"If a game doesn't feel right- it makes no difference what it looks like.",
"Sadly, in Killzone's case- beauty was only skin deep."
] |
I had some damage to woodwork in my home done by a couple of Gorillas delivering furniture. They actually broke chunks out of my custom made woodworking. I used this to repair it and it did a reasonable job. I have to tell you that you should use it as thinly as possible as it does tend to swell and foam. It did a good job but it is a big bottle and what you don't use will age and not be very good the next time you get out the bottle. The glue isn't clear and it looks yellow after it cures.
My suggestion is to use the right glue for the job. There are better wood glues out there that are easier to use and to clean up. I also like epoxy glues for many jobs as they are stronger and they dry harder. The gel versions can also be used to fill in gaps and it quickly hardens.
This glue seems to have a limited shelf life and you wind up throwing away a lot more than you will use. I have the 4 ounce bottle and most of it went to waste. I rate it as a 3 star item. I probably will not buy it again. | 1 | neutral | [
"I had some damage to woodwork in my home done by a couple of Gorillas delivering furniture.",
"They actually broke chunks out of my custom made woodworking.",
"I used this to repair it and it did a reasonable job.",
"I have to tell you that you should use it as thinly as possible as it does tend to swell and foam.",
"It did a good job but it is a big bottle and what you don't use will age and not be very good the next time you get out the bottle.",
"The glue isn't clear and it looks yellow after it cures.",
"My suggestion is to use the right glue for the job.",
"There are better wood glues out there that are easier to use and to clean up.",
"I also like epoxy glues for many jobs as they are stronger and they dry harder.",
"The gel versions can also be used to fill in gaps and it quickly hardens.",
"This glue seems to have a limited shelf life and you wind up throwing away a lot more than you will use.",
"I have the 4 ounce bottle and most of it went to waste.",
"I rate it as a 3 star item.",
"I probably will not buy it again."
] |
Considering the cheap price, I told myself there'll probably be something wrong with one of them (I ordered two of the 32"). When I opened the box, one of each of the perches was missing one of the caps to secure them onto the cage. Quite disappointing. I put 2 caps onto one perch, so now I only have one total working perch. The other one I'll have to rig up something to clip it securely onto the cage.
Other than that disappointment, my birds love it! It's quite stiff, which is good so it'll stay horizontal. It's the perfect width for their feet (budgies and greencheek conure), and being able to bend it around to where you want it is great. It's important to keep different perch widths, and with how bendy this is its perfect for foot exercise.
Overall, the perch is perfect, stars are only taken off for missing pieces. | 1 | neutral | [
"Considering the cheap price, I told myself there'll probably be something wrong with one of them (I ordered two of the 32\").",
"When I opened the box, one of each of the perches was missing one of the caps to secure them onto the cage.",
"Quite disappointing.",
"I put 2 caps onto one perch, so now I only have one total working perch.",
"The other one I'll have to rig up something to clip it securely onto the cage.",
"Other than that disappointment, my birds love it!",
"It's quite stiff, which is good so it'll stay horizontal.",
"It's the perfect width for their feet (budgies and greencheek conure), and being able to bend it around to where you want it is great.",
"It's important to keep different perch widths, and with how bendy this is its perfect for foot exercise.",
"Overall, the perch is perfect, stars are only taken off for missing pieces."
] |
The GamePro School of RPG Design offers three tenets that all sequels should adhere to: One, the new game should be original; two, it should expand on the series' strong points; and three, it should fix or remove any annoying bits the original suffered from. Dark Cloud 2, the sequel to Sony's innovative yet maddeningly dull action/RPG, follows all three rules to the letter. Sniff. It's so rewarding to see such apt pupils.
Dark Cloud 2's core is much like the original's-Max and Monica prowl through random dungeons, discovering magic stones that serve as fuel for their side business of rebuilding villages. The chief new feature is Max's invention skill: You can take photos of nearly everything in the game and combine them to come up with new weapons and such. Is this game better than the last one? Well, it certainly looks better: The cel-a-delic characters are beautiful in motion, and the backdrops combine with the soundtrack to create this sort of homespun, European-countryside atmosphere for which RPG nuts will go weak in the knees. The control scheme is also completely stress-free, despite all the buttons it uses, and in-game help videos cover any sticky points. Most importantly-and this will make Dark Cloud fans very happy-Level-5 has fixed nearly everything wrong with the first game. You don't have to feed water to your party all the time; there are only two characters instead of five, so you're not wasting time raising useless party members; and each dungeon has several optional objectives, from time attacks to fishing to even an odd version of golf, so the endless fighting in the original is also gone forever. It still ain't perfect (the translation's off in spots, and finding HP/defense upgrades for Max and Monica is unfairly challenging), but it's close enough. Dark Cloud 2 is an excellent game in its own right, and it deserves far more than the dreaded "something to tide you over until Zelda" stigma. | 1 | neutral | [
"The GamePro School of RPG Design offers three tenets that all sequels should adhere to: One, the new game should be original; two, it should expand on the series' strong points; and three, it should fix or remove any annoying bits the original suffered from.",
"Dark Cloud 2, the sequel to Sony's innovative yet maddeningly dull action/RPG, follows all three rules to the letter.",
"Sniff.",
"It's so rewarding to see such apt pupils.",
"Dark Cloud 2's core is much like the original's-Max and Monica prowl through random dungeons, discovering magic stones that serve as fuel for their side business of rebuilding villages.",
"The chief new feature is Max's invention skill: You can take photos of nearly everything in the game and combine them to come up with new weapons and such.",
"Is this game better than the last one?",
"Well, it certainly looks better: The cel-a-delic characters are beautiful in motion, and the backdrops combine with the soundtrack to create this sort of homespun, European-countryside atmosphere for which RPG nuts will go weak in the knees.",
"The control scheme is also completely stress-free, despite all the buttons it uses, and in-game help videos cover any sticky points.",
"Most importantly-and this will make Dark Cloud fans very happy-Level-5 has fixed nearly everything wrong with the first game.",
"You don't have to feed water to your party all the time; there are only two characters instead of five, so you're not wasting time raising useless party members; and each dungeon has several optional objectives, from time attacks to fishing to even an odd version of golf, so the endless fighting in the original is also gone forever.",
"It still ain't perfect (the translation's off in spots, and finding HP/defense upgrades for Max and Monica is unfairly challenging), but it's close enough.",
"Dark Cloud 2 is an excellent game in its own right, and it deserves far more than the dreaded \"something to tide you over until Zelda\" stigma."
] |
Well I'll say one thing... it has proven more reliable and better built than comparable units from Ambient Weather - I bought 2 of their units, both of which died prematurely (one died within 2 weeks!). The La Crosse unit is better constructed and seems to be holding up fine. The outdoor unit has a cover to protect it from the weather (ironic, yes) and it mounts more securely to the house. The display is large and easy to read. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because the outdoor unit is off by about 1 degree. It consistently reads about 1 degree colder than the actual temperature. It's not a huge problem to mentally add 1 to whatever it says, but it's a little disappointing that they can't make it more accurate, especially since other people seem to be complaining about the same thing.
Update 2/25/16 - Unit died after less than 2 years. It will no longer read the outside temperature. Tried replacing the batteries in the remote sensor, but that did not help. I wish someone could make a basic weather station that is reliable! | 1 | neutral | [
"Well I'll say one thing...",
"it has proven more reliable and better built than comparable units from Ambient Weather - I bought 2 of their units, both of which died prematurely (one died within 2 weeks!",
").",
"The La Crosse unit is better constructed and seems to be holding up fine.",
"The outdoor unit has a cover to protect it from the weather (ironic, yes) and it mounts more securely to the house.",
"The display is large and easy to read.",
"The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because the outdoor unit is off by about 1 degree.",
"It consistently reads about 1 degree colder than the actual temperature.",
"It's not a huge problem to mentally add 1 to whatever it says, but it's a little disappointing that they can't make it more accurate, especially since other people seem to be complaining about the same thing.",
"Update 2/25/16 - Unit died after less than 2 years.",
"It will no longer read the outside temperature.",
"Tried replacing the batteries in the remote sensor, but that did not help.",
"I wish someone could make a basic weather station that is reliable!"
] |
I ordered this a few months ago to replace an older Ridgid shop vac that burned up. As always, Amazon is very quick in shipping and has about the best prices anywhere. As far as the vacuum itself...well, compared to the older Ridgid vac I had, this one is weak. The unit itself is nice and seems to be well constructed, but I can tell a HUGE difference between it and the earlier model. This one is quieter and all, but for a shop vac, I would rather it be loud and pick up a lot of debris rather be quiet and not perform as well. Compared to other newer makes and models, this unit is one of the better ones out there. Basically, most tools and equipment have degraded in performance over the years and I say that because my older Ridgid shop vac was a BEAST compared to this one.
Overall, Ridgid is pretty good. My older shop vac lasted 15 years and was abused big time. I don't think the newer models are on par with the older ones, but compared to other makes, I still say Ridgid is the better of the bunch. These newer models are quieter and the filter has a post with a mushroom head on it that the filter slips over instead of the regular threated post and plastic wing nut to secure it. Performance has been traded for noise reduction and ease of use I guess. | 1 | neutral | [
"I ordered this a few months ago to replace an older Ridgid shop vac that burned up.",
"As always, Amazon is very quick in shipping and has about the best prices anywhere.",
"As far as the vacuum itself...",
"well, compared to the older Ridgid vac I had, this one is weak.",
"The unit itself is nice and seems to be well constructed, but I can tell a HUGE difference between it and the earlier model.",
"This one is quieter and all, but for a shop vac, I would rather it be loud and pick up a lot of debris rather be quiet and not perform as well.",
"Compared to other newer makes and models, this unit is one of the better ones out there.",
"Basically, most tools and equipment have degraded in performance over the years and I say that because my older Ridgid shop vac was a BEAST compared to this one.",
"Overall, Ridgid is pretty good.",
"My older shop vac lasted 15 years and was abused big time.",
"I don't think the newer models are on par with the older ones, but compared to other makes, I still say Ridgid is the better of the bunch.",
"These newer models are quieter and the filter has a post with a mushroom head on it that the filter slips over instead of the regular threated post and plastic wing nut to secure it.",
"Performance has been traded for noise reduction and ease of use I guess."
] |
This pen is a unique and potentially powerful tool for creating. The key problem is that quality creations take a lot of practice. But practice requires lots of material, and the 3 mm filaments are very expensive. Too much time is spent clearing clogs which may well be due to inexperience on the part of the operator, but once again, using this pen properly takes practice. My time is free, but the materials are not.
Pros:
1. Very complete directions and a helpful quick start guide
2. When it works, it works well and even poor artists can make
nice designs
3. Fits in the hand nicely which improves one's ability to create accurately.
4. The instructions are very good and help the user solve the numerous problems that arise during the use of this tool.
Cons:
1. Clogs far too often, and clogs can sometimes be hard to fix.
2. Expensive to use
3. Requires 3 mm filaments that are not only the most expensive but the hardest to track down in a desired color. | 1 | neutral | [
"This pen is a unique and potentially powerful tool for creating.",
"The key problem is that quality creations take a lot of practice.",
"But practice requires lots of material, and the 3 mm filaments are very expensive.",
"Too much time is spent clearing clogs which may well be due to inexperience on the part of the operator, but once again, using this pen properly takes practice.",
"My time is free, but the materials are not.",
"Pros:\n\n1.",
"Very complete directions and a helpful quick start guide\n2.",
"When it works, it works well and even poor artists can make\n nice designs\n3.",
"Fits in the hand nicely which improves one's ability to create accurately.",
"4.",
"The instructions are very good and help the user solve the numerous problems that arise during the use of this tool.",
"Cons:\n\n1.",
"Clogs far too often, and clogs can sometimes be hard to fix.",
"2.",
"Expensive to use\n3.",
"Requires 3 mm filaments that are not only the most expensive but the hardest to track down in a desired color."
] |
I have used Panaracer Pasela's on many bikes in the past and have had great results. They ride smooth and fast and have the classic gum wall look that I like for my vintage bikes. The last pair I used wore very well after a couple thousand miles on a 1976 Raleigh in the tough environment in the Middle East. After a year, they were beginning to show cracks in the side walls and the tread had obviously smoothed out, but were still rideable.
However, as much as I like these tires, in the most recent set that I purchased, one of the sidewalls did not hold a began bubbling and even separated in one spot. I recently finished my last build up and only have a few rides on this set and was surprised to come out to the garage and find that the sidewall had bubbled out on the front tire and actually separated in a small spot from the wire. Since they were essentially brand new, I made a claim in Amazon and as with any issue I've ever had, they immediately gave me the choice for a refund or replacement. I have had good experience with these tires in the past, so I chose the replacement and will give it another shot. Unfortunately, I have to give 3 stars instead of 5 because of this. If it didn't happen, I would have no issues with giving 5 stars. On the other hand, if it happens again, I will be upset and will lower the rating accordingly. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have used Panaracer Pasela's on many bikes in the past and have had great results.",
"They ride smooth and fast and have the classic gum wall look that I like for my vintage bikes.",
"The last pair I used wore very well after a couple thousand miles on a 1976 Raleigh in the tough environment in the Middle East.",
"After a year, they were beginning to show cracks in the side walls and the tread had obviously smoothed out, but were still rideable.",
"However, as much as I like these tires, in the most recent set that I purchased, one of the sidewalls did not hold a began bubbling and even separated in one spot.",
"I recently finished my last build up and only have a few rides on this set and was surprised to come out to the garage and find that the sidewall had bubbled out on the front tire and actually separated in a small spot from the wire.",
"Since they were essentially brand new, I made a claim in Amazon and as with any issue I've ever had, they immediately gave me the choice for a refund or replacement.",
"I have had good experience with these tires in the past, so I chose the replacement and will give it another shot.",
"Unfortunately, I have to give 3 stars instead of 5 because of this.",
"If it didn't happen, I would have no issues with giving 5 stars.",
"On the other hand, if it happens again, I will be upset and will lower the rating accordingly."
] |
U.S. students protest gun laws Trump considers arming teachers
WASHINGTON/TALLAHASSEE Fla. (Reuters) - Students galvanized by the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school confronted lawmakers on Wednesday with demands to restrict sales of assault rifles while President Donald Trump suggested arming teachers as a way to stop more U.S. rampages.
Trump in an emotional hour-long meeting with students who survived the Florida shooting and a parent whose child did not
The U.S. Constitution protects the right of Americans to bear arms a measure fiercely defended by Republicans. But Trump has come under pressure to act.
During the televised White House âlistening sessionâ with students parents and people affected by other U.S. school shootings Trump spoke at length about how armed teachers and security guards could frighten off potential shooters and prevent more deaths.
âIf you had a teacher ... who was adept at firearms they could very well end the attack very quickly â he said while acknowledging that the proposal was controversial. Some of the meeting participants indicated support. Others were opposed.
U.S. President Donald Trump bows his head during a prayer as he sits between Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivors and students Jonathan Blank his mother Melissa Blank Julia Cordover and Carson Abt (R) as the president hosts a listening session with high school students and teachers to discuss school safety at the White House in Washington U.S. February 21 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Trump listened intently to ideas from about 40 people including those from six students who survived the Florida shooting.
Trump sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the White House State Dining Room. Photographers captured images of his handwritten note card with questions like âWhat would you most want me to know about your experience?â and âI hear you.â
Before Trump âs meeting students across the United States walked out of classes in sympathy protests including hundreds of teens from the Washington suburbs who gathered in front of the White House.
Trump also said he was open to looking at age limits among other measures and lamented the closure of many mental institutions to help assess violent people.
âThereâs no ... middle ground of having that institution where you had trained people that could handle it and do something about it â Trump said.
Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to work on a regulation that would effectively ban such devices. | 1 | neutral | [
"U.",
"S. students protest gun laws Trump considers arming teachers\nWASHINGTON/TALLAHASSEE Fla.",
"(Reuters) - Students galvanized by the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school confronted lawmakers on Wednesday with demands to restrict sales of assault rifles while President Donald Trump suggested arming teachers as a way to stop more U.",
"S. rampages.",
"Trump in an emotional hour-long meeting with students who survived the Florida shooting and a parent whose child did not \nThe U.",
"S. Constitution protects the right of Americans to bear arms a measure fiercely defended by Republicans.",
"But Trump has come under pressure to act.",
"During the televised White House âlistening sessionâ with students parents and people affected by other U.",
"S. school shootings Trump spoke at length about how armed teachers and security guards could frighten off potential shooters and prevent more deaths.",
"âIf you had a teacher...",
"who was adept at firearms they could very well end the attack very quickly â he said while acknowledging that the proposal was controversial.",
"Some of the meeting participants indicated support.",
"Others were opposed.",
"U.",
"S. President Donald Trump bows his head during a prayer as he sits between Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivors and students Jonathan Blank his mother Melissa Blank Julia Cordover and Carson Abt (R) as the president hosts a listening session with high school students and teachers to discuss school safety at the White House in Washington U.",
"S. February 21 2018.",
"REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst\n Trump listened intently to ideas from about 40 people including those from six students who survived the Florida shooting.",
"Trump sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the White House State Dining Room.",
"Photographers captured images of his handwritten note card with questions like âWhat would you most want me to know about your experience?",
"â and âI hear you.",
"â\nBefore Trump âs meeting students across the United States walked out of classes in sympathy protests including hundreds of teens from the Washington suburbs who gathered in front of the White House.",
"Trump also said he was open to looking at age limits among other measures and lamented the closure of many mental institutions to help assess violent people.",
"âThereâs no...",
"middle ground of having that institution where you had trained people that could handle it and do something about it â Trump said.",
"Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to work on a regulation that would effectively ban such devices."
] |
I chose three stars because I felt like this wasn't Mimi Jean's best work. No comedy, the sec scene was scarce, and no real romance. Miriam was not a well developed character. Maybe she will get more depth in the next book? Lulu for a 2,000 year old vamp sounded like a whiney kid. Not attractive or likable at all. As for Michael he sounded wishy washy. He pl likes her, then he doesn't love anyone. Blah, blah, blah. Vampire assistant did get 3 stars because it was a good story line. I liked the mystery and how well it was paced. I also have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers. Ahhh! | 1 | neutral | [
"I chose three stars because I felt like this wasn't Mimi Jean's best work.",
"No comedy, the sec scene was scarce, and no real romance.",
"Miriam was not a well developed character.",
"Maybe she will get more depth in the next book?",
"Lulu for a 2,000 year old vamp sounded like a whiney kid.",
"Not attractive or likable at all.",
"As for Michael he sounded wishy washy.",
"He pl likes her, then he doesn't love anyone.",
"Blah, blah, blah.",
"Vampire assistant did get 3 stars because it was a good story line.",
"I liked the mystery and how well it was paced.",
"I also have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers.",
"Ahhh!"
] |
I've been reading a lot of very positive reviews for these headphones, so I bought a pair to add to my collection. I'm a huge fan of AKG microphones, so I've been excited to hear what they're doing with their headphones. As it turns out, they're good, but not great.
High frequencies are a little too loud and more harsh than I'd expect for a set of headphones in this class. This really causes many of the artifacts caused by MP3 encoding to be over-emphasized. Instead of being smooth and silky they are a bit cutting and shimmery. If I was to listen to these at anything over a moderate volume level for long my ears would fatigue rather quickly. That boost does occasionally help certain types of music, though. For example, as I'm writing this I'm listening to Lindsey Stirling's "Elements" and the high frequency boost makes it easier to hear some of what one of the synth parts is doing compared to other headphones. But on other tracks it is distracting and unpleasant. Demi Lovato's voice, for example, is a little grating on these headphones while perfectly fine on others.
The low end is a bit of a mixed bag. There seems to be a bit of a boost right around 100 Hz but everything below that is definitely quieter than they ought to be. The 100-Hz boost is probably why some feel like they have more bass they really do. But below that they are definitely a little thin and lacking. They are capable of producing really low frequencies, but they just aren't very loud when doing so.
The mid-range is also a bit weak. Vocals seem more distant than they should, especially in comparison to the sibilants which are in your face (again, this is why it is hard for me to listen to Demi Lovato). There is also a little bit of unwanted honkiness between 1kHz and 1.5kHz as well. Not bad, but they definitely aren't producing a flat response through the mids.
Compared to my other headphones these are a lot quieter than other models. I have to turn up the volume nearly all the way on my MP3 player to get sufficient volume. My other headphones play at comfortable volumes with the player's volume control at half of what is required for the K240s.
In comparison to the Sony MDR-V6 or MDR-7506 these aren't nearly as good. At least not if you're talking about accurate reproduction of sound. The Sonys are much flatter (as in, more accurate, not dull), which means they are both easier and more enjoyable to listen to.
Relative to the Grado SR80e, the Grados definitely have a huge edge over the AKGs. The SR80e model doesn't have the same aural deficiencies. But they do rest directly on your ears, which some people may not like.
They do blow away any <$150 Sennheisers though. I still haven't figured out why anyone likes the modestly priced Sennheiser headphones. They all sound awful.
All in all, these probably are better than any pair of headphones that most people will ever listen to. But for the money you can do better. I'd take them over pretty much anything less than $50 for sure, but for just a couple bucks more you can get the amazing MDR-V6 if you are okay with closed backs, or Grado SR80e if you prefer something more open. | 1 | neutral | [
"I've been reading a lot of very positive reviews for these headphones, so I bought a pair to add to my collection.",
"I'm a huge fan of AKG microphones, so I've been excited to hear what they're doing with their headphones.",
"As it turns out, they're good, but not great.",
"High frequencies are a little too loud and more harsh than I'd expect for a set of headphones in this class.",
"This really causes many of the artifacts caused by MP3 encoding to be over-emphasized.",
"Instead of being smooth and silky they are a bit cutting and shimmery.",
"If I was to listen to these at anything over a moderate volume level for long my ears would fatigue rather quickly.",
"That boost does occasionally help certain types of music, though.",
"For example, as I'm writing this I'm listening to Lindsey Stirling's \"Elements\" and the high frequency boost makes it easier to hear some of what one of the synth parts is doing compared to other headphones.",
"But on other tracks it is distracting and unpleasant.",
"Demi Lovato's voice, for example, is a little grating on these headphones while perfectly fine on others.",
"The low end is a bit of a mixed bag.",
"There seems to be a bit of a boost right around 100 Hz but everything below that is definitely quieter than they ought to be.",
"The 100-Hz boost is probably why some feel like they have more bass they really do.",
"But below that they are definitely a little thin and lacking.",
"They are capable of producing really low frequencies, but they just aren't very loud when doing so.",
"The mid-range is also a bit weak.",
"Vocals seem more distant than they should, especially in comparison to the sibilants which are in your face (again, this is why it is hard for me to listen to Demi Lovato).",
"There is also a little bit of unwanted honkiness between 1kHz and 1.",
"5kHz as well.",
"Not bad, but they definitely aren't producing a flat response through the mids.",
"Compared to my other headphones these are a lot quieter than other models.",
"I have to turn up the volume nearly all the way on my MP3 player to get sufficient volume.",
"My other headphones play at comfortable volumes with the player's volume control at half of what is required for the K240s.",
"In comparison to the Sony MDR-V6 or MDR-7506 these aren't nearly as good.",
"At least not if you're talking about accurate reproduction of sound.",
"The Sonys are much flatter (as in, more accurate, not dull), which means they are both easier and more enjoyable to listen to.",
"Relative to the Grado SR80e, the Grados definitely have a huge edge over the AKGs.",
"The SR80e model doesn't have the same aural deficiencies.",
"But they do rest directly on your ears, which some people may not like.",
"They do blow away any <$150 Sennheisers though.",
"I still haven't figured out why anyone likes the modestly priced Sennheiser headphones.",
"They all sound awful.",
"All in all, these probably are better than any pair of headphones that most people will ever listen to.",
"But for the money you can do better.",
"I'd take them over pretty much anything less than $50 for sure, but for just a couple bucks more you can get the amazing MDR-V6 if you are okay with closed backs, or Grado SR80e if you prefer something more open."
] |
I m starting the headline with that because, they contact me and solve one of my problems. I bought this phone for a birthday present, I bought it on July 9th and the gift was suppose to be opened on 13/09/13. Well, She opened the gift, put the battery at the back of the phone, and guess what? It didn't turn on! So, I put the charger on the phone, for about 4 hours to turn it on and guess what again? It didn't turn on.
The thing is that I'm in Venezuela and it will cost me like 40 Bucks to send it back to U.S., and I can't afford to do that ( 40 Bucks are 1.600 Bs. wich is half of the minimun wedge), They refund my money, but the deception does not have a price. | 1 | neutral | [
"I m starting the headline with that because, they contact me and solve one of my problems.",
"I bought this phone for a birthday present, I bought it on July 9th and the gift was suppose to be opened on 13/09/13.",
"Well, She opened the gift, put the battery at the back of the phone, and guess what?",
"It didn't turn on!",
"So, I put the charger on the phone, for about 4 hours to turn it on and guess what again?",
"It didn't turn on.",
"The thing is that I'm in Venezuela and it will cost me like 40 Bucks to send it back to U.",
"S., and I can't afford to do that ( 40 Bucks are 1.",
"600 Bs.",
"wich is half of the minimun wedge), They refund my money, but the deception does not have a price."
