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I rented this game some time ago, and I'm slightly surprised by the high ratings. I consider it pretty average. It looks pretty good, and it's amusing, but I beat it with 100% completion the first time through. It was very, very short. I rented it and returned it early.. so it took less than 2 days to beat it. The mini games you unlock are fun 2-3 times. They can't actually be beaten. You just keep playing a circle of strange little games that get harder and harder till there's no way to pass the level.
All in all.. I'd rent it, beat it, return it. Not a whole lot of replay value. Not a bomb, but no worth buying. Thusly, the average 3 stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"I rented this game some time ago, and I'm slightly surprised by the high ratings.",
"I consider it pretty average.",
"It looks pretty good, and it's amusing, but I beat it with 100% completion the first time through.",
"It was very, very short.",
"I rented it and returned it early..",
"so it took less than 2 days to beat it.",
"The mini games you unlock are fun 2-3 times.",
"They can't actually be beaten.",
"You just keep playing a circle of strange little games that get harder and harder till there's no way to pass the level.",
"All in all..",
"I'd rent it, beat it, return it.",
"Not a whole lot of replay value.",
"Not a bomb, but no worth buying.",
"Thusly, the average 3 stars."
] |
Does this work? Sure. Does it worth enough to justify the price? Maybe not ... I have a family history of "ravine eyes," and have been doing my best not to join their ranks with whatever means at my disposal. Moisturizing creams can be super expensive, or super cheap. They all make the same astounding promises, and they all fall short of the mark.
This VENeffect worked as well as brands that are a 1/3 of the price. It has some drawbacks as well; it takes a long time to soak in, and can easily get into your eyes. It is scentless as promised. But it also falls victim to it's own marketing. There are no "immediate" effects. You won't be stunned by the results. It will do what everything else that is similar.
I'll stick with my Olay. | 1 | neutral | [
"Does this work?",
"Sure.",
"Does it worth enough to justify the price?",
"Maybe not...",
"I have a family history of \"ravine eyes,\" and have been doing my best not to join their ranks with whatever means at my disposal.",
"Moisturizing creams can be super expensive, or super cheap.",
"They all make the same astounding promises, and they all fall short of the mark.",
"This VENeffect worked as well as brands that are a 1/3 of the price.",
"It has some drawbacks as well; it takes a long time to soak in, and can easily get into your eyes.",
"It is scentless as promised.",
"But it also falls victim to it's own marketing.",
"There are no \"immediate\" effects.",
"You won't be stunned by the results.",
"It will do what everything else that is similar.",
"I'll stick with my Olay."
] |
I'm a big fan of the first two GTAs and I like how Rockstar gave us a chance to go back to Liberty and Vice City with new stories and added bonuses.
I'm not going to go into a whole lot of detail,because by now people are familiar with this game series and they either like it or hate it. The gameplay is as fun as it ever was,and it's nice that Rockstar decided to make the main character "Vic Vance",black;but not a thug. I couldn't stand the whole gangsta dialouge of San Andreas which is why I never played it all the way through.
The only minor complaints I would have about this title is 1.) the radio station soundtrack is not nearly as good as the original Vice City one. I was pretty disapointed with the V Rock and New Wave selection. So I'm pretty much flipping back and forth more when I'm in a vehicle.
Also,enough with the propaganda Rockstar. Please give it a rest! I'm so sick of hearing the Ammunation radio commercials. Yes,we all know you're anti-gun,anti-war and anti-republican. Yes,we know that you think America is always the one at fault. Even though your completely wrong with your views and your thinking,it's your opinion,which you have a right to. But I bought this game to play;not to listen to some political rant. Save it for CNN.Funny how the commercials are all anti-gun;but you make games that glamourize guns and killing people. Can we say double-standard?The whole deal with the transgendered dude is also pretty disgusting. It wasn't needed,just some extra ammo for Rockstar to put in it's "shock value" weapons. Whatever.
2.)Why Rockstar ever invented the clear stage 15 of the paramedic, vigilante and firetruck missions is beyond me. Although the game developers
do show some mercy by letting the game save your point of progress every 5 levels you pass. However this aspect of the game can still be extremely annoying as old issues haven't been resolved. Cars that WILL NOT get out of your way,short time limits for long distances,an inevetable encounter where one patient/fire/criminal is in between some buildings and it's next to impossible to get them in a timely fashion. What's worse is that in Vice City Stories,the blips on the map that were once a bright pink and easy to spot,have now been turned to DARK BLUE!!Try squinting your eyes as you are looking for the blip that almost completely mixes in with the street! Not a good idea esp when you are on a time limit! Just stick with the good old days of GTA3 (save 50 patients/arrest 50 criminals/put out 50 fires in a nonconsecutive order to be rewarded)
For the price,this is a fun title. I still think the GTA series was really in all it's glory when it was first released on PS2. There was nothing like it before. Now,they are growing a little stale. Also it seems like Rockstar is trying to make up for it by throwing in more aggressive shock material and militant,one-sided viewpoints. These are all okay games,but no longer my favorites. | 1 | neutral | [
"I'm a big fan of the first two GTAs and I like how Rockstar gave us a chance to go back to Liberty and Vice City with new stories and added bonuses.",
"I'm not going to go into a whole lot of detail,because by now people are familiar with this game series and they either like it or hate it.",
"The gameplay is as fun as it ever was,and it's nice that Rockstar decided to make the main character \"Vic Vance\",black;but not a thug.",
"I couldn't stand the whole gangsta dialouge of San Andreas which is why I never played it all the way through.",
"The only minor complaints I would have about this title is 1.",
") the radio station soundtrack is not nearly as good as the original Vice City one.",
"I was pretty disapointed with the V Rock and New Wave selection.",
"So I'm pretty much flipping back and forth more when I'm in a vehicle.",
"Also,enough with the propaganda Rockstar.",
"Please give it a rest!",
"I'm so sick of hearing the Ammunation radio commercials.",
"Yes,we all know you're anti-gun,anti-war and anti-republican.",
"Yes,we know that you think America is always the one at fault.",
"Even though your completely wrong with your views and your thinking,it's your opinion,which you have a right to.",
"But I bought this game to play;not to listen to some political rant.",
"Save it for CNN.",
"Funny how the commercials are all anti-gun;but you make games that glamourize guns and killing people.",
"Can we say double-standard?",
"The whole deal with the transgendered dude is also pretty disgusting.",
"It wasn't needed,just some extra ammo for Rockstar to put in it's \"shock value\" weapons.",
"Whatever.",
"2.",
")Why Rockstar ever invented the clear stage 15 of the paramedic, vigilante and firetruck missions is beyond me.",
"Although the game developers\n\ndo show some mercy by letting the game save your point of progress every 5 levels you pass.",
"However this aspect of the game can still be extremely annoying as old issues haven't been resolved.",
"Cars that WILL NOT get out of your way,short time limits for long distances,an inevetable encounter where one patient/fire/criminal is in between some buildings and it's next to impossible to get them in a timely fashion.",
"What's worse is that in Vice City Stories,the blips on the map that were once a bright pink and easy to spot,have now been turned to DARK BLUE!!",
"Try squinting your eyes as you are looking for the blip that almost completely mixes in with the street!",
"Not a good idea esp when you are on a time limit!",
"Just stick with the good old days of GTA3 (save 50 patients/arrest 50 criminals/put out 50 fires in a nonconsecutive order to be rewarded)\n\nFor the price,this is a fun title.",
"I still think the GTA series was really in all it's glory when it was first released on PS2.",
"There was nothing like it before.",
"Now,they are growing a little stale.",
"Also it seems like Rockstar is trying to make up for it by throwing in more aggressive shock material and militant,one-sided viewpoints.",
"These are all okay games,but no longer my favorites."
] |
This movie has such a clever plot that never quite lives up to its potential, but does provide a few laughs and smiles along the way.
I saw this movie in the theater when I was the same age as the young protagonist and I thought it was awesome! My how things have changed since those carefree days when a million cameos and lots of explosions could make up for terrible writing and weak direction.
The Good: Tom Noonan as The Ripper is genuinely creepy and makes a great arch-foe for our Hero. Jack Slater is a character with hilarious moments, especially when he calls himself, "Arnold Groundschmuger, the famous comedian". The spoof on the action genre is much funnier in retrospect than at the time of the film's release. Bridgette Wilson in cut-off jean shorts, 'nuff said.
The Bad: Danny Madigan goes from being cute to annoying so many times it makes you wish Benedict would just shoot him already. Once the movie crosses over into the real world and Jack's "crisis" with being a fictional character the movie loses its focus and gets to wrapped up in whatever moral it failed to get across to the audience.
I would be willing to own this movie for the first hours worth of fun and comedy if not for the terrible pan & scan work that was done on the transfer (and I'm not shelling out $27.00 for the widescreen version). Maybe someday when they release the LAH: Big Mistake Edition where we get an apologetic, film-roast of a commentary over a widescreen cut of the film, I'll fork over my dough, but until then: PASS! | 1 | neutral | [
"This movie has such a clever plot that never quite lives up to its potential, but does provide a few laughs and smiles along the way.",
"I saw this movie in the theater when I was the same age as the young protagonist and I thought it was awesome!",
"My how things have changed since those carefree days when a million cameos and lots of explosions could make up for terrible writing and weak direction.",
"The Good: Tom Noonan as The Ripper is genuinely creepy and makes a great arch-foe for our Hero.",
"Jack Slater is a character with hilarious moments, especially when he calls himself, \"Arnold Groundschmuger, the famous comedian\".",
"The spoof on the action genre is much funnier in retrospect than at the time of the film's release.",
"Bridgette Wilson in cut-off jean shorts, 'nuff said.",
"The Bad: Danny Madigan goes from being cute to annoying so many times it makes you wish Benedict would just shoot him already.",
"Once the movie crosses over into the real world and Jack's \"crisis\" with being a fictional character the movie loses its focus and gets to wrapped up in whatever moral it failed to get across to the audience.",
"I would be willing to own this movie for the first hours worth of fun and comedy if not for the terrible pan & scan work that was done on the transfer (and I'm not shelling out $27.",
"00 for the widescreen version).",
"Maybe someday when they release the LAH: Big Mistake Edition where we get an apologetic, film-roast of a commentary over a widescreen cut of the film, I'll fork over my dough, but until then: PASS!"
] |
Israel says Hamas has anti-aircraft missiles
Speaking to his Likud Party Netanyahu disclosed that Israel's aerial freedom has been compromised by the new weaponry in Gaza presumably smuggled into the area through tunnels connected to neighboring Egypt. He said any future peace agreement would have to include security arrangements to deal with the threat.
"The security problem is not just the new rockets that will enter the area and will threaten city centers. I don't know if you know this but today we are struggling to fly near Gaza because they have anti-aircraft missiles there " Netanyahu said.
He warned that the missiles could also threaten air traffic at Israel's international airport. "Israel's security needs are real the solutions have to be real not on paper. We need to find long-term solutions that give Israel security " he said.
Netanyahu gave no evidence to support his claim and Hamas accused the Israeli leader of spreading propaganda to justify future attacks in Gaza.
Netanyahu said he heard Abbas' words but preferred to have the conversation face-to-face.
"The interview was given seven minutes away from here. A direct conversation can promote an agreement. In order for it to promote an agreement we have to get over an artificial obstacle " he said. | 1 | neutral | [
"Israel says Hamas has anti-aircraft missiles\nSpeaking to his Likud Party Netanyahu disclosed that Israel's aerial freedom has been compromised by the new weaponry in Gaza presumably smuggled into the area through tunnels connected to neighboring Egypt.",
"He said any future peace agreement would have to include security arrangements to deal with the threat.",
"\"The security problem is not just the new rockets that will enter the area and will threaten city centers.",
"I don't know if you know this but today we are struggling to fly near Gaza because they have anti-aircraft missiles there \" Netanyahu said.",
"He warned that the missiles could also threaten air traffic at Israel's international airport.",
"\"Israel's security needs are real the solutions have to be real not on paper.",
"We need to find long-term solutions that give Israel security \" he said.",
"Netanyahu gave no evidence to support his claim and Hamas accused the Israeli leader of spreading propaganda to justify future attacks in Gaza.",
"Netanyahu said he heard Abbas' words but preferred to have the conversation face-to-face.",
"\"The interview was given seven minutes away from here.",
"A direct conversation can promote an agreement.",
"In order for it to promote an agreement we have to get over an artificial obstacle \" he said."
] |
I don't love this as much as I wanted to. On the positive side, it's lightweight and easy to assemble. You could break it down after each use to store in a smaller area if necessary. It works well for light cleanup on bare floors (tile, laminate). I don't have carpet, so I'm not able to comment on that.
The handheld feature is one of the main reasons I wanted this particular vacuum. I have 3 dogs and 1 cat, which makes for hairy furniture. I wanted the smaller, handheld for use on my sofa and window bench. I don't find this has enough suction to really pull the hair from furniture. It does a reasonable job, and works well enough for a touch-up later in the day. But I still find I need to use my canister vacuum daily. | 1 | neutral | [
"I don't love this as much as I wanted to.",
"On the positive side, it's lightweight and easy to assemble.",
"You could break it down after each use to store in a smaller area if necessary.",
"It works well for light cleanup on bare floors (tile, laminate).",
"I don't have carpet, so I'm not able to comment on that.",
"The handheld feature is one of the main reasons I wanted this particular vacuum.",
"I have 3 dogs and 1 cat, which makes for hairy furniture.",
"I wanted the smaller, handheld for use on my sofa and window bench.",
"I don't find this has enough suction to really pull the hair from furniture.",
"It does a reasonable job, and works well enough for a touch-up later in the day.",
"But I still find I need to use my canister vacuum daily."
] |
Be prepared to fight not with rival armies but with the disc itself. After updating my drive's firmware and installing an optional Windows patch for reading secure discs the PC finally recognized that the game was, in fact, inserted. Whether the files are accessible or not depends upon its mood. This seems to be a somewhat common phenomenon. Once visible, copying the entirety of each game folder and installing from the desktop worked fine. Thankfully the disc isn't necessary beyond housing the installation files.
The games are worth the trouble involved in installing them. You, too, can lead a coalition of tiny men in undershorts and tame the wilderness and build mighty civilizations in Age of Empires! Age of Empires II expands to add women and more clothing in the goal of building the best possible medieval stronghold while smoothing out some rough edges found in the original.
Strangely, the 'soundtrack' comprising of wav files is amazingly difficult to copy due to read errors. Bizarre. | 1 | neutral | [
"Be prepared to fight not with rival armies but with the disc itself.",
"After updating my drive's firmware and installing an optional Windows patch for reading secure discs the PC finally recognized that the game was, in fact, inserted.",
"Whether the files are accessible or not depends upon its mood.",
"This seems to be a somewhat common phenomenon.",
"Once visible, copying the entirety of each game folder and installing from the desktop worked fine.",
"Thankfully the disc isn't necessary beyond housing the installation files.",
"The games are worth the trouble involved in installing them.",
"You, too, can lead a coalition of tiny men in undershorts and tame the wilderness and build mighty civilizations in Age of Empires!",
"Age of Empires II expands to add women and more clothing in the goal of building the best possible medieval stronghold while smoothing out some rough edges found in the original.",
"Strangely, the 'soundtrack' comprising of wav files is amazingly difficult to copy due to read errors.",
"Bizarre."
] |
I must say, I do like this game for bringing a lot of new ideas to the platforming table, but I would have given it higher if not for the insane difficulty level. First, I have all four platforming games from Insomniac and Naughty Dog for the Plastation 2. This game is my least favorite, because as one gaming magazine succinctly put it, "the game doesn't like me." For the casual gamer, this game 's difficulty would be ranked as high as Contra: Shattered Soldier or Shinobi in some of the missions. Don't get me wrong though as my perception of the game. The graphics and the controls are fantastic. They are responsive...Even the story is fairly deep and involving. In fact, it may be argued that it is better than Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. I have other complaints regarding this game is that the city is too dark and the streets are way too crowded with cars. Overall, this game does deserve a higher rating, but this game is simply too difficult for those who want to have fun and not have a chore of a game. Second, the camera is usually fixed and does not move with the action (like Ratchet and Clank). In many, many instances, Jak will get shot off the screen by enemies, who shoot particularly well. Lastly, the autolock by Jak is a joke compared to the enemies' autolock. You have to literally move Jak into the proper angle to fire, and it only exposes himself more. It would be great if they had strafing, via Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando and an actual lock-on system. One last wish, in the next installment, please let Jak improve health-wise like his compatriot Ratchet. Maybe after boss battles or something. Anything. Overall, this game is heavily recommended for Jak and Daxter die-hard fans and "hardcore gamers." For the casual gamer (most of us, I think), it is particularly difficult in some missions. | 1 | neutral | [
"I must say, I do like this game for bringing a lot of new ideas to the platforming table, but I would have given it higher if not for the insane difficulty level.",
"First, I have all four platforming games from Insomniac and Naughty Dog for the Plastation 2.",
"This game is my least favorite, because as one gaming magazine succinctly put it, \"the game doesn't like me.",
"\" For the casual gamer, this game 's difficulty would be ranked as high as Contra: Shattered Soldier or Shinobi in some of the missions.",
"Don't get me wrong though as my perception of the game.",
"The graphics and the controls are fantastic.",
"They are responsive...",
"Even the story is fairly deep and involving.",
"In fact, it may be argued that it is better than Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.",
"I have other complaints regarding this game is that the city is too dark and the streets are way too crowded with cars.",
"Overall, this game does deserve a higher rating, but this game is simply too difficult for those who want to have fun and not have a chore of a game.",
"Second, the camera is usually fixed and does not move with the action (like Ratchet and Clank).",
"In many, many instances, Jak will get shot off the screen by enemies, who shoot particularly well.",
"Lastly, the autolock by Jak is a joke compared to the enemies' autolock.",
"You have to literally move Jak into the proper angle to fire, and it only exposes himself more.",
"It would be great if they had strafing, via Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando and an actual lock-on system.",
"One last wish, in the next installment, please let Jak improve health-wise like his compatriot Ratchet.",
"Maybe after boss battles or something.",
"Anything.",
"Overall, this game is heavily recommended for Jak and Daxter die-hard fans and \"hardcore gamers.",
"\" For the casual gamer (most of us, I think), it is particularly difficult in some missions."
] |
This is a great short start to "I think" will be a wonderful series! The concept of this book is delightful. After 100 pressured reviews to write, it is so nice to actually be able to read something short, fast and easy! Yet still offer a great story line.
The great thing about this series, I was looking and you can actually get them very cheap. In this book, you meet Chloe and get introduced to her new life. She is pushed into a world she never knew existed, after her mother was murder in front of her. Now not only does she learn she has a grandfather, but she also learns her family history. She now knows that she is one of the most _________ wait did you really think I was going to tell you???
So go grab this book, it is FREE!! I do not think you will be disappointed at all!!!!
Off to book 2!!!!! | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a great short start to \"I think\" will be a wonderful series!",
"The concept of this book is delightful.",
"After 100 pressured reviews to write, it is so nice to actually be able to read something short, fast and easy!",
"Yet still offer a great story line.",
"The great thing about this series, I was looking and you can actually get them very cheap.",
"In this book, you meet Chloe and get introduced to her new life.",
"She is pushed into a world she never knew existed, after her mother was murder in front of her.",
"Now not only does she learn she has a grandfather, but she also learns her family history.",
"She now knows that she is one of the most _________ wait did you really think I was going to tell you???",
"So go grab this book, it is FREE!!",
"I do not think you will be disappointed at all!!!!",
"Off to book 2!!!!",
"!"
] |
I bought the GK-3 to add on to one of my Epiphone guitars. I have several Epiphones and the supplied bracket for this purpose did not work. I sent the guitar to a music store for a professional attempt after I was unable to install this myself. It was impossible even with forgoing the bracket and using the tape method. The issue is the width of the pickup and the spacing between the tailpiece (stopped) and the adjustable bridge. I tried the Epiphone Dot, Epiphone SG, and the Gibson- Baldwin LesPaul, the bracket method failed on all of these. I was finally able to install on the cheap Gibson Baldwin using the double sided sticky tape and some extra materials from the hardware store. The Roland claim that this bracket allows for use on Gibson style guitars is misleading. Better have a Strat style guitar ready.... By the way the supplier was fine, no issue there. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought the GK-3 to add on to one of my Epiphone guitars.",
"I have several Epiphones and the supplied bracket for this purpose did not work.",
"I sent the guitar to a music store for a professional attempt after I was unable to install this myself.",
"It was impossible even with forgoing the bracket and using the tape method.",
"The issue is the width of the pickup and the spacing between the tailpiece (stopped) and the adjustable bridge.",
"I tried the Epiphone Dot, Epiphone SG, and the Gibson- Baldwin LesPaul, the bracket method failed on all of these.",
"I was finally able to install on the cheap Gibson Baldwin using the double sided sticky tape and some extra materials from the hardware store.",
"The Roland claim that this bracket allows for use on Gibson style guitars is misleading.",
"Better have a Strat style guitar ready....",
"By the way the supplier was fine, no issue there."
] |
So with rare use, this product lasted me almost three years. What eventually failed was the plastic casing around the head. It's held together with pressure (think: like Legos) and started coming apart repeatedly until I lost one of the three pieces and then one of the electrical wires, unprotected, separated from the circuit board. Wish the casing around the light was more durable, like maybe an aluminum casing held together by screws...but then I guess it wouldn't be so light nor as inexpensive.
Postives: The neck is very pliable. The batteries last a long time (in fact, I never changed them). The light is bright.
Negatives: The light is cold and a bit too harsh. It doesn't make for good ambience if, for example, you're reading with the book light and all other lights turned off.
Will not buy again. | 1 | neutral | [
"So with rare use, this product lasted me almost three years.",
"What eventually failed was the plastic casing around the head.",
"It's held together with pressure (think: like Legos) and started coming apart repeatedly until I lost one of the three pieces and then one of the electrical wires, unprotected, separated from the circuit board.",
"Wish the casing around the light was more durable, like maybe an aluminum casing held together by screws...",
"but then I guess it wouldn't be so light nor as inexpensive.",
"Postives: The neck is very pliable.",
"The batteries last a long time (in fact, I never changed them).",
"The light is bright.",
"Negatives: The light is cold and a bit too harsh.",
"It doesn't make for good ambience if, for example, you're reading with the book light and all other lights turned off.",
"Will not buy again."
] |
From reading my other reviews you have to know that I am a MEGA Donna Summer fan, and for me to give one of her releases only 3 stars is an event. So please read this review with an open mind.
By the time that Donna got to 1981 she had established herself as a force to be reckoned with, and the success of her landmark album Bad Girls paved the road for the female Super Stars that the 80's would develop. Many of us also developed an appreciation for Donna the songwriter, and we applauded her courage to take more control of her career, and business dealings. In this time span (1979 - 1981) she also rediscovered her faith, got married (Happy 25th!), had her 2nd child (Brooklyn), and released a very forward leaning album (The Wanderer).
Prior to a US Tour in the summer of 1981, Donna worked with her long time producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellote on a new double album, that we would learn later was to be called I'm A Rainbow. After much anticipation we found out that Geffen Records decided to shelve the album and instead paired Donna with Quincy Jones to create a R & B focused record, and that is where the trouble started......................
The entire Donna Summer album sounds VERY much like Quincy Jones, and VERY LITTLE like Donna herself, in ANY of her musical personas. As she was pregnant with daughter number 3 (Amanda) she did not compose many of the albums songs and IT SHOWS. Some of the tunes composed by others for this album are so same ol, same ol, they are beneath Donna's talents; The Women In Me, and If It Hurts Just a Little about the worst.
Bruce Springsteen's song Protection even suffers from the overproduction that inflicts most of the album, and as Rolling Stone wrote in it's stinging review, Protection came out sounding like ABBA.
Overproduction is just about the Keyword for this train wreck, and on too many tracks Donna's voice gets drowned out. Love is In Control, SHOULD have been a great kicking post-Disco track, but ANY person could have sung it, it's that over done.
On the positive side, Love Is Just a Breath Away, has a great 80's new wave edge (imagine if Giorgio produced it), Lush Life the great Jazz standard never sounded lusher, and State of Independence worked well, and made a great live song for the encore song of her 1983 tour.
To me the greatest fauxpas was deletion of the song Sometimes Like Butterflies. This awesome track was on the B side to the 45 single of Love Is In Control, and Butterflies is the epitome of a great Donna Summer ballad, simple, unique and written or co-written by Donna (this song was co-written by Bruce Roberts).
If I ever have the chance to meet David Geffen face to face (I live near the Hamptons), I would love to have a discussion with him about this album, and ask him what was he thinking.
.also see my review of I'm A Rainbow (finally released in 1996). | 1 | neutral | [
"From reading my other reviews you have to know that I am a MEGA Donna Summer fan, and for me to give one of her releases only 3 stars is an event.",
"So please read this review with an open mind.",
"By the time that Donna got to 1981 she had established herself as a force to be reckoned with, and the success of her landmark album Bad Girls paved the road for the female Super Stars that the 80's would develop.",
"Many of us also developed an appreciation for Donna the songwriter, and we applauded her courage to take more control of her career, and business dealings.",
"In this time span (1979 - 1981) she also rediscovered her faith, got married (Happy 25th!",
"), had her 2nd child (Brooklyn), and released a very forward leaning album (The Wanderer).",
"Prior to a US Tour in the summer of 1981, Donna worked with her long time producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellote on a new double album, that we would learn later was to be called I'm A Rainbow.",
"After much anticipation we found out that Geffen Records decided to shelve the album and instead paired Donna with Quincy Jones to create a R & B focused record, and that is where the trouble started....",
"....",
"....",
"....",
"....",
"..",
"The entire Donna Summer album sounds VERY much like Quincy Jones, and VERY LITTLE like Donna herself, in ANY of her musical personas.",
"As she was pregnant with daughter number 3 (Amanda) she did not compose many of the albums songs and IT SHOWS.",
"Some of the tunes composed by others for this album are so same ol, same ol, they are beneath Donna's talents; The Women In Me, and If It Hurts Just a Little about the worst.",
"Bruce Springsteen's song Protection even suffers from the overproduction that inflicts most of the album, and as Rolling Stone wrote in it's stinging review, Protection came out sounding like ABBA.",
"Overproduction is just about the Keyword for this train wreck, and on too many tracks Donna's voice gets drowned out.",
"Love is In Control, SHOULD have been a great kicking post-Disco track, but ANY person could have sung it, it's that over done.",
"On the positive side, Love Is Just a Breath Away, has a great 80's new wave edge (imagine if Giorgio produced it), Lush Life the great Jazz standard never sounded lusher, and State of Independence worked well, and made a great live song for the encore song of her 1983 tour.",
"To me the greatest fauxpas was deletion of the song Sometimes Like Butterflies.",
"This awesome track was on the B side to the 45 single of Love Is In Control, and Butterflies is the epitome of a great Donna Summer ballad, simple, unique and written or co-written by Donna (this song was co-written by Bruce Roberts).",
"If I ever have the chance to meet David Geffen face to face (I live near the Hamptons), I would love to have a discussion with him about this album, and ask him what was he thinking.",
".",
"also see my review of I'm A Rainbow (finally released in 1996)."
] |
Tenchu was one of those games that really WOW'ED! alot of people on the Playstation one. It's protagonist, a 16th Century Azuma ninja Rikimaru, is probably one of the more memorable and emulated characters in the more recent video game landscape. Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven brings Rikimaru and his female counterpart Ayame to the Playstation 2 with a considerable upgrade in graphics, but with pretty much the same basic design and gameplay.
The strength of the Tenchu game series is and has always been STEALTH. With few projectile weapons and no firearms, this forces the players to get "up close and personal" when taking down an opponent. You do have a variety of ninja items; shuriken, poison rice cakes, even a long bow. But your best weapon is still your katana sword. So you really have little choice but to be stealthy. The game environment does offer plenty of places to hide thanks the enhanced graphical power of the Playstation 2. One thing that is different is that developer K2 has implemented an ability upgrade system. After nine stealth kills (which are kept score in the form of Kanji characters on the bottom left hand corner of the screen) you are awarded a new ninja ability. There are quite a few abilities that can be awarded. However the cinematic that plays once the stealth kills are completed is kind of goofey. I would have liked it better if Rikimaru or Ayame picked up a scroll and read the ability aloud. This would have given the game a feel more with keeping to it's 16th century setting. But this is only a minor issue. There is also an unlockable third character named Tessu that is available once you've completed the game and a multiplayer mode. Missions for both character follow different paths and have different objectives. So you are not replaying the same missions twice with both ninjas. There are also three different enemy layouts to each level and player rankings, to increase the replay value.
The controls are basically the same as the previous Tenchu games though side stepping is a bit more difficult. One thing that bothers me about Wrath of Heaven is that Rikimaru and Ayame both move very unaturally. Their motions while running, crouching, and "sneaking" look too computerised. Often when going to a crouch they will appear "jerky". Also while running Rikimaru and Ayame appear to "skate" across the gamescape. This is kind of disappointing seeing how the first game on the Playstation 1 made Rikimaru and Ayame move with greater flow and ease. The learning curve for this game is about 30=-45 minutes (the amount of time to get used to the controls).
Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven is a game that favors fans of the series but shouldn't let down newcomers either. It gives you just enough to keep wanting to play and is challenging enough without becoming frustrating. Mind you that this game is rated "M" for a reason. Ninjas are not particually nice people. If you're a stealth action fan then this game will fit nicely in your game library. For the new reduced price, Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven is a very good value worth checking out. | 1 | neutral | [
"Tenchu was one of those games that really WOW'ED!",
"alot of people on the Playstation one.",
"It's protagonist, a 16th Century Azuma ninja Rikimaru, is probably one of the more memorable and emulated characters in the more recent video game landscape.",
"Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven brings Rikimaru and his female counterpart Ayame to the Playstation 2 with a considerable upgrade in graphics, but with pretty much the same basic design and gameplay.",
"The strength of the Tenchu game series is and has always been STEALTH.",
"With few projectile weapons and no firearms, this forces the players to get \"up close and personal\" when taking down an opponent.",
"You do have a variety of ninja items; shuriken, poison rice cakes, even a long bow.",
"But your best weapon is still your katana sword.",
"So you really have little choice but to be stealthy.",
"The game environment does offer plenty of places to hide thanks the enhanced graphical power of the Playstation 2.",
"One thing that is different is that developer K2 has implemented an ability upgrade system.",
"After nine stealth kills (which are kept score in the form of Kanji characters on the bottom left hand corner of the screen) you are awarded a new ninja ability.",
"There are quite a few abilities that can be awarded.",
"However the cinematic that plays once the stealth kills are completed is kind of goofey.",
"I would have liked it better if Rikimaru or Ayame picked up a scroll and read the ability aloud.",
"This would have given the game a feel more with keeping to it's 16th century setting.",
"But this is only a minor issue.",
"There is also an unlockable third character named Tessu that is available once you've completed the game and a multiplayer mode.",
"Missions for both character follow different paths and have different objectives.",
"So you are not replaying the same missions twice with both ninjas.",
"There are also three different enemy layouts to each level and player rankings, to increase the replay value.",
"The controls are basically the same as the previous Tenchu games though side stepping is a bit more difficult.",
"One thing that bothers me about Wrath of Heaven is that Rikimaru and Ayame both move very unaturally.",
"Their motions while running, crouching, and \"sneaking\" look too computerised.",
"Often when going to a crouch they will appear \"jerky\".",
"Also while running Rikimaru and Ayame appear to \"skate\" across the gamescape.",
"This is kind of disappointing seeing how the first game on the Playstation 1 made Rikimaru and Ayame move with greater flow and ease.",
"The learning curve for this game is about 30=-45 minutes (the amount of time to get used to the controls).",
"Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven is a game that favors fans of the series but shouldn't let down newcomers either.",
"It gives you just enough to keep wanting to play and is challenging enough without becoming frustrating.",
"Mind you that this game is rated \"M\" for a reason.",
"Ninjas are not particually nice people.",
"If you're a stealth action fan then this game will fit nicely in your game library.",
"For the new reduced price, Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven is a very good value worth checking out."
] |
I agree with two other reviewers here: One, the contrasting numbers are easier to read. That's especially useful for old eyes.
Two, Stanley QC is not great and MOST of their squares are NOT very square.
No problem!
Everyone needs a small "beater" square for home-projects; one they can carry easily, throw in a tool box and not have to "baby." Superb accuracy is not usually critical for small projects, but small inaccuracies tend to compound and create big problems with multiple cuts. You can adjust ANY square like this to be nearly perfect in minutes.
Here's how:
One, flatten the three edges (lightly) with 180-grit sandpaper. Temporarily affix the sand paper to a known flat surface like a surface-plate, honing guide, marble tile or glass plate. Rub the edges over the sandpaper LIGHTLY until the whole surface of each edge is abraded. Don't "rock" the square as you sand, Keep the square "square." If you can't do that by feel, then use a wood block to hold the square perpendicular to the sandpaper.
TWO, check the square with a GOOD RELIABLE square, like machinists squares or that heirloom Starrett you keep inside. When you find out which way it is off, either abrade more from the "fat" side or "peen" the corner to relieve an acute angle.
You can "square" any small square with this method in two minutes.
Don't have a machinist's square? Don't sweat.
Just mark a line from any straight-edge, then flip the square and mark another line from the same starting-point. If the square is "out" the lines will diverge. Because you flipped the square, you doubled the error, so whatever distance the line is off, is TWICE the error. That tells you how much you need to correct. (for instance, If the lines are a 16th off at the end, remove a 32nd.) If you want anal-retentive accuracy, don't use a pencil; use a knife-blade to make your lines. With this method, you can get a cheap square accurate to one-or-two-thousandths over a 6-inch length! That'll make your layouts and cuts BETTER than most miter-saws.
VISIBLE MARKINGS: You can make ANY square like this (with indented markings) easier to read. Apply any regular artist's or household paint to the surface. The type of paint is NOT too important. Contrasting color IS. For instance, I had a Swanson speed-square of plain aluminum, which was a light grayish tone. I used dark blue latex paint left over from another job.
Slather that contrasting paint all over the square. I use a paper towel and force the paint thoroughly into each indentation. You might want to keep paint away from the intersection of the base and the plate. (It's hard to clean out of corners.)
Then immediately squeegee off the excess paint. (A credit card works well for this) You will see the colored numbers clearly. To get the remaining thin-layer of color off the face, wait until the remaining surface-paint is bone-dry. (Outside in the sun this takes five minutes. A hair-dryer works too.) Use a sanding block to rub the surface. Fine grit sandpaper (240 or above) on a flat sanding-block won't touch the indented numbers or markings, ( which will still be slightly wet and shiny) but it WILL remove the extra paint and polish the surface. The markings are crisp and legible. It really looks nice when you're done!
These tricks work just as well on those plastic speed-squares; maybe better! Plastic has a slight advantage over aluminum here: Aluminum, especially when it is painted Black like this Stanley, will change dimension noticeably or even warp in the hot sun. Like I said, that usually is no big deal for small projects. But plastic squares don't change dimension at all until they get hot enough to soften. If it is THAT hot out, you won't be working outside for long! Plastic squares survive falls and abuse better too. Once an aluminum tool is bent, it stays bent. Plastic is easier to sand into square and the faces clean-up faster too.
BLACK TOOLS can get hot enough to burn your hand when they are left out in the sun. Shiny metal is not quite as bad. Light colored plastic never gets so hot that it burns or distorts significantly. Also, plastic is easier to abrade with sandpaper and the paint adheres inside those indentations very well. Plastic squares are usually bright orange or yellow, so any dark color of paint will look great and be easy-to-read. After you sand the surface with a sanding block, the numbers on plastic squares seem crisper; more well-defined than aluminum.
So, if you already have one of these Black Aluminum squares, you can improve its accuracy for no cost in a few minutes.
If you are going to buy one of these because you like the looks, don't worry about Stanley's poor quality control. Squares are easy to "repair-to-square." If you have a light-colored aluminum square, you can still get readability with a cheap painting trick in five minutes. If you are on a tight budget and want a durable lightweight square, get a plastic one which won't warp, change dimension or ruin a saw blade when you accidentally nick it. I have seen those for as little as 50 cents on sale. $2.50 to $3.50 is common. Five-bucks for a plastic square is high.
You can get professional accuracy for nice outdoor projects with your cheap plastic square. Plus you can laugh at your neighbor when he picks up his hot black Stanley square after lunch!
This square is not substantially better or worse than most others like it. Almost all of them are mass-produced in China to the same apathetic standards. If you know these tricks, you can make any square like this as good as it needs to be for neat projects around the house. Save your money for important things like eye-protection and good cutting-tools.
