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Awesome for a beginners no matter how old (I'm in my 20s).
After watching my mom sew for years, watching Project Runway avidly and having projects circling my mind; I finally caught the sewing bug. Plus I'm a huge Hello Kitty fan from way back when, so couldn't resist.
I've only had it for about a year now, but I wanted to learn about the machine and learn how to thread, etc... before I started any projects. Pretty easy to set-up and use.
My first negative was I was not a fan of the instruction book. As a visual/almost pictorial learner I found the illustrations and sometimes how instructions were worded kind of hard to understand. If you type in Hello Kitty sewing machine into Google, then click video one of the first YouTube videos that will pop up is titled SEWING BASICS and the girl in the video is using this machine, which I found it easier to watch her then read the instructions.
I've used thin fabric apparel fabric, fleece and satin works great. I've made many turbans, clutches and some Hello Kitty & Minnie Mouse bows.
Second negative, but since this is a beginner's sewing machine I won't hold it against the machine, but when I tried to sew some thick felt the needle kept getting jammed. This also happened when I tried to run velvet and sweatshirt fleece through it. | 2 | positive | [
"Awesome for a beginners no matter how old (I'm in my 20s).",
"After watching my mom sew for years, watching Project Runway avidly and having projects circling my mind; I finally caught the sewing bug.",
"Plus I'm a huge Hello Kitty fan from way back when, so couldn't resist.",
"I've only had it for about a year now, but I wanted to learn about the machine and learn how to thread, etc...",
"before I started any projects.",
"Pretty easy to set-up and use.",
"My first negative was I was not a fan of the instruction book.",
"As a visual/almost pictorial learner I found the illustrations and sometimes how instructions were worded kind of hard to understand.",
"If you type in Hello Kitty sewing machine into Google, then click video one of the first YouTube videos that will pop up is titled SEWING BASICS and the girl in the video is using this machine, which I found it easier to watch her then read the instructions.",
"I've used thin fabric apparel fabric, fleece and satin works great.",
"I've made many turbans, clutches and some Hello Kitty & Minnie Mouse bows.",
"Second negative, but since this is a beginner's sewing machine I won't hold it against the machine, but when I tried to sew some thick felt the needle kept getting jammed.",
"This also happened when I tried to run velvet and sweatshirt fleece through it."
] |
Do not buy these as exercise pants. I work out and do yoga / Pilates 4 days a week. I bought a few pairs of these pants in a variation of designs because I thought they were cute and they were affordable. They are however not suitable for working out. I will wear these pants around the house and whatever because they are comfortable and super cute. They were larger than I expected. I'm a women's medium so I ordered the medium pants but I think I'll get a small next time. I would actually buy another pair of these pants because they are so super cute and comfortable to wear around the house however I repeat if you workout don't buy these for that purpose. They were constantly sliding down in class today. I had to keep pulling them up. the thin elastic band is not uncomfortable but it doesn't do anything for tummy shaping so I really appreciate the wider bands that give a little tummy control. I will call these my super cute Lounge lazy day wear with baggy t-shirt pants. | 2 | positive | [
"Do not buy these as exercise pants.",
"I work out and do yoga / Pilates 4 days a week.",
"I bought a few pairs of these pants in a variation of designs because I thought they were cute and they were affordable.",
"They are however not suitable for working out.",
"I will wear these pants around the house and whatever because they are comfortable and super cute.",
"They were larger than I expected.",
"I'm a women's medium so I ordered the medium pants but I think I'll get a small next time.",
"I would actually buy another pair of these pants because they are so super cute and comfortable to wear around the house however I repeat if you workout don't buy these for that purpose.",
"They were constantly sliding down in class today.",
"I had to keep pulling them up.",
"the thin elastic band is not uncomfortable but it doesn't do anything for tummy shaping so I really appreciate the wider bands that give a little tummy control.",
"I will call these my super cute Lounge lazy day wear with baggy t-shirt pants."
] |
This is a story of three sailors (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munchin) and their escapades while on shore leave for 24 hours in New York - a much worked Hollywood theme! It was originally a Broadway hit with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, itself a reworking of a Jerome Robbins ballet called Fancy Free. Gene Kelly directed and choreographed the film with Stanley Donen. Some of the Bernstein tunes were dropped in the film to be replaced by others composed by Roger Edens, Conrad Salinger and Lennie Hayton. But the rousing opening number, `New York, New York, It's a wonderful town' was retained as were some of the ballet sequences. In fact, the whole film was very balletic, which reflects its origins. It's a shame though that one of Bernstein's most poigniant ballads, Lonely Town was dropped - but it was resurrected by Sinatra in his LP with Gordon Jenkins, 'Where Are You?' The girls after whom the sailors chased were Vera-Ellen (`Miss Turnstiles'), Ann Miller (an anthropologist, would you believe), and Betty Garrett (as a lady cab driver). Though the storyline has now been somewhat overworked (we meet much the same again in Three Sailors and a Girl, and Hit the Deck), the film as a whole is thoroughly entertaining for most of its 98 minutes. It was released in 1949 and is in Technicolor. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a story of three sailors (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munchin) and their escapades while on shore leave for 24 hours in New York - a much worked Hollywood theme!",
"It was originally a Broadway hit with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, itself a reworking of a Jerome Robbins ballet called Fancy Free.",
"Gene Kelly directed and choreographed the film with Stanley Donen.",
"Some of the Bernstein tunes were dropped in the film to be replaced by others composed by Roger Edens, Conrad Salinger and Lennie Hayton.",
"But the rousing opening number, `New York, New York, It's a wonderful town' was retained as were some of the ballet sequences.",
"In fact, the whole film was very balletic, which reflects its origins.",
"It's a shame though that one of Bernstein's most poigniant ballads, Lonely Town was dropped - but it was resurrected by Sinatra in his LP with Gordon Jenkins, 'Where Are You?",
"' The girls after whom the sailors chased were Vera-Ellen (`Miss Turnstiles'), Ann Miller (an anthropologist, would you believe), and Betty Garrett (as a lady cab driver).",
"Though the storyline has now been somewhat overworked (we meet much the same again in Three Sailors and a Girl, and Hit the Deck), the film as a whole is thoroughly entertaining for most of its 98 minutes.",
"It was released in 1949 and is in Technicolor."
] |
My three year old received this wagon for her birthday. We have recently given up the stroller, and were looking for something to take to the park and on walks around the neighborhood. Radio Flyer has outdone themselves on this little red wagon. We just love it.
This wagon has high back seats for comfort and three-point (between the leg) seat belts for safety. The seat backs also fold down flat, transforming into a traditional wagon. It handles quite easily both pulling and pushing, and is very sturdy - no fear of tipping. And don't forget the cup holders...4 built in cup holders, perfect for cold drinks in sippies or juice boxes! There is lots of room for diaper bags, toys, etc. The wheels provide a smooth and comfy ride over all types of terrains. Additionally, if you purchase the <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Radio-Flyer-Umbrella-Accessory/dp/B00002MZ8A/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Radio Flyer Umbrella Accessory</a>, which easily clamps on to the side, your child will be protected from the sun, too.
The assembly is a breeze - just follow the included instructions. We had it together and in action in a matter of minutes. This wagon has worked so well for us that we may just pop it in the back of the car for our trip to the zoo this weekend. Highly recommended. | 2 | positive | [
"My three year old received this wagon for her birthday.",
"We have recently given up the stroller, and were looking for something to take to the park and on walks around the neighborhood.",
"Radio Flyer has outdone themselves on this little red wagon.",
"We just love it.",
"This wagon has high back seats for comfort and three-point (between the leg) seat belts for safety.",
"The seat backs also fold down flat, transforming into a traditional wagon.",
"It handles quite easily both pulling and pushing, and is very sturdy - no fear of tipping.",
"And don't forget the cup holders...",
"4 built in cup holders, perfect for cold drinks in sippies or juice boxes!",
"There is lots of room for diaper bags, toys, etc.",
"The wheels provide a smooth and comfy ride over all types of terrains.",
"Additionally, if you purchase the <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Radio-Flyer-Umbrella-Accessory/dp/B00002MZ8A/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Radio Flyer Umbrella Accessory</a>, which easily clamps on to the side, your child will be protected from the sun, too.",
"The assembly is a breeze - just follow the included instructions.",
"We had it together and in action in a matter of minutes.",
"This wagon has worked so well for us that we may just pop it in the back of the car for our trip to the zoo this weekend.",
"Highly recommended."
] |
When I decided to buy these gloves I was looking for quality, design and price.
I choose these because for the price range these looked the best and the quality seemed good.
When I got them, my first impression was that they seem sturdy, at least the front side. The front side is made of the leather and this is why they protect your hands very well when you are working out. The back side is made of mesh like material so that your hands "breath" while your working out and they don't get sweaty. No one likes sweaty hands specially when your lifting heavy weights. I never have gotten sweaty hands and I usually work out for about an hour to an hour and a half. heavy use, they are still going strong and I have even throwed them in the washer. They have not tor or have gotten damaged so far. (ive owned these for several months by now)
When you have the gloves on, you are able to grab weights and other things without feeling like its restricting your movements. Your able to bend and move your hands freely and with ease.
I recommend these gloves because they are made with style and are good quality. They feel good and they won't get your hands sweaty, but they won't protect your wrists, so if you want wrist protection look somewhere else. | 2 | positive | [
"When I decided to buy these gloves I was looking for quality, design and price.",
"I choose these because for the price range these looked the best and the quality seemed good.",
"When I got them, my first impression was that they seem sturdy, at least the front side.",
"The front side is made of the leather and this is why they protect your hands very well when you are working out.",
"The back side is made of mesh like material so that your hands \"breath\" while your working out and they don't get sweaty.",
"No one likes sweaty hands specially when your lifting heavy weights.",
"I never have gotten sweaty hands and I usually work out for about an hour to an hour and a half.",
"heavy use, they are still going strong and I have even throwed them in the washer.",
"They have not tor or have gotten damaged so far.",
"(ive owned these for several months by now)\nWhen you have the gloves on, you are able to grab weights and other things without feeling like its restricting your movements.",
"Your able to bend and move your hands freely and with ease.",
"I recommend these gloves because they are made with style and are good quality.",
"They feel good and they won't get your hands sweaty, but they won't protect your wrists, so if you want wrist protection look somewhere else."
] |
Spider-Man's first 3D game is this, and it is awesome. The web-slinging is very cool, but once you play the Spider-Man:The Movie game you probably won't think anything of it. But anyway, this game is awesome if you haven't played the new one. The first few levels, up to Scorpion, are fun to play, over and over. I suggest you start the game on Easy (unless you're a little kid, then you should start on Kid Mode) and work your way up to hard. And now I'll tell you how to get a few costumes:
1. Scarlet Spidey & Ben Reilly-I don't know how I got these. But everytime I just play the game, they pop up (on the N64 version, too), so that'll probably work with you too. Special(s):Nothing
2. Symboate Spidey-Yes, the costume that posses Venom was once worn by Peter Parker. Beat the game on any mode without running out of webbing, and it's your's. Special(s):Unlimited Webbing.
3. Captain Universe-I have no idea where this costume came from, but you get it once you beat the game on hard.
And now I'll tell some battle tips on the bosses (I'm relating to Hard mode, but they'll work pretty well on any mode):
1. Scorpion-The first boss on the game, and the most fun. Jump up on the ceiling and keep shooting web-balls at him, but jump down when he fires his tail-laser. But keep JJ safe!
2. Rhino-When he charges at you, run in front of a power generater or in front of the explosive barrels, and just as he's about to hit you, SWING OUTTA THERE!!!
3. Venom 1-This is pretty hard. You should just keep shooting web-balls, and when you run out, just use the web-spikes. Then if you run out again, throw things at him (car, dumpsters, etc.)
4. Venom 2-This is the harder Venom level. You have to fight him WHILE shutting off the power to keep Mary-Jane from drowning. I can't really give you advise on this one.
5. Doctor Octapuss-When there's no ON/OFF switch to push, just keep jumping up & down to avoid his tentacles.
6. Carnage-It is IMPOSSIBE to beat this guy in physical combat, so you'll have to shoot him into the sonic-bubble, which causes significant damage to him. But, when the bubble disappears, keep tapping the web button until it comes on again. (Do not hold down the web button or you'll run out. Just keep clicking it.)
7. Monster Oc-RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, I'm pretty tired of typing now. C-Ya! | 2 | positive | [
"Spider-Man's first 3D game is this, and it is awesome.",
"The web-slinging is very cool, but once you play the Spider-Man:The Movie game you probably won't think anything of it.",
"But anyway, this game is awesome if you haven't played the new one.",
"The first few levels, up to Scorpion, are fun to play, over and over.",
"I suggest you start the game on Easy (unless you're a little kid, then you should start on Kid Mode) and work your way up to hard.",
"And now I'll tell you how to get a few costumes:\n1.",
"Scarlet Spidey & Ben Reilly-I don't know how I got these.",
"But everytime I just play the game, they pop up (on the N64 version, too), so that'll probably work with you too.",
"Special(s):Nothing\n2.",
"Symboate Spidey-Yes, the costume that posses Venom was once worn by Peter Parker.",
"Beat the game on any mode without running out of webbing, and it's your's.",
"Special(s):Unlimited Webbing.",
"3.",
"Captain Universe-I have no idea where this costume came from, but you get it once you beat the game on hard.",
"And now I'll tell some battle tips on the bosses (I'm relating to Hard mode, but they'll work pretty well on any mode):\n1.",
"Scorpion-The first boss on the game, and the most fun.",
"Jump up on the ceiling and keep shooting web-balls at him, but jump down when he fires his tail-laser.",
"But keep JJ safe!",
"2.",
"Rhino-When he charges at you, run in front of a power generater or in front of the explosive barrels, and just as he's about to hit you, SWING OUTTA THERE!!!",
"3.",
"Venom 1-This is pretty hard.",
"You should just keep shooting web-balls, and when you run out, just use the web-spikes.",
"Then if you run out again, throw things at him (car, dumpsters, etc.",
")\n4.",
"Venom 2-This is the harder Venom level.",
"You have to fight him WHILE shutting off the power to keep Mary-Jane from drowning.",
"I can't really give you advise on this one.",
"5.",
"Doctor Octapuss-When there's no ON/OFF switch to push, just keep jumping up & down to avoid his tentacles.",
"6.",
"Carnage-It is IMPOSSIBE to beat this guy in physical combat, so you'll have to shoot him into the sonic-bubble, which causes significant damage to him.",
"But, when the bubble disappears, keep tapping the web button until it comes on again.",
"(Do not hold down the web button or you'll run out.",
"Just keep clicking it.",
")\n7.",
"Monster Oc-RUN!!!!",
"!!!!",
"!!!!",
"!!!!",
"!!!!",
"!!!!",
"!!",
"OK, I'm pretty tired of typing now.",
"C-Ya!"
] |
This movie is such a gem. Mel Brooks and his continuing cast of crazies produced another great satire as only Mel Brooks can get away with. He did Blazing Saddles which in today's PC world should be burned but is still shown with some bleeps. He does the Jewish shtick with the getting the last word. He stakes out every ploy, vampire lore and rumor and just cracks the audience up! I love the way his faithful wife gets a cameo and Anne Bancroft is always a hoot! I love the stake the babe scene where gallons of blood shoot our over the hero. IMDB sais that he did not know that would happen so his reactions on camera were true! He was shocked and handing him a hanky to clean up, Id have staked Van Helsing next!! I love the classic vampire movies and this one should be up there with Hammer Films and Bela Lugosi! Great entertainment. This is why we see movies, for fun, and laughter!! | 2 | positive | [
"This movie is such a gem.",
"Mel Brooks and his continuing cast of crazies produced another great satire as only Mel Brooks can get away with.",
"He did Blazing Saddles which in today's PC world should be burned but is still shown with some bleeps.",
"He does the Jewish shtick with the getting the last word.",
"He stakes out every ploy, vampire lore and rumor and just cracks the audience up!",
"I love the way his faithful wife gets a cameo and Anne Bancroft is always a hoot!",
"I love the stake the babe scene where gallons of blood shoot our over the hero.",
"IMDB sais that he did not know that would happen so his reactions on camera were true!",
"He was shocked and handing him a hanky to clean up, Id have staked Van Helsing next!!",
"I love the classic vampire movies and this one should be up there with Hammer Films and Bela Lugosi!",
"Great entertainment.",
"This is why we see movies, for fun, and laughter!!"
] |
After achieving so much with their band, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora decided to go their own ways and see what they could do as solo artists. Jon Bon Jovi's Blaze of Glory proved to be an immediate success, both musically and commercially; while Sambora released his debut a year later to mixed reviews. Although the average Bon Jovi fan took to the album right away, from a commercial standpoint, it didn't earn Sambora quite what he may have hoped for. Regardless, musically, Stranger in This Town is a terribly overlooked gem, and it exudes unadulterated songwriting brilliance.
Behind Richie Sambora, there are two of his long-time band mates: David Bryan on keyboards and Tico Torres on drums. Torres' playing strictly serves the purpose of the songs; he doesn't really do any lengthy drum acrobatics, but there are pieces that allow him to shine through. Bryan, on the other hand, is integral to the overall sound of the album, as his keyboards are, at some point, the defining factors of the songs. Also, he co-wrote two tracks: the beautiful album intro "Rest in Peace", a wonderful song based on profound blues licks and Sambora's emotive vocals; and the ambitious title track, which sees the duo merging nifty acoustic guitars with delicate synth lines. Bryan is also highly audible on the truly moving ballad "Father Time", complete with Desmond Child's signature hooks, distant female vocals, and a warm melodic edge.
Though a solo album, only three of the ten songs were written entirely by Richie Sambora. "Church of Desire" is the mid-paced piece, centred around moody keyboards and blues-inflected guitar riffs. The song is carried by a thick bass groove, and Sambora's guitar solo is truly heartfelt and emotional. On "River of Love", Tony Levin's bass arpeggios become central to the piece, especially when supported by Torres' spare drum beats. Finally, "Mr Bluesman", by many known as the album's minor hit, Sambora's greatest influence, Eric Clapton, makes a guest appearance playing an improvised blues solo where he rips it up. Despite its five-minute running time, even Torres gets to play a brief drum solo, yet it's all within the context of the song and the writing is truly impressive.
That said, the album being more on the blues rock spectrum of things didn't really produce any radio hits. Actually, Sambora did collaborate with Desmond Child on two tracks, one of them being "Rosie", arguably the most popular cut off of this track. Also co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, the piece has a solid hook, but truth be told, it does not gel that well with the rest of the pieces, which seem more honest and from the heart. Likewise, "One Light Burning" might have been his take on poppier songwriting; he tries to merge cool beats and percussion work with Randy Jackson's bass playing whilst injecting the piece with a sing-along main chorus, but it doesn't really work -- Sambora is simply more of a blues-ridden rock guitarist than someone who can churn out easily accessible melodies. That's obviously Jon Bon Jovi's strong side.
Stranger in This Town is in many ways better than most of the Bon Jovi catalog. Even after sixteen years, most of the songs are still timeless and still imbued with emotional power. It's also filled with material we'd normally never hear on a Bon Jovi release, so kudos to Sambora. He was totally right when he wrote that "listening instruction" in the liner notes: "Turn down the lights, light a candle... Welcome..." | 2 | positive | [
"After achieving so much with their band, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora decided to go their own ways and see what they could do as solo artists.",
"Jon Bon Jovi's Blaze of Glory proved to be an immediate success, both musically and commercially; while Sambora released his debut a year later to mixed reviews.",
"Although the average Bon Jovi fan took to the album right away, from a commercial standpoint, it didn't earn Sambora quite what he may have hoped for.",
"Regardless, musically, Stranger in This Town is a terribly overlooked gem, and it exudes unadulterated songwriting brilliance.",
"Behind Richie Sambora, there are two of his long-time band mates: David Bryan on keyboards and Tico Torres on drums.",
"Torres' playing strictly serves the purpose of the songs; he doesn't really do any lengthy drum acrobatics, but there are pieces that allow him to shine through.",
"Bryan, on the other hand, is integral to the overall sound of the album, as his keyboards are, at some point, the defining factors of the songs.",
"Also, he co-wrote two tracks: the beautiful album intro \"Rest in Peace\", a wonderful song based on profound blues licks and Sambora's emotive vocals; and the ambitious title track, which sees the duo merging nifty acoustic guitars with delicate synth lines.",
"Bryan is also highly audible on the truly moving ballad \"Father Time\", complete with Desmond Child's signature hooks, distant female vocals, and a warm melodic edge.",
"Though a solo album, only three of the ten songs were written entirely by Richie Sambora.",
"\"Church of Desire\" is the mid-paced piece, centred around moody keyboards and blues-inflected guitar riffs.",
"The song is carried by a thick bass groove, and Sambora's guitar solo is truly heartfelt and emotional.",
"On \"River of Love\", Tony Levin's bass arpeggios become central to the piece, especially when supported by Torres' spare drum beats.",
"Finally, \"Mr Bluesman\", by many known as the album's minor hit, Sambora's greatest influence, Eric Clapton, makes a guest appearance playing an improvised blues solo where he rips it up.",
"Despite its five-minute running time, even Torres gets to play a brief drum solo, yet it's all within the context of the song and the writing is truly impressive.",
"That said, the album being more on the blues rock spectrum of things didn't really produce any radio hits.",
"Actually, Sambora did collaborate with Desmond Child on two tracks, one of them being \"Rosie\", arguably the most popular cut off of this track.",
"Also co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, the piece has a solid hook, but truth be told, it does not gel that well with the rest of the pieces, which seem more honest and from the heart.",
"Likewise, \"One Light Burning\" might have been his take on poppier songwriting; he tries to merge cool beats and percussion work with Randy Jackson's bass playing whilst injecting the piece with a sing-along main chorus, but it doesn't really work -- Sambora is simply more of a blues-ridden rock guitarist than someone who can churn out easily accessible melodies.",
"That's obviously Jon Bon Jovi's strong side.",
"Stranger in This Town is in many ways better than most of the Bon Jovi catalog.",
"Even after sixteen years, most of the songs are still timeless and still imbued with emotional power.",
"It's also filled with material we'd normally never hear on a Bon Jovi release, so kudos to Sambora.",
"He was totally right when he wrote that \"listening instruction\" in the liner notes: \"Turn down the lights, light a candle...",
"Welcome...",
"\""
] |
I've used this planer about 3 months and planed over hundreds boards feet of lumbers. So far I've completely satisfied with the performance of planer and the service of Amazon.
After I received the planer, it got stucked while planing. I have to stop the motor and release the wood piece. For some reason, planer did not work again though motor was running.
Emailed to Amazon for the problem, they replaced it in 3 days and let
UPS guy pick it up from my home. I was really surprised and satisfied
for Amazon's super fast service.
This planer makes rough surface real smooth all the time.
It sometimes leaves fine streaks but it can easily be removed by light sanding. Turning rough-sawn lumber to S4S is real easy.
It has very good height adjustment and switch is conveniently located.
Reviews for DeWalt planer say that its blades get dull real fast,
but I don't see any sign of blade problem even after planed hundreds
BF of hardwood.
As you know, it only makes the surface smooth. To make the lumber straight, need jointer, which is in my next purchase plan.
After weighing many options between planer and jointer, planer won the battle. It believes to be a good choice.
One drawback.
The machine has the hooks for the dust collection hood, so it's just a snap to install hood. Since it's not included, have to buy the hood separately for extra $23.
The collection hood works really well. After installing it, almost no dust flying around the workshop. I think this is a must have but not included in the machine.
However, there is nothing to be desired from the machin itself.
No doubt, saving big bucks by running this planer. | 2 | positive | [
"I've used this planer about 3 months and planed over hundreds boards feet of lumbers.",
"So far I've completely satisfied with the performance of planer and the service of Amazon.",
"After I received the planer, it got stucked while planing.",
"I have to stop the motor and release the wood piece.",
"For some reason, planer did not work again though motor was running.",
"Emailed to Amazon for the problem, they replaced it in 3 days and let\nUPS guy pick it up from my home.",
"I was really surprised and satisfied\nfor Amazon's super fast service.",
"This planer makes rough surface real smooth all the time.",
"It sometimes leaves fine streaks but it can easily be removed by light sanding.",
"Turning rough-sawn lumber to S4S is real easy.",
"It has very good height adjustment and switch is conveniently located.",
"Reviews for DeWalt planer say that its blades get dull real fast,\nbut I don't see any sign of blade problem even after planed hundreds\nBF of hardwood.",
"As you know, it only makes the surface smooth.",
"To make the lumber straight, need jointer, which is in my next purchase plan.",
"After weighing many options between planer and jointer, planer won the battle.",
"It believes to be a good choice.",
"One drawback.",
"The machine has the hooks for the dust collection hood, so it's just a snap to install hood.",
"Since it's not included, have to buy the hood separately for extra $23.",
"The collection hood works really well.",
"After installing it, almost no dust flying around the workshop.",
"I think this is a must have but not included in the machine.",
"However, there is nothing to be desired from the machin itself.",
"No doubt, saving big bucks by running this planer."
] |
I wanted some place for fry to hide and it works. There are many, many fry hiding in here. The grass ends are sharp enough to keep adults from probing in the middle. The fry hide mostly under the grass. I really like the way these look in the sand below my driftwood. They look like tufts of grass. So I ordered 2 more. Fry also like to hide in my Como Green Oval Leaves Emulational Aquatic Plastic Plant Decor 24" for Fish Tank Aquarium
Food will accumulate in these but when I vacuum I also suck up tiny fry so I just leave it, the accumulated food doesn't show much. Periodically I will pick up the grass as shake it and clean it out before I vacuum the tank. I think the fry live in here until they are big enough to navigate to the larger plants.
These will float but looked odd to me floating upside down with the plastic bottom showing. So I half buried them in the sand or put a few small rocks on them to hold it down. It's like having instant grass. | 2 | positive | [
"I wanted some place for fry to hide and it works.",
"There are many, many fry hiding in here.",
"The grass ends are sharp enough to keep adults from probing in the middle.",
"The fry hide mostly under the grass.",
"I really like the way these look in the sand below my driftwood.",
"They look like tufts of grass.",
"So I ordered 2 more.",
"Fry also like to hide in my Como Green Oval Leaves Emulational Aquatic Plastic Plant Decor 24\" for Fish Tank Aquarium\n\nFood will accumulate in these but when I vacuum I also suck up tiny fry so I just leave it, the accumulated food doesn't show much.",
"Periodically I will pick up the grass as shake it and clean it out before I vacuum the tank.",
"I think the fry live in here until they are big enough to navigate to the larger plants.",
"These will float but looked odd to me floating upside down with the plastic bottom showing.",
"So I half buried them in the sand or put a few small rocks on them to hold it down.",
"It's like having instant grass."
] |
Make no mistake - this is it. The best overall FPS experience to be had, bar none.
What's so good about it?
1) Doesn't require much by way of system requirements. If you still have a Voodoo3 with a PII 400 or an K6-2 450, you can play this game, and do it well.
2) More online mods than you shake a modestly sized stick at. Go to Fileplanet, download to your hearts content, and you'll be busy for a very long time.
3) Many modes of game play. Capture the Flag, Assault, Team Deathmatch, Tournament Deathmatch, Last Man Standing, and Domination. I'm partial to CTF myself - Unreal excels in this area. For CTF, no other game comes close to matching Unreal's evenness and tempered play.
4) You can OWN with almost any weapon. Sniper rifles can take off heads even while you're on the run. Rockets, while powerful, are not the end-all weapon like they all in other games. Flak cannons blast flak aroun corners. There's a weapon for almost every situation, and a weapon to thwart THAT weapon as well.
5) A multitude of online servers for every game type. I'm never bored.
6) Completely unexpected modes of gameplay yields the best results. IE - there's a weapon called the "Redeemer". Comparable to a small nuclear device. Kills everything in a 200foot radius. Hard to dodge when one's thrown at you. Imagine playing Capture the Flag with nothing but Redeemers and low gravity? It's a trip, an absolute blast, more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Praise the lord and pass the redeemer.