] |
This game is great as far as dialogue and story is concerned(J. R. R. Tolkien wrote the story) and the acting isn't that bad. I have noticed serveral VO's from cartoons I watched as a kid, the cute lady hobbit(with the cutezy voice) in the Shire for one. Gandalf for another. I think most of these people were in The Gary Colman show and the smurfs or some such. Gandalf was the Snow guy from the Thundercats I think. The thing that annoys me is that even with the patch, EAX is horrid and non functional. If you are going to play a graphic adventure at least include decent EAX. Even an Audigy 2 doesn't work. That and the popping even when EAX is disabled is the sole reason I am cutting 2 stars off this bugged travesty of an otherwise good game.
I like hitting my witless side-kicks with a stick and stone.:)=) | 1 | neutral | [
"This game is great as far as dialogue and story is concerned(J.",
"R.",
"R.",
"Tolkien wrote the story) and the acting isn't that bad.",
"I have noticed serveral VO's from cartoons I watched as a kid, the cute lady hobbit(with the cutezy voice) in the Shire for one.",
"Gandalf for another.",
"I think most of these people were in The Gary Colman show and the smurfs or some such.",
"Gandalf was the Snow guy from the Thundercats I think.",
"The thing that annoys me is that even with the patch, EAX is horrid and non functional.",
"If you are going to play a graphic adventure at least include decent EAX.",
"Even an Audigy 2 doesn't work.",
"That and the popping even when EAX is disabled is the sole reason I am cutting 2 stars off this bugged travesty of an otherwise good game.",
"I like hitting my witless side-kicks with a stick and stone.",
":)=)"
] |
Let's see. The product page says this perfume embodies "the woman who is dangerous in a good way." That, I guess, eliminates use by hired gunwomen, embezzlers, double-agent spies, traitors, and ... me. I'm just not dangerous, in either good or bad ways, and, in addition, this perfume is not a good fit for me.
Not exactly the fault of the perfume. It has some pleasant notes of honeysuckle, berries, gardenia and sandalwood, to name a few of the floral and fruity fragrances. But I find the caramel and vanilla bottom notes to be too strong and the overall impression the perfume leaves on me is of almost excessive sweetness. I prefer a cleaner, woodier, more citrusy fragrance. My very favorite perfume even has hints of leather and tobacco to it.
So what was I doing getting this to try out? Well, in my defense, I didn't think it would be quite so sweet and was expecting more floral notes to it. The good news is that I was able to "regift" this to a family member who enjoys the fragrance. So all's well and that ends well. | 1 | neutral | [
"Let's see.",
"The product page says this perfume embodies \"the woman who is dangerous in a good way.",
"\" That, I guess, eliminates use by hired gunwomen, embezzlers, double-agent spies, traitors, and...",
"me.",
"I'm just not dangerous, in either good or bad ways, and, in addition, this perfume is not a good fit for me.",
"Not exactly the fault of the perfume.",
"It has some pleasant notes of honeysuckle, berries, gardenia and sandalwood, to name a few of the floral and fruity fragrances.",
"But I find the caramel and vanilla bottom notes to be too strong and the overall impression the perfume leaves on me is of almost excessive sweetness.",
"I prefer a cleaner, woodier, more citrusy fragrance.",
"My very favorite perfume even has hints of leather and tobacco to it.",
"So what was I doing getting this to try out?",
"Well, in my defense, I didn't think it would be quite so sweet and was expecting more floral notes to it.",
"The good news is that I was able to \"regift\" this to a family member who enjoys the fragrance.",
"So all's well and that ends well."
] |
Can't beat the price for this case. It fits perfectly with zero wiggle room. All the buttons and keys are easily accessible. The shape seems very well designed. All the edges of the button openings are rounded and smooth with the exception of a couple spots where there seems to be a rough edge where the shell halves meet.
Without any case, the phone is light and slippery in my hand. After adding this case it gave the phone just enough weight and thickness to fit comfortably in my hand. The feel of the 'rubberized' plastic is smooth but not slick, so it slides easily into my pocket.
As far as shear protection, this case will simply guard against scratches on the phone. There is no way this case would hold up if dropped.
Lots of reviews state that the case is nearly impossible to open once you have it on the phone. I can confirm this. But following the instructions of an earlier review, if you slide your finger nail into the seam of the case along the left side, it will pop open the first set of clips. Slowly run your finger around the bottom of the case to the right side and then the whole thing will open up. But being careful is important if you wish to not crack it.
I opened my case about 15-20 times before one of the clips finally broke. The case still works, but one side of it is loose now.
Final thought: Buy this if you plan on rarely opening it up, don't buy it if you plan on removing your phone from the case often. | 1 | neutral | [
"Can't beat the price for this case.",
"It fits perfectly with zero wiggle room.",
"All the buttons and keys are easily accessible.",
"The shape seems very well designed.",
"All the edges of the button openings are rounded and smooth with the exception of a couple spots where there seems to be a rough edge where the shell halves meet.",
"Without any case, the phone is light and slippery in my hand.",
"After adding this case it gave the phone just enough weight and thickness to fit comfortably in my hand.",
"The feel of the 'rubberized' plastic is smooth but not slick, so it slides easily into my pocket.",
"As far as shear protection, this case will simply guard against scratches on the phone.",
"There is no way this case would hold up if dropped.",
"Lots of reviews state that the case is nearly impossible to open once you have it on the phone.",
"I can confirm this.",
"But following the instructions of an earlier review, if you slide your finger nail into the seam of the case along the left side, it will pop open the first set of clips.",
"Slowly run your finger around the bottom of the case to the right side and then the whole thing will open up.",
"But being careful is important if you wish to not crack it.",
"I opened my case about 15-20 times before one of the clips finally broke.",
"The case still works, but one side of it is loose now.",
"Final thought: Buy this if you plan on rarely opening it up, don't buy it if you plan on removing your phone from the case often."
] |
This product fell short on taste from no fault of its own because, in my opinion, Dandelion Tea usually needs other herbs as flavor enhancers.
I was skeptical about the taste of this product being good enough by itself before I tried it.
Still, I wanted to try it because the heal benefits are tremendous.
And Traditional Medicinals is a trusted brand. What could they do to make this product better?
I was curious.
I usually harvest my own Roots from the garden....when I have time.
I also don't like the new packaging. I like their Traditional, previous package.
I like the Photo, but not the new logos. Their brand is like Campbell's Soup to me, iconic.
I don't know if anyone could do better with Dandelions.
I don't like the green taste from the leaves, which I don't usually use in my homemade Dandelion tea.
If you have no trouble with Dandelion taste, or are open to adding other herbs to enhance the flavor, buy this product for the health benefits and work with it.
Recommended. | 1 | neutral | [
"This product fell short on taste from no fault of its own because, in my opinion, Dandelion Tea usually needs other herbs as flavor enhancers.",
"I was skeptical about the taste of this product being good enough by itself before I tried it.",
"Still, I wanted to try it because the heal benefits are tremendous.",
"And Traditional Medicinals is a trusted brand.",
"What could they do to make this product better?",
"I was curious.",
"I usually harvest my own Roots from the garden....",
"when I have time.",
"I also don't like the new packaging.",
"I like their Traditional, previous package.",
"I like the Photo, but not the new logos.",
"Their brand is like Campbell's Soup to me, iconic.",
"I don't know if anyone could do better with Dandelions.",
"I don't like the green taste from the leaves, which I don't usually use in my homemade Dandelion tea.",
"If you have no trouble with Dandelion taste, or are open to adding other herbs to enhance the flavor, buy this product for the health benefits and work with it.",
"Recommended."
] |
So... the taste is amazing, it's like a dessert. However, after eating those for a few days (like 2-3 a day), I noticed that when I stopped, I had headaches - very unusual for me, normally I don't have any aches or pains or whatever, so I noticed it right away. After having one more bar the headache stopped. Hm... I got suspicious. Then I tried again - the same result. Eating bars = feels nice and sweet and energetic. Not eating bars = headache. I've no idea which component of it worked that "addictive" to me, but I just stopped buying them. Never had that issue before, even with coffee. | 1 | neutral | [
"So...",
"the taste is amazing, it's like a dessert.",
"However, after eating those for a few days (like 2-3 a day), I noticed that when I stopped, I had headaches - very unusual for me, normally I don't have any aches or pains or whatever, so I noticed it right away.",
"After having one more bar the headache stopped.",
"Hm...",
"I got suspicious.",
"Then I tried again - the same result.",
"Eating bars = feels nice and sweet and energetic.",
"Not eating bars = headache.",
"I've no idea which component of it worked that \"addictive\" to me, but I just stopped buying them.",
"Never had that issue before, even with coffee."
] |
The bottom line is that this product is not up to Vegas snuff. What I mean by this is that things Vegas handles with ease PowerDirector cannot handle. For instance, I pulled in a clip of uncut mp4 that was about 1GB in size, and PowerDirector sputtered and spit like I handed it a 160GB of raw HD footage. Then when I tried to trim it by dragging an edge PowerDirector crashed and burned.
This is what I do on a regular basis with Vegas and is basically my workflow. Also there doesn't seem to be an equivalent of a "Trimmer" in PowerDirector as far as I can tell. Granted I'm still trying it out so I may stumble on it. I like the Trimmer because I can cut large videos into pieces and add them into the timeline piecemeal. With PowerDirector it seems I need to pull the video onto the timeline then cut.
My impression thus far is that this is a good program for taking short clips off of your phone or digital camera and composing a short piece but for larger projects, you'll need something more solid. I won't be too harsh in my rating because I believe this product is more tailored for an amateur audience but unlike Vegas, I think it leaves very little room to grow. | 1 | neutral | [
"The bottom line is that this product is not up to Vegas snuff.",
"What I mean by this is that things Vegas handles with ease PowerDirector cannot handle.",
"For instance, I pulled in a clip of uncut mp4 that was about 1GB in size, and PowerDirector sputtered and spit like I handed it a 160GB of raw HD footage.",
"Then when I tried to trim it by dragging an edge PowerDirector crashed and burned.",
"This is what I do on a regular basis with Vegas and is basically my workflow.",
"Also there doesn't seem to be an equivalent of a \"Trimmer\" in PowerDirector as far as I can tell.",
"Granted I'm still trying it out so I may stumble on it.",
"I like the Trimmer because I can cut large videos into pieces and add them into the timeline piecemeal.",
"With PowerDirector it seems I need to pull the video onto the timeline then cut.",
"My impression thus far is that this is a good program for taking short clips off of your phone or digital camera and composing a short piece but for larger projects, you'll need something more solid.",
"I won't be too harsh in my rating because I believe this product is more tailored for an amateur audience but unlike Vegas, I think it leaves very little room to grow."
] |
I got this stand because I liked the idea of having something portable with nice leg room. However, it wasn't as stable as I hoped. I'm using it with an 88-key Yamaha P-120 keyboard, and I had to extend the length of the stand all the way in order to rest the keyboard on its rubber feet (without putting just the flat bottom of the keyboard on the stand). For some reason, they put large holes on the table top, and these made it more difficult for me to rest the keyboard on its rubber feet. I had to position it just right. At full length, the middle of the stand sags a bit kind of like a curtain rod at full length without any center support. As I played the keyboard, it was "stable" but not $50 stable. It wasn't very difficult for me to wobble it side to side. For me, it felt kind of rickety. The overall construction just doesn't give me full confidence that my expensive keyboard is resting on something reliable. It does the job, but I would feel better if I paid half the price.
This stand is probably more appropriate for smaller keyboards or sound boards. I do not recommend it for full-size keyboards that are moderately heavy. | 1 | neutral | [
"I got this stand because I liked the idea of having something portable with nice leg room.",
"However, it wasn't as stable as I hoped.",
"I'm using it with an 88-key Yamaha P-120 keyboard, and I had to extend the length of the stand all the way in order to rest the keyboard on its rubber feet (without putting just the flat bottom of the keyboard on the stand).",
"For some reason, they put large holes on the table top, and these made it more difficult for me to rest the keyboard on its rubber feet.",
"I had to position it just right.",
"At full length, the middle of the stand sags a bit kind of like a curtain rod at full length without any center support.",
"As I played the keyboard, it was \"stable\" but not $50 stable.",
"It wasn't very difficult for me to wobble it side to side.",
"For me, it felt kind of rickety.",
"The overall construction just doesn't give me full confidence that my expensive keyboard is resting on something reliable.",
"It does the job, but I would feel better if I paid half the price.",
"This stand is probably more appropriate for smaller keyboards or sound boards.",
"I do not recommend it for full-size keyboards that are moderately heavy."
] |
I was taken in by reviews that compared this book with The Leopard or promised a bildungsroman set in a family that is isolated and on the move. Well...I didn't feel any parallel with The Leopard and the author overstuffs her story with so many events that isolation is lost in the opportunity for so many subplots. And who's moving - in any sense - in this novel? Where's the "bildung?" The denouement? The dsillusionner? I must have skimmed the wrong paragraph.
I do agree that parts of the novel are very engaging. They are. And, like some other readers, I did enjoy the events in Algeria. This is the strongest part of the novel, perhaps because it is not so deeply stuck in the protagonist's life that had the unfortunate knack of boring me in the first-person! (Yeah, that's what I mean.) Overall, the novel is just a bit overdone. I prefer a bildungsroman - if that's what this should be - to show me a growth, not tell me all about the all-too-interesting things that happened along the way.
If you're the kind of person who can sit for hours and listen to a friend tell you endless stories about herself that you can't help but suspect are just a tad trumped up, then you might really dig into this novel. Otherwise you might have an experience more like mine which was one of detached interest. For my part, I was relieved that I could close the book whenever I wanted to quiet my jabbery friend. | 1 | neutral | [
"I was taken in by reviews that compared this book with The Leopard or promised a bildungsroman set in a family that is isolated and on the move.",
"Well...",
"I didn't feel any parallel with The Leopard and the author overstuffs her story with so many events that isolation is lost in the opportunity for so many subplots.",
"And who's moving - in any sense - in this novel?",
"Where's the \"bildung?",
"\" The denouement?",
"The dsillusionner?",
"I must have skimmed the wrong paragraph.",
"I do agree that parts of the novel are very engaging.",
"They are.",
"And, like some other readers, I did enjoy the events in Algeria.",
"This is the strongest part of the novel, perhaps because it is not so deeply stuck in the protagonist's life that had the unfortunate knack of boring me in the first-person!",
"(Yeah, that's what I mean.",
") Overall, the novel is just a bit overdone.",
"I prefer a bildungsroman - if that's what this should be - to show me a growth, not tell me all about the all-too-interesting things that happened along the way.",
"If you're the kind of person who can sit for hours and listen to a friend tell you endless stories about herself that you can't help but suspect are just a tad trumped up, then you might really dig into this novel.",
"Otherwise you might have an experience more like mine which was one of detached interest.",
"For my part, I was relieved that I could close the book whenever I wanted to quiet my jabbery friend."
] |
Overall this is a very good game. But I give it onyl 3 stars because there is really not much difference between this and Madden 2001 for the PS2.
I was really expecting a lot more out of the latest version of the Madden series from EA Sports. If you own Madden 2001 for the PS2 and are considering buying the 2002 version, rent it first. There aren't very many significant improvements over 2001. The 2 biggest that I've noticed thus far are that the wide receivers have more catch animations this year. You're not getting the same pirouette that was the standard catch motion for the receivers in 2001.
The 2nd thing I really like is that you can now save a game in the middle. This has come in very handy.
But some of the things in 2002 (and many other recent selections from EA Sports) signify, at least to me, that EA Sports is resting on its laurels...
* Returning punts is nearly impossible. In order to do so, I've had to pull a tackle off the line of scrimmage and run him back to block for my guy. The guys on the outside blocking the gunners simply give up. They just let the defenders on through.
* Gameplay needs some attention. I am lucky to register one sack a game, but the computer wil routinely sack my QB 3-4 times a game. This is in spite of the fact that my lines are rated much higher than the computer's lines.
Those are just a few things. The Madden series continues to dominate the arena of football games for consoles, but I've begun to think this is by default. I am a fan and Madden is certainly worth owning, but I will be buying NFL 2K2 for the PS2 to compre the 2. | 1 | neutral | [
"Overall this is a very good game.",
"But I give it onyl 3 stars because there is really not much difference between this and Madden 2001 for the PS2.",
"I was really expecting a lot more out of the latest version of the Madden series from EA Sports.",
"If you own Madden 2001 for the PS2 and are considering buying the 2002 version, rent it first.",
"There aren't very many significant improvements over 2001.",
"The 2 biggest that I've noticed thus far are that the wide receivers have more catch animations this year.",
"You're not getting the same pirouette that was the standard catch motion for the receivers in 2001.",
"The 2nd thing I really like is that you can now save a game in the middle.",
"This has come in very handy.",
"But some of the things in 2002 (and many other recent selections from EA Sports) signify, at least to me, that EA Sports is resting on its laurels...",
"* Returning punts is nearly impossible.",
"In order to do so, I've had to pull a tackle off the line of scrimmage and run him back to block for my guy.",
"The guys on the outside blocking the gunners simply give up.",
"They just let the defenders on through.",
"* Gameplay needs some attention.",
"I am lucky to register one sack a game, but the computer wil routinely sack my QB 3-4 times a game.",
"This is in spite of the fact that my lines are rated much higher than the computer's lines.",
"Those are just a few things.",
"The Madden series continues to dominate the arena of football games for consoles, but I've begun to think this is by default.",
"I am a fan and Madden is certainly worth owning, but I will be buying NFL 2K2 for the PS2 to compre the 2."
] |
This game is pretty simple, although I did have to look up a few hints. It was enjoyable, although It's more 3 1/2 stars for fun/overall.
The good parts of the game:
.The graphics are pretty good, although except for brief "movie" shots you don't see their faces clearly. They walk "normally", although they all seem to have a bad case of arthritis.
. Plot wasn't the best, but done well enough to keep the story flowing, I like a little more meat in my plots, but it was good just the same.
. Most of puzzles are easy enough to solve, except the colored balls one, which was very frustrating and I finally looked up the answer.
. There isn't a lot of back and forth on this game, you can't go in places until you triggered something and you can't leave a building unless you've gotten/seen everything, which can make many parts of the game seem way too easy.
. The talking isn't lengthy like in some adventure games, you don't have to pick what to say/ask, it does it for you, but the conversations can go on a bit, but you can click through them.
The bad parts:
. The character voices aren't very good, but the main character has a nice voice.
. You can't reset puzzles, so always save before doing one.
. Putting things together in inventory to make something else can sometimes seem like a ridiculous way of doing things, in my world anyhow, but I've found this true in all adventure games. However, you don't have to worry about doing it wrong, it won't let you use the object(s) till you've combined them right, kind of makes many puzzles/solutions seem way too easy, enough clicking/combining and you can figure it out even if you have no clue what your doing.
. Like most adventure games, some sequences of events don't make any sense at all, ie had to look up hints.
. They apparently didn't have a spell checker/editor. There are double commas and several misspellings, words different than the actual speaking dialogue, etc.
. The character movements are very s l o w. You can't make him run, but luckily you can cut to the entrance by double clicking the door icon, if you click it once you have to watch him walk w/his arthritic bones.
Bottom line: I liked the game, it was an enjoyable diversion, probably a good beginner game, I found it a bit boring after having finished the Syberia series. I would have liked to see more scenes in each phase of the game and be able to explore more. | 1 | neutral | [
"This game is pretty simple, although I did have to look up a few hints.",
"It was enjoyable, although It's more 3 1/2 stars for fun/overall.",
"The good parts of the game:.",
"The graphics are pretty good, although except for brief \"movie\" shots you don't see their faces clearly.",
"They walk \"normally\", although they all seem to have a bad case of arthritis.",
".",
"Plot wasn't the best, but done well enough to keep the story flowing, I like a little more meat in my plots, but it was good just the same.",
".",
"Most of puzzles are easy enough to solve, except the colored balls one, which was very frustrating and I finally looked up the answer.",
".",
"There isn't a lot of back and forth on this game, you can't go in places until you triggered something and you can't leave a building unless you've gotten/seen everything, which can make many parts of the game seem way too easy.",
".",
"The talking isn't lengthy like in some adventure games, you don't have to pick what to say/ask, it does it for you, but the conversations can go on a bit, but you can click through them.",
"The bad parts:.",
"The character voices aren't very good, but the main character has a nice voice.",
".",
"You can't reset puzzles, so always save before doing one.",
".",
"Putting things together in inventory to make something else can sometimes seem like a ridiculous way of doing things, in my world anyhow, but I've found this true in all adventure games.",
"However, you don't have to worry about doing it wrong, it won't let you use the object(s) till you've combined them right, kind of makes many puzzles/solutions seem way too easy, enough clicking/combining and you can figure it out even if you have no clue what your doing.",
".",
"Like most adventure games, some sequences of events don't make any sense at all, ie had to look up hints.",
".",
"They apparently didn't have a spell checker/editor.",
"There are double commas and several misspellings, words different than the actual speaking dialogue, etc.",
".",
"The character movements are very s l o w.",
"You can't make him run, but luckily you can cut to the entrance by double clicking the door icon, if you click it once you have to watch him walk w/his arthritic bones.",
"Bottom line: I liked the game, it was an enjoyable diversion, probably a good beginner game, I found it a bit boring after having finished the Syberia series.",
"I would have liked to see more scenes in each phase of the game and be able to explore more."
] |
There seems to be a school in recent horror thriller writing that involves promising extreme grotesqueries (whether or not they are ever delivered), hiding key aspects of character-POV from the reader (even when the story or part of the story is told from the character's POV), creating tension out of dozens of small events (most of which don't tie to the plot), and assuming that evil-doers get more of a thrill out of planning elaborate acts of evil than actually doing the evil itself (I call this the "Saw" effect).
If these things don't bother you, you will probably enjoy this book. If you don't enjoy these trends, I suggest you skip this book.
This story involves three young boys who are spending the summer together. The three are camping in Jack's backyard. They're in that twilight age before high school and the parts of the book that work involve Hamill's ability to convey what friendship looks like at this stage of life. In the extensive woods behind Jack's house, they discover a building that appears to be abandoned and an envelope full of money and a cryptic note. The three are drawn, in varying degrees, into discovering the secrets of the house.
The idea of the story is an interesting one. The puzzles are intriguing at first and it's interesting to see the boys tackle them. But it simply goes on too long and there is too much pseudo-danger, from other sources, that never amounts to anything. The boys have to go back to the building multiple times and having them revisit the house over and over again and go through the same rooms becomes almost unbearably tedious.
The ending is deeply unsatisfying, to the point where I almost felt the frustration physically. Before this point, I had realized I was in the hands of an author who was more committed to a certain style of modern horror fiction than the dynamics of a good story, but the ending really drove it home. There were elements of this book that are very entertaining. I mostly read it on the bus and it did make the commute go fast. But I can't really recommend it -- it feels more constructed than a good book should. | 1 | neutral | [
"There seems to be a school in recent horror thriller writing that involves promising extreme grotesqueries (whether or not they are ever delivered), hiding key aspects of character-POV from the reader (even when the story or part of the story is told from the character's POV), creating tension out of dozens of small events (most of which don't tie to the plot), and assuming that evil-doers get more of a thrill out of planning elaborate acts of evil than actually doing the evil itself (I call this the \"Saw\" effect).",
"If these things don't bother you, you will probably enjoy this book.",
"If you don't enjoy these trends, I suggest you skip this book.",
"This story involves three young boys who are spending the summer together.",
"The three are camping in Jack's backyard.",
"They're in that twilight age before high school and the parts of the book that work involve Hamill's ability to convey what friendship looks like at this stage of life.",
"In the extensive woods behind Jack's house, they discover a building that appears to be abandoned and an envelope full of money and a cryptic note.",
"The three are drawn, in varying degrees, into discovering the secrets of the house.",
"The idea of the story is an interesting one.",
"The puzzles are intriguing at first and it's interesting to see the boys tackle them.",
"But it simply goes on too long and there is too much pseudo-danger, from other sources, that never amounts to anything.",
"The boys have to go back to the building multiple times and having them revisit the house over and over again and go through the same rooms becomes almost unbearably tedious.",
"The ending is deeply unsatisfying, to the point where I almost felt the frustration physically.",
"Before this point, I had realized I was in the hands of an author who was more committed to a certain style of modern horror fiction than the dynamics of a good story, but the ending really drove it home.",
"There were elements of this book that are very entertaining.",
"I mostly read it on the bus and it did make the commute go fast.",
"But I can't really recommend it -- it feels more constructed than a good book should."