Happy woodworking! | 1 | neutral | [
"I agree with two other reviewers here: One, the contrasting numbers are easier to read.",
"That's especially useful for old eyes.",
"Two, Stanley QC is not great and MOST of their squares are NOT very square.",
"No problem!",
"Everyone needs a small \"beater\" square for home-projects; one they can carry easily, throw in a tool box and not have to \"baby.",
"\" Superb accuracy is not usually critical for small projects, but small inaccuracies tend to compound and create big problems with multiple cuts.",
"You can adjust ANY square like this to be nearly perfect in minutes.",
"Here's how:\nOne, flatten the three edges (lightly) with 180-grit sandpaper.",
"Temporarily affix the sand paper to a known flat surface like a surface-plate, honing guide, marble tile or glass plate.",
"Rub the edges over the sandpaper LIGHTLY until the whole surface of each edge is abraded.",
"Don't \"rock\" the square as you sand, Keep the square \"square.",
"\" If you can't do that by feel, then use a wood block to hold the square perpendicular to the sandpaper.",
"TWO, check the square with a GOOD RELIABLE square, like machinists squares or that heirloom Starrett you keep inside.",
"When you find out which way it is off, either abrade more from the \"fat\" side or \"peen\" the corner to relieve an acute angle.",
"You can \"square\" any small square with this method in two minutes.",
"Don't have a machinist's square?",
"Don't sweat.",
"Just mark a line from any straight-edge, then flip the square and mark another line from the same starting-point.",
"If the square is \"out\" the lines will diverge.",
"Because you flipped the square, you doubled the error, so whatever distance the line is off, is TWICE the error.",
"That tells you how much you need to correct.",
"(for instance, If the lines are a 16th off at the end, remove a 32nd.",
") If you want anal-retentive accuracy, don't use a pencil; use a knife-blade to make your lines.",
"With this method, you can get a cheap square accurate to one-or-two-thousandths over a 6-inch length!",
"That'll make your layouts and cuts BETTER than most miter-saws.",
"VISIBLE MARKINGS: You can make ANY square like this (with indented markings) easier to read.",
"Apply any regular artist's or household paint to the surface.",
"The type of paint is NOT too important.",
"Contrasting color IS.",
"For instance, I had a Swanson speed-square of plain aluminum, which was a light grayish tone.",
"I used dark blue latex paint left over from another job.",
"Slather that contrasting paint all over the square.",
"I use a paper towel and force the paint thoroughly into each indentation.",
"You might want to keep paint away from the intersection of the base and the plate.",
"(It's hard to clean out of corners.",
")\n\nThen immediately squeegee off the excess paint.",
"(A credit card works well for this) You will see the colored numbers clearly.",
"To get the remaining thin-layer of color off the face, wait until the remaining surface-paint is bone-dry.",
"(Outside in the sun this takes five minutes.",
"A hair-dryer works too.",
") Use a sanding block to rub the surface.",
"Fine grit sandpaper (240 or above) on a flat sanding-block won't touch the indented numbers or markings, ( which will still be slightly wet and shiny) but it WILL remove the extra paint and polish the surface.",
"The markings are crisp and legible.",
"It really looks nice when you're done!",
"These tricks work just as well on those plastic speed-squares; maybe better!",
"Plastic has a slight advantage over aluminum here: Aluminum, especially when it is painted Black like this Stanley, will change dimension noticeably or even warp in the hot sun.",
"Like I said, that usually is no big deal for small projects.",
"But plastic squares don't change dimension at all until they get hot enough to soften.",
"If it is THAT hot out, you won't be working outside for long!",
"Plastic squares survive falls and abuse better too.",
"Once an aluminum tool is bent, it stays bent.",
"Plastic is easier to sand into square and the faces clean-up faster too.",
"BLACK TOOLS can get hot enough to burn your hand when they are left out in the sun.",
"Shiny metal is not quite as bad.",
"Light colored plastic never gets so hot that it burns or distorts significantly.",
"Also, plastic is easier to abrade with sandpaper and the paint adheres inside those indentations very well.",
"Plastic squares are usually bright orange or yellow, so any dark color of paint will look great and be easy-to-read.",
"After you sand the surface with a sanding block, the numbers on plastic squares seem crisper; more well-defined than aluminum.",
"So, if you already have one of these Black Aluminum squares, you can improve its accuracy for no cost in a few minutes.",
"If you are going to buy one of these because you like the looks, don't worry about Stanley's poor quality control.",
"Squares are easy to \"repair-to-square.",
"\" If you have a light-colored aluminum square, you can still get readability with a cheap painting trick in five minutes.",
"If you are on a tight budget and want a durable lightweight square, get a plastic one which won't warp, change dimension or ruin a saw blade when you accidentally nick it.",
"I have seen those for as little as 50 cents on sale.",
"$2.",
"50 to $3.",
"50 is common.",
"Five-bucks for a plastic square is high.",
"You can get professional accuracy for nice outdoor projects with your cheap plastic square.",
"Plus you can laugh at your neighbor when he picks up his hot black Stanley square after lunch!",
"This square is not substantially better or worse than most others like it.",
"Almost all of them are mass-produced in China to the same apathetic standards.",
"If you know these tricks, you can make any square like this as good as it needs to be for neat projects around the house.",
"Save your money for important things like eye-protection and good cutting-tools.",
"Happy woodworking!"
] |
I had "pre-reviewed" this game a while back by making three stipulations that would either make it or break it as a great game. First, the developers, Cyan, had to stick to their promise of allowing the player to switch from the new 3rd-person perspective back to a 1st-person perspective. Second, they also had to stick to a promise of allowing a player to play by him or herself, even within the new "Uru Live" online scenario. Finally, they must continue to live up to the lofty standards set by their previous Myst titles when it comes to graphics and gameplay (i.e. puzzles).
With regards to the first stipulation, Cyan came through marvelously! Even though so much effort went into allowing players to create personal "avatars" to represent themselves in the new 3rd-person perspective option, they also made switching back to the classic 1st-person view extremely easy by using the F1 key. Cyan touted this new perspective as the best way to enjoy the game citing, for one, that the 3rd-person view would give the player a better sense of scale in the enormous environments of the new ages. Personally, me wife and I found the 3rd-person view to be very awkward at times because, in several places, the only view available was from in front looking back and down at the avatar which then made moving of the character exactly opposite to what was intuitive. For most of the game, we kept the view in 1st-person and just tollerated the times that we needed to switch back (or the game purposely switched back) to a 3rd-person view. This was usually necessary in order to solve some of the new "physically challenging" puzzles. More on that later. A game of this beauty must be viewed from a first person perspective. Avatars just spoil the view. I don't need to see what I would look like super-imposed into these environments. I know what I look like; I don't need some goofy representation of me to distract from the wonder of the ages.
Judgement on the second stipulation will have to wait until the Uru Live option of play opens up to the general public later on. Apparently, in order to handle the crush of users that the online gameplay is expected to generate, Cyan is relying on the cashflow generated from the sales of the standalone game in order to upgrade their hardware accordingly. We're probably talking teraflops of CPU and terabytes of disk needed. Regardless, from the documentation I've read so far, it's looking like the online world of UruLive is going to be exclusively a communal affair with emphasis on neighborhoods and cooperative puzzle solving. Sure, you might be able to download an age or two to explore on your own, but you'll only get as far as the first "physical" puzzle that takes at least two avatars to stand on separate platforms or some such (yes, that's how imaginative the puzzles have been so far). I like Myst games where its just me against the environment. I don't want to go exploring where other "tourists" will get in my way. Looks like the online world won't be for us. If you like the SIMS Online and Everquest genres, then go for it.
Finally, to the meat of the game: the tech. Yes, the graphics are, once again, drop dead gorgeous. I still can't believe the view once we finally got "topside" on the first rotating building in the Gareeshen age! All four main ages had visions of pure beauty and, believe me, we had no problems appreciating the immenseness of these environments from the 1st-person perspective. What's even more incredible is this game comes on only ONE CD! Gone are the days where they have to pack 4 or more CD's (or a double-sided DVD) with tons of JPEGs and video clips linked together. Everything now is rendered in splendid real-time 3D. I knew this game was being developed based upon the technology similar to RealMyst so I expected it was going to take some real horsepower to run it. I got all new hardware recently and, trust me, it was worth it. On a cherry machine, this game is gorgeous in sight and sound!
Where Cyan failed (and miserably so) was in the gameplay. As you can probably tell by now, we weren't too thrilled with the added layer of physical puzzles. Now that you have the freedom to go anywhere, do anything, the developers thought it was a logical step to add agility tests (running, jumping, pushing objects) into their puzzles. The overused puzzle of "pushing" objects made us think we were playing a soccer game! I'm expecting a Myst game, not a FPS or Mario clone! On top of that, more than enough of the other puzzles in this game have such impossible levels of logic and lateral thinking built in to them, that they've taken all the joy out of solving them. We had to resort to hints off the internet more times than I am proud to admit. Myst and Riven were hard, but at least the solutions to the puzzles made sense. Finally, we didn't appreciate playing hide-and-go-seek with all the Journey Cloths and Relto Pages. Three words: what a copout!
PLEASE, take the tech from this game and meld it with gameplay on par with Myst and Riven! If that is what you are expecting, try something else. I'm holding my breath that Mysterious Journey II might get it right. | 1 | neutral | [
"I had \"pre-reviewed\" this game a while back by making three stipulations that would either make it or break it as a great game.",
"First, the developers, Cyan, had to stick to their promise of allowing the player to switch from the new 3rd-person perspective back to a 1st-person perspective.",
"Second, they also had to stick to a promise of allowing a player to play by him or herself, even within the new \"Uru Live\" online scenario.",
"Finally, they must continue to live up to the lofty standards set by their previous Myst titles when it comes to graphics and gameplay (i.",
"e. puzzles).",
"With regards to the first stipulation, Cyan came through marvelously!",
"Even though so much effort went into allowing players to create personal \"avatars\" to represent themselves in the new 3rd-person perspective option, they also made switching back to the classic 1st-person view extremely easy by using the F1 key.",
"Cyan touted this new perspective as the best way to enjoy the game citing, for one, that the 3rd-person view would give the player a better sense of scale in the enormous environments of the new ages.",
"Personally, me wife and I found the 3rd-person view to be very awkward at times because, in several places, the only view available was from in front looking back and down at the avatar which then made moving of the character exactly opposite to what was intuitive.",
"For most of the game, we kept the view in 1st-person and just tollerated the times that we needed to switch back (or the game purposely switched back) to a 3rd-person view.",
"This was usually necessary in order to solve some of the new \"physically challenging\" puzzles.",
"More on that later.",
"A game of this beauty must be viewed from a first person perspective.",
"Avatars just spoil the view.",
"I don't need to see what I would look like super-imposed into these environments.",
"I know what I look like; I don't need some goofy representation of me to distract from the wonder of the ages.",
"Judgement on the second stipulation will have to wait until the Uru Live option of play opens up to the general public later on.",
"Apparently, in order to handle the crush of users that the online gameplay is expected to generate, Cyan is relying on the cashflow generated from the sales of the standalone game in order to upgrade their hardware accordingly.",
"We're probably talking teraflops of CPU and terabytes of disk needed.",
"Regardless, from the documentation I've read so far, it's looking like the online world of UruLive is going to be exclusively a communal affair with emphasis on neighborhoods and cooperative puzzle solving.",
"Sure, you might be able to download an age or two to explore on your own, but you'll only get as far as the first \"physical\" puzzle that takes at least two avatars to stand on separate platforms or some such (yes, that's how imaginative the puzzles have been so far).",
"I like Myst games where its just me against the environment.",
"I don't want to go exploring where other \"tourists\" will get in my way.",
"Looks like the online world won't be for us.",
"If you like the SIMS Online and Everquest genres, then go for it.",
"Finally, to the meat of the game: the tech.",
"Yes, the graphics are, once again, drop dead gorgeous.",
"I still can't believe the view once we finally got \"topside\" on the first rotating building in the Gareeshen age!",
"All four main ages had visions of pure beauty and, believe me, we had no problems appreciating the immenseness of these environments from the 1st-person perspective.",
"What's even more incredible is this game comes on only ONE CD!",
"Gone are the days where they have to pack 4 or more CD's (or a double-sided DVD) with tons of JPEGs and video clips linked together.",
"Everything now is rendered in splendid real-time 3D.",
"I knew this game was being developed based upon the technology similar to RealMyst so I expected it was going to take some real horsepower to run it.",
"I got all new hardware recently and, trust me, it was worth it.",
"On a cherry machine, this game is gorgeous in sight and sound!",
"Where Cyan failed (and miserably so) was in the gameplay.",
"As you can probably tell by now, we weren't too thrilled with the added layer of physical puzzles.",
"Now that you have the freedom to go anywhere, do anything, the developers thought it was a logical step to add agility tests (running, jumping, pushing objects) into their puzzles.",
"The overused puzzle of \"pushing\" objects made us think we were playing a soccer game!",
"I'm expecting a Myst game, not a FPS or Mario clone!",
"On top of that, more than enough of the other puzzles in this game have such impossible levels of logic and lateral thinking built in to them, that they've taken all the joy out of solving them.",
"We had to resort to hints off the internet more times than I am proud to admit.",
"Myst and Riven were hard, but at least the solutions to the puzzles made sense.",
"Finally, we didn't appreciate playing hide-and-go-seek with all the Journey Cloths and Relto Pages.",
"Three words: what a copout!",
"PLEASE, take the tech from this game and meld it with gameplay on par with Myst and Riven!",
"If that is what you are expecting, try something else.",
"I'm holding my breath that Mysterious Journey II might get it right."
] |
I don't believe this product has offered me any benefit in terms of what I wanted, the relieving of puffiness under my eyes. I have very few wrinkles in the eye area, but do have noticeable puffiness. My husband said he thought it looked a little better, but I believe he was simply trying to make me feel good.
The manufacturer suggests using this one to two times/week. I've applied the treatment 2 times since receiving it because I was anxious to see if it would help. Perhaps longer term treatment would show more improvement. Two main problems with that solution are (1) the Vine review process would have been exceeded (6 weeks to use all the contents at 1/week), and (2) the cost factor would prohibit me from going forward beyond this trial.
Maybe 2 treatments are insufficient to be a proper judge, but I don't believe I will use the balance of the package. The mess of dripping fluid is sort of irritating and I would rather go for a facial once a month for that amount of money.
Thank you for the opportunity to try this product, but it seems there is little that can be done to prevent the effects of aging. | 1 | neutral | [
"I don't believe this product has offered me any benefit in terms of what I wanted, the relieving of puffiness under my eyes.",
"I have very few wrinkles in the eye area, but do have noticeable puffiness.",
"My husband said he thought it looked a little better, but I believe he was simply trying to make me feel good.",
"The manufacturer suggests using this one to two times/week.",
"I've applied the treatment 2 times since receiving it because I was anxious to see if it would help.",
"Perhaps longer term treatment would show more improvement.",
"Two main problems with that solution are (1) the Vine review process would have been exceeded (6 weeks to use all the contents at 1/week), and (2) the cost factor would prohibit me from going forward beyond this trial.",
"Maybe 2 treatments are insufficient to be a proper judge, but I don't believe I will use the balance of the package.",
"The mess of dripping fluid is sort of irritating and I would rather go for a facial once a month for that amount of money.",
"Thank you for the opportunity to try this product, but it seems there is little that can be done to prevent the effects of aging."
] |
UPDATE: Will not use root tabs again & do not recommend using them in most cases. They can be fatal to invertebrates! Replanted one plant disturbing the substrate kicking up some of the tab. Lost mystery snails because of it. The remaining ones have significant burns on their feet. Carefully dosing column fertilizers is sufficient. If you have a heavy root feeder maybe using one tab would be appropriate. If you ever rescape and disturb substrate remove invertebrates because it causes ammonia spikes regardless of root tabs. The invertebrate Guru on YouTube does not use root tabs and has healthy plants. Very frustrated with Seachems claim of "safe for invertebrates and does not enter water column". It only needs to come up to the surface of the substrate to cause problems.
Original Review:
The product was a good choice for my heavily planted understocked low tech tank. Dosing Flourish nitrogen, potassium and micros as well. It's a fairly new setup and will update when things get going.
UPDATE: Ordered again. Good product. The val, bacoba, crypts and lilys do not do well without it. | 1 | neutral | [
"UPDATE: Will not use root tabs again & do not recommend using them in most cases.",
"They can be fatal to invertebrates!",
"Replanted one plant disturbing the substrate kicking up some of the tab.",
"Lost mystery snails because of it.",
"The remaining ones have significant burns on their feet.",
"Carefully dosing column fertilizers is sufficient.",
"If you have a heavy root feeder maybe using one tab would be appropriate.",
"If you ever rescape and disturb substrate remove invertebrates because it causes ammonia spikes regardless of root tabs.",
"The invertebrate Guru on YouTube does not use root tabs and has healthy plants.",
"Very frustrated with Seachems claim of \"safe for invertebrates and does not enter water column\".",
"It only needs to come up to the surface of the substrate to cause problems.",
"Original Review:\nThe product was a good choice for my heavily planted understocked low tech tank.",
"Dosing Flourish nitrogen, potassium and micros as well.",
"It's a fairly new setup and will update when things get going.",
"UPDATE: Ordered again.",
"Good product.",
"The val, bacoba, crypts and lilys do not do well without it."
] |
After I read David Baldacci's "No Time Left" I was surprised to see how bottom-heavy the customer review chart is. One star has the highest number of reviews. For a short story whose purpose lies more as a precursor to advertising the author's books, I enjoyed it. It was predictable at the end, but I still found it entertaining, certainly not literary fiction in any sense, but for a short story that had a bit of mystery to it, it was okay. I've always liked David Baldacci's books, but the last one I read wasn't quite up to par with his earlier ones.
The main character and one of only a few in this short story is Frank Becker, a hitman who is generally in demand for his excellent service. He is on the job when the story first starts and then moves from there to a more challenging job. As it's described, Frank can't see where the challenge might lie, but once he arrives at the address he's given, he soon finds out.
When Frank disembarks at his second job, the end is fairly predictable. I did enjoy reading this story for the entertainment factor. I gave it three stars because that's what I think it deserves, being an "okay" story, but not up there with the quality of the author's novels.
"No Time Left" will appeal to readers who like thrillers, mysteries and/or suspense. | 1 | neutral | [
"After I read David Baldacci's \"No Time Left\" I was surprised to see how bottom-heavy the customer review chart is.",
"One star has the highest number of reviews.",
"For a short story whose purpose lies more as a precursor to advertising the author's books, I enjoyed it.",
"It was predictable at the end, but I still found it entertaining, certainly not literary fiction in any sense, but for a short story that had a bit of mystery to it, it was okay.",
"I've always liked David Baldacci's books, but the last one I read wasn't quite up to par with his earlier ones.",
"The main character and one of only a few in this short story is Frank Becker, a hitman who is generally in demand for his excellent service.",
"He is on the job when the story first starts and then moves from there to a more challenging job.",
"As it's described, Frank can't see where the challenge might lie, but once he arrives at the address he's given, he soon finds out.",
"When Frank disembarks at his second job, the end is fairly predictable.",
"I did enjoy reading this story for the entertainment factor.",
"I gave it three stars because that's what I think it deserves, being an \"okay\" story, but not up there with the quality of the author's novels.",
"\"No Time Left\" will appeal to readers who like thrillers, mysteries and/or suspense."
] |
For a 60's era movie, this is funny, hip, daring, topical, and satirical...traits that are commonplace today but not that common when this daring film was made.
One of the reasons that I'm not a fan of Woody Allen (besides that the sicko impregnated his adopted daughter) is that I don't appreciate the whole nebbishy, neurotic, lack of physicality, Jewish stereotype. I'm Jewish (albeit a "big" Jew) and that persona does nobody any good.
However, in 1969, when this movie was made, that negative caricature, was not really utilized in the movies. Taking that stereotype and coupling it with that of a ruthless and bold criminal was unique. The notion that the viewer saw the caricature as always failing, yet the charactor himself did not perceive himself that way, was a refreshing way of telling a story. The story and narrative was so odd that I find the movie [still] refreshingly funny.
Favorite scene...when Virgil is frisked at the prison and cracks up because he's ticklish. | 1 | neutral | [
"For a 60's era movie, this is funny, hip, daring, topical, and satirical...",
"traits that are commonplace today but not that common when this daring film was made.",
"One of the reasons that I'm not a fan of Woody Allen (besides that the sicko impregnated his adopted daughter) is that I don't appreciate the whole nebbishy, neurotic, lack of physicality, Jewish stereotype.",
"I'm Jewish (albeit a \"big\" Jew) and that persona does nobody any good.",
"However, in 1969, when this movie was made, that negative caricature, was not really utilized in the movies.",
"Taking that stereotype and coupling it with that of a ruthless and bold criminal was unique.",
"The notion that the viewer saw the caricature as always failing, yet the charactor himself did not perceive himself that way, was a refreshing way of telling a story.",
"The story and narrative was so odd that I find the movie [still] refreshingly funny.",
"Favorite scene...",
"when Virgil is frisked at the prison and cracks up because he's ticklish."
] |
System requirements included Windows XP with service pack 3. I've got that, and a processor that is above the minimum requirements, along with adequate memory. I have an expensive film scanner that will not work on Windows 7 or 8, and wanted to use this software on my XP machine. There are some functions that simply won't work (not disclosed on the box or in the Amazon product description from the company). The first one I found, when just beginning to check out the software, was that while it will copy online videos, it will not also copy the audio, since it cannot access system audio in Windows XP per the note on screen.
Also, when copying online video, it APPEARS that it only copies for 3 seconds according to a countdown window. I haven't explored the instructions far enough to figure out what that's about, but recording is actually still going on past the countdown to zero.
Learning curve is steep and requires downloading of the instructions - it's not intuitive. I'll be transferring this to my Windows 7 computer for at least some further assessment of the program, but that's not where I really wanted to use it. Normally I would not add an incomplete review, but in this case wanted to at least give what I've got so far. It's disappointing that the program really is not suitable for XP when it says it is. I'm very thankful this was provided through Vine, because I think I'd be trying to find a way to return it otherwise. If my scanner worked on Windows 7, I'd be fine with the software (assuming it performs well there) - but on XP is just isn't satisfactory. I don't want to hear criticism that I need to "get with the times" and upgrade my computer - I already have a perfectly adequate one - it just won't support the expensive Nikon scanner. | 1 | neutral | [
"System requirements included Windows XP with service pack 3.",
"I've got that, and a processor that is above the minimum requirements, along with adequate memory.",
"I have an expensive film scanner that will not work on Windows 7 or 8, and wanted to use this software on my XP machine.",
"There are some functions that simply won't work (not disclosed on the box or in the Amazon product description from the company).",
"The first one I found, when just beginning to check out the software, was that while it will copy online videos, it will not also copy the audio, since it cannot access system audio in Windows XP per the note on screen.",
"Also, when copying online video, it APPEARS that it only copies for 3 seconds according to a countdown window.",
"I haven't explored the instructions far enough to figure out what that's about, but recording is actually still going on past the countdown to zero.",
"Learning curve is steep and requires downloading of the instructions - it's not intuitive.",
"I'll be transferring this to my Windows 7 computer for at least some further assessment of the program, but that's not where I really wanted to use it.",
"Normally I would not add an incomplete review, but in this case wanted to at least give what I've got so far.",
"It's disappointing that the program really is not suitable for XP when it says it is.",
"I'm very thankful this was provided through Vine, because I think I'd be trying to find a way to return it otherwise.",
"If my scanner worked on Windows 7, I'd be fine with the software (assuming it performs well there) - but on XP is just isn't satisfactory.",
"I don't want to hear criticism that I need to \"get with the times\" and upgrade my computer - I already have a perfectly adequate one - it just won't support the expensive Nikon scanner."
] |
A highly trained assassin works for The Office, a covert international spy network with offices worldwide and access to advanced technology. After he falls in love with a South African woman, he resigns from The Office and settles down to build a family life. When his family is brutally murdered, he re-activates himself, resumes his role as an assassin and searches for the person or persons responsible for the death of his family.
The story is told from the first person viewpoint of the assassin (as far as I can remember he was never named). The story has a non-linear structure, jumping back and forward both in time and in location. We experience the protagonist's early life as he is trained in martial arts and murder by his controller, in South Africa as he builds his family; we follow him as he executes human targets, and finally in 20xx where he fulfils his final mission.
For much of the story, Fraser's brilliant writing skills--lean and rich in imagery--were enough to immerse me within each of the threads. This was particularly true in his descriptions of life in pre and post-apartheid South Africa.
As the book progressed, though, I became impatient with the amount of time spent describing the surroundings and the cultures the protagonist found himself in. Large amounts of the text seemed reminiscent of a Theroux-like travelogue and had little to do with moving the story forward. The author (through the guise of his protagonist) holds forth on politics, culture and language, reminding me of an intelligent but annoying dinner guest who, lit by one too many brandies, loudly proclaims his opinions to a captive audience.
Labeled a thriller, there were few thrills to be had because the assassin--armed with the overwhelming technology of The Office--seemed to overmatch every opponent. He was cold and calculating and detached--hard to get connected to. Except for one instance, he never seemed to be under threat of failure or discovery.
The scenes involving the submarine offered potential for some nail biting, but because they were preceded with a flash-forward that showed the assassin had survived, the challenges and struggled of the submarine's captain and crew offered little tension--I was told they made it.
It was all too easy. | 1 | neutral | [
"A highly trained assassin works for The Office, a covert international spy network with offices worldwide and access to advanced technology.",
"After he falls in love with a South African woman, he resigns from The Office and settles down to build a family life.",
"When his family is brutally murdered, he re-activates himself, resumes his role as an assassin and searches for the person or persons responsible for the death of his family.",
"The story is told from the first person viewpoint of the assassin (as far as I can remember he was never named).",
"The story has a non-linear structure, jumping back and forward both in time and in location.",
"We experience the protagonist's early life as he is trained in martial arts and murder by his controller, in South Africa as he builds his family; we follow him as he executes human targets, and finally in 20xx where he fulfils his final mission.",
"For much of the story, Fraser's brilliant writing skills--lean and rich in imagery--were enough to immerse me within each of the threads.",
"This was particularly true in his descriptions of life in pre and post-apartheid South Africa.",
"As the book progressed, though, I became impatient with the amount of time spent describing the surroundings and the cultures the protagonist found himself in.",
"Large amounts of the text seemed reminiscent of a Theroux-like travelogue and had little to do with moving the story forward.",
"The author (through the guise of his protagonist) holds forth on politics, culture and language, reminding me of an intelligent but annoying dinner guest who, lit by one too many brandies, loudly proclaims his opinions to a captive audience.",
"Labeled a thriller, there were few thrills to be had because the assassin--armed with the overwhelming technology of The Office--seemed to overmatch every opponent.",
"He was cold and calculating and detached--hard to get connected to.",
"Except for one instance, he never seemed to be under threat of failure or discovery.",
"The scenes involving the submarine offered potential for some nail biting, but because they were preceded with a flash-forward that showed the assassin had survived, the challenges and struggled of the submarine's captain and crew offered little tension--I was told they made it.",
"It was all too easy."
] |
The Killers' much anticipated follow up album SAM'S TOWN doesn't come across quite as "sheeny" (for lack of a better word) as The Killers' double platinum debut HOT FUSS did. While some may view that positively or negatively, one must not forget that that albums sporter first-rate singles including first "Somebody Told Me", followed by the even more infectious, ubiquitous "Mr. Brightside", and closing with the slightly less embraced, though strong "All These Things I've Done". Let's face it people, we were all singing the words to "Mr. Brightside" and we couldn't resist singing the lines "I have soul but I'm not a soldier" from "All These Things I've Done". SAM'S TOWN is consistent with HOT FUSS and even hearkens to be bigger, more athemic in some respects compared to their debut, but it isn't any better and in some respects it isn't as fun as the debut.
Sure, "When We Were Young" is the addictive single from this album when frontman Brandon Flowers sings "He doesn't look a thing like Jesus", but it isn't as addictive or as predominant as the hooks from either "Somebody Told Me" or "Mr. Brightside". Sure, the Killers want to be taken seriously and SAM'S TOWN is a good move in that vein of thinking, but it isn't enough to topple the greatness of HOT FUSS. Opening track "Sam's Town" is certainly a first rate experiment with more U2 veined rock and roll and while it isn't quite as convincing as U2, it is convincing enough. The tag at the end of the track certainly works well as well as the chorus. The timbre of the track is also first rate.
"Bling (Confession of A King)" is another solid first rate track, mixing "college" rock with the added "sheen" of keyboards. "Bones" is another stand out and "The River Is Wild" isn't too shabby either. Too often on SAM'S TOWN everything sounds that same as opposed to being its own seperate entity. Is SAM'S TOWN bad. No, it is another solid album and maybe even to an extent an move in the right direction for the Killers. But it isn't extraodinary and it doesn't necessarily trump any of the best rock releases of 2006. However, I do think that hardcore Killers fans will enjoy this release and maybe even the non-fan may even be converted. 3 stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"The Killers' much anticipated follow up album SAM'S TOWN doesn't come across quite as \"sheeny\" (for lack of a better word) as The Killers' double platinum debut HOT FUSS did.",
"While some may view that positively or negatively, one must not forget that that albums sporter first-rate singles including first \"Somebody Told Me\", followed by the even more infectious, ubiquitous \"Mr.",
"Brightside\", and closing with the slightly less embraced, though strong \"All These Things I've Done\".",
"Let's face it people, we were all singing the words to \"Mr.",
"Brightside\" and we couldn't resist singing the lines \"I have soul but I'm not a soldier\" from \"All These Things I've Done\".",
"SAM'S TOWN is consistent with HOT FUSS and even hearkens to be bigger, more athemic in some respects compared to their debut, but it isn't any better and in some respects it isn't as fun as the debut.",
"Sure, \"When We Were Young\" is the addictive single from this album when frontman Brandon Flowers sings \"He doesn't look a thing like Jesus\", but it isn't as addictive or as predominant as the hooks from either \"Somebody Told Me\" or \"Mr.",
"Brightside\".",
"Sure, the Killers want to be taken seriously and SAM'S TOWN is a good move in that vein of thinking, but it isn't enough to topple the greatness of HOT FUSS.",
"Opening track \"Sam's Town\" is certainly a first rate experiment with more U2 veined rock and roll and while it isn't quite as convincing as U2, it is convincing enough.",
"The tag at the end of the track certainly works well as well as the chorus.",
"The timbre of the track is also first rate.",
"\"Bling (Confession of A King)\" is another solid first rate track, mixing \"college\" rock with the added \"sheen\" of keyboards.",
"\"Bones\" is another stand out and \"The River Is Wild\" isn't too shabby either.",
"Too often on SAM'S TOWN everything sounds that same as opposed to being its own seperate entity.",
"Is SAM'S TOWN bad.",
"No, it is another solid album and maybe even to an extent an move in the right direction for the Killers.",
"But it isn't extraodinary and it doesn't necessarily trump any of the best rock releases of 2006.",
"However, I do think that hardcore Killers fans will enjoy this release and maybe even the non-fan may even be converted.",
"3 stars."
] |
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/QuickFlipCase-for-iPhone-4-and-NEW-iPhone-4S-AT-T-Verizon-Versions-Grantwood-Technology-s-Premium-Leather-Horizontal-Flip-Case-Black/dp/B001EXXFEK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">QuickFlipCase for iPhone 4 and NEW iPhone 4S (AT&T/Verizon Versions) Grantwood Technology's Premium Leather Horizontal Flip Case (Black)</a>
The Quick Flip Case is well made, reasonably priced, stylish, has a soft protective interior lining, and my iPhone 4S fits perfectly, even with the CDMA bumper attached. The plastic belt clip has a ratcheted pivot and the end of it is molded to securely attach to a belt. The case remains horizontal, rides close to your side, and the magnetic cover flap stays put, yet easily lifts out of the way. Grantwood Technology did a great job designing this case.
This holster is exactly what I was looking for. If there's anything negative about it, I haven't found it. Five stars all the way!
07/15/2012, Update
After the third plastic belt clip snapped off my Quick Flip Case, Grantwood Technology was nice enough to replace it with a more durable case sporting a metal clip. Grantwood said this replacement is an older version, but I like it just as much as the Quick Flip Case. The only real difference I can see is that the clip doesn't swivel, so the case stays in the horizontal position. Since this is my preferred carry position, this doesn't present a problem for me.
I do want to add that Grantwood Technology has been wonderful to deal with. They stand behing their products 100-percent, and their customer service is top notch ... Five stars all the way.
06/20/2012, Update
The bad news:
I'm now on my third Quick Flip Case. The plastic belt clip hinge broke off the first case; and the plastic belt clip assembly seperated from the back of the second replacement case.
The good news:
1) Grantwood Technology is excellent to do business with; they stand behind their products and guarantees completely. Grantwood immediately shipped no-cost replacements to me without requiring the return of the defective cases.
2) Before doing so they gave me the option of a full refund, a replacement, or an upgrade. I like this case so much, I chose the replacement over the refund.
3) Grantwood Technology had the manufacturer correct the problem on the newest release of this case, so the clip assembly shouldn't seperate from the case again.
Although I took one star away from the original five star rating, I still really like this case. And, if this one should become defective, I know Grantwood Technology will continue to do the right thing and offer a full refund. | 1 | neutral | [
"<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/QuickFlipCase-for-iPhone-4-and-NEW-iPhone-4S-AT-T-Verizon-Versions-Grantwood-Technology-s-Premium-Leather-Horizontal-Flip-Case-Black/dp/B001EXXFEK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">QuickFlipCase for iPhone 4 and NEW iPhone 4S (AT&T/Verizon Versions) Grantwood Technology's Premium Leather Horizontal Flip Case (Black)</a>\n\nThe Quick Flip Case is well made, reasonably priced, stylish, has a soft protective interior lining, and my iPhone 4S fits perfectly, even with the CDMA bumper attached.",
"The plastic belt clip has a ratcheted pivot and the end of it is molded to securely attach to a belt.",
"The case remains horizontal, rides close to your side, and the magnetic cover flap stays put, yet easily lifts out of the way.",
"Grantwood Technology did a great job designing this case.",
"This holster is exactly what I was looking for.",
"If there's anything negative about it, I haven't found it.",
"Five stars all the way!",
"07/15/2012, Update\n\nAfter the third plastic belt clip snapped off my Quick Flip Case, Grantwood Technology was nice enough to replace it with a more durable case sporting a metal clip.",
"Grantwood said this replacement is an older version, but I like it just as much as the Quick Flip Case.",
"The only real difference I can see is that the clip doesn't swivel, so the case stays in the horizontal position.",
"Since this is my preferred carry position, this doesn't present a problem for me.",
"I do want to add that Grantwood Technology has been wonderful to deal with.",
"They stand behing their products 100-percent, and their customer service is top notch...",
"Five stars all the way.",
"06/20/2012, Update\n\nThe bad news:\n\nI'm now on my third Quick Flip Case.",
"The plastic belt clip hinge broke off the first case; and the plastic belt clip assembly seperated from the back of the second replacement case.",
"The good news:\n\n1) Grantwood Technology is excellent to do business with; they stand behind their products and guarantees completely.",
"Grantwood immediately shipped no-cost replacements to me without requiring the return of the defective cases.",
"2) Before doing so they gave me the option of a full refund, a replacement, or an upgrade.",
"I like this case so much, I chose the replacement over the refund.",
"3) Grantwood Technology had the manufacturer correct the problem on the newest release of this case, so the clip assembly shouldn't seperate from the case again.",
"Although I took one star away from the original five star rating, I still really like this case.",
"And, if this one should become defective, I know Grantwood Technology will continue to do the right thing and offer a full refund."
] |
of President Jefferson and his concubine/slave Sally Hemings, there remains a rather usual story of a widower who transfers his well-known affection for his young deceased wife to her equally beautiful sister. Sally Hemings and Martha Jefferson were half-sisters and it was said that they looked rather alike. Sally came to Monticello with the marriage of Martha to Thomas Jefferson.