However, players with dial-up need not apply. Your ping will simply be TOO high. | 2 | positive | [
"Make no mistake - this is it.",
"The best overall FPS experience to be had, bar none.",
"What's so good about it?",
"1) Doesn't require much by way of system requirements.",
"If you still have a Voodoo3 with a PII 400 or an K6-2 450, you can play this game, and do it well.",
"2) More online mods than you shake a modestly sized stick at.",
"Go to Fileplanet, download to your hearts content, and you'll be busy for a very long time.",
"3) Many modes of game play.",
"Capture the Flag, Assault, Team Deathmatch, Tournament Deathmatch, Last Man Standing, and Domination.",
"I'm partial to CTF myself - Unreal excels in this area.",
"For CTF, no other game comes close to matching Unreal's evenness and tempered play.",
"4) You can OWN with almost any weapon.",
"Sniper rifles can take off heads even while you're on the run.",
"Rockets, while powerful, are not the end-all weapon like they all in other games.",
"Flak cannons blast flak aroun corners.",
"There's a weapon for almost every situation, and a weapon to thwart THAT weapon as well.",
"5) A multitude of online servers for every game type.",
"I'm never bored.",
"6) Completely unexpected modes of gameplay yields the best results.",
"IE - there's a weapon called the \"Redeemer\".",
"Comparable to a small nuclear device.",
"Kills everything in a 200foot radius.",
"Hard to dodge when one's thrown at you.",
"Imagine playing Capture the Flag with nothing but Redeemers and low gravity?",
"It's a trip, an absolute blast, more fun than a barrel of monkeys.",
"Praise the lord and pass the redeemer.",
"However, players with dial-up need not apply.",
"Your ping will simply be TOO high."
] |
The term "must read" gets bandied about too easily, but for the student of the Middle East or of international relations in general, this book probably qualifies. I began reading "From Beirut to Jerusalem" as a high school senior, just after returning from overseas as an exchange student during the Persian Gulf crisis. Seeing that I was eager to broaden my understanding of Middle Eastern affairs, a friend recommended this book to me. Thanks to the pains Friedman took in writing the introduction, there is no need to be intimidated by the subject matter. With utmost patience, clarity, and simplicity, he lays out the history of Zionism, the formation of the Jewish state, the Arab-Israeli wars, the roots of the Lebanese civil war, and even the differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims, Marionite Christians, and the Druse. If a student reads no other part of the book, he or she ought to at least read and re-read the introduction to gain some historical perspective on this ongoing conflict, and to be able to give context to current events in the region. Friedman reports from credentialed experience, having served as the New York Times Bureau chief in both Beirut and Jerusalem during some of the choppiest years of the 1980's. His anecdotes and travel notes are fascinating, and his dry wit and contemplative perspective are never far from his words. His writing style is lucid, thoughtful, and easy to read. While being informative and factual, this book never ceases being interesting. Even as a high school student prone to distraction, this book had me hooked. Years later I still refer back to it and am thankful to have read it. | 2 | positive | [
"The term \"must read\" gets bandied about too easily, but for the student of the Middle East or of international relations in general, this book probably qualifies.",
"I began reading \"From Beirut to Jerusalem\" as a high school senior, just after returning from overseas as an exchange student during the Persian Gulf crisis.",
"Seeing that I was eager to broaden my understanding of Middle Eastern affairs, a friend recommended this book to me.",
"Thanks to the pains Friedman took in writing the introduction, there is no need to be intimidated by the subject matter.",
"With utmost patience, clarity, and simplicity, he lays out the history of Zionism, the formation of the Jewish state, the Arab-Israeli wars, the roots of the Lebanese civil war, and even the differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims, Marionite Christians, and the Druse.",
"If a student reads no other part of the book, he or she ought to at least read and re-read the introduction to gain some historical perspective on this ongoing conflict, and to be able to give context to current events in the region.",
"Friedman reports from credentialed experience, having served as the New York Times Bureau chief in both Beirut and Jerusalem during some of the choppiest years of the 1980's.",
"His anecdotes and travel notes are fascinating, and his dry wit and contemplative perspective are never far from his words.",
"His writing style is lucid, thoughtful, and easy to read.",
"While being informative and factual, this book never ceases being interesting.",
"Even as a high school student prone to distraction, this book had me hooked.",
"Years later I still refer back to it and am thankful to have read it."
] |
This monitor answers so many question about electricity and power consumption of appliances. You will be surprised at how much power appliances consume even when they are off. You can use it to see what the line voltage is during brownouts. Low line voltage will harm many appliances. You can determine exactly what it costs to run an appliance by multiplying Kilowatt-Hours used by your electricity rate in cents per Kilowatt-Hour. We used it to find out whether our new induction new hot plate saves electricity as advertised. It did. We used it to find an appliance that was going bad, drawing excessive power and randomly tripping a circuit breaker. We thought we had a bad circuit breaker. This might have prevented a fire or a call to an electrician to replace a circuit breaker. This is a very practical, safe device that anyone can use. If you use the information it provides to make better choices about appliances, it will save you far more money than it costs. We have two. | 2 | positive | [
"This monitor answers so many question about electricity and power consumption of appliances.",
"You will be surprised at how much power appliances consume even when they are off.",
"You can use it to see what the line voltage is during brownouts.",
"Low line voltage will harm many appliances.",
"You can determine exactly what it costs to run an appliance by multiplying Kilowatt-Hours used by your electricity rate in cents per Kilowatt-Hour.",
"We used it to find out whether our new induction new hot plate saves electricity as advertised.",
"It did.",
"We used it to find an appliance that was going bad, drawing excessive power and randomly tripping a circuit breaker.",
"We thought we had a bad circuit breaker.",
"This might have prevented a fire or a call to an electrician to replace a circuit breaker.",
"This is a very practical, safe device that anyone can use.",
"If you use the information it provides to make better choices about appliances, it will save you far more money than it costs.",
"We have two."
] |
As others have pointed out, the name might be a little misleading on this item. It is what most would call a shutter release as opposed to a remote. Calling it a "Remote Switch" implies to some that it is wireless. But the picture and description clearly state it is corded, so you're basically just arguing semantics at that point. Even Canon calls it a remote switch, so take it up with them.
In my mind, the major reason to buy this is to eliminate the very little but potentially noticeable shake your hand exerts on the camera when you take a long-exposure shot. Those who are complaining about not being able to take self-portraits or the other limitations of a 2ft. cord need to look at the existing wireless solutions; there are different tools for different needs. And I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of not having a few feet of slack cable hanging down from the a tripod that's top-heavy and holding ~$3,000 worth of equipment. I'd rather the cord be relatively short so anyone walking by doesn't accidentally snag it and pull down my whole setup. If you're shooting immediately behind the camera, the cord is long enough; my wife has even used it to keep her hands in her pockets during cold shoots, and it had slack enough for that.
All that said, it does what it says it does: act as an extension of the shutter button while easily allowing you to make extra-long exposures. The build quality doesn't feel great, but I've dropped it several times and have it packed in the large pocket of our main camera bag that it shares with many other accessories, and it still works perfectly. I think part of it is that the device's electronics are very small and simple, so it's very light and feels cheap even though it might be pretty well constructed.
Unless you're going to be far away from your camera while shooting or otherwise need the range, this will work perfectly and, unlike the wireless switches, does not require batteries that always seem to die at the worst times. I personally prefer wired connections where possible because, with all things considered, they are more reliable than wireless ones.
A note: this does not work with the 40D/50D models. We got this for our Rebel XT and thought it might be usable with the 50D we recently bought, but no go. Understandable, but it would have been nice to not have to buy another one.
Pros:
- Reduces shake during long exposures
- Allows photographer to keep hands in pockets during cold shoots
- Wired, so doesn't depend on batteries
Cons:
- Overpriced
- I would say cord length, but if you're looking for long range, you shouldn't even be looking at this item
- Can't continue using it if you upgrade to anything higher than the 40D | 2 | positive | [
"As others have pointed out, the name might be a little misleading on this item.",
"It is what most would call a shutter release as opposed to a remote.",
"Calling it a \"Remote Switch\" implies to some that it is wireless.",
"But the picture and description clearly state it is corded, so you're basically just arguing semantics at that point.",
"Even Canon calls it a remote switch, so take it up with them.",
"In my mind, the major reason to buy this is to eliminate the very little but potentially noticeable shake your hand exerts on the camera when you take a long-exposure shot.",
"Those who are complaining about not being able to take self-portraits or the other limitations of a 2ft.",
"cord need to look at the existing wireless solutions; there are different tools for different needs.",
"And I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of not having a few feet of slack cable hanging down from the a tripod that's top-heavy and holding ~$3,000 worth of equipment.",
"I'd rather the cord be relatively short so anyone walking by doesn't accidentally snag it and pull down my whole setup.",
"If you're shooting immediately behind the camera, the cord is long enough; my wife has even used it to keep her hands in her pockets during cold shoots, and it had slack enough for that.",
"All that said, it does what it says it does: act as an extension of the shutter button while easily allowing you to make extra-long exposures.",
"The build quality doesn't feel great, but I've dropped it several times and have it packed in the large pocket of our main camera bag that it shares with many other accessories, and it still works perfectly.",
"I think part of it is that the device's electronics are very small and simple, so it's very light and feels cheap even though it might be pretty well constructed.",
"Unless you're going to be far away from your camera while shooting or otherwise need the range, this will work perfectly and, unlike the wireless switches, does not require batteries that always seem to die at the worst times.",
"I personally prefer wired connections where possible because, with all things considered, they are more reliable than wireless ones.",
"A note: this does not work with the 40D/50D models.",
"We got this for our Rebel XT and thought it might be usable with the 50D we recently bought, but no go.",
"Understandable, but it would have been nice to not have to buy another one.",
"Pros:\n- Reduces shake during long exposures\n- Allows photographer to keep hands in pockets during cold shoots\n- Wired, so doesn't depend on batteries\n\nCons:\n- Overpriced\n- I would say cord length, but if you're looking for long range, you shouldn't even be looking at this item\n- Can't continue using it if you upgrade to anything higher than the 40D"
] |
There appears to be an unfortunately divisive element in the Pink Floyd fan club - those who followed Roger Waters to his solo career, and those who breathed a sigh of relief when Dave Gilmour and his pals (don't forget the brilliant compositional skills of Nick Mason - Speak to Me? Inspired...And John Bonham learned how to play the drums from Ummagumma) were left alone to make Division Bell etc.
It might be expected, as a big fan of Page, Clapton and Hendrix, that I would follow the Gilmour camp with a disgusted sneer at Waters and his "pretentious" lyrics. Well...no. And part of the reason is this album - for me Animals represents the transition of Pink Floyd from Obscured By Clouds rock band to The Wall rock icons, [not particularly inspirational] self-professed political spokespersons, and, most importantly, pioneering and archetypal musicians. It was not the first concept album, not the first time Dylaneque brilliance shone through in lyrics (obviously), not the first time even that excellent music had been combined with these two.
However - and forgetting that Dave Gilmour is a superb guitarist, as the solo on Pigs and, more importantly for me, the Dogs performance, demonstrates - what this mid-life Pink Floyd reached was the sublime: Gilmour was given the chance to touch the stars by his visionary partner...For me, the most memorable words in music, if only for as simple a reason as the way they are sung, are "After a while you can work on points for style...the firm handshake,/ A certain look in the eye and an eeeaaasy smile".
And to those who complain about Roger Waters' increasing influence over the band - I wonder that so many plaudits were thrown at the Smashing Pumpkins, an accomplished band that managed to produce Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness, a highly recommended album, but one with almost deafening limitations...sorry Billy Corgan - but you don't even have a good voice.
I am not going to argue whether this is one of Pink Floyd's best album. But whether you are a Beatles, Stones, Who, Zeppelin, Pumpkins, Radiohead or Beautiful South fan - if you appreciate these bands for their musical qualities and lyricism (OK - not Zeppelin!), not their populism or image, then surely this album must stick out for its simplicity as much as its complexity.
If you've read this far, congratulations, and send me an email. | 2 | positive | [
"There appears to be an unfortunately divisive element in the Pink Floyd fan club - those who followed Roger Waters to his solo career, and those who breathed a sigh of relief when Dave Gilmour and his pals (don't forget the brilliant compositional skills of Nick Mason - Speak to Me?",
"Inspired...",
"And John Bonham learned how to play the drums from Ummagumma) were left alone to make Division Bell etc.",
"It might be expected, as a big fan of Page, Clapton and Hendrix, that I would follow the Gilmour camp with a disgusted sneer at Waters and his \"pretentious\" lyrics.",
"Well...",
"no.",
"And part of the reason is this album - for me Animals represents the transition of Pink Floyd from Obscured By Clouds rock band to The Wall rock icons, [not particularly inspirational] self-professed political spokespersons, and, most importantly, pioneering and archetypal musicians.",
"It was not the first concept album, not the first time Dylaneque brilliance shone through in lyrics (obviously), not the first time even that excellent music had been combined with these two.",
"However - and forgetting that Dave Gilmour is a superb guitarist, as the solo on Pigs and, more importantly for me, the Dogs performance, demonstrates - what this mid-life Pink Floyd reached was the sublime: Gilmour was given the chance to touch the stars by his visionary partner...",
"For me, the most memorable words in music, if only for as simple a reason as the way they are sung, are \"After a while you can work on points for style...",
"the firm handshake,/ A certain look in the eye and an eeeaaasy smile\".",
"And to those who complain about Roger Waters' increasing influence over the band - I wonder that so many plaudits were thrown at the Smashing Pumpkins, an accomplished band that managed to produce Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness, a highly recommended album, but one with almost deafening limitations...",
"sorry Billy Corgan - but you don't even have a good voice.",
"I am not going to argue whether this is one of Pink Floyd's best album.",
"But whether you are a Beatles, Stones, Who, Zeppelin, Pumpkins, Radiohead or Beautiful South fan - if you appreciate these bands for their musical qualities and lyricism (OK - not Zeppelin!",
"), not their populism or image, then surely this album must stick out for its simplicity as much as its complexity.",
"If you've read this far, congratulations, and send me an email."
] |
This backrest is the perfect...( it's made for it...) I would say "addition" to the drum throne, but once you begin using it..as others have said, you'll "wonder how you got along without it". The pictures don't do it justice..it is WELL MADE, solid piece of equipment ...easy to install, AND adjust. I use it as a keyboard seat, with the high lift throne. Just place one of the three legs straight behind, so you won't tip back, and you're good to go one this one. If you can afford it up front, get it with the drum throne...and at least get it when you can. I recommend! | 2 | positive | [
"This backrest is the perfect...",
"( it's made for it...",
") I would say \"addition\" to the drum throne, but once you begin using it..",
"as others have said, you'll \"wonder how you got along without it\".",
"The pictures don't do it justice..",
"it is WELL MADE, solid piece of equipment...",
"easy to install, AND adjust.",
"I use it as a keyboard seat, with the high lift throne.",
"Just place one of the three legs straight behind, so you won't tip back, and you're good to go one this one.",
"If you can afford it up front, get it with the drum throne...",
"and at least get it when you can.",
"I recommend!"
] |
This game is amazing. Thrilling, terrifying, moving, confusing, amusing, compelling, and very dark. BioShock isn't simply the sign of gaming realising its true cinematic potential, but one where a game straddles so many entertainment art forms so expertly that it's the best demonstration yet how flexible this medium can be. It's no longer just another shooter wrapped up in a pretty game engine, but a story that exists and unfolds inside the most convincing and elaborate and artistic game world ever conceived. One thing, there is NO rootkit. There have been some problems getting the game to install as Irrational Games authentication servers had some problems the first few days and some people had problems inputting their reg code properly. This is a minor issue, but there are obviously some immature and bitter people here. Since so many others have spent the time to review this game already, I will post the reviews I found on metacritic.com:
100 - EuroGamer
100 - Gamer 2.0
100 - Game Revolution
100 - GameDaily
100 - G4 TV
100 - Gaming Age
97 - IC-Games
97 - IGN
96 - PC Zone UK
96 - Cheat Code Central
95- GamerNode
95 - PC Gamer UK
95 - GameTrailers
94 - FiringSquad
91 - AtomicGamer
90 - GameSpot
90 - DailyGame | 2 | positive | [
"This game is amazing.",
"Thrilling, terrifying, moving, confusing, amusing, compelling, and very dark.",
"BioShock isn't simply the sign of gaming realising its true cinematic potential, but one where a game straddles so many entertainment art forms so expertly that it's the best demonstration yet how flexible this medium can be.",
"It's no longer just another shooter wrapped up in a pretty game engine, but a story that exists and unfolds inside the most convincing and elaborate and artistic game world ever conceived.",
"One thing, there is NO rootkit.",
"There have been some problems getting the game to install as Irrational Games authentication servers had some problems the first few days and some people had problems inputting their reg code properly.",
"This is a minor issue, but there are obviously some immature and bitter people here.",
"Since so many others have spent the time to review this game already, I will post the reviews I found on metacritic.",
"com:\n\n100 - EuroGamer\n100 - Gamer 2.",
"0\n100 - Game Revolution\n100 - GameDaily\n100 - G4 TV\n100 - Gaming Age\n97 - IC-Games\n97 - IGN\n96 - PC Zone UK\n96 - Cheat Code Central\n95- GamerNode\n95 - PC Gamer UK\n95 - GameTrailers\n94 - FiringSquad\n91 - AtomicGamer\n90 - GameSpot\n90 - DailyGame"
] |
aaah, the good old 8-bit euphoria.... I miss the time when games were so simply entertaining. This game was my favorite amongst them next to Castlevania, and still is. I actually know the the source code to this game (it was required for a programming class, but it was the most fun i ever had doing a school project).
The Metroid series is very unqie in a lot of ways. It was one of the first games to played on entirely one level. However, that one level is so enormous, that it won't even cross your mind. So don't let the one level thing fool you - Metroid games are long and take several hours to beat as long as you don't cheat. The game is so filled with secret passages and little programming glitches that it'll keep you busy for weeks even after you've completed the main game! One fun thing to do is to look around for the Secret Worlds, which are actually programming glitches that duplicate the area you're already in and warp it.
One time my brother's friend tried to play the game, gloating about how how simple and cheesy it was. He boasted that he could beat it in less than an hour simply because it was 8-bit. Oh, how ignorant he proved to be when he got downwinded in less than a minute. The game is DAMN HARD, even today.
I recommend this to everyone - period. Anybody can find something to enjoy from this masterpiece. I particularly recommend that younger kids who didn't have the privilege of growing up with 8-bit as my generation did take a chance with it. Pretty graphics aren't everything - in fact, they're virtually nothing. This is gaming at its best! | 2 | positive | [
"aaah, the good old 8-bit euphoria....",
"I miss the time when games were so simply entertaining.",
"This game was my favorite amongst them next to Castlevania, and still is.",
"I actually know the the source code to this game (it was required for a programming class, but it was the most fun i ever had doing a school project).",
"The Metroid series is very unqie in a lot of ways.",
"It was one of the first games to played on entirely one level.",
"However, that one level is so enormous, that it won't even cross your mind.",
"So don't let the one level thing fool you - Metroid games are long and take several hours to beat as long as you don't cheat.",
"The game is so filled with secret passages and little programming glitches that it'll keep you busy for weeks even after you've completed the main game!",
"One fun thing to do is to look around for the Secret Worlds, which are actually programming glitches that duplicate the area you're already in and warp it.",
"One time my brother's friend tried to play the game, gloating about how how simple and cheesy it was.",
"He boasted that he could beat it in less than an hour simply because it was 8-bit.",
"Oh, how ignorant he proved to be when he got downwinded in less than a minute.",
"The game is DAMN HARD, even today.",
"I recommend this to everyone - period.",
"Anybody can find something to enjoy from this masterpiece.",
"I particularly recommend that younger kids who didn't have the privilege of growing up with 8-bit as my generation did take a chance with it.",
"Pretty graphics aren't everything - in fact, they're virtually nothing.",
"This is gaming at its best!"
] |
Though often the favored target of rock's more esoteric critics, and prone to many of the ego clashes and chemical excesses of most rock bands, the Eagles nevertheless had a strong discipline when it came to creating records. This was true on every studio album they ever made, but particularly so on their monstrous 1976 smash HOTEL CALIFORNIA.
This time around, the band became more hard-rock oriented, thanks to the departure of lead guitarist Bernie Leadon and the addition of Joe Walsh just prior to beginning work on the album. In many ways, HOTEL CALIFORNIA, like their 1973 classic DESPERADO, is a concept album with various themes consistently running through it, thanks to the combustible nature of Glenn Frey's and Don Henley's songs. Whereas DESPERADO was centered around the Old West, this album is centered around the dark side of urban life in Los Angeles--what one might call SoCal Gothic. The almost supernatural feel of the title track and the highly-charged "Life In The Fast Lane" contrast quite well with Frey's heartbreak classic "New Kid In Town" and Henley's epic closer "The Last Resort." The most poignant moment of the album is almost certainly Henley's own "Wasted Time", inspired in large part by a real-life breakup with girlfriend Loree Rodkin.
Propelled further by the dual guitar work of Walsh and Don Felder, and Randy Meisner's exceptional bass playing and vocals, HOTEL CALIFORNIA proved to be the band's biggest studio album in terms of sales (fifteen million and still climbing), but also a very hard act to follow, which sadly caused the band to disintegrate a short three years later, not to return until 1994, when, as we all know, Hell froze over. Knowing this history, however, does not dampen the impact of either the band or this incredible 1970s chronicle. It is one of rock's essential albums, without dispute. | 2 | positive | [
"Though often the favored target of rock's more esoteric critics, and prone to many of the ego clashes and chemical excesses of most rock bands, the Eagles nevertheless had a strong discipline when it came to creating records.",
"This was true on every studio album they ever made, but particularly so on their monstrous 1976 smash HOTEL CALIFORNIA.",
"This time around, the band became more hard-rock oriented, thanks to the departure of lead guitarist Bernie Leadon and the addition of Joe Walsh just prior to beginning work on the album.",
"In many ways, HOTEL CALIFORNIA, like their 1973 classic DESPERADO, is a concept album with various themes consistently running through it, thanks to the combustible nature of Glenn Frey's and Don Henley's songs.",
"Whereas DESPERADO was centered around the Old West, this album is centered around the dark side of urban life in Los Angeles--what one might call SoCal Gothic.",
"The almost supernatural feel of the title track and the highly-charged \"Life In The Fast Lane\" contrast quite well with Frey's heartbreak classic \"New Kid In Town\" and Henley's epic closer \"The Last Resort.",
"\" The most poignant moment of the album is almost certainly Henley's own \"Wasted Time\", inspired in large part by a real-life breakup with girlfriend Loree Rodkin.",
"Propelled further by the dual guitar work of Walsh and Don Felder, and Randy Meisner's exceptional bass playing and vocals, HOTEL CALIFORNIA proved to be the band's biggest studio album in terms of sales (fifteen million and still climbing), but also a very hard act to follow, which sadly caused the band to disintegrate a short three years later, not to return until 1994, when, as we all know, Hell froze over.",
"Knowing this history, however, does not dampen the impact of either the band or this incredible 1970s chronicle.",
"It is one of rock's essential albums, without dispute."
] |
Normally I don't bother to review products, but this one delivers on all promises and I am ecstatic! I just finished using this for the first time and I'm already forgetting how I used to change water in my tanks. This thing is amazing. I thought it had to be too good to be true- surely all those positive reviews were just paid for by the company. Not so! I hate doing water changes on my big 75gal; it was such a pain that I was slacking on maintenance. Just now did the water change with no problems, no spills, no worries about tripping over the dog (lol), and I didn't even have to ask my handsome husband for help. This is a one-man tool; you can use it by yourself easily and you don't need a second person to turn the faucet off and on. Took me a few minutes to fully comprehend the instructions (I wanted to make sure I was doing it right!) but a careful reading is all that is needed. Even though it took me a minute, the instructions were clear. I chose this model over other brands because this one has a brass fixture to attach to the faucet, and other products seemed to have plastic ones that broke easily. Nothing looks fragile on this unit!
I'm honestly shocked at how well this works. My only complaint is that I wish the suction was a tad stronger- however, this is dependent on the water pressure from your faucet; its not the product's fault.
Bottom line: Don't hesitate to invest in this. It seems pricey, but you will be thankful after using it just once. | 2 | positive | [
"Normally I don't bother to review products, but this one delivers on all promises and I am ecstatic!",
"I just finished using this for the first time and I'm already forgetting how I used to change water in my tanks.",
"This thing is amazing.",
"I thought it had to be too good to be true- surely all those positive reviews were just paid for by the company.",
"Not so!",
"I hate doing water changes on my big 75gal; it was such a pain that I was slacking on maintenance.",
"Just now did the water change with no problems, no spills, no worries about tripping over the dog (lol), and I didn't even have to ask my handsome husband for help.",
"This is a one-man tool; you can use it by yourself easily and you don't need a second person to turn the faucet off and on.",
"Took me a few minutes to fully comprehend the instructions (I wanted to make sure I was doing it right!",
") but a careful reading is all that is needed.",
"Even though it took me a minute, the instructions were clear.",
"I chose this model over other brands because this one has a brass fixture to attach to the faucet, and other products seemed to have plastic ones that broke easily.",
"Nothing looks fragile on this unit!",
"I'm honestly shocked at how well this works.",
"My only complaint is that I wish the suction was a tad stronger- however, this is dependent on the water pressure from your faucet; its not the product's fault.",
"Bottom line: Don't hesitate to invest in this.",
"It seems pricey, but you will be thankful after using it just once."
] |
I read mixed reviews, but considering the low cost, this product was worth the risk. I bought these pods to make bottles of vanilla extract (I used the Boston Round Bottles, found here: <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/B003FXOMSA/dp/B003FXOMSA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">B003FXOMSA</a> and they were also perfect for the project).
The package was a thick, vacuum-sealed pouch, and the pods were approx 6" long, moist, and fragrant. I could smell the vanilla scent through the thick plastic. The caviar inside was also very moist, very sticky, and abundant - terrific quality. I used only a dozen of the pods at first and refrigerated the rest in the original pouch and secured it in a ziploc baggie for another week until I could get more bottles. Some consumers complained that they mildewed quickly, so I wanted to use them up before encountering that problem. The next week, the remaining 26 pods were gainfully employed, marinating in middle-grade vodka to await the coming baking season.
After only 1 week, curiosity led me to check the aroma of the young extract, and it was so yummy that I couldn't resist using some of the premature mixture in a batch of cookies. HEAVENLY!!! I can't wait to taste it after the recommended 2 months!!!
I would suggest, simply because others have complained about the mildew problem, to either vacuum seal the unused pods, or use them up right away.
I will order these again in the future and I would definitely recommend this product to a friend. | 2 | positive | [
"I read mixed reviews, but considering the low cost, this product was worth the risk.",
"I bought these pods to make bottles of vanilla extract (I used the Boston Round Bottles, found here: <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/B003FXOMSA/dp/B003FXOMSA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">B003FXOMSA</a> and they were also perfect for the project).",
"The package was a thick, vacuum-sealed pouch, and the pods were approx 6\" long, moist, and fragrant.",
"I could smell the vanilla scent through the thick plastic.",
"The caviar inside was also very moist, very sticky, and abundant - terrific quality.",
"I used only a dozen of the pods at first and refrigerated the rest in the original pouch and secured it in a ziploc baggie for another week until I could get more bottles.",
"Some consumers complained that they mildewed quickly, so I wanted to use them up before encountering that problem.",
"The next week, the remaining 26 pods were gainfully employed, marinating in middle-grade vodka to await the coming baking season.",
"After only 1 week, curiosity led me to check the aroma of the young extract, and it was so yummy that I couldn't resist using some of the premature mixture in a batch of cookies.",
"HEAVENLY!!!",
"I can't wait to taste it after the recommended 2 months!!!",
"I would suggest, simply because others have complained about the mildew problem, to either vacuum seal the unused pods, or use them up right away.",
"I will order these again in the future and I would definitely recommend this product to a friend."
] |
Rubber inside...cheap plastic case...has kick stand...Rubber inside...cheap plastic case...has kick stand...Rubber inside...cheap plastic case...has kick stand....great price for what it is! | 2 | positive | [
"Rubber inside...",
"cheap plastic case...",
"has kick stand...",
"Rubber inside...",
"cheap plastic case...",
"has kick stand...",
"Rubber inside...",
"cheap plastic case...",
"has kick stand....",
"great price for what it is!"
] |
This provocative thriller is based on a book by Andrew Neiderman, and while the movie does well, it's quite different from the novel----almost making it two different stories with the same theme.
Keanu Reeves plays Kevin Lomax, a hotshot Florida attorney who's unbeaten track attracts the attention of a high power New York law firm. He packs up his wife (Charlize Theron) and off he goes, not realizing that his new boss is not quite what he seems....he's the devil.