] |
Bought this to replace my laptop briefcase bag. Overall, price is great, appearance and size are great, and lots of pockets. I like the depth of the water bottle pockets and the zipper pouch on the lower back side of the pack. Yes, the stitching looks cheap, and the shoulder straps are thin. Regarding the should straps, they are comfortable. Also, if you are worried about the stitching, get a needle and thread and fix it if it comes loose. The deal breaker for me was one missing option. This pack has no pocket that has individual organized places to store pens, a key lanyard, or small pigeon hole pockets. you just have to throw all your stuff in a compartment and let it pile up like the bottom of a woman's purse. Mailing it back today. | 1 | neutral | [
"Bought this to replace my laptop briefcase bag.",
"Overall, price is great, appearance and size are great, and lots of pockets.",
"I like the depth of the water bottle pockets and the zipper pouch on the lower back side of the pack.",
"Yes, the stitching looks cheap, and the shoulder straps are thin.",
"Regarding the should straps, they are comfortable.",
"Also, if you are worried about the stitching, get a needle and thread and fix it if it comes loose.",
"The deal breaker for me was one missing option.",
"This pack has no pocket that has individual organized places to store pens, a key lanyard, or small pigeon hole pockets.",
"you just have to throw all your stuff in a compartment and let it pile up like the bottom of a woman's purse.",
"Mailing it back today."
] |
When it has came down to what Lorde has shown in her music from the beginning, it has been a hit and a miss. The hit came with Royals, and the stride of the anthem. The miss came down to the song Team, and the lagging heart she showed in the song. Tennis Court unfortunately delivers the same lagging heart that shows in the same way that Team did. The third single isn't as astride as well as Royals showed when it had came out. I just found the song to miss what she had when she came out. It really isn't as strong as what could've been. She still has a lot going for her, if she finds better to match her voice. But lets hope that there is better for love than this song is on the tennis court. She should make something fresh and new.
Song: C- | 1 | neutral | [
"When it has came down to what Lorde has shown in her music from the beginning, it has been a hit and a miss.",
"The hit came with Royals, and the stride of the anthem.",
"The miss came down to the song Team, and the lagging heart she showed in the song.",
"Tennis Court unfortunately delivers the same lagging heart that shows in the same way that Team did.",
"The third single isn't as astride as well as Royals showed when it had came out.",
"I just found the song to miss what she had when she came out.",
"It really isn't as strong as what could've been.",
"She still has a lot going for her, if she finds better to match her voice.",
"But lets hope that there is better for love than this song is on the tennis court.",
"She should make something fresh and new.",
"Song: C-"
] |
I think it would be very difficult, as a layperson, to confirm or deny the claims of this eye cream in regards to its cellular effects on the skin. It's an expensive cream and there's a definite tendency for most humans to bias towards "this works" if we spend on it, so I'm just going to go by what I can see with my own eyes.
I did a test with this eye cream over and against plain old vaseline. I used each one for two weeks, and checked the results each morning both with and without makeup.
I have pretty bad allergies, so my eye area has been getting red and irritated. My dermatologist recommended that I moisturize the area heavily, and he basically said - "use whatever you want as long as it doesn't further irritate the skin and keeps it moist." I ordered this cream shortly after.
On the pro side, it's easy to get the right amount with one pump. It has pretty good coverage and it absorbs fairly quickly, but not so fast that it feels drying. It doesn't feel sticky or heavy. It didn't have any negative interactions with my allergies either. When I applied makeup over it, I noticed fewer lines (due to the moisture in the skin) and the dark circles around my eyes were easier to cover. When I didn't apply makeup I felt that over all my skin around the eye area looked less irritated and sunken. It is unscented, which I appreciate.
In terms of negatives - this stuff is so expensive. It's not very much product, and it recommends twice a day application for best results, so you are going to run out of it FAST. I can't imagine having the budget to buy this every 3 months. It also expires quickly, but if you use it as directed you won't even need to worry about that.
When I compared it to the results of Vaseline by itself, it came out ahead for application - using Vaseline around your eyes (at night only) is sticky, and if you wipe your face you can smear it around onto your pillow. Vaseline doesn't exacerbate most allergies either, so it's a tie there. The place Vaseline wins out is the LENGTH of time you stay moisturized. You only need to apply it once, at night, to get the same basic visual effect that you get with Obagi.
Over all I'd say this is not worth the investment. If you want a good eye cream, there are plenty of products that claim to do the same sort of thing and probably have about the same level of effectiveness. This product is okay, but it didn't wow me in any way. | 1 | neutral | [
"I think it would be very difficult, as a layperson, to confirm or deny the claims of this eye cream in regards to its cellular effects on the skin.",
"It's an expensive cream and there's a definite tendency for most humans to bias towards \"this works\" if we spend on it, so I'm just going to go by what I can see with my own eyes.",
"I did a test with this eye cream over and against plain old vaseline.",
"I used each one for two weeks, and checked the results each morning both with and without makeup.",
"I have pretty bad allergies, so my eye area has been getting red and irritated.",
"My dermatologist recommended that I moisturize the area heavily, and he basically said - \"use whatever you want as long as it doesn't further irritate the skin and keeps it moist.",
"\" I ordered this cream shortly after.",
"On the pro side, it's easy to get the right amount with one pump.",
"It has pretty good coverage and it absorbs fairly quickly, but not so fast that it feels drying.",
"It doesn't feel sticky or heavy.",
"It didn't have any negative interactions with my allergies either.",
"When I applied makeup over it, I noticed fewer lines (due to the moisture in the skin) and the dark circles around my eyes were easier to cover.",
"When I didn't apply makeup I felt that over all my skin around the eye area looked less irritated and sunken.",
"It is unscented, which I appreciate.",
"In terms of negatives - this stuff is so expensive.",
"It's not very much product, and it recommends twice a day application for best results, so you are going to run out of it FAST.",
"I can't imagine having the budget to buy this every 3 months.",
"It also expires quickly, but if you use it as directed you won't even need to worry about that.",
"When I compared it to the results of Vaseline by itself, it came out ahead for application - using Vaseline around your eyes (at night only) is sticky, and if you wipe your face you can smear it around onto your pillow.",
"Vaseline doesn't exacerbate most allergies either, so it's a tie there.",
"The place Vaseline wins out is the LENGTH of time you stay moisturized.",
"You only need to apply it once, at night, to get the same basic visual effect that you get with Obagi.",
"Over all I'd say this is not worth the investment.",
"If you want a good eye cream, there are plenty of products that claim to do the same sort of thing and probably have about the same level of effectiveness.",
"This product is okay, but it didn't wow me in any way."
] |
This machine is pretty basic and will get you through what you need to do for occasional sewing. I got this as a gift on my bridal registry a few years ago and finally took it out of the box and have been using it a lot to make baby shower gifts and other small projects.
When using the zig zag stitch, the upper thread is constantly jamming mid-way through. It is very annoying, especially when it's the binding stitch on a baby blanket. It looks messy with extra starts and stops. It also does this with the straight stitch too. The needle bent pretty easily when it hit one my pins. There's no escaping a lot of pins when working with minky fabric. I've used it for fleece, minky, cotton and flannel, so no super heavy fabrics.
Now that I've used this for several projects, I am looking into purchasing a better, more capable model and will most likely get one of the computerized Brother machines which are highly rated and in the $150 range on Amazon. This one is just ok for basic sewing but it is very frustrating when I have to rethread the machine six times on one small baby blanket project (minky and flannel, nothing too crazy there, with the appropriate needle type). My husband is sick of hearing me curse at it when rethreading yet again mid-sewing. | 1 | neutral | [
"This machine is pretty basic and will get you through what you need to do for occasional sewing.",
"I got this as a gift on my bridal registry a few years ago and finally took it out of the box and have been using it a lot to make baby shower gifts and other small projects.",
"When using the zig zag stitch, the upper thread is constantly jamming mid-way through.",
"It is very annoying, especially when it's the binding stitch on a baby blanket.",
"It looks messy with extra starts and stops.",
"It also does this with the straight stitch too.",
"The needle bent pretty easily when it hit one my pins.",
"There's no escaping a lot of pins when working with minky fabric.",
"I've used it for fleece, minky, cotton and flannel, so no super heavy fabrics.",
"Now that I've used this for several projects, I am looking into purchasing a better, more capable model and will most likely get one of the computerized Brother machines which are highly rated and in the $150 range on Amazon.",
"This one is just ok for basic sewing but it is very frustrating when I have to rethread the machine six times on one small baby blanket project (minky and flannel, nothing too crazy there, with the appropriate needle type).",
"My husband is sick of hearing me curse at it when rethreading yet again mid-sewing."
] |
I think many people already mentioned this product has pros and cons as everything in this life. Well, this tent light has positive and negative things. First of all, I use this product in a Coleman tent of about 8-feet x 8-feet. It is bright enough to help you during a night, not to read o play cards, just enough light to move within the tent. Consider that there is a new model with leds instead this krypton bulb but costs almost as double as this is. The advantage of having magnets (and a metal plate) to mount it on the tent gives you the advantage of putting it virtually in any place of the tent. Most of the lanterns have to be mounted (hang them) on the top of the tent, but this is practically to be mounted anywere in your tent. Particularly I place it right at the top of the tent's door.
Maybe having two of them for my tent would be nice and bright enough if I put them in opposite walls, but I'm not gonna do that because I already own a Brunton Glorb Four LED Lantern, wich gives a poor light to be a four leds, but combining this and the Coleman is enough light.
The main cons I found in this Coleman tent light is its brightness, enough to see inside the tent but no more. Again consider that newest models of Led lanterns will give more brighter light than this on (but maybe they will cost more tha this one). It is heavy for backpacking but quite well in my case because I do car camping. So, again, consider that a Led Lanter can be smaller and lighter. As consequence of its weight, you have to be cautios were you place it, and consider that it will make your tent sag in that zone you place it.
The best thing of it is the idea of the magnets and the mounting plate. This idea gives you a kind of freedom to put this lamp in the best place according to your criteria and your needs and not only have a lamp/lantern on top of your tent. | 1 | neutral | [
"I think many people already mentioned this product has pros and cons as everything in this life.",
"Well, this tent light has positive and negative things.",
"First of all, I use this product in a Coleman tent of about 8-feet x 8-feet.",
"It is bright enough to help you during a night, not to read o play cards, just enough light to move within the tent.",
"Consider that there is a new model with leds instead this krypton bulb but costs almost as double as this is.",
"The advantage of having magnets (and a metal plate) to mount it on the tent gives you the advantage of putting it virtually in any place of the tent.",
"Most of the lanterns have to be mounted (hang them) on the top of the tent, but this is practically to be mounted anywere in your tent.",
"Particularly I place it right at the top of the tent's door.",
"Maybe having two of them for my tent would be nice and bright enough if I put them in opposite walls, but I'm not gonna do that because I already own a Brunton Glorb Four LED Lantern, wich gives a poor light to be a four leds, but combining this and the Coleman is enough light.",
"The main cons I found in this Coleman tent light is its brightness, enough to see inside the tent but no more.",
"Again consider that newest models of Led lanterns will give more brighter light than this on (but maybe they will cost more tha this one).",
"It is heavy for backpacking but quite well in my case because I do car camping.",
"So, again, consider that a Led Lanter can be smaller and lighter.",
"As consequence of its weight, you have to be cautios were you place it, and consider that it will make your tent sag in that zone you place it.",
"The best thing of it is the idea of the magnets and the mounting plate.",
"This idea gives you a kind of freedom to put this lamp in the best place according to your criteria and your needs and not only have a lamp/lantern on top of your tent."
] |
The whole "poser" thing has always evaded me. For those of you who are unfamiliar with such a thing, a poser is someone who pretends to be something they're not for superficial social gain. How does this relate to Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII? Here's why: it tries to be a high-thrills flight game that puts you into the most intense dogfights of World War II, but it's actually just a ho-hum game that offers very little to a genre that already has classics like Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and the Ace Combat series. Just like that fully-dressed skater boy that can't roll down a hill without skinning his knee, Blazing Angels tries but crashes and burns.
Blazing Angels loses its focus in several ways. First of all, it throws you, an unnamed "Angel," into all of World War II's most perlious battles. You'll defend London one day, scout North Africa the next, only to end up getting surprised by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor the next. Sure, for the sake of a game, this is pretty nice--it takes you to some beautiful and varied locations--but in terms of a story, which Blazing Angels tries pretty hard to include, it ends up being as butchered as Bessie the cow at White's Meat Market. I didn't find the characters to be annoying or anything like that, I just couldn't escape the strange feeling of this in-game squad being everywhere to save the day.
Aside from the story, I wonder what in the world Ubisoft Romania was thinking when they crafted this game's engine. As early as the training mission, you're asked to get used to what has to be the bane of this entire game: A camera system that focuses on your current target, which spins the camera angle in all sorts of directions and forces you to awkwardly adjust your flight path in order to shoot at your target. Although you don't have to use this system, it's recommended, and to complete some of the timed mission objectives, you almost have to learn it. The controls as a whole just aren't fast or tight enough to offer the thrill that other games offer; and although the game itself is fast-paced, the controls don't reflect this.
If Ubisoft wanted a realistic shooter, why'd they give you unlimited missles, unlimited fuel, and even more strangely, invulnerable squadmates? Your three squadmates, all of whom can execute some sort of special ability, simply can't die. One of them has an ability that draws attention to his plane and away from yours, but even when six or seven bogeys are hot on his tail, he'll manage to survive, thus giving way to the easy pleasure of your shooting them down. Just as strange, one of your squadmates will analyze your ship's damage and give you a four-button cue that allows you to "heal" your ship. You have the ability to use this power several times throughout the mission, which allows you to take copious amounts of damage with little to no circumstances. I also found it funny when I'd hear the same analysis two or three times throughout a mission. I mean, there's only so many times you can switch fuel lines before your plane explodes.
Visually, Blazing Angels is above average. I'll give it props for its realistic sense of speed, beautiful lighting effects, and impressive landscapes. However, I'll never get over the constant banter from enemy ships. I can't even count the times I heard the same broken, cheaply accented line out of German planes, or even more annoying, the Japanese ones.
Blazing Angels doesn't quite make its landing onto the aircraft carrier of excellent flight games. Instead, it comes in far too low, smacking the side of the carrier and diving into the salty depths of the ocean. If you're looking into a flight game, check out some of the older classics like Crimson Skies or Ace Combat. This game just doesn't have the meat of those titles. | 1 | neutral | [
"The whole \"poser\" thing has always evaded me.",
"For those of you who are unfamiliar with such a thing, a poser is someone who pretends to be something they're not for superficial social gain.",
"How does this relate to Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII?",
"Here's why: it tries to be a high-thrills flight game that puts you into the most intense dogfights of World War II, but it's actually just a ho-hum game that offers very little to a genre that already has classics like Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and the Ace Combat series.",
"Just like that fully-dressed skater boy that can't roll down a hill without skinning his knee, Blazing Angels tries but crashes and burns.",
"Blazing Angels loses its focus in several ways.",
"First of all, it throws you, an unnamed \"Angel,\" into all of World War II's most perlious battles.",
"You'll defend London one day, scout North Africa the next, only to end up getting surprised by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor the next.",
"Sure, for the sake of a game, this is pretty nice--it takes you to some beautiful and varied locations--but in terms of a story, which Blazing Angels tries pretty hard to include, it ends up being as butchered as Bessie the cow at White's Meat Market.",
"I didn't find the characters to be annoying or anything like that, I just couldn't escape the strange feeling of this in-game squad being everywhere to save the day.",
"Aside from the story, I wonder what in the world Ubisoft Romania was thinking when they crafted this game's engine.",
"As early as the training mission, you're asked to get used to what has to be the bane of this entire game: A camera system that focuses on your current target, which spins the camera angle in all sorts of directions and forces you to awkwardly adjust your flight path in order to shoot at your target.",
"Although you don't have to use this system, it's recommended, and to complete some of the timed mission objectives, you almost have to learn it.",
"The controls as a whole just aren't fast or tight enough to offer the thrill that other games offer; and although the game itself is fast-paced, the controls don't reflect this.",
"If Ubisoft wanted a realistic shooter, why'd they give you unlimited missles, unlimited fuel, and even more strangely, invulnerable squadmates?",
"Your three squadmates, all of whom can execute some sort of special ability, simply can't die.",
"One of them has an ability that draws attention to his plane and away from yours, but even when six or seven bogeys are hot on his tail, he'll manage to survive, thus giving way to the easy pleasure of your shooting them down.",
"Just as strange, one of your squadmates will analyze your ship's damage and give you a four-button cue that allows you to \"heal\" your ship.",
"You have the ability to use this power several times throughout the mission, which allows you to take copious amounts of damage with little to no circumstances.",
"I also found it funny when I'd hear the same analysis two or three times throughout a mission.",
"I mean, there's only so many times you can switch fuel lines before your plane explodes.",
"Visually, Blazing Angels is above average.",
"I'll give it props for its realistic sense of speed, beautiful lighting effects, and impressive landscapes.",
"However, I'll never get over the constant banter from enemy ships.",
"I can't even count the times I heard the same broken, cheaply accented line out of German planes, or even more annoying, the Japanese ones.",
"Blazing Angels doesn't quite make its landing onto the aircraft carrier of excellent flight games.",
"Instead, it comes in far too low, smacking the side of the carrier and diving into the salty depths of the ocean.",
"If you're looking into a flight game, check out some of the older classics like Crimson Skies or Ace Combat.",
"This game just doesn't have the meat of those titles."
] |
3.5 stars.
Very cute story of Liam, a guy in an abusive relationship, and Marcus, the vampire in a coma that he visits regularly at the hospital.
It was a bit hard to connect to the characters at the beginning, especially to Marcus. While in a way I understand Liam's emotional paralysis due to the abuse he has to endure, I wasn't able to see nuances in Marcus' behavior. He's "bossy" attitude grated on me a little bit, it took me a while to find his emotions.
I think the author did a good job at giving Liam time to learn to take hold of his life. He didn't really become assertive, but at least he began to face life. Marcus was a good dominant, always trying to gauge Liam's reaction and not to push his limits, showing an admirable restraint. There is attraction, but not overtly healing sex.
I enjoyed the story, but I didn't find the intensity of other books by Kim Dare. It was as if something was missing. I don't know if the way the story is told was a factor. The story begins after an episode of abuse, with a few flashbacks of Liam's previous visits. I think a linear story telling would have been more effective. Also, I got that vampires are dominants and humans are submissive, but this fact remained a sort of axiom, from which all the rest derived. I like seeing the need of submission, but I didn't really see it here, so I wasn't really blown away by the story. | 1 | neutral | [
"3.",
"5 stars.",
"Very cute story of Liam, a guy in an abusive relationship, and Marcus, the vampire in a coma that he visits regularly at the hospital.",
"It was a bit hard to connect to the characters at the beginning, especially to Marcus.",
"While in a way I understand Liam's emotional paralysis due to the abuse he has to endure, I wasn't able to see nuances in Marcus' behavior.",
"He's \"bossy\" attitude grated on me a little bit, it took me a while to find his emotions.",
"I think the author did a good job at giving Liam time to learn to take hold of his life.",
"He didn't really become assertive, but at least he began to face life.",
"Marcus was a good dominant, always trying to gauge Liam's reaction and not to push his limits, showing an admirable restraint.",
"There is attraction, but not overtly healing sex.",
"I enjoyed the story, but I didn't find the intensity of other books by Kim Dare.",
"It was as if something was missing.",
"I don't know if the way the story is told was a factor.",
"The story begins after an episode of abuse, with a few flashbacks of Liam's previous visits.",
"I think a linear story telling would have been more effective.",
"Also, I got that vampires are dominants and humans are submissive, but this fact remained a sort of axiom, from which all the rest derived.",
"I like seeing the need of submission, but I didn't really see it here, so I wasn't really blown away by the story."
] |
This reviews goes to the long term health of the PS3 and if it is worth the investment. Ultimately the success of a system is determined by the size of the user base. It is the amount of software sales that drive the true profits of a system. My question is if Sony has committed a fatal error by assuming a base of 20 million plus people will spend 600.00 for a console. While the die hards will not have a problem, what about the fence sitters? I believe that question has been answered by simply going to your local Target. While there are no Wiis to be found, most Targets, Best Buys etc have several PS3s just sitting around. The fact that a system is so readily available so shortly after launch means that there is no longer the great demand and this is due to the price. Since the price includes a Blu Ray player and the PS3 games require Blu Ray discs, Sony has painted itself into a corner. It is already losing money and cannot create a non-blu ray version that will allow for a cut to 300 bucks. So, it appears that the decision to use the PS3 as a sort of trojan horse for Blu Ray may have doomed the PS3. I fear there wil not be the tens of millions willing to spend the big bucks when a simliar lower price system is already available. Had the PS3 not inlcuded Blu Ray and debuted at the same price as the XBOX 360, it would have been a huge success. | 1 | neutral | [
"This reviews goes to the long term health of the PS3 and if it is worth the investment.",
"Ultimately the success of a system is determined by the size of the user base.",
"It is the amount of software sales that drive the true profits of a system.",
"My question is if Sony has committed a fatal error by assuming a base of 20 million plus people will spend 600.",
"00 for a console.",
"While the die hards will not have a problem, what about the fence sitters?",
"I believe that question has been answered by simply going to your local Target.",
"While there are no Wiis to be found, most Targets, Best Buys etc have several PS3s just sitting around.",
"The fact that a system is so readily available so shortly after launch means that there is no longer the great demand and this is due to the price.",
"Since the price includes a Blu Ray player and the PS3 games require Blu Ray discs, Sony has painted itself into a corner.",
"It is already losing money and cannot create a non-blu ray version that will allow for a cut to 300 bucks.",
"So, it appears that the decision to use the PS3 as a sort of trojan horse for Blu Ray may have doomed the PS3.",
"I fear there wil not be the tens of millions willing to spend the big bucks when a simliar lower price system is already available.",
"Had the PS3 not inlcuded Blu Ray and debuted at the same price as the XBOX 360, it would have been a huge success."
] |
I work on board tug boats in the harbor of NY/NJ and wanted a waterproof cold weather glove to handle wet lines during the winter, or to wear in a cold rain where every other garment of mine is warm and waterproof.
This is a decent glove if you don't plan on actually getting it wet. (putting it under a faucet isn't really a good test). In actual use, I've found that the gloves are more water "resistant", not waterproof. They start out fine, but after 10 minutes of handling wet lines, the inside starts to get wet and cold real fast. I still wear them, but shelf them for PVC lobsterman gloves when I know they're really going to get wet.
On the flip side, if you're only going to get them wet occasionally, or accidentally, these will be fine. (chances are though, such people won't be shopping for a glove labeled "waterPROOF"). There could also be more insulation... in the future, I don't think I'll consider a glove with a thin fleece lining to be a "winter" glove.
On the good side, the dexterity is good, enough to operate a handheld VHF radio, (dont expect to send text messages with them) and after 3 months of constant abuse, they've held up great.
3 stars though for not living up to a major selling point. | 1 | neutral | [
"I work on board tug boats in the harbor of NY/NJ and wanted a waterproof cold weather glove to handle wet lines during the winter, or to wear in a cold rain where every other garment of mine is warm and waterproof.",
"This is a decent glove if you don't plan on actually getting it wet.",
"(putting it under a faucet isn't really a good test).",
"In actual use, I've found that the gloves are more water \"resistant\", not waterproof.",
"They start out fine, but after 10 minutes of handling wet lines, the inside starts to get wet and cold real fast.",
"I still wear them, but shelf them for PVC lobsterman gloves when I know they're really going to get wet.",
"On the flip side, if you're only going to get them wet occasionally, or accidentally, these will be fine.",
"(chances are though, such people won't be shopping for a glove labeled \"waterPROOF\").",
"There could also be more insulation...",
"in the future, I don't think I'll consider a glove with a thin fleece lining to be a \"winter\" glove.",
"On the good side, the dexterity is good, enough to operate a handheld VHF radio, (dont expect to send text messages with them) and after 3 months of constant abuse, they've held up great.",
"3 stars though for not living up to a major selling point."
] |
I have had this for nearly a month now. I had high hopes for this software ... perhaps too high. When I came here tonight to write my final assessment, I noticed that I was not alone in my frustrations. As noted by others, for the most part, it worked surprising well (however, I was also surprised when the dictate function on my iPhone worked so well). BUT, corrections are insanely frustrating (to the point where I wondered if this could actually become less of a convenience and more of a nuance to a fairly proficient typist).
Likewise, little quirks and bugs prevented me from walking about my office and dictating (which is what I am most likely to do). Likewise can be said of when I am inserting textual evidence from a book or an article. I found that if I failed to maintain a close watch on the computer screen, my work might be lost and even more time wasted.