It is easy to point up the hypocrisy of Thomas Jefferson, the author who wrote so eloquently of freedom in the Declaration of Independence while denying to others, but initially Jefferson did seek the end of slavery in the 13 colonies. During the days of the Continental Congress he urged the abolition of slavery as part and parcel of the newly created United States, but was persuaded to drop the cause when the southern states threatened to bolt and withdraw their much needed support in the inevitable clash with the the crown. Following the Revolution Jefferson no longer persued abolitionist ideology
As a person ages, they often become more conservative and careful in their beliefs. This was true of Jefferson. He also held a strong belief in NOT concentrating or centralizing the powers of the government but rather to give the greater authority to each State to govern itself in the newly formed confederation. Although Jefferson's ideas would give way to Madison and the Federalization of the states; many still cling to the idea of decentralized government; the south in particular used this dictum again and again during the civil rights era in order to maintain their segregationist laws.
What can never be known is the true nature of the relationship between Sally Hemings and Jefferson. Sally Hemings was Jefferson's property and with no personal freedom or rights. We know that Jefferson instructed Martha Jefferson Randolph, his daughter by Martha Jefferson, to free Sally & her children upon his death. Many speculate that this was based on his love and affection for this steadfast woman with whom he shared much of his life and by whom he had a number of children. | 1 | neutral | [
"of President Jefferson and his concubine/slave Sally Hemings, there remains a rather usual story of a widower who transfers his well-known affection for his young deceased wife to her equally beautiful sister.",
"Sally Hemings and Martha Jefferson were half-sisters and it was said that they looked rather alike.",
"Sally came to Monticello with the marriage of Martha to Thomas Jefferson.",
"It is easy to point up the hypocrisy of Thomas Jefferson, the author who wrote so eloquently of freedom in the Declaration of Independence while denying to others, but initially Jefferson did seek the end of slavery in the 13 colonies.",
"During the days of the Continental Congress he urged the abolition of slavery as part and parcel of the newly created United States, but was persuaded to drop the cause when the southern states threatened to bolt and withdraw their much needed support in the inevitable clash with the the crown.",
"Following the Revolution Jefferson no longer persued abolitionist ideology\n\nAs a person ages, they often become more conservative and careful in their beliefs.",
"This was true of Jefferson.",
"He also held a strong belief in NOT concentrating or centralizing the powers of the government but rather to give the greater authority to each State to govern itself in the newly formed confederation.",
"Although Jefferson's ideas would give way to Madison and the Federalization of the states; many still cling to the idea of decentralized government; the south in particular used this dictum again and again during the civil rights era in order to maintain their segregationist laws.",
"What can never be known is the true nature of the relationship between Sally Hemings and Jefferson.",
"Sally Hemings was Jefferson's property and with no personal freedom or rights.",
"We know that Jefferson instructed Martha Jefferson Randolph, his daughter by Martha Jefferson, to free Sally & her children upon his death.",
"Many speculate that this was based on his love and affection for this steadfast woman with whom he shared much of his life and by whom he had a number of children."
] |
I owned the 5-quart K'Aid for roughly three years. Like many
Americans, I'd grown up thinking these were the best mixers available.
So, when the time came to move up from my little Sunbeam I went for
the 5-quart.
I grind my own grain and quickly discovered this
machine is weak in the knees when it comes to bread dough. Not only
is it limited in the amount it can do, but it also got so hot kneading
that the head would get truly hot to the touch. I contacted K'aid at
the time and they told me that was normal, just to be sure and let the
mixer cool between batches. While I wanted to make more loaves, it
was a strain on the machine to get through two loaves at a time. It
did, however, make beautifully smooth mixes and batters. I resolved
to replace it when I could affort it. (...)
Look around before rushing out and buying KitchenAid--there are other
choices! | 1 | neutral | [
"I owned the 5-quart K'Aid for roughly three years.",
"Like many\nAmericans, I'd grown up thinking these were the best mixers available.",
"So, when the time came to move up from my little Sunbeam I went for\nthe 5-quart.",
"I grind my own grain and quickly discovered this\nmachine is weak in the knees when it comes to bread dough.",
"Not only\nis it limited in the amount it can do, but it also got so hot kneading\nthat the head would get truly hot to the touch.",
"I contacted K'aid at\nthe time and they told me that was normal, just to be sure and let the\nmixer cool between batches.",
"While I wanted to make more loaves, it\nwas a strain on the machine to get through two loaves at a time.",
"It\ndid, however, make beautifully smooth mixes and batters.",
"I resolved\nto replace it when I could affort it.",
"(...",
")\nLook around before rushing out and buying KitchenAid--there are other\nchoices!"
] |
...not as programmable as you might like. We needed a CD changer with at least 5 CD capacity, but not fifty. In that respect, this is a fine machine. However, if you intend to burn your own audio CDs and then play the songs in a different order, this machine may have trouble, regardless of the file format you use. So far, the machine is reliable and works well. The ability to change CDs without stopping play is nice, and some will probably find it very useful.
Other shortcomings: If you program selections from a CD to play, the machine has no way to tell you how long the total running time is--you have to add the times up yourself. For us, this is very irritating, as we frequently want music to play for a certain period of time, and then stop automatically. Canceling a program is not covered in the manual and is not intuitive, either--the "Continue" button on the remote does that. At least on the black unit, the control buttons are oddly located and the markings have low contrast with the black plastic, making it difficult to find and press the button you want. | 1 | neutral | [
"...",
"not as programmable as you might like.",
"We needed a CD changer with at least 5 CD capacity, but not fifty.",
"In that respect, this is a fine machine.",
"However, if you intend to burn your own audio CDs and then play the songs in a different order, this machine may have trouble, regardless of the file format you use.",
"So far, the machine is reliable and works well.",
"The ability to change CDs without stopping play is nice, and some will probably find it very useful.",
"Other shortcomings: If you program selections from a CD to play, the machine has no way to tell you how long the total running time is--you have to add the times up yourself.",
"For us, this is very irritating, as we frequently want music to play for a certain period of time, and then stop automatically.",
"Canceling a program is not covered in the manual and is not intuitive, either--the \"Continue\" button on the remote does that.",
"At least on the black unit, the control buttons are oddly located and the markings have low contrast with the black plastic, making it difficult to find and press the button you want."
] |
The Star Wars Edge of the Empire Game Master's Kit is a fine addition to any GM's toy box, but is a bit mislabeled - what you are purchasing is actually a heavy cardboard GM's Screen and a 30 page magazine-style booklet. The booklet itself is 25 pages of adventure and 5 pages of information on how to better run a Nemesis. The adventure was an interesting but not truly dazzling work involving Hutts and droids; the Nemesis section I've so far found useless. The GM screen is extremely sturdy, and displays basic tables from the core rulebook on the four different partition sections. That pretty much sums up the product.
So, for a recommended retail price of $19.99 + tax, you get a sturdy GM screen, a short adventure, and a few pages of explanations for GMs only. To me, this wasn't worth the price - I'd rather buy a cheaper partition (maybe from an office supply story; maybe just use a GM screen from a different game) and spend the rest of my money on another Edge of The Empire product (perhaps a full adventure book like _The Jewel of Yavin_; something with adventure hooks and source material like _Suns of Fortune_; or maybe one of the career "splatbooks" like _Dangerous Covenants_).
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars. The GM screen is extremely sturdy, but it and the included adventure are probably not worth the recommended retail price. | 1 | neutral | [
"The Star Wars Edge of the Empire Game Master's Kit is a fine addition to any GM's toy box, but is a bit mislabeled - what you are purchasing is actually a heavy cardboard GM's Screen and a 30 page magazine-style booklet.",
"The booklet itself is 25 pages of adventure and 5 pages of information on how to better run a Nemesis.",
"The adventure was an interesting but not truly dazzling work involving Hutts and droids; the Nemesis section I've so far found useless.",
"The GM screen is extremely sturdy, and displays basic tables from the core rulebook on the four different partition sections.",
"That pretty much sums up the product.",
"So, for a recommended retail price of $19.",
"99 + tax, you get a sturdy GM screen, a short adventure, and a few pages of explanations for GMs only.",
"To me, this wasn't worth the price - I'd rather buy a cheaper partition (maybe from an office supply story; maybe just use a GM screen from a different game) and spend the rest of my money on another Edge of The Empire product (perhaps a full adventure book like _The Jewel of Yavin_; something with adventure hooks and source material like _Suns of Fortune_; or maybe one of the career \"splatbooks\" like _Dangerous Covenants_).",
"Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars.",
"The GM screen is extremely sturdy, but it and the included adventure are probably not worth the recommended retail price."
] |
This game is a bizarre mixture of great and terrible gamemaking that could have been a great game.
Graphics: An odd mixture of low poly counts, cartoonish character design, and beautiful Source engine textures and effects. You can see the Source engine in this game, but don't expect it to look quite as good as Half-Life 2.
Story: A good, deep storyline, with secrets planted everywhere imaginable in the game world. My only complaint here is that the writing and characters are sometimes cheesy to the point of laughter. Also, not recommended for people who are easily driven crazy by goth trends and scenesters.
Gameplay: A great balance of stealth, subterfuge, diplomacy and combat where no particular tactic is overpowered. The only limiting factor in how you play the game is there are lots of incentives for making friends and contacts, so you can't be a purely selfish and threatening character and you sometimes have to cooperate with dorky NPCs. Still, the balance and diversity of the gameplay is probably the high point of the game. The combat, which is done in a tactical style where your aim and damage are effected by your skills, is nothing special, but it works.
Physics: I've seen a few neat tricks employed, but some of the Havok physics implementation is just sad. Certain objects are pretty laid back and don't really mind floating off in a random direction when bumped. Others are more affectionate and like sticking to my characters' foot. Again, the Source engine is evident, but don't expect it to work flawlessly like it did in Half-Life 2.
I would be inclined to give this a 4, especially in light of the fact that the game lets you run around beating people to death with a severed arm. Unfortunately, there are massive technical problems out of the box. Half the time I played it pre-patched, radical memory leaks crashed my computer when I quit. I haven't played a game that messed with my computer this much in at least 2 years.
If you're not a big fan of the Vampire: the Masquerade pen-and-paper roleplaying game, you will still probably have some fun with this, but there are better games out. | 1 | neutral | [
"This game is a bizarre mixture of great and terrible gamemaking that could have been a great game.",
"Graphics: An odd mixture of low poly counts, cartoonish character design, and beautiful Source engine textures and effects.",
"You can see the Source engine in this game, but don't expect it to look quite as good as Half-Life 2.",
"Story: A good, deep storyline, with secrets planted everywhere imaginable in the game world.",
"My only complaint here is that the writing and characters are sometimes cheesy to the point of laughter.",
"Also, not recommended for people who are easily driven crazy by goth trends and scenesters.",
"Gameplay: A great balance of stealth, subterfuge, diplomacy and combat where no particular tactic is overpowered.",
"The only limiting factor in how you play the game is there are lots of incentives for making friends and contacts, so you can't be a purely selfish and threatening character and you sometimes have to cooperate with dorky NPCs.",
"Still, the balance and diversity of the gameplay is probably the high point of the game.",
"The combat, which is done in a tactical style where your aim and damage are effected by your skills, is nothing special, but it works.",
"Physics: I've seen a few neat tricks employed, but some of the Havok physics implementation is just sad.",
"Certain objects are pretty laid back and don't really mind floating off in a random direction when bumped.",
"Others are more affectionate and like sticking to my characters' foot.",
"Again, the Source engine is evident, but don't expect it to work flawlessly like it did in Half-Life 2.",
"I would be inclined to give this a 4, especially in light of the fact that the game lets you run around beating people to death with a severed arm.",
"Unfortunately, there are massive technical problems out of the box.",
"Half the time I played it pre-patched, radical memory leaks crashed my computer when I quit.",
"I haven't played a game that messed with my computer this much in at least 2 years.",
"If you're not a big fan of the Vampire: the Masquerade pen-and-paper roleplaying game, you will still probably have some fun with this, but there are better games out."
] |
I have been using these headphones for 3.5 years now - and I really love so much about them. I'm not an "audiophile" but I think the sound quality is good. I have big ears and these headphones are VERY comfortable to wear. The long cord really comes in handy at times.
The downside is that there is a cheap plastic coating on the ear-cup and over-head band portions of the headphones. This black plastic cracks and flakes off over time. I have no hair, so when I have little black plastic flakes on my head it really stands out. People look at me funny and say "You have something on you...." and try not to look grossed out.
So the pluses are just enough to outweigh the minuses and keep me from chucking this black-plastic-shedding pain in the @$$, but just barely.
Edit: I really hate this cheap material. If I could I would reduce this rating to 1 or 2 stars. I would not recommend these to anybody who wants their headphones to last more than 1 year. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have been using these headphones for 3.",
"5 years now - and I really love so much about them.",
"I'm not an \"audiophile\" but I think the sound quality is good.",
"I have big ears and these headphones are VERY comfortable to wear.",
"The long cord really comes in handy at times.",
"The downside is that there is a cheap plastic coating on the ear-cup and over-head band portions of the headphones.",
"This black plastic cracks and flakes off over time.",
"I have no hair, so when I have little black plastic flakes on my head it really stands out.",
"People look at me funny and say \"You have something on you....",
"\" and try not to look grossed out.",
"So the pluses are just enough to outweigh the minuses and keep me from chucking this black-plastic-shedding pain in the @$$, but just barely.",
"Edit: I really hate this cheap material.",
"If I could I would reduce this rating to 1 or 2 stars.",
"I would not recommend these to anybody who wants their headphones to last more than 1 year."
] |
It is what it is. It fills the basic needs. You can edit videos and add effects. You can organize, retouch, play with and share photos online. You can edit and remix music. You can catch streaming video from youtube. And of course, you can burn discs. That's the short version of what you can do. The specs are all on the product page.
This isn't software for the intermediate user. If you're a beginner and you want to do the basics, it's fine. It's user friendly. Some people have had glitchy problems, I haven't seen that yet.
The price is good. It's almost half that of other video software like Corel VideoStudio and Cyberlink PowerDirector. If you're just starting out and don't want to spend the money, I'd say, try this.
I would read the other reviews though, they're all over the board on this one. | 1 | neutral | [
"It is what it is.",
"It fills the basic needs.",
"You can edit videos and add effects.",
"You can organize, retouch, play with and share photos online.",
"You can edit and remix music.",
"You can catch streaming video from youtube.",
"And of course, you can burn discs.",
"That's the short version of what you can do.",
"The specs are all on the product page.",
"This isn't software for the intermediate user.",
"If you're a beginner and you want to do the basics, it's fine.",
"It's user friendly.",
"Some people have had glitchy problems, I haven't seen that yet.",
"The price is good.",
"It's almost half that of other video software like Corel VideoStudio and Cyberlink PowerDirector.",
"If you're just starting out and don't want to spend the money, I'd say, try this.",
"I would read the other reviews though, they're all over the board on this one."
] |
For the first time in his well crafted series of espionage novels set amid the interwar years and opening acts of WW2 taking place in Eastern Europe, Furst departs from his usual stomping grounds in "The World at Night". Firstly, the story takes place in France, and its main character, Jean Casson, is French. Secondly, the timeline is from the invasion of France into World War 2- often occurring only in the final chapters of Furst's other novels.
His accomplishment is varied in its quality; at first I was not so interested in reading this book because the originality of his others seemed to be replaced by a run-of-the-mill WW2 spy novel. However, Jean Casson holds his own as an interesting and conflicted protagonist. As he converts his skills in media production to resisting Nazi rule, Casson is torn between the life of affluence he knew, and the desire to fight for the memory of France that seems to be fading all around him. Additionally, Casson's love interest adds another layer of complexity to the story.
"The World at Night" has an ending that left me waiting for more, and a little unsatisfied, which is my biggest critique of the story. I think Furst himself must have realized this, and he returns to Jean Casson's plight in the only direct sequel he has written to date (April, 2006), and the continues the tale in "Red Gold".
Although this novel can easily be read as a stand-alone book, some readers will enjoy beginning their foray into Furst's world with "Night Soldiers", his original and possibly best spy novel. This book introduces several characters who make appearances throughout Furst's other novels set in the same period of time and general geographical local. Because of this fact, I highly recommend reading "Night Soldiers" first, although those that follow can typically be read in any particular order (the exception being the stories involving Jean Casson - World at Night and Red Gold).
What makes Furst's loosely structured series so compelling is that 1; they are very well researched and historical very accurate, especially with regard to spy craft - as I understand it through academic experience only. 2; the characters are extremely flawed, very believable and interesting to empathize with - all of the characters and their adventures provoke much thought. 3; the novels do not attempt to achieve a false sense of conclusion at their end - they always allow the reader to decide for him/herself what happens, and they rarely resolve the feeling of tension that pervades Furst's works. 4; the secondary characters are always very well developed and much more interesting than their sometimes small roles would have the reader believe- so one is always off balance (who will live, who will die - who can be trusted, who cannot?). 5; Furst does an excellent job of setting the atmosphere of terror that resulted from the conflict between fascism and the resistance in France during the Second World War.
You cannot go wrong with this novel. While not Furst's best spy novel, for anyone interested in reading and enjoying spy stories, or stories of world war two, this book is a must read. | 1 | neutral | [
"For the first time in his well crafted series of espionage novels set amid the interwar years and opening acts of WW2 taking place in Eastern Europe, Furst departs from his usual stomping grounds in \"The World at Night\".",
"Firstly, the story takes place in France, and its main character, Jean Casson, is French.",
"Secondly, the timeline is from the invasion of France into World War 2- often occurring only in the final chapters of Furst's other novels.",
"His accomplishment is varied in its quality; at first I was not so interested in reading this book because the originality of his others seemed to be replaced by a run-of-the-mill WW2 spy novel.",
"However, Jean Casson holds his own as an interesting and conflicted protagonist.",
"As he converts his skills in media production to resisting Nazi rule, Casson is torn between the life of affluence he knew, and the desire to fight for the memory of France that seems to be fading all around him.",
"Additionally, Casson's love interest adds another layer of complexity to the story.",
"\"The World at Night\" has an ending that left me waiting for more, and a little unsatisfied, which is my biggest critique of the story.",
"I think Furst himself must have realized this, and he returns to Jean Casson's plight in the only direct sequel he has written to date (April, 2006), and the continues the tale in \"Red Gold\".",
"Although this novel can easily be read as a stand-alone book, some readers will enjoy beginning their foray into Furst's world with \"Night Soldiers\", his original and possibly best spy novel.",
"This book introduces several characters who make appearances throughout Furst's other novels set in the same period of time and general geographical local.",
"Because of this fact, I highly recommend reading \"Night Soldiers\" first, although those that follow can typically be read in any particular order (the exception being the stories involving Jean Casson - World at Night and Red Gold).",
"What makes Furst's loosely structured series so compelling is that 1; they are very well researched and historical very accurate, especially with regard to spy craft - as I understand it through academic experience only.",
"2; the characters are extremely flawed, very believable and interesting to empathize with - all of the characters and their adventures provoke much thought.",
"3; the novels do not attempt to achieve a false sense of conclusion at their end - they always allow the reader to decide for him/herself what happens, and they rarely resolve the feeling of tension that pervades Furst's works.",
"4; the secondary characters are always very well developed and much more interesting than their sometimes small roles would have the reader believe- so one is always off balance (who will live, who will die - who can be trusted, who cannot?",
").",
"5; Furst does an excellent job of setting the atmosphere of terror that resulted from the conflict between fascism and the resistance in France during the Second World War.",
"You cannot go wrong with this novel.",
"While not Furst's best spy novel, for anyone interested in reading and enjoying spy stories, or stories of world war two, this book is a must read."
] |
I bought a couple of these 5 years ago based on the great reviews at the time. At first I, I liked them. They're nothing special, but I thought they were cheap and practical alternative to the pack-in earbuds I was using at the time and I was satisfied with them. The sound was OK for what it was.
Unfortunately it's not very reliable. With just light/moderate use over time, the foam ears cover disintegrated. I just put them on one day and there were specks of black dust flaking off until it finally just came apart. I don't think there's anything I could have done differently in how I used them that would have prevented this. The materials the used just aren't that designed to last very long.
I still think it was a good purchase at the time, but knowing what I know, I'd get something else now. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought a couple of these 5 years ago based on the great reviews at the time.",
"At first I, I liked them.",
"They're nothing special, but I thought they were cheap and practical alternative to the pack-in earbuds I was using at the time and I was satisfied with them.",
"The sound was OK for what it was.",
"Unfortunately it's not very reliable.",
"With just light/moderate use over time, the foam ears cover disintegrated.",
"I just put them on one day and there were specks of black dust flaking off until it finally just came apart.",
"I don't think there's anything I could have done differently in how I used them that would have prevented this.",
"The materials the used just aren't that designed to last very long.",
"I still think it was a good purchase at the time, but knowing what I know, I'd get something else now."
] |
Contrary to the reviews of some, the instructions are fine... Just slow down and READ them. They are brief, but sufficient.
I have seen video installs of this kit in the 2004 Tacoma where they had no issues at all, but on my truck with my install kit, there were problems. Problems that make me believe that either this kit has changed since those people made those vids, or that the 2004 Tacoma had more than one dash configuration.
After following the instructions to use bracket set #1, and cut all tabs except those marked 'B', I could not fit the unit in the dash. I checked the mounting tabs against the stock unit and they were exact, so I knew I had not cut them incorrectly. But each time I tried to insert, the bracket was getting interfered with by something in the dash. At first I thought maybe some wires or something in the way, but no. After a LOT of trial and error, I determined that the interference was sheet metal in the dash frame near the top mounting screws was contacting the frame of the mount which extended beyond the screw tab by about half an inch. After cutting this down so that the frame ended behind the tab, the unit dropped in flawlessly.
It was a serious headache. So if you're installing in a 2004 Taco, be aware this could happen to you. Don't get frustrated and force it, the plastic is not all that durable and you will break your tabs. Find the interfering metal (in this case, near the upper mount tabs, and cut the plastic as needed. Then come here and give a sub par review, and maybe some day they'll fix this rather so-so radio mount.
All up, it did work out ok. But not nearly as simple as the instructions would have you believe. | 1 | neutral | [
"Contrary to the reviews of some, the instructions are fine...",
"Just slow down and READ them.",
"They are brief, but sufficient.",
"I have seen video installs of this kit in the 2004 Tacoma where they had no issues at all, but on my truck with my install kit, there were problems.",
"Problems that make me believe that either this kit has changed since those people made those vids, or that the 2004 Tacoma had more than one dash configuration.",
"After following the instructions to use bracket set #1, and cut all tabs except those marked 'B', I could not fit the unit in the dash.",
"I checked the mounting tabs against the stock unit and they were exact, so I knew I had not cut them incorrectly.",
"But each time I tried to insert, the bracket was getting interfered with by something in the dash.",
"At first I thought maybe some wires or something in the way, but no.",
"After a LOT of trial and error, I determined that the interference was sheet metal in the dash frame near the top mounting screws was contacting the frame of the mount which extended beyond the screw tab by about half an inch.",
"After cutting this down so that the frame ended behind the tab, the unit dropped in flawlessly.",
"It was a serious headache.",
"So if you're installing in a 2004 Taco, be aware this could happen to you.",
"Don't get frustrated and force it, the plastic is not all that durable and you will break your tabs.",
"Find the interfering metal (in this case, near the upper mount tabs, and cut the plastic as needed.",
"Then come here and give a sub par review, and maybe some day they'll fix this rather so-so radio mount.",
"All up, it did work out ok.",
"But not nearly as simple as the instructions would have you believe."
] |
Playing this right after playing prince of persia (which I think this game is trying to emulate more with it's acrobatics, and special moves)... this games seems not as great. The movements are not as fluid and are more finnicky. In some ways it is an improvement over the first bloodrayne game, but in other ways it is a bit worse. Mainly, it is shorter than the first game, and you are mostly fighting thugs where as in the first game you are fighting mostly undead and nazis. I also like the weapon system of the first game as well and the fighting style. It is true you do have some cool moves in this game as well, but in practice, I aced most of my boss battles, by just hitting the c key and button 1. The game also relies too much on swinging enemies with your chain into certain objects. It's okay for a while, but it's not really all that intuitive (why not let her push and throw people in there as well?). Overall I like the first bloodrayne a little bit better... yes it had it's faults (the chain didn't work.. was too easy) but it just oozed style.
The good thing about bloodrayne 2 is the bosses, and the more logically rendered weapon and combat system. | 1 | neutral | [
"Playing this right after playing prince of persia (which I think this game is trying to emulate more with it's acrobatics, and special moves)...",
"this games seems not as great.",
"The movements are not as fluid and are more finnicky.",
"In some ways it is an improvement over the first bloodrayne game, but in other ways it is a bit worse.",
"Mainly, it is shorter than the first game, and you are mostly fighting thugs where as in the first game you are fighting mostly undead and nazis.",
"I also like the weapon system of the first game as well and the fighting style.",
"It is true you do have some cool moves in this game as well, but in practice, I aced most of my boss battles, by just hitting the c key and button 1.",
"The game also relies too much on swinging enemies with your chain into certain objects.",
"It's okay for a while, but it's not really all that intuitive (why not let her push and throw people in there as well?",
").",
"Overall I like the first bloodrayne a little bit better...",
"yes it had it's faults (the chain didn't work..",
"was too easy) but it just oozed style.",
"The good thing about bloodrayne 2 is the bosses, and the more logically rendered weapon and combat system."
] |
We have 8 acres of woods with about a quarter of an acre of lawn around the house. After our dogs took off after deer and couldn't find their way back home, I decided it was time to keep them around the house. We had an Inground wire system at our previous house that worked perfectly, but was simply not practical here. So I decided this was my best option.
It is easy to set up. Has the range it says it has, but like other reviews said, a lot of things affect the boundary and it can vary slightly day by day. For us,that isn't a problem as the boundary is always off the lawn I the wooded area,so it trains our two dogs to not venture off the lawn.
I have two concerns about it. The first is it randomly goes off. We can be sitting on the deck about ten feet from the base unit and one of the collars will go off shocking a dog. They can be playing within the good area and the collar will lose signal and go off. We have two collars and both do it. Our two-year old shepherd is very skiitish when we put the collar on her now. We've taken to putting collars on them only if they are out alone and they come off immediately in the house. The second issue is the extra collar. The one that came with the system was excellent. I returned our first extra one because it was terribly difficult to set. The replacement is a little better but not like the one that came with the system.
We'll continue to use this for the lack of a more practical way to keep the dogs from going into the woods on their own when we let them out for bathroom breaks, but I'm not thrilled with it. | 1 | neutral | [
"We have 8 acres of woods with about a quarter of an acre of lawn around the house.",
"After our dogs took off after deer and couldn't find their way back home, I decided it was time to keep them around the house.",
"We had an Inground wire system at our previous house that worked perfectly, but was simply not practical here.",
"So I decided this was my best option.",
"It is easy to set up.",
"Has the range it says it has, but like other reviews said, a lot of things affect the boundary and it can vary slightly day by day.",
"For us,that isn't a problem as the boundary is always off the lawn I the wooded area,so it trains our two dogs to not venture off the lawn.",
"I have two concerns about it.",
"The first is it randomly goes off.",
"We can be sitting on the deck about ten feet from the base unit and one of the collars will go off shocking a dog.",
"They can be playing within the good area and the collar will lose signal and go off.",
"We have two collars and both do it.",
"Our two-year old shepherd is very skiitish when we put the collar on her now.",
"We've taken to putting collars on them only if they are out alone and they come off immediately in the house.",
"The second issue is the extra collar.",
"The one that came with the system was excellent.",
"I returned our first extra one because it was terribly difficult to set.",
"The replacement is a little better but not like the one that came with the system.",
"We'll continue to use this for the lack of a more practical way to keep the dogs from going into the woods on their own when we let them out for bathroom breaks, but I'm not thrilled with it."
] |
I have read the first 5 books and have already purchased the last two. I am reading book 6 right now so it would be correct to say that I have enjoyed the books. However, I have to say that I am getting a little weary of the same plot over and over again.
I have read the other reviews that were not 5-star and agree wholeheartedly that the plot is repetitious - bad guys threaten the existence of everyone else only to be brought to the edge of defeat where they understand the error of their ways and then help everyone to defeat the next bad guy higher up the food chain.
Another thing that I feel strongly about is the numbers game. These are so over the top that they are more than a little annoying and detract from the story, which is actually well written. We are now at the point where the number of ships to defeat are in the thousands of millions and are many tens of thousands miles long in size. This is just rediculous.
Some of the 5-star reviewers have also expressed the view that the characters and their relationships have been well developed but to me, too much time is spent on their personal relationships. The main premise in every one is that they have underdeveloped psychic powers that suddenly increase immensely at the touch of their destined partner in life and the author spends a lot of time on the characters telling everyone how much they love each other. It gets monotonous and doesn't really add anything to the story.
I have enjoyed the series so far and am reading each book quite quickly so it should be all over soon. I am looking forward to learning who or what can be worse than the bad guy in book 6 but the fact that the plot is pretty much the same in each book is the only thing that stops me from giving the book a higher rating than 3-stars and 'Yes, I think the series is too long' With such a talented writer, I would have preferred it if he had written more books about something entirely different. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have read the first 5 books and have already purchased the last two.",
"I am reading book 6 right now so it would be correct to say that I have enjoyed the books.",
"However, I have to say that I am getting a little weary of the same plot over and over again.",
"I have read the other reviews that were not 5-star and agree wholeheartedly that the plot is repetitious - bad guys threaten the existence of everyone else only to be brought to the edge of defeat where they understand the error of their ways and then help everyone to defeat the next bad guy higher up the food chain.",
"Another thing that I feel strongly about is the numbers game.",
"These are so over the top that they are more than a little annoying and detract from the story, which is actually well written.",
"We are now at the point where the number of ships to defeat are in the thousands of millions and are many tens of thousands miles long in size.",
"This is just rediculous.",
"Some of the 5-star reviewers have also expressed the view that the characters and their relationships have been well developed but to me, too much time is spent on their personal relationships.",
"The main premise in every one is that they have underdeveloped psychic powers that suddenly increase immensely at the touch of their destined partner in life and the author spends a lot of time on the characters telling everyone how much they love each other.",
"It gets monotonous and doesn't really add anything to the story.",
"I have enjoyed the series so far and am reading each book quite quickly so it should be all over soon.",
"I am looking forward to learning who or what can be worse than the bad guy in book 6 but the fact that the plot is pretty much the same in each book is the only thing that stops me from giving the book a higher rating than 3-stars and 'Yes, I think the series is too long' With such a talented writer, I would have preferred it if he had written more books about something entirely different."
] |
This Nancy Drew game was a HUGE step from the previous one. The graphics were much better and you didn't have to switch between 2 CDs. There's only one this time! This one, I must say, was the hardest of all the Nancy Drew games. You always got stuck and didn't know what to do. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. But if that ever happens, you can just go to the message board at herinteractive.com to ask for help. Anyhow, the mystery was very interesting and it was a really fun game. I recommend this for all children (although they might need some help). It's especially good for children during summer time, winter break, and spring break. BUY IT! | 1 | neutral | [
"This Nancy Drew game was a HUGE step from the previous one.",
"The graphics were much better and you didn't have to switch between 2 CDs.",
"There's only one this time!",
"This one, I must say, was the hardest of all the Nancy Drew games.",
"You always got stuck and didn't know what to do.",
"I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.",
"But if that ever happens, you can just go to the message board at herinteractive.",
"com to ask for help.",
"Anyhow, the mystery was very interesting and it was a really fun game.",
"I recommend this for all children (although they might need some help).",
"It's especially good for children during summer time, winter break, and spring break.",
"BUY IT!"
] |
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS may not be one of the tip-top Streisand albums released but it has at least two gems worth a spin in the CD player. One is her absolutely sublime version of Arlen and Capote's "I Never Has Seen Snow," and the other is Richard Rodgers' "The Sweetest Sounds." "Snow" is Barbra at her traditional best, while "Sounds" is a spine tingler, particularly in the final moments. The closest runner-up to their level of excellence would be her Asian-fused take on "Glad To Be Unhappy."
The re-workings of Barbra's 60's standards accompanied by the rhythms of international musicality are enjoyable in a light sort of way. The intro of "I Got Rhythm," barely over a minute, generates alot of excitement, particularly from the start of the horn section. What can be said about the length of that note just before the end of "I Got Rhythm?" It's probably the longest one she ever held. I don't know why she found it necessary to do but it does impress!
"Don't Ever Leave Me" has a *thrilling* orchestral opening; gorgeous strings, tempo filling with great rhythm a few moments before Barbra enters to sing. Then, just when you think it's gonna go somewhere, it gets derailed by Barbra's unfortunate "monologue" and the computerized trickery she plays with. The continued use of this sound during "By Myself" and "Come Back to Me" makes them just plain weird and a waste.
To add weird on top of weird, you have Barbra singing "The World Is a Concerto/Make Your Own Kind of Music" with an assortment of household appliances. Concept must have been hilarious on paper...but it sounds like it was taken WAY too seriously, especially when a full orchestra joins the washing machines and blenders. YIKES! | 1 | neutral | [
"MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS may not be one of the tip-top Streisand albums released but it has at least two gems worth a spin in the CD player.",
"One is her absolutely sublime version of Arlen and Capote's \"I Never Has Seen Snow,\" and the other is Richard Rodgers' \"The Sweetest Sounds.",
"\" \"Snow\" is Barbra at her traditional best, while \"Sounds\" is a spine tingler, particularly in the final moments.",
"The closest runner-up to their level of excellence would be her Asian-fused take on \"Glad To Be Unhappy.",
"\"\nThe re-workings of Barbra's 60's standards accompanied by the rhythms of international musicality are enjoyable in a light sort of way.",
"The intro of \"I Got Rhythm,\" barely over a minute, generates alot of excitement, particularly from the start of the horn section.",
"What can be said about the length of that note just before the end of \"I Got Rhythm?",
"\" It's probably the longest one she ever held.",
"I don't know why she found it necessary to do but it does impress!",
"\"Don't Ever Leave Me\" has a *thrilling* orchestral opening; gorgeous strings, tempo filling with great rhythm a few moments before Barbra enters to sing.",
"Then, just when you think it's gonna go somewhere, it gets derailed by Barbra's unfortunate \"monologue\" and the computerized trickery she plays with.",
"The continued use of this sound during \"By Myself\" and \"Come Back to Me\" makes them just plain weird and a waste.",
"To add weird on top of weird, you have Barbra singing \"The World Is a Concerto/Make Your Own Kind of Music\" with an assortment of household appliances.",
"Concept must have been hilarious on paper...",
"but it sounds like it was taken WAY too seriously, especially when a full orchestra joins the washing machines and blenders.",
"YIKES!"
] |
While this game certainly is good, it isn't great. The graphics is OK, but not xBox quality.
The biggest problem with this game (in my mind) is the AI (artificial intelligence), or the lack thereof. The players of your team are slowly jogging around, while the oponent's strikers are about to score (and the game doesn't give you the option to switch to that player, because a mid-fielder is closer to the striker, but too far behind to tackle...).
While the gameplay is pretty good overall, it is extremely frustrating to receive a goal or two because the AI messed up. Every time the oponent runs towards my goal, and all my defenders rush forward, leaving the (often incompetent) goalie all by himself, I could bite into my controller.
There are similar problems with the offensive play. Too often, great chances are missed, because the other strikers decide to run back towards the mid field, forcing you to dribble towards the goalie, which doesn't usually work out very well.
I like EA games. They have set the standards especially with their sports games. But lately, they have been very disappointing. No true xBox support (I would buy a PlayStation, if I wanted PlayStation games...), and very often, attention to detail is lacking. While the moves the players make are fantastic, and the offensive AI of the computer oponent is good, some simply things have simply been messed up. How hard can it be to make players run towards the oponent when they get into the penalty area? How hard can it be to make the players move towards the ball, rather than away? They perform fantastic tricks, but can't do the most basic things... | 1 | neutral | [
"While this game certainly is good, it isn't great.",
"The graphics is OK, but not xBox quality.",
"The biggest problem with this game (in my mind) is the AI (artificial intelligence), or the lack thereof.",
"The players of your team are slowly jogging around, while the oponent's strikers are about to score (and the game doesn't give you the option to switch to that player, because a mid-fielder is closer to the striker, but too far behind to tackle...",
").",
"While the gameplay is pretty good overall, it is extremely frustrating to receive a goal or two because the AI messed up.",
"Every time the oponent runs towards my goal, and all my defenders rush forward, leaving the (often incompetent) goalie all by himself, I could bite into my controller.",
"There are similar problems with the offensive play.",
"Too often, great chances are missed, because the other strikers decide to run back towards the mid field, forcing you to dribble towards the goalie, which doesn't usually work out very well.",
"I like EA games.",
"They have set the standards especially with their sports games.",
"But lately, they have been very disappointing.",
"No true xBox support (I would buy a PlayStation, if I wanted PlayStation games...",
"), and very often, attention to detail is lacking.",
"While the moves the players make are fantastic, and the offensive AI of the computer oponent is good, some simply things have simply been messed up.",
"How hard can it be to make players run towards the oponent when they get into the penalty area?",
"How hard can it be to make the players move towards the ball, rather than away?",
"They perform fantastic tricks, but can't do the most basic things..."