Reeves is wooden for most of the movie, but he manages to pull out a believable performance by the end, so he doesn't bring the film down. Al Pacino as Satan is wonderful, energizing his role with demonic glee and self assuredness. Theron is very good in one of her earlier roles, playing the neglected wife who descends into madness, helped along by Reeves' conniving boss. A red-headed Connie Nielsen is seductively effective as Christabella, a sexy siren who wants in Reeves' pants. Jeffrey Jones and Craig T. Nelson also star in unimpressive roles.
Director Hackford keeps the pace interesting, up to a rather surprising climax.
It's interesting that Satan has chosen the legal profession to promote his schemes, but since lawyers are often considered demons, one can see why.
Tasty little thriller. | 2 | positive | [
"This provocative thriller is based on a book by Andrew Neiderman, and while the movie does well, it's quite different from the novel----almost making it two different stories with the same theme.",
"Keanu Reeves plays Kevin Lomax, a hotshot Florida attorney who's unbeaten track attracts the attention of a high power New York law firm.",
"He packs up his wife (Charlize Theron) and off he goes, not realizing that his new boss is not quite what he seems....",
"he's the devil.",
"Reeves is wooden for most of the movie, but he manages to pull out a believable performance by the end, so he doesn't bring the film down.",
"Al Pacino as Satan is wonderful, energizing his role with demonic glee and self assuredness.",
"Theron is very good in one of her earlier roles, playing the neglected wife who descends into madness, helped along by Reeves' conniving boss.",
"A red-headed Connie Nielsen is seductively effective as Christabella, a sexy siren who wants in Reeves' pants.",
"Jeffrey Jones and Craig T.",
"Nelson also star in unimpressive roles.",
"Director Hackford keeps the pace interesting, up to a rather surprising climax.",
"It's interesting that Satan has chosen the legal profession to promote his schemes, but since lawyers are often considered demons, one can see why.",
"Tasty little thriller."
] |
I've used this DMT Coarse "stone" for over three years, and in that time I've really come to like it a lot. Generally I use synthetic water stones for knife sharpening but the DMT is often better for roughing in a bevel on a very dull or damaged knife. First off the Dia-Sharp is a fast cutting stone, especially when it's new. After using it for awhile it will "drop off" in speed and begin to cut more slowly, and leaving a finer polish as well. This is normal and is the result of the wearing away of the very top layer of diamonds. Once "broken in" the DMT-C cuts quickly and leaves a finer scratch pattern than you'd expect for a 320 grit "stone". It's very easy to jump up to a 1k or even a good 2k water stone after the DMT.
When compared to conventional synthetic water stones the Dia-Sharps have a couple of major advantages. The first and most noteworthy is that they won't dish- ever. Those of you who've seen the old-school "saddle shaped" Arkansas or India tri-stones can appreciate what I'm talking about. The DMT will stay reference-flat for the life of the stone. And my experience has been that the DMTs last for a good while. My C has been used heavily for sharpening and for flattening other stones for 3+ years and while it's definitely showing some wear it's still going strong. That leads me to the other advantage- it's flat enough out of the box and durable enough to use it to flatten your other stones. The 320/C isn't fast enough to effectively flatten very coarse Aratos but it's fine for medium and fine grit stones.
I think for the final polishing water stones leave a superior finish vs the DMTs, but the Dia-Sharps really shine when used in the coarser grits. I'd hate to be without mine. | 2 | positive | [
"I've used this DMT Coarse \"stone\" for over three years, and in that time I've really come to like it a lot.",
"Generally I use synthetic water stones for knife sharpening but the DMT is often better for roughing in a bevel on a very dull or damaged knife.",
"First off the Dia-Sharp is a fast cutting stone, especially when it's new.",
"After using it for awhile it will \"drop off\" in speed and begin to cut more slowly, and leaving a finer polish as well.",
"This is normal and is the result of the wearing away of the very top layer of diamonds.",
"Once \"broken in\" the DMT-C cuts quickly and leaves a finer scratch pattern than you'd expect for a 320 grit \"stone\".",
"It's very easy to jump up to a 1k or even a good 2k water stone after the DMT.",
"When compared to conventional synthetic water stones the Dia-Sharps have a couple of major advantages.",
"The first and most noteworthy is that they won't dish- ever.",
"Those of you who've seen the old-school \"saddle shaped\" Arkansas or India tri-stones can appreciate what I'm talking about.",
"The DMT will stay reference-flat for the life of the stone.",
"And my experience has been that the DMTs last for a good while.",
"My C has been used heavily for sharpening and for flattening other stones for 3+ years and while it's definitely showing some wear it's still going strong.",
"That leads me to the other advantage- it's flat enough out of the box and durable enough to use it to flatten your other stones.",
"The 320/C isn't fast enough to effectively flatten very coarse Aratos but it's fine for medium and fine grit stones.",
"I think for the final polishing water stones leave a superior finish vs the DMTs, but the Dia-Sharps really shine when used in the coarser grits.",
"I'd hate to be without mine."
] |
After a pair of albums that left purists scratching their heads (Dynasty and Unmasked), KISS fans were really hoping for the best. Well, it sure as hell looked like they were gonna get what they wanted. Even with drummer Eric Carr replacing Peter Criss beginning with the Unmasked tour, the band was back to playing what they were best known for in Ace's own studio built beneath his home, aptly called "Ace In The Hole." This seemed like a recipe for unquestionable success, and throw in Destroyer producer Bob Ezrin and you have yourself bank, right?
Well, that's where things went backwards a bit. Bob Ezrin didn't like the demos they had recorded for it, and immediately opted to scrap them. His plan: do a concept album. The thought was to record the music as the soundtrack to a movie entitled "The Elder." It would be a rock opera about a young boy's quest to become a powerful warrior. All the pieces were in place: a prelude ("Fanfare," "Just A Boy"), an ideal opening credit sequence ("Oddysey"), music to help tell the body of the story ("Only You," "Under The Rose," "Dark Light," "A World Without Heroes," "The Oath," "Mr. Blackwell"), and a finale ("Escape From The Island," "I").
My personal opinion: this would have been a damn good movie with a soundtrack such as this. The music is far more diverse than your average KISS record, and no two songs sound anywhere near the same. Only a couple of songs sound like anything KISS would have recorded in their early years, although something is noticeably different about them. The first, "Dark Light," has several changes in time signature throughout, plus this would be the last track for a very long time on which Ace Frehley sang lead vocals. The second, "Escape From The Island," is an instrumental, far different in mood and style from their only other one, "Love Theme From KISS." The latter is slow and has a "let's have sex" vibe written all over it; the former is fast, frantic, heavy and really lives up to its name, as I can see the boy in a mad dash to escape from whatever island of chaos he is on. It's my personal favorite song from this album. The third and final, "I," is almost your standard Paul and Gene duet with a shout-along chorus, and another one of this album's finest.
On the other hand, you have the deeper, more progressive sounds of "Only You," "Under The Rose," "A World Without Heroes," and "Mr. Blackwell." Honestly, I do not care much for the latter of those, but the other three are also among KISS' very finest songs. "Only You" is a different take on a Paul/Gene duet; it is actually a dialogue, with Gene as the Elder and Paul as the boy. Along with "A World Without Heroes," it also has more of a Floydian touch; this should come as no great surprise, for Ezrin had recently helped with production on Pink Floyd's The Wall. "A World Without Heroes" is one of KISS' very finest ballads, and had people liked this record I have a feeling it would have been a chart-topping smash. "The Oath" is probably the hardest song on the album and has an 80's metal vibe going for it, which would be a precursor to their 1982 masterpiece, Creatures Of The Night.
When it all comes together, this is a very unique record, especially for KISS. There's no talk about sex, there's not nearly as much in the way of shout-along choruses, the songwriting is experimental, and the diversity is quite intense. Damn near every KISS purist hates it, and the album hasn't even gone gold yet. But like I said on my review of another lost gem, Crazy Nights, several KISS standards are there. Paul and Gene are present, as is Ace for that matter. Even with this kind of songwriting, they made use of cowbell (on "Dark Light"). The songs are mostly memorable with mostly catchy hooks. The bottom line: it's KISS to me. And it's pretty darn good. The only reason it doesn't get a perfect score is because I don't care much for Mr. Blackwell. Fans hate it, the band didn't even tour for it, it didn't sell, but don't let that fool you, it's a lost gem in their long catalog. | 2 | positive | [
"After a pair of albums that left purists scratching their heads (Dynasty and Unmasked), KISS fans were really hoping for the best.",
"Well, it sure as hell looked like they were gonna get what they wanted.",
"Even with drummer Eric Carr replacing Peter Criss beginning with the Unmasked tour, the band was back to playing what they were best known for in Ace's own studio built beneath his home, aptly called \"Ace In The Hole.",
"\" This seemed like a recipe for unquestionable success, and throw in Destroyer producer Bob Ezrin and you have yourself bank, right?",
"Well, that's where things went backwards a bit.",
"Bob Ezrin didn't like the demos they had recorded for it, and immediately opted to scrap them.",
"His plan: do a concept album.",
"The thought was to record the music as the soundtrack to a movie entitled \"The Elder.",
"\" It would be a rock opera about a young boy's quest to become a powerful warrior.",
"All the pieces were in place: a prelude (\"Fanfare,\" \"Just A Boy\"), an ideal opening credit sequence (\"Oddysey\"), music to help tell the body of the story (\"Only You,\" \"Under The Rose,\" \"Dark Light,\" \"A World Without Heroes,\" \"The Oath,\" \"Mr.",
"Blackwell\"), and a finale (\"Escape From The Island,\" \"I\").",
"My personal opinion: this would have been a damn good movie with a soundtrack such as this.",
"The music is far more diverse than your average KISS record, and no two songs sound anywhere near the same.",
"Only a couple of songs sound like anything KISS would have recorded in their early years, although something is noticeably different about them.",
"The first, \"Dark Light,\" has several changes in time signature throughout, plus this would be the last track for a very long time on which Ace Frehley sang lead vocals.",
"The second, \"Escape From The Island,\" is an instrumental, far different in mood and style from their only other one, \"Love Theme From KISS.",
"\" The latter is slow and has a \"let's have sex\" vibe written all over it; the former is fast, frantic, heavy and really lives up to its name, as I can see the boy in a mad dash to escape from whatever island of chaos he is on.",
"It's my personal favorite song from this album.",
"The third and final, \"I,\" is almost your standard Paul and Gene duet with a shout-along chorus, and another one of this album's finest.",
"On the other hand, you have the deeper, more progressive sounds of \"Only You,\" \"Under The Rose,\" \"A World Without Heroes,\" and \"Mr.",
"Blackwell.",
"\" Honestly, I do not care much for the latter of those, but the other three are also among KISS' very finest songs.",
"\"Only You\" is a different take on a Paul/Gene duet; it is actually a dialogue, with Gene as the Elder and Paul as the boy.",
"Along with \"A World Without Heroes,\" it also has more of a Floydian touch; this should come as no great surprise, for Ezrin had recently helped with production on Pink Floyd's The Wall.",
"\"A World Without Heroes\" is one of KISS' very finest ballads, and had people liked this record I have a feeling it would have been a chart-topping smash.",
"\"The Oath\" is probably the hardest song on the album and has an 80's metal vibe going for it, which would be a precursor to their 1982 masterpiece, Creatures Of The Night.",
"When it all comes together, this is a very unique record, especially for KISS.",
"There's no talk about sex, there's not nearly as much in the way of shout-along choruses, the songwriting is experimental, and the diversity is quite intense.",
"Damn near every KISS purist hates it, and the album hasn't even gone gold yet.",
"But like I said on my review of another lost gem, Crazy Nights, several KISS standards are there.",
"Paul and Gene are present, as is Ace for that matter.",
"Even with this kind of songwriting, they made use of cowbell (on \"Dark Light\").",
"The songs are mostly memorable with mostly catchy hooks.",
"The bottom line: it's KISS to me.",
"And it's pretty darn good.",
"The only reason it doesn't get a perfect score is because I don't care much for Mr.",
"Blackwell.",
"Fans hate it, the band didn't even tour for it, it didn't sell, but don't let that fool you, it's a lost gem in their long catalog."
] |
The TV series STREET HAWK is currently being rerun on the UK's BRAVO satellite channel, alongside other cheesy classics such as AIRWOLF and KNIGHT RIDER. The first episode is a gem. Jesse MAch(REX SMITH - whatever happened to HIM?) loses his police partner during a drugs bust. When FBI agent Normal Tuttle corners him, he jumps on this sleek looking Honda motorcycle armed with machine guns, laser cannons(come on!) and missiles, not to mention a rocket thruster and vertical lift capability, becoming the STREET HAWK vigilante by night, and a desk cop by day, to get his own revenge on the baddies. Hmmmm, you're thinking! Sounds awfully familiar! But watching this pilot episode now, and the series, really brought back some memories of the summer of 1984 for me. The musical soundtrack by Tangerine Dream simply rocks big time as well. If you can get hold of a copy of this, and you love 1980s action series with futuristic(for its time) technology, then don't miss this. Track it down and enjoy, the series still has a big fan base. | 2 | positive | [
"The TV series STREET HAWK is currently being rerun on the UK's BRAVO satellite channel, alongside other cheesy classics such as AIRWOLF and KNIGHT RIDER.",
"The first episode is a gem.",
"Jesse MAch(REX SMITH - whatever happened to HIM?",
") loses his police partner during a drugs bust.",
"When FBI agent Normal Tuttle corners him, he jumps on this sleek looking Honda motorcycle armed with machine guns, laser cannons(come on!",
") and missiles, not to mention a rocket thruster and vertical lift capability, becoming the STREET HAWK vigilante by night, and a desk cop by day, to get his own revenge on the baddies.",
"Hmmmm, you're thinking!",
"Sounds awfully familiar!",
"But watching this pilot episode now, and the series, really brought back some memories of the summer of 1984 for me.",
"The musical soundtrack by Tangerine Dream simply rocks big time as well.",
"If you can get hold of a copy of this, and you love 1980s action series with futuristic(for its time) technology, then don't miss this.",
"Track it down and enjoy, the series still has a big fan base."
] |
Wow! What a collection. It opens up with ENDLESS LOVE and only gets better. From R&B to Disco to Motown. This album is truly well-rounded and a must-have for everyone!
You can hear her vulnerability in songs like "It's My Turn," "Theme From Mahogany (Do You know Where You're Going To)" and "Touch Me In the Morning."
She'll get you boogie-in' with "Upside Down," "I'm Coming Out," "The Boss" and "Love Hangover."
We even get treated with her old Supremes stuff. A medley of it! All in one! You must buy this CD! It's one of my favorites. | 2 | positive | [
"Wow!",
"What a collection.",
"It opens up with ENDLESS LOVE and only gets better.",
"From R&B to Disco to Motown.",
"This album is truly well-rounded and a must-have for everyone!",
"You can hear her vulnerability in songs like \"It's My Turn,\" \"Theme From Mahogany (Do You know Where You're Going To)\" and \"Touch Me In the Morning.",
"\"\nShe'll get you boogie-in' with \"Upside Down,\" \"I'm Coming Out,\" \"The Boss\" and \"Love Hangover.",
"\"\nWe even get treated with her old Supremes stuff.",
"A medley of it!",
"All in one!",
"You must buy this CD!",
"It's one of my favorites."
] |
The only reason to deduct a half star is due to the fact that the printed inner sleeve with the giant Kiss Army logo on one side and the lyrics to Detroit Rock City on the other is made out of a much thinner paper than the original from 1976, which was actually a thin cardboard. Thank God they at least took the time to have this stuff printed as opposed to slipping the disc into a plain white sleeve. It is my understanding that these reissues will all include their respective inserts. I got a handful of these today and opened Destroyer first.
As for the actual record, well HOLY SMOKE! The center ring is a reproduction of the original 1976 BLUE BOGART LABEL! The sound, as I am winding up side one as I type is STUNNING! The 180 gram vinyl is so quiet that if you didn't know you were spinning wax, you could easily mistake it for a CD!
If all the records sound this good, and they should, this is going to make me very happy. The feeling of having a brand new VINTAGE KISS album in my hands, slitting it open for the first time, slipping out a high quality piece of wax, and hearing the needle touch the virgin vinyl are all things to be treasured. I will review the rest of the records as I get to them. As Do You Love Me? finishes up, I will move on to Dynasty. Hoping for a quality poster on good stock. I will certainly let you know! | 2 | positive | [
"The only reason to deduct a half star is due to the fact that the printed inner sleeve with the giant Kiss Army logo on one side and the lyrics to Detroit Rock City on the other is made out of a much thinner paper than the original from 1976, which was actually a thin cardboard.",
"Thank God they at least took the time to have this stuff printed as opposed to slipping the disc into a plain white sleeve.",
"It is my understanding that these reissues will all include their respective inserts.",
"I got a handful of these today and opened Destroyer first.",
"As for the actual record, well HOLY SMOKE!",
"The center ring is a reproduction of the original 1976 BLUE BOGART LABEL!",
"The sound, as I am winding up side one as I type is STUNNING!",
"The 180 gram vinyl is so quiet that if you didn't know you were spinning wax, you could easily mistake it for a CD!",
"If all the records sound this good, and they should, this is going to make me very happy.",
"The feeling of having a brand new VINTAGE KISS album in my hands, slitting it open for the first time, slipping out a high quality piece of wax, and hearing the needle touch the virgin vinyl are all things to be treasured.",
"I will review the rest of the records as I get to them.",
"As Do You Love Me?",
"finishes up, I will move on to Dynasty.",
"Hoping for a quality poster on good stock.",
"I will certainly let you know!"
] |
This is a fun light read which I would characterize as young adult (YA) fantasy. It is simple and unpretentious. It is the story of a 12 year castle boy, Toby, who just does not fit in. Toby is not able to succeed in any of the traditional apprenticeships. Toby's best friend is the castle dragon, Klel. Klel is in desperate need of Toby's help to survive. The Dragon's Apprentice is the story of Toby's quest to save Klel. Can Toby step up to the plate for this challenge?
This is not an epic fantasy (which I typically prefer). It is a simple story which stays focused on the quest to free Klel, restore Klel's magic, find Klel's home and prove Toby's ability to succeed. The strength of the story is keeping a simple story simple without overly elaborating. There are 3 main characters and a handful of minor characters. The quest and the plot are straightforward. It is fun to read.
Book Lengths (as measured by number of Kindle locations):
The Dragon's Apprentice = 3,290 locations
As a reference point for long books, typical books in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series ranged from 15,000 to 20,000 plus Kindle locations. Standard length novels seem to run in the 4,500 to 7,000 plus Kindle location range. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a fun light read which I would characterize as young adult (YA) fantasy.",
"It is simple and unpretentious.",
"It is the story of a 12 year castle boy, Toby, who just does not fit in.",
"Toby is not able to succeed in any of the traditional apprenticeships.",
"Toby's best friend is the castle dragon, Klel.",
"Klel is in desperate need of Toby's help to survive.",
"The Dragon's Apprentice is the story of Toby's quest to save Klel.",
"Can Toby step up to the plate for this challenge?",
"This is not an epic fantasy (which I typically prefer).",
"It is a simple story which stays focused on the quest to free Klel, restore Klel's magic, find Klel's home and prove Toby's ability to succeed.",
"The strength of the story is keeping a simple story simple without overly elaborating.",
"There are 3 main characters and a handful of minor characters.",
"The quest and the plot are straightforward.",
"It is fun to read.",
"Book Lengths (as measured by number of Kindle locations):\nThe Dragon's Apprentice = 3,290 locations\nAs a reference point for long books, typical books in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series ranged from 15,000 to 20,000 plus Kindle locations.",
"Standard length novels seem to run in the 4,500 to 7,000 plus Kindle location range."
] |
In a world full of violent and sexual, mature PS2 games (and i don't mind those), it seems as if the PS2 was meant for teenagers on up. Well not now. Jak and Daxter is a flawless PS2 game, reminding me somewhat of Super Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, or Crash Bandicoot. This is a nice breath of fresh air for PS2 owners... something your little brother can play, have a great time, laugh, without hesitating. and it is a good game, don't get me wrong. one of the best games ive ever played! its self explanitory, easy, and tons of fun. Once you get used to everything on the fist stages, it gets harder though, so it isn't a total walk in the park. there are great voice overs, and their worlds are very vibrant and have lots of color. Its the first good game for PS2 for all ages. While crash bandicoot on the PS2 really disappointed me, try this one instead. | 2 | positive | [
"In a world full of violent and sexual, mature PS2 games (and i don't mind those), it seems as if the PS2 was meant for teenagers on up.",
"Well not now.",
"Jak and Daxter is a flawless PS2 game, reminding me somewhat of Super Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, or Crash Bandicoot.",
"This is a nice breath of fresh air for PS2 owners...",
"something your little brother can play, have a great time, laugh, without hesitating.",
"and it is a good game, don't get me wrong.",
"one of the best games ive ever played!",
"its self explanitory, easy, and tons of fun.",
"Once you get used to everything on the fist stages, it gets harder though, so it isn't a total walk in the park.",
"there are great voice overs, and their worlds are very vibrant and have lots of color.",
"Its the first good game for PS2 for all ages.",
"While crash bandicoot on the PS2 really disappointed me, try this one instead."
] |
I agree with a previous review that said The River contains some of the best and worst Springsteen songs released. For the most part, this album has some solid songs.
The Best (IMO):
1. Hungry Heart
2. Point Blank
3. Fade Away
4. The River
5. The Ties that Bind
6. Out in the Street
The Worst (IMO):
1. Crush on You
2. Sherry Darling
3. I Wanna Marry You
4. I'm a Rocker
Despite the filler songs on this album, I'd still recommend The River. | 2 | positive | [
"I agree with a previous review that said The River contains some of the best and worst Springsteen songs released.",
"For the most part, this album has some solid songs.",
"The Best (IMO):\n\n1.",
"Hungry Heart\n\n2.",
"Point Blank\n\n3.",
"Fade Away\n\n4.",
"The River\n\n5.",
"The Ties that Bind\n\n6.",
"Out in the Street\n\nThe Worst (IMO):\n\n1.",
"Crush on You\n\n2.",
"Sherry Darling\n\n3.",
"I Wanna Marry You\n\n4.",
"I'm a Rocker\n\nDespite the filler songs on this album, I'd still recommend The River."
] |
Aenima is quite simply one of the only records I own that challenges me on an intellectual level every time I listen to it. Maynard's lyrics are intricate, often terrifying explorations into forbidden subject matter. The music is equally haunting, often spiralling into crescendos that cause one's pulse to quicken and tears to spring to one's eye.
Tool is metal with a small M, not the Death/Grind/Aggro kind. It's okay for Tool to have it's own category; they've earned it by breaking the genre. You're not cool because you listen to Tool, you simply have an appreciation for cool and ground-breaking music. Every song on the album packs an emotional and musical punch, especially "Forty-Six and 2", "Hooker with a Penis" and "Eleven".
"Aenima" is a song that pays homage to Bill Hicks' excellent comedy record "Arizona Bay", which is what will be left when LA falls into the ocean. Maynard's lyrics nail every single thing that is wrong with Los Angeles, while the music rages and writhes to complement the sentiments.
The songs that are actually songs are excellent. By all rights, this album should deserve 5 stars. HOWEVER: I was at first startled by and later put off by all the short songs packed in between the ones of substance. Every single one is deadwood and could have been chopped to reveal the true core of Aenima: the insightful and powerful music that is classic Tool. Many bands have done this (or the "Hidden Track" thing), with varying degrees of success. Most are pointless, and muddle what may be an excellent album.
Tool is, in my mind, one of the most brilliant bands of the past decade. While their style may not tickle everyone, I think the overwhelming majority of positive reviews on this page shows that Tool are truly a heavyweight in the music world and a true force to be reckoned with. | 2 | positive | [
"Aenima is quite simply one of the only records I own that challenges me on an intellectual level every time I listen to it.",
"Maynard's lyrics are intricate, often terrifying explorations into forbidden subject matter.",
"The music is equally haunting, often spiralling into crescendos that cause one's pulse to quicken and tears to spring to one's eye.",
"Tool is metal with a small M, not the Death/Grind/Aggro kind.",
"It's okay for Tool to have it's own category; they've earned it by breaking the genre.",
"You're not cool because you listen to Tool, you simply have an appreciation for cool and ground-breaking music.",
"Every song on the album packs an emotional and musical punch, especially \"Forty-Six and 2\", \"Hooker with a Penis\" and \"Eleven\".",
"\"Aenima\" is a song that pays homage to Bill Hicks' excellent comedy record \"Arizona Bay\", which is what will be left when LA falls into the ocean.",
"Maynard's lyrics nail every single thing that is wrong with Los Angeles, while the music rages and writhes to complement the sentiments.",
"The songs that are actually songs are excellent.",
"By all rights, this album should deserve 5 stars.",
"HOWEVER: I was at first startled by and later put off by all the short songs packed in between the ones of substance.",
"Every single one is deadwood and could have been chopped to reveal the true core of Aenima: the insightful and powerful music that is classic Tool.",
"Many bands have done this (or the \"Hidden Track\" thing), with varying degrees of success.",
"Most are pointless, and muddle what may be an excellent album.",
"Tool is, in my mind, one of the most brilliant bands of the past decade.",
"While their style may not tickle everyone, I think the overwhelming majority of positive reviews on this page shows that Tool are truly a heavyweight in the music world and a true force to be reckoned with."
] |
It fits well! However, I did not notice that it has no "light, thin" lining. MY FAULT. It's true to size. If you want a bit of lining, I need it, then you can buy thin liners at a craft/sewing store. HOWEVER< if you do that buy a bigger cup size or you'll hand out.
It's so hard to find decent T backs or racer backs. Some of us have small shoulders and or hand problems that make it hard to use back closing bras.
I gave it 4 because it is what it is. I didn't give it 3 because that is not fair to the company. But for me personally it is not a 5 star. | 2 | positive | [
"It fits well!",
"However, I did not notice that it has no \"light, thin\" lining.",
"MY FAULT.",
"It's true to size.",
"If you want a bit of lining, I need it, then you can buy thin liners at a craft/sewing store.",
"HOWEVER< if you do that buy a bigger cup size or you'll hand out.",
"It's so hard to find decent T backs or racer backs.",
"Some of us have small shoulders and or hand problems that make it hard to use back closing bras.",
"I gave it 4 because it is what it is.",
"I didn't give it 3 because that is not fair to the company.",
"But for me personally it is not a 5 star."
] |
Items like this are an insurance policy. You hope you never need them. Then, when the time comes, you hope thy pay off!
I live in Phoenix, and we get some nasty thunderstorms during our Monsoon. I haven't purchased quality surge protectors in years. I've read that they do wear out over time, and should be replaced. Instead of buying all new protectors, I decided it would be less expensive to keep what I have, and simply ADD these to the wall outlet. Plus, these have a lifetime warranty. If they ever stop working, I assume the indicator will go out to alert me, and Tripp Lite will replace them. Plus, I would think that having these in addition to my existing surge protectors adds a second layer of protection. Should one take a hit and fail, hopefully the second will protect my equipment until either one, or both, shut down the power completely if necessary. At $20 each, what have you got to loose? I'd much rather replace a $20 protector than a $400 TV. | 2 | positive | [
"Items like this are an insurance policy.",
"You hope you never need them.",
"Then, when the time comes, you hope thy pay off!",
"I live in Phoenix, and we get some nasty thunderstorms during our Monsoon.",
"I haven't purchased quality surge protectors in years.",
"I've read that they do wear out over time, and should be replaced.",
"Instead of buying all new protectors, I decided it would be less expensive to keep what I have, and simply ADD these to the wall outlet.",
"Plus, these have a lifetime warranty.",
"If they ever stop working, I assume the indicator will go out to alert me, and Tripp Lite will replace them.",
"Plus, I would think that having these in addition to my existing surge protectors adds a second layer of protection.",
"Should one take a hit and fail, hopefully the second will protect my equipment until either one, or both, shut down the power completely if necessary.",
"At $20 each, what have you got to loose?",
"I'd much rather replace a $20 protector than a $400 TV."
] |
TLC is one of the roots behind other female R&B groups in the business today such as Destiny's Child, Blaque, JS, Floetry, and others. Without TLC, female R&B groups would have nothing to model off of. The Sexy T-Boz, Crazy Left Eye (RIP), and Cool Chilli give all they've got. I love T-Boz's voice throughout the album. She has a sexy, deeper voice for a female which is kind of an aphrodisiac and sets the mood for much of the album (about 70%). Chilli's soft, sweet vocals are also shown on the album. I love the way she can hit those high notes that others can't. She dominates, about 30%, of the album while our crazy girl Left Eye is left with the hooks of some songs. Being the only rapper in an R&B group is pretty tough but Left Eye keeps that slick flow. Every song on this album is a hit!