For me, as an academic who needs to insert ample evidence and maintain strict MLA Style, I do not believe it is possible to use this software at this time. Nonetheless, I have tremendously high hopes that Dragon will continuing perfecting it product so that students and people with reading and dexterity challenges can use this as a priceless learning tool. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have had this for nearly a month now.",
"I had high hopes for this software...",
"perhaps too high.",
"When I came here tonight to write my final assessment, I noticed that I was not alone in my frustrations.",
"As noted by others, for the most part, it worked surprising well (however, I was also surprised when the dictate function on my iPhone worked so well).",
"BUT, corrections are insanely frustrating (to the point where I wondered if this could actually become less of a convenience and more of a nuance to a fairly proficient typist).",
"Likewise, little quirks and bugs prevented me from walking about my office and dictating (which is what I am most likely to do).",
"Likewise can be said of when I am inserting textual evidence from a book or an article.",
"I found that if I failed to maintain a close watch on the computer screen, my work might be lost and even more time wasted.",
"For me, as an academic who needs to insert ample evidence and maintain strict MLA Style, I do not believe it is possible to use this software at this time.",
"Nonetheless, I have tremendously high hopes that Dragon will continuing perfecting it product so that students and people with reading and dexterity challenges can use this as a priceless learning tool."
] |
I just received my order and these are my initial impressions.
I like the simple and elegant design of this flatware. Because of the J.A. Henckels name attached to them, I found myself looking at details on them I probably would not have otherwise.
The packaging is decent. Most pieces are all individually wrapped in plastic, then each similar grouping is held together by a rubber band. Those pieces survived shipping just fine. However, the front five pieces on display are tied directly up against cardboard with twist ties. This causes them to be slightly loose and jiggle which caused a noticeable amount of minor scratches on their backsides already. Probably not a big deal though considering those sides will be placed on a variety of surfaces over their lifetime and get the same, if not more, amount of scratching. But receiving them in that condition was slightly disappointing.
Also, I had one of the larger soup spoons that did not have its edge finished properly which creates a "rough" feeling against skin. Specifically the edge on the end of the spoon that might be placed on the mouth making it even more noticeable. This speaks to unacceptable quality control when it comes to the J.A. Henckels name. I've sent them an e-mail asking how to replace it and I'm sure they will assist me.
Lastly, a very ridiculous nitpick on the quality. The tips of the knives are all just slightly different. Almost imperceptible, but if they are all placed side by side, one is able to discern a very slight discrepancy on how each was finished. Some are a bit more angular, while others are a bit more rounded. Each is different and not standardized. Again, if you don't place them directly side by side and stare at them analytically, you'd never notice. I just thought it worth mentioning to clarify if someone is shopping online and wanted some details to consider for price vs quality choices.
That all said, this set is about $100 and most people will probably only shower you with compliments on your choice to buy these. | 1 | neutral | [
"I just received my order and these are my initial impressions.",
"I like the simple and elegant design of this flatware.",
"Because of the J.",
"A. Henckels name attached to them, I found myself looking at details on them I probably would not have otherwise.",
"The packaging is decent.",
"Most pieces are all individually wrapped in plastic, then each similar grouping is held together by a rubber band.",
"Those pieces survived shipping just fine.",
"However, the front five pieces on display are tied directly up against cardboard with twist ties.",
"This causes them to be slightly loose and jiggle which caused a noticeable amount of minor scratches on their backsides already.",
"Probably not a big deal though considering those sides will be placed on a variety of surfaces over their lifetime and get the same, if not more, amount of scratching.",
"But receiving them in that condition was slightly disappointing.",
"Also, I had one of the larger soup spoons that did not have its edge finished properly which creates a \"rough\" feeling against skin.",
"Specifically the edge on the end of the spoon that might be placed on the mouth making it even more noticeable.",
"This speaks to unacceptable quality control when it comes to the J.",
"A. Henckels name.",
"I've sent them an e-mail asking how to replace it and I'm sure they will assist me.",
"Lastly, a very ridiculous nitpick on the quality.",
"The tips of the knives are all just slightly different.",
"Almost imperceptible, but if they are all placed side by side, one is able to discern a very slight discrepancy on how each was finished.",
"Some are a bit more angular, while others are a bit more rounded.",
"Each is different and not standardized.",
"Again, if you don't place them directly side by side and stare at them analytically, you'd never notice.",
"I just thought it worth mentioning to clarify if someone is shopping online and wanted some details to consider for price vs quality choices.",
"That all said, this set is about $100 and most people will probably only shower you with compliments on your choice to buy these."
] |
I realise these notebooks are expensive and honestly, I took quite some time to actually order them, even knowing that it included three 'free' months of Premium Evernote.
In the end, I bought this note just for the premium trial of Evernote - I've been enjoying the free version for awhile and wondered if the grass was greener on the paid side of the fence. Truthfully, not so much.
While the notebook has a cute Evernote themed design on the cover and it is a Moleskine, it isn't anything special. It doesn't digitize written notes, it doesn't include any brackets to assist with camera lineup when photographing the page. I could be using a piece of scratch paper and Evernote would still react the same to the notes written on it.
If you absolutely love Evernote and want to show off that you're willing to pay $20 for a notebook, then buy it. But in the future, I'll pay the $5/month for Premium and use regular notebooks.
***UPDATE July 2014***
I happened to be on the Evernote products page of their website and see that they've re-designed the Moleskine books and now have Evernote Business notebooks that do include brackets for lining up the camera to photo the page. This comes with a price tag of $33!! | 1 | neutral | [
"I realise these notebooks are expensive and honestly, I took quite some time to actually order them, even knowing that it included three 'free' months of Premium Evernote.",
"In the end, I bought this note just for the premium trial of Evernote - I've been enjoying the free version for awhile and wondered if the grass was greener on the paid side of the fence.",
"Truthfully, not so much.",
"While the notebook has a cute Evernote themed design on the cover and it is a Moleskine, it isn't anything special.",
"It doesn't digitize written notes, it doesn't include any brackets to assist with camera lineup when photographing the page.",
"I could be using a piece of scratch paper and Evernote would still react the same to the notes written on it.",
"If you absolutely love Evernote and want to show off that you're willing to pay $20 for a notebook, then buy it.",
"But in the future, I'll pay the $5/month for Premium and use regular notebooks.",
"***UPDATE July 2014***\nI happened to be on the Evernote products page of their website and see that they've re-designed the Moleskine books and now have Evernote Business notebooks that do include brackets for lining up the camera to photo the page.",
"This comes with a price tag of $33!!"
] |
Sorry but I don't feel this is the best of the Hammer Frankenstein series. That honor belongs to REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN. I even found CURSE more satisfying. The film starts with the mad Baron, wearing an ugly mask, decapitating a critic of his work. Considering he had been sort of heroic in the previous film, where did this Baron suddenly come from? The writing in this series was very inconsistent. The Hammer DRACULA series is much better overall.
Anyway, the movie seems more interested in a look at society's evils and less on the Frankenstein legend. All the Baron does is transplant a brain from one man to another. The man who created life and transplanted souls is little more than a mad doctor in this film. And having Frankenstein rape the woman was totally out of character for the Baron, thrown in by the producer. None of the actors wanted it used.
True it has all the famous Hammer expertise. It looks very atmospheric and gothic, is well acted and directed. But it left me wanting to see a real FRANKENSTEIN movie. | 1 | neutral | [
"Sorry but I don't feel this is the best of the Hammer Frankenstein series.",
"That honor belongs to REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN.",
"I even found CURSE more satisfying.",
"The film starts with the mad Baron, wearing an ugly mask, decapitating a critic of his work.",
"Considering he had been sort of heroic in the previous film, where did this Baron suddenly come from?",
"The writing in this series was very inconsistent.",
"The Hammer DRACULA series is much better overall.",
"Anyway, the movie seems more interested in a look at society's evils and less on the Frankenstein legend.",
"All the Baron does is transplant a brain from one man to another.",
"The man who created life and transplanted souls is little more than a mad doctor in this film.",
"And having Frankenstein rape the woman was totally out of character for the Baron, thrown in by the producer.",
"None of the actors wanted it used.",
"True it has all the famous Hammer expertise.",
"It looks very atmospheric and gothic, is well acted and directed.",
"But it left me wanting to see a real FRANKENSTEIN movie."
] |
I ordered the 25th Anniversary Special Edition . . .
Instead, the seller sent the original disc dated 1990 in a DVD case with no cover artwork . . .
The disc did play - so I just decided to keep it.
I was pretty disappointed bc this DVD was not the Special edition as advertised, and also does not have any Special features . . . but the seller gave me about 3/4 of my money back - so,i guess it's all good.
I've bought about 75 DVDs in the last 18 months or so - this was the first time I ever got one that was the wrong disc and had no cover art.
I guess I been pretty lucky.
Make sure when you get the disc it has the same picture as shown (Costner-horse-American flag) and is dated 2014 or 2015 - that will be the 25th Anniversary Edition. It will also have special features about the making of the movie. | 1 | neutral | [
"I ordered the 25th Anniversary Special Edition.",
".",
".",
"Instead, the seller sent the original disc dated 1990 in a DVD case with no cover artwork.",
".",
".",
"The disc did play - so I just decided to keep it.",
"I was pretty disappointed bc this DVD was not the Special edition as advertised, and also does not have any Special features.",
".",
".",
"but the seller gave me about 3/4 of my money back - so,i guess it's all good.",
"I've bought about 75 DVDs in the last 18 months or so - this was the first time I ever got one that was the wrong disc and had no cover art.",
"I guess I been pretty lucky.",
"Make sure when you get the disc it has the same picture as shown (Costner-horse-American flag) and is dated 2014 or 2015 - that will be the 25th Anniversary Edition.",
"It will also have special features about the making of the movie."
] |
The set I ordered are the 220/330 rated ones. First the dimensions. 1/4 inch thick by 3/4 wide. 20 1/2 inches long. Made of plain steel strap material. A single bolt places the pivot point at 7 3/4 inches up from the working end. The working end is a plain and simple notch. Not the compound affair depicted in the photo. That photo shows a compound notch that would allow you to use this setter on a long spring trap as well as a BG trap. Not so. Just a simple notch. With the pivot point @ 7 3/4 inches that leaves precious little arm length to generate leverage. I tried this setter on one of my Duke 220 BG. I was able to compress those springs , but its not likely I or this tool will safely compress the springs on a 330. On a 220 the jaws are starting to spring out and deform.
Some have suggested adding extensions , cheaters to the handle. Yes that can be done and it will generate greater force and ease setting springs. I wouldnt recommend that as Im afraid the pivot bolt and jaws are pretty much maxed out as is. Putting cheaters on the arms will surely subject the tool to far more force than it could safely handle.
So. For 220 and below its a decent tool for its price. If you have 330 BG do yourselves a favor and get a tougher tool. | 1 | neutral | [
"The set I ordered are the 220/330 rated ones.",
"First the dimensions.",
"1/4 inch thick by 3/4 wide.",
"20 1/2 inches long.",
"Made of plain steel strap material.",
"A single bolt places the pivot point at 7 3/4 inches up from the working end.",
"The working end is a plain and simple notch.",
"Not the compound affair depicted in the photo.",
"That photo shows a compound notch that would allow you to use this setter on a long spring trap as well as a BG trap.",
"Not so.",
"Just a simple notch.",
"With the pivot point @ 7 3/4 inches that leaves precious little arm length to generate leverage.",
"I tried this setter on one of my Duke 220 BG.",
"I was able to compress those springs , but its not likely I or this tool will safely compress the springs on a 330.",
"On a 220 the jaws are starting to spring out and deform.",
"Some have suggested adding extensions , cheaters to the handle.",
"Yes that can be done and it will generate greater force and ease setting springs.",
"I wouldnt recommend that as Im afraid the pivot bolt and jaws are pretty much maxed out as is.",
"Putting cheaters on the arms will surely subject the tool to far more force than it could safely handle.",
"So.",
"For 220 and below its a decent tool for its price.",
"If you have 330 BG do yourselves a favor and get a tougher tool."
] |
This is a fantastic idea really. You own a studio you produce movies you create stars you even uploading them the in the net so you can get critics on them. Do you want more? Ok here it comes with the virtual money you earn from the game you can go to the site [...] and buy clothes to dress your stars or as i read somewhere pretty soon you will be able to buy furniture or jewelry and other stuff for your movies. Sounds good uh? Well it is good sometimes very good with sense of humor almost top quality graphics. I did find some problems with the sound but they were not that important to stop me for playing. I don't know if I like this game that much because I am a cinema fanatic and deep inside me I always wanted to become a Hollywood producer.
The bad news is that non experienced gamers will face major problems as the tutorial is not at the standards of a difficult game like this. The other thing that made me to give these fabulous program only three stars in the overall rating
is the fact that you are going to need many hours to spend to develop all the options of the game and as we all know nobody has spare time these days even for a very good production like this on.
I think you will not waste your money in any case if you buy this game. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a fantastic idea really.",
"You own a studio you produce movies you create stars you even uploading them the in the net so you can get critics on them.",
"Do you want more?",
"Ok here it comes with the virtual money you earn from the game you can go to the site [...",
"] and buy clothes to dress your stars or as i read somewhere pretty soon you will be able to buy furniture or jewelry and other stuff for your movies.",
"Sounds good uh?",
"Well it is good sometimes very good with sense of humor almost top quality graphics.",
"I did find some problems with the sound but they were not that important to stop me for playing.",
"I don't know if I like this game that much because I am a cinema fanatic and deep inside me I always wanted to become a Hollywood producer.",
"The bad news is that non experienced gamers will face major problems as the tutorial is not at the standards of a difficult game like this.",
"The other thing that made me to give these fabulous program only three stars in the overall rating\n\n is the fact that you are going to need many hours to spend to develop all the options of the game and as we all know nobody has spare time these days even for a very good production like this on.",
"I think you will not waste your money in any case if you buy this game."
] |
This was another three dollar find in a bin at the resale shop. When I was a kid I loved watching my friends or my brother's friends play this game and many other PS1 games that would later be heralded as classics. I really didn't enjoy playing the games myself, because even my pre teen self in the mid 90s knew that the controls were absolute garbage. Here I am twenty years later trying this classic again, and my opinion hasn't changed.
I can't say much about the game because I can't make it further than the first screen on the first board of the game. You're thrown down in a little cave at the beginning, and your first task is to blindly shoot at a couple of animals who were just minding their own business. Then you have to find a way out vertically.
The first jump you have to make in this game is ridiculous. You have to make it to the adjacent rock. There is a wall to your right preventing you from making a clean jump which also makes the camera go nuts. Be prepared to make a lot of blind jumps. It took me twenty minutes to jump to that rock which I promptly fell off. Another ten minutes go by and I made that jump and got a little further up until I slid off a rock and all the way back down due to the horrible camera angle. I actually tried to break the controller in half. I have never been so mad at a game.
So there you have it, that is my review. I couldn't make it further than the first screen. If you want a classic tomb raiding experience that you may actually enjoy, check out Tomb Raider Anniversary. It's a blast, and I actually finished that game. | 1 | neutral | [
"This was another three dollar find in a bin at the resale shop.",
"When I was a kid I loved watching my friends or my brother's friends play this game and many other PS1 games that would later be heralded as classics.",
"I really didn't enjoy playing the games myself, because even my pre teen self in the mid 90s knew that the controls were absolute garbage.",
"Here I am twenty years later trying this classic again, and my opinion hasn't changed.",
"I can't say much about the game because I can't make it further than the first screen on the first board of the game.",
"You're thrown down in a little cave at the beginning, and your first task is to blindly shoot at a couple of animals who were just minding their own business.",
"Then you have to find a way out vertically.",
"The first jump you have to make in this game is ridiculous.",
"You have to make it to the adjacent rock.",
"There is a wall to your right preventing you from making a clean jump which also makes the camera go nuts.",
"Be prepared to make a lot of blind jumps.",
"It took me twenty minutes to jump to that rock which I promptly fell off.",
"Another ten minutes go by and I made that jump and got a little further up until I slid off a rock and all the way back down due to the horrible camera angle.",
"I actually tried to break the controller in half.",
"I have never been so mad at a game.",
"So there you have it, that is my review.",
"I couldn't make it further than the first screen.",
"If you want a classic tomb raiding experience that you may actually enjoy, check out Tomb Raider Anniversary.",
"It's a blast, and I actually finished that game."
] |
Saw this movie in a theatre when it first came out and was flabbergasted. Saw it again last Saturday night and was less impressed. Sissy is cute, and she gets Loretta Lynn across, but I had to suspend my disbelief a little more consciously when it came to her accent. At least she didn't method act, nor did the even better Jones who stole the movie. And, I thought Beverly D. was dreadful as the great Patsy Cline. The mention of her death is given almost nothing in this film, so I disrespect that. L.L. comes across as a good old girl entertainer who filled a needed role in country music, but no way was she a singer like some of the greats. l also thought it was dumb and self conscious for Spacek, and even moreso D'Angelo, to do their own singing. As I'm fond of saying and am self satisfied to state, having first realized this in high school, just because you can sing doesn't mean people want to listen to you. So listen up singers, including American Idleists, do you truly believe anyone would listen to you of their own volition? There's no need to strain to meet the consensus taste if you don't agree. | 1 | neutral | [
"Saw this movie in a theatre when it first came out and was flabbergasted.",
"Saw it again last Saturday night and was less impressed.",
"Sissy is cute, and she gets Loretta Lynn across, but I had to suspend my disbelief a little more consciously when it came to her accent.",
"At least she didn't method act, nor did the even better Jones who stole the movie.",
"And, I thought Beverly D.",
"was dreadful as the great Patsy Cline.",
"The mention of her death is given almost nothing in this film, so I disrespect that.",
"L.",
"L. comes across as a good old girl entertainer who filled a needed role in country music, but no way was she a singer like some of the greats.",
"l also thought it was dumb and self conscious for Spacek, and even moreso D'Angelo, to do their own singing.",
"As I'm fond of saying and am self satisfied to state, having first realized this in high school, just because you can sing doesn't mean people want to listen to you.",
"So listen up singers, including American Idleists, do you truly believe anyone would listen to you of their own volition?",
"There's no need to strain to meet the consensus taste if you don't agree."
] |
This album is not the Michael Jackson that we all know now. With this album he could have been the KING OF DISCO. This album is all disco and all happy go lucky songs except She's Out Of My Life, but we all know he seldom is able to find happiness in his own life. The only thing I think truly makes him happy are his own children and all the wonderful children around the world. Michael has improved in every album. You cannot use the amount a record sells all the time to decide whether or not an artist is good or bad. You need people who really truly enjoy, love, and appreciate music to decide if a record is good or bad. If you like disco this is the perfect album for you. In my opinion Michael's true solo career started when Thriller was released. From Thriller to HIStory Michael proves that he is the KING OF POP. I believe that sometimes if Michael doesn't beat one of his old records it's because of 2 reasons one could be that some people believe all the tabloid lies and false accusations and allegations. Another is that they really just don't like that style of music. The last is that they just want to follow the croud. I only gave this album a low rating because I really don't like disco too much, but I did like the songs OFF THE WALL and She's Out Of My Life. | 1 | neutral | [
"This album is not the Michael Jackson that we all know now.",
"With this album he could have been the KING OF DISCO.",
"This album is all disco and all happy go lucky songs except She's Out Of My Life, but we all know he seldom is able to find happiness in his own life.",
"The only thing I think truly makes him happy are his own children and all the wonderful children around the world.",
"Michael has improved in every album.",
"You cannot use the amount a record sells all the time to decide whether or not an artist is good or bad.",
"You need people who really truly enjoy, love, and appreciate music to decide if a record is good or bad.",
"If you like disco this is the perfect album for you.",
"In my opinion Michael's true solo career started when Thriller was released.",
"From Thriller to HIStory Michael proves that he is the KING OF POP.",
"I believe that sometimes if Michael doesn't beat one of his old records it's because of 2 reasons one could be that some people believe all the tabloid lies and false accusations and allegations.",
"Another is that they really just don't like that style of music.",
"The last is that they just want to follow the croud.",
"I only gave this album a low rating because I really don't like disco too much, but I did like the songs OFF THE WALL and She's Out Of My Life."
] |
If you're here because you know Steve Winwood only from his 1980s career and his singing on the Spencer Davis Group's _Gimme Some Lovin'_ and are curious to explore more, you might be happier with his personal box set, _The Finer Things_. But, if you remember Traffic from the early 1970s heyday of AOR radio, then this is a very good summation, or introduction, depending. If you remember them from their 1960s pop phase, then you a) probably still have your vinyl Traffic albums and maybe some 45s, and b) are most likely British. In the present era of micro-marketed music, where the parabola from hero to punchline is so cruelly short, its hard to believe that bands once had the freedom to explore so widely as Traffic did. It's even more amazing that the results were often popular, frequently good, and still endure.
Traffic was formed twice, with Winwood going to join Eric Clapton's Blind Faith in the interim. The first incarnation is the one that "got it together in the country", though the music doesn't sound like The Band, or even especially pastoral. Rather, it sounds like AM radio psychedelia. But then we come to their first classic, "Dear Mister Fantasy". The tinny sound is gone, and Winwood begins making his mark as possibly the most multi-talented musician of his era. He never lost his R&B leanings, most forcefully exhibited in the proto-funk of "Medicated Goo". Ventures into fusion produced wonderful instrumentals like "Glad", dolorous shouters like "Freedom Rider", and the imposingly light-heaviness of "The Low Spark of High Heel Boys". The creeping black jazz bass figure alternates with a hard rock keyboard attack, with the whole song shot through with the corruscating sound of a electronically distorted saxophone. This song is not their only peak, but it may well be the highest peak in the range. The rest of the disc is ordinary-sounding rock, and will not include the casual fan's favorites.
A nod must be given to secondary songwriter Dave Mason, who is Entwistle to Winwood's Townshend. His bouncy "You Can All Join In" and "Feelin' Alright" are a nice change from the more serious numbers. "Feelin' Alright" here is to Joe Cocker's remake as Badfinger's "Without You" is to Nillson's remake of that song--good and simple as opposed to good and colorful.
_Smiling Phases_ is too big by about a third for my tastes, but bigger fans of Traffic than me will love every yowl of Winwood's, every drumshot from Capaldi, every strum from Mason, and so on. Interestingly, the very good liner notes do not claim immortality for the band, but instead remark in passing on Traffic's fading from the popular mind. Too bad, but this is a filled-to-bursting keepsake. | 1 | neutral | [
"If you're here because you know Steve Winwood only from his 1980s career and his singing on the Spencer Davis Group's _Gimme Some Lovin'_ and are curious to explore more, you might be happier with his personal box set, _The Finer Things_.",
"But, if you remember Traffic from the early 1970s heyday of AOR radio, then this is a very good summation, or introduction, depending.",
"If you remember them from their 1960s pop phase, then you a) probably still have your vinyl Traffic albums and maybe some 45s, and b) are most likely British.",
"In the present era of micro-marketed music, where the parabola from hero to punchline is so cruelly short, its hard to believe that bands once had the freedom to explore so widely as Traffic did.",
"It's even more amazing that the results were often popular, frequently good, and still endure.",
"Traffic was formed twice, with Winwood going to join Eric Clapton's Blind Faith in the interim.",
"The first incarnation is the one that \"got it together in the country\", though the music doesn't sound like The Band, or even especially pastoral.",
"Rather, it sounds like AM radio psychedelia.",
"But then we come to their first classic, \"Dear Mister Fantasy\".",
"The tinny sound is gone, and Winwood begins making his mark as possibly the most multi-talented musician of his era.",
"He never lost his R&B leanings, most forcefully exhibited in the proto-funk of \"Medicated Goo\".",
"Ventures into fusion produced wonderful instrumentals like \"Glad\", dolorous shouters like \"Freedom Rider\", and the imposingly light-heaviness of \"The Low Spark of High Heel Boys\".",
"The creeping black jazz bass figure alternates with a hard rock keyboard attack, with the whole song shot through with the corruscating sound of a electronically distorted saxophone.",
"This song is not their only peak, but it may well be the highest peak in the range.",
"The rest of the disc is ordinary-sounding rock, and will not include the casual fan's favorites.",
"A nod must be given to secondary songwriter Dave Mason, who is Entwistle to Winwood's Townshend.",
"His bouncy \"You Can All Join In\" and \"Feelin' Alright\" are a nice change from the more serious numbers.",
"\"Feelin' Alright\" here is to Joe Cocker's remake as Badfinger's \"Without You\" is to Nillson's remake of that song--good and simple as opposed to good and colorful.",
"_Smiling Phases_ is too big by about a third for my tastes, but bigger fans of Traffic than me will love every yowl of Winwood's, every drumshot from Capaldi, every strum from Mason, and so on.",
"Interestingly, the very good liner notes do not claim immortality for the band, but instead remark in passing on Traffic's fading from the popular mind.",
"Too bad, but this is a filled-to-bursting keepsake."