] |
Protests storm BBC over far-right leader's TV slot
Some 400 demonstrators chanted slogans and waved placards outside Television Centre in London as they waited for British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin to arrive for the BBC's primetime "Question Time" show.
Around 30 managed to break away and clamber over security walls into the BBC car park reports said highlighting rising tensions ahead of Griffin's appearance.
GriffinGriffin himself has thanked the BBC and hailed critics for being "stupid" enough to fuel a high-profile debate over whether he should be allowed on which has generated huge publicity for the BNP.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Griffin going on the show will be "a good opportunity to expose what they are about" while one of his ministers Peter Hain launched an unsuccessful bid to get him barred.
Security at the BBC was tight ahead of Griffin's appearance with at least 50 police officers on the ground but incidents erupted hours before the show.
Griffin says his biggest concern about the evening is "that I might get shot on the way in" predicting the show will be "political bloodsport".
Amid the debate over whether the television exposure will boost the BNP or embarrass Griffin he praised the broadcaster for giving him the slot.
"Thank you Auntie " he told the Times newspaper using the BBC's nickname adding: "I thank the political class and their allies for being so stupid.
In a demonstration of his ability to provoke Griffin also used the interview to describe US President Barack Obama as an "Afrocentric racist bigot".
He later wrote on his party's website that his "Question Time" appearance would be "a milestone in the indomitable march of the British National Party towards saving our country."
Griffin added he is "relishing" the opportunity to "take on the corrupt treacherous swine destroying our beautiful island nation". He will appear on the show alongside representatives of Britain's three main political parties.
The BNP is now in its strongest-ever position after two of its members including Griffin were voted into the European Parliament.
"Once you treat them (the BNP) as equal amongst the others they gain ground. We saw that in Nazi Germany " he told ITV television. Ten lawmakers have so far signed a parliamentary motion opposing Griffin's appearance.
Protesters outside the studios also criticised the BBC for letting Griffin on the show. | 1 | neutral | [
"Protests storm BBC over far-right leader's TV slot\nSome 400 demonstrators chanted slogans and waved placards outside Television Centre in London as they waited for British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin to arrive for the BBC's primetime \"Question Time\" show.",
"Around 30 managed to break away and clamber over security walls into the BBC car park reports said highlighting rising tensions ahead of Griffin's appearance.",
"GriffinGriffin himself has thanked the BBC and hailed critics for being \"stupid\" enough to fuel a high-profile debate over whether he should be allowed on which has generated huge publicity for the BNP.",
"Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Griffin going on the show will be \"a good opportunity to expose what they are about\" while one of his ministers Peter Hain launched an unsuccessful bid to get him barred.",
"Security at the BBC was tight ahead of Griffin's appearance with at least 50 police officers on the ground but incidents erupted hours before the show.",
"Griffin says his biggest concern about the evening is \"that I might get shot on the way in\" predicting the show will be \"political bloodsport\".",
"Amid the debate over whether the television exposure will boost the BNP or embarrass Griffin he praised the broadcaster for giving him the slot.",
"\"Thank you Auntie \" he told the Times newspaper using the BBC's nickname adding: \"I thank the political class and their allies for being so stupid.",
"In a demonstration of his ability to provoke Griffin also used the interview to describe US President Barack Obama as an \"Afrocentric racist bigot\".",
"He later wrote on his party's website that his \"Question Time\" appearance would be \"a milestone in the indomitable march of the British National Party towards saving our country.",
"\"\n Griffin added he is \"relishing\" the opportunity to \"take on the corrupt treacherous swine destroying our beautiful island nation\".",
"He will appear on the show alongside representatives of Britain's three main political parties.",
"The BNP is now in its strongest-ever position after two of its members including Griffin were voted into the European Parliament.",
"\"Once you treat them (the BNP) as equal amongst the others they gain ground.",
"We saw that in Nazi Germany \" he told ITV television.",
"Ten lawmakers have so far signed a parliamentary motion opposing Griffin's appearance.",
"Protesters outside the studios also criticised the BBC for letting Griffin on the show."
] |
healing force of music. It most definately heals all weakening aspects of the body.
I have felt quite lost and distraught without those wonderful vinyl prodcutions...I
feel just great again..." Well, Cheap Trick fans get the point. This more or less
authorized version of the 1980 All Shook Up release also includes all 5 songs
from Found All The Parts. On to the review, song by song:
1) Stop This Game...the opening song could have been on either side of this
vinyl record/8-track since that and song
2) Just Got Back, both very good songs have been used as opening concert songs,
3) Baby Loves To Rock is the most underrated and years later drummer Bun E
Carlos would say this song and #
8) I Love You Honey (But I Hate You're Friends) had enough hooks for three songs
each! Definately two of my favourite songs on the album
4) Can't Stop It But I'm Gonna Try (& Baby Loves To Rock) the song(s) performed
on Saturday Night Live w/ 11.5 month fillin bassist Pete Comita, who looks a little
like fulltime bassist Jon Brant (who played w/ CT1981-87;99, 2004-05;07) did.
5) *World's Greatest Lover, is a good song not unlike Dream Police(***)'s Way
of the World. At times during Cheap Trick's lengthy career *WotW has been sung
by both Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen.
6) High Priest of Rhythmic Noise is just too noisy, but it has the cagy rap I opened
this review with. Rick Nielsen weirdness at it's best, but the best was yet to come on
Next Position Please(****'s) w/ Brant on bass fulltime. Tom Peterson's bass shows his
disinterest as he just got married to a female svengali/stripper who took him away...
7) Love Comes A-Tumblin' down has some great Bun E drum work and Robin Zander
has trouble being heard, as he raps the lyrics out with guitars and bass nearly drown-
ing him out! Did Producer George Martin intend for this album to be as quirky(& loud?)
9) Go For The Throat (Use Your Own Imagination) and
10) Who D' King are the weak links here...
Bonus EP - Found All The Parts
11) Everything Works If You Let It, a failed single from CT's second foray into soundtrack
songs is a good song that was on concert set lists for three or four years after this album
was released, and sounds bettter in full version w/ Brant on bass - LIVE!
12) Day Tripper, the Beattle's cover is right at home here on the enhanced version [This
was before 'Found All The Parts' EP got it's own FOUR SONG disc. Recorded on Bun E's
birthday, in Chicago in 1979...
13) Can't Hold On is also Live; from the outtakes to the 1978 At Budokan(,I) concert
14) Such A Good Girl is an outtake song from Heaven Tonight, and
15) Take Me I'm Yours is an outtake from Cheap Trick ('76), released in Feb.'77 when
I got it and came onboard with Cheap Trick, for many years my favourite band (until
10/11/87)...This album spawned no REAL hit songs but has five in my top 50; Baby
Love to Rock, Can't Stop It But I'm Gonna Try, Stop This Game, Just Got Back & I
Love You Honey (But I Hate Your Friends). This album is either very much liked or
disliked by most Cheap Trick fans. I'm kinda impressed with it. No, I don't like the
production, and the sound is kinda murky, but it's a drak moody album like the better
The Doctor (***.5's) of 1986. Both involve personnel changes, one of which has not
proven helpful ('87's). I like Cheap Trick (1974-2009) and like this album, for whatever
that's worth. I do recommend to anybody wanting to get this album,get this 15 cut version. | 1 | neutral | [
"healing force of music.",
"It most definately heals all weakening aspects of the body.",
"I have felt quite lost and distraught without those wonderful vinyl prodcutions...",
"I\nfeel just great again...",
"\" Well, Cheap Trick fans get the point.",
"This more or less\nauthorized version of the 1980 All Shook Up release also includes all 5 songs\nfrom Found All The Parts.",
"On to the review, song by song:\n1) Stop This Game...",
"the opening song could have been on either side of this\nvinyl record/8-track since that and song\n2) Just Got Back, both very good songs have been used as opening concert songs,\n3) Baby Loves To Rock is the most underrated and years later drummer Bun E\nCarlos would say this song and #\n8) I Love You Honey (But I Hate You're Friends) had enough hooks for three songs\neach!",
"Definately two of my favourite songs on the album\n4) Can't Stop It But I'm Gonna Try (& Baby Loves To Rock) the song(s) performed\non Saturday Night Live w/ 11.",
"5 month fillin bassist Pete Comita, who looks a little\nlike fulltime bassist Jon Brant (who played w/ CT1981-87;99, 2004-05;07) did.",
"5) *World's Greatest Lover, is a good song not unlike Dream Police(***)'s Way\nof the World.",
"At times during Cheap Trick's lengthy career *WotW has been sung\nby both Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen.",
"6) High Priest of Rhythmic Noise is just too noisy, but it has the cagy rap I opened\nthis review with.",
"Rick Nielsen weirdness at it's best, but the best was yet to come on\nNext Position Please(****'s) w/ Brant on bass fulltime.",
"Tom Peterson's bass shows his\ndisinterest as he just got married to a female svengali/stripper who took him away...",
"7) Love Comes A-Tumblin' down has some great Bun E drum work and Robin Zander\nhas trouble being heard, as he raps the lyrics out with guitars and bass nearly drown-\ning him out!",
"Did Producer George Martin intend for this album to be as quirky(& loud?",
")\n9) Go For The Throat (Use Your Own Imagination) and\n10) Who D' King are the weak links here...",
"Bonus EP - Found All The Parts\n11) Everything Works If You Let It, a failed single from CT's second foray into soundtrack\nsongs is a good song that was on concert set lists for three or four years after this album\nwas released, and sounds bettter in full version w/ Brant on bass - LIVE!",
"12) Day Tripper, the Beattle's cover is right at home here on the enhanced version [This\nwas before 'Found All The Parts' EP got it's own FOUR SONG disc.",
"Recorded on Bun E's\nbirthday, in Chicago in 1979...",
"13) Can't Hold On is also Live; from the outtakes to the 1978 At Budokan(,I) concert\n14) Such A Good Girl is an outtake song from Heaven Tonight, and\n15) Take Me I'm Yours is an outtake from Cheap Trick ('76), released in Feb.",
"'77 when\nI got it and came onboard with Cheap Trick, for many years my favourite band (until\n10/11/87)...",
"This album spawned no REAL hit songs but has five in my top 50; Baby\nLove to Rock, Can't Stop It But I'm Gonna Try, Stop This Game, Just Got Back & I\nLove You Honey (But I Hate Your Friends).",
"This album is either very much liked or\ndisliked by most Cheap Trick fans.",
"I'm kinda impressed with it.",
"No, I don't like the\nproduction, and the sound is kinda murky, but it's a drak moody album like the better\nThe Doctor (***.",
"5's) of 1986.",
"Both involve personnel changes, one of which has not\nproven helpful ('87's).",
"I like Cheap Trick (1974-2009) and like this album, for whatever\nthat's worth.",
"I do recommend to anybody wanting to get this album,get this 15 cut version."
] |
Somewhere in Kuwait during the Gulf War, a military unit uncovers and inspects an American helicopter that was accidentally shot down as a result of friendly fire. During the inspection, they find Master Sergeant Sam Harper's extra crispy, burnt, dying body, who springs to life and during his last breaths, kills a sergeant and major out of revenge before dying.
Weeks later, days before July 4th weekend, Sam's body is shipped back to the US to his family's home in Twin Rivers, New Jersey. His wife, Louise receives the casket containing his remains but upon discovering there's new room in her house for it, allows his sister, Sally to keep it who lives with her patriotic son, Jody. In addition to being pro-American, he also looked up to Sam as a role model, not knowing that Sam was a degenerative alcoholic who abused his wife and sister. And Jody absolutely hates it when anyone says anything negative about Sam, America, or war.
At midnight on July 4th, some degenerative teens are creeping around the graveyard, find an American flag and light it on fire. Some of the flames from the fire touch on Sam's empty grave, triggering Sam's corpse from within the casket to resurrect. Sam moves through the night and first kills some teenage kid in an Uncle Sam outfit and takes the outfit before.
The following afternoon on Independence Day at the town's local 4th of July picnic, Sam goes on a killing spree, killing anyone that crosses his path or who he sees as unpatriotic. With the body count quickly rising, young Jody learns the truth about who his uncle Sam (no pun intended) really was and his views of him change immediately. Because Jody has some sort of weird trance over Sam, he's aided by Sam's former commander, Jed to put down the sadistic, zombified Uncle Sam
Overall: There have been horror movies made about Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Years Eve, and now...Independence Day. I'd been wanting to see Uncle Sam to see what it was like so I gave it a watch this 4th of July. It's an okay film but it's not horribly bad. I suppose some better plotting could've gone into the movie. You're telling me that a man's only purpose--who fried to death over accidental gunfire in the war; for coming back to life is to kill off some people in a small town that you feel don't appreciate the country?? I don't buy it. Perhaps the biggest plot hole of all that I want answered in this movie is why there kids are in school in July? Aren't schools out for the summer in July? And you can't possibly tell me that all those kids in there are part of summer school class. Also the first half of the film is spent with I'll give this film props for making the Uncle Sam villain in this look like a creep both masked and unmasked. I'm not sure if the director meant for this film to be serious or not because if he did, it turned out to be extremely comical as I highly doubt anyone that's ever watched this movie and will ever watch this movie, will take it seriously. Somehow despite the bunch load of flaws contained in this movie, I still found myself enjoying it to an extent. I'm not sure if it's because I have a knack for bad-good horror films or if I just love old school horror movies no matter how bad they are. Overall, I guess you could give this a watch to see if it fits your standards. If you want to give this a watch, I recommend renting this from Amazon first to see if it'll meet your expectations and go from there. I guess I've found my yearly Independence Day horror movie to watch | 1 | neutral | [
"Somewhere in Kuwait during the Gulf War, a military unit uncovers and inspects an American helicopter that was accidentally shot down as a result of friendly fire.",
"During the inspection, they find Master Sergeant Sam Harper's extra crispy, burnt, dying body, who springs to life and during his last breaths, kills a sergeant and major out of revenge before dying.",
"Weeks later, days before July 4th weekend, Sam's body is shipped back to the US to his family's home in Twin Rivers, New Jersey.",
"His wife, Louise receives the casket containing his remains but upon discovering there's new room in her house for it, allows his sister, Sally to keep it who lives with her patriotic son, Jody.",
"In addition to being pro-American, he also looked up to Sam as a role model, not knowing that Sam was a degenerative alcoholic who abused his wife and sister.",
"And Jody absolutely hates it when anyone says anything negative about Sam, America, or war.",
"At midnight on July 4th, some degenerative teens are creeping around the graveyard, find an American flag and light it on fire.",
"Some of the flames from the fire touch on Sam's empty grave, triggering Sam's corpse from within the casket to resurrect.",
"Sam moves through the night and first kills some teenage kid in an Uncle Sam outfit and takes the outfit before.",
"The following afternoon on Independence Day at the town's local 4th of July picnic, Sam goes on a killing spree, killing anyone that crosses his path or who he sees as unpatriotic.",
"With the body count quickly rising, young Jody learns the truth about who his uncle Sam (no pun intended) really was and his views of him change immediately.",
"Because Jody has some sort of weird trance over Sam, he's aided by Sam's former commander, Jed to put down the sadistic, zombified Uncle Sam\n\nOverall: There have been horror movies made about Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Years Eve, and now...",
"Independence Day.",
"I'd been wanting to see Uncle Sam to see what it was like so I gave it a watch this 4th of July.",
"It's an okay film but it's not horribly bad.",
"I suppose some better plotting could've gone into the movie.",
"You're telling me that a man's only purpose--who fried to death over accidental gunfire in the war; for coming back to life is to kill off some people in a small town that you feel don't appreciate the country??",
"I don't buy it.",
"Perhaps the biggest plot hole of all that I want answered in this movie is why there kids are in school in July?",
"Aren't schools out for the summer in July?",
"And you can't possibly tell me that all those kids in there are part of summer school class.",
"Also the first half of the film is spent with I'll give this film props for making the Uncle Sam villain in this look like a creep both masked and unmasked.",
"I'm not sure if the director meant for this film to be serious or not because if he did, it turned out to be extremely comical as I highly doubt anyone that's ever watched this movie and will ever watch this movie, will take it seriously.",
"Somehow despite the bunch load of flaws contained in this movie, I still found myself enjoying it to an extent.",
"I'm not sure if it's because I have a knack for bad-good horror films or if I just love old school horror movies no matter how bad they are.",
"Overall, I guess you could give this a watch to see if it fits your standards.",
"If you want to give this a watch, I recommend renting this from Amazon first to see if it'll meet your expectations and go from there.",
"I guess I've found my yearly Independence Day horror movie to watch"
] |
The jury is out on this charger. The website claims 850mA out of each port but the charger has "Output: 5V 750mA" printed on it. It does not specify whether the 750mA is the total output or the output of each port. Since the website is not consistent with what is printed on the charger, I'm not sure you can trust the specs at all. The input power claims to be 10-33V @ 1000mA so one would assume to draw that much power (over 10 watts), the device should be able to produce 750mA out of each port or 1.5A total (5V @ 1.5A = 7.5W) but I did not test it to determine the maximum current output. I may do so at a later time.
It did my Droid 1 and charge my HTC Rezound at the same time. The white LED is overly bright and you may find it offensive at night, depending on where your cigarette lighter jack is located on your vehicle.
I gave this 3 stars because I feel there are better dual chargers available for less and the specs were not consistent with what the website claims. As a side note, this charger includes a micro USB sync cable. | 1 | neutral | [
"The jury is out on this charger.",
"The website claims 850mA out of each port but the charger has \"Output: 5V 750mA\" printed on it.",
"It does not specify whether the 750mA is the total output or the output of each port.",
"Since the website is not consistent with what is printed on the charger, I'm not sure you can trust the specs at all.",
"The input power claims to be 10-33V @ 1000mA so one would assume to draw that much power (over 10 watts), the device should be able to produce 750mA out of each port or 1.",
"5A total (5V @ 1.",
"5A = 7.",
"5W) but I did not test it to determine the maximum current output.",
"I may do so at a later time.",
"It did my Droid 1 and charge my HTC Rezound at the same time.",
"The white LED is overly bright and you may find it offensive at night, depending on where your cigarette lighter jack is located on your vehicle.",
"I gave this 3 stars because I feel there are better dual chargers available for less and the specs were not consistent with what the website claims.",
"As a side note, this charger includes a micro USB sync cable."
] |
If you like white chocolate you will fall in love with this bar! For me, white chocolate is too sweet and this bar is dipped in it. Ok, it may not be real white chocolate but it taste exactly like it which is a plus to the company for duplicating the flavor. If you can get past the sweetness, the bar is actually pretty good. If you ever had a white chocolate Kit Kat, this is what it reminds me of. The texture is really light and flaky. I wouldn't leave these in the car in the summer because the chocolate will melt. They keep well on a pantry shelf. I ordered these on amazon because they are MUCH cheaper than Wal-Mart. You will pay almost $2 a bar at Wal-Mart. I like most of the Power Crunch bars but this one is just ok. If you are dieting and have a sugar craving...trust me...this cookies & creme flavor will satisfy it w/out you splurging. | 1 | neutral | [
"If you like white chocolate you will fall in love with this bar!",
"For me, white chocolate is too sweet and this bar is dipped in it.",
"Ok, it may not be real white chocolate but it taste exactly like it which is a plus to the company for duplicating the flavor.",
"If you can get past the sweetness, the bar is actually pretty good.",
"If you ever had a white chocolate Kit Kat, this is what it reminds me of.",
"The texture is really light and flaky.",
"I wouldn't leave these in the car in the summer because the chocolate will melt.",
"They keep well on a pantry shelf.",
"I ordered these on amazon because they are MUCH cheaper than Wal-Mart.",
"You will pay almost $2 a bar at Wal-Mart.",
"I like most of the Power Crunch bars but this one is just ok.",
"If you are dieting and have a sugar craving...",
"trust me...",
"this cookies & creme flavor will satisfy it w/out you splurging."
] |
I have very mixed feelings about this CD. The musical support provided by Lowell George, other membrs of Little Feat and the Meters are simply stunning. The keyboard parts stand out very much and the drumming is very funky. The best song by far is the title track. What a cool groove.
Outside is another strong track. Whereas I like Sailing Shoes, it just does not compare to the Little Feat version. It all starts with the vocals. Robert Palmer just can not compare to Lowell George on this track.
AS a matter of fact, Robert Palmers vocals are erratic on this CD. He's very good on the title track, Outside and decent on a couple of others. However, that last song, Throught It All With You, Mr. Palmer just sounds like he is grunting and does not rise above the solid backing unit.
Also many of the songs do not have solid hooks. Robert Palmer would go on to record more solid hook driven songs later in his career. On this CD, it is very hit and miss.
Basically the style is good but the substance is not there full time yet. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have very mixed feelings about this CD.",
"The musical support provided by Lowell George, other membrs of Little Feat and the Meters are simply stunning.",
"The keyboard parts stand out very much and the drumming is very funky.",
"The best song by far is the title track.",
"What a cool groove.",
"Outside is another strong track.",
"Whereas I like Sailing Shoes, it just does not compare to the Little Feat version.",
"It all starts with the vocals.",
"Robert Palmer just can not compare to Lowell George on this track.",
"AS a matter of fact, Robert Palmers vocals are erratic on this CD.",
"He's very good on the title track, Outside and decent on a couple of others.",
"However, that last song, Throught It All With You, Mr.",
"Palmer just sounds like he is grunting and does not rise above the solid backing unit.",
"Also many of the songs do not have solid hooks.",
"Robert Palmer would go on to record more solid hook driven songs later in his career.",
"On this CD, it is very hit and miss.",
"Basically the style is good but the substance is not there full time yet."
] |
"The exploding head scene! You gotta see the exploding head scene!" I have been hearing that for years, and finally took this little piece of gore out to see the exploding head scene so I could get on with my life. Except for the exploding head scene, this film is pretty mediocre.
An evil corporation (are all corporations in sci-fi films evil?) sends a good scanner to kill a bad scanner. Scanners are people who have a vague telekinetic power they achieved after their pregnant mothers took a drug released by the evil corporation. There are good scanners, who gather in little apartments in a circle. They seem to be waiting for the marijuana brownies and the poetry reading. The bad scanners pack heat, and the ability to make people's heads explode. The main good scanner and bad scanner Ironside meet in the end in a silly finale.
Aside from the exploding head scene, this was rather a disappointment. The leading man good scanner (Stephen Lack?) is awful. His entire emotional gamut seems to be blank stares and whiny line deliveries. His lines with the over the top Ironside are so flat I thought Ironside might be falling asleep. Patrick McGoohan, as the evil corporation's pawn, slumps in his seat in all his scenes and delivers his lines like he has a mouthful of marbles. Jennifer O'Neill, at the beginning of the end of her career, is simply window dressing to the leading man, running around and ducking for cover. The best actor here is the always underrated Michael Ironside. He relishes his role as the evil scanner, and the movie only lights up when he is onscreen.
Whenever someone "scans," the actor looks intently at the subject and moves his head a little from side to side, bugging his eyes out slightly and sweating a lot. I did the same thing watching this film. Cronenberg has a good reputation, but I found "Scanners" a letdown. He let all his earlier success go to his exploding head. I do not recommend it.
This is rated (R) for strong physical violence, strong gun violence, strong gore, and some profanity. | 1 | neutral | [
"\"The exploding head scene!",
"You gotta see the exploding head scene!",
"\" I have been hearing that for years, and finally took this little piece of gore out to see the exploding head scene so I could get on with my life.",
"Except for the exploding head scene, this film is pretty mediocre.",
"An evil corporation (are all corporations in sci-fi films evil?",
") sends a good scanner to kill a bad scanner.",
"Scanners are people who have a vague telekinetic power they achieved after their pregnant mothers took a drug released by the evil corporation.",
"There are good scanners, who gather in little apartments in a circle.",
"They seem to be waiting for the marijuana brownies and the poetry reading.",
"The bad scanners pack heat, and the ability to make people's heads explode.",
"The main good scanner and bad scanner Ironside meet in the end in a silly finale.",
"Aside from the exploding head scene, this was rather a disappointment.",
"The leading man good scanner (Stephen Lack?",
") is awful.",
"His entire emotional gamut seems to be blank stares and whiny line deliveries.",
"His lines with the over the top Ironside are so flat I thought Ironside might be falling asleep.",
"Patrick McGoohan, as the evil corporation's pawn, slumps in his seat in all his scenes and delivers his lines like he has a mouthful of marbles.",
"Jennifer O'Neill, at the beginning of the end of her career, is simply window dressing to the leading man, running around and ducking for cover.",
"The best actor here is the always underrated Michael Ironside.",
"He relishes his role as the evil scanner, and the movie only lights up when he is onscreen.",
"Whenever someone \"scans,\" the actor looks intently at the subject and moves his head a little from side to side, bugging his eyes out slightly and sweating a lot.",
"I did the same thing watching this film.",
"Cronenberg has a good reputation, but I found \"Scanners\" a letdown.",
"He let all his earlier success go to his exploding head.",
"I do not recommend it.",
"This is rated (R) for strong physical violence, strong gun violence, strong gore, and some profanity."
] |
American suburbia is not sustainable in its current form for much longer and this documentary makes that abundantly clear. However, it is counter-productive to portray suburbanites as silly, ignorant, wrong, as this DVD constantly does. The fact is that American suburban life is generally pleasant and more desirable than the alternatives of inner-city or rural life. That is why it has persisted and expanded for generations and will continue to do so for as long as possible. One can hardly blame us for hanging on to the comforts of suburbia for as long as we possibly can.
Another criticism is that there is almost no mention of fossil fuel in the form of coal of which we have large domestic reserves and from which we can make any product that currently comes from oil or natural gas - only at a much greater cost, though of course that would only delay the inevitable. Nuclear-powered electricity is also ignored. It seems the authors believe that the current popular environmental opposition to coal and nukes will persist even when oil and gas supplies run out or become prohibitively expensive. But public and government attitudes will change to be far less environmentally conscious when our basic standards of living (or even survival) are on the line.
Nevertheless, the DVD is interesting, thought-provoking and educational. Unfortunately it seems unlikely to be seen by anyone that is not already interested or familiar with this subject. | 1 | neutral | [
"American suburbia is not sustainable in its current form for much longer and this documentary makes that abundantly clear.",
"However, it is counter-productive to portray suburbanites as silly, ignorant, wrong, as this DVD constantly does.",
"The fact is that American suburban life is generally pleasant and more desirable than the alternatives of inner-city or rural life.",
"That is why it has persisted and expanded for generations and will continue to do so for as long as possible.",
"One can hardly blame us for hanging on to the comforts of suburbia for as long as we possibly can.",
"Another criticism is that there is almost no mention of fossil fuel in the form of coal of which we have large domestic reserves and from which we can make any product that currently comes from oil or natural gas - only at a much greater cost, though of course that would only delay the inevitable.",
"Nuclear-powered electricity is also ignored.",
"It seems the authors believe that the current popular environmental opposition to coal and nukes will persist even when oil and gas supplies run out or become prohibitively expensive.",
"But public and government attitudes will change to be far less environmentally conscious when our basic standards of living (or even survival) are on the line.",
"Nevertheless, the DVD is interesting, thought-provoking and educational.",
"Unfortunately it seems unlikely to be seen by anyone that is not already interested or familiar with this subject."
] |
1. I didn't like the idea of a female character.
2. Rolls up into a what?
3. Every enemy is killed with sidestep-fire, sidestep-fire.
Looked cool. Not too much beneath the paint. Tedious, evil, ugly monsters to the left and to the right in great abundance, some stuff that looks like fungus on the ceiling... it's not just another shoot-em-up, it's another shoot-everything-in-sight-two-or-three times games.
In a word, it was a boring game. I'm sorry I bought it when it was new and that I paid full price for it. Animal Crossing has a far, far greater play value.
Ugly, jaded, sad, disspirited -- I did not like Metroid Prime. | 1 | neutral | [
"1.",
"I didn't like the idea of a female character.",
"2.",
"Rolls up into a what?",
"3.",
"Every enemy is killed with sidestep-fire, sidestep-fire.",
"Looked cool.",
"Not too much beneath the paint.",
"Tedious, evil, ugly monsters to the left and to the right in great abundance, some stuff that looks like fungus on the ceiling...",
"it's not just another shoot-em-up, it's another shoot-everything-in-sight-two-or-three times games.",
"In a word, it was a boring game.",
"I'm sorry I bought it when it was new and that I paid full price for it.",
"Animal Crossing has a far, far greater play value.",
"Ugly, jaded, sad, disspirited -- I did not like Metroid Prime."
] |
I'm writing this review after reaching the last board so I think I can
highlight the action of this inhouse made Microsoft game. The
visuals on the spells is the only thing keeping me from utter
boredom.
First thing to get used to is how small the characters are. To get an
idea of this look at your thumb, okay that's the size of your main
character as you navigate through outdoor wilderness fighting
creatures half your size.
A zoom feature only works when you are not in combat, and that's
when you realize that the humans in this world are nothing more
than escapes from some child's Fisher Price Play set. Rounded
comical cartoon bulbous little hobbit folk. Saying things like "mommy
I'm hungry" indicating to me that this game is meant for 13 and under.
The story and the plot are themes that have been done over
time and time again. It's LOTR meets Willow and a dash of Ged
of Earth Sea. The combat is a sort of Diablo-Robotron run around
then dodge while throwing spells wildly. No real strategy just an
infinite army of color coded repetitive creatures bum rushing you.
With the lack of adventure titles for the Xbox right now this one might
hold you over till something better comes along (New Legends). So
far only Halo and Obi Wan have been the real enjoyable ones, the
kind of games where a whole day of playing seems like only an
hour. Max Payne and Batman were a solid notch down, mostly
because they were straight ports from other systems and offered
nothing more except jazzed up graphics. | 1 | neutral | [
"I'm writing this review after reaching the last board so I think I can\nhighlight the action of this inhouse made Microsoft game.",
"The\nvisuals on the spells is the only thing keeping me from utter\nboredom.",
"First thing to get used to is how small the characters are.",
"To get an\nidea of this look at your thumb, okay that's the size of your main\ncharacter as you navigate through outdoor wilderness fighting\ncreatures half your size.",
"A zoom feature only works when you are not in combat, and that's\nwhen you realize that the humans in this world are nothing more\nthan escapes from some child's Fisher Price Play set.",
"Rounded\ncomical cartoon bulbous little hobbit folk.",
"Saying things like \"mommy\nI'm hungry\" indicating to me that this game is meant for 13 and under.",
"The story and the plot are themes that have been done over\ntime and time again.",
"It's LOTR meets Willow and a dash of Ged\nof Earth Sea.",
"The combat is a sort of Diablo-Robotron run around\nthen dodge while throwing spells wildly.",
"No real strategy just an\ninfinite army of color coded repetitive creatures bum rushing you.",
"With the lack of adventure titles for the Xbox right now this one might\nhold you over till something better comes along (New Legends).",
"So\nfar only Halo and Obi Wan have been the real enjoyable ones, the\nkind of games where a whole day of playing seems like only an\nhour.",
"Max Payne and Batman were a solid notch down, mostly\nbecause they were straight ports from other systems and offered\nnothing more except jazzed up graphics."
] |
Everyone knows how great Goldeneye was for the N64. Most people will admit that the formula was taken to its last-gen limit with Perfect Dark. What is it that game developers can not figure out? Many gamers, myself included, want an engaging 1st-Person Shooter that will offer a fully interactive and programmable multi-player. The Bond franchise might as well be canned after this escapade. As a previous reviewer stated, the last four have been lacking in gameplay and inspiration. If the Perfect Dark: Zero game doesn't pick up the slack, then I'm buying an XBOX just to play HALO.
That said, this game does make the PS2 leap successfully in terms of graphics. The women are gorgeous, the scenery is believable and the facial expressions of all those involved are honestly the best I've ever seen in a game. The driving levels are also quite a bit of fun. This adventure does have its merits, but is too short, too easy, too uninteresting past five levels.
I advise you pick it up used for less than $30. That's about what it's worth. I would love to pay $100 for a decent update of Goldeneye that would tap the power of the PS2. Ho-hum... | 1 | neutral | [
"Everyone knows how great Goldeneye was for the N64.",
"Most people will admit that the formula was taken to its last-gen limit with Perfect Dark.",
"What is it that game developers can not figure out?",
"Many gamers, myself included, want an engaging 1st-Person Shooter that will offer a fully interactive and programmable multi-player.",
"The Bond franchise might as well be canned after this escapade.",
"As a previous reviewer stated, the last four have been lacking in gameplay and inspiration.",
"If the Perfect Dark: Zero game doesn't pick up the slack, then I'm buying an XBOX just to play HALO.",
"That said, this game does make the PS2 leap successfully in terms of graphics.",
"The women are gorgeous, the scenery is believable and the facial expressions of all those involved are honestly the best I've ever seen in a game.",
"The driving levels are also quite a bit of fun.",
"This adventure does have its merits, but is too short, too easy, too uninteresting past five levels.",
"I advise you pick it up used for less than $30.",
"That's about what it's worth.",
"I would love to pay $100 for a decent update of Goldeneye that would tap the power of the PS2.",
"Ho-hum..."
] |
Ive owned several of these, since they are suppose to be "the best" on the market. The first one I received, one of the screws holding the tip on were in crooked and stripped out so it never tightened on right.
In my opinion this tool is sub par. With my current tool, it does heat quickly, but for some reason every 10 minutes of use I have to re-tighten the screws due to loosening, or perhaps carbon buildup. This is quite inconvenient and after you unscrew it a dozen times the alloy body strips out and needs to be re-tapped with larger threads.
I like my new 'home tapped' threads better anyways because with the larger screws, it hold tighter, and loosens up less often.
The high setting is also a pain to use since you have to hold the trigger in half way to activate it. This is uncomfortable and cramps my fingers very quickly. Its also counter-intuitive having the high setting at half pressed in and low at fully pressed.
I'm not all squawk though, I'm more about making things better, so IMO; the design should include a better tightening system for the tips, and a switch on the side of the body for switching between high and low rather than holding the trigger in half way. | 1 | neutral | [
"Ive owned several of these, since they are suppose to be \"the best\" on the market.",
"The first one I received, one of the screws holding the tip on were in crooked and stripped out so it never tightened on right.",
"In my opinion this tool is sub par.",
"With my current tool, it does heat quickly, but for some reason every 10 minutes of use I have to re-tighten the screws due to loosening, or perhaps carbon buildup.",
"This is quite inconvenient and after you unscrew it a dozen times the alloy body strips out and needs to be re-tapped with larger threads.",
"I like my new 'home tapped' threads better anyways because with the larger screws, it hold tighter, and loosens up less often.",
"The high setting is also a pain to use since you have to hold the trigger in half way to activate it.",
"This is uncomfortable and cramps my fingers very quickly.",
"Its also counter-intuitive having the high setting at half pressed in and low at fully pressed.",
"I'm not all squawk though, I'm more about making things better, so IMO; the design should include a better tightening system for the tips, and a switch on the side of the body for switching between high and low rather than holding the trigger in half way."
] |
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Director Neil Jordan was at the height of his fame following his great success with "The Crying Game" when he was finally able to convince film investors to fund "Michael Collins," a project which was 10 years in the making. I knew little about the history of the struggle for Irish independence but after seeing this film, it propelled me to do a little research. As a history lesson Michael Collins does well in covering the main historical points but Jordan does little in presenting the British point of view.
The film begins with the Easter Rising of 1916, a violent protest in Dublin which resulted in the defeat and arrest of the leaders amongst the Irish rebels. What Jordan doesn't let on here is that the rebellion was not at all popular with the Irish people and the tide didn't turn until the British executed the majority of the rebels following the rebellion.
Liam Neeson does well in playing Collins as a dynamic, strong character but Collins was around thirty when the events of the film takes place and Neeson was about 14 years older. If you're willing to forgive the age difference, Neeson is quite believable as the fiery Irish leader who is still regarded as a George Washington figure amongst the contemporary Irish populace.
Jordan is at his best when he dispassionately regurgitates the sequence of events that led to the establishment of Ireland as a free state and the resulting civil war. Of particular note are the gripping scenes of escalating violence: Collins is a beaten by the Royal Irish Constabulary after speaking at an election rally; Collins recruits a squad of killers who murder 14 members of the MI5 "Cairo Gang" and the ensuing act of genocidal revenge taken by the "Black and Tans" paramilitary force at a soccer match; the IRA attack on the Custom House which Collins opposed as he knew the British would easily win; the attack on Collins after the treaty with the British, at an anti-Treaty Republican rally; the offensive against the "The Four Courts" by the anti-Treaty side of the IRA, despite Collins' bitter opposition; and the ambush of Collins, resulting in his death.