1. Intro-Lude (10/10) - A hip, sexy way to start the album off with a little rap from some no-name guy.
2. Creep (10/10) - A nice, upbeat song about creeping on their man. The lyrics were very well written.
3. Kick Your Game (10/10) - This song definitely proves that this is a 90s album. It has the feel of a 90s song but it's flow never gets old and it always sounds fresh each time you hear it. I can't help but bop my head to it.
4. Diggin' On You (7/10) - Slowing the album down, TLC let Chilli & T-Boz croon to their male fans out there. The song is kind of boring if you ask me but it isn't terrible. Far from terrible.
5. Case of the Fake People (10/10) - One of my favorite tracks on the album. The song is basically talking about people that you think you know but you actually have no idea about them. They come off as something they aren't. This is a good song for the haters in your life.
6. CrazySexyCool [Interlude] (5/10) - Just an interlude with T-Boz talking about the definition of a woman who is CrazySexyCool.
7. Red Light Special (9/10) - A nice cool off after the upbeat "Case of the Fake People". I absolutely love this song.
8. Waterfalls (10/10) - One of the greatest songs ever recorded by TLC. This song is the song that rose them to stardom. This song not only has a positive message, but uses that message to a hot beat.
10. Intermission-Lude - It's just music from the intro.
11. Let's Do It Again (6/10) - I'm not crazy about this song but it is far from being an album filler.
12. If I Was Your Girlfriend (10/10) - Yet another hit! This song is great. Enough said.
13. Sexy [Interlude] (10/10) - Oh my god! This interlude cracks me up. I never get enough of it. It never gets old! It's so damn funny. Lets just say Chilli calls up some guy (I think it's P.Diddy) and she asks him to help her do something. (Flush)
14. Take Our Time (10/10) - My overall FAVORITE song on the whole album! It's so sexy and cool at the same time. It's probably one of the slowest songs on the album but it sure is amazing. Chilli sure knows how to sing to the fellas because she has got me wanting to take my time.
15. Can I Get a Witness [Interlude] (5/10) - Random interlude with Left Eye and Busta Rhymes. This is one of the few times you see Left Eye featured on a track. Poor Left :(.
16. Switch (8/10) - Nothing to scream about but it's pretty good.
17. Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes (featuring Outkast) (10/10) - A deep and positive song about people and the ways of the world today. Andr sure has a way with making songs with positive messages. I love this song.
Overall Grade : A- | 2 | positive | [
"TLC is one of the roots behind other female R&B groups in the business today such as Destiny's Child, Blaque, JS, Floetry, and others.",
"Without TLC, female R&B groups would have nothing to model off of.",
"The Sexy T-Boz, Crazy Left Eye (RIP), and Cool Chilli give all they've got.",
"I love T-Boz's voice throughout the album.",
"She has a sexy, deeper voice for a female which is kind of an aphrodisiac and sets the mood for much of the album (about 70%).",
"Chilli's soft, sweet vocals are also shown on the album.",
"I love the way she can hit those high notes that others can't.",
"She dominates, about 30%, of the album while our crazy girl Left Eye is left with the hooks of some songs.",
"Being the only rapper in an R&B group is pretty tough but Left Eye keeps that slick flow.",
"Every song on this album is a hit!",
"1.",
"Intro-Lude (10/10) - A hip, sexy way to start the album off with a little rap from some no-name guy.",
"2.",
"Creep (10/10) - A nice, upbeat song about creeping on their man.",
"The lyrics were very well written.",
"3.",
"Kick Your Game (10/10) - This song definitely proves that this is a 90s album.",
"It has the feel of a 90s song but it's flow never gets old and it always sounds fresh each time you hear it.",
"I can't help but bop my head to it.",
"4.",
"Diggin' On You (7/10) - Slowing the album down, TLC let Chilli & T-Boz croon to their male fans out there.",
"The song is kind of boring if you ask me but it isn't terrible.",
"Far from terrible.",
"5.",
"Case of the Fake People (10/10) - One of my favorite tracks on the album.",
"The song is basically talking about people that you think you know but you actually have no idea about them.",
"They come off as something they aren't.",
"This is a good song for the haters in your life.",
"6.",
"CrazySexyCool [Interlude] (5/10) - Just an interlude with T-Boz talking about the definition of a woman who is CrazySexyCool.",
"7.",
"Red Light Special (9/10) - A nice cool off after the upbeat \"Case of the Fake People\".",
"I absolutely love this song.",
"8.",
"Waterfalls (10/10) - One of the greatest songs ever recorded by TLC.",
"This song is the song that rose them to stardom.",
"This song not only has a positive message, but uses that message to a hot beat.",
"10.",
"Intermission-Lude - It's just music from the intro.",
"11.",
"Let's Do It Again (6/10) - I'm not crazy about this song but it is far from being an album filler.",
"12.",
"If I Was Your Girlfriend (10/10) - Yet another hit!",
"This song is great.",
"Enough said.",
"13.",
"Sexy [Interlude] (10/10) - Oh my god!",
"This interlude cracks me up.",
"I never get enough of it.",
"It never gets old!",
"It's so damn funny.",
"Lets just say Chilli calls up some guy (I think it's P.",
"Diddy) and she asks him to help her do something.",
"(Flush)\n\n14.",
"Take Our Time (10/10) - My overall FAVORITE song on the whole album!",
"It's so sexy and cool at the same time.",
"It's probably one of the slowest songs on the album but it sure is amazing.",
"Chilli sure knows how to sing to the fellas because she has got me wanting to take my time.",
"15.",
"Can I Get a Witness [Interlude] (5/10) - Random interlude with Left Eye and Busta Rhymes.",
"This is one of the few times you see Left Eye featured on a track.",
"Poor Left :(.",
"16.",
"Switch (8/10) - Nothing to scream about but it's pretty good.",
"17.",
"Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes (featuring Outkast) (10/10) - A deep and positive song about people and the ways of the world today.",
"Andr sure has a way with making songs with positive messages.",
"I love this song.",
"Overall Grade : A-"
] |
I bought this because I was looking for a car mount for my galaxy nexus. I ordered unsure if it would work for me but was planning on giving to my wife for her phone. Needless to say I still have it in my truck and am going to order another on for her. I have it mounted on my windshield by my mirror It fell off the first time I stuck it there but now has been in place for a couple of weeks. It holds the phone very securely and the clamps are small enough I can move my phone to avoid hitting any side buttons. I would recommend this item. I would note that it is a tight fit with my galaxy nexus but not unusable.
UPDATE: after a couple of months of using it the swivel point will not hold the weight of the nexus any more. only little bump on the road and it gives way. The clip still works fine though. | 2 | positive | [
"I bought this because I was looking for a car mount for my galaxy nexus.",
"I ordered unsure if it would work for me but was planning on giving to my wife for her phone.",
"Needless to say I still have it in my truck and am going to order another on for her.",
"I have it mounted on my windshield by my mirror It fell off the first time I stuck it there but now has been in place for a couple of weeks.",
"It holds the phone very securely and the clamps are small enough I can move my phone to avoid hitting any side buttons.",
"I would recommend this item.",
"I would note that it is a tight fit with my galaxy nexus but not unusable.",
"UPDATE: after a couple of months of using it the swivel point will not hold the weight of the nexus any more.",
"only little bump on the road and it gives way.",
"The clip still works fine though."
] |
***I received a free copy in exchange for a book review.***
I enjoyed this 25 chapter book. It was told through Todd's first person point-of-view. It was a refreshing change to get only a guy's perspective on love, relationships, and breakups. The author had an amazing talent with voice. The narration, Todd's dialogue and thoughts, his interactions never trailed from a college guy, who was fighting addiction, who treated every girl as a piece of meat or a booty call until he met Shawna. The cussing, oogling of women's parts, and masturbation didn't offend me. I thought it was a realistic portrayal of how a young, immature, horny, man's man would act.
My favorite lines were: 1) There's a reason addicts are almost forbidden from getting involved in a relationship during their first year of sobriety-we're a... mess. 2) No matter how impossible it seemed for her to even want to be with me, in that moment I knew with absolute certainty I could love her. 3) Without a word, I stood and went to the bathroom where I turned on the faucet so they couldn't hear me wrestling with the fact that somehow she had moved on, and I was still stuck in the five minutes after she'd asked me to leave in despite the months that had passed. 4) While I was shaving, he gave me the version of the birds and bees-it wasn't pretty.
Leesa Freeman should be very proud of her debut novel. It was engaging, plus drama filled. I appreciated getting to see Todd deal with his friends, his family, and I liked the insight into his work life. All the characters felt very real, and it broke my heart to see his friends and family deal with Todd when he went into self-destructive mode because he was in so much pain over the breakup. I loved that they stood by his side, no questions asked.
As a reader, I was invested in Todd and Shawna's relationship. After their breakup, I couldn't wait to see the aftermath. My expectations and what was written was completely different. I wanted to see him try and win her back, to focus on how much it hurt to lose the baby. Instead, he pined over another girl-I'm assuming to show Todd was in denial and wanted to settle, too afraid to fight for what he wanted. But I just thought this section took too long (just my opinion). By the time, Shawna entered the picture again, I debated whether Todd was really in love with her. Was it love? Addiction to love? In love with the idea of being in love? Lust?
My favorite scenes: 1) Todd just finished posing for art class and Shawna approaches him to work for a famous photographer 2) at a football game, Todd stands up for his brother against their uncle 3) the breakup scene 4) in the dark room with Todd, Allison, and Shawna 4) Todd's intervention with his roommate, AA sponsor, and his roommate's girlfriend.
I RECOMMEND this book to read. | 2 | positive | [
"***I received a free copy in exchange for a book review.",
"***\n\nI enjoyed this 25 chapter book.",
"It was told through Todd's first person point-of-view.",
"It was a refreshing change to get only a guy's perspective on love, relationships, and breakups.",
"The author had an amazing talent with voice.",
"The narration, Todd's dialogue and thoughts, his interactions never trailed from a college guy, who was fighting addiction, who treated every girl as a piece of meat or a booty call until he met Shawna.",
"The cussing, oogling of women's parts, and masturbation didn't offend me.",
"I thought it was a realistic portrayal of how a young, immature, horny, man's man would act.",
"My favorite lines were: 1) There's a reason addicts are almost forbidden from getting involved in a relationship during their first year of sobriety-we're a...",
"mess.",
"2) No matter how impossible it seemed for her to even want to be with me, in that moment I knew with absolute certainty I could love her.",
"3) Without a word, I stood and went to the bathroom where I turned on the faucet so they couldn't hear me wrestling with the fact that somehow she had moved on, and I was still stuck in the five minutes after she'd asked me to leave in despite the months that had passed.",
"4) While I was shaving, he gave me the version of the birds and bees-it wasn't pretty.",
"Leesa Freeman should be very proud of her debut novel.",
"It was engaging, plus drama filled.",
"I appreciated getting to see Todd deal with his friends, his family, and I liked the insight into his work life.",
"All the characters felt very real, and it broke my heart to see his friends and family deal with Todd when he went into self-destructive mode because he was in so much pain over the breakup.",
"I loved that they stood by his side, no questions asked.",
"As a reader, I was invested in Todd and Shawna's relationship.",
"After their breakup, I couldn't wait to see the aftermath.",
"My expectations and what was written was completely different.",
"I wanted to see him try and win her back, to focus on how much it hurt to lose the baby.",
"Instead, he pined over another girl-I'm assuming to show Todd was in denial and wanted to settle, too afraid to fight for what he wanted.",
"But I just thought this section took too long (just my opinion).",
"By the time, Shawna entered the picture again, I debated whether Todd was really in love with her.",
"Was it love?",
"Addiction to love?",
"In love with the idea of being in love?",
"Lust?",
"My favorite scenes: 1) Todd just finished posing for art class and Shawna approaches him to work for a famous photographer 2) at a football game, Todd stands up for his brother against their uncle 3) the breakup scene 4) in the dark room with Todd, Allison, and Shawna 4) Todd's intervention with his roommate, AA sponsor, and his roommate's girlfriend.",
"I RECOMMEND this book to read."
] |
My LO is 20mnths and he really likes this toy. The hammer is his favorite piece! I expect he'll like it for a long time since he it will remain a challenge for a long time. It can be used in a variety of ways: hammering the nails to the box, screwing pieces together, screwing pieces to the box, removing nails with prying end of hammer, twisting washers by hand or with wrench/driver.
Pros:
1. Educational a) improves dexterity b) requires problem solving c) encourages imagination
2. Fun esp. since they can mimic mom and dad using tools
3. Bold primary (unisex) colors.
4. Made of durable wood.
5. Easy to take with you since everything fits in the tool box
6. Great price for the quality
Cons:
1. Does not have any other sets you can purchase to enhance this set
2. Grooves in screws extend for edge to edge, so it is tricky to keep screwdriver in place esp. when using in combination with wrench
3. Made in China even though it is an American owned company.
In response to common complaints from other critics.
1. Nails are hard to get out once hammered in. True, but my guy can do it by himself using the prying part of the hammer.
2. Chemical paint smell. Not true at all in the set we got and I am very sensitive to chemical smells.
3. Paint chipping. You do get paint transfer on the hammer if you hammer the painted parts (nails are not painted). But otherwise no chipping.
4. Splinters. My dog chewed on a couple of pieces and they splintered. However, my LO doesn't chew on them, and I doubt they would splinter if he did. They do not splinter when used in normal play.
5. Not realistic looking. The hammer is thick like a mallet but that is good for toddlers. They look as pictured. I would recommend real tools if your child has the dexterity, but for toddlers/preschoolers this set works. | 2 | positive | [
"My LO is 20mnths and he really likes this toy.",
"The hammer is his favorite piece!",
"I expect he'll like it for a long time since he it will remain a challenge for a long time.",
"It can be used in a variety of ways: hammering the nails to the box, screwing pieces together, screwing pieces to the box, removing nails with prying end of hammer, twisting washers by hand or with wrench/driver.",
"Pros:\n1.",
"Educational a) improves dexterity b) requires problem solving c) encourages imagination\n2.",
"Fun esp.",
"since they can mimic mom and dad using tools\n3.",
"Bold primary (unisex) colors.",
"4.",
"Made of durable wood.",
"5.",
"Easy to take with you since everything fits in the tool box\n6.",
"Great price for the quality\nCons:\n1.",
"Does not have any other sets you can purchase to enhance this set\n2.",
"Grooves in screws extend for edge to edge, so it is tricky to keep screwdriver in place esp.",
"when using in combination with wrench\n3.",
"Made in China even though it is an American owned company.",
"In response to common complaints from other critics.",
"1.",
"Nails are hard to get out once hammered in.",
"True, but my guy can do it by himself using the prying part of the hammer.",
"2.",
"Chemical paint smell.",
"Not true at all in the set we got and I am very sensitive to chemical smells.",
"3.",
"Paint chipping.",
"You do get paint transfer on the hammer if you hammer the painted parts (nails are not painted).",
"But otherwise no chipping.",
"4.",
"Splinters.",
"My dog chewed on a couple of pieces and they splintered.",
"However, my LO doesn't chew on them, and I doubt they would splinter if he did.",
"They do not splinter when used in normal play.",
"5.",
"Not realistic looking.",
"The hammer is thick like a mallet but that is good for toddlers.",
"They look as pictured.",
"I would recommend real tools if your child has the dexterity, but for toddlers/preschoolers this set works."
] |
After finishing Book 3, Storm of Swords, I was emotionally drained. So much happens in such a short time to characters you care about. When I flipped through Book 4 to browse the chapter headings, I was worried. No Tyrion, no Danaerys, no Jon Snow, no Bran. That was troubling. But there are a number of reasons I ended up loving this installment. To start, I think the pace needed to slow down from the first three books. This is the lull before the storm that is clearly coming when Danaerys makes her way to Westeros. I think what Martin is trying to do is to show us the entire world he's created. Not just House Stark and Lannister and Targaeryon. I wouldn't want the story to come to completion without understanding as much of the world as I could. Of course, that only works if you find the characters he creates interesting and compelling. Obviously, a lot of reviewers (amateur and professional) didn't. But I did. I loved learning more about Dorne, getting to know Arianne and Prince Doran, getting more of the Iron Islanders, those sick, Drowned-God-loving lunatics. I was captivated by Arya's journey in Braavos, as well as Sam's odyssey and Brienne's. For some reason, I just enjoy the characters Martin creates--and he creates a lot of them. But each time I think, "Oh, no, not another new character," I become enthralled with their story. The thing about the people Martin creates is they don't always do what you'd like them to do, but they always do what their character demands. Some grow, and some don't. And I found the chapters from Cersei's point of view fantastic. I mean, holy cow, she's got some issues. And her comeuppance is sweet (although I keep suspecting, of course, that the Frog's prophesy is really about Danaerys and not Margaery). If you didn't enjoy reading the Cersei chapters, I don't know what to tell you. At the same time, I found Jaime's growth--and growing disaffection from Cersei--to be just as compelling.
One other thing that I think Martin is trying to do in Book 4 is to show, after the vicarious thrills of battle depicted in the first three books, the true cost of war. The author was (I believe) a conscientious objector during Vietnam, and I think he's trying to sober us up a little bit to the realities of what this conflict has wrought throughout the realm. The slaughter of innocents during wartime is not a 20th-century innovation. Anyone who's read anything about the 100 Years' War can't help but pick up on the similarities (the rape, pillage, and burning; the roving bands of brigands threatening anyone in their path, even entire towns; the complete descent into lawlessness; the common people resorting to religious fanaticism, etc.). Some of Brienne's experiences on the road and the people she meets along the way beautifully illustrate that.
Having said that, I can understand why so many people have dismissed this book. (If you look at the Amazon reviews for Books 1-3, they're about 95% five stars. Books 4 and 5 are split evenly between one, two, three, four, and five stars.) All I can say is that, if your expectation for Book 4 is another installment just like Book 3, this will disappoint you. As for me, even though some of my favorite characters from the first three books were absent, I still loved this book. I know we'll get back to Tyrion and Danaerys, etc., so I wasn't worried and just enjoyed the journey. Also, I appreciated the slowing down of the pace and learning a lot more about the history and mythology of Westeros and the east. As for the complaints that much of the narrative is unnecessary, I'm a little perplexed. If you didn't get that Dorne is going to play a huge role in the coming conflict, you need to reread those chapters. Same goes for Victarion Greyjoy. And no doubt Brienne and Jaime's relationship will play a crucial role as their paths are bound to intersect again.
If you don't like reading all that detail, I guess you could just wait for season 4 of the HBO series. I plan on enjoying both, because even a TV series as great as Game of Thrones can't convey what the books can (and do). For me, I thoroughly enjoyed A Feast for Crows and can't wait to start A Dance with Dragons. | 2 | positive | [
"After finishing Book 3, Storm of Swords, I was emotionally drained.",
"So much happens in such a short time to characters you care about.",
"When I flipped through Book 4 to browse the chapter headings, I was worried.",
"No Tyrion, no Danaerys, no Jon Snow, no Bran.",
"That was troubling.",
"But there are a number of reasons I ended up loving this installment.",
"To start, I think the pace needed to slow down from the first three books.",
"This is the lull before the storm that is clearly coming when Danaerys makes her way to Westeros.",
"I think what Martin is trying to do is to show us the entire world he's created.",
"Not just House Stark and Lannister and Targaeryon.",
"I wouldn't want the story to come to completion without understanding as much of the world as I could.",
"Of course, that only works if you find the characters he creates interesting and compelling.",
"Obviously, a lot of reviewers (amateur and professional) didn't.",
"But I did.",
"I loved learning more about Dorne, getting to know Arianne and Prince Doran, getting more of the Iron Islanders, those sick, Drowned-God-loving lunatics.",
"I was captivated by Arya's journey in Braavos, as well as Sam's odyssey and Brienne's.",
"For some reason, I just enjoy the characters Martin creates--and he creates a lot of them.",
"But each time I think, \"Oh, no, not another new character,\" I become enthralled with their story.",
"The thing about the people Martin creates is they don't always do what you'd like them to do, but they always do what their character demands.",
"Some grow, and some don't.",
"And I found the chapters from Cersei's point of view fantastic.",
"I mean, holy cow, she's got some issues.",
"And her comeuppance is sweet (although I keep suspecting, of course, that the Frog's prophesy is really about Danaerys and not Margaery).",
"If you didn't enjoy reading the Cersei chapters, I don't know what to tell you.",
"At the same time, I found Jaime's growth--and growing disaffection from Cersei--to be just as compelling.",
"One other thing that I think Martin is trying to do in Book 4 is to show, after the vicarious thrills of battle depicted in the first three books, the true cost of war.",
"The author was (I believe) a conscientious objector during Vietnam, and I think he's trying to sober us up a little bit to the realities of what this conflict has wrought throughout the realm.",
"The slaughter of innocents during wartime is not a 20th-century innovation.",
"Anyone who's read anything about the 100 Years' War can't help but pick up on the similarities (the rape, pillage, and burning; the roving bands of brigands threatening anyone in their path, even entire towns; the complete descent into lawlessness; the common people resorting to religious fanaticism, etc.",
").",
"Some of Brienne's experiences on the road and the people she meets along the way beautifully illustrate that.",
"Having said that, I can understand why so many people have dismissed this book.",
"(If you look at the Amazon reviews for Books 1-3, they're about 95% five stars.",
"Books 4 and 5 are split evenly between one, two, three, four, and five stars.",
") All I can say is that, if your expectation for Book 4 is another installment just like Book 3, this will disappoint you.",
"As for me, even though some of my favorite characters from the first three books were absent, I still loved this book.",
"I know we'll get back to Tyrion and Danaerys, etc.",
", so I wasn't worried and just enjoyed the journey.",
"Also, I appreciated the slowing down of the pace and learning a lot more about the history and mythology of Westeros and the east.",
"As for the complaints that much of the narrative is unnecessary, I'm a little perplexed.",
"If you didn't get that Dorne is going to play a huge role in the coming conflict, you need to reread those chapters.",
"Same goes for Victarion Greyjoy.",
"And no doubt Brienne and Jaime's relationship will play a crucial role as their paths are bound to intersect again.",
"If you don't like reading all that detail, I guess you could just wait for season 4 of the HBO series.",
"I plan on enjoying both, because even a TV series as great as Game of Thrones can't convey what the books can (and do).",
"For me, I thoroughly enjoyed A Feast for Crows and can't wait to start A Dance with Dragons."
] |
This brief review applies to the BluRay release. Excellent. Many others have already given detailed reviews of the movie itself, it's historical significance, plot synopsis, and critical remarks regarding the performances. But if you remember and have a fondness for the picture, this BluRay presentation hits the mark. The transfer and blending of the three film strips is almost flawless and you rarely notice the vertical separations. To fully realize the quality of this edition, you need to project the image onto an eight-foot wide screen or better and sit about six feet away. Add full multi-channel sound and you have an experience to enjoy. However, at the price it has dropped to recently, it's well worth it for the approximately 90 minute documentary on the development of CINERAMA. Warner Home Video and Amazon delivered on this one! Highly recommended. | 2 | positive | [
"This brief review applies to the BluRay release.",
"Excellent.",
"Many others have already given detailed reviews of the movie itself, it's historical significance, plot synopsis, and critical remarks regarding the performances.",
"But if you remember and have a fondness for the picture, this BluRay presentation hits the mark.",
"The transfer and blending of the three film strips is almost flawless and you rarely notice the vertical separations.",
"To fully realize the quality of this edition, you need to project the image onto an eight-foot wide screen or better and sit about six feet away.",
"Add full multi-channel sound and you have an experience to enjoy.",
"However, at the price it has dropped to recently, it's well worth it for the approximately 90 minute documentary on the development of CINERAMA.",
"Warner Home Video and Amazon delivered on this one!",
"Highly recommended."
] |
I have been putting off getting a pocket hole jig for some time. I am about to start a project and I thought that this would be the best way to assemble the project that would allow disassembly at a later date if need be. I was originally just going to get a cheaper set, but decided to go ahead and pay a little more. Boy am I glad I did. I decided to practice with this set up by building a squirrel feeder my wife wanted, and I have been putting off. Wow this little thing worked out great.
While this tool may seem more expensive than the competition, it comes with lots of things that make up for it.
For instance it comes with a drill bit and collar for the bit that I would have had to buy separately with the other set up I was going to get originally. Also it comes with a handy long #2 square drive for your electric drill witch is great for getting into even tight spots. You also have the ability to set it up for the thickness of wood that you are going to be using and not have to measure ever time you use the too. That is a big time saver.
I would recommend this well put together tool for some one who is not going to use pocket holes for the majority of there projects but wants a great tool for a great price that is easy to use. You may find yourself putting in more screws than you need just because they are so easy to install. If you are going to use pocket hole joints a lot then you might possible want to step up to the Kreg with more options. But for me this thing is wonderful. | 2 | positive | [
"I have been putting off getting a pocket hole jig for some time.",
"I am about to start a project and I thought that this would be the best way to assemble the project that would allow disassembly at a later date if need be.",
"I was originally just going to get a cheaper set, but decided to go ahead and pay a little more.",
"Boy am I glad I did.",
"I decided to practice with this set up by building a squirrel feeder my wife wanted, and I have been putting off.",
"Wow this little thing worked out great.",
"While this tool may seem more expensive than the competition, it comes with lots of things that make up for it.",
"For instance it comes with a drill bit and collar for the bit that I would have had to buy separately with the other set up I was going to get originally.",
"Also it comes with a handy long #2 square drive for your electric drill witch is great for getting into even tight spots.",
"You also have the ability to set it up for the thickness of wood that you are going to be using and not have to measure ever time you use the too.",
"That is a big time saver.",
"I would recommend this well put together tool for some one who is not going to use pocket holes for the majority of there projects but wants a great tool for a great price that is easy to use.",
"You may find yourself putting in more screws than you need just because they are so easy to install.",
"If you are going to use pocket hole joints a lot then you might possible want to step up to the Kreg with more options.",
"But for me this thing is wonderful."
] |
I liked this book a lot. I liked Luke a lot, his bad ass attitude, (and playing games) in the previous books, and i really hoped he will get his own.
And YES he got one, A GOOD ONE :-)
And when Luke said : "There are two kinds of women. The ones you go to bed with and the ones you wanna wake up with. Lots of the first, not many of the last. If a man's lucky, he'll find the last.", i was like oooooohhhh.
I had some truble with Ava, i did not like how was she throwing mixed signals to other mans. But when i got to know her situaction a little better i liked her a lot. I love how the rock chicks adopt every single girls who appears, and this big family is becoming biger and biger.
I like how Kristen Ashley hold together all books, and i really like how we are given updates on the other Rock Chicks, so we see what is happening with them too.
This was not my favorite from the series, but still absolutely 5 stars!! | 2 | positive | [
"I liked this book a lot.",
"I liked Luke a lot, his bad ass attitude, (and playing games) in the previous books, and i really hoped he will get his own.",
"And YES he got one, A GOOD ONE :-)\n\nAnd when Luke said : \"There are two kinds of women.",
"The ones you go to bed with and the ones you wanna wake up with.",
"Lots of the first, not many of the last.",
"If a man's lucky, he'll find the last.",
"\", i was like oooooohhhh.",
"I had some truble with Ava, i did not like how was she throwing mixed signals to other mans.",
"But when i got to know her situaction a little better i liked her a lot.",
"I love how the rock chicks adopt every single girls who appears, and this big family is becoming biger and biger.",
"I like how Kristen Ashley hold together all books, and i really like how we are given updates on the other Rock Chicks, so we see what is happening with them too.",
"This was not my favorite from the series, but still absolutely 5 stars!!"
] |
Obagi Medical Gentle Rejuvenation Soothing Cleanser has a gel-like consistency. It has the faint scent of beauty products from long ago; reminds me of the 60's or 70's and my grandmothers facial creams.
The instructions say to apply to damp face and neck with moistened fingertips and rinse completely. The soap easily rinsed with water and left my face feeling clean and very soft. There was no soap feeling whatsoever. My skin was not tight. The claim for this product is to make your skin feel comfortable and soft. My skin was already comfortable so soothing wasn't needed in my case. The cleanser definitely made my skin soft after use.
The bottle is 6.7 fluid ounces, which is pretty small for the price. You can get by with using about a quarter sized portion of cleanser, though. A little does go a long way. Still, the price is steep to me. If I had sensitive and irritating skin, I might think it was worth the price though.
I generally try to exfoliate my skin once a week or so, but otherwise do not use soaps or products on my face. I moisturize after showering and after removing makeup with water. My skin is in great shape after years of this simple regimen.