] |
This bubble blower was easily the best quality construction of the 3 we tried, however it didn't produce any more bubbles than the cheap big box store's version. Yes the cheap battery powered one quit working first time we tested it, but it made the same or more bubbles as this one. Then we tried a "non name" metal box bubble blower and it's a lawsuit waiting to happen. It failed too. This Chauvet did work and continued to work for hours in testing, however the number of bubbles was really just average. We tried commercial bubble solution and home made. Neither produced the bubbles we needed. It's probably perfect for a photographer who just needs some bubbles, but for a club or show... it's not going to cut it (at least in my opinion.) But it is professional made and seems to have good components. | 1 | neutral | [
"This bubble blower was easily the best quality construction of the 3 we tried, however it didn't produce any more bubbles than the cheap big box store's version.",
"Yes the cheap battery powered one quit working first time we tested it, but it made the same or more bubbles as this one.",
"Then we tried a \"non name\" metal box bubble blower and it's a lawsuit waiting to happen.",
"It failed too.",
"This Chauvet did work and continued to work for hours in testing, however the number of bubbles was really just average.",
"We tried commercial bubble solution and home made.",
"Neither produced the bubbles we needed.",
"It's probably perfect for a photographer who just needs some bubbles, but for a club or show...",
"it's not going to cut it (at least in my opinion.",
") But it is professional made and seems to have good components."
] |
I am glad that I purchased this CD. I am a fan of the blues, and especially 60's bands that experimented with horns like The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and B S & T. I first listened to Mike Bloomfield with the release of The Supersession album with Al Kooper and Stephen Stills. I enjoy this first Electric Flag CD very much; however, it was a disappointment in a way. I expected the same Mike Bloomfield who played on Supersession and the first few Paul Butterfield albums, especially since some things I had read cited this collection of songs as the "real" blues as opposed to the Paul Butterfield sound or even B S & T's post Al Kooper albums. I am sorry but I don't agree there. I wouldn't buy this unless you are serious about blues music and the way it changed during the 60's rock era. But I am the type of fan who listens to B S & T's first album and does not believe that everything artistically ended there. Implying that is just stupid. The second album with David Clayton Thomas is a classic too, and I enjoy it every bit as much. Personally, I like different styles. This is why this album is great for me, although I felt disappointment when I first listened to it, because it isn't Mike Bloomfield at his best. For me, it didn't live up to the hype I read. Would I buy it again? Yes, for the same reason that I listen to B S & T with or without Al Kooper and for the same reason that I savor Chicago's early albums and still enjoy their new things too. | 1 | neutral | [
"I am glad that I purchased this CD.",
"I am a fan of the blues, and especially 60's bands that experimented with horns like The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and B S & T.",
"I first listened to Mike Bloomfield with the release of The Supersession album with Al Kooper and Stephen Stills.",
"I enjoy this first Electric Flag CD very much; however, it was a disappointment in a way.",
"I expected the same Mike Bloomfield who played on Supersession and the first few Paul Butterfield albums, especially since some things I had read cited this collection of songs as the \"real\" blues as opposed to the Paul Butterfield sound or even B S & T's post Al Kooper albums.",
"I am sorry but I don't agree there.",
"I wouldn't buy this unless you are serious about blues music and the way it changed during the 60's rock era.",
"But I am the type of fan who listens to B S & T's first album and does not believe that everything artistically ended there.",
"Implying that is just stupid.",
"The second album with David Clayton Thomas is a classic too, and I enjoy it every bit as much.",
"Personally, I like different styles.",
"This is why this album is great for me, although I felt disappointment when I first listened to it, because it isn't Mike Bloomfield at his best.",
"For me, it didn't live up to the hype I read.",
"Would I buy it again?",
"Yes, for the same reason that I listen to B S & T with or without Al Kooper and for the same reason that I savor Chicago's early albums and still enjoy their new things too."
] |
A dangerous storm, all alone in a big house, and neighbors who have wanted to do you for awhile ... what more does a single mom need to get some much needed action? That is the "plot" of this short story. The idea is good, but it seems to be taken way over the top. The woman on woman portion was well written as you felt one woman's passion while also sensing the other's hesitation. Once they both let go, it is very sexy encounter.
However I felt the story lost something when the husband called his neighbor a MILF and a cougar while wanting to have sex with her in front of his wife. While I usually prefer the stories to have a little dialogue as well as the sex....this conversation would have been better left unsaid. The ending seemed rushed as well...maybe more about the feelings that had to be running in the neighbor's mind?
Not a bad read, the sex scenes are scorching and it is a good fantasy read. I just would have liked some better dialogue, especially from the man, to complete the story. Three and a half stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"A dangerous storm, all alone in a big house, and neighbors who have wanted to do you for awhile...",
"what more does a single mom need to get some much needed action?",
"That is the \"plot\" of this short story.",
"The idea is good, but it seems to be taken way over the top.",
"The woman on woman portion was well written as you felt one woman's passion while also sensing the other's hesitation.",
"Once they both let go, it is very sexy encounter.",
"However I felt the story lost something when the husband called his neighbor a MILF and a cougar while wanting to have sex with her in front of his wife.",
"While I usually prefer the stories to have a little dialogue as well as the sex....",
"this conversation would have been better left unsaid.",
"The ending seemed rushed as well...",
"maybe more about the feelings that had to be running in the neighbor's mind?",
"Not a bad read, the sex scenes are scorching and it is a good fantasy read.",
"I just would have liked some better dialogue, especially from the man, to complete the story.",
"Three and a half stars."
] |
I play basketball regularly at my church and school and I wanted something very basic to improve my skills at home. This hoops brand, reviews, and price seemingly made it an easy choose. after playing with this hoop for about two weeks I thought it would be good to share my thoughts.
Price: 5/5 cheapest around for a good brand.
Construction: 2/5 the plastic base is thin and the backboard is too light. The rim is solid. The straight design means you have to be careful to not hit the pole any time you drive in and a LOT of shots will bounce off the base. You will be chasing the ball often.
Assembly: 5/5 put it together by myself in about an hour.
Functionality: 2/5 I bought this to hone some basic skills at home. Sadly it's just to unstable. The backboard is not study enough (shots do not bounce well) and the straight pole makes for lots of bounces as the ball falls.
Conclusion 3/5: if you have absolutely no more money or if you are purchasing this for a child it is a decent, useable hoop. However if you are remotely serious about improving your skills or having an authentic basketball experience at home I'd spend more for a higher quality hoop. | 1 | neutral | [
"I play basketball regularly at my church and school and I wanted something very basic to improve my skills at home.",
"This hoops brand, reviews, and price seemingly made it an easy choose.",
"after playing with this hoop for about two weeks I thought it would be good to share my thoughts.",
"Price: 5/5 cheapest around for a good brand.",
"Construction: 2/5 the plastic base is thin and the backboard is too light.",
"The rim is solid.",
"The straight design means you have to be careful to not hit the pole any time you drive in and a LOT of shots will bounce off the base.",
"You will be chasing the ball often.",
"Assembly: 5/5 put it together by myself in about an hour.",
"Functionality: 2/5 I bought this to hone some basic skills at home.",
"Sadly it's just to unstable.",
"The backboard is not study enough (shots do not bounce well) and the straight pole makes for lots of bounces as the ball falls.",
"Conclusion 3/5: if you have absolutely no more money or if you are purchasing this for a child it is a decent, useable hoop.",
"However if you are remotely serious about improving your skills or having an authentic basketball experience at home I'd spend more for a higher quality hoop."
] |
I really do not want to give this book three stars, but it will have to do as I can't decide between one or five. I'll get back to that dilemma below. First of all, I want to say that this is beautifully and consistently written. Al's voice feels genuine in as much as the author never wavers from it. The story is short, but efficiently told. I found it difficult to put the book down and so essentially I didn't - until I had finished the whole thing. The characters, both Al - whose first person POV drives the story forward ruthlessly - and Larry - who we get to know in an intelligent if circumspect way via Al's observations - are three-dimensional, fleshed out, real, consistent. The supporting cast of more or less supportive family and friends also come across as real. I got a good sense of who they were. It probably helped that this is a British book with British cultural references. In the spirit of the ironclad British class system, it means something to me when I'm told where someone does their shopping. So that was nice.
But the class aspect of this book is also my big dilemma. I can't decide whether it's a brilliant commentary on unfair social systems (particularly the education system) or if it's an insulting parody of working class culture. Al is in many ways brilliant. He's a great painter, he's an attentive partner, he sometimes makes observations that are surprisingly intelligent but stripped of every last scrap of pretension. He also comes across in a way that made me wonder whether he was supposed to have some sort of intellectual disability. And then I thought, maybe the very point of this book is that he struggles with some disability but he still "deserves" love. Why should intellectual disability stop someone from having a meaningful relationship with a person who happens to be a professional academic at one of the most prestigious universities in the world? And why indeed. I absolutely accept that.
But is Al supposed to be disabled? Or is he just supposed to be working-class? Similarly, Al's mother is almost parodically working-class. From her bingo-playing to her garish taste in clothes, she could be the star of a Little Britain sketch. British culture is rife with these class attributes, and they are liberally used in this book. Sure, Al and his mother come across favourably compared to Larry's anxiously middle-class parents, but there is something of the noble savage about it that just doesn't sit well with me.
Despite my concerns about the political correctness of this book (social commentary or social mick-take?), I would recommend it. It's fun, unusual, well written and well paced. It was my introduction to Merrow's work and I will definitely see what else she has produced. | 1 | neutral | [
"I really do not want to give this book three stars, but it will have to do as I can't decide between one or five.",
"I'll get back to that dilemma below.",
"First of all, I want to say that this is beautifully and consistently written.",
"Al's voice feels genuine in as much as the author never wavers from it.",
"The story is short, but efficiently told.",
"I found it difficult to put the book down and so essentially I didn't - until I had finished the whole thing.",
"The characters, both Al - whose first person POV drives the story forward ruthlessly - and Larry - who we get to know in an intelligent if circumspect way via Al's observations - are three-dimensional, fleshed out, real, consistent.",
"The supporting cast of more or less supportive family and friends also come across as real.",
"I got a good sense of who they were.",
"It probably helped that this is a British book with British cultural references.",
"In the spirit of the ironclad British class system, it means something to me when I'm told where someone does their shopping.",
"So that was nice.",
"But the class aspect of this book is also my big dilemma.",
"I can't decide whether it's a brilliant commentary on unfair social systems (particularly the education system) or if it's an insulting parody of working class culture.",
"Al is in many ways brilliant.",
"He's a great painter, he's an attentive partner, he sometimes makes observations that are surprisingly intelligent but stripped of every last scrap of pretension.",
"He also comes across in a way that made me wonder whether he was supposed to have some sort of intellectual disability.",
"And then I thought, maybe the very point of this book is that he struggles with some disability but he still \"deserves\" love.",
"Why should intellectual disability stop someone from having a meaningful relationship with a person who happens to be a professional academic at one of the most prestigious universities in the world?",
"And why indeed.",
"I absolutely accept that.",
"But is Al supposed to be disabled?",
"Or is he just supposed to be working-class?",
"Similarly, Al's mother is almost parodically working-class.",
"From her bingo-playing to her garish taste in clothes, she could be the star of a Little Britain sketch.",
"British culture is rife with these class attributes, and they are liberally used in this book.",
"Sure, Al and his mother come across favourably compared to Larry's anxiously middle-class parents, but there is something of the noble savage about it that just doesn't sit well with me.",
"Despite my concerns about the political correctness of this book (social commentary or social mick-take?",
"), I would recommend it.",
"It's fun, unusual, well written and well paced.",
"It was my introduction to Merrow's work and I will definitely see what else she has produced."
] |
I clearly stand in the minority when I say that I found "Thriller" to be slightly overrated. Personally, The Jackson's "Destiny", the percursor to Michael's quintuple of releases from "Off the Wall" to "HIStory", leading into "Off the Wall" is where the brilliance shines most brightly. "Destiny" didn't feel as crafty as "Thriller" did. Don't get me wrong, lesser celebrated songs like "Baby Be Mine", "Lady in My Life" and "Wanna Be Startin'' Something" are classics in their own right. But "Destiny" early on heralded Michael's ubitquitous talents. "Off the Wall" astounded in its rhythmic acumen.
"Thriller" became "the must have" album for the masses. The masses practically missed "Destiny". Though it sold 2 million units, it deserved to sell much more. "Off the Wall" sold 8 million copies.....four fold what "Destiny" did. "Destiny" was far more my destiny. | 1 | neutral | [
"I clearly stand in the minority when I say that I found \"Thriller\" to be slightly overrated.",
"Personally, The Jackson's \"Destiny\", the percursor to Michael's quintuple of releases from \"Off the Wall\" to \"HIStory\", leading into \"Off the Wall\" is where the brilliance shines most brightly.",
"\"Destiny\" didn't feel as crafty as \"Thriller\" did.",
"Don't get me wrong, lesser celebrated songs like \"Baby Be Mine\", \"Lady in My Life\" and \"Wanna Be Startin'' Something\" are classics in their own right.",
"But \"Destiny\" early on heralded Michael's ubitquitous talents.",
"\"Off the Wall\" astounded in its rhythmic acumen.",
"\"Thriller\" became \"the must have\" album for the masses.",
"The masses practically missed \"Destiny\".",
"Though it sold 2 million units, it deserved to sell much more.",
"\"Off the Wall\" sold 8 million copies....",
".",
"four fold what \"Destiny\" did.",
"\"Destiny\" was far more my destiny."
] |
I have owned the e71x for over two years. I still have it and will probably use it until it dies. This phone has one shining feature; it is as tough as nails! I love the size, features and durability of the e71x. But all is not perfect in paradise. Although this phone has a lot to love, it has a lot of problems. So here is an idea of what is like to own the e71x.
THE THINGS I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE E71X:
1. The OS: Nokia stopped supporting the Symbian S60 3rd Edition OS almost immediately after they released it. There are lots of glitches with this OS that need to be fixed via updates, but Nokia does not care. There are thousands of e71x users like me that have begged them to fix the problems with this OS and we get no response. The e71x hit the market about the time of the Iphone and it did not get the huge reception that Nokia wanted, so the just abandoned it. That really stinks and shows poor character for a large company like Nokia.
2. App Support: If I were going to buy this phone again, I would buy the e71 and not the e71x. The e71 and the e71x are identical except for the OS. Somehow, even though they claim to have the same OS (Symbian S60 3rd Edition), some apps that will go work on the e71, will not work on the e71x. So there a lot fewer apps for the e71x. But what really irritates me is that of the few apps that are available for the e71x, 9 out of 10 are not stand alone apps, but require network data support to even start up. So if you are like me, a person who thinks it is dumb to pay $60 a month for a data plan on a phone that has wifi, then you will be ticked to find that most of the apps for the e71x require a data plan. I don't mean that some of their feature will not work if you don't have a data plan, I mean that they will not even start up if they don't find a data connection. And just in case your are thinking of it; no, they will not recognized a wifi connection. So after two years of owning this phone, I have only found a couple apps that will work on it without a data plan. I can tell you positively that, they people that engineered the OS for the e71x, deliberately made it in a way so as to force you to buy a data plan. I paid top dollar to buy my phone so that I would not have pay for a data a plan that I would not use. It really, really chaps me that AT&T and Nokia conspired together to do what they did.
3. Battery Life: The battery life of the e71x is pretty bad. I seldom make it through a day without having to charge my phone. The most I get out of it is a couple hours of talk time. I have bought new OEM batteries for it, but they die just as quick as the old ones. And just wait until you turn wifi on. Oh my! You can literally watch the battery meter go down. I am not sure what kills the battery so fast, because this phone has a relatively large battery pack compared to other phones I have used. For one thing, there are no manual controls for screen brightness. The e71x relies on a light sensor to adjust the the screen brightness, but it has never worked on my e71x, so my screen is always at it's brightest. There is a slider control to adjust the sensitivities of the light sensor, but adjusting it has no effect on my phone. Lots of other people have complained about this to Nokia, but as I have said before, Nokia does not care. Oh, and the phone has a light breathing function when not in use that is impossible to turn off. Basically, the phone sits there and slowly lights up and slowly dims, as if it is breathing. So even when you are not using it, it running the battery down.
4. Wifi: The wifi card on the e71x, is pretty weak, but it does work (for the 20 minutes you have battery life). The problem with it is really related to the OS. The e71x has three idles screen themes (really should be called Layouts) and on each of the three themes appears a link to your wifi function. So say you are sitting in a Burger King and want to check if there is a wifi hotspot. You can quickly whip out your phone, click on the wifi link and be scanning for a signal. Great right? Well, unfortunately that link causes your phone to crash three to four times a day, in what is call the infamous "Idle Screen Theme Error". The phone will crash, sound an alarm and then give you the Idle Screen them error, and then come back online. At first you don't notice anything wrong with your idle screen theme until you try to use your wifi. That is when you notice that the wifi link is gone. You then spend the next three days trying figure out what has happened, only to discover that you have once again been the victim of the glitchy Symbian S60 3rd Edition OS and that Nokia has no plans to fix the problem. Now you are stuck with having to dig five menus deep into the phone settings to get to the wifi function, or go through the process of resetting your idle screen theme several times a day.
5. GPS: The e71x does have a gps, but it might as well not. It takes no less then 5 minutes for it to find satellite signal if you are standing dead still in the wide open. But the really bad thing is that I have not been able to find a single stand alone app that will work with the GPS that does not required a data plan. If you have a data plan and are willing to stand out in the open for five minutes every time you want to use the gps, I guess it might work for you, but for me it is useless.
6. Camera: The camera on the e71x is pretty bad when compared to other cameras of other smartphones with 3.2MP cameras. Have even seen 2MP smartphone cameras that do better. I actually used a panel made up of some friends to judge the quality of two other smartphones (3.2MP & 2MP) against the e71x. The e71x lost hands down. I seldom use it as a result of the poor quality.
THE THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THE E71X:
1. Size and Durability: The e71x is a brick. It is really small for all the features it has and it is built more sturdier then any other smartphone I have held. This was the main reason I bought the e71x in the first place and it has not disappointed me in this regard. I bought a slim anti-slip gel case for it when I first got it and it has been great. It has fallen a few times on concrete, but the phone still looks and functions like it did when it was brand new.
2. Keyboard & Buttons: I am a big man with fat fingers. At first I though I would have a problem with the small keyboard on the e71x, but after a few days of break-in time I was typing away. Like the rest of the phone, the keyboard and the buttons feel solid and after two years of heavy use, still look brand new. Not one single letter or symbol is faded.
3. Screen: The screen is bright and sharp, even if it is small (you can't have everything). I have used screen protectors from day one and it still looks great.
4. Advanced voice calling support: I hate holding a phone to my ear, so I use a bluetooth 99% of the time. I also hate having to pull my phone out of my pocket and look through my address book (over 300 entries) to find a number to call. But I don't have to because the e71x has advance phone calling support. I just have to push and hold the button on my Plantronics Voyager PRO Plus headset and speak the name of the person I want to call. Wallah! That is as easy as it gets.
5. Text to Speech Function: The e71x has text to speech functions and will speak out the name of the person calling if they are in your address book. So say you are driving your car and your phone rings. It's in your pocket and it is difficult to get it out to see who is calling. Not a problem with the e71x. It rings and then says the name of the person (if they are in your address book). If the call is from someone not in address book it just rings, but this tells you that you don't know the person that well and you can decide to let them leave a voicemail if you don't want to take an anonymous call.
6. Bluetooth: Unlike some phone that don't like (or are software restricted from) transferring data with other Bluetooth devices, the e71x seems to be able to connect and transfer to any other Bluetooth device that will talk to it. I Like freedom and hate it when manufactures restrict their products to work only with in their engineered limitations (I am talking about you APPLE!).
Well, that is about it. You should know all you need to know about the e71x now. If this phone had a better OS (or at least better support from Nokia), better camera, better battery life and better apps support, it would be a five star phone. That being said, it is still pretty darn good phone for phone and texting functions, and I would not shy away from buying another, but never at full price again. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have owned the e71x for over two years.",
"I still have it and will probably use it until it dies.",
"This phone has one shining feature; it is as tough as nails!",
"I love the size, features and durability of the e71x.",
"But all is not perfect in paradise.",
"Although this phone has a lot to love, it has a lot of problems.",
"So here is an idea of what is like to own the e71x.",
"THE THINGS I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE E71X:\n\n1.",
"The OS: Nokia stopped supporting the Symbian S60 3rd Edition OS almost immediately after they released it.",
"There are lots of glitches with this OS that need to be fixed via updates, but Nokia does not care.",
"There are thousands of e71x users like me that have begged them to fix the problems with this OS and we get no response.",
"The e71x hit the market about the time of the Iphone and it did not get the huge reception that Nokia wanted, so the just abandoned it.",
"That really stinks and shows poor character for a large company like Nokia.",
"2.",
"App Support: If I were going to buy this phone again, I would buy the e71 and not the e71x.",
"The e71 and the e71x are identical except for the OS.",
"Somehow, even though they claim to have the same OS (Symbian S60 3rd Edition), some apps that will go work on the e71, will not work on the e71x.",
"So there a lot fewer apps for the e71x.",
"But what really irritates me is that of the few apps that are available for the e71x, 9 out of 10 are not stand alone apps, but require network data support to even start up.",
"So if you are like me, a person who thinks it is dumb to pay $60 a month for a data plan on a phone that has wifi, then you will be ticked to find that most of the apps for the e71x require a data plan.",
"I don't mean that some of their feature will not work if you don't have a data plan, I mean that they will not even start up if they don't find a data connection.",
"And just in case your are thinking of it; no, they will not recognized a wifi connection.",
"So after two years of owning this phone, I have only found a couple apps that will work on it without a data plan.",
"I can tell you positively that, they people that engineered the OS for the e71x, deliberately made it in a way so as to force you to buy a data plan.",
"I paid top dollar to buy my phone so that I would not have pay for a data a plan that I would not use.",
"It really, really chaps me that AT&T and Nokia conspired together to do what they did.",
"3.",
"Battery Life: The battery life of the e71x is pretty bad.",
"I seldom make it through a day without having to charge my phone.",
"The most I get out of it is a couple hours of talk time.",
"I have bought new OEM batteries for it, but they die just as quick as the old ones.",
"And just wait until you turn wifi on.",
"Oh my!",
"You can literally watch the battery meter go down.",
"I am not sure what kills the battery so fast, because this phone has a relatively large battery pack compared to other phones I have used.",
"For one thing, there are no manual controls for screen brightness.",
"The e71x relies on a light sensor to adjust the the screen brightness, but it has never worked on my e71x, so my screen is always at it's brightest.",
"There is a slider control to adjust the sensitivities of the light sensor, but adjusting it has no effect on my phone.",
"Lots of other people have complained about this to Nokia, but as I have said before, Nokia does not care.",
"Oh, and the phone has a light breathing function when not in use that is impossible to turn off.",
"Basically, the phone sits there and slowly lights up and slowly dims, as if it is breathing.",
"So even when you are not using it, it running the battery down.",
"4.",
"Wifi: The wifi card on the e71x, is pretty weak, but it does work (for the 20 minutes you have battery life).",
"The problem with it is really related to the OS.",
"The e71x has three idles screen themes (really should be called Layouts) and on each of the three themes appears a link to your wifi function.",
"So say you are sitting in a Burger King and want to check if there is a wifi hotspot.",
"You can quickly whip out your phone, click on the wifi link and be scanning for a signal.",
"Great right?",
"Well, unfortunately that link causes your phone to crash three to four times a day, in what is call the infamous \"Idle Screen Theme Error\".",
"The phone will crash, sound an alarm and then give you the Idle Screen them error, and then come back online.",
"At first you don't notice anything wrong with your idle screen theme until you try to use your wifi.",
"That is when you notice that the wifi link is gone.",
"You then spend the next three days trying figure out what has happened, only to discover that you have once again been the victim of the glitchy Symbian S60 3rd Edition OS and that Nokia has no plans to fix the problem.",
"Now you are stuck with having to dig five menus deep into the phone settings to get to the wifi function, or go through the process of resetting your idle screen theme several times a day.",
"5.",
"GPS: The e71x does have a gps, but it might as well not.",
"It takes no less then 5 minutes for it to find satellite signal if you are standing dead still in the wide open.",
"But the really bad thing is that I have not been able to find a single stand alone app that will work with the GPS that does not required a data plan.",
"If you have a data plan and are willing to stand out in the open for five minutes every time you want to use the gps, I guess it might work for you, but for me it is useless.",
"6.",
"Camera: The camera on the e71x is pretty bad when compared to other cameras of other smartphones with 3.",
"2MP cameras.",
"Have even seen 2MP smartphone cameras that do better.",
"I actually used a panel made up of some friends to judge the quality of two other smartphones (3.",
"2MP & 2MP) against the e71x.",
"The e71x lost hands down.",
"I seldom use it as a result of the poor quality.",
"THE THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THE E71X:\n\n1.",
"Size and Durability: The e71x is a brick.",
"It is really small for all the features it has and it is built more sturdier then any other smartphone I have held.",
"This was the main reason I bought the e71x in the first place and it has not disappointed me in this regard.",
"I bought a slim anti-slip gel case for it when I first got it and it has been great.",
"It has fallen a few times on concrete, but the phone still looks and functions like it did when it was brand new.",
"2.",
"Keyboard & Buttons: I am a big man with fat fingers.",
"At first I though I would have a problem with the small keyboard on the e71x, but after a few days of break-in time I was typing away.",
"Like the rest of the phone, the keyboard and the buttons feel solid and after two years of heavy use, still look brand new.",
"Not one single letter or symbol is faded.",
"3.",
"Screen: The screen is bright and sharp, even if it is small (you can't have everything).",
"I have used screen protectors from day one and it still looks great.",
"4.",
"Advanced voice calling support: I hate holding a phone to my ear, so I use a bluetooth 99% of the time.",
"I also hate having to pull my phone out of my pocket and look through my address book (over 300 entries) to find a number to call.",
"But I don't have to because the e71x has advance phone calling support.",
"I just have to push and hold the button on my Plantronics Voyager PRO Plus headset and speak the name of the person I want to call.",
"Wallah!",
"That is as easy as it gets.",
"5.",
"Text to Speech Function: The e71x has text to speech functions and will speak out the name of the person calling if they are in your address book.",
"So say you are driving your car and your phone rings.",
"It's in your pocket and it is difficult to get it out to see who is calling.",
"Not a problem with the e71x.",
"It rings and then says the name of the person (if they are in your address book).",
"If the call is from someone not in address book it just rings, but this tells you that you don't know the person that well and you can decide to let them leave a voicemail if you don't want to take an anonymous call.",
"6.",
"Bluetooth: Unlike some phone that don't like (or are software restricted from) transferring data with other Bluetooth devices, the e71x seems to be able to connect and transfer to any other Bluetooth device that will talk to it.",
"I Like freedom and hate it when manufactures restrict their products to work only with in their engineered limitations (I am talking about you APPLE!",
").",
"Well, that is about it.",
"You should know all you need to know about the e71x now.",
"If this phone had a better OS (or at least better support from Nokia), better camera, better battery life and better apps support, it would be a five star phone.",
"That being said, it is still pretty darn good phone for phone and texting functions, and I would not shy away from buying another, but never at full price again."