Also of great interest is the conflict between Collins and Eamon de Valera (played by an effective Alan Rickam) who early on felt that Collins was acting on his own. The actual split between the two leaders is foreshadowed when de Valera goes to meet President Woodrow Wilson in order to gain recognition of the IRA's objectives and takes Collins' best friend and constant companion, Harry Boland, with him. Eventually de Valera orders Collins to negotiate the treaty with the British over his objections that he's not a diplomat. And it was de Valera who split with Collins over the terms of the treaty which broke Ireland into two and still had the new Irish Free State swearing allegiance to the Crown.
What's most fascinating about Collins is that initially he was regarded as a terrorist by the British but after negotiating the treaty between Ireland and the UK, he was now regarded as a "moderate." In fact, during the Irish civil war, the British supplied arms to Collins' forces who eventually defeated the anti-Treaty faction. Jordan argues that Collins' targets were either brutal forces of the British intelligence service or Irish collaborators, not innocent civilians. Whatever the case, Collins, who was yesterday's terrorist now became today's dignified statesman.
Jordan unfortunately leaves out the British side of the story. Instead, they're all evil or supporters of evil. Jordan is not adverse to twisting historical facts to make the British seem worse. The scene of the massacre at the soccer match is exaggeratedno armored vehicle entered the premises and machine gunned people in the stands. A British Court of Inquiry found that the actions of the paramilitary group "was carried out without orders and exceeded the demands of the situation." The commander of the Dublin District stated that "the firing on the crowd was carried out without orders, was indiscriminate, and unjustifiable, with the exception of any shooting which took place inside the enclosure." Nonetheless it was also true that this inquiry was suppressed by the British government. The King of England and some British politicians expressed their horror at the Bloody Sunday massacre and such a public relations disaster did much to strengthen the hand of de Valera's government, eventually leading to the peace treaty between Ireland and England.
The killing of the double agent Irish detective who aided Collins, Ned Broy, also appeared to be designed by Jordan to manipulate the audience into hating the British even more. Broy is actually a composite character of three people. While people were tortured by the British (particularly those who were involved in the assassinations of British intelligence agents on Bloody Sunday), Broy lived well into his 80s.
Jordan's decision to take a few liberties with historical events and characters doesn't seem so bad in light of his overall success in depicting the chronology of events in the Irish fight for independence and its aftermath. Nonetheless, aside from Collins (and perhaps de Valera) most of the other characters in the drama are unremarkable and certainly Julia Roberts has little to do as the love interest between Collins and sideman Boland.
While necessary, after a while, many of the violent goings on in Michael Collins, felt more like a docudrama. Only when the conflict between de Valera and Collins heats up, can one say that the narrative becomes truly compelling. Again what's missing is the British point of view (and perhaps a singular antagonist) which could have added to the efficaciousness of this well staged period piece. | 1 | neutral | [
"*** This review may contain spoilers ***\n\nDirector Neil Jordan was at the height of his fame following his great success with \"The Crying Game\" when he was finally able to convince film investors to fund \"Michael Collins,\" a project which was 10 years in the making.",
"I knew little about the history of the struggle for Irish independence but after seeing this film, it propelled me to do a little research.",
"As a history lesson Michael Collins does well in covering the main historical points but Jordan does little in presenting the British point of view.",
"The film begins with the Easter Rising of 1916, a violent protest in Dublin which resulted in the defeat and arrest of the leaders amongst the Irish rebels.",
"What Jordan doesn't let on here is that the rebellion was not at all popular with the Irish people and the tide didn't turn until the British executed the majority of the rebels following the rebellion.",
"Liam Neeson does well in playing Collins as a dynamic, strong character but Collins was around thirty when the events of the film takes place and Neeson was about 14 years older.",
"If you're willing to forgive the age difference, Neeson is quite believable as the fiery Irish leader who is still regarded as a George Washington figure amongst the contemporary Irish populace.",
"Jordan is at his best when he dispassionately regurgitates the sequence of events that led to the establishment of Ireland as a free state and the resulting civil war.",
"Of particular note are the gripping scenes of escalating violence: Collins is a beaten by the Royal Irish Constabulary after speaking at an election rally; Collins recruits a squad of killers who murder 14 members of the MI5 \"Cairo Gang\" and the ensuing act of genocidal revenge taken by the \"Black and Tans\" paramilitary force at a soccer match; the IRA attack on the Custom House which Collins opposed as he knew the British would easily win; the attack on Collins after the treaty with the British, at an anti-Treaty Republican rally; the offensive against the \"The Four Courts\" by the anti-Treaty side of the IRA, despite Collins' bitter opposition; and the ambush of Collins, resulting in his death.",
"Also of great interest is the conflict between Collins and Eamon de Valera (played by an effective Alan Rickam) who early on felt that Collins was acting on his own.",
"The actual split between the two leaders is foreshadowed when de Valera goes to meet President Woodrow Wilson in order to gain recognition of the IRA's objectives and takes Collins' best friend and constant companion, Harry Boland, with him.",
"Eventually de Valera orders Collins to negotiate the treaty with the British over his objections that he's not a diplomat.",
"And it was de Valera who split with Collins over the terms of the treaty which broke Ireland into two and still had the new Irish Free State swearing allegiance to the Crown.",
"What's most fascinating about Collins is that initially he was regarded as a terrorist by the British but after negotiating the treaty between Ireland and the UK, he was now regarded as a \"moderate.",
"\" In fact, during the Irish civil war, the British supplied arms to Collins' forces who eventually defeated the anti-Treaty faction.",
"Jordan argues that Collins' targets were either brutal forces of the British intelligence service or Irish collaborators, not innocent civilians.",
"Whatever the case, Collins, who was yesterday's terrorist now became today's dignified statesman.",
"Jordan unfortunately leaves out the British side of the story.",
"Instead, they're all evil or supporters of evil.",
"Jordan is not adverse to twisting historical facts to make the British seem worse.",
"The scene of the massacre at the soccer match is exaggeratedno armored vehicle entered the premises and machine gunned people in the stands.",
"A British Court of Inquiry found that the actions of the paramilitary group \"was carried out without orders and exceeded the demands of the situation.",
"\" The commander of the Dublin District stated that \"the firing on the crowd was carried out without orders, was indiscriminate, and unjustifiable, with the exception of any shooting which took place inside the enclosure.",
"\" Nonetheless it was also true that this inquiry was suppressed by the British government.",
"The King of England and some British politicians expressed their horror at the Bloody Sunday massacre and such a public relations disaster did much to strengthen the hand of de Valera's government, eventually leading to the peace treaty between Ireland and England.",
"The killing of the double agent Irish detective who aided Collins, Ned Broy, also appeared to be designed by Jordan to manipulate the audience into hating the British even more.",
"Broy is actually a composite character of three people.",
"While people were tortured by the British (particularly those who were involved in the assassinations of British intelligence agents on Bloody Sunday), Broy lived well into his 80s.",
"Jordan's decision to take a few liberties with historical events and characters doesn't seem so bad in light of his overall success in depicting the chronology of events in the Irish fight for independence and its aftermath.",
"Nonetheless, aside from Collins (and perhaps de Valera) most of the other characters in the drama are unremarkable and certainly Julia Roberts has little to do as the love interest between Collins and sideman Boland.",
"While necessary, after a while, many of the violent goings on in Michael Collins, felt more like a docudrama.",
"Only when the conflict between de Valera and Collins heats up, can one say that the narrative becomes truly compelling.",
"Again what's missing is the British point of view (and perhaps a singular antagonist) which could have added to the efficaciousness of this well staged period piece."
] |
The one good thing about this game is that there's nothing extraordinarily, game-breakingly bad about it. Combat works, though basically what it boils down to is pressing one or two buttons over and over again (attack and, depending on your style, dodge). Story? As you have been in almost every other CRPG known to man, you are the Chosen One, and you have to save the world. Granted, it isn't exactly a boring story, but it's nothing you can't predict every step of the way. Companions? They're actually rather well-written, a fact that's almost completely crippled by game mechanics. Were you hoping for conversations between your companions as you make your way through the surprisingly tiny (two playable towns, plus the beginning and ending stages)? Too bad; you can only take one of them with you at a time. Romances? Yes, they exist, but barely. (The same-sex romances might as well not be there at all; the one I played through had exactly four dialogues.) Enjoy the rather sparse quest-based banter and short list of "friendship" conversations- that's pretty much all you're going to get. And yes, the setting is unique... but there's very little of it to explore. Even fans of the game must admit that the game is extremely short.
If you prefer the action part of an action-RPG (especially if you're a fan of Fable), this just might be your game; disregard all my reasons for disliking it. In any case, there are worse ways to spend ten dollars.
But don't let anyone tell you this is one of the best RPGs ever made. At best (and at worst) it achieves mediocrity. | 1 | neutral | [
"The one good thing about this game is that there's nothing extraordinarily, game-breakingly bad about it.",
"Combat works, though basically what it boils down to is pressing one or two buttons over and over again (attack and, depending on your style, dodge).",
"Story?",
"As you have been in almost every other CRPG known to man, you are the Chosen One, and you have to save the world.",
"Granted, it isn't exactly a boring story, but it's nothing you can't predict every step of the way.",
"Companions?",
"They're actually rather well-written, a fact that's almost completely crippled by game mechanics.",
"Were you hoping for conversations between your companions as you make your way through the surprisingly tiny (two playable towns, plus the beginning and ending stages)?",
"Too bad; you can only take one of them with you at a time.",
"Romances?",
"Yes, they exist, but barely.",
"(The same-sex romances might as well not be there at all; the one I played through had exactly four dialogues.",
") Enjoy the rather sparse quest-based banter and short list of \"friendship\" conversations- that's pretty much all you're going to get.",
"And yes, the setting is unique...",
"but there's very little of it to explore.",
"Even fans of the game must admit that the game is extremely short.",
"If you prefer the action part of an action-RPG (especially if you're a fan of Fable), this just might be your game; disregard all my reasons for disliking it.",
"In any case, there are worse ways to spend ten dollars.",
"But don't let anyone tell you this is one of the best RPGs ever made.",
"At best (and at worst) it achieves mediocrity."
] |
So far, this case is great. Battery charges fast. Case is very slippery, and will take some getting used to. Also, much bulkier than pictured, but I would rather have the bulk in the back verses other battery cases that add length. Seems very durable, made of a hard plastic ***update* I still love this case, and would recommend it to anybody-for the battery. However, I went to take it out of my pocket today and the piece that snaps on the top stayed in my pocket! The clips that hold it on are broken on both sides. I haven’t taken my phone out of this case, or snapped the top off since putting my phone in it. My phone is tightly held in the case, so it’s not terribly awful, but beware that that part of the case is not well made. Also, the buttons that cover the volume/power buttons are starting to get loose, and will probably break off soon. This is just from normal wear over the past month. | 1 | neutral | [
"So far, this case is great.",
"Battery charges fast.",
"Case is very slippery, and will take some getting used to.",
"Also, much bulkier than pictured, but I would rather have the bulk in the back verses other battery cases that add length.",
"Seems very durable, made of a hard plastic ***update* I still love this case, and would recommend it to anybody-for the battery.",
"However, I went to take it out of my pocket today and the piece that snaps on the top stayed in my pocket!",
"The clips that hold it on are broken on both sides.",
"I haven’t taken my phone out of this case, or snapped the top off since putting my phone in it.",
"My phone is tightly held in the case, so it’s not terribly awful, but beware that that part of the case is not well made.",
"Also, the buttons that cover the volume/power buttons are starting to get loose, and will probably break off soon.",
"This is just from normal wear over the past month."
] |
I bought a used copy of this lens .. perhaps that is part of the problem but I am less than thrilled with it.
I like the fact that it is fast. I love photographing in low light. But, even in medium light, this lens struggles to focus and it is not sharp at all. My 18-55mm kit lens kicks it's butt for IQ. It is one of those lenses that you use only on rare occasions and mostly leave it on a shelf at home. I will probably not use this one very much as I have several old manual focus lenses that are far better that this lens. From now on, Sigma is a lens that I will avoid. I know some people have had good luck with their lenses but there are a lot of people out there complaining about the inconsistent quality. Its just not worth the risk to me. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought a used copy of this lens..",
"perhaps that is part of the problem but I am less than thrilled with it.",
"I like the fact that it is fast.",
"I love photographing in low light.",
"But, even in medium light, this lens struggles to focus and it is not sharp at all.",
"My 18-55mm kit lens kicks it's butt for IQ.",
"It is one of those lenses that you use only on rare occasions and mostly leave it on a shelf at home.",
"I will probably not use this one very much as I have several old manual focus lenses that are far better that this lens.",
"From now on, Sigma is a lens that I will avoid.",
"I know some people have had good luck with their lenses but there are a lot of people out there complaining about the inconsistent quality.",
"Its just not worth the risk to me."
] |
This is probably my favourine Bruce album and the tracks still sound as good as they always did but now we get them in a cool lp sleeve format.
Why just 3 stars then? Well, the recording isn't remastered and so the sound is about the same quality as the cheaper U.S. press that you can get you hands on elsewhere. So unless you are a very big fan of lp sleeves like I am, you may not want to spend the extra bucks on this.
Don't get me wrong, the album is still great with regards the tracks but I guess if you already have this, what's it going to take to make you wanna get another version of the same thing? I'm guessing it's either improved sound quality and/or improved packaging. This disc only fulfils one of these two criteria so you decide what you wanna do.
By the way, it's the same with the other titles in this format like "Born To Run" and "Darkness...Town" etc. just so you know. As I don't already have copies of these discs, I didn't mind too much but I don't know about you. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is probably my favourine Bruce album and the tracks still sound as good as they always did but now we get them in a cool lp sleeve format.",
"Why just 3 stars then?",
"Well, the recording isn't remastered and so the sound is about the same quality as the cheaper U.",
"S. press that you can get you hands on elsewhere.",
"So unless you are a very big fan of lp sleeves like I am, you may not want to spend the extra bucks on this.",
"Don't get me wrong, the album is still great with regards the tracks but I guess if you already have this, what's it going to take to make you wanna get another version of the same thing?",
"I'm guessing it's either improved sound quality and/or improved packaging.",
"This disc only fulfils one of these two criteria so you decide what you wanna do.",
"By the way, it's the same with the other titles in this format like \"Born To Run\" and \"Darkness...",
"Town\" etc.",
"just so you know.",
"As I don't already have copies of these discs, I didn't mind too much but I don't know about you."
] |
Sen. Orrin Hatch Will Host Re
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) will host a re-election fundraiser in early January which raises questions about whether Mitt Romney will run for the U.S. Senate.
Hatch will invite donors to his eighth annual ski fundraiser in early January at the St. Regis Hotel in Park City Utah where the suggested donation reaches as high as $5 000 for families.
Hatch âs fundraiser announcement shocked many pundits who widely expected him to announce his retirement in early 2018 once he and congressional Republicans presumably pass the Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before Christmas. Hatch as the Senate Finance chairman played a significant role in passing the Senate tax cut legislation last week.
Sources close to failed presidential candidate Mitt Romney suggested that he would be interested in running for Utah Senate if Sen. Hatch were to retire.
Hatch spokesman Matt Whitlock told CNN that Sen. Hatch will hold the fundraiser regardless of his pending decision.
â Senator Hatch holds this event every year in order to gather longtime political friends and allies in Utah. He will hold the event regardless of his final decision about 2018 â Whitlock said.
President Donald Trump praised Sen. Hatchâs contribution to his home state and country on Monday; Trump said he hopes Hatch will âcontinue to serve [his] state and [his] country in the Senate for a very long time to come.â
Chairman Hatch announced on Wednesday that after passing tax reform and other significant legislation he will discuss with his family his plans for the future.
âIn the next few weeks I believe we are going to have tax reform signed into law we are going to extend CHIP and a number of other important things â Hatch explained. âAfter that I plan to spend time with my family to discuss plans for the future. I think Iâll have an announcement sometime after that.â | 1 | neutral | [
"Sen.",
"Orrin Hatch Will Host Re\nSen.",
"Orrin Hatch (R-UT) will host a re-election fundraiser in early January which raises questions about whether Mitt Romney will run for the U.",
"S. Senate.",
"Hatch will invite donors to his eighth annual ski fundraiser in early January at the St.",
"Regis Hotel in Park City Utah where the suggested donation reaches as high as $5 000 for families.",
"Hatch âs fundraiser announcement shocked many pundits who widely expected him to announce his retirement in early 2018 once he and congressional Republicans presumably pass the Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before Christmas.",
"Hatch as the Senate Finance chairman played a significant role in passing the Senate tax cut legislation last week.",
"Sources close to failed presidential candidate Mitt Romney suggested that he would be interested in running for Utah Senate if Sen.",
"Hatch were to retire.",
"Hatch spokesman Matt Whitlock told CNN that Sen.",
"Hatch will hold the fundraiser regardless of his pending decision.",
"â Senator Hatch holds this event every year in order to gather longtime political friends and allies in Utah.",
"He will hold the event regardless of his final decision about 2018 â Whitlock said.",
"President Donald Trump praised Sen.",
"Hatchâs contribution to his home state and country on Monday; Trump said he hopes Hatch will âcontinue to serve [his] state and [his] country in the Senate for a very long time to come.",
"â\n Chairman Hatch announced on Wednesday that after passing tax reform and other significant legislation he will discuss with his family his plans for the future.",
"âIn the next few weeks I believe we are going to have tax reform signed into law we are going to extend CHIP and a number of other important things â Hatch explained.",
"âAfter that I plan to spend time with my family to discuss plans for the future.",
"I think Iâll have an announcement sometime after that.",
"â"
] |
I thought this was a pretty good bargain, but each teabag is about a 1/4 full, some less than that. When buying it at the grocery, the tea bags are much fuller. Since I'm drinking it for health reasons, that matters to me.
It IS a good tea. I have PCOS, and normally have to take hormones (bc pills or progesterone cream) to get a period each month. I tried doing this alone, 2-3 cups a day, to see if it would bring on a period. I read in the reviews that a woman who hadn't had a period for several months did this, and she got it. I didn't get my period this month, BUT I didn't get breakouts (zits) or bad mood swings like I used to on the months that I skipped periods. I had only been drinking it a couple weeks prior to when my period was to start, so I guess I should stay at it a bit longer. I also bought Fertilitea and plan to alternate it with this. I don't want a baby; I just want to feel normal. :-( PCOS is challenging.
In summer, I grow my own raspberry leaves, and that is always best - so much fresher and stronger. But, this has to do b/c I ran out of leaves, and have to wait til May for a fresh crop. This tea has been of some success, but I know there are no guarantees on whether it will work for me, having PCOS. It is said to balance hormones as well as benefit pregnant women. When I get the barely-filled bags, I double up so I get a nice, dark tea. I like the taste, but it is different - kind of like a mix of green tea and black tea. | 1 | neutral | [
"I thought this was a pretty good bargain, but each teabag is about a 1/4 full, some less than that.",
"When buying it at the grocery, the tea bags are much fuller.",
"Since I'm drinking it for health reasons, that matters to me.",
"It IS a good tea.",
"I have PCOS, and normally have to take hormones (bc pills or progesterone cream) to get a period each month.",
"I tried doing this alone, 2-3 cups a day, to see if it would bring on a period.",
"I read in the reviews that a woman who hadn't had a period for several months did this, and she got it.",
"I didn't get my period this month, BUT I didn't get breakouts (zits) or bad mood swings like I used to on the months that I skipped periods.",
"I had only been drinking it a couple weeks prior to when my period was to start, so I guess I should stay at it a bit longer.",
"I also bought Fertilitea and plan to alternate it with this.",
"I don't want a baby; I just want to feel normal.",
":-( PCOS is challenging.",
"In summer, I grow my own raspberry leaves, and that is always best - so much fresher and stronger.",
"But, this has to do b/c I ran out of leaves, and have to wait til May for a fresh crop.",
"This tea has been of some success, but I know there are no guarantees on whether it will work for me, having PCOS.",
"It is said to balance hormones as well as benefit pregnant women.",
"When I get the barely-filled bags, I double up so I get a nice, dark tea.",
"I like the taste, but it is different - kind of like a mix of green tea and black tea."
] |
...although at this point, we know what to expect from Morrissey. I think some of his best work is on this album. The title track and "He Cried" are excellent, heartfelt songs-- very different from each other, but with the conviction we have come to expect (and no small amount of humor). "Satan Rejected My Soul" is an undeniable song, a wild, joyous ride with one of the best hooks in recorded history. THE PROBLEM IS, the rest of the album isn't so hot. I listen to it all the time and I can't remember what most of the other songs are called! They're good, but I expect that much at least. "Sorrow Will Come In the End" is a spoken-word song, which isn't bad in and of itself except that I think it's kind of creepy to hear those particular lyrics spoken rather than sung. Moreover, alot of the album is really super wimpy. Well worth owning it, but don't expect it to be the best thing you've ever heard. | 1 | neutral | [
"...",
"although at this point, we know what to expect from Morrissey.",
"I think some of his best work is on this album.",
"The title track and \"He Cried\" are excellent, heartfelt songs-- very different from each other, but with the conviction we have come to expect (and no small amount of humor).",
"\"Satan Rejected My Soul\" is an undeniable song, a wild, joyous ride with one of the best hooks in recorded history.",
"THE PROBLEM IS, the rest of the album isn't so hot.",
"I listen to it all the time and I can't remember what most of the other songs are called!",
"They're good, but I expect that much at least.",
"\"Sorrow Will Come In the End\" is a spoken-word song, which isn't bad in and of itself except that I think it's kind of creepy to hear those particular lyrics spoken rather than sung.",
"Moreover, alot of the album is really super wimpy.",
"Well worth owning it, but don't expect it to be the best thing you've ever heard."
] |
Well since most reviews have gone into the specifics of this device, I won't delve too deeply into those aspects. However, very rarely did I see any mention of how cheap of a device this is; the plastic feels of very low grade, the reset button litterally rattles it's so loose. Overall, yes the device works, so I won't knock it for that; unfortunately I have no means of testing the actual surge-protection, but I just have to hope that they used better quality electronic components then they used for the case build.
Pros of the device:
-----------------------
+Smart circle design; obviously the main advantage of this is taht you are no longer limited by annoying power bricks taking up/blocking outlets. For that it works great.
+Cute design; it looks slightly better than a normal surge protector with its circle form factor and brightly color coded outlets; however, the design is slightly hindered by how cheap the materials are, and looks less cute in person.
+Long cord; 16ft is pretty long, so make sure you need that long of a cord, since the average cord length is around 6-8ft for a surge protector. Still for my application, a long cord is a plus (since I needed at least a 12ft cord).
Cons:
---------
-Really bad build quality; again, just super cheap plastic, and the reset button is really wobbly, barely feels like it's held on. The cord seems of decent gauge/insulation at least, and the device has some heft so it may just be cheap on the exterior.
-No swivel outlet; for the cost of this device, it really should come with a swivel outlet connection, so if your outlet is upside-down (connected to a light switch) or you need it to go to the right of the socket, the cord will be tweaked in the wrong direction. I have no problems with cheap protectors not having a rotating outlet, but on something that costs almost $40 it really should have included it.
Summary:
-------
Look, if we're rating the device on whether it provides power or not, of course it works, and should get 5 stars. The circle design is also very nice, and again worthy of some stars. But with how poor the build quality is on this (and this was ordered from Amazon directly, not 3rd party), and the fact that they didn't even throw in nicer features like a swivel socket for how pricey this retails for, I can't give this a fantastic rating (but will still give it an OK rating as it does in fact work, but that alone doesn't deserve 5 stars). I purchased the device on a Cyber-Monday sale, and even at the significantly-reducted price I'm still debating on if I should keep it or not. I have several surge protectors from all sorts of brands, and as such I'm somewhat disappointed with what should have been a nicer protector feeling and looking so cheap. I'd say for a sale price it might be worth it, or if you're really looking for a longer cord surge protector it might be worth it (although I have several longer-cord protectors that didn't cost near this much), but I've purchased much better protectors at even better prices when they go on sale. | 1 | neutral | [
"Well since most reviews have gone into the specifics of this device, I won't delve too deeply into those aspects.",
"However, very rarely did I see any mention of how cheap of a device this is; the plastic feels of very low grade, the reset button litterally rattles it's so loose.",
"Overall, yes the device works, so I won't knock it for that; unfortunately I have no means of testing the actual surge-protection, but I just have to hope that they used better quality electronic components then they used for the case build.",
"Pros of the device:\n-----------------------\n+Smart circle design; obviously the main advantage of this is taht you are no longer limited by annoying power bricks taking up/blocking outlets.",
"For that it works great.",
"+Cute design; it looks slightly better than a normal surge protector with its circle form factor and brightly color coded outlets; however, the design is slightly hindered by how cheap the materials are, and looks less cute in person.",
"+Long cord; 16ft is pretty long, so make sure you need that long of a cord, since the average cord length is around 6-8ft for a surge protector.",
"Still for my application, a long cord is a plus (since I needed at least a 12ft cord).",
"Cons:\n---------\n-Really bad build quality; again, just super cheap plastic, and the reset button is really wobbly, barely feels like it's held on.",
"The cord seems of decent gauge/insulation at least, and the device has some heft so it may just be cheap on the exterior.",
"-No swivel outlet; for the cost of this device, it really should come with a swivel outlet connection, so if your outlet is upside-down (connected to a light switch) or you need it to go to the right of the socket, the cord will be tweaked in the wrong direction.",
"I have no problems with cheap protectors not having a rotating outlet, but on something that costs almost $40 it really should have included it.",
"Summary:\n-------\nLook, if we're rating the device on whether it provides power or not, of course it works, and should get 5 stars.",
"The circle design is also very nice, and again worthy of some stars.",
"But with how poor the build quality is on this (and this was ordered from Amazon directly, not 3rd party), and the fact that they didn't even throw in nicer features like a swivel socket for how pricey this retails for, I can't give this a fantastic rating (but will still give it an OK rating as it does in fact work, but that alone doesn't deserve 5 stars).",
"I purchased the device on a Cyber-Monday sale, and even at the significantly-reducted price I'm still debating on if I should keep it or not.",
"I have several surge protectors from all sorts of brands, and as such I'm somewhat disappointed with what should have been a nicer protector feeling and looking so cheap.",
"I'd say for a sale price it might be worth it, or if you're really looking for a longer cord surge protector it might be worth it (although I have several longer-cord protectors that didn't cost near this much), but I've purchased much better protectors at even better prices when they go on sale."
] |
The concept of this <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Soladec-Hybrid-All-in-One-Portable-Solar-Power-Charger/dp/B005ZA2W42/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger</a> (SD4000LP) is good. Essentially, it is a battery-powered USB charger sized like a typical 7-inch tablet. Its internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery can be recharged either using the solar panel, or through external USB power port. Once charged, you can then use this unit as a portable charger for other USB-powered devices. The unit also features a powerful 6-LED flood light.
Since I'm an engineer, I just HAVE to open the case to see what's inside. I'm quite impressed by the high-quality components found (see the photo I uploaded to 'Customer Images' section):
- The internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery is rated 3.7V 4100mAh (the product description says '4000mAh')
- The LEDs are mounted on an aluminum-backed PCB. This is great for thermal dissipation (but you don't see this very often due to high cost)
- The battery charging/discharging operation is controlled by an 8-bit microprocessor (again, you don't see this often due to high cost). This is very important because, without the correct charging algorithm, a Li-ion battery can be easily damaged by over-charging.
I then tested the unit electrically, and found it to work more or less as expected:
- When you recharge the internal battery through a computer USB port, the charging current is at 500mA. This is limited by the current capacity of a standard USB port. So the charge time is around 8-9 hours.
- When charging through an external 5V 1A USB power adapter, the battery charging current increases to 0.69A. That means the charge time is reduced to around 6-7 hours.
- When charging with the solar panel, the highest charging current I can get is ~350mA. This is under optimal test condition of bright summer sun at noon time, with the panel perpendicular to the sunbeam. In real life, it will take at least two full days of direct sunlight to recharge the internal battery. Also note that if you place the solar panel inside your car, the charging current is cut by half because the car window filters out most of the UV light.
Next, I tried to use this Soladec unit to recharge different types of USB-powered devices. The outcome varies according to the power requirement:
- When charging a low-drain USB device (such as the <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Philips-GoGear-Aria-MP3-Player/dp/B0024FAC16/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Philips GoGear Aria MP3 Player</a>), the USB device is powered up correctly, but the Soladec's LED indicator light does not cycle to show 'charging in progress'
- When charging a medium-drain USB device (such as the <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Nintendo-DSi-XL/dp/B002I08UWU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Nintendo DSi XL</a>), the device is powered up correctly, and the Soladec's LED indicator cycles to show charging in progress.
- When powering a high-drain USB device (such as the <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/VIZIO-8-Inch-Tablet-VTAB1008/dp/B005B9G79I/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">VIZIO 8-Inch Tablet VTAB1008</a>), the Soladec's LED indicator still cycles normally, but its output current fluctuates wildly because the maximum current limit is exceeded. This may cause the receiving device to get confused as it constantly enters and then exits charging mode. Actual maximum output current I measured is around 0.81A, even though the product manual says only 0.5A. So at least the product is performing better than specified.
- When ON, the LED light draws 200mA from the battery. This means a runtime of 20 hours. However, I'm skeptical about the advertised light output of '170 lumen', as it requires an amazing efficacy of over 200 lumens per watt.
On the other hand, I have noticed some major design flaws with this Solardec charger:
1. There is no on/off switch. The push button switch beside the LED light does not turn off the whole system, only the light. The system is constantly drawing a 3mA standby current from internal battery. Simple calculation shows that this standby current will drain a 4100mAh battery in less than 2 months. So although the product description says the built-in battery will "hold a charge for up to 2 years", in real life you have to recharge it every single month, if you intend to use it in case of emergency.
2. The case is not weather-sealed in any way. In particular, there are no rubber caps for the two USB ports on top. So if it rains, water can easily get in through those openings. That makes it dangerous to leave this solar charger outdoor exposed to direct sunlight. The only safe way is to place it underneath your car's windshield. But doing so also cuts down the solar power by ~50%. So now it takes 4 days to fully recharge the internal battery by solar panel.
CONCLUSION:
The Soladec SD4000LP is a good attempt with quality components inside. But unfortunately, the two major design flaws mentioned above make it less useful either as an emergency power source or as an outdoor solar charger. It does work well as a LED work light, but that can hardly justify its high price tag. That's why I can only give it a 3-star neutral rating, meaning "It's Okay".
[Side note on capacity]
Is the capacity of internal battery (4100mAh) sufficient for you? That depends on the USB device you intend to recharge. For example, my <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/POLAROID-7-INTERNET-TABLET/dp/B007W2EDAW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">POLAROID 7" INTERNET TABLET</a> has an internal 3000mAh Li-ion battery. So on first glance, the SD4000LP contains more than enough energy to charge up my tablet from empty to 100%. However, the battery charging process has to go though two conversion steps. First, the 3.7V from internal battery is boosted to 5V at the USB port. Next, the 5V is stepped down to around 4V to recharge the tablet battery. Even if each conversion step is 85% efficient, you still lose 30% of energy in the process. That's why you always need 1/3 higher capacity than the device you want to recharge. | 1 | neutral | [
"The concept of this <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Soladec-Hybrid-All-in-One-Portable-Solar-Power-Charger/dp/B005ZA2W42/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Soladec Hybrid All-in-One Portable Solar Power Charger</a> (SD4000LP) is good.",
"Essentially, it is a battery-powered USB charger sized like a typical 7-inch tablet.",
"Its internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery can be recharged either using the solar panel, or through external USB power port.",
"Once charged, you can then use this unit as a portable charger for other USB-powered devices.",
"The unit also features a powerful 6-LED flood light.",
"Since I'm an engineer, I just HAVE to open the case to see what's inside.",
"I'm quite impressed by the high-quality components found (see the photo I uploaded to 'Customer Images' section):\n- The internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery is rated 3.",
"7V 4100mAh (the product description says '4000mAh')\n- The LEDs are mounted on an aluminum-backed PCB.",
"This is great for thermal dissipation (but you don't see this very often due to high cost)\n- The battery charging/discharging operation is controlled by an 8-bit microprocessor (again, you don't see this often due to high cost).",
"This is very important because, without the correct charging algorithm, a Li-ion battery can be easily damaged by over-charging.",
"I then tested the unit electrically, and found it to work more or less as expected:\n- When you recharge the internal battery through a computer USB port, the charging current is at 500mA.",
"This is limited by the current capacity of a standard USB port.",
"So the charge time is around 8-9 hours.",
"- When charging through an external 5V 1A USB power adapter, the battery charging current increases to 0.",
"69A.",
"That means the charge time is reduced to around 6-7 hours.",
"- When charging with the solar panel, the highest charging current I can get is ~350mA.",
"This is under optimal test condition of bright summer sun at noon time, with the panel perpendicular to the sunbeam.",
"In real life, it will take at least two full days of direct sunlight to recharge the internal battery.",
"Also note that if you place the solar panel inside your car, the charging current is cut by half because the car window filters out most of the UV light.",
"Next, I tried to use this Soladec unit to recharge different types of USB-powered devices.",
"The outcome varies according to the power requirement:\n- When charging a low-drain USB device (such as the <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Philips-GoGear-Aria-MP3-Player/dp/B0024FAC16/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Philips GoGear Aria MP3 Player</a>), the USB device is powered up correctly, but the Soladec's LED indicator light does not cycle to show 'charging in progress'\n- When charging a medium-drain USB device (such as the <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Nintendo-DSi-XL/dp/B002I08UWU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Nintendo DSi XL</a>), the device is powered up correctly, and the Soladec's LED indicator cycles to show charging in progress.",
"- When powering a high-drain USB device (such as the <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/VIZIO-8-Inch-Tablet-VTAB1008/dp/B005B9G79I/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">VIZIO 8-Inch Tablet VTAB1008</a>), the Soladec's LED indicator still cycles normally, but its output current fluctuates wildly because the maximum current limit is exceeded.",
"This may cause the receiving device to get confused as it constantly enters and then exits charging mode.",
"Actual maximum output current I measured is around 0.",
"81A, even though the product manual says only 0.",
"5A.",
"So at least the product is performing better than specified.",
"- When ON, the LED light draws 200mA from the battery.",
"This means a runtime of 20 hours.",
"However, I'm skeptical about the advertised light output of '170 lumen', as it requires an amazing efficacy of over 200 lumens per watt.",
"On the other hand, I have noticed some major design flaws with this Solardec charger:\n1.",
"There is no on/off switch.",
"The push button switch beside the LED light does not turn off the whole system, only the light.",
"The system is constantly drawing a 3mA standby current from internal battery.",
"Simple calculation shows that this standby current will drain a 4100mAh battery in less than 2 months.",
"So although the product description says the built-in battery will \"hold a charge for up to 2 years\", in real life you have to recharge it every single month, if you intend to use it in case of emergency.",
"2.",
"The case is not weather-sealed in any way.",
"In particular, there are no rubber caps for the two USB ports on top.",
"So if it rains, water can easily get in through those openings.",
"That makes it dangerous to leave this solar charger outdoor exposed to direct sunlight.",
"The only safe way is to place it underneath your car's windshield.",
"But doing so also cuts down the solar power by ~50%.",
"So now it takes 4 days to fully recharge the internal battery by solar panel.",
"CONCLUSION:\nThe Soladec SD4000LP is a good attempt with quality components inside.",
"But unfortunately, the two major design flaws mentioned above make it less useful either as an emergency power source or as an outdoor solar charger.",
"It does work well as a LED work light, but that can hardly justify its high price tag.",
"That's why I can only give it a 3-star neutral rating, meaning \"It's Okay\".",
"[Side note on capacity]\nIs the capacity of internal battery (4100mAh) sufficient for you?",
"That depends on the USB device you intend to recharge.",
"For example, my <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/POLAROID-7-INTERNET-TABLET/dp/B007W2EDAW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">POLAROID 7\" INTERNET TABLET</a> has an internal 3000mAh Li-ion battery.",
"So on first glance, the SD4000LP contains more than enough energy to charge up my tablet from empty to 100%.",
"However, the battery charging process has to go though two conversion steps.",
"First, the 3.",
"7V from internal battery is boosted to 5V at the USB port.",
"Next, the 5V is stepped down to around 4V to recharge the tablet battery.",
"Even if each conversion step is 85% efficient, you still lose 30% of energy in the process.",
"That's why you always need 1/3 higher capacity than the device you want to recharge."