If you need something for sensitive skin and can afford this, you might want to try it. It does make your skin soft. | 2 | positive | [
"Obagi Medical Gentle Rejuvenation Soothing Cleanser has a gel-like consistency.",
"It has the faint scent of beauty products from long ago; reminds me of the 60's or 70's and my grandmothers facial creams.",
"The instructions say to apply to damp face and neck with moistened fingertips and rinse completely.",
"The soap easily rinsed with water and left my face feeling clean and very soft.",
"There was no soap feeling whatsoever.",
"My skin was not tight.",
"The claim for this product is to make your skin feel comfortable and soft.",
"My skin was already comfortable so soothing wasn't needed in my case.",
"The cleanser definitely made my skin soft after use.",
"The bottle is 6.",
"7 fluid ounces, which is pretty small for the price.",
"You can get by with using about a quarter sized portion of cleanser, though.",
"A little does go a long way.",
"Still, the price is steep to me.",
"If I had sensitive and irritating skin, I might think it was worth the price though.",
"I generally try to exfoliate my skin once a week or so, but otherwise do not use soaps or products on my face.",
"I moisturize after showering and after removing makeup with water.",
"My skin is in great shape after years of this simple regimen.",
"If you need something for sensitive skin and can afford this, you might want to try it.",
"It does make your skin soft."
] |
This Havahart Trap is well made and works as expected. The cage is big enough for small rabbits and just about any sized squirrel. We bought this to humanly catch the rabbits that feast on our small garden.
Setting the trap is fairly straight forward but I only use one of the doors, leaving one end closed. This eliminates a possible point of failure that could let the animal escape. Squirrels will often try to get the bait from the side of the trap through the mesh, so be sure to place the food towards the center of the bar.
Remember that these are wild creatures and should be treated as such. Wearing gloves is a good idea when freeing the captured pest as a bite or scratch from a rabid animal can be very serious. Rabbits can inflict fairly serious wounds with their claws, especially to young children (seriously, we raised them when I was growing up).
Recommended!
CFH | 2 | positive | [
"This Havahart Trap is well made and works as expected.",
"The cage is big enough for small rabbits and just about any sized squirrel.",
"We bought this to humanly catch the rabbits that feast on our small garden.",
"Setting the trap is fairly straight forward but I only use one of the doors, leaving one end closed.",
"This eliminates a possible point of failure that could let the animal escape.",
"Squirrels will often try to get the bait from the side of the trap through the mesh, so be sure to place the food towards the center of the bar.",
"Remember that these are wild creatures and should be treated as such.",
"Wearing gloves is a good idea when freeing the captured pest as a bite or scratch from a rabid animal can be very serious.",
"Rabbits can inflict fairly serious wounds with their claws, especially to young children (seriously, we raised them when I was growing up).",
"Recommended!",
"CFH"
] |
Are you looking for a film that you can safely watch with your children ? Have you seen most of the Disney catalogue ? Well, happily--once in a while--someone other than Disney produces a film that can enchant young and old, and in 1958 Mr. George Pal did just that with "Tom Thumb". After producing several science fiction classics in the fifties, Mr. Pal and his crack special effects team set up shop in England for this winning musical fantasy, based on the famous fairy tale.
A poor, honest wood-cutter, Jonathan (Bernard Miles) and his wife, Anne (Jessie Matthews) are granted three wishes by the Forest Queen (lovely June Thorburn) for sparing her favourite tree. They basically bungle their wishes, but they are granted a son to raise. His name is Tom, and he is 5 1/2 inches tall. Of course, being so tiny, Tom has all sorts of interesting adventures. Unfortunately, one of them involves innocently helping two crooks (the hilarious team of Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers) steal a bag of gold, for which Tom's new parents are blamed. Luckily, Tom is able to eventually turn the tables on the crooks, with help from a local "merry minstrel"
(affable Alan Young),who also has a crush on the Forest Queen, and we wind up with a very happy ending !
Tom is played by one of the most talented and remarkable performers in the history of cinema--Mr. Russ Tamblyn--an incredible dancer and acrobat with a very engaging personality. Even among this strong cast, Russ Tamblyn--all "5 1/2 inches" of him--stands tall ! The extended production number with Tom and the toys is a classic--a tribute to Mr. Tamblyn's talent and Mr. Pal's Oscar-winning (as it turned out) special effects team. You can see how all that "puppetoon" experience paid off ! A later scene where Tom puts on wooden shoes that can't stop dancing is another highlight.
As the "heavies", Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers are a matchless pair--with his rolling eyes, and devilish grin, Mr. Thomas gives this film exactly the type of "over-the-top" performance it needs, with Mr. Sellers as a perfect, dim-witted foil. They are perhaps the funniest duo since Laurel and Hardy.
The DVD is widescreen on one side, and full screen on the other. The colour is beautiful, especially the scenes where Tom is interacting with the toys. The sound is mono. Miss Peggy Lee composed the lively score, with several songs that your children will enjoy (especially the "Yawning Man" sequence, voiced by Stan Freberg)--was there no end to Miss Lee's talent ?
Extras are sparse--brief biographies of Russ Tamblyn and George Pal (who directed as well as produced), and the film's trailer.
"Tom Thumb" is the happy result of two major talents combining their efforts to produce a timeless classic. Today George Pal is remembered and respected as a pioneer of imaginative film. As for Russ Tamblyn, this title role--perhaps more than any other--provides a showcase for his special gifts. How about 4 1/2 stars for a 5 1/2 inch star ! Recommended for the entire family ! | 2 | positive | [
"Are you looking for a film that you can safely watch with your children?",
"Have you seen most of the Disney catalogue?",
"Well, happily--once in a while--someone other than Disney produces a film that can enchant young and old, and in 1958 Mr.",
"George Pal did just that with \"Tom Thumb\".",
"After producing several science fiction classics in the fifties, Mr.",
"Pal and his crack special effects team set up shop in England for this winning musical fantasy, based on the famous fairy tale.",
"A poor, honest wood-cutter, Jonathan (Bernard Miles) and his wife, Anne (Jessie Matthews) are granted three wishes by the Forest Queen (lovely June Thorburn) for sparing her favourite tree.",
"They basically bungle their wishes, but they are granted a son to raise.",
"His name is Tom, and he is 5 1/2 inches tall.",
"Of course, being so tiny, Tom has all sorts of interesting adventures.",
"Unfortunately, one of them involves innocently helping two crooks (the hilarious team of Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers) steal a bag of gold, for which Tom's new parents are blamed.",
"Luckily, Tom is able to eventually turn the tables on the crooks, with help from a local \"merry minstrel\"\n(affable Alan Young),who also has a crush on the Forest Queen, and we wind up with a very happy ending!",
"Tom is played by one of the most talented and remarkable performers in the history of cinema--Mr.",
"Russ Tamblyn--an incredible dancer and acrobat with a very engaging personality.",
"Even among this strong cast, Russ Tamblyn--all \"5 1/2 inches\" of him--stands tall!",
"The extended production number with Tom and the toys is a classic--a tribute to Mr.",
"Tamblyn's talent and Mr.",
"Pal's Oscar-winning (as it turned out) special effects team.",
"You can see how all that \"puppetoon\" experience paid off!",
"A later scene where Tom puts on wooden shoes that can't stop dancing is another highlight.",
"As the \"heavies\", Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers are a matchless pair--with his rolling eyes, and devilish grin, Mr.",
"Thomas gives this film exactly the type of \"over-the-top\" performance it needs, with Mr.",
"Sellers as a perfect, dim-witted foil.",
"They are perhaps the funniest duo since Laurel and Hardy.",
"The DVD is widescreen on one side, and full screen on the other.",
"The colour is beautiful, especially the scenes where Tom is interacting with the toys.",
"The sound is mono.",
"Miss Peggy Lee composed the lively score, with several songs that your children will enjoy (especially the \"Yawning Man\" sequence, voiced by Stan Freberg)--was there no end to Miss Lee's talent?",
"Extras are sparse--brief biographies of Russ Tamblyn and George Pal (who directed as well as produced), and the film's trailer.",
"\"Tom Thumb\" is the happy result of two major talents combining their efforts to produce a timeless classic.",
"Today George Pal is remembered and respected as a pioneer of imaginative film.",
"As for Russ Tamblyn, this title role--perhaps more than any other--provides a showcase for his special gifts.",
"How about 4 1/2 stars for a 5 1/2 inch star!",
"Recommended for the entire family!"
] |
Saved my butt twice today. Two little blasts are great for getting anyone's attention, even the lady in the minivan on the cell phone, with her screaming kids in the back. Two little blasts woke her right up and saved me a very sticky maneuver on a rainy day. I use it preemptively when rounding blind corners and have found that two little toots are a great "unobnoxious" way to alert drivers and others. What's really great so far is that they seem to not only hear me, but react well, with caution and consideration, rather than offense and anger. That's interesting as other things like bells and electric horns have either not been heard or gotten me an angry response. I wish the air bottle were aluminum instead of plastic and not sure how it will do over time, but I've had mine for about 200 miles and it's doing great. At this price, I'd gladly buy a new one every year. Every cyclist should have this and some good front and rear lights along with their helmet.
UPDATE: Had this for a couple years now and loving it! The plastic bottle has turned out to be just fine with no indication that it will fail at all. I would be dead 5 times over without it (BTW, I bicycle mainly in Houston, where cyclist targets get drivers double points, highly recommended in congested urban areas, the only thing that works!) | 2 | positive | [
"Saved my butt twice today.",
"Two little blasts are great for getting anyone's attention, even the lady in the minivan on the cell phone, with her screaming kids in the back.",
"Two little blasts woke her right up and saved me a very sticky maneuver on a rainy day.",
"I use it preemptively when rounding blind corners and have found that two little toots are a great \"unobnoxious\" way to alert drivers and others.",
"What's really great so far is that they seem to not only hear me, but react well, with caution and consideration, rather than offense and anger.",
"That's interesting as other things like bells and electric horns have either not been heard or gotten me an angry response.",
"I wish the air bottle were aluminum instead of plastic and not sure how it will do over time, but I've had mine for about 200 miles and it's doing great.",
"At this price, I'd gladly buy a new one every year.",
"Every cyclist should have this and some good front and rear lights along with their helmet.",
"UPDATE: Had this for a couple years now and loving it!",
"The plastic bottle has turned out to be just fine with no indication that it will fail at all.",
"I would be dead 5 times over without it (BTW, I bicycle mainly in Houston, where cyclist targets get drivers double points, highly recommended in congested urban areas, the only thing that works!",
")"
] |
Persona 3 follows the same formula as the previous persona titles, with significant shifts to the setup and story. The main character and his allies can manifest Personas, which are essentially the core of their characters given phsyical form. These forms only appear during the Dark Hour, a period of time occuring at midnight. The Dark Hour is alos host to hordes of monsters that roam the empty countryside killing anything they find. Periodically people fall into the Dark Hour. Those who do usually die, and in the real world, their bodies are reduced to a catatonic wreck.
The main character arrives at a school where an ominous tower, named Tartarus by those investigasting it, appears during the Dark Hour, and is found to be able to manifest multiple Personas after calmly walking through the Dark Hour time frame. The character, after being exposed to this, embarks on a quest to determine where the Dark Hour orignated, and how to save the Lost Ones who die within it.
The entire main storylnie is entirely voice acted, which is long and well thought out, though certain points of deus ex machina plague it from the beginning. The voices of the characters are actually capable of voice acting unlike even some PS3/360 games (Dynasty Warriors/Samurai Warriors anyone?). The characters personalities are definitely in line with main Japanese culture, and the school system is Japanese to a T, though that should come as a big surprise.
Sidequests abound in Persona 3, and the benefits of pursuing them give the player access to more powerful personas and nice storylines with various NPC's. Many of these feel like storylnies from various mangas and animes, but are charming and a nice distraction from the slogging fight scenes that make of the rest of the game. You do actually ahve to pay attention in school, as there WILL be tests.
The only real detracting factor is also in the sidequests. Some can only be done on particular days t particular times, and unless you know what to watch for, they're very easy to miss. Certain elements are overdone and others underused, especially the timing system. Once you head for the bedroom, the days over, no repeats allowed with reloading. Certain side quests require specific items that are infuriatingly annoying to find, such as a particular brand of soda.
Probably the only thing that makes me a bit ill is the magic system. While the system is very well done, with great graphics and an intuitive style, the games designers should've rethought a setup where the characters appear to be blowing their brains out every 30 seconds in a country with a disproportionatly high suicide rate. Bad form.
Overall, this game is incredible, and will require at least two run throughs to play completely and get all of the potential side-quests, which are worth it just to hear the stories. Also, being a Shin Megami Tensei game, its also a worthwhile investment, as there won't be enough, and eventually it'll be above 100 bucks on Ebay. Get the FES version now though, as its been updated and upgraded. | 2 | positive | [
"Persona 3 follows the same formula as the previous persona titles, with significant shifts to the setup and story.",
"The main character and his allies can manifest Personas, which are essentially the core of their characters given phsyical form.",
"These forms only appear during the Dark Hour, a period of time occuring at midnight.",
"The Dark Hour is alos host to hordes of monsters that roam the empty countryside killing anything they find.",
"Periodically people fall into the Dark Hour.",
"Those who do usually die, and in the real world, their bodies are reduced to a catatonic wreck.",
"The main character arrives at a school where an ominous tower, named Tartarus by those investigasting it, appears during the Dark Hour, and is found to be able to manifest multiple Personas after calmly walking through the Dark Hour time frame.",
"The character, after being exposed to this, embarks on a quest to determine where the Dark Hour orignated, and how to save the Lost Ones who die within it.",
"The entire main storylnie is entirely voice acted, which is long and well thought out, though certain points of deus ex machina plague it from the beginning.",
"The voices of the characters are actually capable of voice acting unlike even some PS3/360 games (Dynasty Warriors/Samurai Warriors anyone?",
").",
"The characters personalities are definitely in line with main Japanese culture, and the school system is Japanese to a T, though that should come as a big surprise.",
"Sidequests abound in Persona 3, and the benefits of pursuing them give the player access to more powerful personas and nice storylines with various NPC's.",
"Many of these feel like storylnies from various mangas and animes, but are charming and a nice distraction from the slogging fight scenes that make of the rest of the game.",
"You do actually ahve to pay attention in school, as there WILL be tests.",
"The only real detracting factor is also in the sidequests.",
"Some can only be done on particular days t particular times, and unless you know what to watch for, they're very easy to miss.",
"Certain elements are overdone and others underused, especially the timing system.",
"Once you head for the bedroom, the days over, no repeats allowed with reloading.",
"Certain side quests require specific items that are infuriatingly annoying to find, such as a particular brand of soda.",
"Probably the only thing that makes me a bit ill is the magic system.",
"While the system is very well done, with great graphics and an intuitive style, the games designers should've rethought a setup where the characters appear to be blowing their brains out every 30 seconds in a country with a disproportionatly high suicide rate.",
"Bad form.",
"Overall, this game is incredible, and will require at least two run throughs to play completely and get all of the potential side-quests, which are worth it just to hear the stories.",
"Also, being a Shin Megami Tensei game, its also a worthwhile investment, as there won't be enough, and eventually it'll be above 100 bucks on Ebay.",
"Get the FES version now though, as its been updated and upgraded."
] |
Belkin F5U002 Rev 2
HP LaserJet 2100 TN (only has parallel and AppleTalk ports, plus an EIO slot)
Self-built computer with Intel G35 Express-based motherboard
Windows Vista, Business Edition, Service Pack 2
We needed to use this printer with a new computer, but the printer did not have USB and the motherboard did not have parallel. Staples only had the Belkin F5U002, so that's what we got. The sticker on the product says "Rev 2". It came with a CD with markings including "P74821". The CD is round but smaller than standard; about 3" diameter. I doubt it will work in slot-load drives.
We connected both ends of the cable, turned the printer on, then booted Windows. Vista automatically detected both the adapter in the cable, and the printer itself, and installed drivers for both. We didn't need to click anything, and we didn't need to use the driver CD. It was about as painless as it gets. I didn't even need to disable bi-direction support (although I don't think the LJ 2100 has much in the way of bi-di support beyond self-identification).
I only gave it four stars because Belkin's support is literally non-existent. They show it in their product section, but not anywhere on the support section (browsing or searching). No driver download available, so you're hosed if you don't have the CD and need driver. | 2 | positive | [
"Belkin F5U002 Rev 2\nHP LaserJet 2100 TN (only has parallel and AppleTalk ports, plus an EIO slot)\nSelf-built computer with Intel G35 Express-based motherboard\nWindows Vista, Business Edition, Service Pack 2\n\nWe needed to use this printer with a new computer, but the printer did not have USB and the motherboard did not have parallel.",
"Staples only had the Belkin F5U002, so that's what we got.",
"The sticker on the product says \"Rev 2\".",
"It came with a CD with markings including \"P74821\".",
"The CD is round but smaller than standard; about 3\" diameter.",
"I doubt it will work in slot-load drives.",
"We connected both ends of the cable, turned the printer on, then booted Windows.",
"Vista automatically detected both the adapter in the cable, and the printer itself, and installed drivers for both.",
"We didn't need to click anything, and we didn't need to use the driver CD.",
"It was about as painless as it gets.",
"I didn't even need to disable bi-direction support (although I don't think the LJ 2100 has much in the way of bi-di support beyond self-identification).",
"I only gave it four stars because Belkin's support is literally non-existent.",
"They show it in their product section, but not anywhere on the support section (browsing or searching).",
"No driver download available, so you're hosed if you don't have the CD and need driver."
] |
What a great read! I love finding something new and different from what I typically read and that is exactly what this is. Veronica Mason, lipstick witch and rockabilly singer extraordinaire has been having some scary dreams that are about to become a crazy scary reality. Late one night after a gig and a couple of days before her big performance in front of a record producer she finds her vampire bass player staked and nothing more than a pile of ashes. The craziness ensues from there. She's being followed by a strange car, she can't figure out if her sexy new bass player is friend of foe, she's having visions, she doesn't know who to trust and strange new people seem to be popping up all around her. Once the police get involved she doesn't know whether she's a victim or a suspect that's about to be singing Jail House Rock, rockabilly style.
I love the paranormal worlds where the humans are aware of the paranormal beings that live amongst them and also where there are more than one species of paranormal beings. I got both of those elements with this book. I also got a fun rockabilly atmosphere. I loved the retro diner, the cars and the attire of the characters. It was something new to me. I will definitely continue reading this series. I am very eager to see where Veronica and Buzz go with their careers and side jobs. That is really the only way I can phrase that without giving away a HUGE spoiler. I loved Veronica and the fact that this book is written from her point of view. I also greatly enjoyed the mystery. The author did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing as to who the murderer was. The moment I had decided who the evil villain was my suspicions would immediately be thrown elsewhere.
I think this book would be great read for anyone high school age of older who like paranormal beings and a great mystery in a unique rockabilly setting. With that said this book is not what I would define as YA, it just does not have the sexual romance aspect that would make it an inappropriate read for a younger crowd. There was plenty of attraction that I hope builds to something more in the next book. (This Diva is crossing her finger)
"Seriously? I'd discovered another expired vampire and I was worried about my lipstick? Issues-I had them." I loved Veronica's personality! | 2 | positive | [
"What a great read!",
"I love finding something new and different from what I typically read and that is exactly what this is.",
"Veronica Mason, lipstick witch and rockabilly singer extraordinaire has been having some scary dreams that are about to become a crazy scary reality.",
"Late one night after a gig and a couple of days before her big performance in front of a record producer she finds her vampire bass player staked and nothing more than a pile of ashes.",
"The craziness ensues from there.",
"She's being followed by a strange car, she can't figure out if her sexy new bass player is friend of foe, she's having visions, she doesn't know who to trust and strange new people seem to be popping up all around her.",
"Once the police get involved she doesn't know whether she's a victim or a suspect that's about to be singing Jail House Rock, rockabilly style.",
"I love the paranormal worlds where the humans are aware of the paranormal beings that live amongst them and also where there are more than one species of paranormal beings.",
"I got both of those elements with this book.",
"I also got a fun rockabilly atmosphere.",
"I loved the retro diner, the cars and the attire of the characters.",
"It was something new to me.",
"I will definitely continue reading this series.",
"I am very eager to see where Veronica and Buzz go with their careers and side jobs.",
"That is really the only way I can phrase that without giving away a HUGE spoiler.",
"I loved Veronica and the fact that this book is written from her point of view.",
"I also greatly enjoyed the mystery.",
"The author did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing as to who the murderer was.",
"The moment I had decided who the evil villain was my suspicions would immediately be thrown elsewhere.",
"I think this book would be great read for anyone high school age of older who like paranormal beings and a great mystery in a unique rockabilly setting.",
"With that said this book is not what I would define as YA, it just does not have the sexual romance aspect that would make it an inappropriate read for a younger crowd.",
"There was plenty of attraction that I hope builds to something more in the next book.",
"(This Diva is crossing her finger)\n\n\"Seriously?",
"I'd discovered another expired vampire and I was worried about my lipstick?",
"Issues-I had them.",
"\" I loved Veronica's personality!"
] |
Lana Turner's last major hurrah was this sleek update of the classic Alexandre Bisson play, "Madame X.", previously filmed in 1929 starring Ruth Chatterton (and again in 1937 with Gladys George). Produced by Ross Hunter (the man who had dragged Ms Turner back into box-office paydirt with "Imitation of Life" and "Portrait in Black"), this tried-and-true melodrama was the perfect material for Turner's acting talents.
In MADAME X. (1966), Lana Turner plays Holly, the vivacious young wife of up-and-coming diplomat Clay Anderson (John Forsythe). Holly has it all, but Clay's globe-trotting lifestyle unfortunately allows Holly to fall prey to the advances of notorious ladies' man Phil Benton (Ricardo Montalban). During a bitter fight where Holly tries to leave Phil once and for all, he accidentally falls down the stairs. Faced with going to trial for his "murder", Holly's icy mother-in-law (Constance Bennett) forces the bewildered Holly to stage her death, and stay out of Clay's life forever. Many years pass before Holly, now a drunken, broken old woman, emerges in New York, once again accused of murder. But this time the past is more than a memory away...
In MADAME X., Lana Turner proves (sadly really for the final time) just how wonderful she could be when the material was first-class. Holly was reportedly one of her favourite roles, and I'm sure she held the experience in fond memory (especially as she later waded through such dreck as 1969's "The Big Cube" and 1980's "Witches' Brew"). Constance Bennett is splendid as the witchy mother-in-law (she sadly passed away shortly before the movie was released); Burgess Meredith is appropriately slimy as the blackmailer trying to ride Holly's coat-tails. Keir Dullea co-stars as Holly's adult son.
A classic, ultra-glossy tearjerker. | 2 | positive | [
"Lana Turner's last major hurrah was this sleek update of the classic Alexandre Bisson play, \"Madame X.",
"\", previously filmed in 1929 starring Ruth Chatterton (and again in 1937 with Gladys George).",
"Produced by Ross Hunter (the man who had dragged Ms Turner back into box-office paydirt with \"Imitation of Life\" and \"Portrait in Black\"), this tried-and-true melodrama was the perfect material for Turner's acting talents.",
"In MADAME X.",
"(1966), Lana Turner plays Holly, the vivacious young wife of up-and-coming diplomat Clay Anderson (John Forsythe).",
"Holly has it all, but Clay's globe-trotting lifestyle unfortunately allows Holly to fall prey to the advances of notorious ladies' man Phil Benton (Ricardo Montalban).",
"During a bitter fight where Holly tries to leave Phil once and for all, he accidentally falls down the stairs.",
"Faced with going to trial for his \"murder\", Holly's icy mother-in-law (Constance Bennett) forces the bewildered Holly to stage her death, and stay out of Clay's life forever.",
"Many years pass before Holly, now a drunken, broken old woman, emerges in New York, once again accused of murder.",
"But this time the past is more than a memory away...",
"In MADAME X.",
", Lana Turner proves (sadly really for the final time) just how wonderful she could be when the material was first-class.",
"Holly was reportedly one of her favourite roles, and I'm sure she held the experience in fond memory (especially as she later waded through such dreck as 1969's \"The Big Cube\" and 1980's \"Witches' Brew\").",
"Constance Bennett is splendid as the witchy mother-in-law (she sadly passed away shortly before the movie was released); Burgess Meredith is appropriately slimy as the blackmailer trying to ride Holly's coat-tails.",
"Keir Dullea co-stars as Holly's adult son.",
"A classic, ultra-glossy tearjerker."
] |
This is an album of covers of traditional pop songs, but the primary impression it leaves is neither country nor traditional pop. Instead, the key is the tasteful production by Booker T. Jones - swinging but understated percussion, warm bass, and bluesy keyboards. Willie's weary outlaw vocals and sublime guitar picking fit it like a glove. The result is, simply, classic American music, more Muscle Shoals than Nashville. It's just a shame that Willie and Booker T. didn't make another album. This is truly a diamond in the rough.
Surprisingly, the two outtakes on this version are a welcome addition. "Scarlet Ribbons" fits well with the rest of the album, and "I Can See Clearly Now" ends with an extended blues jam that makes for a perfect conclusion. | 2 | positive | [
"This is an album of covers of traditional pop songs, but the primary impression it leaves is neither country nor traditional pop.",
"Instead, the key is the tasteful production by Booker T.",
"Jones - swinging but understated percussion, warm bass, and bluesy keyboards.",
"Willie's weary outlaw vocals and sublime guitar picking fit it like a glove.",
"The result is, simply, classic American music, more Muscle Shoals than Nashville.",
"It's just a shame that Willie and Booker T.",
"didn't make another album.",
"This is truly a diamond in the rough.",
"Surprisingly, the two outtakes on this version are a welcome addition.",
"\"Scarlet Ribbons\" fits well with the rest of the album, and \"I Can See Clearly Now\" ends with an extended blues jam that makes for a perfect conclusion."
] |
Rare Leonardo da Vinci painting sells for record $450M
CLOSE The last Leonardo da Vinci painting in private hands is going to auction at Christie's in New York for an estimated $100 million. Da Vinciâs depiction of Jesus titled "Salvator Mundi " will be auctioned on Nov. 15. (Oct. 10) AP
Visitors to Christie's wait outside in a line to view Leonardo da Vinci's 'Salvator Mundi' Tuesday Nov. 14 2017. (Photo: Julie Jacobson AP)
NEW YORK (AP) â A painting of Christ by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci sold for a record $450 million (380 million euros) at auction on Wednesday obliterating previous records for artworks sold at auction or privately.
The painting called "Salvator Mundi " Italian for "Savior of the World " is one of fewer than 20 paintings by Leonardo known to exist and the only one in private hands. It was sold by Christie's auction house which didn't immediately identify the buyer.
Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece Salvator Mundi achieves $450 312 500 a #worldauctionrecord for any work of art sold at auction. pic.twitter.com/snKxm7t3cb â Christie's (@ChristiesInc) November 16 2017
The 26-inch-tall (66-centimeter-tall) Leonardo painting dates from around 1500 and shows Christ dressed in Renaissance-style robes his right hand raised in blessing as his left hand holds a crystal sphere.
Its path from Leonardo 's workshop to the auction block at Christie's was not smooth. Once owned by King Charles I of England it disappeared from view until 1900 when it resurfaced and was acquired by a British collector. At that time it was attributed to a Leonardo disciple rather than to the master himself.
The painting was sold again in 1958 and then acquired in 2005 badly damaged and partly painted-over by a consortium of art dealers who paid less than $10 000 (8 445 euros). The art dealers restored the painting and documented its authenticity as a work by Leonardo .
Christie's says most scholars agree that the painting is by Leonardo though some critics have questioned the attribution and some say the extensive restoration muddies the work's authorship.
Christie's capitalized on the public's interest in Leonardo considered one of the greatest artists of all time with a media campaign that labeled the painting "The Last Da Vinci." The work was exhibited in Hong Kong San Francisco London and New York before the sale.