] |
In regards to movies as an art form, `The Talented Mister Ripley' easily scores five stars out of the possible five. However, if you watch movies for pure entertainment, this movie would barely scratch by with one.
Ever since I started getting interested in film I have had frequent debates about what makes a movie great. I guess it really comes down to a combination of art form and raw entertainment. This movie has all the elements a film needs to be a work of art; brilliant cinematography, an equal in quality film score, a close to flawless script, and top notch acting from an all-star cast. Instantly you are in the 50s and surrounded by beautiful Italian landscape. Matt Damon, Gwineth Paltrow, and Judd Law deliver their best performances to date, giving this Hitchkock-esc film a chance to be one of the best thrillers of all time. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Dickie Greenleaf's spoiled friend Freddie Miles and proves again why he is one of the rising stars in Hollywood. All of these elements combined create a believable plot no matter how psychotic it turns.
Reminiscent to the main characters of the movie `Very Bad Things', Tom Ripley tries to cover up past events by killing anyone who gets in his way. This was an entertaining string of events in the movie `Very Bad Things', however it didn't work so well in this movie. Many of the others that wrote reviews about this flick have claimed that after each killing they found themselves attached more to the plot and closer to the edge of their seat. I, however, went in the opposite direction due to the slow evolvement of the plot and the longevity of the film. Unfortunately the lack in entertainment is why this movie is not one of the best thrillers of all time.
We are presented here with an amazing idea for a film, an inferior person assuming the identity of someone else to improve personal status. However the product of this amazing idea is less than it's potential. If the answer to the question what makes a movie great is that it must be equally entertaining as artistic, then `The Talented Mister Ripley' ends up with a compromising three stars out of five. | 1 | neutral | [
"In regards to movies as an art form, `The Talented Mister Ripley' easily scores five stars out of the possible five.",
"However, if you watch movies for pure entertainment, this movie would barely scratch by with one.",
"Ever since I started getting interested in film I have had frequent debates about what makes a movie great.",
"I guess it really comes down to a combination of art form and raw entertainment.",
"This movie has all the elements a film needs to be a work of art; brilliant cinematography, an equal in quality film score, a close to flawless script, and top notch acting from an all-star cast.",
"Instantly you are in the 50s and surrounded by beautiful Italian landscape.",
"Matt Damon, Gwineth Paltrow, and Judd Law deliver their best performances to date, giving this Hitchkock-esc film a chance to be one of the best thrillers of all time.",
"Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Dickie Greenleaf's spoiled friend Freddie Miles and proves again why he is one of the rising stars in Hollywood.",
"All of these elements combined create a believable plot no matter how psychotic it turns.",
"Reminiscent to the main characters of the movie `Very Bad Things', Tom Ripley tries to cover up past events by killing anyone who gets in his way.",
"This was an entertaining string of events in the movie `Very Bad Things', however it didn't work so well in this movie.",
"Many of the others that wrote reviews about this flick have claimed that after each killing they found themselves attached more to the plot and closer to the edge of their seat.",
"I, however, went in the opposite direction due to the slow evolvement of the plot and the longevity of the film.",
"Unfortunately the lack in entertainment is why this movie is not one of the best thrillers of all time.",
"We are presented here with an amazing idea for a film, an inferior person assuming the identity of someone else to improve personal status.",
"However the product of this amazing idea is less than it's potential.",
"If the answer to the question what makes a movie great is that it must be equally entertaining as artistic, then `The Talented Mister Ripley' ends up with a compromising three stars out of five."
] |
I've always heard people, for some reason, praising this c.d., and I feel it's time to give my opinionated opinion. It's OVER-RATED! (The c.d.- not my opinion). Don't get me wrong, British Steel has it's good points. Tom Allom does a surprisingly good job with the production. Also, there are some good head-banging riffs. Just listen to "Grinder", "Living After Midnight", and "Breakin' the you-know-what". But after hearing Stained Class and Hell Bent for Leather, British Steel just doesn't compare. It's more like a retrogression. It's evident in the drumming dept. (What ever happened to Les Binks)? And it's definately noticable in the lyrics. (Well, that was noticable in some of Hell Bent). It's a must have for any Priest fan, but choose Screaming, Defenders, Stained Class, or Hell Bent before British Steel. Oh yeah, does "United" sound like a high school graduation song, or is it just me? | 1 | neutral | [
"I've always heard people, for some reason, praising this c.",
"d., and I feel it's time to give my opinionated opinion.",
"It's OVER-RATED!",
"(The c.",
"d.- not my opinion).",
"Don't get me wrong, British Steel has it's good points.",
"Tom Allom does a surprisingly good job with the production.",
"Also, there are some good head-banging riffs.",
"Just listen to \"Grinder\", \"Living After Midnight\", and \"Breakin' the you-know-what\".",
"But after hearing Stained Class and Hell Bent for Leather, British Steel just doesn't compare.",
"It's more like a retrogression.",
"It's evident in the drumming dept.",
"(What ever happened to Les Binks)?",
"And it's definately noticable in the lyrics.",
"(Well, that was noticable in some of Hell Bent).",
"It's a must have for any Priest fan, but choose Screaming, Defenders, Stained Class, or Hell Bent before British Steel.",
"Oh yeah, does \"United\" sound like a high school graduation song, or is it just me?"
] |
Like others here, I like the story but find the poor command of English to be annoying. Phrases such as "We need to hold up for the night" instead of "hole up" occurs consistently, demonstrating a poor command of the English language. Then there are the fairly common typos that disrupt the flow. If you're going to write, have someone good with English review it! Better yet, have 3 or 4 read it and mark things they find.
The story itself is pretty good despite the wild divergence it takes in book III. The author makes you feel strongly for and against the characters, even if he does reach quite a bit to add more adventures to the ongoing story. There are accurate references to locations, believable people, a good mystery element (character) that very slowly gets revealed through the series, and believable circumstances. Even somewhat believable science thanks to predecessors such as Stargate Atlantis and Star Trek. The author's talent lies in character development and that is what saves the story.
A good story, but definitely not something I would pay more then a few dollars for, given the 4th grade English errors occurring fairly frequently and deliberately (if ignorantly) employed by the author. If you don't mind "holding up for the evening" instead of holing up, it's worth the dollar or two for each book, if you really need something to read on your Kindle. Another one he's good for is "passed time" instead of "past time" for a hobby or common event, such as "It was once a favorite passed time". You get the idea. | 1 | neutral | [
"Like others here, I like the story but find the poor command of English to be annoying.",
"Phrases such as \"We need to hold up for the night\" instead of \"hole up\" occurs consistently, demonstrating a poor command of the English language.",
"Then there are the fairly common typos that disrupt the flow.",
"If you're going to write, have someone good with English review it!",
"Better yet, have 3 or 4 read it and mark things they find.",
"The story itself is pretty good despite the wild divergence it takes in book III.",
"The author makes you feel strongly for and against the characters, even if he does reach quite a bit to add more adventures to the ongoing story.",
"There are accurate references to locations, believable people, a good mystery element (character) that very slowly gets revealed through the series, and believable circumstances.",
"Even somewhat believable science thanks to predecessors such as Stargate Atlantis and Star Trek.",
"The author's talent lies in character development and that is what saves the story.",
"A good story, but definitely not something I would pay more then a few dollars for, given the 4th grade English errors occurring fairly frequently and deliberately (if ignorantly) employed by the author.",
"If you don't mind \"holding up for the evening\" instead of holing up, it's worth the dollar or two for each book, if you really need something to read on your Kindle.",
"Another one he's good for is \"passed time\" instead of \"past time\" for a hobby or common event, such as \"It was once a favorite passed time\".",
"You get the idea."
] |
I found this horror film watchable, but still it disappointed me a little as it is nowhere near the level of "The Ring". Below, more of my impressions, with some limited SPOILERS.
PRECISION: I never watched the original "Ju-on: the grudge" Japanese version so I am unable to compare it to this American remake.
Karen Davis (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is an American nurse living and working in Tokyo. She is efficient and hardworking and therefore she handles already numerous assignments, but her boss Alex (Ted Raimi) asks her to take one more patient, an aged American woman named Emma Williams (Grace Zabriskie). Emma lives alone in a large and old (by Tokyo's standards) house and she needs care because she suffers from dementia and lethargy - or Yoko (Yoko Maki), the usually very reliable previous nurse assigned to her didn't report to work for a couple of days...
This actually is not the real beginning of the story, because the action of this film is as non-linear as it is humanly possible, with numerous flash-backs and with some new plots kicking in all the time - and that is precisely part of my problem with "The Grudge". Non-linear narration is a very excellent thing but only if the director keeps things under strict control - here it is not the case and even if the logic of the story is ultimately preserved it takes a great effort to keep up with the developments. Personally, considering that the film was not so good anyway, towards the end I didn't feel like making this effort anymore because all those narrative acrobatics tired me instead of intriguing...
The other problem I had with this film that, unlike the chillingly terrifying "The Ring", this film is hardly scary AT ALL. There is only a couple of really good scenes, but in a 92 minutes film it is not nearly enough.
The main strength of this film is in Sarah Michelle Gellar, who reveals herself here as a much better actress than usually believed - and of course she is still cute as a button, exactly as in "Buffy" TV series. Her character is likeable and clearly vulnerable (do not expect any martial arts) and therefore I was concerned about what will happen to her all the time - it was actually what kept me watching this thing until the very end...
The other asset is Detective Nakagawa (Ryo Ishibashi), a tough, courageous and competent police officer who already had to do with Emma's house in the past and is clearly scared s***less by this place - but nevertheless will do his duty with cold, resigned resolution.
Still, the good points notwithstanding, this is not a very successful film. Watchable, but nothing more and especially nowhere near the quality of "The Ring". | 1 | neutral | [
"I found this horror film watchable, but still it disappointed me a little as it is nowhere near the level of \"The Ring\".",
"Below, more of my impressions, with some limited SPOILERS.",
"PRECISION: I never watched the original \"Ju-on: the grudge\" Japanese version so I am unable to compare it to this American remake.",
"Karen Davis (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is an American nurse living and working in Tokyo.",
"She is efficient and hardworking and therefore she handles already numerous assignments, but her boss Alex (Ted Raimi) asks her to take one more patient, an aged American woman named Emma Williams (Grace Zabriskie).",
"Emma lives alone in a large and old (by Tokyo's standards) house and she needs care because she suffers from dementia and lethargy - or Yoko (Yoko Maki), the usually very reliable previous nurse assigned to her didn't report to work for a couple of days...",
"This actually is not the real beginning of the story, because the action of this film is as non-linear as it is humanly possible, with numerous flash-backs and with some new plots kicking in all the time - and that is precisely part of my problem with \"The Grudge\".",
"Non-linear narration is a very excellent thing but only if the director keeps things under strict control - here it is not the case and even if the logic of the story is ultimately preserved it takes a great effort to keep up with the developments.",
"Personally, considering that the film was not so good anyway, towards the end I didn't feel like making this effort anymore because all those narrative acrobatics tired me instead of intriguing...",
"The other problem I had with this film that, unlike the chillingly terrifying \"The Ring\", this film is hardly scary AT ALL.",
"There is only a couple of really good scenes, but in a 92 minutes film it is not nearly enough.",
"The main strength of this film is in Sarah Michelle Gellar, who reveals herself here as a much better actress than usually believed - and of course she is still cute as a button, exactly as in \"Buffy\" TV series.",
"Her character is likeable and clearly vulnerable (do not expect any martial arts) and therefore I was concerned about what will happen to her all the time - it was actually what kept me watching this thing until the very end...",
"The other asset is Detective Nakagawa (Ryo Ishibashi), a tough, courageous and competent police officer who already had to do with Emma's house in the past and is clearly scared s***less by this place - but nevertheless will do his duty with cold, resigned resolution.",
"Still, the good points notwithstanding, this is not a very successful film.",
"Watchable, but nothing more and especially nowhere near the quality of \"The Ring\"."
] |
I was ready to send this back but once installed into my 20 gallon tall it actually looks great. A few quality issues so it only deserves 3 stars. The plant could use some more leaves to help cover the linking plastic. The suction cup is just okay, and I've already had it fall from the side. The back part by the suction cup is ugly so it needs to be suctioned to the back. I did have some metal wire exposed at the top by the suction cup and had to fix it. This does cover most of the back of my tank and my fish seem to be happy and playing through the leaves.
Make sure to rinse and soak before adding to your tank.
Update, the suction cup is more than adequate once you push it down pretty good. I actually have a hard time getting it off. I still stick to my review, needs more leaves to hide the wires!!!! | 1 | neutral | [
"I was ready to send this back but once installed into my 20 gallon tall it actually looks great.",
"A few quality issues so it only deserves 3 stars.",
"The plant could use some more leaves to help cover the linking plastic.",
"The suction cup is just okay, and I've already had it fall from the side.",
"The back part by the suction cup is ugly so it needs to be suctioned to the back.",
"I did have some metal wire exposed at the top by the suction cup and had to fix it.",
"This does cover most of the back of my tank and my fish seem to be happy and playing through the leaves.",
"Make sure to rinse and soak before adding to your tank.",
"Update, the suction cup is more than adequate once you push it down pretty good.",
"I actually have a hard time getting it off.",
"I still stick to my review, needs more leaves to hide the wires!!!!"
] |
I purchased this edge trimmer after my old one broke. I had been using a Ryobi string trimmer with the edger attachment. That trimmer did the job well, but I could tell that the engine could not provide the power necessary to run an edger. Needless to say, after two years of use, the trimmer completely died. It could have been because the edge attachment only worked well when the trimmer was running at full throttle, which obviously puts a lot of strain on the engine.
I debated whether or not to get a gas edger, but most of the edgers I researched were either too expensive, or not CARB compliant (we have strict emission laws here in Cali). I was going to purchase a Craftsman edger, but after seeing all the bad reviews, I decided not to go with gas and bought the Edge Hog after seeing all the reviews on Amazon.
Got the Edge Hog out of the box. It was quite easy to set up. I didn't need the manual. You just need to attach the handle, tighten three bolts (no tools required), and I was on my way!
This edger is quite powerful. 2 1/4 horses is plenty adequate for your basic edging needs. Since my old edger/trimmer broke, I had neglected the edges of my lawn and they had already been densely overgrown after six weeks. On short edges, the Edge Hog just breezes right through. Even with the overgrowth, the Hog managed to cut through and leave a nice edge. It was one of the cleanest edges I've seen from an edger. I think the serrations on the blade really do help. The guide lines on the blade guard really help to align the blade perfectly to ensure a perfect cut. However, I did have trouble with taller edges. I have St. Augustine grass and the top of the lawn is about three inches taller than the sidewalk. This leaves a lot to cut. The edger did have a bit of trouble with this part. I could hear the motor struggling at times, and at one point smelled the classic burnt plastic smell. If working on dense grass, I recommend you give the motor a break every few minutes to allow it to cool.
Overall, it gets the job done, but I did notice two design flaws:
1. Because the handle is so long, it has more leverage against the motor housing. This causes the product to have a see-saw effect, and because of that, the product tips over quite a bit, especially with the extension cord attached. They could have made the motor housing heavier, which would solve this problem, as well as provide more stability when trimming to ensure a precise cut.
2. The blade guard sticks out too much. When trimming denser grass, the guard tends to catch on the grass. I had to fight with the trimmer a few times to push it along my taller edges. While this may not exactly be a design flaw, IMO, the guard is overbuilt.
One last thing; I would recommend to Black & Decker that they should change the handles from a pistol grip design to a t-bar. I would have much more stability if it were a straight bar, especially when all you have to do is push the edger. The pistol grip is better suited for hedge trimmers and reciprocating saws.
Overall, good product, good warranty. It's a good option to consider when purchasing your new edger. | 1 | neutral | [
"I purchased this edge trimmer after my old one broke.",
"I had been using a Ryobi string trimmer with the edger attachment.",
"That trimmer did the job well, but I could tell that the engine could not provide the power necessary to run an edger.",
"Needless to say, after two years of use, the trimmer completely died.",
"It could have been because the edge attachment only worked well when the trimmer was running at full throttle, which obviously puts a lot of strain on the engine.",
"I debated whether or not to get a gas edger, but most of the edgers I researched were either too expensive, or not CARB compliant (we have strict emission laws here in Cali).",
"I was going to purchase a Craftsman edger, but after seeing all the bad reviews, I decided not to go with gas and bought the Edge Hog after seeing all the reviews on Amazon.",
"Got the Edge Hog out of the box.",
"It was quite easy to set up.",
"I didn't need the manual.",
"You just need to attach the handle, tighten three bolts (no tools required), and I was on my way!",
"This edger is quite powerful.",
"2 1/4 horses is plenty adequate for your basic edging needs.",
"Since my old edger/trimmer broke, I had neglected the edges of my lawn and they had already been densely overgrown after six weeks.",
"On short edges, the Edge Hog just breezes right through.",
"Even with the overgrowth, the Hog managed to cut through and leave a nice edge.",
"It was one of the cleanest edges I've seen from an edger.",
"I think the serrations on the blade really do help.",
"The guide lines on the blade guard really help to align the blade perfectly to ensure a perfect cut.",
"However, I did have trouble with taller edges.",
"I have St.",
"Augustine grass and the top of the lawn is about three inches taller than the sidewalk.",
"This leaves a lot to cut.",
"The edger did have a bit of trouble with this part.",
"I could hear the motor struggling at times, and at one point smelled the classic burnt plastic smell.",
"If working on dense grass, I recommend you give the motor a break every few minutes to allow it to cool.",
"Overall, it gets the job done, but I did notice two design flaws:\n\n1.",
"Because the handle is so long, it has more leverage against the motor housing.",
"This causes the product to have a see-saw effect, and because of that, the product tips over quite a bit, especially with the extension cord attached.",
"They could have made the motor housing heavier, which would solve this problem, as well as provide more stability when trimming to ensure a precise cut.",
"2.",
"The blade guard sticks out too much.",
"When trimming denser grass, the guard tends to catch on the grass.",
"I had to fight with the trimmer a few times to push it along my taller edges.",
"While this may not exactly be a design flaw, IMO, the guard is overbuilt.",
"One last thing; I would recommend to Black & Decker that they should change the handles from a pistol grip design to a t-bar.",
"I would have much more stability if it were a straight bar, especially when all you have to do is push the edger.",
"The pistol grip is better suited for hedge trimmers and reciprocating saws.",
"Overall, good product, good warranty.",
"It's a good option to consider when purchasing your new edger."
] |
I purchased the HD-280 Pro's on sale at Amazon for around $65.00 mainly to use with my desktop computer and free up my very comfy and great sounding Sennheiser PX-100's for strictly portable devices.
Unfortunately I find these phones to be very uncomfortable! Does the phrase "vise-like" give you a clue? Really after 15 or 20 minutes my ears have gone from numb to painful. (No i don't have a huge head or jumbo ears). After a few weeks this has improved some what, either these phones are breaking in or my ears are getting tougher.
My other criticism is these phones need a more then average power to drive them. My Creative Labs Audigy Z2 sound card is barely adequate.
You won't be getting satisfying sound out of a portable audio device at least without the help of a headphone amp.
The good new is if properly driven (via Stereo or home theater receiver for instance) They do sound great, Ahh that sweet Sennheiser sound! | 1 | neutral | [
"I purchased the HD-280 Pro's on sale at Amazon for around $65.",
"00 mainly to use with my desktop computer and free up my very comfy and great sounding Sennheiser PX-100's for strictly portable devices.",
"Unfortunately I find these phones to be very uncomfortable!",
"Does the phrase \"vise-like\" give you a clue?",
"Really after 15 or 20 minutes my ears have gone from numb to painful.",
"(No i don't have a huge head or jumbo ears).",
"After a few weeks this has improved some what, either these phones are breaking in or my ears are getting tougher.",
"My other criticism is these phones need a more then average power to drive them.",
"My Creative Labs Audigy Z2 sound card is barely adequate.",
"You won't be getting satisfying sound out of a portable audio device at least without the help of a headphone amp.",
"The good new is if properly driven (via Stereo or home theater receiver for instance) They do sound great, Ahh that sweet Sennheiser sound!"
] |
In murders, nothing should be taken for granted. Especially Agatha Christie's. In several of her novels, she had the investigators looking into a murder that did not exist, a person that did not exist, a motive that did not exist and many other red herrings.
Hence, when the good Rev Stephen Babbington died during a party thrown by retired actor Sir Charles Cartwright, none of the guests present appeared to be who they were supposed to be. There was no motive, nothing was left to show the death was a criminal act.
Some time later, Dr Strange who was also a guest at the party died, this time, the nicotine poisoning was clear.
Told primarily from the perspective of Sir Charles Cartwright, his friend Mr Satterwaithte, and modern girl "Egg" Hermione Lytton Gore, Hercule Poirot took the passive role most of the story. The other three went about gathering clues, examining scenes of the crime and interviewing the usual suspects.
The only problem with such an approach could be revealed by one of Christie's favourite dogma : people do not tell what they saw or heard, they tell what they thought they saw or heard.
In many instances, it was merely written Sir Charles, Mr Satterwaithe and Egg reported what had happened to Poirot rather than describing the words they used to convey the information to Poirot. Therein lies one of the weakness of this book.
A second weakness of the book was some of the offstage investigation work done by Poirot was not revealed to the readers. In stories where the clues for opportunities and accessories were (subtly) evident, motive was not as vital for the readers to correctly guess the solution. However, this story was weak in all but the opportunities department. Only the camouflaged opportunities was masterfully done by Christie for both deaths, requiring people to consider things in the opposite of the conventional direction. | 1 | neutral | [
"In murders, nothing should be taken for granted.",
"Especially Agatha Christie's.",
"In several of her novels, she had the investigators looking into a murder that did not exist, a person that did not exist, a motive that did not exist and many other red herrings.",
"Hence, when the good Rev Stephen Babbington died during a party thrown by retired actor Sir Charles Cartwright, none of the guests present appeared to be who they were supposed to be.",
"There was no motive, nothing was left to show the death was a criminal act.",
"Some time later, Dr Strange who was also a guest at the party died, this time, the nicotine poisoning was clear.",
"Told primarily from the perspective of Sir Charles Cartwright, his friend Mr Satterwaithte, and modern girl \"Egg\" Hermione Lytton Gore, Hercule Poirot took the passive role most of the story.",
"The other three went about gathering clues, examining scenes of the crime and interviewing the usual suspects.",
"The only problem with such an approach could be revealed by one of Christie's favourite dogma : people do not tell what they saw or heard, they tell what they thought they saw or heard.",
"In many instances, it was merely written Sir Charles, Mr Satterwaithe and Egg reported what had happened to Poirot rather than describing the words they used to convey the information to Poirot.",
"Therein lies one of the weakness of this book.",
"A second weakness of the book was some of the offstage investigation work done by Poirot was not revealed to the readers.",
"In stories where the clues for opportunities and accessories were (subtly) evident, motive was not as vital for the readers to correctly guess the solution.",
"However, this story was weak in all but the opportunities department.",
"Only the camouflaged opportunities was masterfully done by Christie for both deaths, requiring people to consider things in the opposite of the conventional direction."