] |
I would only recommend this unit if your signal strength is so low that you are dropping calls on a regular basis.
The unit is somewhat awkward to install. It has an outside antenna (outside the window where your strongest signal can be found), or you can just set the unit on the window sill if you don't have low e glass. A long 25' cable attaches to the "indoor" repeater antenna, which should be at least 15' away.
Whatever you do, don't try to make a call when between the two units...! It will probably not work at all. Thus, there is a section of your house - from 15' to 25' worth - where it is probably best to not use your cell phone. In fact, being 10' or more away from the front of the inside antenna is best.
The awkward part is the 2 units and 25' cable, and positioning them for good operation without having a wire running through the middle of your room. I get it that the separation is necessary, but I would have suggested 100' of cable so you could run it along the baseboard or something...
Anyway, there is a catch, at least if you are on Verizon (I did not test AT&T, but it should not be a problem on AT&T for reasons I will explain).
One of the nice things about Verizon is what they call HD audio. This is actually regular lousy cell phone audio (Like AT&T) but added it is an additional channel (when available) in the same area of the signal for internet where they transmit additional audio information for the high frequencies. The result is ... better audio. This, BTW, is a great reason to switch from AT&T to Verizon.
Since AT&T does NOT do this, the problem I encountered should also not show up for use with AT&T. The problem is this: HD audio is essentially not supported or disabled when using this booster. Not nice. My friends return to "I can't understand you" - what they used to say when I was on AT&T.
So, for me, I will not use this device - unless I end up in a place where it is use it or no cell service. I gave it 3 stars because it DOES work. It does give me 3 bars instead of 2. The dam readings were strange, I got 6 dam improvement (For you techie types) but it was not consistent.
There may be other problems with other carriers - we dropped AT&T not because of audio problems (because we didn't know about Verizon HD audio), but because they were dropping calls, connecting late, connecting with no audio, and other weird things, and blaming it on my phone. And they were "fixing" the tower. Except they were not. So we switched, and are very happy with Verizon with the same 2 bar signal strength in our home.
One other thing: they ask you to take a photo of your "photo-register code" to register your unit, and send it via text message. This was confusing, because I assumed there was a place where a code was displayed. There is a serial # and product code sticker, but that's not it. I messed around for a while trying to figure out what I was supposed to take a photo of, and apparently it was the diagram in the instructions... (??). So I did, and that worked (even though there is no code at all). Go figure.
Their setup procedure is fairly straight forward, but the instructions don't always coincide with the markings on the units. They have little plastic covers on the connectors, which sort of looked like switch handles. Once I connected the OPT with the cable, that became obvious. But the other connector was NOT labeled "antenna" but rather hand an icon of the antenna unit next to it. But, simple enough.
Once set up, plug it in, and it works. No hassle. Just deal with the arrangement issues beforehand. | 1 | neutral | [
"I would only recommend this unit if your signal strength is so low that you are dropping calls on a regular basis.",
"The unit is somewhat awkward to install.",
"It has an outside antenna (outside the window where your strongest signal can be found), or you can just set the unit on the window sill if you don't have low e glass.",
"A long 25' cable attaches to the \"indoor\" repeater antenna, which should be at least 15' away.",
"Whatever you do, don't try to make a call when between the two units...",
"!",
"It will probably not work at all.",
"Thus, there is a section of your house - from 15' to 25' worth - where it is probably best to not use your cell phone.",
"In fact, being 10' or more away from the front of the inside antenna is best.",
"The awkward part is the 2 units and 25' cable, and positioning them for good operation without having a wire running through the middle of your room.",
"I get it that the separation is necessary, but I would have suggested 100' of cable so you could run it along the baseboard or something...",
"Anyway, there is a catch, at least if you are on Verizon (I did not test AT&T, but it should not be a problem on AT&T for reasons I will explain).",
"One of the nice things about Verizon is what they call HD audio.",
"This is actually regular lousy cell phone audio (Like AT&T) but added it is an additional channel (when available) in the same area of the signal for internet where they transmit additional audio information for the high frequencies.",
"The result is...",
"better audio.",
"This, BTW, is a great reason to switch from AT&T to Verizon.",
"Since AT&T does NOT do this, the problem I encountered should also not show up for use with AT&T.",
"The problem is this: HD audio is essentially not supported or disabled when using this booster.",
"Not nice.",
"My friends return to \"I can't understand you\" - what they used to say when I was on AT&T.",
"So, for me, I will not use this device - unless I end up in a place where it is use it or no cell service.",
"I gave it 3 stars because it DOES work.",
"It does give me 3 bars instead of 2.",
"The dam readings were strange, I got 6 dam improvement (For you techie types) but it was not consistent.",
"There may be other problems with other carriers - we dropped AT&T not because of audio problems (because we didn't know about Verizon HD audio), but because they were dropping calls, connecting late, connecting with no audio, and other weird things, and blaming it on my phone.",
"And they were \"fixing\" the tower.",
"Except they were not.",
"So we switched, and are very happy with Verizon with the same 2 bar signal strength in our home.",
"One other thing: they ask you to take a photo of your \"photo-register code\" to register your unit, and send it via text message.",
"This was confusing, because I assumed there was a place where a code was displayed.",
"There is a serial # and product code sticker, but that's not it.",
"I messed around for a while trying to figure out what I was supposed to take a photo of, and apparently it was the diagram in the instructions...",
"(??",
").",
"So I did, and that worked (even though there is no code at all).",
"Go figure.",
"Their setup procedure is fairly straight forward, but the instructions don't always coincide with the markings on the units.",
"They have little plastic covers on the connectors, which sort of looked like switch handles.",
"Once I connected the OPT with the cable, that became obvious.",
"But the other connector was NOT labeled \"antenna\" but rather hand an icon of the antenna unit next to it.",
"But, simple enough.",
"Once set up, plug it in, and it works.",
"No hassle.",
"Just deal with the arrangement issues beforehand."
] |
Very short and to the point, not really a book per say. Not a lot to review here but the main point of the book is to get up off your butt and pursue that which matters to you. No one else is going to do it for you, because no one else cares about you or your wants. Its almost like a guide to kick your own rear end out of a mid-life crisis essay. Do for you because no one else will, If you want to do something do it now while you still have time, because time can run out in an instant.
Recommend this to a friend? MAYBE
Conclusion: I enjoyed this book.
***Dont rely on the Amazon star system alone, pay attention to WHY a person either liked or disliked a product. Many products can be used differently from the way the product was intended for. The way you intend to use the product or what you need to accomplish may not be what the person reviewing it used and rated it for.***
I received this product at a discount for my honest and unbiased review. The discount has not influenced or impacted my judgment of this product. I take this seriously and my opinion and experience is my own. I am in no way required by the seller to leave positive remarks about their product. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. | 1 | neutral | [
"Very short and to the point, not really a book per say.",
"Not a lot to review here but the main point of the book is to get up off your butt and pursue that which matters to you.",
"No one else is going to do it for you, because no one else cares about you or your wants.",
"Its almost like a guide to kick your own rear end out of a mid-life crisis essay.",
"Do for you because no one else will, If you want to do something do it now while you still have time, because time can run out in an instant.",
"Recommend this to a friend?",
"MAYBE\nConclusion: I enjoyed this book.",
"***Dont rely on the Amazon star system alone, pay attention to WHY a person either liked or disliked a product.",
"Many products can be used differently from the way the product was intended for.",
"The way you intend to use the product or what you need to accomplish may not be what the person reviewing it used and rated it for.",
"***\nI received this product at a discount for my honest and unbiased review.",
"The discount has not influenced or impacted my judgment of this product.",
"I take this seriously and my opinion and experience is my own.",
"I am in no way required by the seller to leave positive remarks about their product.",
"Thank you for taking the time to read my review."
] |
The psp is by far the most handy portable game system when it comes to being able to play music and show pictures but when push comes to shove there are some flaws that can make even a patient gamer mad. The three biggest ones are
1. The battery life is too short and even though you can get other batteries you shouldn't have to in the first place.
2. Loading screens are common and some take FOREVER!
3. to get video on it you have to use CRACKLE a online video site like youtube or you have to get a special program that costs money.
Now you may say that i am being too harsh so let me tell you some good things about it.
1. there is online play in a fare amount of the games and it is quite fun.
2. there is a very great web browser on this system and it is useful for a kid that wants to check his email on the road.
3. Some of the best games for this system are now under 20 dollars
Over all i am glad that i have traded in my Nintendo DS for a PSP but as i have found neither system is perfect but time will see both of them do great things. | 1 | neutral | [
"The psp is by far the most handy portable game system when it comes to being able to play music and show pictures but when push comes to shove there are some flaws that can make even a patient gamer mad.",
"The three biggest ones are\n\n1.",
"The battery life is too short and even though you can get other batteries you shouldn't have to in the first place.",
"2.",
"Loading screens are common and some take FOREVER!",
"3.",
"to get video on it you have to use CRACKLE a online video site like youtube or you have to get a special program that costs money.",
"Now you may say that i am being too harsh so let me tell you some good things about it.",
"1.",
"there is online play in a fare amount of the games and it is quite fun.",
"2.",
"there is a very great web browser on this system and it is useful for a kid that wants to check his email on the road.",
"3.",
"Some of the best games for this system are now under 20 dollars\n\nOver all i am glad that i have traded in my Nintendo DS for a PSP but as i have found neither system is perfect but time will see both of them do great things."
] |
With "The Mystic Rose", Stephen Lawhead's Celtic Crusades trilogy ends as it began: good but not great. But perhaps that's because I have been spoiled by his superb ability in some of his other books. This is still a decent historical adventure. On this occasion the protagonist is Cait, daughter of Duncan and granddaughter of Murdo. After the murder of her father Duncan, Cait uncovers a secret letter with details about the mystic rose, the famed Holy Grail from Christ's Last Supper. After stealing the letter and armed with a small band of knights, Cait undertakes her own quest to grab the cup for herself. But the ruthless Templar knight Renaud de Bracineaux is close on her heels, and has his own plans for the sacred relic. The holy treasure becomes the object of a race between the two, both with ambitions of selfish greed. The closing stages of the novel feature an unexpected and yet not unsatisfying resolution. The loose ends are finally tied together, including the long awaited connection with the story of Gordon Murray which frames the novel.
Having a heroic feminine protagonist with such determination seemed anachronistic, and it is debatable whether Lawhead was really able to create a female heroine with any degree of real success or conviction. Yet what I appreciated about Lawhead's characterization is that Cait is a well-rounded character who develops, and that she needs to learn to overcome her lust for revenge, as well as her uncritical passion for a Moorish prince dubious in character. The repentant Cait is eventually overwhelmed by the enormity of her crimes, and confesses: "I prayed to be God's instrument of justice. I thought to use the Mystic Rose to lure my father's killer to his doom. For that, I needed the Holy Chalice, and I came here to take it. You must think me a most brazen and contemptible sinner. The audacity of my deeds amazes even me." (p414). Lawhead's main character in this respect is a flawed and very real - just like ourselves - which makes his story all the more convincing and credible. The Holy Grail plays an important role in Cait's change. As was the case in the other books of the trilogy, coming into contact with the sacred relic leads to visions and experiences of spiritual renewal, sipping from the cup resulting on this occasion in a vision of the Passover Feast.
But while the characterization is quite sound, the plot lacks the suspense and imagination of some of Lawhead's other efforts, and the series as a whole lacks their intense passion and emotion. Like the rest of the series, "The Mystic Rose" is good, but not great. Here's hoping that Lawhead will return to crafting the novels in the genre that gained him such great success: the brilliant, imaginative and passionate historical fantasy of "The Song of Albion" trilogy and "Pendragon" cycle. If not for the brilliance of these other works, perhaps I would be speaking in much more glowing terms of "The Celtic Crusades". But while this series doesn't shine so bright when compared with Lawhead's own work, perhaps it can hold its own against a great deal of other historical fiction today. If you're a Lawhead fan, you'll probably enjoy his other work better. But if you're a historical adventure fan, you might well find "The Celtic Crusades" a rewarding read. -GODLY GADFLY | 1 | neutral | [
"With \"The Mystic Rose\", Stephen Lawhead's Celtic Crusades trilogy ends as it began: good but not great.",
"But perhaps that's because I have been spoiled by his superb ability in some of his other books.",
"This is still a decent historical adventure.",
"On this occasion the protagonist is Cait, daughter of Duncan and granddaughter of Murdo.",
"After the murder of her father Duncan, Cait uncovers a secret letter with details about the mystic rose, the famed Holy Grail from Christ's Last Supper.",
"After stealing the letter and armed with a small band of knights, Cait undertakes her own quest to grab the cup for herself.",
"But the ruthless Templar knight Renaud de Bracineaux is close on her heels, and has his own plans for the sacred relic.",
"The holy treasure becomes the object of a race between the two, both with ambitions of selfish greed.",
"The closing stages of the novel feature an unexpected and yet not unsatisfying resolution.",
"The loose ends are finally tied together, including the long awaited connection with the story of Gordon Murray which frames the novel.",
"Having a heroic feminine protagonist with such determination seemed anachronistic, and it is debatable whether Lawhead was really able to create a female heroine with any degree of real success or conviction.",
"Yet what I appreciated about Lawhead's characterization is that Cait is a well-rounded character who develops, and that she needs to learn to overcome her lust for revenge, as well as her uncritical passion for a Moorish prince dubious in character.",
"The repentant Cait is eventually overwhelmed by the enormity of her crimes, and confesses: \"I prayed to be God's instrument of justice.",
"I thought to use the Mystic Rose to lure my father's killer to his doom.",
"For that, I needed the Holy Chalice, and I came here to take it.",
"You must think me a most brazen and contemptible sinner.",
"The audacity of my deeds amazes even me.",
"\" (p414).",
"Lawhead's main character in this respect is a flawed and very real - just like ourselves - which makes his story all the more convincing and credible.",
"The Holy Grail plays an important role in Cait's change.",
"As was the case in the other books of the trilogy, coming into contact with the sacred relic leads to visions and experiences of spiritual renewal, sipping from the cup resulting on this occasion in a vision of the Passover Feast.",
"But while the characterization is quite sound, the plot lacks the suspense and imagination of some of Lawhead's other efforts, and the series as a whole lacks their intense passion and emotion.",
"Like the rest of the series, \"The Mystic Rose\" is good, but not great.",
"Here's hoping that Lawhead will return to crafting the novels in the genre that gained him such great success: the brilliant, imaginative and passionate historical fantasy of \"The Song of Albion\" trilogy and \"Pendragon\" cycle.",
"If not for the brilliance of these other works, perhaps I would be speaking in much more glowing terms of \"The Celtic Crusades\".",
"But while this series doesn't shine so bright when compared with Lawhead's own work, perhaps it can hold its own against a great deal of other historical fiction today.",
"If you're a Lawhead fan, you'll probably enjoy his other work better.",
"But if you're a historical adventure fan, you might well find \"The Celtic Crusades\" a rewarding read.",
"-GODLY GADFLY"
] |
The foundation itself goes on smoothly - it is a thin texture so it does need to be rubbed in a bit in order to avoid streakiness. But once on, it stays with only a minor 'oily' kind of feel when first applied. It provides light SPF protection as well to protect skin during the day. The color, was as I expected and not too orangey or pink.
The bottle has a gimmicky applicator - a 'tear dropper' type of cap in which you can squeeze droplets onto your makeup sponge or fingers. After about five uses, though, it does start to gunk up. Not as problematic if you use this daily and so will go through the bottle fairly quickly. But if you don't wear makeup daily, it will fully gunk up and be rendered fairly useless over time. I would have preferred a regular applicator and not have to pay for the silly and fairly useless gimmick.
In all, I like the coverage and feel of the 'serum foundation.' It didn't feel chalky from the SPF ingredients and my face did feel protected. I haven't noticed the 'glow' enhancing my wrinkles but I'll be watching for it. | 1 | neutral | [
"The foundation itself goes on smoothly - it is a thin texture so it does need to be rubbed in a bit in order to avoid streakiness.",
"But once on, it stays with only a minor 'oily' kind of feel when first applied.",
"It provides light SPF protection as well to protect skin during the day.",
"The color, was as I expected and not too orangey or pink.",
"The bottle has a gimmicky applicator - a 'tear dropper' type of cap in which you can squeeze droplets onto your makeup sponge or fingers.",
"After about five uses, though, it does start to gunk up.",
"Not as problematic if you use this daily and so will go through the bottle fairly quickly.",
"But if you don't wear makeup daily, it will fully gunk up and be rendered fairly useless over time.",
"I would have preferred a regular applicator and not have to pay for the silly and fairly useless gimmick.",
"In all, I like the coverage and feel of the 'serum foundation.",
"' It didn't feel chalky from the SPF ingredients and my face did feel protected.",
"I haven't noticed the 'glow' enhancing my wrinkles but I'll be watching for it."
] |
Dantes Inferno has inspired many artists over the years, David Wisehart is the next one. The Devils Lair follows Dantes footsteps though Hell meeting familiar characters as well as historical figures.
The book was well-written and offered inspired prose. The characters were layered and complex, reeling in their own thoughts often. However, one of the key themes for the characters is finding redemption. The characters feature a friar, a poet, an epileptic woman that has visions and a Knight Templar. They find their redemption as they meet certain people from their lives that are in Hell who try to entice them to stay. The demons in Hell are real, but as people they have faced throughout their lives.
People may have issues with some sections of the book. There are some scenes with blood and descriptions about the plague, but also a rape scene that may bother some people.
One issue is that some passages were written in Latin, however, with no translation. You can get it translated using certain apps, but how many people want to take breaks from reading just to have a section translated?
This may not be a book for everyone. People who aren't into historical fiction may not find this interesting.
**This review first appeared on Feed the Indie** | 1 | neutral | [
"Dantes Inferno has inspired many artists over the years, David Wisehart is the next one.",
"The Devils Lair follows Dantes footsteps though Hell meeting familiar characters as well as historical figures.",
"The book was well-written and offered inspired prose.",
"The characters were layered and complex, reeling in their own thoughts often.",
"However, one of the key themes for the characters is finding redemption.",
"The characters feature a friar, a poet, an epileptic woman that has visions and a Knight Templar.",
"They find their redemption as they meet certain people from their lives that are in Hell who try to entice them to stay.",
"The demons in Hell are real, but as people they have faced throughout their lives.",
"People may have issues with some sections of the book.",
"There are some scenes with blood and descriptions about the plague, but also a rape scene that may bother some people.",
"One issue is that some passages were written in Latin, however, with no translation.",
"You can get it translated using certain apps, but how many people want to take breaks from reading just to have a section translated?",
"This may not be a book for everyone.",
"People who aren't into historical fiction may not find this interesting.",
"**This review first appeared on Feed the Indie**"
] |
I saw this film in the theater last November 2004 when first came out. I was surprised! There were at least 4 parts in the movie, in which I actually JUMPED! It is creepy, and can be scary, but not boring! Will keep you interested! I bought the DVD of "JU-ON" before "Grudge" came out on DVD; "JU-ON" and "GRUDGE" are exactly alike (having same director), only "JU-ON" is in Japanese of course! "GRUDGE" is shot (filmed) the same style and same way as "JU-ON"! It's strange: the commentary on the Japanese DVD "JU-ON" is with Sam Raimi in English, and the commentary on the special edition of "THE GRUDGE" (Extended version) is with the Japanese director and stars from the "JU-ON" movie, in Japanese! With Englsih subtitles. WHY SWITCH THESE COMMENTARIES AROUND!? But the commentary on the regular "GRUDGE" release is with the American cast and crew in English! Normally I am not a BIG fan of horror films, but this one is a good candidate for a good, scary horror flick! Watch it! And if you like it, buy it! It is a good, *(to me: very good) horror movie! Thank you! -PauLIZ | 2 | positive | [
"I saw this film in the theater last November 2004 when first came out.",
"I was surprised!",
"There were at least 4 parts in the movie, in which I actually JUMPED!",
"It is creepy, and can be scary, but not boring!",
"Will keep you interested!",
"I bought the DVD of \"JU-ON\" before \"Grudge\" came out on DVD; \"JU-ON\" and \"GRUDGE\" are exactly alike (having same director), only \"JU-ON\" is in Japanese of course!",
"\"GRUDGE\" is shot (filmed) the same style and same way as \"JU-ON\"!",
"It's strange: the commentary on the Japanese DVD \"JU-ON\" is with Sam Raimi in English, and the commentary on the special edition of \"THE GRUDGE\" (Extended version) is with the Japanese director and stars from the \"JU-ON\" movie, in Japanese!",
"With Englsih subtitles.",
"WHY SWITCH THESE COMMENTARIES AROUND!?",
"But the commentary on the regular \"GRUDGE\" release is with the American cast and crew in English!",
"Normally I am not a BIG fan of horror films, but this one is a good candidate for a good, scary horror flick!",
"Watch it!",
"And if you like it, buy it!",
"It is a good, *(to me: very good) horror movie!",
"Thank you!",
"-PauLIZ"
] |
The SONY DVP-SR320 is a basic DVD player, lacking HDMI and component-video outputs, and there is no front-panel elapsed time readout. But for its low price, it will play discs from all regions, NTSC, PAL or SECAM, allowing them to be viewed on an NTSC display. The two hardware special features are a coaxial digital-audio output and a USB port.
This is an "international" player, designed to operate on 110 to 240V, so the power cord uses the round-pin "Europlug" rated for that range; the "normal" one used in the U.S. (NEMA 1) is only rated to 125V. An adapter is supplied, which I found stuffed in the side of the box with the batteries for the remote. If missing, adapters are not hard to find, though the Enercell 273-262 available at Radio Shack is expensive, if well-made. No voltage change is needed. The instruction pamphlet is in Spanish, also the language to which the on-screen display is set. The player is marked for Region 4, but is set up to play all regions, and with NTSC-only output it was doubtless designed for the South American market. The remote is labelled in English. The on-screen language is reset though the first menu brought up using the "DISPLAY" button on the remote, with the player in "STOP" mode. The number of cryptic icons depends on whether or not a disc is loaded, but the one of interest looks like a small case with a handle, usually the last one in the list, which is "SETUP" ("AJUSTE") and the default selection "QUICK" ("RPIDO") starts with language, the choices being Spanish, Portuguese, English and French. Hitting "DISPLAY" again will get out of SETUP, so the player can actually be put to use.
The instructions are brief, and as noted in Spanish, and seem to be mostly concerned with the details of the SETUP options. Once the on-screen language has been set to that of the user, setting other options and operating the player become fairly easy.
The USB function allows playing audio and video files. I tried it out by putting some MP3 files on a flash drive that had some JPEG images, and soon had my income tax returns on-screen, accompanied by music. I'm not quite sure how that happened; selection of files is more awkward than using a computer.
While I don't have any SECAM discs, the player functioned properly with those in PAL format, the conversion to NTSC did not appear to result in any unsmooth motion, and color, where present, was displayed. The player is compatible with a variety of discs, including double-layer recordable media which can cause problems on some machines. The remote is compact, but the buttons large enough for most fingers, and includes the disc eject function.
I have been using a SONY DVP-SR200P for a couple years with no problems, and expect the DVP-SR320 will be just as reliable. While I miss the front-panel digital readout, its lack allows the player to be smaller, and for the price and feature set this is an outstanding value. | 2 | positive | [
"The SONY DVP-SR320 is a basic DVD player, lacking HDMI and component-video outputs, and there is no front-panel elapsed time readout.",
"But for its low price, it will play discs from all regions, NTSC, PAL or SECAM, allowing them to be viewed on an NTSC display.",
"The two hardware special features are a coaxial digital-audio output and a USB port.",
"This is an \"international\" player, designed to operate on 110 to 240V, so the power cord uses the round-pin \"Europlug\" rated for that range; the \"normal\" one used in the U.",
"S. (NEMA 1) is only rated to 125V.",
"An adapter is supplied, which I found stuffed in the side of the box with the batteries for the remote.",
"If missing, adapters are not hard to find, though the Enercell 273-262 available at Radio Shack is expensive, if well-made.",
"No voltage change is needed.",
"The instruction pamphlet is in Spanish, also the language to which the on-screen display is set.",
"The player is marked for Region 4, but is set up to play all regions, and with NTSC-only output it was doubtless designed for the South American market.",
"The remote is labelled in English.",
"The on-screen language is reset though the first menu brought up using the \"DISPLAY\" button on the remote, with the player in \"STOP\" mode.",
"The number of cryptic icons depends on whether or not a disc is loaded, but the one of interest looks like a small case with a handle, usually the last one in the list, which is \"SETUP\" (\"AJUSTE\") and the default selection \"QUICK\" (\"RPIDO\") starts with language, the choices being Spanish, Portuguese, English and French.",
"Hitting \"DISPLAY\" again will get out of SETUP, so the player can actually be put to use.",
"The instructions are brief, and as noted in Spanish, and seem to be mostly concerned with the details of the SETUP options.",
"Once the on-screen language has been set to that of the user, setting other options and operating the player become fairly easy.",
"The USB function allows playing audio and video files.",
"I tried it out by putting some MP3 files on a flash drive that had some JPEG images, and soon had my income tax returns on-screen, accompanied by music.",
"I'm not quite sure how that happened; selection of files is more awkward than using a computer.",
"While I don't have any SECAM discs, the player functioned properly with those in PAL format, the conversion to NTSC did not appear to result in any unsmooth motion, and color, where present, was displayed.",
"The player is compatible with a variety of discs, including double-layer recordable media which can cause problems on some machines.",
"The remote is compact, but the buttons large enough for most fingers, and includes the disc eject function.",
"I have been using a SONY DVP-SR200P for a couple years with no problems, and expect the DVP-SR320 will be just as reliable.",
"While I miss the front-panel digital readout, its lack allows the player to be smaller, and for the price and feature set this is an outstanding value."
] |
Okay, I never really liked the first Power Stone. The only thing I liked about it was the gameplay and the graphics but the only thing I hated about it was the short enviroments. When Power Stone 2 came out, I've heard how it had a long replay value so I said to myself, "Hey ! Let's get this sucker !". When I popped it into my Dreamcast, I was thoroughly amazed by not only the graphics and gameplay, but its huge enviroments. These levels are so freakin' huge, it has already beaten the interactive enviroments of Super Smash Bros. ! You get to ride on tanks, shoot a gatling gun, run from a huge boulder, use a submarine's missile launchers (my favorite part), and fight two different. Bosses as huge as a giant mech. Sad thing is, there's only a short variety of levels and only three new characters (two more characters and a few levels to unlock...too bad you can't play as the two bosses). If you're looking for a multiplayer game, I pick this one up if I were you ! | 2 | positive | [
"Okay, I never really liked the first Power Stone.",
"The only thing I liked about it was the gameplay and the graphics but the only thing I hated about it was the short enviroments.",
"When Power Stone 2 came out, I've heard how it had a long replay value so I said to myself, \"Hey!",
"Let's get this sucker!",
"\".",
"When I popped it into my Dreamcast, I was thoroughly amazed by not only the graphics and gameplay, but its huge enviroments.",
"These levels are so freakin' huge, it has already beaten the interactive enviroments of Super Smash Bros.",
"!",
"You get to ride on tanks, shoot a gatling gun, run from a huge boulder, use a submarine's missile launchers (my favorite part), and fight two different.",
"Bosses as huge as a giant mech.",
"Sad thing is, there's only a short variety of levels and only three new characters (two more characters and a few levels to unlock...",
"too bad you can't play as the two bosses).",
"If you're looking for a multiplayer game, I pick this one up if I were you!"
] |
I was very concerned about buying this upgrade due to the flood of bad reviews I read, but they had me by the short hairs with the discontinuance of updating soon to take effect. I've been using Quicken ever since it came out, and Managing Your Money before that, and MS Money for a couple of years. I was satisfied with the 2008 version. There are some improvements in the latest version, most notably the faster updating and the ability for the update to bypass the frequent requests by some banks for answers to security questions. Additionally, I noticed a correction to estimated taxes. The Tax Schedule used to include the January 15th payment in the wrong year, but now you can identify the tax year involved and the report will be correct.
There are two complaints I have and that is the Tax Planner still will not allow you to choose the next year. It is locked on 2011. The other is the tax schedule lists interest by banks, but does not subtotal each bank. Your tax return requires interest be reported by each bank. If I discover anything more I will update this review.
Update:
I moved this review from the guide book to the product itself.
One change I do not like is the way the "overview" presents itself now. Previously, the individual account holdings were shown and no other stock would appear, but now the complete list of stocks you have in your portfolio list shows and you must scroll through it to find the stocks that are currently in the particular account. I have a long list of stocks, perhaps a hundred that I have bought and sold over the years. Most are inactive, but they show anyway. What a mess this is. I liked the 2008 version of the "overview" far better.
I noticed a small problem. When you reconcile an account you have the option to use a statement or the online balance. Once you have chosen "statement" it seems to always return to statement even if you have subsequently elected to use the online balance method. I have tested this many times by unchecking the statement choice and even going as far as removing the statement balance, then selecting the online balance method. The very next time you reconcile it will choose "statement" for you. It is an annoying inconvenience.
One other minor issue is the sound effects. When you first open Quicken there is a very loud gong noise that will make you wish you had left the sound system off. The remaining sound is like an old manual cash register ringing up a sale and is tolerable. Due to the startling nature of the opening "gong" I went into preferences and turned the sound off. My overall assessment is that this product is worth the price even at retail, but you can get a very good deal if you search for it. I pretty much use Amazon because the prices are really good and you can trust them. No, I don't work for them or own stock, but I wish I bought a boatload when it was at 32 cents a share!
Let me describe one huge advantage of getting frequent or daily updates. You can check your credit cards for errors well ahead of the arrival of the statement. If your card has been stolen you can track its use. You can inform your issuer in detail about what is yours and what is not, and you can contact the stores where the illegal purchases have been made. In other words you can stay on top of your credit card activity. I have used Quicken this way for years and have discovered duplicate charges, and erroneous charges by businesses within hours of the charge being made.
Update:
Do not import data from Quicken into tax software without realizing that there will be errors. When interest for December is credited it normally gets posted in January therefore when you create a tax schedule it will include the previous year's December and not include the current December. So, when you make the tax schedule you must do a custom search avoiding interest posted in the wrong year and capturing data for the current tax year posted in the following year. I recommend waiting for the tax forms from your financial institutions before submitting your tax return. | 2 | positive | [
"I was very concerned about buying this upgrade due to the flood of bad reviews I read, but they had me by the short hairs with the discontinuance of updating soon to take effect.",
"I've been using Quicken ever since it came out, and Managing Your Money before that, and MS Money for a couple of years.",
"I was satisfied with the 2008 version.",
"There are some improvements in the latest version, most notably the faster updating and the ability for the update to bypass the frequent requests by some banks for answers to security questions.",
"Additionally, I noticed a correction to estimated taxes.",
"The Tax Schedule used to include the January 15th payment in the wrong year, but now you can identify the tax year involved and the report will be correct.",
"There are two complaints I have and that is the Tax Planner still will not allow you to choose the next year.",
"It is locked on 2011.",
"The other is the tax schedule lists interest by banks, but does not subtotal each bank.",
"Your tax return requires interest be reported by each bank.",
"If I discover anything more I will update this review.",
"Update:\n\nI moved this review from the guide book to the product itself.",
"One change I do not like is the way the \"overview\" presents itself now.",
"Previously, the individual account holdings were shown and no other stock would appear, but now the complete list of stocks you have in your portfolio list shows and you must scroll through it to find the stocks that are currently in the particular account.",
"I have a long list of stocks, perhaps a hundred that I have bought and sold over the years.",
"Most are inactive, but they show anyway.",
"What a mess this is.",
"I liked the 2008 version of the \"overview\" far better.",
"I noticed a small problem.",
"When you reconcile an account you have the option to use a statement or the online balance.",
"Once you have chosen \"statement\" it seems to always return to statement even if you have subsequently elected to use the online balance method.",
"I have tested this many times by unchecking the statement choice and even going as far as removing the statement balance, then selecting the online balance method.",
"The very next time you reconcile it will choose \"statement\" for you.",
"It is an annoying inconvenience.",
"One other minor issue is the sound effects.",
"When you first open Quicken there is a very loud gong noise that will make you wish you had left the sound system off.",
"The remaining sound is like an old manual cash register ringing up a sale and is tolerable.",
"Due to the startling nature of the opening \"gong\" I went into preferences and turned the sound off.",
"My overall assessment is that this product is worth the price even at retail, but you can get a very good deal if you search for it.",
"I pretty much use Amazon because the prices are really good and you can trust them.",
"No, I don't work for them or own stock, but I wish I bought a boatload when it was at 32 cents a share!",
"Let me describe one huge advantage of getting frequent or daily updates.",
"You can check your credit cards for errors well ahead of the arrival of the statement.",
"If your card has been stolen you can track its use.",
"You can inform your issuer in detail about what is yours and what is not, and you can contact the stores where the illegal purchases have been made.",
"In other words you can stay on top of your credit card activity.",
"I have used Quicken this way for years and have discovered duplicate charges, and erroneous charges by businesses within hours of the charge being made.",
"Update:\nDo not import data from Quicken into tax software without realizing that there will be errors.",
"When interest for December is credited it normally gets posted in January therefore when you create a tax schedule it will include the previous year's December and not include the current December.",
"So, when you make the tax schedule you must do a custom search avoiding interest posted in the wrong year and capturing data for the current tax year posted in the following year.",
"I recommend waiting for the tax forms from your financial institutions before submitting your tax return."
] |
Dungeon Roll is a simple and unique game where the player(s) proceed through a dungeon defeating monsters, gaining treasure, and leveling up. The gameplay is quick and since there are many characters each with a unique feel to try out so there's a lot of replay value. So, a game might take 10-20 minutes and you could be back in the dungeon with a new set of characters in no time. The dice, and all of the components, are really high quality. The biggest drawback for myself is the highly random game play that comes with it being a dice game, and the game is a bit light on theme because it's the mission is simply to slay monsters, collect treasure, and make it as deep into the dungeon as possible to gain XPs. The rulebook is also a little vague, so it might take a couple of plays to figure it all out, but luckily it's very quick to start up another game.
Pros:
Excellent Components
Awesome Dice
Quick Gameplay
Lots of Replay Value
Cons:
Very Random
Light Theme
Murkey Rulebook
My wife didn't enjoy the game much and she's my go to gaming partner. The light theme is what killed it for her. I really like playing it as a quick solo game. I can set it up, play a game, and have it put away in less than 15 minutes if I'm just looking for something to do, and the high replay value means no two games I've played have been the same.
Update: Just back to say I still think this game has sticking power. It's always a different experience, and there's a certain joy to getting an incredibly lucky room in the dungeon stuffed with treasure or health potions. | 2 | positive | [
"Dungeon Roll is a simple and unique game where the player(s) proceed through a dungeon defeating monsters, gaining treasure, and leveling up.",
"The gameplay is quick and since there are many characters each with a unique feel to try out so there's a lot of replay value.",
"So, a game might take 10-20 minutes and you could be back in the dungeon with a new set of characters in no time.",
"The dice, and all of the components, are really high quality.",
"The biggest drawback for myself is the highly random game play that comes with it being a dice game, and the game is a bit light on theme because it's the mission is simply to slay monsters, collect treasure, and make it as deep into the dungeon as possible to gain XPs.",
"The rulebook is also a little vague, so it might take a couple of plays to figure it all out, but luckily it's very quick to start up another game.",
"Pros:\nExcellent Components\nAwesome Dice\nQuick Gameplay\nLots of Replay Value\n\nCons:\nVery Random\nLight Theme\nMurkey Rulebook\n\nMy wife didn't enjoy the game much and she's my go to gaming partner.",
"The light theme is what killed it for her.",
"I really like playing it as a quick solo game.",
"I can set it up, play a game, and have it put away in less than 15 minutes if I'm just looking for something to do, and the high replay value means no two games I've played have been the same.",
"Update: Just back to say I still think this game has sticking power.",
"It's always a different experience, and there's a certain joy to getting an incredibly lucky room in the dungeon stuffed with treasure or health potions."
] |
I have several of the smaller pinched waist feeders that hold one cup of nectar. The smaller ones have the ball-shaped bee guards, which must be removed and opened in order to clean them inside. And you do want to clean them inside to prevent black mildew from growing. The flat bee guards on this feeder are easier to clean.