In New York where no museum owns a Leonardo art lovers lined up outside Christie's Rockefeller Center headquarters on Tuesday to view "Salvator Mundi." | 2 | positive | [
"Rare Leonardo da Vinci painting sells for record $450M\nCLOSE The last Leonardo da Vinci painting in private hands is going to auction at Christie's in New York for an estimated $100 million.",
"Da Vinciâs depiction of Jesus titled \"Salvator Mundi \" will be auctioned on Nov.",
"15.",
"(Oct.",
"10) AP\nVisitors to Christie's wait outside in a line to view Leonardo da Vinci's 'Salvator Mundi' Tuesday Nov.",
"14 2017.",
"(Photo: Julie Jacobson AP)\nNEW YORK (AP) â A painting of Christ by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci sold for a record $450 million (380 million euros) at auction on Wednesday obliterating previous records for artworks sold at auction or privately.",
"The painting called \"Salvator Mundi \" Italian for \"Savior of the World \" is one of fewer than 20 paintings by Leonardo known to exist and the only one in private hands.",
"It was sold by Christie's auction house which didn't immediately identify the buyer.",
"Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece Salvator Mundi achieves $450 312 500 a #worldauctionrecord for any work of art sold at auction.",
"pic.",
"twitter.",
"com/snKxm7t3cb â Christie's (@ChristiesInc) November 16 2017\nThe 26-inch-tall (66-centimeter-tall) Leonardo painting dates from around 1500 and shows Christ dressed in Renaissance-style robes his right hand raised in blessing as his left hand holds a crystal sphere.",
"Its path from Leonardo 's workshop to the auction block at Christie's was not smooth.",
"Once owned by King Charles I of England it disappeared from view until 1900 when it resurfaced and was acquired by a British collector.",
"At that time it was attributed to a Leonardo disciple rather than to the master himself.",
"The painting was sold again in 1958 and then acquired in 2005 badly damaged and partly painted-over by a consortium of art dealers who paid less than $10 000 (8 445 euros).",
"The art dealers restored the painting and documented its authenticity as a work by Leonardo.",
"Christie's says most scholars agree that the painting is by Leonardo though some critics have questioned the attribution and some say the extensive restoration muddies the work's authorship.",
"Christie's capitalized on the public's interest in Leonardo considered one of the greatest artists of all time with a media campaign that labeled the painting \"The Last Da Vinci.",
"\" The work was exhibited in Hong Kong San Francisco London and New York before the sale.",
"In New York where no museum owns a Leonardo art lovers lined up outside Christie's Rockefeller Center headquarters on Tuesday to view \"Salvator Mundi.",
"\""
] |
Ford Racing 2 is definitely a far superior game to the original Ford Racing, which appeared on the original PlayStation in March 2001. While many may scoff at a racing game featuring only Ford vehicles, the true genius of the game shows in both the race venues and the overall gameplay itself.
The most critical aspect of any racing game is the physics engine; if there are flaws with the physics engine, then the gameplay suffers greatly and the game's enjoyability factor plummets (All-star Racing is a prime example of a game with virtually NO attention paid to the physics engine). Ford Racing 2 has a nice, solid physics engine which is definitely better than average for arcade-style racing games. The handling is nicely variable depending on the model of vehicle chosen for an event; there is a noticeable difference in handling between the traditional FR drivetrains and the MR drivetrains, for example, and older vehicles (such as the early Mustangs) are definitely more challenging to drive at high speeds than more modern vehicles, especially when cornering.
The selection of vehicles, gameplay modes, and race venues in Ford Racing 2 is also far superior to its predecessor. More than thirty vehicles are available, but almost all must first be added to the player's Collection ("garage") by completing the appropriate Challenges; plus, a Challenge must be completed at each difficulty level to use that vehicle in higher-difficulty events later. Seven gameplay modes provide a great variety, but even these must be unlocked by winning Challenges first. Sixteen race venues (comprised of six different environment themes) are also available, almost all of which must also be unlocked by first completing various Challenges.
Where Ford Racing 2 could use some "help," however, is in the tuning area. NO tuning options are available in this game, which is somewhat sad. Even just the ability to change tire compounds, upgrade to higher-powered engines, etc., would help to provide the player with an extra edge over the competition, especially in the Hard difficulty events. Allowing more color choices per vehicle would also be nice in terms of aesthetics.
A "neutral" aspect in Ford Racing 2 is the lack of damage. Typically, if a game uses licensed vehicles but there is never any physical damage shown, it is because the vehicle manufacturers have not granted damage modeling in the licensing for the game. While damage modeling would certainly make the game more interesting from a strategic standpoint, the lack of damage to the vehicles allows the player to freely bang around the circuits, bouncing off barriers to force sharper cornering, ramming competitors off the roadway, etc. Certainly, this is far from professional in terms of driving conduct, but in the final sprint to the Finish Line, such tactics can mean the difference between winning and finishing in last place.
Ford Racing 2 is definitely not able to compete with the Gran Turismo series, but can definitely swap paint with the Ridge Racer series. It is truly unfortunate that Ford Racing 2 is not receiving much attention, as it is a worthy addition to any serious player's collection of racing games. | 2 | positive | [
"Ford Racing 2 is definitely a far superior game to the original Ford Racing, which appeared on the original PlayStation in March 2001.",
"While many may scoff at a racing game featuring only Ford vehicles, the true genius of the game shows in both the race venues and the overall gameplay itself.",
"The most critical aspect of any racing game is the physics engine; if there are flaws with the physics engine, then the gameplay suffers greatly and the game's enjoyability factor plummets (All-star Racing is a prime example of a game with virtually NO attention paid to the physics engine).",
"Ford Racing 2 has a nice, solid physics engine which is definitely better than average for arcade-style racing games.",
"The handling is nicely variable depending on the model of vehicle chosen for an event; there is a noticeable difference in handling between the traditional FR drivetrains and the MR drivetrains, for example, and older vehicles (such as the early Mustangs) are definitely more challenging to drive at high speeds than more modern vehicles, especially when cornering.",
"The selection of vehicles, gameplay modes, and race venues in Ford Racing 2 is also far superior to its predecessor.",
"More than thirty vehicles are available, but almost all must first be added to the player's Collection (\"garage\") by completing the appropriate Challenges; plus, a Challenge must be completed at each difficulty level to use that vehicle in higher-difficulty events later.",
"Seven gameplay modes provide a great variety, but even these must be unlocked by winning Challenges first.",
"Sixteen race venues (comprised of six different environment themes) are also available, almost all of which must also be unlocked by first completing various Challenges.",
"Where Ford Racing 2 could use some \"help,\" however, is in the tuning area.",
"NO tuning options are available in this game, which is somewhat sad.",
"Even just the ability to change tire compounds, upgrade to higher-powered engines, etc.",
", would help to provide the player with an extra edge over the competition, especially in the Hard difficulty events.",
"Allowing more color choices per vehicle would also be nice in terms of aesthetics.",
"A \"neutral\" aspect in Ford Racing 2 is the lack of damage.",
"Typically, if a game uses licensed vehicles but there is never any physical damage shown, it is because the vehicle manufacturers have not granted damage modeling in the licensing for the game.",
"While damage modeling would certainly make the game more interesting from a strategic standpoint, the lack of damage to the vehicles allows the player to freely bang around the circuits, bouncing off barriers to force sharper cornering, ramming competitors off the roadway, etc.",
"Certainly, this is far from professional in terms of driving conduct, but in the final sprint to the Finish Line, such tactics can mean the difference between winning and finishing in last place.",
"Ford Racing 2 is definitely not able to compete with the Gran Turismo series, but can definitely swap paint with the Ridge Racer series.",
"It is truly unfortunate that Ford Racing 2 is not receiving much attention, as it is a worthy addition to any serious player's collection of racing games."
] |
About 4 months ago I purchased the Bessey 30 piece clamp set and while they are good for clamping down things,ect. they are not made for gluing up large cabinet sides,ect. I was at Menards and purchased 6 of these Jorgensen 50 3/4" pipe clamps because after doing a lot of reading and reviews these might be a couple dollars more than the Chinese knok-offs, but now I know why. (My Chinese knock-offs were sold on ebay---they are junk!)These clamps are surpurb at gluing up stock, ect. After purchasing the 6 at Menards(because they were on sale for 8.99 each), the very next week I purchased six more from Amazon.com at 9.99 each with free shipping and no tax! I now have a total of 12 five ft. clamps and would not trade them for the world! These things are great but I would suggest either making a pad or purchasing the pads tor the insides of your clamps to protect you wood as they will mar up sides of glued lumber with enough pressure. | 2 | positive | [
"About 4 months ago I purchased the Bessey 30 piece clamp set and while they are good for clamping down things,ect.",
"they are not made for gluing up large cabinet sides,ect.",
"I was at Menards and purchased 6 of these Jorgensen 50 3/4\" pipe clamps because after doing a lot of reading and reviews these might be a couple dollars more than the Chinese knok-offs, but now I know why.",
"(My Chinese knock-offs were sold on ebay---they are junk!",
")These clamps are surpurb at gluing up stock, ect.",
"After purchasing the 6 at Menards(because they were on sale for 8.",
"99 each), the very next week I purchased six more from Amazon.",
"com at 9.",
"99 each with free shipping and no tax!",
"I now have a total of 12 five ft.",
"clamps and would not trade them for the world!",
"These things are great but I would suggest either making a pad or purchasing the pads tor the insides of your clamps to protect you wood as they will mar up sides of glued lumber with enough pressure."
] |
The Biblical story of Moses has become a spiritual cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. To adapt it to an animated motion picture presented an epic challenge to Dreamworks founders Steven Spielberg and Jeffery Katzenberg, which they have triumphed over very successfully. Disney's somewhat disappointing Hercules made movie fans look for a different angle of story-telling as it was becoming clear that they were tiring of the tried and true Disney hit formula. .
After the Oscar-winning Pocahontas, the studios had not been to deliver its best (though I completely agree that The Hunchback Of Notre dame is one of the most underrated animated classics). Fox's Anastasia conquered a large number of hearts with its amazing character-depth and haunting tunes, but a box-office success of a larger proportion was required to dethrone Disney's monopoly. The Prince Of Egypt is easily the best non-Disney feature ever made (followed closely by Anastasia) and in every way, it as unique a classic as Beauty And The Beast or The Lion King. It is emotional, musical, captivating, and inspirational and has a profound moral meaning and beauty.
The story remains mostly true to its Exodus origin. It varies from The Ten Commandments in exploring the relationships between the two brothers who are destined to be enemies. The strength of the movie lies in the strong emotional bonds it depicts between its characters, something which The Ten commandments failed to portray. The animation is lush and vibrant, blending both classic hand-drawn cels and Computer Generated Imagery. The backgrounds and visuals and breath-taking and even the CGI sequences such as "The Parting of The Red Sea" are to be marveled at. Dreamworks artists have adapted a new angular style of character sketching which looks refreshingly beautiful on the silver screen.
Stephen Swartz's music is melodious and meaningful; from the spine-chilling "Deliver Us" to the soul-searching "When You Believe" which won the Oscar for the Best Song in 1998. (though I must say that I love Pfeiffer and Dworsky's version much more than Mariah Carrey and Whitney Houston's pop reprise). An astoundingly deep, sensitive and piercing score almost overrides the film's music; strongly highlighting the sentimental points with its rich orchestral appeal and Ofra Haza's tantalizing choral accompaniments. Nominated for an Academy Award, it deserved the Oscar for the Best Musical Score category (though I would personally have loved to see Goldsmith win his second Oscar for his incredible score of Mulan). Warbeck's score for Shakespeare In Love which eventually won, though appealing, pales before Zimmer's work or Goldsmith's masterpiece. Then again, I have noticed that Oscars go more by popularity than by talent. David Newman's nominated score from Anastasia was most definitely the Best among the Musical scores of 1997, although the Oscar favored The Full Monty, which could not possibly win in any other field where it had been nominated (owing to Titanic) and so walked away with a very undeserving award.
The Prince Of Egypt utilizes a host of acclaimed on-screen actors and actresses; comprising the voice talents of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Danny Glover, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeff Goldblum, Sandra Bullock, Patrick Stewart, Martin Short, Helen Mirren and Steve Martin. It is undoubtedly the most ambitious vocal cast ever assembled for an animated movie. All the actors bring the characters to life with striking warmth and depth. Both Kilmer's as well as Fiennes' work are very praiseworthy.
The DVD offers a excellent anamorphic 1.85:1 video transfer which looks very crisp and colorful. The Dolby digital 5.1 sound makes good use of surround, nicely highlighting the score and special effects. Dreamworks has also recently released a DTS version of the DVD in April, 2003 which is an improvised version of the earlier Dolby release. The special features provide an in-depth look at the making of the movie. Also included are two trailers, "When You Believe" multi-language reel, still galleries, interviews with the cast and a "Basics of the Chariot Race" CGI explanation segment.
The Prince Of Egypt is nothing short of a masterpiece in animation history. The movie is geared more towards the mature audiences and those expecting fast pace fun-oriented stuff will not find it towards their taste. Young children may find some scenes a little disturbing, hence Dreamworks rated the movie a PG. So go enjoy Dreamworks' first animated motion picture, which is a classic to be cherished now and for generations | 2 | positive | [
"The Biblical story of Moses has become a spiritual cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide.",
"To adapt it to an animated motion picture presented an epic challenge to Dreamworks founders Steven Spielberg and Jeffery Katzenberg, which they have triumphed over very successfully.",
"Disney's somewhat disappointing Hercules made movie fans look for a different angle of story-telling as it was becoming clear that they were tiring of the tried and true Disney hit formula.",
".",
"After the Oscar-winning Pocahontas, the studios had not been to deliver its best (though I completely agree that The Hunchback Of Notre dame is one of the most underrated animated classics).",
"Fox's Anastasia conquered a large number of hearts with its amazing character-depth and haunting tunes, but a box-office success of a larger proportion was required to dethrone Disney's monopoly.",
"The Prince Of Egypt is easily the best non-Disney feature ever made (followed closely by Anastasia) and in every way, it as unique a classic as Beauty And The Beast or The Lion King.",
"It is emotional, musical, captivating, and inspirational and has a profound moral meaning and beauty.",
"The story remains mostly true to its Exodus origin.",
"It varies from The Ten Commandments in exploring the relationships between the two brothers who are destined to be enemies.",
"The strength of the movie lies in the strong emotional bonds it depicts between its characters, something which The Ten commandments failed to portray.",
"The animation is lush and vibrant, blending both classic hand-drawn cels and Computer Generated Imagery.",
"The backgrounds and visuals and breath-taking and even the CGI sequences such as \"The Parting of The Red Sea\" are to be marveled at.",
"Dreamworks artists have adapted a new angular style of character sketching which looks refreshingly beautiful on the silver screen.",
"Stephen Swartz's music is melodious and meaningful; from the spine-chilling \"Deliver Us\" to the soul-searching \"When You Believe\" which won the Oscar for the Best Song in 1998.",
"(though I must say that I love Pfeiffer and Dworsky's version much more than Mariah Carrey and Whitney Houston's pop reprise).",
"An astoundingly deep, sensitive and piercing score almost overrides the film's music; strongly highlighting the sentimental points with its rich orchestral appeal and Ofra Haza's tantalizing choral accompaniments.",
"Nominated for an Academy Award, it deserved the Oscar for the Best Musical Score category (though I would personally have loved to see Goldsmith win his second Oscar for his incredible score of Mulan).",
"Warbeck's score for Shakespeare In Love which eventually won, though appealing, pales before Zimmer's work or Goldsmith's masterpiece.",
"Then again, I have noticed that Oscars go more by popularity than by talent.",
"David Newman's nominated score from Anastasia was most definitely the Best among the Musical scores of 1997, although the Oscar favored The Full Monty, which could not possibly win in any other field where it had been nominated (owing to Titanic) and so walked away with a very undeserving award.",
"The Prince Of Egypt utilizes a host of acclaimed on-screen actors and actresses; comprising the voice talents of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Danny Glover, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeff Goldblum, Sandra Bullock, Patrick Stewart, Martin Short, Helen Mirren and Steve Martin.",
"It is undoubtedly the most ambitious vocal cast ever assembled for an animated movie.",
"All the actors bring the characters to life with striking warmth and depth.",
"Both Kilmer's as well as Fiennes' work are very praiseworthy.",
"The DVD offers a excellent anamorphic 1.",
"85:1 video transfer which looks very crisp and colorful.",
"The Dolby digital 5.",
"1 sound makes good use of surround, nicely highlighting the score and special effects.",
"Dreamworks has also recently released a DTS version of the DVD in April, 2003 which is an improvised version of the earlier Dolby release.",
"The special features provide an in-depth look at the making of the movie.",
"Also included are two trailers, \"When You Believe\" multi-language reel, still galleries, interviews with the cast and a \"Basics of the Chariot Race\" CGI explanation segment.",
"The Prince Of Egypt is nothing short of a masterpiece in animation history.",
"The movie is geared more towards the mature audiences and those expecting fast pace fun-oriented stuff will not find it towards their taste.",
"Young children may find some scenes a little disturbing, hence Dreamworks rated the movie a PG.",
"So go enjoy Dreamworks' first animated motion picture, which is a classic to be cherished now and for generations"
] |
You have to be creative to really get full use out of this set. It is cool to see the various kinds of tape and think about ways to use them. I never knew they even made glow in the dark tape. The wire management tape is also quite useful. The "radiant light" tape is interesting, but I still haven't found a good use for it. I think this would be a good gift for a craft college student or even an older crafter. The brightly colored tapes are good for scrapbooks and the post of it tape is so smart. I also didn't realize they made that (I need to head to the adhesive aisle more, apparently). It has a few useful, non-crafty items like command strips and hook and loop pieces, but you can purchase those separately if you just wanted to hang stuff on your dorm walls. It only has only 2 command strips and 6 hook and loop velcro pairs.
There is a lot of packaging, as some other reviewers state, but I think it's mostly because this is supposed to be a "kit" teaching you about the uses of the tape. When you open the box, you get a guide that lists all the tapes, applications and instructions for use. This might be overkill. Here's an example of the instructions: "remove release liner and apply to clean, dry surface." If your kid hasn't figured out how to use tape, they're going to have real trouble in college. When you remove the instructions for use, you get a tray filled with the various tapes. On the back of the instruction sheet is a map of where the tape is in the tray. I am not sure they could package the same variety in a smaller box and still tell you what it is.
I'm sure you would be able to buy full rolls of at least a few of the the various tapes for cheaper than the whole kit, but this kit is about variety.
Overall, this set has taught me there are a great variety of items in the adhesive aisle I didn't know about. | 2 | positive | [
"You have to be creative to really get full use out of this set.",
"It is cool to see the various kinds of tape and think about ways to use them.",
"I never knew they even made glow in the dark tape.",
"The wire management tape is also quite useful.",
"The \"radiant light\" tape is interesting, but I still haven't found a good use for it.",
"I think this would be a good gift for a craft college student or even an older crafter.",
"The brightly colored tapes are good for scrapbooks and the post of it tape is so smart.",
"I also didn't realize they made that (I need to head to the adhesive aisle more, apparently).",
"It has a few useful, non-crafty items like command strips and hook and loop pieces, but you can purchase those separately if you just wanted to hang stuff on your dorm walls.",
"It only has only 2 command strips and 6 hook and loop velcro pairs.",
"There is a lot of packaging, as some other reviewers state, but I think it's mostly because this is supposed to be a \"kit\" teaching you about the uses of the tape.",
"When you open the box, you get a guide that lists all the tapes, applications and instructions for use.",
"This might be overkill.",
"Here's an example of the instructions: \"remove release liner and apply to clean, dry surface.",
"\" If your kid hasn't figured out how to use tape, they're going to have real trouble in college.",
"When you remove the instructions for use, you get a tray filled with the various tapes.",
"On the back of the instruction sheet is a map of where the tape is in the tray.",
"I am not sure they could package the same variety in a smaller box and still tell you what it is.",
"I'm sure you would be able to buy full rolls of at least a few of the the various tapes for cheaper than the whole kit, but this kit is about variety.",
"Overall, this set has taught me there are a great variety of items in the adhesive aisle I didn't know about."
] |
Interesting, Educational and lots of food for thought......and then some. Is Jimmie a god guy, or a bad guy? Horrible pitfalls of slavey, and horrible cruel and unthinkable acts after slavery to keep a people down. The book jumps around from past to present which isn't a style I personally like. But putting that aside the book is truly riveting.....I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy history, to people who like who dun its's, and to frankly anyone who likes to read.
I will be looking into future books by Barry Davis | 2 | positive | [
"Interesting, Educational and lots of food for thought....",
"..",
"and then some.",
"Is Jimmie a god guy, or a bad guy?",
"Horrible pitfalls of slavey, and horrible cruel and unthinkable acts after slavery to keep a people down.",
"The book jumps around from past to present which isn't a style I personally like.",
"But putting that aside the book is truly riveting....",
".",
"I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy history, to people who like who dun its's, and to frankly anyone who likes to read.",
"I will be looking into future books by Barry Davis"
] |
This was a taut, action-packed thriller that grabbed me from the first page and didn't let me go until the Epilogue. This is the story of an ordinary man who is dragged into a situation that he doesn't understand and who outsmarts the variety of villains.
Pete Talbott is just drifting through life after a series of personal blows. He loses his beloved wife after a long fight with cancer and then he loses his job due to downsizing and outsourcing. He moves from California to Boston to work with his brother-in-law at his software company. But one day, Gino Parani drops into his office, shoves a .45 automatic in his face, and makes him read his own obituary. It seems that he just died in Columbus, Ohio and was buried there. That was bad enough but the obituary also said that his wife Terri had died in the same accident. Pete is massively upset because this disturbs the memory of wife and he feels that the only thing he has to live for is her memory.
Going to a funeral in Columbus starts off a chain of events that has him targeted for death by two crime families and a rogue division of the FBI. There are lots of chase scenes and near death experiences as he tries to figure out what is going on.
Along the way, after he has run to Chicago, he meets Sandy Kasmarek who is the former wife of another of the men who had their identity stolen in this complex scheme. She, too, has faced a lot of difficulties since her ex-husband's death but she isn't grieving. She hated the skirt-chasing loser but had to be the one to settle his estate and assume his debts. She is quirky, funny, smart, and a karate expert. Pete first feels that he is betraying Terri when he starts to have feeling for Sandy. Sandy and Pete travel together on the run from the villains and both learn to rely on each other's strengths and come to love and trust each other.
This was an excellent thriller. I recommend it to those who enjoy political thrillers with lots of action and some romance too. | 2 | positive | [
"This was a taut, action-packed thriller that grabbed me from the first page and didn't let me go until the Epilogue.",
"This is the story of an ordinary man who is dragged into a situation that he doesn't understand and who outsmarts the variety of villains.",
"Pete Talbott is just drifting through life after a series of personal blows.",
"He loses his beloved wife after a long fight with cancer and then he loses his job due to downsizing and outsourcing.",
"He moves from California to Boston to work with his brother-in-law at his software company.",
"But one day, Gino Parani drops into his office, shoves a.",
"45 automatic in his face, and makes him read his own obituary.",
"It seems that he just died in Columbus, Ohio and was buried there.",
"That was bad enough but the obituary also said that his wife Terri had died in the same accident.",
"Pete is massively upset because this disturbs the memory of wife and he feels that the only thing he has to live for is her memory.",
"Going to a funeral in Columbus starts off a chain of events that has him targeted for death by two crime families and a rogue division of the FBI.",
"There are lots of chase scenes and near death experiences as he tries to figure out what is going on.",
"Along the way, after he has run to Chicago, he meets Sandy Kasmarek who is the former wife of another of the men who had their identity stolen in this complex scheme.",
"She, too, has faced a lot of difficulties since her ex-husband's death but she isn't grieving.",
"She hated the skirt-chasing loser but had to be the one to settle his estate and assume his debts.",
"She is quirky, funny, smart, and a karate expert.",
"Pete first feels that he is betraying Terri when he starts to have feeling for Sandy.",
"Sandy and Pete travel together on the run from the villains and both learn to rely on each other's strengths and come to love and trust each other.",
"This was an excellent thriller.",
"I recommend it to those who enjoy political thrillers with lots of action and some romance too."
] |
Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro" has its basis in the old comedia d'arte and in opera buffa. In Figaro, Mozart combined these comic, playful elements with themes of seriousness, as his music explored human frailty, character, love, and forgiveness.
The "Marriage of Figaro" was Mozart's first operatic collaboration with the librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, and it was followed by "Don Giovanni" and "Cosi Fan Tutte". Mozart himself asked Da Ponte to write the libretto for the famous play by Beaumarchais. The play itself had just barely passed the censors, and Da Ponte's libretto softened slightly the attack on aristocratic privilege in the play. The opera was first performed in May, 1784 in Vienna where Mozart conducted it with modest success. Soon therafter, it achieved much greater success in Prague. In his introductory remarks to the libretto, Da Ponte spoke of his and Mozart's efforts to "paint faithfully and in full color the divers passions that are aroused" by the story.
The opera is in four act and set at a castle in Seville, Spain. The action of the work all occurs within "one mad day" As befitting a comedy, there are many madcap moments, and somewhat stereotypical moments in the opera (people jumping out of windows to avoid a suspicious husband) and the goings-on are difficult to follow at times. But the thrust of the story is clear. The story involves the love and impending marriage of Figaro, a servant of Count Almaviva, to Susanna, a servant of his wife, the Countess. Although the Count has forsworn the medieval droit de seigneur, he still has designs on Susanna. The Countess, meanwhile, has long been dispirited that her husband's ardour and love for her has cooled. Figaro's marriage is threatened by an older woman named Marcellina who has lent him money and who wants herself to marry him. The Count offers Susanna money for her dowry in exchange for the favors he gave up in abolishing the droit de seigneur. Eventually, it develops that Marcellina is Figaro's mother. Over a long and convoluted plot, the Countess, Figaro, and Susanna find a way to foil the Count's plans. As the opera comes to its close, the Count, seeking to have his way with Susanna, thinks he has found the Countess compromising herself with Figaro and threatens to act without mercy. When he learns differently, he abrubtly changes course and begs the Countess's forgiveness, which she freely grants. The opera concludes with a triumphal march and chorus.
In a series of solo arias, duets, trios, sextets, and large ensemble numbers, Mozart's music explores love in all its forms. An important character not mentioned above is the adolescent boy Cherubino, who is attracted to every pretty woman he sees and who sings two arias full of youthful passion early in the opera. Mozart explores the yearning of the Countess and her determination to win back her straying husband. Susanna's heart and desire for physical intimacy with Figaro are on display from the outset of the work. The Count is a snarling, arrogant aristocrat, but he comes to beg forgiveness and, perhaps, to mend his ways at the end. Figaro is hot-headed, and scheming and not a little jealous of Susanna. The other minor characters, including Marcellina and her husband to be Bartolo, (the father of Figaro in a long ago affair) and the young girl Barbarina, in love with Cherubino and another victim of the Count's advances, also have important moments in the opera. Although it is difficult to point to a few aspects of Mozart's music, the large ensembles at the end of Acts II and IV, the sextet in Act III and the choral ensembles are frequently viewed as the highpoints of Figaro. Many CDs featuring "highlights" of the opera focus on the solo arias.
This classic recording of "The Marriage of Figaro" dates from 1968 with Karl Bohm conducting the Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutschen Oper Berlin. The cast includes Fischer-Dieskau as the Count, Herman Prey as Figaro, Edith Mathis as Sussana, Gundula Janowitz as the Countess, and Tatiana Troyanos as Cherubino. Bohm conducts in a carefully crafted performance, somewhat more deliberate than other recordings, which emphasizes the serious part of the story. The women in this recording are uniformly excellent. There are listeners who are less than enamored with Fischer-Dieskau's acting as the Count, but I found his performance suited to the role. As is apparent from the many thoughtful reviews of this recording, "The Marriage of Figaro" is difficult to capture in its entirety in a single performance. But this remains an outstanding performance. Listeners coming to "The Marriage of Figaro" for the first or the tenth time will not go wrong with it.
As happens so often in life, this recording came to me more than I came to it. I have heard Figaro live several times and I own a selection of highlights. But for years, I did not have a complete version of the opera. Recently, our local public library had somewhow received several copies of this CD from the manufacturer and was selling the surplus copies at a ridiculously low price.($4.00) I couldn't pass it up. Thus, it is more or less due to happenstance that I have this version of Figaro.
It is unlikely that anyone considering buying this opera will have my stroke of good luck. On the other hand, there is no need for anyone to wait as long as I did in getting to know and love this music in a classic recording. Although it is not the only choice, this CD is a wonderful way to explore Mozart's playful, humanly wise, and transcendent music to "The Marriage of Figaro".