] |
An award winning game, here is my review for Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 1.
Plot: 4000 years before the movies started. The universe was in fear of the sith lord Darth Malak. He wanted to destroy the republic. You are (either a solider, a scoundrel or a scout. Male or Female, its an RPG game so you can choose what you want to be) on a ship called the Endar Spire, where it is being attacked by the sith. You are sopost to be guarding a jedi called Bastila Shan who has taken an escape pod off the ship to escape. You are met by Carth Onasi who is a republic captain and solider who wants to beat the sith and save Bastlia. From after escaping the ship you land on the planet Taris which is being held under sith rule. You must now escape Taris and help Bastlia and Carth destroy the sith once and for all!
Characters (down below)
Main Character: Because its an RPG you can choose to a human male or female. solider or scout or scoundrel. When you get to Dantooine you can upgrade to a jedi, so either you be a guardien which focus on mostly hand to hand combat (lightsabers included) which is a higher version of solider. a Sential which is upgraded from a scout so you are the jack of all trades meaning you focus a bit on hand to hand and a bit of the force powers, Or become a jedi councler which is upgrade from a scoundrel so you focus more on the force powers than hand to hand combat.
Carth Onasi: is a solider. can NOT be upgraded to a jedi. He uses blasters and pistols most of the time unless you switch him to blade weapons but preferes to shoot more than sword fight. He is a moody republic with a tragic backstory. When you bring him along in your 3 person party sometimes he has good things to say. Because this is an RPG you can side chat with characters durring missions and during free time if you want to run around, by saying that if you truly are intresting in Carths backstory you can talk to him about it but it will come out during normal story line can't miss missions so other than that he really is a slient character. Or if you finnish all the side chats early in the game when you go to talk to Carth all you can ask "what do you know about the planet we are one?" once he answers you said "never mind" end of the conversation. If you are a female character you can have a romantic relationship with Carth if you chat enough with him and love him enough. Other than main missions where you need Carth I left him alone 99% of the time unless I wanted a useless chat to waste time.
Bastlia Shan: is a sentinel Jedi who carries a yellow double blade lightsaber. From the time you meet her to when you get to Dantoonie she acts as if she is better than everyone that includes you as well. She is an ok jedi fighter, but because she is a sentinel she is split between combat and skill points so if she wants to heal her self better than most of the others in here she can. Side chatting with her is kind of boring, she acts like she shows you right from wrong but she really doesn't. If you are a male character you can have a romantic relationship with Bastlia. If you finish all side chats early you can ask Bastlia about what planet you are on or revist a vision you both shared.
Mission Vao: a 14 year old blue twliek girl who is a scouldrel. She can NOT become a jedi She is tough little rebel who is good at hacking computers. She can be used to fight with blades or pistols if she is your party when battle comes. Side chatting can lead to a side mission of finding her long lost brother Griff, and you chatting with Mission can be able to play games of Pazaak card game which with Mission you can only play for fun but you refine your skills so when you betting players in the game you can win money off them. After I got to Dantooine I left her alone 99%
Zaalbar: is a wookie who is with Mission Vao when you first meet him. He can use his bowcaster (a crossbow that shoots lasers), Or you can have him blade fight which he is very good at. Side chatting with him is boring because he will either make grnades for you untill you have too many or you can try to talk to him about his past but untill you get to the story line where he tells you about it he refuses intensely. So I left him alone 99% of the time.
T3M4: he is an astromech droid. Not like R2D2 but is more like a flat headed small droid who beeps and boops alot. He is best at intellegence where you can upgrade his computer hacking skills and repair skills. Once you get past the main mission you need him for I never really used him again. Side chatting with T3M4 is so boring!!!! The developers of this game make him use the same 3 to 4 different beep boops bops and whistles over and over, you can only ask him one question and nothing else. Very useless talker and companion in my oppion.
HK-47: my fave droid in the whole game. He is a smart ass talking, "I hate everyone else but the master" kind of droid. He is a range shooter. He has a translater in him so he can talk to spieces that you cant so he makes a great interpiter for your party. The HK character won "2004 best character of the year" award because of how awesome his little speeches and talks are. He is very funny. Not a bad fighter but I take him along for his colourful comentrary more than anything.
Canderous Ordo: is a Mandalorian who carries a very very big gun. He loves to fight, shooting perferenced. He is a good shooter and can talk alot of hits. If you upgrade his weapon and armor he is a damage sponge. He can be defeated if he takes enough damage but he is one of the tougher fighters in the whole game. Side chats you can learn about his fighting past and because of how the republic are still recovering from the Mandalorian wars you can see how people react to him in your party. He cant Not be a jedi sadly.
Jolee Bindo: is a jedi counsoler who carries a green saber. He is portayed as a tad senile with his old age but he has the most health out of anyone in the entire game. He focus mostly on force powers so his force powers are stonger than most unless you go into force specialization. Side chatting with him is fun at times because if you act too nice to him he call you a jerk, if you are too mean to him he still calls you a jerk. You can learn that you don't need to chose light side or dark side because everyone and everything can be gray or netural. He is a great fighter, I use him alot because who dosn't want a jedi to fight by your side? i love jedi!
Juhani: is a cathar a human cat like creature who is a jedi guardien (blue lightsaber) who loves to fight. You first meet her on Dantooine and if you can get her back to the light you can have her as a companion. She fights great in hand to hand combat with lightsabers. Side chatting with her, most people say she has annoying whineing at most. If you take time to chat with her you can learn about her past. She is also the very first ever lesbian in the entire star wars universe ever. Once you do her side quests her side chats are totally boring because you start talking with her and the only thing you can say is "nothing more" and leave. So once you run out of side chats with her just don't talk to her anymore. I use her alot because the more jedi in your party the more fun you can have.
Leveling (down below)
Leveling depending on your character class and how you get experience points you can get it fast or slow but the all have the same level points so get to the different levels. What I hate the most about the leveling up factor is you have a caping level of 20, so depending on what level you get to Dantooine, mostly either around level 8 to 10. You can only get a few levels of being a jedi which really sucks because you don't have much time to level up as a jedi and you can only get either 10 or 12 force powers depending on what level you become a jedi.
Dantooine explantion: If you knowticed I say "When you reach Dantooine" a lot in this review, this is because the first 2 worlds you are on from the start are like tutorial worlds so you can figure out how the games machanics are and how to fight. Dantooine is when you become a jedi for the first time and you can fight with a lightsaber.
Feats: they are add on abilties you can have for example "duel weapon 1, 2, and 3" if you have one or all of them it gives you less of a penality when you fight with 2 weapons, one in each hand. If you didn't have any of them you would have a penelty for instance less damage done to the enemy and more to you. Not all feats have draw backs, for instance "Conditioning" makes your character stronger in health points, force points and resintiance to poison and force attacks with NO draw backs at all.
Skills: there is computer which means how well you can hack a computer how many security spikes you need to hack into the computers, the higher you computer skill is the less computer spikes you need to hack a computer with. Repair: repairing computers or robots, the higher the skill the less repair parts you need to repair. Demolition: how well you can recover land mines you run across, disableing them takes alot less skill to do then recovering them so you can either use them agents enemies or you can sell the ones you recover. Stealth: there are stealth belts in this game that can make you sneak past enemies and get one shot sneak attacks, the higher you stealth skills is the easier enemies are to sneak up on. (in my oppion Stealth is not a very usefull skill at all, I only use it once during the whole game at the most). Awareness: how well you observe your enviorment, meaning you can spot land mines easier. Higher your Awareness skill is the more you can see land mines, also you can spot invisable enemies but there are not too many in this game. Persuade: is how well you can talk to others with Persuade checks. For instance sometimes you can talk you way out of a bad situation or possibly get a higher reward out of people who offer money. Security: is how well you can break open a lock. Some items and doors are locked, you can bash them open if your skill is not strong enough to break open the lock. Treat Injury: a self explantiory skill I think, the higher your treat injury skill is the more health you can restore to your self from health packs or by force healing.
Armor: There is light, medium and heavy army. The heavier the armor the more protection you are going to have. But most armor resticts jedi force powers, so if you fight someone as a jedi with armor that resticts your force powers then hope you don't need to force heal your self or force attack someone outside of hand to hand combat.
Armor Upgrading: honestly it sucks! only 5 armors in the game can be upgrade. There are more than 5 different armor in the game, there are 39 armors in the game, so 39 minus 5 is 34, so you have 34 more armor's the developers could let have let you upgrade but didn't want to. This includes jedi Robes.
Armor Overlay and Underlay: that means you can have 2 upgrades in the armors that you can upgrade. Sorry you can NOT pick how you want to upgrade your armor it already comes predetiermed. So you need to buy an overlay (non specific they work in all upgradeable armors) and an underlay (same as the overlay) then go into a work bench and upgrade your armor with a tap of the button and then you get what they called the improvered "X" (X meaning the name of the armor you upgraded except it now says upgraded)
Sword (non lightsaber) Upgrading: None lightsaber swords, there are 25 different types of bladed non saber weapons and only 6 can be upgraded. The upgrades are all predertermed and you need 3 for a fully upgraded blade, they are Durasteel Bonding Alloy, Energy Projector and Vibration Cell.
Blaster Upgrading: all pistols and big blasters. There are 42 different types of blasters and pistols in this game. Only 7 are upgradeable, so 35 are NOT upgradeable thanks to the developers. Like all the other upgradeable weapons and armor, the upgrades are predetermined so what you upgrade is what they give you no exception. For a fully upgraded blaster you need Beam Splitter, Hair Trigger, Improved Energy Cell, and Scope.
Lightsaber Upgrading: Any and all lightsabers, single blades, short lightsabers and double bladed lightsabers are upgradedable. You do have a bit of choice with these upgrades, you can change the colour of the blade and some of the side crystals they give you, so you can have more damage per swing if you want or others you might find.
Loot Generator: it is RANDOM. Depending on your level is how good or bad items you find in the game are. Some of the items are predertimed in the game which makes it feel like a rush and find sometimes.
Overall Story: it is very well written out! I can see why this is given 2003 Game of the year from many different companies.
Overall Characters: Tho I wish some of the characters were a bit better made. Some of their dialogue choices are quite limited and otherwise I feel most party members are useless. I use jedi party members more because, 1 = lightsabers are the ultimate butchering tool agents any enemy in the game. 2 = jedi can force heal so if you do NOT have health packs on you, you have a free way of healing your self along with your alies. 3 = most non jedi party members can be defeated by jedi easily and only other jedi's can stand up to enemy jedi's you meet.
Overall Weapons and Armor: I am happy with what I got but upgradeing falls really short in this game. Not like an RPG game at all, more like a power up that you can keep forever if you wish
Overall Game: I like this game, it is good, I bought it when it first came out in 2003 for the old xbox.
Con: To me and this is just MY oppion only, it is NOT as good as its sequal game Star Wars Knights of The Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. But you should buy this game!! | 1 | neutral | [
"An award winning game, here is my review for Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 1.",
"Plot: 4000 years before the movies started.",
"The universe was in fear of the sith lord Darth Malak.",
"He wanted to destroy the republic.",
"You are (either a solider, a scoundrel or a scout.",
"Male or Female, its an RPG game so you can choose what you want to be) on a ship called the Endar Spire, where it is being attacked by the sith.",
"You are sopost to be guarding a jedi called Bastila Shan who has taken an escape pod off the ship to escape.",
"You are met by Carth Onasi who is a republic captain and solider who wants to beat the sith and save Bastlia.",
"From after escaping the ship you land on the planet Taris which is being held under sith rule.",
"You must now escape Taris and help Bastlia and Carth destroy the sith once and for all!",
"Characters (down below)\n\nMain Character: Because its an RPG you can choose to a human male or female.",
"solider or scout or scoundrel.",
"When you get to Dantooine you can upgrade to a jedi, so either you be a guardien which focus on mostly hand to hand combat (lightsabers included) which is a higher version of solider.",
"a Sential which is upgraded from a scout so you are the jack of all trades meaning you focus a bit on hand to hand and a bit of the force powers, Or become a jedi councler which is upgrade from a scoundrel so you focus more on the force powers than hand to hand combat.",
"Carth Onasi: is a solider.",
"can NOT be upgraded to a jedi.",
"He uses blasters and pistols most of the time unless you switch him to blade weapons but preferes to shoot more than sword fight.",
"He is a moody republic with a tragic backstory.",
"When you bring him along in your 3 person party sometimes he has good things to say.",
"Because this is an RPG you can side chat with characters durring missions and during free time if you want to run around, by saying that if you truly are intresting in Carths backstory you can talk to him about it but it will come out during normal story line can't miss missions so other than that he really is a slient character.",
"Or if you finnish all the side chats early in the game when you go to talk to Carth all you can ask \"what do you know about the planet we are one?",
"\" once he answers you said \"never mind\" end of the conversation.",
"If you are a female character you can have a romantic relationship with Carth if you chat enough with him and love him enough.",
"Other than main missions where you need Carth I left him alone 99% of the time unless I wanted a useless chat to waste time.",
"Bastlia Shan: is a sentinel Jedi who carries a yellow double blade lightsaber.",
"From the time you meet her to when you get to Dantoonie she acts as if she is better than everyone that includes you as well.",
"She is an ok jedi fighter, but because she is a sentinel she is split between combat and skill points so if she wants to heal her self better than most of the others in here she can.",
"Side chatting with her is kind of boring, she acts like she shows you right from wrong but she really doesn't.",
"If you are a male character you can have a romantic relationship with Bastlia.",
"If you finish all side chats early you can ask Bastlia about what planet you are on or revist a vision you both shared.",
"Mission Vao: a 14 year old blue twliek girl who is a scouldrel.",
"She can NOT become a jedi She is tough little rebel who is good at hacking computers.",
"She can be used to fight with blades or pistols if she is your party when battle comes.",
"Side chatting can lead to a side mission of finding her long lost brother Griff, and you chatting with Mission can be able to play games of Pazaak card game which with Mission you can only play for fun but you refine your skills so when you betting players in the game you can win money off them.",
"After I got to Dantooine I left her alone 99%\n\nZaalbar: is a wookie who is with Mission Vao when you first meet him.",
"He can use his bowcaster (a crossbow that shoots lasers), Or you can have him blade fight which he is very good at.",
"Side chatting with him is boring because he will either make grnades for you untill you have too many or you can try to talk to him about his past but untill you get to the story line where he tells you about it he refuses intensely.",
"So I left him alone 99% of the time.",
"T3M4: he is an astromech droid.",
"Not like R2D2 but is more like a flat headed small droid who beeps and boops alot.",
"He is best at intellegence where you can upgrade his computer hacking skills and repair skills.",
"Once you get past the main mission you need him for I never really used him again.",
"Side chatting with T3M4 is so boring!!!!",
"The developers of this game make him use the same 3 to 4 different beep boops bops and whistles over and over, you can only ask him one question and nothing else.",
"Very useless talker and companion in my oppion.",
"HK-47: my fave droid in the whole game.",
"He is a smart ass talking, \"I hate everyone else but the master\" kind of droid.",
"He is a range shooter.",
"He has a translater in him so he can talk to spieces that you cant so he makes a great interpiter for your party.",
"The HK character won \"2004 best character of the year\" award because of how awesome his little speeches and talks are.",
"He is very funny.",
"Not a bad fighter but I take him along for his colourful comentrary more than anything.",
"Canderous Ordo: is a Mandalorian who carries a very very big gun.",
"He loves to fight, shooting perferenced.",
"He is a good shooter and can talk alot of hits.",
"If you upgrade his weapon and armor he is a damage sponge.",
"He can be defeated if he takes enough damage but he is one of the tougher fighters in the whole game.",
"Side chats you can learn about his fighting past and because of how the republic are still recovering from the Mandalorian wars you can see how people react to him in your party.",
"He cant Not be a jedi sadly.",
"Jolee Bindo: is a jedi counsoler who carries a green saber.",
"He is portayed as a tad senile with his old age but he has the most health out of anyone in the entire game.",
"He focus mostly on force powers so his force powers are stonger than most unless you go into force specialization.",
"Side chatting with him is fun at times because if you act too nice to him he call you a jerk, if you are too mean to him he still calls you a jerk.",
"You can learn that you don't need to chose light side or dark side because everyone and everything can be gray or netural.",
"He is a great fighter, I use him alot because who dosn't want a jedi to fight by your side?",
"i love jedi!",
"Juhani: is a cathar a human cat like creature who is a jedi guardien (blue lightsaber) who loves to fight.",
"You first meet her on Dantooine and if you can get her back to the light you can have her as a companion.",
"She fights great in hand to hand combat with lightsabers.",
"Side chatting with her, most people say she has annoying whineing at most.",
"If you take time to chat with her you can learn about her past.",
"She is also the very first ever lesbian in the entire star wars universe ever.",
"Once you do her side quests her side chats are totally boring because you start talking with her and the only thing you can say is \"nothing more\" and leave.",
"So once you run out of side chats with her just don't talk to her anymore.",
"I use her alot because the more jedi in your party the more fun you can have.",
"Leveling (down below)\n\nLeveling depending on your character class and how you get experience points you can get it fast or slow but the all have the same level points so get to the different levels.",
"What I hate the most about the leveling up factor is you have a caping level of 20, so depending on what level you get to Dantooine, mostly either around level 8 to 10.",
"You can only get a few levels of being a jedi which really sucks because you don't have much time to level up as a jedi and you can only get either 10 or 12 force powers depending on what level you become a jedi.",
"Dantooine explantion: If you knowticed I say \"When you reach Dantooine\" a lot in this review, this is because the first 2 worlds you are on from the start are like tutorial worlds so you can figure out how the games machanics are and how to fight.",
"Dantooine is when you become a jedi for the first time and you can fight with a lightsaber.",
"Feats: they are add on abilties you can have for example \"duel weapon 1, 2, and 3\" if you have one or all of them it gives you less of a penality when you fight with 2 weapons, one in each hand.",
"If you didn't have any of them you would have a penelty for instance less damage done to the enemy and more to you.",
"Not all feats have draw backs, for instance \"Conditioning\" makes your character stronger in health points, force points and resintiance to poison and force attacks with NO draw backs at all.",
"Skills: there is computer which means how well you can hack a computer how many security spikes you need to hack into the computers, the higher you computer skill is the less computer spikes you need to hack a computer with.",
"Repair: repairing computers or robots, the higher the skill the less repair parts you need to repair.",
"Demolition: how well you can recover land mines you run across, disableing them takes alot less skill to do then recovering them so you can either use them agents enemies or you can sell the ones you recover.",
"Stealth: there are stealth belts in this game that can make you sneak past enemies and get one shot sneak attacks, the higher you stealth skills is the easier enemies are to sneak up on.",
"(in my oppion Stealth is not a very usefull skill at all, I only use it once during the whole game at the most).",
"Awareness: how well you observe your enviorment, meaning you can spot land mines easier.",
"Higher your Awareness skill is the more you can see land mines, also you can spot invisable enemies but there are not too many in this game.",
"Persuade: is how well you can talk to others with Persuade checks.",
"For instance sometimes you can talk you way out of a bad situation or possibly get a higher reward out of people who offer money.",
"Security: is how well you can break open a lock.",
"Some items and doors are locked, you can bash them open if your skill is not strong enough to break open the lock.",
"Treat Injury: a self explantiory skill I think, the higher your treat injury skill is the more health you can restore to your self from health packs or by force healing.",
"Armor: There is light, medium and heavy army.",
"The heavier the armor the more protection you are going to have.",
"But most armor resticts jedi force powers, so if you fight someone as a jedi with armor that resticts your force powers then hope you don't need to force heal your self or force attack someone outside of hand to hand combat.",
"Armor Upgrading: honestly it sucks!",
"only 5 armors in the game can be upgrade.",
"There are more than 5 different armor in the game, there are 39 armors in the game, so 39 minus 5 is 34, so you have 34 more armor's the developers could let have let you upgrade but didn't want to.",
"This includes jedi Robes.",
"Armor Overlay and Underlay: that means you can have 2 upgrades in the armors that you can upgrade.",
"Sorry you can NOT pick how you want to upgrade your armor it already comes predetiermed.",
"So you need to buy an overlay (non specific they work in all upgradeable armors) and an underlay (same as the overlay) then go into a work bench and upgrade your armor with a tap of the button and then you get what they called the improvered \"X\" (X meaning the name of the armor you upgraded except it now says upgraded)\n\nSword (non lightsaber) Upgrading: None lightsaber swords, there are 25 different types of bladed non saber weapons and only 6 can be upgraded.",
"The upgrades are all predertermed and you need 3 for a fully upgraded blade, they are Durasteel Bonding Alloy, Energy Projector and Vibration Cell.",
"Blaster Upgrading: all pistols and big blasters.",
"There are 42 different types of blasters and pistols in this game.",
"Only 7 are upgradeable, so 35 are NOT upgradeable thanks to the developers.",
"Like all the other upgradeable weapons and armor, the upgrades are predetermined so what you upgrade is what they give you no exception.",
"For a fully upgraded blaster you need Beam Splitter, Hair Trigger, Improved Energy Cell, and Scope.",
"Lightsaber Upgrading: Any and all lightsabers, single blades, short lightsabers and double bladed lightsabers are upgradedable.",
"You do have a bit of choice with these upgrades, you can change the colour of the blade and some of the side crystals they give you, so you can have more damage per swing if you want or others you might find.",
"Loot Generator: it is RANDOM.",
"Depending on your level is how good or bad items you find in the game are.",
"Some of the items are predertimed in the game which makes it feel like a rush and find sometimes.",
"Overall Story: it is very well written out!",
"I can see why this is given 2003 Game of the year from many different companies.",
"Overall Characters: Tho I wish some of the characters were a bit better made.",
"Some of their dialogue choices are quite limited and otherwise I feel most party members are useless.",
"I use jedi party members more because, 1 = lightsabers are the ultimate butchering tool agents any enemy in the game.",
"2 = jedi can force heal so if you do NOT have health packs on you, you have a free way of healing your self along with your alies.",
"3 = most non jedi party members can be defeated by jedi easily and only other jedi's can stand up to enemy jedi's you meet.",
"Overall Weapons and Armor: I am happy with what I got but upgradeing falls really short in this game.",
"Not like an RPG game at all, more like a power up that you can keep forever if you wish\n\nOverall Game: I like this game, it is good, I bought it when it first came out in 2003 for the old xbox.",
"Con: To me and this is just MY oppion only, it is NOT as good as its sequal game Star Wars Knights of The Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords.",
"But you should buy this game!!"
] |
I agree with what some of what has beensaid about this book. Unfortunately it is filled with POVs of some of the more uninteresting characters in the series: Brienne of Tarth comes to mind here. Cersei, Jamie, and Arya are the most enjoyable parts of the book, Cersei more than anyone else. I used to really want to know what she was thinking when reading the past three books. I can't wait for the other half of this book to be published! I miss Daenarys, Catelyn, Berric, and, last but not least, Tyrion! There are some interesting things that Martin clues us in on, a little back story and background of what were some of the more peripheral characters in the other books. But sadly I find myself wanting to get through this book quickly, whereas with the other three, I wanted them to never end. I'm reading this because I have to more than anything else. What I really want to read now is The Hedge Knight, which we hear a little about in this book from Maester Aemon. Of course, I will stay faithful and wait for the next installment. I think there are very few writers who have the control and skill to juggle as many characters as tightly as Martin does. Even in this book, he doesn't lose control. I think that he just gets carried away in some minutiae, which is not the norm for the other three books. It has to be read, though, so don't skip it! | 1 | neutral | [
"I agree with what some of what has beensaid about this book.",
"Unfortunately it is filled with POVs of some of the more uninteresting characters in the series: Brienne of Tarth comes to mind here.",
"Cersei, Jamie, and Arya are the most enjoyable parts of the book, Cersei more than anyone else.",
"I used to really want to know what she was thinking when reading the past three books.",
"I can't wait for the other half of this book to be published!",
"I miss Daenarys, Catelyn, Berric, and, last but not least, Tyrion!",
"There are some interesting things that Martin clues us in on, a little back story and background of what were some of the more peripheral characters in the other books.",
"But sadly I find myself wanting to get through this book quickly, whereas with the other three, I wanted them to never end.",
"I'm reading this because I have to more than anything else.",
"What I really want to read now is The Hedge Knight, which we hear a little about in this book from Maester Aemon.",
"Of course, I will stay faithful and wait for the next installment.",
"I think there are very few writers who have the control and skill to juggle as many characters as tightly as Martin does.",
"Even in this book, he doesn't lose control.",
"I think that he just gets carried away in some minutiae, which is not the norm for the other three books.",
"It has to be read, though, so don't skip it!"
] |
Everquest II is little more than an average RPG. There is very little innovation and the design of the game's interface leaves a lot to be desired. But, it isn't all bad.
Positives:
* Music. The music is fantastic.
* NPCs. Speaking with an NPC isn't boring anymore. The voice acting is wonderful in this game.
* Servers designated as "Role Playing." Yes, this isn't new. But, many MMOs out there don't take this into account. EQ2 does.