Hummingbirds depend on sugar-rich nectar for up to 90 percent of their diet; the rest is made up of insects and pollen that provide essential protein.
Hummers need nectar for their survival. For those that migrate in the fall, they need to double their body mass before the long trip. Don't worry: a hummingbird feeder will not prevent them from leaving. They are hard-wired to migrate.
Hang several small feeders in different locations. Best to keep them far apart so that one hummer doesn't try to guard all the feeders! My three are located in my back yard, side yard, and front yard. Fill the feeder with the amount of nectar (sugar water) that will be consumed within a week (three days in warm weather).
Use sugar water: combine four parts hot water to one part white sugar, stir, boil for one or two minutes, and allow to cool. (Use a stainless steel pot.) Never use honey (promotes growth of harmful bacteria) or red food coloring (not necessary to attract the hummers). You don't want red dye in your food and neither do hummers.
I make up the nectar ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to one week in a clean mason jar. Then when it's time to wash and refill the feeders, the nectar is ready. Filling the feeder: using a funnel, pour two cups of fresh nectar into the feeder. If you don't use a funnel, you will end up pouring half the nectar down the outside of the bottle.
Hanging the feeders in the shade will discourage fermentation. Change the sugar water before it gets cloudy, twice a week in warm weather. At the end of the week (or half week in warm weather), empty the unused nectar and start over with a clean feeder and fresh nectar. Experiment with filling the feeder with less nectar if it is not consumed within a few days.
Clean the feeder every time you refill it: one part white vinegar to four parts water. The small brushes made for these feeders work well to remove dirt from the small parts. Rinse all the parts three or four times with warm water and allow to air dry. Thorough and regular cleaning keeps the feeders clean and also helps prevent the spread of avian diseases. I use a set of brushes purchased on Amazon. (See my review and instructions for cleaning.)
Black mildew. If you see this in your feeder (and you should not if you are washing them with vinegar and water each time you refill them), mix up a 10% solution of bleach and hot water instead of the vinegar. Soak all the parts of the feeder for 20 minutes before you begin washing them, using the brushes. Rinse everything three or four times. Air dry.
Ants! You don't want them in or on your feeder. Ants do not like chalk, so I use ordinary blackboard chalk to draw several rings around the shepherd's hook that holds the feeder. I also use small reservoirs, filled with water, between the feeder and the hook. The water can evaporate in a few days, so you need to check it at least twice a week, every day in warm weather. Heavy rain can wash the chalk away. Do not spread petroleum jelly on the hook, as it will contaminate the birds' feathers should they come into contact with the jelly. Be vigilant with the reservoirs and the chalk rings!
Enjoy watching the hummingbirds on your feeder. | 2 | positive | [
"I have several of the smaller pinched waist feeders that hold one cup of nectar.",
"The smaller ones have the ball-shaped bee guards, which must be removed and opened in order to clean them inside.",
"And you do want to clean them inside to prevent black mildew from growing.",
"The flat bee guards on this feeder are easier to clean.",
"Hummingbirds depend on sugar-rich nectar for up to 90 percent of their diet; the rest is made up of insects and pollen that provide essential protein.",
"Hummers need nectar for their survival.",
"For those that migrate in the fall, they need to double their body mass before the long trip.",
"Don't worry: a hummingbird feeder will not prevent them from leaving.",
"They are hard-wired to migrate.",
"Hang several small feeders in different locations.",
"Best to keep them far apart so that one hummer doesn't try to guard all the feeders!",
"My three are located in my back yard, side yard, and front yard.",
"Fill the feeder with the amount of nectar (sugar water) that will be consumed within a week (three days in warm weather).",
"Use sugar water: combine four parts hot water to one part white sugar, stir, boil for one or two minutes, and allow to cool.",
"(Use a stainless steel pot.",
") Never use honey (promotes growth of harmful bacteria) or red food coloring (not necessary to attract the hummers).",
"You don't want red dye in your food and neither do hummers.",
"I make up the nectar ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to one week in a clean mason jar.",
"Then when it's time to wash and refill the feeders, the nectar is ready.",
"Filling the feeder: using a funnel, pour two cups of fresh nectar into the feeder.",
"If you don't use a funnel, you will end up pouring half the nectar down the outside of the bottle.",
"Hanging the feeders in the shade will discourage fermentation.",
"Change the sugar water before it gets cloudy, twice a week in warm weather.",
"At the end of the week (or half week in warm weather), empty the unused nectar and start over with a clean feeder and fresh nectar.",
"Experiment with filling the feeder with less nectar if it is not consumed within a few days.",
"Clean the feeder every time you refill it: one part white vinegar to four parts water.",
"The small brushes made for these feeders work well to remove dirt from the small parts.",
"Rinse all the parts three or four times with warm water and allow to air dry.",
"Thorough and regular cleaning keeps the feeders clean and also helps prevent the spread of avian diseases.",
"I use a set of brushes purchased on Amazon.",
"(See my review and instructions for cleaning.",
")\n\nBlack mildew.",
"If you see this in your feeder (and you should not if you are washing them with vinegar and water each time you refill them), mix up a 10% solution of bleach and hot water instead of the vinegar.",
"Soak all the parts of the feeder for 20 minutes before you begin washing them, using the brushes.",
"Rinse everything three or four times.",
"Air dry.",
"Ants!",
"You don't want them in or on your feeder.",
"Ants do not like chalk, so I use ordinary blackboard chalk to draw several rings around the shepherd's hook that holds the feeder.",
"I also use small reservoirs, filled with water, between the feeder and the hook.",
"The water can evaporate in a few days, so you need to check it at least twice a week, every day in warm weather.",
"Heavy rain can wash the chalk away.",
"Do not spread petroleum jelly on the hook, as it will contaminate the birds' feathers should they come into contact with the jelly.",
"Be vigilant with the reservoirs and the chalk rings!",
"Enjoy watching the hummingbirds on your feeder."
] |
I don't know how it happened, but I somehow completely missed the previews and reviews for Sling Blade when it was first released back in the mid 90's. I consider the storytelling right up there with the very best of them including Forest Gump, Castaway, Gran Turino or anything else. It's extremely compelling and nothing about the pacing or storyline drags or feels awkwardly out of place or anything of that nature. Truly an original concept too.
It's about a mentally challenged man (Billy Bob Thorton's character) being released from a mental institution after being responsible for a horrific murder, and sets foot in a small town and makes friends with a few of the townspeople. The one thing that totally blows my mind every time I watch the film is how Billy Bob Thorton absolutely *nails* his performance here. He's most certainly NOT one of my favorite actors, and I had no idea he had the talent to pull off such a believable character, but... he makes it work. Nothing else I've ever seen him play in captures the same kind of entertainment either. If this was his one shining moment of glory, well, it was a darn good one.
The storyline is told brilliantly. There's never any downtime whatsoever because you're completely attached to the television screen. Is this film seriously over 2 hours long? It honestly didn't feel like it.
Some will complain that it doesn't make sense for an unstable man with such a violent history being released into society, and well, I can't blame people for thinking this way. Truth is, it probably doesn't make sense and I was even thinking about it while watching it this afternoon. I was thinking "Alright, he really shouldn't be granted freedom, haha" but for the sake of an interesting storyline in a movie, I don't mind one bit.
What makes the film so darn irresistible is the way you, the viewer, learns how to understand and rationalize with people who are different from you. There seems to be a strong moral to the story that you should respect others and try your hardest to get along with them the best you can despite not being able to understand them in the slightest, or agree with their ways. In this case, a mentally challenged man and a homosexual character (played by John Ritter, ANOTHER big name actor with perhaps the greatest performance of his career).
Anyway, there's an abusive husband who's no good whatsoever- a total scumbag in fact, and he plays a crucial part in the storyline.
I got a lot out of Sling Blade, and I believe you will as well. It's a simiple story told without any confusion- it flows wonderfully while being extremely easy to grasp. I highly recommend it. | 2 | positive | [
"I don't know how it happened, but I somehow completely missed the previews and reviews for Sling Blade when it was first released back in the mid 90's.",
"I consider the storytelling right up there with the very best of them including Forest Gump, Castaway, Gran Turino or anything else.",
"It's extremely compelling and nothing about the pacing or storyline drags or feels awkwardly out of place or anything of that nature.",
"Truly an original concept too.",
"It's about a mentally challenged man (Billy Bob Thorton's character) being released from a mental institution after being responsible for a horrific murder, and sets foot in a small town and makes friends with a few of the townspeople.",
"The one thing that totally blows my mind every time I watch the film is how Billy Bob Thorton absolutely *nails* his performance here.",
"He's most certainly NOT one of my favorite actors, and I had no idea he had the talent to pull off such a believable character, but...",
"he makes it work.",
"Nothing else I've ever seen him play in captures the same kind of entertainment either.",
"If this was his one shining moment of glory, well, it was a darn good one.",
"The storyline is told brilliantly.",
"There's never any downtime whatsoever because you're completely attached to the television screen.",
"Is this film seriously over 2 hours long?",
"It honestly didn't feel like it.",
"Some will complain that it doesn't make sense for an unstable man with such a violent history being released into society, and well, I can't blame people for thinking this way.",
"Truth is, it probably doesn't make sense and I was even thinking about it while watching it this afternoon.",
"I was thinking \"Alright, he really shouldn't be granted freedom, haha\" but for the sake of an interesting storyline in a movie, I don't mind one bit.",
"What makes the film so darn irresistible is the way you, the viewer, learns how to understand and rationalize with people who are different from you.",
"There seems to be a strong moral to the story that you should respect others and try your hardest to get along with them the best you can despite not being able to understand them in the slightest, or agree with their ways.",
"In this case, a mentally challenged man and a homosexual character (played by John Ritter, ANOTHER big name actor with perhaps the greatest performance of his career).",
"Anyway, there's an abusive husband who's no good whatsoever- a total scumbag in fact, and he plays a crucial part in the storyline.",
"I got a lot out of Sling Blade, and I believe you will as well.",
"It's a simiple story told without any confusion- it flows wonderfully while being extremely easy to grasp.",
"I highly recommend it."
] |
Lots of features. I have used a Garmin GPS for many years of traveling. My old Garmin would charge in a couple hours connected to my computer via the USB port. When I got this one, I charged it for a couple hours and basically had no charge. Just enough to get the downloads from the Garmin website. Once unplugged, it would die within a minute. Contacted Amazon and was going to send it back, but decided to let it charge overnight. The next day I could see it had a 1/4 charge. Decided to just let it keep charging all day into the next day. BOTTOM LINE, THIS GARMIN WILL CHARGE, BUT VERY, VERY SLOWLY! GIVE IT UP TO TWO DAYS AND MAKE SURE YOUR COMPUTER STAYS ON OR PLUG IT INTO A CONSTANT POWER SOURCE AND IT SHOULD CHARGE. BE PATIENT OR BUY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Hope this helps | 2 | positive | [
"Lots of features.",
"I have used a Garmin GPS for many years of traveling.",
"My old Garmin would charge in a couple hours connected to my computer via the USB port.",
"When I got this one, I charged it for a couple hours and basically had no charge.",
"Just enough to get the downloads from the Garmin website.",
"Once unplugged, it would die within a minute.",
"Contacted Amazon and was going to send it back, but decided to let it charge overnight.",
"The next day I could see it had a 1/4 charge.",
"Decided to just let it keep charging all day into the next day.",
"BOTTOM LINE, THIS GARMIN WILL CHARGE, BUT VERY, VERY SLOWLY!",
"GIVE IT UP TO TWO DAYS AND MAKE SURE YOUR COMPUTER STAYS ON OR PLUG IT INTO A CONSTANT POWER SOURCE AND IT SHOULD CHARGE.",
"BE PATIENT OR BUY SOMETHING DIFFERENT.",
"Hope this helps"
] |
Winsor & Newton's are good brushes. I use them for both oil and acrylic. I do NOT use the same brush though for both.
These are hardy brushes which feel good in the hand. They hold paint quite well if prepped properly. The balance and feel in the hand (heavier than they look) is very nice and gives you that added control. The hog bristle has indeed been hand dressed and it shows. It should also be noted that I have never had a problem with bristle loss with one of these brushes. Also noted is the fact that if you take care of these things, they last a long, long time and you most certainly get your monies worth.
BUYERS TAKE NOTE: Before you order, note that this purchase is for ONE brush, not a set of brushes as pictured...be sure you read the product description very carefully so that you will not be disappointed.
I buy these brushes at several local art stores and the price listed here is quite competitive.
Hey, these are not the ultimate brush in the world, but they are darn good.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks | 2 | positive | [
"Winsor & Newton's are good brushes.",
"I use them for both oil and acrylic.",
"I do NOT use the same brush though for both.",
"These are hardy brushes which feel good in the hand.",
"They hold paint quite well if prepped properly.",
"The balance and feel in the hand (heavier than they look) is very nice and gives you that added control.",
"The hog bristle has indeed been hand dressed and it shows.",
"It should also be noted that I have never had a problem with bristle loss with one of these brushes.",
"Also noted is the fact that if you take care of these things, they last a long, long time and you most certainly get your monies worth.",
"BUYERS TAKE NOTE: Before you order, note that this purchase is for ONE brush, not a set of brushes as pictured...",
"be sure you read the product description very carefully so that you will not be disappointed.",
"I buy these brushes at several local art stores and the price listed here is quite competitive.",
"Hey, these are not the ultimate brush in the world, but they are darn good.",
"Don Blankenship\nThe Ozarks"
] |
<div id="video-block-R3KSYIGTJ7M6ID" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/911EZtylH8S.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91803qpWCBS.png" class="video-slate-img-url"> We have a house full of four youth soccer players so we know soccer. My 11 year old set this up all on his own in less than an hour. Super easy. It is easy to move around the yard, but secures well with the spokes in the ground. It can take a beating, but always rebounds the ball perfectly. | 2 | positive | [
"<div id=\"video-block-R3KSYIGTJ7M6ID\" class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block\"></div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/911EZtylH8S.",
"mp4\" class=\"video-url\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/91803qpWCBS.",
"png\" class=\"video-slate-img-url\"> We have a house full of four youth soccer players so we know soccer.",
"My 11 year old set this up all on his own in less than an hour.",
"Super easy.",
"It is easy to move around the yard, but secures well with the spokes in the ground.",
"It can take a beating, but always rebounds the ball perfectly."
] |
I'll admit it right now...I'm not big into historial books..romance or not...fiction or non-fiction...I just don't get into it. I was given this book as a gift (thank you a million times over!), and I was interested as I had remembered seeing the previews for the movies. It took me a while to really commit to reading it, but I once I did I was completely fascinated! I could hardly put it down! I expected to get hungup on the language, but the story and the writing really moves...it just flows nicely. The story and the characters pulled me in, and I found myself devouring every detail!
If you enjoy historial novels, you'll love this one! If you think you don't enjoy historical novels, give this one a try! You'll be glad you did! | 2 | positive | [
"I'll admit it right now...",
"I'm not big into historial books..",
"romance or not...",
"fiction or non-fiction...",
"I just don't get into it.",
"I was given this book as a gift (thank you a million times over!",
"), and I was interested as I had remembered seeing the previews for the movies.",
"It took me a while to really commit to reading it, but I once I did I was completely fascinated!",
"I could hardly put it down!",
"I expected to get hungup on the language, but the story and the writing really moves...",
"it just flows nicely.",
"The story and the characters pulled me in, and I found myself devouring every detail!",
"If you enjoy historial novels, you'll love this one!",
"If you think you don't enjoy historical novels, give this one a try!",
"You'll be glad you did!"
] |
As an IT for a large corporation, I spend a lot of time testing out different vendor's products. This 19dbi panel antenna is by far the most powerful wifi antenna I have ever used. I installed the first one at a marina, expecting to need at least three additional repeaters. After connecting the antenna at the beginning of the docks I was able to get signal all the way to the end of the docks, (about 1 mile), with houseboats completely obscuring any line of sight. I had five bars almost the entire way to the end of the dock. When I reached the furthest point from the antenna, I had one bar of signal. I kept a persistent ping going the entire time, and I did not get a single timeout, even when reduced to one bar. I tested my Iphone as well and received similar results. I have now purchased quite a few more of these antennas. These are definitely a goldmine for the wifi world. It is a relief to finally find an antenna that lives up to its expectations so that I don't have end users always complaining to me about poor signal strength. I will be installing these at several lodging establishments and rv parks over the next few months, so I will post again with the results of those scenarios. | 2 | positive | [
"As an IT for a large corporation, I spend a lot of time testing out different vendor's products.",
"This 19dbi panel antenna is by far the most powerful wifi antenna I have ever used.",
"I installed the first one at a marina, expecting to need at least three additional repeaters.",
"After connecting the antenna at the beginning of the docks I was able to get signal all the way to the end of the docks, (about 1 mile), with houseboats completely obscuring any line of sight.",
"I had five bars almost the entire way to the end of the dock.",
"When I reached the furthest point from the antenna, I had one bar of signal.",
"I kept a persistent ping going the entire time, and I did not get a single timeout, even when reduced to one bar.",
"I tested my Iphone as well and received similar results.",
"I have now purchased quite a few more of these antennas.",
"These are definitely a goldmine for the wifi world.",
"It is a relief to finally find an antenna that lives up to its expectations so that I don't have end users always complaining to me about poor signal strength.",
"I will be installing these at several lodging establishments and rv parks over the next few months, so I will post again with the results of those scenarios."
] |
simply awesome. its better than the top of the line, which I have too. this was the mixer buy of a lifetime because of the free shipping,( everyone else wanted 70.00 shopping. if you can wait 10 days for free shipping and add something else small to get your order over 100.00 (it was 99.00 when I bought it anything over 100.00 was free shipping), there isn't a better mixer deal out there.
its big sturdy and works just as well as a new one. no scratches. no imperfections . get more than one as a gift. now Im coffee maker shopping. any suggestions? :) | 2 | positive | [
"simply awesome.",
"its better than the top of the line, which I have too.",
"this was the mixer buy of a lifetime because of the free shipping,( everyone else wanted 70.",
"00 shopping.",
"if you can wait 10 days for free shipping and add something else small to get your order over 100.",
"00 (it was 99.",
"00 when I bought it anything over 100.",
"00 was free shipping), there isn't a better mixer deal out there.",
"its big sturdy and works just as well as a new one.",
"no scratches.",
"no imperfections.",
"get more than one as a gift.",
"now Im coffee maker shopping.",
"any suggestions?",
":)"
] |
I get annoyed with fashion magazines that, in addition to fashion and beauty advice, try to sell you poorly written articles on global affairs. The result: one page you are reading about ten best eyelash curlers, next page you are pondering the tragic fate of a female South American assassin. A radiculous combination...
Not so with In-Style. The magazine does not make pretentions about its purpose: to educate women on what to wear NOW, how to wear it and where to buy it. There is ample advice on best beauty and hair products. The articles are always fashion/entertainment industry related, nothing too heavy duty (for that I go on CNN.com and BBC.co.uk), and convey lots of useful information. To give you an example: with winter approaching, I know I must invest in a new coat and some other warmer garb. I want to make every penny count. In the September issue I was glad to discover the article: What to Know Before You Shop. I did learn some new tips and tricks! The multitude of pictures is also inspiring: I realized with only a couple of new accessories and a new way of combining items I already own, I could create at least three brand new and fashion forward outfits! Yey for me! ;o) I am also happy to report that the magazine promotes a wide range of price points: yes, there are some "dream" items, like the [...]+ necklace, but they are balanced by items below the [...] mark and everything in-between.
Anyway, I hope this magazine helps you as much as it helps me! Two other magazines you may want to try: Lucky and StyleWatch. Enjoy! | 2 | positive | [
"I get annoyed with fashion magazines that, in addition to fashion and beauty advice, try to sell you poorly written articles on global affairs.",
"The result: one page you are reading about ten best eyelash curlers, next page you are pondering the tragic fate of a female South American assassin.",
"A radiculous combination...",
"Not so with In-Style.",
"The magazine does not make pretentions about its purpose: to educate women on what to wear NOW, how to wear it and where to buy it.",
"There is ample advice on best beauty and hair products.",
"The articles are always fashion/entertainment industry related, nothing too heavy duty (for that I go on CNN.",
"com and BBC.",
"co.",
"uk), and convey lots of useful information.",
"To give you an example: with winter approaching, I know I must invest in a new coat and some other warmer garb.",
"I want to make every penny count.",
"In the September issue I was glad to discover the article: What to Know Before You Shop.",
"I did learn some new tips and tricks!",
"The multitude of pictures is also inspiring: I realized with only a couple of new accessories and a new way of combining items I already own, I could create at least three brand new and fashion forward outfits!",
"Yey for me!",
";o) I am also happy to report that the magazine promotes a wide range of price points: yes, there are some \"dream\" items, like the [...",
"]+ necklace, but they are balanced by items below the [...",
"] mark and everything in-between.",
"Anyway, I hope this magazine helps you as much as it helps me!",
"Two other magazines you may want to try: Lucky and StyleWatch.",
"Enjoy!"
] |
I purchased this item to use while on travel to Israel for two primary reasons. First, since I was on a formal tour, we would be out of range of electric outlets from 8-9 hours every day. With this item, I did not have to worry about my iPhone (used for taking pictures and email) running out of juice. The second reason was that some electronics can be a bit temperamental when charging them in other countries and can be easily fried/damaged. With this item (I have 2 of these devices), I would charge this item via the local outlet then use it to charge my other devices. If this device was fried, it was relatively inexpensive when compared with the cost of an iPhone. Fortunately, this charger worked flawlessly. In terms of size, while I generally carried it in my backpack, it was small/light enough to carry in the leg pocket of my cargo pants. Nice! This product is dual voltage so no transformer is required when traveling to Israel; only adapters. This product recharged within a reasonable amount of time and subsequently charged my electronics (iPhone, Blackberry, iPod Nano) fairly quickly. The only annoying feature was the method by which the flashlight and laser pointer are turned on/off (X number of clicks to turn on and another X number of clicks to turn off). But, certainly tolerable and not a deal breaker. Overall, this item is well worth the investment. | 2 | positive | [
"I purchased this item to use while on travel to Israel for two primary reasons.",
"First, since I was on a formal tour, we would be out of range of electric outlets from 8-9 hours every day.",
"With this item, I did not have to worry about my iPhone (used for taking pictures and email) running out of juice.",
"The second reason was that some electronics can be a bit temperamental when charging them in other countries and can be easily fried/damaged.",
"With this item (I have 2 of these devices), I would charge this item via the local outlet then use it to charge my other devices.",
"If this device was fried, it was relatively inexpensive when compared with the cost of an iPhone.",
"Fortunately, this charger worked flawlessly.",
"In terms of size, while I generally carried it in my backpack, it was small/light enough to carry in the leg pocket of my cargo pants.",
"Nice!",
"This product is dual voltage so no transformer is required when traveling to Israel; only adapters.",
"This product recharged within a reasonable amount of time and subsequently charged my electronics (iPhone, Blackberry, iPod Nano) fairly quickly.",
"The only annoying feature was the method by which the flashlight and laser pointer are turned on/off (X number of clicks to turn on and another X number of clicks to turn off).",
"But, certainly tolerable and not a deal breaker.",
"Overall, this item is well worth the investment."
] |
We live out in the country & we have a small red barn here and when the grandkids come visit They love playing outside and the red barn is by the swingset. So they have fun memories connected to red barns! I purchased this for my grandson and his sisters so they will remember their fun times here on the farm... plus who doesn't love a red barn and toy animals!?! Our grandson was so excited when we got it for him last Christmas... So that's almost a whole year! He still loves it! I was at their house last week and I checked the barn out and it's in perfect shape and there isn't anything broken in that whole time... So I thought I'd come back and update my review! He loves to carry it to a quiet spot or in the middle of chaos... and lay on the floor and play make believe with the animals and I also found some figurines of country people. A girl holding a doll and a couple of men doing chores and a couple ladies too! His sisters love playing with it as well and it's been one of their favorite toys this last year! I've added a few animals here and their to update their playing experience. I love that it opens up to a bigger play area and then can fold up and be put away neatly! Melissa & Doug didn't disapoint really well made and fun barn!!
I feel Playing with toys makes children well rounded and intelligent. Too many kids have forgotten how to play without a device or screen! Playing games and watching a small amount of TV is okay for now and then...but not endless hours watching TV or games on phones and tablets! I have seen many tantrums being stilled by handing over the parents devices to solve the situation instead of teaching them consequences and learning how to behave and what's acceptable behavior. Back in the old days.. (The 80's & 90's) When my kids were young and they had a meltdown in a store or on the floor... I actually had to talk to my child and figure out what was wrong or why they were upset... And if I couldn't settle them down... We actually walked out of stores or they were put in time out to learn what wasn't acceptable behavior at home or away! When I see children crying and having meltdowns at stores... perhaps they are tired or want a toy or candy... The child is often quieted (is that a word) by the parents phone so they can play a game to distract them into behaving and not to embarrss the parents. I'm not sure what type of adults these children will turn out to become...but I hope they will be able to deal with real life situations! Okay off my soapbox... Just went off the road there!! My point being that toys that inspire kids to use their creative skills and curiosity to play and stay planted in the real world will help your children and grandchildren to learn about life and not living in some fantasy game or TV program. I think there is a little room for Games & TV as there are skills they can learn from these things. I just think this generation has too much of it and needs much more make believe.... With barns & animals, dolls & playhouses and swings and playing outside. This barn helps create that county living and playing with animalsto pretend to feed & water them and have them make noises the animals would make.. Even counting how many horses or pigs they have. This is a great addition to any kids life! So hopefully this review was helpful in your decision whether this is a high quality barn for the little's in your life! This is super sturdy and has been used by a 3 year old and his sisters for almost a year and has seen endless hours of play!!
If it was helpful to you... Please click **Yes** below!
Thanks and Happy Shopping! =) | 2 | positive | [
"We live out in the country & we have a small red barn here and when the grandkids come visit They love playing outside and the red barn is by the swingset.",
"So they have fun memories connected to red barns!",
"I purchased this for my grandson and his sisters so they will remember their fun times here on the farm...",
"plus who doesn't love a red barn and toy animals!?",
"!",
"Our grandson was so excited when we got it for him last Christmas...",
"So that's almost a whole year!",
"He still loves it!",
"I was at their house last week and I checked the barn out and it's in perfect shape and there isn't anything broken in that whole time...",
"So I thought I'd come back and update my review!",
"He loves to carry it to a quiet spot or in the middle of chaos...",
"and lay on the floor and play make believe with the animals and I also found some figurines of country people.",
"A girl holding a doll and a couple of men doing chores and a couple ladies too!",
"His sisters love playing with it as well and it's been one of their favorite toys this last year!",
"I've added a few animals here and their to update their playing experience.",
"I love that it opens up to a bigger play area and then can fold up and be put away neatly!",
"Melissa & Doug didn't disapoint really well made and fun barn!!",
"I feel Playing with toys makes children well rounded and intelligent.",
"Too many kids have forgotten how to play without a device or screen!",
"Playing games and watching a small amount of TV is okay for now and then...",
"but not endless hours watching TV or games on phones and tablets!",
"I have seen many tantrums being stilled by handing over the parents devices to solve the situation instead of teaching them consequences and learning how to behave and what's acceptable behavior.",
"Back in the old days..",
"(The 80's & 90's) When my kids were young and they had a meltdown in a store or on the floor...",
"I actually had to talk to my child and figure out what was wrong or why they were upset...",
"And if I couldn't settle them down...",
"We actually walked out of stores or they were put in time out to learn what wasn't acceptable behavior at home or away!",
"When I see children crying and having meltdowns at stores...",
"perhaps they are tired or want a toy or candy...",
"The child is often quieted (is that a word) by the parents phone so they can play a game to distract them into behaving and not to embarrss the parents.",
"I'm not sure what type of adults these children will turn out to become...",
"but I hope they will be able to deal with real life situations!",
"Okay off my soapbox...",
"Just went off the road there!!",
"My point being that toys that inspire kids to use their creative skills and curiosity to play and stay planted in the real world will help your children and grandchildren to learn about life and not living in some fantasy game or TV program.",
"I think there is a little room for Games & TV as there are skills they can learn from these things.",
"I just think this generation has too much of it and needs much more make believe....",
"With barns & animals, dolls & playhouses and swings and playing outside.",
"This barn helps create that county living and playing with animalsto pretend to feed & water them and have them make noises the animals would make..",
"Even counting how many horses or pigs they have.",
"This is a great addition to any kids life!",
"So hopefully this review was helpful in your decision whether this is a high quality barn for the little's in your life!",
"This is super sturdy and has been used by a 3 year old and his sisters for almost a year and has seen endless hours of play!!",
"If it was helpful to you...",
"Please click **Yes** below!",
"Thanks and Happy Shopping!",
"=)"
] |
Excite Truck is a fast paced racing game that is fun for even those who are NOT hardcore racing game fans. I don't enjoy racing much but find myself addicted to this title. The many things you're able to do to influence your final score -- jump, runs through the trees, smashing into other trucks -- make this game very worthwhile and an awful lot of fun.
Audience: Again, this may not be for hardcore racing fans. For nearly everyone else, though, the action is great. The gamers and non-gamers alike in my family have enjoyed the versus mode racing.
Graphics: Great for the Wii. No complaints here--the scenery is great and even looks pretty good when you're flying by at a zillion MPH.
Gameplay: You win or lose a race based on the number of stars you collect in the course. You get stars for winning, of course, but also for other things like running through trees and catching a lot of air on jumps. The single player mode is a lot of fun, though I wish there was more to it than just "get X amount of stars on every race." That's not exactly something that will get me drawn into a single player mode. Multiplayer is 2 players only but is quite a bit of fun, though the fact that there are no NPC racers is a drawback.
Control: Control is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but tilting the Wiimote to steer is not something that comes intuitively for most people used to other consoles. Still, the control is great and a racing wheel makes it even more fun.
Challenge: The challenge is there, but I'm not sure it's what I would like to see. Instead of new objectives to complete you just do the same objectives you've already done and try to get a higher star count.
Concerns: A couple of things I think could be better on this game. First would be a season or career type mode--anything to liven up the single player racing aside from just unlocking new trucks. I also can't fathom why this isn't a 4 player game--that would have been a great feature rather than just leaving it a 2 person vs game.
Overall this is a great game. The courses are fun, the racing is a blast, and the multiplayer action, while not perfect, is enjoyable. The single player mode may not have a lot of staying power but the multiplayer should. | 2 | positive | [
"Excite Truck is a fast paced racing game that is fun for even those who are NOT hardcore racing game fans.",
"I don't enjoy racing much but find myself addicted to this title.",
"The many things you're able to do to influence your final score -- jump, runs through the trees, smashing into other trucks -- make this game very worthwhile and an awful lot of fun.",
"Audience: Again, this may not be for hardcore racing fans.",
"For nearly everyone else, though, the action is great.",
"The gamers and non-gamers alike in my family have enjoyed the versus mode racing.",
"Graphics: Great for the Wii.",
"No complaints here--the scenery is great and even looks pretty good when you're flying by at a zillion MPH.",
"Gameplay: You win or lose a race based on the number of stars you collect in the course.",
"You get stars for winning, of course, but also for other things like running through trees and catching a lot of air on jumps.",
"The single player mode is a lot of fun, though I wish there was more to it than just \"get X amount of stars on every race.",
"\" That's not exactly something that will get me drawn into a single player mode.",
"Multiplayer is 2 players only but is quite a bit of fun, though the fact that there are no NPC racers is a drawback.",
"Control: Control is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but tilting the Wiimote to steer is not something that comes intuitively for most people used to other consoles.",
"Still, the control is great and a racing wheel makes it even more fun.",
"Challenge: The challenge is there, but I'm not sure it's what I would like to see.",
"Instead of new objectives to complete you just do the same objectives you've already done and try to get a higher star count.",
"Concerns: A couple of things I think could be better on this game.",
"First would be a season or career type mode--anything to liven up the single player racing aside from just unlocking new trucks.",
"I also can't fathom why this isn't a 4 player game--that would have been a great feature rather than just leaving it a 2 person vs game.",
"Overall this is a great game.",
"The courses are fun, the racing is a blast, and the multiplayer action, while not perfect, is enjoyable.",
"The single player mode may not have a lot of staying power but the multiplayer should."
] |
I love this game. I am holly age 9. This is the best game for any aged boy or girl. It is fun. you recieve mone from contests, you walk and care for your dog(s), you can renovate your home, dress up your dog, basicly do anything with your dogs. You can by new dogs at an average of $530, you get 200-300 bucks from first place in contests. There is 3 types of contests, obedience, agility, and disk trials. You can do bark mode, inviting someone else's dog over to play, and a lot of other cool stuff. I have had daschound and friends for a year, dalmation and friends for a month and I am still not tired of it. My best friend, a 10 year old named Olivia loves it and she has had it for 2 years and 3 weeks. she loves it, and she has 8 dogs. She is constantly selling her dogs to buy new ones. All of you guys reading this comment will luv the game.
P.S. it has really realisic graphics and addicting music. I have the theme in my ipod! the puppies are all soooo cute! :) Very happy with this buy, both of the nintendog games. it does not matter what one you buy because when your trainer points increase the kennel gets a new breed of dog. | 2 | positive | [
"I love this game.",
"I am holly age 9.",
"This is the best game for any aged boy or girl.",
"It is fun.",
"you recieve mone from contests, you walk and care for your dog(s), you can renovate your home, dress up your dog, basicly do anything with your dogs.",
"You can by new dogs at an average of $530, you get 200-300 bucks from first place in contests.",
"There is 3 types of contests, obedience, agility, and disk trials.",
"You can do bark mode, inviting someone else's dog over to play, and a lot of other cool stuff.",
"I have had daschound and friends for a year, dalmation and friends for a month and I am still not tired of it.",
"My best friend, a 10 year old named Olivia loves it and she has had it for 2 years and 3 weeks.",
"she loves it, and she has 8 dogs.",
"She is constantly selling her dogs to buy new ones.",
"All of you guys reading this comment will luv the game.",
"P.",
"S. it has really realisic graphics and addicting music.",
"I have the theme in my ipod!",
"the puppies are all soooo cute!",
":) Very happy with this buy, both of the nintendog games.",
"it does not matter what one you buy because when your trainer points increase the kennel gets a new breed of dog."
] |
I've been eating this and other varieties (and competing similar products) as a part of a dietary meal plan, so I thought I'd share my experience. I'm not going to focus on nutritional details since that's readily available on the package. Instead I'm focusing solely on subjective experience, and since I ordered like 20 different kinds I'm going to use a standard template because I'm lazy that way.
PREPARATION: Heating time was accurate; one minute in a 900w microwave oven on a rotating plate perfectly heated the entree.
OBSERVATIONS: This is actually one of my favorite pasta dishes to make at home, so when I saw the one-minute-microwave version I had to give it a try. Unlike other entrees I've been eating, this one has a slightly different presentation. Rather than mixing the sauce directly with the pasta, this one has a separate little cup of sauce (and sausage) on the side. After microwaving you pour the sauce onto your pasta, toss the little cup away, mix, and eat. While this may be a bit more wasteful, it does allow Barilla to do something that other pasta entrees are unable to do: serve al dente pasta. Since the pasta isn't sitting in a pool of sauce for an indefinite period of time, the pasta doesn't get that characteristic mushiness that precooked pasta is known for. As a result this pasta is significantly more firm than any other (non-Barilla) entree, and I wholeheartedly approve of this method. The sausage wasn't particularly plentiful and was sliced very thin, but it was tasty and didn't overpower the sauce's flavor.
VERDICT: Would like to see more sausage in there. Near the top of my reordering list. | 2 | positive | [
"I've been eating this and other varieties (and competing similar products) as a part of a dietary meal plan, so I thought I'd share my experience.",
"I'm not going to focus on nutritional details since that's readily available on the package.",
"Instead I'm focusing solely on subjective experience, and since I ordered like 20 different kinds I'm going to use a standard template because I'm lazy that way.",
"PREPARATION: Heating time was accurate; one minute in a 900w microwave oven on a rotating plate perfectly heated the entree.",
"OBSERVATIONS: This is actually one of my favorite pasta dishes to make at home, so when I saw the one-minute-microwave version I had to give it a try.",
"Unlike other entrees I've been eating, this one has a slightly different presentation.",
"Rather than mixing the sauce directly with the pasta, this one has a separate little cup of sauce (and sausage) on the side.",
"After microwaving you pour the sauce onto your pasta, toss the little cup away, mix, and eat.",
"While this may be a bit more wasteful, it does allow Barilla to do something that other pasta entrees are unable to do: serve al dente pasta.",
"Since the pasta isn't sitting in a pool of sauce for an indefinite period of time, the pasta doesn't get that characteristic mushiness that precooked pasta is known for.",
"As a result this pasta is significantly more firm than any other (non-Barilla) entree, and I wholeheartedly approve of this method.",
"The sausage wasn't particularly plentiful and was sliced very thin, but it was tasty and didn't overpower the sauce's flavor.",
"VERDICT: Would like to see more sausage in there.",
"Near the top of my reordering list."