Robin Friedman | 2 | positive | [
"Mozart's opera \"The Marriage of Figaro\" has its basis in the old comedia d'arte and in opera buffa.",
"In Figaro, Mozart combined these comic, playful elements with themes of seriousness, as his music explored human frailty, character, love, and forgiveness.",
"The \"Marriage of Figaro\" was Mozart's first operatic collaboration with the librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, and it was followed by \"Don Giovanni\" and \"Cosi Fan Tutte\".",
"Mozart himself asked Da Ponte to write the libretto for the famous play by Beaumarchais.",
"The play itself had just barely passed the censors, and Da Ponte's libretto softened slightly the attack on aristocratic privilege in the play.",
"The opera was first performed in May, 1784 in Vienna where Mozart conducted it with modest success.",
"Soon therafter, it achieved much greater success in Prague.",
"In his introductory remarks to the libretto, Da Ponte spoke of his and Mozart's efforts to \"paint faithfully and in full color the divers passions that are aroused\" by the story.",
"The opera is in four act and set at a castle in Seville, Spain.",
"The action of the work all occurs within \"one mad day\" As befitting a comedy, there are many madcap moments, and somewhat stereotypical moments in the opera (people jumping out of windows to avoid a suspicious husband) and the goings-on are difficult to follow at times.",
"But the thrust of the story is clear.",
"The story involves the love and impending marriage of Figaro, a servant of Count Almaviva, to Susanna, a servant of his wife, the Countess.",
"Although the Count has forsworn the medieval droit de seigneur, he still has designs on Susanna.",
"The Countess, meanwhile, has long been dispirited that her husband's ardour and love for her has cooled.",
"Figaro's marriage is threatened by an older woman named Marcellina who has lent him money and who wants herself to marry him.",
"The Count offers Susanna money for her dowry in exchange for the favors he gave up in abolishing the droit de seigneur.",
"Eventually, it develops that Marcellina is Figaro's mother.",
"Over a long and convoluted plot, the Countess, Figaro, and Susanna find a way to foil the Count's plans.",
"As the opera comes to its close, the Count, seeking to have his way with Susanna, thinks he has found the Countess compromising herself with Figaro and threatens to act without mercy.",
"When he learns differently, he abrubtly changes course and begs the Countess's forgiveness, which she freely grants.",
"The opera concludes with a triumphal march and chorus.",
"In a series of solo arias, duets, trios, sextets, and large ensemble numbers, Mozart's music explores love in all its forms.",
"An important character not mentioned above is the adolescent boy Cherubino, who is attracted to every pretty woman he sees and who sings two arias full of youthful passion early in the opera.",
"Mozart explores the yearning of the Countess and her determination to win back her straying husband.",
"Susanna's heart and desire for physical intimacy with Figaro are on display from the outset of the work.",
"The Count is a snarling, arrogant aristocrat, but he comes to beg forgiveness and, perhaps, to mend his ways at the end.",
"Figaro is hot-headed, and scheming and not a little jealous of Susanna.",
"The other minor characters, including Marcellina and her husband to be Bartolo, (the father of Figaro in a long ago affair) and the young girl Barbarina, in love with Cherubino and another victim of the Count's advances, also have important moments in the opera.",
"Although it is difficult to point to a few aspects of Mozart's music, the large ensembles at the end of Acts II and IV, the sextet in Act III and the choral ensembles are frequently viewed as the highpoints of Figaro.",
"Many CDs featuring \"highlights\" of the opera focus on the solo arias.",
"This classic recording of \"The Marriage of Figaro\" dates from 1968 with Karl Bohm conducting the Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutschen Oper Berlin.",
"The cast includes Fischer-Dieskau as the Count, Herman Prey as Figaro, Edith Mathis as Sussana, Gundula Janowitz as the Countess, and Tatiana Troyanos as Cherubino.",
"Bohm conducts in a carefully crafted performance, somewhat more deliberate than other recordings, which emphasizes the serious part of the story.",
"The women in this recording are uniformly excellent.",
"There are listeners who are less than enamored with Fischer-Dieskau's acting as the Count, but I found his performance suited to the role.",
"As is apparent from the many thoughtful reviews of this recording, \"The Marriage of Figaro\" is difficult to capture in its entirety in a single performance.",
"But this remains an outstanding performance.",
"Listeners coming to \"The Marriage of Figaro\" for the first or the tenth time will not go wrong with it.",
"As happens so often in life, this recording came to me more than I came to it.",
"I have heard Figaro live several times and I own a selection of highlights.",
"But for years, I did not have a complete version of the opera.",
"Recently, our local public library had somewhow received several copies of this CD from the manufacturer and was selling the surplus copies at a ridiculously low price.",
"($4.",
"00) I couldn't pass it up.",
"Thus, it is more or less due to happenstance that I have this version of Figaro.",
"It is unlikely that anyone considering buying this opera will have my stroke of good luck.",
"On the other hand, there is no need for anyone to wait as long as I did in getting to know and love this music in a classic recording.",
"Although it is not the only choice, this CD is a wonderful way to explore Mozart's playful, humanly wise, and transcendent music to \"The Marriage of Figaro\".",
"Robin Friedman"
] |
I love this little tool. I try to find ways to sneak veggies into many things I cook, and this little baby helps me do it. For example, when I make spaghetti sauce or chili, I make the sauce (or chili) as usual, but add one zucchini or yellow squash and one or two carrots to the sauce. I put the veggies into the food chopper, push the button, and within seconds, the veggies are processed into a crumbly texture. Easy to sneak the good stuff into many recipes. I even found a recipe for zucchini brownies, and the Black & Decker unit processes the squash just right.
I also have put mushrooms, onions, cooked chicken breasts, cooked apples, raw apples, and other solids and liquids into this chopper, all with good results. I usually don't use this for onions, however, as the consistency of the finished product is a little inconsistent. If I process until most of the onions are just right, some larger pieces still remain. If I continue until the large pieces are "done," then the rest of the onions are mushy. Really, onions are the only thing so far that I don't like to use in this gadget.
Very happy with this product. I've had it for about eight months now, use it all the time, and so far have had no problems whatsoever with it. I bought one for my daughter this year for Christmas. | 2 | positive | [
"I love this little tool.",
"I try to find ways to sneak veggies into many things I cook, and this little baby helps me do it.",
"For example, when I make spaghetti sauce or chili, I make the sauce (or chili) as usual, but add one zucchini or yellow squash and one or two carrots to the sauce.",
"I put the veggies into the food chopper, push the button, and within seconds, the veggies are processed into a crumbly texture.",
"Easy to sneak the good stuff into many recipes.",
"I even found a recipe for zucchini brownies, and the Black & Decker unit processes the squash just right.",
"I also have put mushrooms, onions, cooked chicken breasts, cooked apples, raw apples, and other solids and liquids into this chopper, all with good results.",
"I usually don't use this for onions, however, as the consistency of the finished product is a little inconsistent.",
"If I process until most of the onions are just right, some larger pieces still remain.",
"If I continue until the large pieces are \"done,\" then the rest of the onions are mushy.",
"Really, onions are the only thing so far that I don't like to use in this gadget.",
"Very happy with this product.",
"I've had it for about eight months now, use it all the time, and so far have had no problems whatsoever with it.",
"I bought one for my daughter this year for Christmas."
] |
Way back in 1992, before Redman became more concerned with acting, he was one of the funniest rappers around. "Whut? Thee Album" is a perfect showcase of his skills and quick-witted rhymes. The majority of his lyrics are light-hearted and humorous, so if you don't take things too seriously, you'll have a good laugh.
The album starts out with "Time 4 Sum Aksion", which is probably the best song on here. The sampling of B-Real makes this one of the most addictive choruses ever in a Redman song. The ending verse on "Rated 'R'" alone makes it a classic, as Redman goes on about battling several famed horror icons; such as Michael Myers, Freddy, Jason, etc. (although he loses some points for referring to Leatherface as "The man with the chainsaw"). Surprisingly, "Watch Yo Nuggets" is the only song with a guest appearance, as Erick Sermon (also the album's producer) does an exceptional job on his verses. "Blow Your Mind" contains some hilarious lines as Redman tries to rap in Korean, but quickly gives up.
Redman would later go on to make several quality albums, but this has always been my favorite. Overall, Redman's smooth flow, Erick Sermon's fine production, and the many comical references make this album a classic. | 2 | positive | [
"Way back in 1992, before Redman became more concerned with acting, he was one of the funniest rappers around.",
"\"Whut?",
"Thee Album\" is a perfect showcase of his skills and quick-witted rhymes.",
"The majority of his lyrics are light-hearted and humorous, so if you don't take things too seriously, you'll have a good laugh.",
"The album starts out with \"Time 4 Sum Aksion\", which is probably the best song on here.",
"The sampling of B-Real makes this one of the most addictive choruses ever in a Redman song.",
"The ending verse on \"Rated 'R'\" alone makes it a classic, as Redman goes on about battling several famed horror icons; such as Michael Myers, Freddy, Jason, etc.",
"(although he loses some points for referring to Leatherface as \"The man with the chainsaw\").",
"Surprisingly, \"Watch Yo Nuggets\" is the only song with a guest appearance, as Erick Sermon (also the album's producer) does an exceptional job on his verses.",
"\"Blow Your Mind\" contains some hilarious lines as Redman tries to rap in Korean, but quickly gives up.",
"Redman would later go on to make several quality albums, but this has always been my favorite.",
"Overall, Redman's smooth flow, Erick Sermon's fine production, and the many comical references make this album a classic."
] |
I'm actually using these for several things,
1. To hold dog pee pads onto a tray so they can't be scratched up
2. to hold my coupons and hang them from a wooden peg
3. to hold the edges of my exercise pen together
4. still finding more uses!
in all uses, they are working perfectly. They are slightly difficult to ope, but this is a good thing. Just a heads up for anyone with bad arthritis or something in their hands. I have carpal tunnel in both and I can still open them though.
Great quality product! | 2 | positive | [
"I'm actually using these for several things,\n1.",
"To hold dog pee pads onto a tray so they can't be scratched up\n2.",
"to hold my coupons and hang them from a wooden peg\n3.",
"to hold the edges of my exercise pen together\n4.",
"still finding more uses!",
"in all uses, they are working perfectly.",
"They are slightly difficult to ope, but this is a good thing.",
"Just a heads up for anyone with bad arthritis or something in their hands.",
"I have carpal tunnel in both and I can still open them though.",
"Great quality product!"
] |
This is a new machine to me. So, my rating is notwithstanding durability (can rate durability only with much time). More on maximizing the life of the machine below.
I have been fine-working wood for smoothness, beauty and detail for about 40 years now, including working in a commercial furniture-making shop and then my own cabinet business.
Just finished sanding one of my northern red oak floors in my house and could not have finished it to anywhere near the quality that it is now without this Bosch 1294 VS machine. The floor is now "silky" smooth.....right into and against the tightest molding crevices and all the way UNDER the baseboard heat panels. No other tool in my past (including my fingers!) could have done this.......nothing else.
I am fanatical about sanding wood to its ultimate beauty and with this machine I can get the inaccessible areas of a wood project to a level of smooth detail that I only dreamed I would be able to one day. I guess I would say this tool is unique because it gets into places no tool I have ever used before can.
This 1294 VS has the apparent quality and usefulness (affectiveness) equal to any of the best woodworking tools I have used in my life. And only such woodworking tools as Porter Cable's (Delta) 503 (chain-drive) belt sander really, really please me. In fact, after starting with a rented Clark drum sander and edger, I fine-sanded the interior of my oak floor with my old reliable "503". The Bosch 1294 VS (the newcomer :) ) took care of the tight details.
This Bosch I have is the 1294 VS.....not the VSK. So maybe this VSK is different than mine...but I doubt it. This machine is made in Switzerland. That should tell you something. The Swiss also make the best hand pruners on Planet Earth.......FELCO. I know because I absolutely love wood and working with wood. I have the Felco #7's.
So far so good.
I have determined that to make this machine last I am keeping my hands away from the vents and NOT pressing down on the machine as it works (ok....maybe just lightly). I am going to let the tool do the work for me. This machine has one helluva fan in it. To prevent over-heating the electric motor, this fan forces air through the machine at a very, very high rate......so to go easy on the machine......... it is imperative that I keep my hands away from the vents. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a new machine to me.",
"So, my rating is notwithstanding durability (can rate durability only with much time).",
"More on maximizing the life of the machine below.",
"I have been fine-working wood for smoothness, beauty and detail for about 40 years now, including working in a commercial furniture-making shop and then my own cabinet business.",
"Just finished sanding one of my northern red oak floors in my house and could not have finished it to anywhere near the quality that it is now without this Bosch 1294 VS machine.",
"The floor is now \"silky\" smooth....",
".",
"right into and against the tightest molding crevices and all the way UNDER the baseboard heat panels.",
"No other tool in my past (including my fingers!",
") could have done this....",
"...",
"nothing else.",
"I am fanatical about sanding wood to its ultimate beauty and with this machine I can get the inaccessible areas of a wood project to a level of smooth detail that I only dreamed I would be able to one day.",
"I guess I would say this tool is unique because it gets into places no tool I have ever used before can.",
"This 1294 VS has the apparent quality and usefulness (affectiveness) equal to any of the best woodworking tools I have used in my life.",
"And only such woodworking tools as Porter Cable's (Delta) 503 (chain-drive) belt sander really, really please me.",
"In fact, after starting with a rented Clark drum sander and edger, I fine-sanded the interior of my oak floor with my old reliable \"503\".",
"The Bosch 1294 VS (the newcomer :) ) took care of the tight details.",
"This Bosch I have is the 1294 VS....",
".",
"not the VSK.",
"So maybe this VSK is different than mine...",
"but I doubt it.",
"This machine is made in Switzerland.",
"That should tell you something.",
"The Swiss also make the best hand pruners on Planet Earth....",
"...",
"FELCO.",
"I know because I absolutely love wood and working with wood.",
"I have the Felco #7's.",
"So far so good.",
"I have determined that to make this machine last I am keeping my hands away from the vents and NOT pressing down on the machine as it works (ok....",
"maybe just lightly).",
"I am going to let the tool do the work for me.",
"This machine has one helluva fan in it.",
"To prevent over-heating the electric motor, this fan forces air through the machine at a very, very high rate....",
"..",
"so to go easy on the machine....",
"....",
".",
"it is imperative that I keep my hands away from the vents."
] |
At first I didn't think it'd work because I had it plugged in and nothing was turning on, then I realized I just had to flip the connector that connects the LED strip to the USB wire. So if you think it doesn't work, remember to flip it and try the other side! There are so many color and display options! I personally prefer using the pink color haha. I have this right behind my computer monitor and it just looks really neat. The instruction packet had clear instructions that were easy to follow and the remote is is easy-to-use. Also note that once you cut the strip, you can't use the rest of it as it doesn't plug in anymore. You won't be able to attach the strips on all 4 sides of something unless you bend it a bit; cutting it in 4 pieces will NOT work as only one side will work (the one that attaches to the USB wire). I personally use just one strip at the top of the backside of my monitor and it still looks great. Either that or you can put one strip across the middle of the backside. | 2 | positive | [
"At first I didn't think it'd work because I had it plugged in and nothing was turning on, then I realized I just had to flip the connector that connects the LED strip to the USB wire.",
"So if you think it doesn't work, remember to flip it and try the other side!",
"There are so many color and display options!",
"I personally prefer using the pink color haha.",
"I have this right behind my computer monitor and it just looks really neat.",
"The instruction packet had clear instructions that were easy to follow and the remote is is easy-to-use.",
"Also note that once you cut the strip, you can't use the rest of it as it doesn't plug in anymore.",
"You won't be able to attach the strips on all 4 sides of something unless you bend it a bit; cutting it in 4 pieces will NOT work as only one side will work (the one that attaches to the USB wire).",
"I personally use just one strip at the top of the backside of my monitor and it still looks great.",
"Either that or you can put one strip across the middle of the backside."
] |
I just love this phone. The screen is really big and can read contacts very well. Easy to learn all the features, too. I get really good signals everywhere. Has quite a few ringtones to choose from. The only downfall I did see is the few choices of default pictures for the wallpaper background. Of course, all you need to do is take pictures of the things you like and put that on the phone. I also bought a couple of hard cover cases that adds color and design. That really personalized the phone, too. The price is over half what you would pay at Walmart or TracFone. A exceptional buy. | 2 | positive | [
"I just love this phone.",
"The screen is really big and can read contacts very well.",
"Easy to learn all the features, too.",
"I get really good signals everywhere.",
"Has quite a few ringtones to choose from.",
"The only downfall I did see is the few choices of default pictures for the wallpaper background.",
"Of course, all you need to do is take pictures of the things you like and put that on the phone.",
"I also bought a couple of hard cover cases that adds color and design.",
"That really personalized the phone, too.",
"The price is over half what you would pay at Walmart or TracFone.",
"A exceptional buy."
] |
I only use Pilot G2 .05 pens for work as a nurse. Although we mostly do computer charting now, I still need to sign papers, and other work. Whenever I loan the pen -(in my presence only!) invariably, the user will look at the pen and say "what is this?' this is a nice pen!" The ink flows very smoothly, and I prefer a very small, thin line, so I order the smaller nib, at least .05. One caveat: keep the pen tip retracted at all times when not in use. If you drop the pen with the nib out - it will damage the tip and will not flow smoothly or work at all. | 2 | positive | [
"I only use Pilot G2.",
"05 pens for work as a nurse.",
"Although we mostly do computer charting now, I still need to sign papers, and other work.",
"Whenever I loan the pen -(in my presence only!",
") invariably, the user will look at the pen and say \"what is this?",
"' this is a nice pen!",
"\" The ink flows very smoothly, and I prefer a very small, thin line, so I order the smaller nib, at least.",
"05.",
"One caveat: keep the pen tip retracted at all times when not in use.",
"If you drop the pen with the nib out - it will damage the tip and will not flow smoothly or work at all."
] |
She is a 39 year old mother of a college student, four years a widow and trying to rebuild her life in Pittsburgh (really Pittsburgh?!). He is a 25 year old former street kid with a motorcycle, a pierced nipple, a black leather jacket and a propensity for trouble. He rescues her one night from a couple of thugs. She drives away, remembers she left her scarf (sentimental value) and turns back in time to rescue him from a beat down. She takes him to a hospital ER and then to her apartment where there is (conveniently) only a pull out couch for a bed.
Luckily, Gail Dayton makes this unlikely scenario interesting by his past and her family intruding on their present. And the author doesn't rush the romance although there is mental lusting on both sides.
According to Dayton's web site this was one of those books that editors loved but didn't know what to do with it. I'm glad she put it up in ebook form. Recommended if you like the younger man/older woman trope and are tired of book titles with "Duke" in them. Oh, yeah and if you want to read a book set in Pittsburgh. | 2 | positive | [
"She is a 39 year old mother of a college student, four years a widow and trying to rebuild her life in Pittsburgh (really Pittsburgh?!",
").",
"He is a 25 year old former street kid with a motorcycle, a pierced nipple, a black leather jacket and a propensity for trouble.",
"He rescues her one night from a couple of thugs.",
"She drives away, remembers she left her scarf (sentimental value) and turns back in time to rescue him from a beat down.",
"She takes him to a hospital ER and then to her apartment where there is (conveniently) only a pull out couch for a bed.",
"Luckily, Gail Dayton makes this unlikely scenario interesting by his past and her family intruding on their present.",
"And the author doesn't rush the romance although there is mental lusting on both sides.",
"According to Dayton's web site this was one of those books that editors loved but didn't know what to do with it.",
"I'm glad she put it up in ebook form.",
"Recommended if you like the younger man/older woman trope and are tired of book titles with \"Duke\" in them.",
"Oh, yeah and if you want to read a book set in Pittsburgh."
] |
After moving across the country we ended up with a dentist who has no sense of humor. Our family doesn't floss much. The dentist castigated me for this and I said, "But I do floss! Twice a year!" (meaning that during both of my dental visits the hygientist flosses my teeth). The dentist and his hygienist were not amused.
So, we got a Water Pik so that next time we go (if we haven't changed dentists by then!) we will be able to tell them we do use it. It works fine, no problems yet, but I do strongly recommend you put WARM water in it before use. I tried to cut corners once and use the cold water that was still in it from the morning, and it was like cold needles shooting into my gums! | 2 | positive | [
"After moving across the country we ended up with a dentist who has no sense of humor.",
"Our family doesn't floss much.",
"The dentist castigated me for this and I said, \"But I do floss!",
"Twice a year!",
"\" (meaning that during both of my dental visits the hygientist flosses my teeth).",
"The dentist and his hygienist were not amused.",
"So, we got a Water Pik so that next time we go (if we haven't changed dentists by then!",
") we will be able to tell them we do use it.",
"It works fine, no problems yet, but I do strongly recommend you put WARM water in it before use.",
"I tried to cut corners once and use the cold water that was still in it from the morning, and it was like cold needles shooting into my gums!"
] |
My Papillons go crazy for these treats. I actually cut the larger pieces up into smaller ones since my dogs are only 7.5 and 4.5 pounds. They work beautifully as a pee pad training reward, too. I had stopped giving treats to my dogs due to all the news of dogs getting sick, so I am very happy that these are made in the USA and only have the one ingredient. I've already bought additional packages for friends with dogs and will definitely reorder for mine.
If you have a small dog, the 4 oz. container is plenty to try out. Also, I took the advice of other reviewers and sprinkled the bit of powder at the bottom of the container on their food. The dogs inhaled it! | 2 | positive | [
"My Papillons go crazy for these treats.",
"I actually cut the larger pieces up into smaller ones since my dogs are only 7.",
"5 and 4.",
"5 pounds.",
"They work beautifully as a pee pad training reward, too.",
"I had stopped giving treats to my dogs due to all the news of dogs getting sick, so I am very happy that these are made in the USA and only have the one ingredient.",
"I've already bought additional packages for friends with dogs and will definitely reorder for mine.",
"If you have a small dog, the 4 oz.",
"container is plenty to try out.",
"Also, I took the advice of other reviewers and sprinkled the bit of powder at the bottom of the container on their food.",
"The dogs inhaled it!"
] |
When I first loaded up Legacy of Kain: Defiance the first thing that struck me was how good everything looked, in fact, I have never seen a PS2 game that looked better. More detail, more objects with more polys and better textures than either Soul Reaver 2 or Blood Omen 2. Soul Reaver 2 I consider the best game I have ever played on the Playstation- and I was hoping that Defiance would carry the quality of story and unforgettable voice acting to the next level, and while Michael Bell and Simon Templeton (Raziel and Kain's voice actors), are clearly at the top of their form, Crystal Dynamics decided to scale back the story in favor of more action. I had mixed feelings about that because it sounded as though they were dumbing down the franchise in favor of more glitz. They haven't- the revamped combat system includes several new maneuvers and special abilities that really go a long way to making Defiance is a more exciting experience and I'm betting many fans of the older games might like the fact that the 10 minute cut scenes with all their flowery dialog are gone.
To be sure the story is deep as it carries on after the events in SR2- 500 years after and begins with Kain infiltrating the Sarafan stronghold to confront Moebius while Raziel has spent the past five centuries in the underworld. Raziel has discovered that his destiny is to be the spirit that will inhabit the Soul Reaver blade and this understandably has him a little upset. The core theme of Defiance is simply that- the exertion of free will over fate. Kain believes that no one except perhaps Raziel has free will and is moving through events to find him as well as his own answers. Raziel is in the unique position of being outside the rules in some instances to the point of being able to avoid the scrutiny of the Time Streamer, Moebius. This enables Raziel to journey about Nosgoth with some freedom- exploring the world and learning more and more about his past and perhaps find a clue as to how to avoid his terrible fate.
One of the interesting aspects of the game, aside from switching between Kain and Raziel from chapter to chapter, is they are visiting the same places and essentially looking for the same answers, separated by 500 years and together they assemble the story for the player. The downside to this is you essentially are doing the same things twice in some cases, even to the point where Raziel must reforge the Reaver as he did in SR2. Fortunately, these missions seem secondary and are quite a bit easier than they were in SR2, taking little time to accomplish. In the reforging of the blade they made each new enhancement permanent and Raziel can switch between the elemental enhancements as the player sees fit rather than having to find the correct elemental font to reimbue the blade with the energy type needed. Kain also enhances that physical Reaver- new powers abound for both characters such as invisibility, a dimensional attack that allows Kain to execute attacks on several targets at once, and the awesome improvement they made to each characters telekinesis- allowing either Kain or Raziel to fling opponents into walls or off cliffs with a quick snap of a O button. Multiple successive attacks on foes also charges each Reaver allowing Kain or Raziel to crack off additional spells. Both characters are much tougher than their previous incarnations.
Raziel perhaps goes through the most changes- he no longer re-enters the physical world using the swirling dimensional gates, instead he must find an area in the spectral realm where a body is buried. Raziel shifts, inhabiting the corps which he then discards, assuming his normal blue bad-ass form. Additionally, he no longer seems to regenerate slowly in the Spectral Realm, plus his ability to devour souls is no longer at odds with the Reaver's hunger. He can feed and thereby sustain himself much easier than he could in SR2. He can feed the Reaver, but instead of just absorbing the soul, the Reaver is charged faster enabling him to cast spells. Both Kain and Raziel can also dodge foes like never before- executing tumbles, leaps, somersaults and quick shifts to mist form to avoid attacks.
Graphically, Defiance is one big piece of eye candy- areas are huge and very well detailed- colors and textures are very lavish- things like fog, smoke and light effects are used sparingly and to great effect with the `less is more' philosophy. As I said, graphics are very much improved over the older games and the PS2 handles most of them quite well and I only noticed one segment (Kain's battle with Sarafan on the draw bridges), where there was a noticeable drop in frame rate. Music is also first rate and is best described as `funky gothic'- lots of drums and low buzzing synthesizer tunes, whispers and metallic clanks that combine to give the music a very original and unusual feel. Sound effects are unusual and often creepy, especially during Raziel's stints in the Spectral Realm- disembodied voices, screams, crying- very well used in all instances.
If I have any complaints, it would be choice of camera positions. In SR2, in fact most of the Legacy of Kain games, the camera was squarely over the character's shoulder, in Defiance the camera is unbound, and positioning seems to be based on where the character is in the level. While this adds a neat cinematic feel to the action, it makes certain leaps and jumps difficult because often you can't see where you're jumping to. I noticed this especially in Raziel's first mission when he has to escape from the Elder God in the Spectral Realm- I must have attempted two of the last jumps 20 times each before I got it just right. Second, Kain's objectives seem a little more vague than Raziel's, at least to me. It's balanced out by the fact that the player spends more time as Raziel. | 2 | positive | [
"When I first loaded up Legacy of Kain: Defiance the first thing that struck me was how good everything looked, in fact, I have never seen a PS2 game that looked better.",
"More detail, more objects with more polys and better textures than either Soul Reaver 2 or Blood Omen 2.",
"Soul Reaver 2 I consider the best game I have ever played on the Playstation- and I was hoping that Defiance would carry the quality of story and unforgettable voice acting to the next level, and while Michael Bell and Simon Templeton (Raziel and Kain's voice actors), are clearly at the top of their form, Crystal Dynamics decided to scale back the story in favor of more action.",
"I had mixed feelings about that because it sounded as though they were dumbing down the franchise in favor of more glitz.",
"They haven't- the revamped combat system includes several new maneuvers and special abilities that really go a long way to making Defiance is a more exciting experience and I'm betting many fans of the older games might like the fact that the 10 minute cut scenes with all their flowery dialog are gone.",
"To be sure the story is deep as it carries on after the events in SR2- 500 years after and begins with Kain infiltrating the Sarafan stronghold to confront Moebius while Raziel has spent the past five centuries in the underworld.",
"Raziel has discovered that his destiny is to be the spirit that will inhabit the Soul Reaver blade and this understandably has him a little upset.",
"The core theme of Defiance is simply that- the exertion of free will over fate.",
"Kain believes that no one except perhaps Raziel has free will and is moving through events to find him as well as his own answers.",
"Raziel is in the unique position of being outside the rules in some instances to the point of being able to avoid the scrutiny of the Time Streamer, Moebius.",
"This enables Raziel to journey about Nosgoth with some freedom- exploring the world and learning more and more about his past and perhaps find a clue as to how to avoid his terrible fate.",
"One of the interesting aspects of the game, aside from switching between Kain and Raziel from chapter to chapter, is they are visiting the same places and essentially looking for the same answers, separated by 500 years and together they assemble the story for the player.",
"The downside to this is you essentially are doing the same things twice in some cases, even to the point where Raziel must reforge the Reaver as he did in SR2.",
"Fortunately, these missions seem secondary and are quite a bit easier than they were in SR2, taking little time to accomplish.",
"In the reforging of the blade they made each new enhancement permanent and Raziel can switch between the elemental enhancements as the player sees fit rather than having to find the correct elemental font to reimbue the blade with the energy type needed.",
"Kain also enhances that physical Reaver- new powers abound for both characters such as invisibility, a dimensional attack that allows Kain to execute attacks on several targets at once, and the awesome improvement they made to each characters telekinesis- allowing either Kain or Raziel to fling opponents into walls or off cliffs with a quick snap of a O button.",
"Multiple successive attacks on foes also charges each Reaver allowing Kain or Raziel to crack off additional spells.",
"Both characters are much tougher than their previous incarnations.",
"Raziel perhaps goes through the most changes- he no longer re-enters the physical world using the swirling dimensional gates, instead he must find an area in the spectral realm where a body is buried.",
"Raziel shifts, inhabiting the corps which he then discards, assuming his normal blue bad-ass form.",
"Additionally, he no longer seems to regenerate slowly in the Spectral Realm, plus his ability to devour souls is no longer at odds with the Reaver's hunger.",
"He can feed and thereby sustain himself much easier than he could in SR2.",
"He can feed the Reaver, but instead of just absorbing the soul, the Reaver is charged faster enabling him to cast spells.",
"Both Kain and Raziel can also dodge foes like never before- executing tumbles, leaps, somersaults and quick shifts to mist form to avoid attacks.",
"Graphically, Defiance is one big piece of eye candy- areas are huge and very well detailed- colors and textures are very lavish- things like fog, smoke and light effects are used sparingly and to great effect with the `less is more' philosophy.",
"As I said, graphics are very much improved over the older games and the PS2 handles most of them quite well and I only noticed one segment (Kain's battle with Sarafan on the draw bridges), where there was a noticeable drop in frame rate.",
"Music is also first rate and is best described as `funky gothic'- lots of drums and low buzzing synthesizer tunes, whispers and metallic clanks that combine to give the music a very original and unusual feel.",
"Sound effects are unusual and often creepy, especially during Raziel's stints in the Spectral Realm- disembodied voices, screams, crying- very well used in all instances.",
"If I have any complaints, it would be choice of camera positions.",
"In SR2, in fact most of the Legacy of Kain games, the camera was squarely over the character's shoulder, in Defiance the camera is unbound, and positioning seems to be based on where the character is in the level.",
"While this adds a neat cinematic feel to the action, it makes certain leaps and jumps difficult because often you can't see where you're jumping to.",
"I noticed this especially in Raziel's first mission when he has to escape from the Elder God in the Spectral Realm- I must have attempted two of the last jumps 20 times each before I got it just right.",
"Second, Kain's objectives seem a little more vague than Raziel's, at least to me.",
"It's balanced out by the fact that the player spends more time as Raziel."