* Customization of a character's look. Could have provided more here, but it is still nice.
* Monster variety. By level 5 I had encountered spiders, gnomes, orcs, wolves, deer, sharks, snakes, etc. This was a pleasent surprise. I don't expect this will be like {EDITED}, where I'm still fighting bunnies at level 32.
* STATION.COM - Wow! The free online service from Sony keeps track of your character's profile, stats, and uploaded screen shots on a web page. This is the one real innovation feature of the game. A web site for your in-game character. Nice!
Negatives:
* Interface! Ever since {EDITED}, players expect more. The game play interface design is horrible and a literal throw-back to confusing RPGs of the past. Trying to figure out how to play the game shouldn't get in the way of playing the game. Terrible design.
* Party Searching. Though they did steal some of the innovations from {EDITED}, they didn't go far enough.
* Chat window customization stinks. Talking with other people in the game is difficult, especially if you are used to the {EDITED} design.
* Graphics are nothing revolutionary. Saw the same thing 5 years ago with {EDITED}. Shimmering water. Blades of grass moving in the wind. And, {EDITED} still did a better job.
* Character customization doesn't start at level 1. In other words, they give you spells and abilities - you don't choose them at low levels. So, everyone is the same. Boring.
Is it worth $? Maybe. Should you wait for {EDITED}? Probably. Will it survive? Only if they make some major changes, especially to the interface. Current games like {EDITED} cater to casual gamers and will eventually kill the EQ line. | 1 | neutral | [
"Everquest II is little more than an average RPG.",
"There is very little innovation and the design of the game's interface leaves a lot to be desired.",
"But, it isn't all bad.",
"Positives:\n* Music.",
"The music is fantastic.",
"* NPCs.",
"Speaking with an NPC isn't boring anymore.",
"The voice acting is wonderful in this game.",
"* Servers designated as \"Role Playing.",
"\" Yes, this isn't new.",
"But, many MMOs out there don't take this into account.",
"EQ2 does.",
"* Customization of a character's look.",
"Could have provided more here, but it is still nice.",
"* Monster variety.",
"By level 5 I had encountered spiders, gnomes, orcs, wolves, deer, sharks, snakes, etc.",
"This was a pleasent surprise.",
"I don't expect this will be like {EDITED}, where I'm still fighting bunnies at level 32.",
"* STATION.",
"COM - Wow!",
"The free online service from Sony keeps track of your character's profile, stats, and uploaded screen shots on a web page.",
"This is the one real innovation feature of the game.",
"A web site for your in-game character.",
"Nice!",
"Negatives:\n* Interface!",
"Ever since {EDITED}, players expect more.",
"The game play interface design is horrible and a literal throw-back to confusing RPGs of the past.",
"Trying to figure out how to play the game shouldn't get in the way of playing the game.",
"Terrible design.",
"* Party Searching.",
"Though they did steal some of the innovations from {EDITED}, they didn't go far enough.",
"* Chat window customization stinks.",
"Talking with other people in the game is difficult, especially if you are used to the {EDITED} design.",
"* Graphics are nothing revolutionary.",
"Saw the same thing 5 years ago with {EDITED}.",
"Shimmering water.",
"Blades of grass moving in the wind.",
"And, {EDITED} still did a better job.",
"* Character customization doesn't start at level 1.",
"In other words, they give you spells and abilities - you don't choose them at low levels.",
"So, everyone is the same.",
"Boring.",
"Is it worth $?",
"Maybe.",
"Should you wait for {EDITED}?",
"Probably.",
"Will it survive?",
"Only if they make some major changes, especially to the interface.",
"Current games like {EDITED} cater to casual gamers and will eventually kill the EQ line."
] |
I felt as many of the reviewers pointed out that this novel does not really go anywhere or advance the overall story in any real way. You expect by now that the wheels and gears of the story would be turning and that the story would focus on the western hemisphere of the world. George RR Martin has added to many new characters many of which the readers know will be discarded which shortchanges the core characters that the series should be about.
You know that Daenarys has to get her army across the great sea back to the western continent to retake Kings Landing. Therefore you know the only reason for the Victarion Greyjoy character is to escort Daenarys army and then he is disposable which will probably happen in the next book. Dance of Dragons once again ends on another cliffhanger ending which whisks Daenarys away to another part of the east instead of going to her eventual destination in the west and sets up another battle for Meereen that does not happen in the book. John spends the book just restocking the wall and dies in a Julius Caesar fashion by his own troops. You know that from what happened at Hardhome to the Wildlings that the White Walkers are on the move and are going to attack the wall soon with full force someday maybe in the next book? Yes the dragons are getting bigger but seem uncontrollable. The book ends with having accomplished very little of anything which will infuriate fans and readers alike
.
I was not surprised at all about Aegon Targaryen being alive. I think most of us saw that one coming after the resurrection of lady Stark into a zombie Catelyn Stark and Frankenstein Gregor Clegane. Those are not shocking surprises just lazy writing by the author. I really think bringing lady Stark back really hurts the overall credibility of the story. I just think the resurrection stuff cheapens the story IMO. That is the type of thing Disney does because no one can ever actually die or stay dead. Whats next Eddard Stark coming back to life or Robb Stark. You know that Jon is not dead he is a central part of the whole story if indeed he is a Targaryen and eventually takes the crown and marries Daenarys. I think like other readers have point out that Melisandre probably comes to Jons rescue before he bleeds out to death lying in the snow. Just a possibility but it would make sense and fit in nicely with the story. Since it does not seem like she marched South with Stannis to attack Winterfell.
Eventually you know the Boltons will be defeated if not by the Stannis or the Wildlings, by the White Walkers for sure. I for one, cared a lot more about Devos Seaworth finding Rickon Stark much more than anything Cersei and the faith were doing in Kings Landing. I am sure those too will meet up and come into play somewhere in the next story. Asha Greyjoy is another character I am not really sure where the author is going with her. You get the feeling that Brienne will eventually hookup with Jamie Lannister, but you are left waiting for them to find each other.
That was the problem with the Dance of Dragons George RR Martin just has the world spread out to far with too many characters. He should be concentrating on the core characters and advance major elements in the story that we know are going to happen.
Overall the story should be rate at 2 stars. It is better than book 4 a Feast for Crows which was a real dud, but basically accomplishes very little. The TV show has surpassed the books in quality and with the author writing at a snails pace it is likely that he will pass away before the series is ever finished or the readers will stop caring and move on one or the other. | 1 | neutral | [
"I felt as many of the reviewers pointed out that this novel does not really go anywhere or advance the overall story in any real way.",
"You expect by now that the wheels and gears of the story would be turning and that the story would focus on the western hemisphere of the world.",
"George RR Martin has added to many new characters many of which the readers know will be discarded which shortchanges the core characters that the series should be about.",
"You know that Daenarys has to get her army across the great sea back to the western continent to retake Kings Landing.",
"Therefore you know the only reason for the Victarion Greyjoy character is to escort Daenarys army and then he is disposable which will probably happen in the next book.",
"Dance of Dragons once again ends on another cliffhanger ending which whisks Daenarys away to another part of the east instead of going to her eventual destination in the west and sets up another battle for Meereen that does not happen in the book.",
"John spends the book just restocking the wall and dies in a Julius Caesar fashion by his own troops.",
"You know that from what happened at Hardhome to the Wildlings that the White Walkers are on the move and are going to attack the wall soon with full force someday maybe in the next book?",
"Yes the dragons are getting bigger but seem uncontrollable.",
"The book ends with having accomplished very little of anything which will infuriate fans and readers alike.",
"I was not surprised at all about Aegon Targaryen being alive.",
"I think most of us saw that one coming after the resurrection of lady Stark into a zombie Catelyn Stark and Frankenstein Gregor Clegane.",
"Those are not shocking surprises just lazy writing by the author.",
"I really think bringing lady Stark back really hurts the overall credibility of the story.",
"I just think the resurrection stuff cheapens the story IMO.",
"That is the type of thing Disney does because no one can ever actually die or stay dead.",
"Whats next Eddard Stark coming back to life or Robb Stark.",
"You know that Jon is not dead he is a central part of the whole story if indeed he is a Targaryen and eventually takes the crown and marries Daenarys.",
"I think like other readers have point out that Melisandre probably comes to Jons rescue before he bleeds out to death lying in the snow.",
"Just a possibility but it would make sense and fit in nicely with the story.",
"Since it does not seem like she marched South with Stannis to attack Winterfell.",
"Eventually you know the Boltons will be defeated if not by the Stannis or the Wildlings, by the White Walkers for sure.",
"I for one, cared a lot more about Devos Seaworth finding Rickon Stark much more than anything Cersei and the faith were doing in Kings Landing.",
"I am sure those too will meet up and come into play somewhere in the next story.",
"Asha Greyjoy is another character I am not really sure where the author is going with her.",
"You get the feeling that Brienne will eventually hookup with Jamie Lannister, but you are left waiting for them to find each other.",
"That was the problem with the Dance of Dragons George RR Martin just has the world spread out to far with too many characters.",
"He should be concentrating on the core characters and advance major elements in the story that we know are going to happen.",
"Overall the story should be rate at 2 stars.",
"It is better than book 4 a Feast for Crows which was a real dud, but basically accomplishes very little.",
"The TV show has surpassed the books in quality and with the author writing at a snails pace it is likely that he will pass away before the series is ever finished or the readers will stop caring and move on one or the other."
] |
mobile suit gundam...i remember seeing the preview for this when i picked up my ps3 on launch night i liked what i saw .. so i picked up a copy . ive heard a lot of bad reviews on this game etc..and honestly this game is a mixed bag. there is a lot of fun to be had with this one..if you just give it a chance...
sure, the gameplay could be a bit faster ..but it works for gundam (this is like a sim to a degree in my opinion ) .. ok, its NOT as fluid and action packed as robotech though people tend to forget that.. But this game works..
say whatever you want, but you have to admit.. it made an interesting launch title...and its worth a space in your collection.. | 1 | neutral | [
"mobile suit gundam...",
"i remember seeing the preview for this when i picked up my ps3 on launch night i liked what i saw..",
"so i picked up a copy.",
"ive heard a lot of bad reviews on this game etc..",
"and honestly this game is a mixed bag.",
"there is a lot of fun to be had with this one..",
"if you just give it a chance...",
"sure, the gameplay could be a bit faster..",
"but it works for gundam (this is like a sim to a degree in my opinion )..",
"ok, its NOT as fluid and action packed as robotech though people tend to forget that..",
"But this game works..",
"say whatever you want, but you have to admit..",
"it made an interesting launch title...",
"and its worth a space in your collection.."
] |
Many books out there claim to be a regency yet many frequently have quite a few things that are outside of the Regency period. This is understandable but if something is set in the Regency period, the author should at least TRY to tell a story using the fashions, social customs, habits, conversational topics, etc of that time.
Nothing can be perfect, but geesh, the whole kit & kaboodle of this story, the plot, the topics of conversation, social customs, interactions between men & women, interactions between innkeepers and their guests, etc EVERYTHING is wrong. The beginning of the plot has a young woman disembarking from one coach to wait in an inn yard for the next coach to take her to a governess position. She unfortunately is given the wrong suitcase but does not realize it yet. Along comes a working class man who takes her luggage and she....follows him into the inn, into a private parlor. This would not happen. She then meets his boss, a well dressed, well spoken gentleman....who suggests that she pose as his wife for the next 2 weeks...while staying overnight (!) at the inn. Uh-oh. First of all, a young woman of this time would not engage in even a conversation in her own living room with someone she was not introduced to, never mind having a full conversation with a stranger at an inn. Nor would a gentleman ever even try to speak to her, nor would he EVER EVER suggest a lady pose as his wife. Even the suggestion would be one of the worst affronts--probably resulting in a duel if the lady had a brother. But wait, the main character, the governess, ACCEPTS the offer. This would never ever ever ever happen. Men & women were not allowed to be alone in the same room, unchaperoned, never mind sharing a hotel suite or sitting at the dinner table together. Men & women did not touch each other, never mind put their heads close, staring into each others eyes pretending to show the intimacy of conversation between a married couple.
Joan Smith, who goes off the Regency norm list quite often (and whose book I enjoy), looks like Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer compared to this author. That being said, the plot is OK, the dialogue can be witty ---if you can pretend you are not reading this book because you like regencies. | 1 | neutral | [
"Many books out there claim to be a regency yet many frequently have quite a few things that are outside of the Regency period.",
"This is understandable but if something is set in the Regency period, the author should at least TRY to tell a story using the fashions, social customs, habits, conversational topics, etc of that time.",
"Nothing can be perfect, but geesh, the whole kit & kaboodle of this story, the plot, the topics of conversation, social customs, interactions between men & women, interactions between innkeepers and their guests, etc EVERYTHING is wrong.",
"The beginning of the plot has a young woman disembarking from one coach to wait in an inn yard for the next coach to take her to a governess position.",
"She unfortunately is given the wrong suitcase but does not realize it yet.",
"Along comes a working class man who takes her luggage and she....",
"follows him into the inn, into a private parlor.",
"This would not happen.",
"She then meets his boss, a well dressed, well spoken gentleman....",
"who suggests that she pose as his wife for the next 2 weeks...",
"while staying overnight (!",
") at the inn.",
"Uh-oh.",
"First of all, a young woman of this time would not engage in even a conversation in her own living room with someone she was not introduced to, never mind having a full conversation with a stranger at an inn.",
"Nor would a gentleman ever even try to speak to her, nor would he EVER EVER suggest a lady pose as his wife.",
"Even the suggestion would be one of the worst affronts--probably resulting in a duel if the lady had a brother.",
"But wait, the main character, the governess, ACCEPTS the offer.",
"This would never ever ever ever happen.",
"Men & women were not allowed to be alone in the same room, unchaperoned, never mind sharing a hotel suite or sitting at the dinner table together.",
"Men & women did not touch each other, never mind put their heads close, staring into each others eyes pretending to show the intimacy of conversation between a married couple.",
"Joan Smith, who goes off the Regency norm list quite often (and whose book I enjoy), looks like Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer compared to this author.",
"That being said, the plot is OK, the dialogue can be witty ---if you can pretend you are not reading this book because you like regencies."
] |
Tenchu was without a doubt my favorite ps1 game. I played it too death and loved to reply it again and again. I was really looking forward to Tenchu 2. But after playing it I just didn't think it was a worthy sequal. I still enjoyed playing it. Some of the missions were very interesting, while others were not so. The graphics were poor at times. But the POV was terrible. Many times it ended in werid angles where I couldn't see the person attacking me. Worse when it was a boss. It is still a good fun game. With codes readily available and easy to do. It gives it that bit extra if you just can't beat a certain boss. Overall it just isn't as good as it should have been. I hope they do a Tenchu 3 for the PS2. | 1 | neutral | [
"Tenchu was without a doubt my favorite ps1 game.",
"I played it too death and loved to reply it again and again.",
"I was really looking forward to Tenchu 2.",
"But after playing it I just didn't think it was a worthy sequal.",
"I still enjoyed playing it.",
"Some of the missions were very interesting, while others were not so.",
"The graphics were poor at times.",
"But the POV was terrible.",
"Many times it ended in werid angles where I couldn't see the person attacking me.",
"Worse when it was a boss.",
"It is still a good fun game.",
"With codes readily available and easy to do.",
"It gives it that bit extra if you just can't beat a certain boss.",
"Overall it just isn't as good as it should have been.",
"I hope they do a Tenchu 3 for the PS2."
] |
Of all the albums that JP did in the 70's, this is definitely their weakest, though I still recommend it. It does sport a great album cover, tho! Stained Class was a transitional album for JP, where they started to abandon their SABBATH influenced prog metal and go for a simpler,more straight forward hard rock sound. There is plenty to like
here, especially the Deep Purple-like hard rocker SAVAGE and the title track and INVADER, this last song being only one of three JP songs on which bassist IAN HILL got a co-writing credit.
My favorite track is the one that sparked the most controversy, JP's cover of the SPOOKY TOOTH song BETTER BY YOU, BETTER THAN ME. JP had a real knack for doing a great job with covers during the 70's(e.g. DIAMONDS AND RUST and THE GREEN MANALISHI) and this is no exception. Elsewhere, some of the songs just seem like
riffs with vocals added. The low point of the album is SAINTS IN
HELL, JP's most unintentionally silly song and unfortunately a
sign of things to come for them with some of their cartoon metal
songs of the 80's.
I highly recommend the recently remastered version on cd.
The addition of song lyrics is a brilliant one; one really needs
them for early JP songs! Also, the bonus track FIRE BURNS BELOW
is quite enjoyable, even tho' the song was recorded in 87. The
highlight of this track is without a doubt the guitar playing.
The classical guitar solo is an unexpected, but very nice touch!
Incidentally, just in case you haven't figured it out yet, if
you put the spines of all the remastered cds together, you'll
get a picture! I don't know what it is yet, for I haven't got
all the remastered cds, but trust me they really do form a
picture! | 1 | neutral | [
"Of all the albums that JP did in the 70's, this is definitely their weakest, though I still recommend it.",
"It does sport a great album cover, tho!",
"Stained Class was a transitional album for JP, where they started to abandon their SABBATH influenced prog metal and go for a simpler,more straight forward hard rock sound.",
"There is plenty to like\nhere, especially the Deep Purple-like hard rocker SAVAGE and the title track and INVADER, this last song being only one of three JP songs on which bassist IAN HILL got a co-writing credit.",
"My favorite track is the one that sparked the most controversy, JP's cover of the SPOOKY TOOTH song BETTER BY YOU, BETTER THAN ME.",
"JP had a real knack for doing a great job with covers during the 70's(e.",
"g. DIAMONDS AND RUST and THE GREEN MANALISHI) and this is no exception.",
"Elsewhere, some of the songs just seem like\nriffs with vocals added.",
"The low point of the album is SAINTS IN\nHELL, JP's most unintentionally silly song and unfortunately a\nsign of things to come for them with some of their cartoon metal\nsongs of the 80's.",
"I highly recommend the recently remastered version on cd.",
"The addition of song lyrics is a brilliant one; one really needs\nthem for early JP songs!",
"Also, the bonus track FIRE BURNS BELOW\nis quite enjoyable, even tho' the song was recorded in 87.",
"The\nhighlight of this track is without a doubt the guitar playing.",
"The classical guitar solo is an unexpected, but very nice touch!",
"Incidentally, just in case you haven't figured it out yet, if\nyou put the spines of all the remastered cds together, you'll\nget a picture!",
"I don't know what it is yet, for I haven't got\nall the remastered cds, but trust me they really do form a\npicture!"
] |
I bought these in October because I wasn't trying to pay the money Verizon wanted the first time for just 1 screen protector. Since then, I've gone through all 3 protectors.
First off, none of them fit properly and each one had a unique way of not lining up. They were all too big on either a side or corner. This is important since the screen doesn't use an adhesive, it actually clings to the screen. Since the phone has a very tiny "lip" around the screen, the protector won't cling on the sides that are too long and becomes prone to lifting, especially if you're using a snug fitting case, like a TPU case. I ended up using a razor blade to trim the protector to fit inside the lip completely.
Once on the phone, the protector was crystal clear. In fact, the screen protector I bought from Verizon when I initially got the phone seemed to have the slightest haze. That screen also seemed to affect the sensitivity of the touch screen. This Empire protector restored some of that lost sensitivity so kudos on that!
Unfortunately, the screen protector is easily prone to scratches. After about a month, the swirl marks and fine lines got to the point where I needed to replace it. The first 4 months that I own the phone, I only needed one protector, and that only had to be replaced because of a major scratch.
To only get a month or two of clear viewing out of each screen is crazy. However, if you want a screen that is crystal clear, easy to put on, and doesn't affect the sensitivity of the touch screen that much, this protector is worth your time if you accept its shortcomings. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought these in October because I wasn't trying to pay the money Verizon wanted the first time for just 1 screen protector.",
"Since then, I've gone through all 3 protectors.",
"First off, none of them fit properly and each one had a unique way of not lining up.",
"They were all too big on either a side or corner.",
"This is important since the screen doesn't use an adhesive, it actually clings to the screen.",
"Since the phone has a very tiny \"lip\" around the screen, the protector won't cling on the sides that are too long and becomes prone to lifting, especially if you're using a snug fitting case, like a TPU case.",
"I ended up using a razor blade to trim the protector to fit inside the lip completely.",
"Once on the phone, the protector was crystal clear.",
"In fact, the screen protector I bought from Verizon when I initially got the phone seemed to have the slightest haze.",
"That screen also seemed to affect the sensitivity of the touch screen.",
"This Empire protector restored some of that lost sensitivity so kudos on that!",
"Unfortunately, the screen protector is easily prone to scratches.",
"After about a month, the swirl marks and fine lines got to the point where I needed to replace it.",
"The first 4 months that I own the phone, I only needed one protector, and that only had to be replaced because of a major scratch.",
"To only get a month or two of clear viewing out of each screen is crazy.",
"However, if you want a screen that is crystal clear, easy to put on, and doesn't affect the sensitivity of the touch screen that much, this protector is worth your time if you accept its shortcomings."
] |
Lissianna, a vampire that faints at the sight of blood, gets a birthday present, a sexy psychiatrist who is tied to her bed. Hilarity and chaotic/exciting moments ensue...
Generally speaking it's a fun book to read if you're a fan of the vampire/supernatural genre. There are a few technical problems here and there but as long as you try not to take those things too seriously and you'll be fine.
For example, there are places where there exists large, multi-paragraph descriptions, devoted to the observation of a single thing. All the while, the characters do nothing but stare blankly at said thing. To those of you who have watched the TV show "The Wonder Years", you know what I'm talking about. There were occasions when characters stared blankly at objects and said nothing. They just kept thinking their inner monologue. Personally, there were times I imagined how weird that looked, to stand in a room where two main characters just stare at each other for an extended length of time, and have nothing happen. Just looking... and looking... and looking... But, that's just me. You can skim those paragraphs if they get too long, and you'll still be ok.
This story works fine as a stand alone book. As someone who hasn't read any other books from the series, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything story wise. In some series' you would sometimes encounter unexplained characters, who would only make sense if you had read the other books. In this book though, I never felt like there were any obligatory cameos at all. The book's female protagonist did have a large family (The Argeneau Family), the members of which, I asume, are each the subject of their own books in the line. They all had different personalities, but since they had the same goal, in the end, memorizing every name and motivation wasn't an issue, so I never felt lost or confused.
There's a vampire hunter sub-plot. It was ok. It did what it had to, and didn't get in the way of the romance, the latter, of course, being the important bit.
There was one rather large large plot that never gets resolved at the end, which kind of bothered me. The author did that thing where the book simply goes: It will get resolved in the future, even though you don't read about it here, or anywhere else, it will get resolved, trust me. The end.
That being said, as long as you read this book as the tale of a kind hearted vampire with issues and a psychiatrist who finds himself falling for her, you'll be fine. Let the details worry about themselves...
3 stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"Lissianna, a vampire that faints at the sight of blood, gets a birthday present, a sexy psychiatrist who is tied to her bed.",
"Hilarity and chaotic/exciting moments ensue...",
"Generally speaking it's a fun book to read if you're a fan of the vampire/supernatural genre.",
"There are a few technical problems here and there but as long as you try not to take those things too seriously and you'll be fine.",
"For example, there are places where there exists large, multi-paragraph descriptions, devoted to the observation of a single thing.",
"All the while, the characters do nothing but stare blankly at said thing.",
"To those of you who have watched the TV show \"The Wonder Years\", you know what I'm talking about.",
"There were occasions when characters stared blankly at objects and said nothing.",
"They just kept thinking their inner monologue.",
"Personally, there were times I imagined how weird that looked, to stand in a room where two main characters just stare at each other for an extended length of time, and have nothing happen.",
"Just looking...",
"and looking...",
"and looking...",
"But, that's just me.",
"You can skim those paragraphs if they get too long, and you'll still be ok.",
"This story works fine as a stand alone book.",
"As someone who hasn't read any other books from the series, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything story wise.",
"In some series' you would sometimes encounter unexplained characters, who would only make sense if you had read the other books.",
"In this book though, I never felt like there were any obligatory cameos at all.",
"The book's female protagonist did have a large family (The Argeneau Family), the members of which, I asume, are each the subject of their own books in the line.",
"They all had different personalities, but since they had the same goal, in the end, memorizing every name and motivation wasn't an issue, so I never felt lost or confused.",
"There's a vampire hunter sub-plot.",
"It was ok.",
"It did what it had to, and didn't get in the way of the romance, the latter, of course, being the important bit.",
"There was one rather large large plot that never gets resolved at the end, which kind of bothered me.",
"The author did that thing where the book simply goes: It will get resolved in the future, even though you don't read about it here, or anywhere else, it will get resolved, trust me.",
"The end.",
"That being said, as long as you read this book as the tale of a kind hearted vampire with issues and a psychiatrist who finds himself falling for her, you'll be fine.",
"Let the details worry about themselves...",
"3 stars."
] |
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