] |
Using that $25 heavy duty Swingline Stapler. Ordered an out of print used cook book soft bound paper back. Book arrived with pages falling out and glue backing crumpling and dry. Tried glue and tape w/o success, book still falling apart. Thought of stapler and ordered 3/4" staples for my 192 pages. Weight of paper allows more or less pages. Very carefully stapled as close to edge back as possible so book could open all the way plus or minus....will not lay flat unless I push down hard. Call it 90% success? Judging from how far staples folded over on back I think the staples could do 235 pages +/-. As a last resort to save out of print paperback I am satisfied. Stapler easily went through with minimum pressure. Staples are not cheap but life time supply? LOL | 2 | positive | [
"Using that $25 heavy duty Swingline Stapler.",
"Ordered an out of print used cook book soft bound paper back.",
"Book arrived with pages falling out and glue backing crumpling and dry.",
"Tried glue and tape w/o success, book still falling apart.",
"Thought of stapler and ordered 3/4\" staples for my 192 pages.",
"Weight of paper allows more or less pages.",
"Very carefully stapled as close to edge back as possible so book could open all the way plus or minus....",
"will not lay flat unless I push down hard.",
"Call it 90% success?",
"Judging from how far staples folded over on back I think the staples could do 235 pages +/-.",
"As a last resort to save out of print paperback I am satisfied.",
"Stapler easily went through with minimum pressure.",
"Staples are not cheap but life time supply?",
"LOL"
] |
No matter how far along you are in your Christian walk (I'm 30+ years into it), or even if you are a "seeker", just investigating the Christian faith, there is great benefit to be received from this book. Lewis, of course, is a great literary scholar and author, but he is a layman in theological matters, yet he has a better grasp on doctrine and morality than many more learned theologians. Who said theology is just for the theologians anyway? With relentless logic and literary grace Lewis not only builds a solid case for Christianity but equips the believer with analogical paradigms for better understanding his or her own faith. Of course, not everyone will be convinced, but this book has convinced many in the latter half of the 20th century and beyond about the claims of Christ. I don't agree with every point Lewis makes, but the gist of his message is hard to refute.
I have to make a comment about Kathleen Norris' Foreword in this edition. She starts out by making the point that "This book begs to be seen in its historical context". Actually, this book stands on its own better than most without any historical context whatsoever. Having read two books by Norris, I know there are points of disagreement she has with Lewis, and her backhanded way of casting a shadow on the book's message adds nothing and actually detracts. Skip that part and delve right into the masterpiece that is "Mere Christianity". | 2 | positive | [
"No matter how far along you are in your Christian walk (I'm 30+ years into it), or even if you are a \"seeker\", just investigating the Christian faith, there is great benefit to be received from this book.",
"Lewis, of course, is a great literary scholar and author, but he is a layman in theological matters, yet he has a better grasp on doctrine and morality than many more learned theologians.",
"Who said theology is just for the theologians anyway?",
"With relentless logic and literary grace Lewis not only builds a solid case for Christianity but equips the believer with analogical paradigms for better understanding his or her own faith.",
"Of course, not everyone will be convinced, but this book has convinced many in the latter half of the 20th century and beyond about the claims of Christ.",
"I don't agree with every point Lewis makes, but the gist of his message is hard to refute.",
"I have to make a comment about Kathleen Norris' Foreword in this edition.",
"She starts out by making the point that \"This book begs to be seen in its historical context\".",
"Actually, this book stands on its own better than most without any historical context whatsoever.",
"Having read two books by Norris, I know there are points of disagreement she has with Lewis, and her backhanded way of casting a shadow on the book's message adds nothing and actually detracts.",
"Skip that part and delve right into the masterpiece that is \"Mere Christianity\"."
] |
Breakdown is a terrifying movie that enters the timeliest fears of our time, joyfully and perhaps sardonically representing what happens when we find out that our $50,000 sport utility vehicle isn't enough to protect us from all the nasty human unsavory people that are out there in the world just waiting to kick us a big on in the face.
Kurt Russell is Jeff Taylor and his wife, Amy (Kathleen Quinlan), have pulled up roots in Massachusetts to move cross-country via the driving method. After talking to a redneck trucker because their Jeep breaks down in the Utah desert, the terrifing fun begins. Just like in Spielberg's Duel, malevolence arrives in the semblance of a big truck. The trucker named Red (J.T. Walsh) agrees to give Amy a lift to the nearest pay phone while Jeff stays with the car.
Now, it's easy to wonder why in the world Jeff would let his wife ride off with a total stranger in an 18 wheeler, but put yourself in the same situation and you would probably do the same thing. One goes to get help, the other stays with the automobile.
Amy disappears, never turning up at Belle's Diner, where she was supposed to meet with Jeff. The customers have never seen her. And when Jeff chases down Red's rig, Amy is nowhere to be found. Worse, Red claims that he's never seen Jeff before in his life.
What now happens is, "lets find the wife." What an awesome thrill ride that the entire cast gives, especially Russell as the nervous, ready to enter the booby hatch husband who let his wife loose the grip of his loving hand back on that lonesome highway when a nice trucker said, "Come with me, I can help." Russell turns out an amazing performance as the obsessed husband who let his wife get away. He becomes totally focused, almost obsessively so to find out why this town has never seen his wife, lips are shut tight and you definitely get the opinion this is CreepVille, Utah.
Rent it. What a fun ride. You will have sweaty palms throughout. | 2 | positive | [
"Breakdown is a terrifying movie that enters the timeliest fears of our time, joyfully and perhaps sardonically representing what happens when we find out that our $50,000 sport utility vehicle isn't enough to protect us from all the nasty human unsavory people that are out there in the world just waiting to kick us a big on in the face.",
"Kurt Russell is Jeff Taylor and his wife, Amy (Kathleen Quinlan), have pulled up roots in Massachusetts to move cross-country via the driving method.",
"After talking to a redneck trucker because their Jeep breaks down in the Utah desert, the terrifing fun begins.",
"Just like in Spielberg's Duel, malevolence arrives in the semblance of a big truck.",
"The trucker named Red (J.",
"T. Walsh) agrees to give Amy a lift to the nearest pay phone while Jeff stays with the car.",
"Now, it's easy to wonder why in the world Jeff would let his wife ride off with a total stranger in an 18 wheeler, but put yourself in the same situation and you would probably do the same thing.",
"One goes to get help, the other stays with the automobile.",
"Amy disappears, never turning up at Belle's Diner, where she was supposed to meet with Jeff.",
"The customers have never seen her.",
"And when Jeff chases down Red's rig, Amy is nowhere to be found.",
"Worse, Red claims that he's never seen Jeff before in his life.",
"What now happens is, \"lets find the wife.",
"\" What an awesome thrill ride that the entire cast gives, especially Russell as the nervous, ready to enter the booby hatch husband who let his wife loose the grip of his loving hand back on that lonesome highway when a nice trucker said, \"Come with me, I can help.",
"\" Russell turns out an amazing performance as the obsessed husband who let his wife get away.",
"He becomes totally focused, almost obsessively so to find out why this town has never seen his wife, lips are shut tight and you definitely get the opinion this is CreepVille, Utah.",
"Rent it.",
"What a fun ride.",
"You will have sweaty palms throughout."
] |
The first few pages of this novel were interesting and well-written, easily carrying me along, but then I found myself pausing in awe. What genre was this? Where was the plot going? Why did it feel so awesome to read on?
The language, the dialogue, the freaky psychology, and the bizarre realism ... incredible. Most of the characters developed 'just right.'
I've observed (and complained) that film critics often rave excessively about movies that are about theater (stage, film), and I'm sure that my writing background made me an ideal reader for this novel about a writer.
What fascinated me was the way I felt myself drawn in one direction, then another, always enjoying the ride and forgiving the author whenever the shifts forced me to abandon and rebuild my expectations.
In the last part of the book, the plot steadied and became less satisfying, though the language and dialogue and asides continued to entertain me.
I want to read more by this author, even though I know that I'm certainly going to be disappointed because this book is pretty much unbeatable.
Comparing this author to Elmore Leonard is reasonable, yet unfair -- this is even more original (even when being intentionally derivative).
Like an Elmore Leonard novel, this book could be adapted into a great movie (or easily into a bad movie) but no film could capture the real flavor of the book.
Just read the book. It is great. | 2 | positive | [
"The first few pages of this novel were interesting and well-written, easily carrying me along, but then I found myself pausing in awe.",
"What genre was this?",
"Where was the plot going?",
"Why did it feel so awesome to read on?",
"The language, the dialogue, the freaky psychology, and the bizarre realism...",
"incredible.",
"Most of the characters developed 'just right.",
"'\n\nI've observed (and complained) that film critics often rave excessively about movies that are about theater (stage, film), and I'm sure that my writing background made me an ideal reader for this novel about a writer.",
"What fascinated me was the way I felt myself drawn in one direction, then another, always enjoying the ride and forgiving the author whenever the shifts forced me to abandon and rebuild my expectations.",
"In the last part of the book, the plot steadied and became less satisfying, though the language and dialogue and asides continued to entertain me.",
"I want to read more by this author, even though I know that I'm certainly going to be disappointed because this book is pretty much unbeatable.",
"Comparing this author to Elmore Leonard is reasonable, yet unfair -- this is even more original (even when being intentionally derivative).",
"Like an Elmore Leonard novel, this book could be adapted into a great movie (or easily into a bad movie) but no film could capture the real flavor of the book.",
"Just read the book.",
"It is great."
] |
Are you kidding me? These are nice. I did alot of research and admittidly, these did not have the most universally poitive reviews in the sub-$100 bracket. I have a big head and these feel like a feather on me. Especially compared to my Logitech G-35 gamers. Which are not comfortable at all. The sound on these are clear and crisp. There on my head now and I actually had forgotten for a few minutes. My biggest concern was they would hurt and they don't at all. I love the cord. The fold up feature is nice and they sit compact on my desk (unlike the G-35's). I have not tried any other "cans" so my experience is obviously limited and the group has some other highly rated headphones. The grado sr-60/80; AT ad700; and the 555's all get good reviews. Good luck chosing if you have to. These are very nice imo. | 2 | positive | [
"Are you kidding me?",
"These are nice.",
"I did alot of research and admittidly, these did not have the most universally poitive reviews in the sub-$100 bracket.",
"I have a big head and these feel like a feather on me.",
"Especially compared to my Logitech G-35 gamers.",
"Which are not comfortable at all.",
"The sound on these are clear and crisp.",
"There on my head now and I actually had forgotten for a few minutes.",
"My biggest concern was they would hurt and they don't at all.",
"I love the cord.",
"The fold up feature is nice and they sit compact on my desk (unlike the G-35's).",
"I have not tried any other \"cans\" so my experience is obviously limited and the group has some other highly rated headphones.",
"The grado sr-60/80; AT ad700; and the 555's all get good reviews.",
"Good luck chosing if you have to.",
"These are very nice imo."
] |
I don't like Seven. All who recommend it say it's a good film and that it is well made. But did they like it? Oh, no. This is not a remake of Frank Capra's "It's a wonderful Life" but a film that is designed to depress. The first time you see it is the worst. You are subjected to events of nastiness that go far beyond gritty realism and just as you begin to hope there will be something resembling a happy ending it delivers the ultimate slap in the face. This film is about sin, about how it corrupts the world around us and about how inescapable it is.
Brad Pitt has never been better and is well suited to character of Mills. Morgan Freeman is great as always and Kevin Spacey also makes a brief but memorable appearance. It is a film that also has a unique visual quality to it but it is the sound that really makes the atmosphere. Using the sound to generate an atmosphere is a shrewd move because many won't notice it unless it's pointed out. Barking dogs, car sirens, continual rain, there is no peace in this film and at times the ambient sounds drown out the dialogue. (It's okay; the DVD has subtitles). Compare Seven with most other films and you'll notice that sound is rarely used in such an artistic way.
The DVD itself is very nice indeed. The first disk has the film itself and four commentaries. Everyone featured on the commentaries is honest about their experiences and when listening to them you begin to learn all kinds of things about the person speaking and the movie process. David Fincher's contributions are the real price for me as Alien3 is one of favourite films and I found out a great deal more about him. On the first commentary you'll find out more about Brad Pitt here than a years subscription to any gossip magazine. Perhaps maybe two. Morgan Freeman is also a pleasure to listen too. It is remarkable to learn about what makes these people tick and what makes them laugh. The commentaries also feature Richard Dyer; author of the BFI critique of Seven, and most of the material featured in the book is in the various commentaries. Of course, four commentaries means you have to watch the film four times over. A summary documentary would have been nice.
The second disc disappoints. There isn't a great deal of material on it, only a few detailed scenes and other stuff.
Overall this is an excellent DVD for an excellent, but depressing, film. | 2 | positive | [
"I don't like Seven.",
"All who recommend it say it's a good film and that it is well made.",
"But did they like it?",
"Oh, no.",
"This is not a remake of Frank Capra's \"It's a wonderful Life\" but a film that is designed to depress.",
"The first time you see it is the worst.",
"You are subjected to events of nastiness that go far beyond gritty realism and just as you begin to hope there will be something resembling a happy ending it delivers the ultimate slap in the face.",
"This film is about sin, about how it corrupts the world around us and about how inescapable it is.",
"Brad Pitt has never been better and is well suited to character of Mills.",
"Morgan Freeman is great as always and Kevin Spacey also makes a brief but memorable appearance.",
"It is a film that also has a unique visual quality to it but it is the sound that really makes the atmosphere.",
"Using the sound to generate an atmosphere is a shrewd move because many won't notice it unless it's pointed out.",
"Barking dogs, car sirens, continual rain, there is no peace in this film and at times the ambient sounds drown out the dialogue.",
"(It's okay; the DVD has subtitles).",
"Compare Seven with most other films and you'll notice that sound is rarely used in such an artistic way.",
"The DVD itself is very nice indeed.",
"The first disk has the film itself and four commentaries.",
"Everyone featured on the commentaries is honest about their experiences and when listening to them you begin to learn all kinds of things about the person speaking and the movie process.",
"David Fincher's contributions are the real price for me as Alien3 is one of favourite films and I found out a great deal more about him.",
"On the first commentary you'll find out more about Brad Pitt here than a years subscription to any gossip magazine.",
"Perhaps maybe two.",
"Morgan Freeman is also a pleasure to listen too.",
"It is remarkable to learn about what makes these people tick and what makes them laugh.",
"The commentaries also feature Richard Dyer; author of the BFI critique of Seven, and most of the material featured in the book is in the various commentaries.",
"Of course, four commentaries means you have to watch the film four times over.",
"A summary documentary would have been nice.",
"The second disc disappoints.",
"There isn't a great deal of material on it, only a few detailed scenes and other stuff.",
"Overall this is an excellent DVD for an excellent, but depressing, film."
] |
This is an outstanding cookbook and a must for any avid Thai cook. My wife is Thai and when she saw this book, she was shocked to see some recipes that she have not seen (and had) since she was in Thailand many moons ago. I was very impressed and very delighted with this book and I strongly recommend it. The recipes, if carried out to the letter, are authentic and worth trying.
That said. The book is too large and bulky to carry with you to the kitchen while you are preparing dishes. Additionally, the pages are glossy and for sure you don't want set it on the kitchen counter. In order to preserve the book condition, it is best that you write down the recipe on paper. I am not deducting any points because of this incovenience though I wish to take off a quarter point for that.
Overall, I am very pleased. | 2 | positive | [
"This is an outstanding cookbook and a must for any avid Thai cook.",
"My wife is Thai and when she saw this book, she was shocked to see some recipes that she have not seen (and had) since she was in Thailand many moons ago.",
"I was very impressed and very delighted with this book and I strongly recommend it.",
"The recipes, if carried out to the letter, are authentic and worth trying.",
"That said.",
"The book is too large and bulky to carry with you to the kitchen while you are preparing dishes.",
"Additionally, the pages are glossy and for sure you don't want set it on the kitchen counter.",
"In order to preserve the book condition, it is best that you write down the recipe on paper.",
"I am not deducting any points because of this incovenience though I wish to take off a quarter point for that.",
"Overall, I am very pleased."
] |
I read the other reviews before I made the bread. I'm glad I did, because there is a trick to this bread, as Sara Bell mentioned. I did leave the bread in the bread machine about 15 minutes after it shut off. I waited until it was cooled off, but still warm. Don't do that! I was so disappointed in the flavor. It had the same bean after-taste that everyone else had mentioned. And, I like beans, but this was not pleasant. My hopes were dashed until I remembered someone said to make sure the bread was cooled. I put it in the fridge, and lo and behold, the next day--the bean flavor had mellowed so much I couldn't taste it much at all. The bread really has a good flavor after it is chilled. That is the secret. Don't cut into when it comes out of the bread machine or oven. Let it sit in the fridge for a full day! BTW . . . it slices up better than regular bread. It makes a nice loaf.
I made the second loaf. This time I used rice milk. Much, much better! The flavor was really nice, and that was shortly after I took it out of the bread machine. I found out to cook the bread on the "express bake" setting for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The loaf rose much higher. The rice milk made it fluffy and gave it a very nice texture. I am really pleased now with this bread. | 2 | positive | [
"I read the other reviews before I made the bread.",
"I'm glad I did, because there is a trick to this bread, as Sara Bell mentioned.",
"I did leave the bread in the bread machine about 15 minutes after it shut off.",
"I waited until it was cooled off, but still warm.",
"Don't do that!",
"I was so disappointed in the flavor.",
"It had the same bean after-taste that everyone else had mentioned.",
"And, I like beans, but this was not pleasant.",
"My hopes were dashed until I remembered someone said to make sure the bread was cooled.",
"I put it in the fridge, and lo and behold, the next day--the bean flavor had mellowed so much I couldn't taste it much at all.",
"The bread really has a good flavor after it is chilled.",
"That is the secret.",
"Don't cut into when it comes out of the bread machine or oven.",
"Let it sit in the fridge for a full day!",
"BTW.",
".",
".",
"it slices up better than regular bread.",
"It makes a nice loaf.",
"I made the second loaf.",
"This time I used rice milk.",
"Much, much better!",
"The flavor was really nice, and that was shortly after I took it out of the bread machine.",
"I found out to cook the bread on the \"express bake\" setting for 1 hour and 20 minutes.",
"The loaf rose much higher.",
"The rice milk made it fluffy and gave it a very nice texture.",
"I am really pleased now with this bread."
] |
My only question on this book one of the Longmire series is to me....why ? why did I wait so long to start it. One reason could be...around this area of Florida, Johnson's books are a little hard to find, new or used. That said THE COLD FISH is book one of this excellent series. We meet Sheriff Longmire in his beloved Wyoming. With this first murder case in a long while. The problems with Indians and whites in the west, Wyoming's open space, and the cast of the county's colorful characters make for a great read. RECOMMENDED | 2 | positive | [
"My only question on this book one of the Longmire series is to me....",
"why?",
"why did I wait so long to start it.",
"One reason could be...",
"around this area of Florida, Johnson's books are a little hard to find, new or used.",
"That said THE COLD FISH is book one of this excellent series.",
"We meet Sheriff Longmire in his beloved Wyoming.",
"With this first murder case in a long while.",
"The problems with Indians and whites in the west, Wyoming's open space, and the cast of the county's colorful characters make for a great read.",
"RECOMMENDED"
] |
As previous comments show, this unique film evokes intense responses from its viewers, both positive & negative. And with the increasing presence of fundamentalism on the national & world stage, the questions it poses become ever more pressing & pertinent. Interestingly, both believers & non-believers fall on both the positive & negative sides here!
The basic story is common enough today: Sharon (a superb, risk-taking Mimi Rogers) works at an unfulfilling job & leads an unfulfilling personal life of empty group sex. She's desperate for meaning, purpose, structure -- drifting through a desolate modern landscape that offers neither sanctuary or salavation to the lost & achingly lonely soul.
And then she begins to dream of The Pearl, as some of her born-again co-workers discuss some mysterious boy prophet among themselves ... and she finds her purpose & meaning in a devout, unquestioning acceptance of the fundamentalist Jesus. The End Times are coming soon, and the faithful must prepare for it. She does so by marrying & converting erstwhile sex partner David Duchovny, and having a lovely little girl with him. It's the life she'd been seeking all those years.
And then random -- or is it? -- tragedy strikes, leaving her a widow. She seemingly copes with this tremendous loss through her faith, yet questions are nagging at her unconscious. She decides that God is calling her & her daughter to the desert, as a trial & purification of sorts, to await the Rapture.
I won't give away any more of the story, except to say that writer-director Michael Tolkin follows the idea of fundamentalism to a logical, chilling conclusion. And he poses some wrenching questions -- while the idea of a Godless, meaningless Universe is terrifying & unbearable for many, he suggests that a universe of fundamentalist meaning where God does exist may be even more terrifying, if you insist on personal autonomy & satisfactory answers over submission to an infinite but strangely narrow love. Or can it truly be called love, on the terms offered?
The final choice in this film has led to a good deal of discussion. Not wanting to spoil it, I'll only say that Sharon seems to make that choice out of anger & defiance, not pride & guilt. Her choice reminds me very much of the conclusion to Camus' classic essay, "The Myth of Sisyphus." It's definitely an existential choice, and I think an honorable one. But you'll make your own decision on that.
Yes, the production values aren't big budget. That's actually an advantage, as spectacular CGI would only get in the way of the story & its ideas. It's worth the loss of special effects dollars to maintain the integrity of Tolkin's vision, like it or loathe it. I guarantee that you won't be unmoved as the final credits roll. A thought-provoking work, most highly recommended! | 2 | positive | [
"As previous comments show, this unique film evokes intense responses from its viewers, both positive & negative.",
"And with the increasing presence of fundamentalism on the national & world stage, the questions it poses become ever more pressing & pertinent.",
"Interestingly, both believers & non-believers fall on both the positive & negative sides here!",
"The basic story is common enough today: Sharon (a superb, risk-taking Mimi Rogers) works at an unfulfilling job & leads an unfulfilling personal life of empty group sex.",
"She's desperate for meaning, purpose, structure -- drifting through a desolate modern landscape that offers neither sanctuary or salavation to the lost & achingly lonely soul.",
"And then she begins to dream of The Pearl, as some of her born-again co-workers discuss some mysterious boy prophet among themselves...",
"and she finds her purpose & meaning in a devout, unquestioning acceptance of the fundamentalist Jesus.",
"The End Times are coming soon, and the faithful must prepare for it.",
"She does so by marrying & converting erstwhile sex partner David Duchovny, and having a lovely little girl with him.",
"It's the life she'd been seeking all those years.",
"And then random -- or is it?",
"-- tragedy strikes, leaving her a widow.",
"She seemingly copes with this tremendous loss through her faith, yet questions are nagging at her unconscious.",
"She decides that God is calling her & her daughter to the desert, as a trial & purification of sorts, to await the Rapture.",
"I won't give away any more of the story, except to say that writer-director Michael Tolkin follows the idea of fundamentalism to a logical, chilling conclusion.",
"And he poses some wrenching questions -- while the idea of a Godless, meaningless Universe is terrifying & unbearable for many, he suggests that a universe of fundamentalist meaning where God does exist may be even more terrifying, if you insist on personal autonomy & satisfactory answers over submission to an infinite but strangely narrow love.",
"Or can it truly be called love, on the terms offered?",
"The final choice in this film has led to a good deal of discussion.",
"Not wanting to spoil it, I'll only say that Sharon seems to make that choice out of anger & defiance, not pride & guilt.",
"Her choice reminds me very much of the conclusion to Camus' classic essay, \"The Myth of Sisyphus.",
"\" It's definitely an existential choice, and I think an honorable one.",
"But you'll make your own decision on that.",
"Yes, the production values aren't big budget.",
"That's actually an advantage, as spectacular CGI would only get in the way of the story & its ideas.",
"It's worth the loss of special effects dollars to maintain the integrity of Tolkin's vision, like it or loathe it.",
"I guarantee that you won't be unmoved as the final credits roll.",
"A thought-provoking work, most highly recommended!"
] |
Pros:
1. Graphics that are fantastically detailed, intricate, and achingly beautiful. Some astonishing joy rides. Sound effects and music approach perfection.
2. Gameplay is wonderfully balanced. You are never bored, and only occasionally frustrated by the harder puzzles. All the puzzles are logical, and give you a great feeling of accomplishment when you solve them. There is a vast area to explore while you are figuring things out. You turn a corner, and startle mysterious creatures who are sunning themselves on a rock. You climb up another path, turn, and the view makes you gasp.
3. Riven creates a fantasy world that is alien; yet it evokes a sense of reality that is, in my experience, unparalleled in computer gaming. I wish I could find a way to live in Riven.
Cons:
1. If you like exploring new worlds by dashing through them and shooting things, you may find that the pace of this particular game is too slow.
2. While the storyline is intriguing, it is possible to nearly finish Riven before discovering the diaries that further explain the plot. I wish I had known more of the background of the story a little sooner in the game.
3. Riven is so immersive that you forget the everyday world. Your children will wonder why you haven't cooked dinner. Your friends will speculate as to why you have stopped answering the phone. Your spouse will become jealous of your relationship with a computer game (easiest solution: play it together).
Bottom Line: IMHO, this game is IT, the Numero Uno, the King. Nobody's made one better. | 2 | positive | [
"Pros:\n1.",
"Graphics that are fantastically detailed, intricate, and achingly beautiful.",
"Some astonishing joy rides.",
"Sound effects and music approach perfection.",
"2.",
"Gameplay is wonderfully balanced.",
"You are never bored, and only occasionally frustrated by the harder puzzles.",
"All the puzzles are logical, and give you a great feeling of accomplishment when you solve them.",
"There is a vast area to explore while you are figuring things out.",
"You turn a corner, and startle mysterious creatures who are sunning themselves on a rock.",
"You climb up another path, turn, and the view makes you gasp.",
"3.",
"Riven creates a fantasy world that is alien; yet it evokes a sense of reality that is, in my experience, unparalleled in computer gaming.",
"I wish I could find a way to live in Riven.",
"Cons:\n1.",
"If you like exploring new worlds by dashing through them and shooting things, you may find that the pace of this particular game is too slow.",
"2.",
"While the storyline is intriguing, it is possible to nearly finish Riven before discovering the diaries that further explain the plot.",
"I wish I had known more of the background of the story a little sooner in the game.",
"3.",
"Riven is so immersive that you forget the everyday world.",
"Your children will wonder why you haven't cooked dinner.",
"Your friends will speculate as to why you have stopped answering the phone.",
"Your spouse will become jealous of your relationship with a computer game (easiest solution: play it together).",
"Bottom Line: IMHO, this game is IT, the Numero Uno, the King.",
"Nobody's made one better."
] |
I have more books on the Craft than any sane person would keep. The useless ones I get rid of. This is one of the few I've actually read more than once. It contains quality material and makes an excellent first or second book for somebody new to the Craft.
Vivianne takes Wiccan tradition seriously, and doesn't cheapen it by making wild & unsubstantiated claims. She introduces her own material and names it as such. This book is complete. Rituals, directions, poems & liturgy. Everything you need but a coven, a calling and a connecttion to the Goddess.
Not only does this book describe Wiccan practice, but it describes it in sociological, historical, and psychological context, too. It is an example of applied Jungian theory. She uses the psychology of Carl Jung to explain the sense behind magic and Craft rituals. She bats around phrases like "Our Gods are the archetypal forces which inhabit the collective unconscious." To the question of "Are the forms of the Gods 'real'?" she answers first with a quote of Jung "they are images of contents which for the most part transcend consciousness." and then adds "what lies beyond the images is a divine reality ... true experessions of the nature of the divine translated into human terms."
This book contains a great deal of Craft practice, along with solid, original thought. Index, footnotes, a bibliography and a glossary round it out. A magnificent effort--more than earns its five stars! Every Witch ought to have read this book at least once! | 2 | positive | [
"I have more books on the Craft than any sane person would keep.",
"The useless ones I get rid of.",
"This is one of the few I've actually read more than once.",
"It contains quality material and makes an excellent first or second book for somebody new to the Craft.",
"Vivianne takes Wiccan tradition seriously, and doesn't cheapen it by making wild & unsubstantiated claims.",
"She introduces her own material and names it as such.",
"This book is complete.",
"Rituals, directions, poems & liturgy.",
"Everything you need but a coven, a calling and a connecttion to the Goddess.",
"Not only does this book describe Wiccan practice, but it describes it in sociological, historical, and psychological context, too.",
"It is an example of applied Jungian theory.",
"She uses the psychology of Carl Jung to explain the sense behind magic and Craft rituals.",
"She bats around phrases like \"Our Gods are the archetypal forces which inhabit the collective unconscious.",
"\" To the question of \"Are the forms of the Gods 'real'?",
"\" she answers first with a quote of Jung \"they are images of contents which for the most part transcend consciousness.",
"\" and then adds \"what lies beyond the images is a divine reality...",
"true experessions of the nature of the divine translated into human terms.",
"\"\nThis book contains a great deal of Craft practice, along with solid, original thought.",
"Index, footnotes, a bibliography and a glossary round it out.",
"A magnificent effort--more than earns its five stars!",
"Every Witch ought to have read this book at least once!"
] |
I purchased this manual hose reel to replace one that had a broken hose guide. I was a little apprehensive from reading some of the reviews, but was very pleased once I loaded 100 ft. 3/4" hose on it and tried it out. There was room for more hose and the Smart Trak hose guide worked very smoothly and rewound 100 ft.of non-pressurized hose with surprisingly little effort. there has been no leakage at the internal connection. The hose guide placed the hose on the real in nice smooth layers with no external guidance by hand required. The unit is well built and reasonably sturdy, an important feature since I use it as a stool to take a breather. The swivel base is a little stiff, but should loosen with time. I was hoping that it would swivel as I moved the hose laterally, but it didn't. However, I did not secure it to the surface as directions stated. It works much better than the one I replaced which served me well for many years. I suggest that the reel handle not be turned or the hose unreeled while the hose is pressurized. This is how I broke the old one. | 2 | positive | [
"I purchased this manual hose reel to replace one that had a broken hose guide.",
"I was a little apprehensive from reading some of the reviews, but was very pleased once I loaded 100 ft.",
"3/4\" hose on it and tried it out.",
"There was room for more hose and the Smart Trak hose guide worked very smoothly and rewound 100 ft.",
"of non-pressurized hose with surprisingly little effort.",
"there has been no leakage at the internal connection.",
"The hose guide placed the hose on the real in nice smooth layers with no external guidance by hand required.",
"The unit is well built and reasonably sturdy, an important feature since I use it as a stool to take a breather.",
"The swivel base is a little stiff, but should loosen with time.",
"I was hoping that it would swivel as I moved the hose laterally, but it didn't.",
"However, I did not secure it to the surface as directions stated.",
"It works much better than the one I replaced which served me well for many years.",
"I suggest that the reel handle not be turned or the hose unreeled while the hose is pressurized.",
"This is how I broke the old one."
] |
If judging music is always an acquired taste, then how much more so for Bob Dylan's seasonal `Christmas in the Heart'? I hear a clamor of dissent: Naysayers believe that the Bard of Hibbing is overreaching into territory that is clearly not his. I can only try to saw through the objections with some answers that counter the premise that this is not his album, nor is it the material he was meant to master. However, after a sample listening of the C.D., if you still don't think it's your cup of rhyme, then leave it on the table for someone else to savor. I think even Dylan, himself, will understand.
If you're reading this review, you most likely possess and treasure '<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Modern-Times/dp/B000GFLAI0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Modern Times</a>,' the latest and probably the best of Dylan's tri-Renaissance work. Here on '...in the Heart' we have many of the same players: Tony Garnier on bass and cello; George G. Receli on drums and percussion; and Donnie Herron, the virtuoso, plays on steel guitar, mandolin, violin, and trumpet. And, just as significant, Jack Frost is still at the producing helm.
Frost's production is impeccable: The clarity of the music is crystal clear and emulates the desire that Dylan has consistently coveted throughout his career, and I love the supporting voices that garner nearly every song without going mushy (say, in contrast to Phil Spector's controversial hand with The Beatles' "The Long and Winding Road").
Still, many may find Dylan's voice unsuitable to the material. For me, I've described his gravelly voice of late as being Leon Redbone`s successor, so many of the traditional numbers are given a rustic appeal other renditions lack. "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Winter Wonderland," and "Little Drummer Boy" work in spades for me.
This isn't to say there isn't overreaching. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is meant to soar, and Dylan's voice doesn't muster what is necessary to carry it through. With all due respect, I have a feeling that for some of you, my exceptions may prove your rule.
Clearly the best songs are lesser known works which are garnished by Bob Dylan's most excellent supporting band. "The Christmas Blues" (Sammy Cahn & David Jack Holt) gives the dinner club jazz sensibilities inherent in 'Modern Times,' and "Christmas Island" (Lyle Moraine) competes with The Beach Boys' "Melekalikimaka". Perhaps the best song, "Must Be Santa," (William Fredericks and Hal Moore) incorporates what could be described as a ho-down at a Swiss Lodge. It's highly festive and full of good humor. If only all the songs could be this good, we'd have one of the great Christmas classics of all time.
When one hears a C.D. throughout and cannot appreciate it after several listenings, then it's easy to dismiss. I still haven't tired of 'A Christmas in the Heart,' which is still playing in the car, on the C.D. player, and in the I-Pod inside my head alongside the fondest of my most recent Christmas memories. | 2 | positive | [
"If judging music is always an acquired taste, then how much more so for Bob Dylan's seasonal `Christmas in the Heart'?",
"I hear a clamor of dissent: Naysayers believe that the Bard of Hibbing is overreaching into territory that is clearly not his.",
"I can only try to saw through the objections with some answers that counter the premise that this is not his album, nor is it the material he was meant to master.",
"However, after a sample listening of the C.",
"D., if you still don't think it's your cup of rhyme, then leave it on the table for someone else to savor.",
"I think even Dylan, himself, will understand.",
"If you're reading this review, you most likely possess and treasure '<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Modern-Times/dp/B000GFLAI0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Modern Times</a>,' the latest and probably the best of Dylan's tri-Renaissance work.",
"Here on '...",
"in the Heart' we have many of the same players: Tony Garnier on bass and cello; George G.",
"Receli on drums and percussion; and Donnie Herron, the virtuoso, plays on steel guitar, mandolin, violin, and trumpet.",
"And, just as significant, Jack Frost is still at the producing helm.",
"Frost's production is impeccable: The clarity of the music is crystal clear and emulates the desire that Dylan has consistently coveted throughout his career, and I love the supporting voices that garner nearly every song without going mushy (say, in contrast to Phil Spector's controversial hand with The Beatles' \"The Long and Winding Road\").",
"Still, many may find Dylan's voice unsuitable to the material.",
"For me, I've described his gravelly voice of late as being Leon Redbone`s successor, so many of the traditional numbers are given a rustic appeal other renditions lack.",
"\"Here Comes Santa Claus,\" \"Winter Wonderland,\" and \"Little Drummer Boy\" work in spades for me.",
"This isn't to say there isn't overreaching.",
"\"Hark the Herald Angels Sing\" is meant to soar, and Dylan's voice doesn't muster what is necessary to carry it through.",
"With all due respect, I have a feeling that for some of you, my exceptions may prove your rule.",
"Clearly the best songs are lesser known works which are garnished by Bob Dylan's most excellent supporting band.",
"\"The Christmas Blues\" (Sammy Cahn & David Jack Holt) gives the dinner club jazz sensibilities inherent in 'Modern Times,' and \"Christmas Island\" (Lyle Moraine) competes with The Beach Boys' \"Melekalikimaka\".",
"Perhaps the best song, \"Must Be Santa,\" (William Fredericks and Hal Moore) incorporates what could be described as a ho-down at a Swiss Lodge.",
"It's highly festive and full of good humor.",
"If only all the songs could be this good, we'd have one of the great Christmas classics of all time.",
"When one hears a C.",
"D. throughout and cannot appreciate it after several listenings, then it's easy to dismiss.",
"I still haven't tired of 'A Christmas in the Heart,' which is still playing in the car, on the C.",
"D. player, and in the I-Pod inside my head alongside the fondest of my most recent Christmas memories."
] |
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