] |
I've wanted a Record 52 1/2 vise for years, but never could justify the cost. I finally decided to get one, only to discover that they're no longer made. No problem I thought, I'll find one on Ebay. Unfortunately, the Record vise now seems to be a collector's item and a decent used one commands a higher price than they were when sold new. After some more research, I discovered that the Record tooling for the vise had been sold to an Indian company, and the Indian product was being distributed in the US by Woodcraft at a very reasonable price.
I ordered one and waited, hoping that the product would be well made and fully functional. The package arrived a bit beat up, which is what you might expect when you put a 35 pound, cast iron and steel vise in a cardboard box. The vise itself was undamaged and looked good, if a bit oily.
If you do a search for 'installing an eclipse vise', you will find a great article on how to install this vise on a bench. The author suggested disassembling the vise to clean and install it and I highly recommend doing it this way because of the weight and size. I used the flush-mount method and am very happy with the results.
At one point during my installation, the rear jaw of the vise (which probably weighs 7-8 pounds) fell off the bench and hit the concrete floor with a loud bang. I winced and wondered if I had broken it. Not to worry; there was a little chip in the paint, but the only damage was a chunk taken out of the floor. Solid!
The Eclipse vise works very well and seems to be a worthy successor to Record. The fast action is smooth and sure and the screw does what it's supposed to do. It's huge! Even with 3/4" thick wood jaws added, the opening is 14". One nice feature of this vise is that the jaws are not parallel from top to bottom when they are not squeezing something. As you apply pressure, the support rods bend slightly as they are loaded. When this happens, the jaws deflect slightly and become parallel. Genius!
I'm using the Eclipse at then end of my bench and so I drilled a series of 3/4" holes for bench dogs, in line with the retractable dog in the movable jaw of the vise. I used <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Kreg-Tool-Company-KKS1070-Kreg-Bench-Dogs/dp/B006Q8TN4O/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Kreg Tool Company KKS1070 Kreg Bench Dogs</a> and am very happy with them. | 2 | positive | [
"I've wanted a Record 52 1/2 vise for years, but never could justify the cost.",
"I finally decided to get one, only to discover that they're no longer made.",
"No problem I thought, I'll find one on Ebay.",
"Unfortunately, the Record vise now seems to be a collector's item and a decent used one commands a higher price than they were when sold new.",
"After some more research, I discovered that the Record tooling for the vise had been sold to an Indian company, and the Indian product was being distributed in the US by Woodcraft at a very reasonable price.",
"I ordered one and waited, hoping that the product would be well made and fully functional.",
"The package arrived a bit beat up, which is what you might expect when you put a 35 pound, cast iron and steel vise in a cardboard box.",
"The vise itself was undamaged and looked good, if a bit oily.",
"If you do a search for 'installing an eclipse vise', you will find a great article on how to install this vise on a bench.",
"The author suggested disassembling the vise to clean and install it and I highly recommend doing it this way because of the weight and size.",
"I used the flush-mount method and am very happy with the results.",
"At one point during my installation, the rear jaw of the vise (which probably weighs 7-8 pounds) fell off the bench and hit the concrete floor with a loud bang.",
"I winced and wondered if I had broken it.",
"Not to worry; there was a little chip in the paint, but the only damage was a chunk taken out of the floor.",
"Solid!",
"The Eclipse vise works very well and seems to be a worthy successor to Record.",
"The fast action is smooth and sure and the screw does what it's supposed to do.",
"It's huge!",
"Even with 3/4\" thick wood jaws added, the opening is 14\".",
"One nice feature of this vise is that the jaws are not parallel from top to bottom when they are not squeezing something.",
"As you apply pressure, the support rods bend slightly as they are loaded.",
"When this happens, the jaws deflect slightly and become parallel.",
"Genius!",
"I'm using the Eclipse at then end of my bench and so I drilled a series of 3/4\" holes for bench dogs, in line with the retractable dog in the movable jaw of the vise.",
"I used <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Kreg-Tool-Company-KKS1070-Kreg-Bench-Dogs/dp/B006Q8TN4O/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Kreg Tool Company KKS1070 Kreg Bench Dogs</a> and am very happy with them."
] |
Poetic Champions Compose was recorded in summer 1987. Morrison was quoted during this time period as saying...
"Psychologists will tell you that artists have to be in a state of despair before they produce great work, but I don't think that... In my case I know it doesn't create better work. I produce better work if I'm content. I can't create that feeling if I'm in a state of conflict."
Musicians
Van Morrison - lead vocals, guitar, harmonica, alto saxophone
Neil Drinkwater - piano, synthesizer
Martin Drover - trumpet, flugelhorn
Roy Jones - drums, percussion
Steve Pearce - bass
Mick Cox - lead guitar on "I Forgot That Love Existed" & "Alan Watts Blues"
June Boyce - back-up vocals
Fiachra Trench - organ on "Give Me My Rapture"
Richie Buckley - soprano saxophone, flute on "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" & "The Mystery"
Kate St. John - oboe on "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" & "The Mystery"
This is one of my favorites from "Van The Man". This is less commercial and geared more to the mature listener with Van's mellow, soulful voice making it one of his stronger releases. A very spiritual and mystifying worldview by Van which seeps out of his lyrics. His lyrics seem less cynical than the usual,he even gets sentimental at times. Good on you, Van.
The R&R HOF biography for Morrison describes his music:
"His travels have led him down pathways where he's explored soul, jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, rock and roll, Celtic folk, pop balladry, and more, forging a distinctive amalgam that has Morrison's passionate self-expression at its core. With a minimum of hype or fanfare, working with a craftsman's discipline and an artist-mystic's creativity, Morrison has steadily amassed one of the great bodies of recorded work in the 20th century."
For previews of music and videos not available on Amazon, check out Van Morrison's "Poetic Champions Compose"(full album) out on You Tube.
If you enjoy this release, try "Too Long In Exile" another Van Morrison gem. | 2 | positive | [
"Poetic Champions Compose was recorded in summer 1987.",
"Morrison was quoted during this time period as saying...",
"\"Psychologists will tell you that artists have to be in a state of despair before they produce great work, but I don't think that...",
"In my case I know it doesn't create better work.",
"I produce better work if I'm content.",
"I can't create that feeling if I'm in a state of conflict.",
"\"\n\nMusicians\nVan Morrison - lead vocals, guitar, harmonica, alto saxophone\nNeil Drinkwater - piano, synthesizer\nMartin Drover - trumpet, flugelhorn\nRoy Jones - drums, percussion\nSteve Pearce - bass\nMick Cox - lead guitar on \"I Forgot That Love Existed\" & \"Alan Watts Blues\"\nJune Boyce - back-up vocals\nFiachra Trench - organ on \"Give Me My Rapture\"\nRichie Buckley - soprano saxophone, flute on \"Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child\" & \"The Mystery\"\nKate St.",
"John - oboe on \"Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child\" & \"The Mystery\"\n\nThis is one of my favorites from \"Van The Man\".",
"This is less commercial and geared more to the mature listener with Van's mellow, soulful voice making it one of his stronger releases.",
"A very spiritual and mystifying worldview by Van which seeps out of his lyrics.",
"His lyrics seem less cynical than the usual,he even gets sentimental at times.",
"Good on you, Van.",
"The R&R HOF biography for Morrison describes his music:\n\n\"His travels have led him down pathways where he's explored soul, jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, rock and roll, Celtic folk, pop balladry, and more, forging a distinctive amalgam that has Morrison's passionate self-expression at its core.",
"With a minimum of hype or fanfare, working with a craftsman's discipline and an artist-mystic's creativity, Morrison has steadily amassed one of the great bodies of recorded work in the 20th century.",
"\"\n\nFor previews of music and videos not available on Amazon, check out Van Morrison's \"Poetic Champions Compose\"(full album) out on You Tube.",
"If you enjoy this release, try \"Too Long In Exile\" another Van Morrison gem."
] |
I have 2 large shedding dogs, who have both had their share of skin and coat issues over the years.
I started using the Grizzly Salmon oil at least 5 years ago, and since they both really like the taste, it just became part of the routine for both dogs.
Then at some point, I cant exactly recall why.. maybe it was the cost, I began to wonder if it was actually doing anything. So. when the next bottle ran out I just didn't replace it.. I don't even think I made a conscious decision to stop, i just did.
Within a month or so, there was a marked decline in the appearance and texture of their coats, which had lost that healthy look and feel (if that makes any sense). The only change to their diet had been elimination of the fish oil. I became convinced and resumed ordering. All is well now, and I get compliments on their coats all the time. The dogs do still shed, which drives me crazy but is also perfectly normal.
I always used the 32oz pump bottle, but seemed to run out quickly so i switched to the 64oz pump bottle. Although it makes sense cost wise, I'm not a fan of the 64oz because in my experience it leaks oil from the neck of the pump after some use.
Also, refrigeration is the best way to keep it fresh once its opened. | 2 | positive | [
"I have 2 large shedding dogs, who have both had their share of skin and coat issues over the years.",
"I started using the Grizzly Salmon oil at least 5 years ago, and since they both really like the taste, it just became part of the routine for both dogs.",
"Then at some point, I cant exactly recall why..",
"maybe it was the cost, I began to wonder if it was actually doing anything.",
"So.",
"when the next bottle ran out I just didn't replace it..",
"I don't even think I made a conscious decision to stop, i just did.",
"Within a month or so, there was a marked decline in the appearance and texture of their coats, which had lost that healthy look and feel (if that makes any sense).",
"The only change to their diet had been elimination of the fish oil.",
"I became convinced and resumed ordering.",
"All is well now, and I get compliments on their coats all the time.",
"The dogs do still shed, which drives me crazy but is also perfectly normal.",
"I always used the 32oz pump bottle, but seemed to run out quickly so i switched to the 64oz pump bottle.",
"Although it makes sense cost wise, I'm not a fan of the 64oz because in my experience it leaks oil from the neck of the pump after some use.",
"Also, refrigeration is the best way to keep it fresh once its opened."
] |
It might be possible that sellers sells different products so not everyone got the same protector, thats why some people say it's horrible while others love it.
I got the ones that are like CRYSTAL CLEAR through, which I like. For me, I like things being as origional-looking as possible. Apple created a gorgeous iPhone 4S for me, and I would hate to alter the appearance by using a anti-glare protector (which tends to be slightly cloudy and wierd). If you are like me, who want an almost invisible protector, this is the right choice!
The screen protector is cut almost perfect. It is a little bit smaller than the phone (because if it isn't slightly smaller, it can get damaged on the sides and may fall off or create bubbles after usage). It feels just like glass once on, and once on your phone, you can see the protector simply vanish when you peel off the 2nd side.
(I had been wanting a iPhone for a long time, so I had all the accessories, but got the phone later than anticipated. So, as soon as I peeled of the origional screen protector from Apple, I immidiately applied this, making bubbles & lint not an issue. | 2 | positive | [
"It might be possible that sellers sells different products so not everyone got the same protector, thats why some people say it's horrible while others love it.",
"I got the ones that are like CRYSTAL CLEAR through, which I like.",
"For me, I like things being as origional-looking as possible.",
"Apple created a gorgeous iPhone 4S for me, and I would hate to alter the appearance by using a anti-glare protector (which tends to be slightly cloudy and wierd).",
"If you are like me, who want an almost invisible protector, this is the right choice!",
"The screen protector is cut almost perfect.",
"It is a little bit smaller than the phone (because if it isn't slightly smaller, it can get damaged on the sides and may fall off or create bubbles after usage).",
"It feels just like glass once on, and once on your phone, you can see the protector simply vanish when you peel off the 2nd side.",
"(I had been wanting a iPhone for a long time, so I had all the accessories, but got the phone later than anticipated.",
"So, as soon as I peeled of the origional screen protector from Apple, I immidiately applied this, making bubbles & lint not an issue."
] |
These driving lights do a great job of Illuminating the road far ahead. They definitely extend past the range of my high beams and do not throw and excessively wide beam. The color is a nice yellow halogen, however it is not too bright in color. The build quality is is excellent and appears to be very well built. The wiring harness that comes with is fairly long, however it was not long enough for my install in my truck. Also, I was not a very big fan of the switch that it came with mainly because I prefer rocker switches. The install was very easy even without the instructions if you are basically familiar with Automotive electrical wiring. For my particular install, I chose to have it switched and running only with the high beam. It was very easy and turned out great!
PIAA makes a great product. Plus Amazon has a great deal on this relative to other vendor. If you're interested I would definitely get this right, I do not think you will regret it! If you have any other questions that I did not discuss work that others have not discussed Kama feel free to ask! | 2 | positive | [
"These driving lights do a great job of Illuminating the road far ahead.",
"They definitely extend past the range of my high beams and do not throw and excessively wide beam.",
"The color is a nice yellow halogen, however it is not too bright in color.",
"The build quality is is excellent and appears to be very well built.",
"The wiring harness that comes with is fairly long, however it was not long enough for my install in my truck.",
"Also, I was not a very big fan of the switch that it came with mainly because I prefer rocker switches.",
"The install was very easy even without the instructions if you are basically familiar with Automotive electrical wiring.",
"For my particular install, I chose to have it switched and running only with the high beam.",
"It was very easy and turned out great!",
"PIAA makes a great product.",
"Plus Amazon has a great deal on this relative to other vendor.",
"If you're interested I would definitely get this right, I do not think you will regret it!",
"If you have any other questions that I did not discuss work that others have not discussed Kama feel free to ask!"
] |
In his short tenure on this earth, Chris Farley provided us with some of the funniest moments in "Saturday Night Live" history. Heavily inspired by John Belushi (not just in his comedy but his dangerous lifestyle), he suddenly became the show's most talented physical comedians, bringing the pratfall back to households.
5 years of classic comedy has been put on this dvd. Farley created for himslef a variety of classic charcaters for himself, including Matt Foley (who lives in a van down by the river!!!), Todd O'Connor of "Superfans" and Barney The Chippendale Auditioner. All of these classic characters are here. Also, there's his "exciting" impression of Laurie Davis in the "Focus On Beauty" sketch. There are several montages that just to show how funny he was: one where he's in drag, a montage of his talk show, one showcasing his physical comedy, an impressions montage, and one featuring outtakes from Dress Rehersal.
Overall, very good. My one complaint may seem odd. There's not enough sketches featruing Adam Sandler! I know that the focus is supposed to be on Farley, but he and Adam shared so many great skecthes together, and they obviosuly bought out the best of each other. The ones with him are good, but it would have been better if "Zagat's" and "Gap Girls" (both featured briefly in the "Drag Montage) were on here. But still, it's an excellent dvd. | 2 | positive | [
"In his short tenure on this earth, Chris Farley provided us with some of the funniest moments in \"Saturday Night Live\" history.",
"Heavily inspired by John Belushi (not just in his comedy but his dangerous lifestyle), he suddenly became the show's most talented physical comedians, bringing the pratfall back to households.",
"5 years of classic comedy has been put on this dvd.",
"Farley created for himslef a variety of classic charcaters for himself, including Matt Foley (who lives in a van down by the river!!!",
"), Todd O'Connor of \"Superfans\" and Barney The Chippendale Auditioner.",
"All of these classic characters are here.",
"Also, there's his \"exciting\" impression of Laurie Davis in the \"Focus On Beauty\" sketch.",
"There are several montages that just to show how funny he was: one where he's in drag, a montage of his talk show, one showcasing his physical comedy, an impressions montage, and one featuring outtakes from Dress Rehersal.",
"Overall, very good.",
"My one complaint may seem odd.",
"There's not enough sketches featruing Adam Sandler!",
"I know that the focus is supposed to be on Farley, but he and Adam shared so many great skecthes together, and they obviosuly bought out the best of each other.",
"The ones with him are good, but it would have been better if \"Zagat's\" and \"Gap Girls\" (both featured briefly in the \"Drag Montage) were on here.",
"But still, it's an excellent dvd."
] |
My husband and I love breads. All kinds. We thought buying the bread at a grocery store is the easiest thing to do, until we made bread in this machine. After looking for somany machines and returning one, we found this one.
Its been over a month we bought it and we have yet to find any faults with this machine. The instructions are very easy to follow and so are the recipes. I tried whole wheat, French, fruit & nut, milk, Italian herb and yogurt breads so far and we loved them all. More importantly our 1 year old son loves them all. Need to yet experiment with the recipes, but we are happy with the basic recipes in the booklet. Fruit & Nut bread is our favorite so far. The dispenser is an added bonus.
The price was unbeatable with the free shipping. The only problem was that the cassette was already broken when we received it. But we didn't plan on watching the cassette anyways, so no worries.
The cherry on the top is the nice smell of fresh bread!
Update after a year:
This machine is doing great and making nice breads! | 2 | positive | [
"My husband and I love breads.",
"All kinds.",
"We thought buying the bread at a grocery store is the easiest thing to do, until we made bread in this machine.",
"After looking for somany machines and returning one, we found this one.",
"Its been over a month we bought it and we have yet to find any faults with this machine.",
"The instructions are very easy to follow and so are the recipes.",
"I tried whole wheat, French, fruit & nut, milk, Italian herb and yogurt breads so far and we loved them all.",
"More importantly our 1 year old son loves them all.",
"Need to yet experiment with the recipes, but we are happy with the basic recipes in the booklet.",
"Fruit & Nut bread is our favorite so far.",
"The dispenser is an added bonus.",
"The price was unbeatable with the free shipping.",
"The only problem was that the cassette was already broken when we received it.",
"But we didn't plan on watching the cassette anyways, so no worries.",
"The cherry on the top is the nice smell of fresh bread!",
"Update after a year:\nThis machine is doing great and making nice breads!"
] |
I knew I'd eventually find an Elton album I liked. But after my friend disappointed me with both Honky Chateau and Tumbleweed Connection, he tried Madman Across the Water. This is my pick for his best album.
Tiny Dancer is the best-known song here, but it doesn't really fit with the rest of the album, particularly when compared to the better tracks (I'll get to those). Next up we have Epic #1, Levon, a song about a rich man and his kid. Levon is a great song and the third best on the album. Razor Face is also pretty good. Madman Across the Water...whoa. This one just blows me away. A pitch-black tune from the perspective of a madman, it's got everything that makes the album great; the lyrics, the piano, the strings...yeah, this is my favorite EJ tune. Following Madman is the album's second-best song, Indian Sunset. Sang from the prespective of an Indian warrior whose tribe is about to die. Building from near-silence (it starts with just Elton singing) to an intense, orchestrated climax. Purely moving, it's just a Western waiting to happen.
Holiday Inn, Rotten Peaches and All the Nasties represent why I only give this album four stars, rather than five. A particularly annoying tune is All the Nasties. Taking a leaf from Queen's Bohemian Rasphody (which wasn't really all that good in the first place), this has a choir backing Elton's singing. And, like Bohemian Rasphody, the choir is annoying. Coincidence? I think not. Goodbye is a decent way to close the album, and if there's one John album you should own, make it Madman Across the Water. | 2 | positive | [
"I knew I'd eventually find an Elton album I liked.",
"But after my friend disappointed me with both Honky Chateau and Tumbleweed Connection, he tried Madman Across the Water.",
"This is my pick for his best album.",
"Tiny Dancer is the best-known song here, but it doesn't really fit with the rest of the album, particularly when compared to the better tracks (I'll get to those).",
"Next up we have Epic #1, Levon, a song about a rich man and his kid.",
"Levon is a great song and the third best on the album.",
"Razor Face is also pretty good.",
"Madman Across the Water...",
"whoa.",
"This one just blows me away.",
"A pitch-black tune from the perspective of a madman, it's got everything that makes the album great; the lyrics, the piano, the strings...",
"yeah, this is my favorite EJ tune.",
"Following Madman is the album's second-best song, Indian Sunset.",
"Sang from the prespective of an Indian warrior whose tribe is about to die.",
"Building from near-silence (it starts with just Elton singing) to an intense, orchestrated climax.",
"Purely moving, it's just a Western waiting to happen.",
"Holiday Inn, Rotten Peaches and All the Nasties represent why I only give this album four stars, rather than five.",
"A particularly annoying tune is All the Nasties.",
"Taking a leaf from Queen's Bohemian Rasphody (which wasn't really all that good in the first place), this has a choir backing Elton's singing.",
"And, like Bohemian Rasphody, the choir is annoying.",
"Coincidence?",
"I think not.",
"Goodbye is a decent way to close the album, and if there's one John album you should own, make it Madman Across the Water."
] |
I feel compelled I suppose to bunk some of the other reviews that have been posted for Frozen Throne. The one's that state "this game will rock" I need not say anything about, cause you already know to take them with a grain of salt. But for the one's that are written by actual beta testers (like myself), I need to update you on the facts, and correct some mistakes.
First off, it's hard to really rate or give a knowledgeable review of Frozen Throne because those of us that are beta testers are only getting to see the multi-player, on-line aspect of the game. There will also be an extension to the storyline of WC3, of which we can only guess at until the game is out. To give a really in-depth review of the whole game, a person would need the complete expansion.
Another thing that I find upsetting is that one of the reviewers has gotten a lot of helpful votes, just for the simple fact that people don't know whether he's correct or not. His review would have been appropriate when he wrote it. He wrote his review in March, and the game has made some drastic changes since then. So, for example, saying that Orc Batriders are overpowered is no longer applicable. To be honest, people rarely use them anymore.
Also, there is no Night Elf hero that can change Day into Night. That is an item that the Night Elves can buy from their own specific shop. To explain this, each race has the ability to build their own shop, which is very inexpensive at the moment, from which they can buy items, such as scroll of town portals, heath potions, etc. Each race has certain item specific to them. Like the Night Elf item to change the time of day or the Undead item called a Wand of Necromancy that can summon 2 skeletons from a corpse. But for some reason Blizzard decided to give Undead that item, but take away the Wand of Negation from the Original WarCraft 3. I haven't understood that move (taking away the Wand of Negation) since the beta started.
There are many other changes as well, but if I was to try and list them all, it would take me quite a while. Just rest assured that Blizzard has done a bang up job of not only making it feel like an expansion, but also adding the excitement back to when we first got WarCraft 3 and got to try out all the "new" stuff. And if I listed them all, I would take away some of the excitement of when you first pop it in and play it yourself.
Okay now that I got that off my chest, my opinion on FT so far is that it is fantastic! Bear in mind that I am only reviewing this game from the multi-player, on-line, battle.net aspect of it; I have no idea what the storyline will be to the game.
Veterans to WC3 will find some very interesting changes in Frozen Throne. While still not complete, the game seems to be reaching its home stretch. Blizzard does an excellent job of fixing balance issues, as many WC3 players already know. So that's why it was not a good idea for someone to post in March on how powerful certain units were, because Blizzard has since fixed that issue and it's no longer true. Recently they changed it so that you can get Wyverns at tier 2 now, but whether or not that will stay in the final edition, I can't say.
I personally give the game 5 stars because it excels at what I loved about WC3 so much. The on-line aspect. In all my years of gaming I don't remember a game that has pulled me in as much as WC3 has, and now Frozen Throne.
There is however a nice learning curve. Even if you are very good at WC3, you will run into some bumps in the road with Frozen Throne. But this is to be expected with new units, new heroes, new buildings and new creeps. Be warned though, a lot of the newer creeps are very, very tough and are not to be fought unless you have quite a few units. I say this mostly in the vain hope that I don't get to hear "our alley's hero has fallen" to creeps. So don't say I didn't warn you, he, he. | 2 | positive | [
"I feel compelled I suppose to bunk some of the other reviews that have been posted for Frozen Throne.",
"The one's that state \"this game will rock\" I need not say anything about, cause you already know to take them with a grain of salt.",
"But for the one's that are written by actual beta testers (like myself), I need to update you on the facts, and correct some mistakes.",
"First off, it's hard to really rate or give a knowledgeable review of Frozen Throne because those of us that are beta testers are only getting to see the multi-player, on-line aspect of the game.",
"There will also be an extension to the storyline of WC3, of which we can only guess at until the game is out.",
"To give a really in-depth review of the whole game, a person would need the complete expansion.",
"Another thing that I find upsetting is that one of the reviewers has gotten a lot of helpful votes, just for the simple fact that people don't know whether he's correct or not.",
"His review would have been appropriate when he wrote it.",
"He wrote his review in March, and the game has made some drastic changes since then.",
"So, for example, saying that Orc Batriders are overpowered is no longer applicable.",
"To be honest, people rarely use them anymore.",
"Also, there is no Night Elf hero that can change Day into Night.",
"That is an item that the Night Elves can buy from their own specific shop.",
"To explain this, each race has the ability to build their own shop, which is very inexpensive at the moment, from which they can buy items, such as scroll of town portals, heath potions, etc.",
"Each race has certain item specific to them.",
"Like the Night Elf item to change the time of day or the Undead item called a Wand of Necromancy that can summon 2 skeletons from a corpse.",
"But for some reason Blizzard decided to give Undead that item, but take away the Wand of Negation from the Original WarCraft 3.",
"I haven't understood that move (taking away the Wand of Negation) since the beta started.",
"There are many other changes as well, but if I was to try and list them all, it would take me quite a while.",
"Just rest assured that Blizzard has done a bang up job of not only making it feel like an expansion, but also adding the excitement back to when we first got WarCraft 3 and got to try out all the \"new\" stuff.",
"And if I listed them all, I would take away some of the excitement of when you first pop it in and play it yourself.",
"Okay now that I got that off my chest, my opinion on FT so far is that it is fantastic!",
"Bear in mind that I am only reviewing this game from the multi-player, on-line, battle.",
"net aspect of it; I have no idea what the storyline will be to the game.",
"Veterans to WC3 will find some very interesting changes in Frozen Throne.",
"While still not complete, the game seems to be reaching its home stretch.",
"Blizzard does an excellent job of fixing balance issues, as many WC3 players already know.",
"So that's why it was not a good idea for someone to post in March on how powerful certain units were, because Blizzard has since fixed that issue and it's no longer true.",
"Recently they changed it so that you can get Wyverns at tier 2 now, but whether or not that will stay in the final edition, I can't say.",
"I personally give the game 5 stars because it excels at what I loved about WC3 so much.",
"The on-line aspect.",
"In all my years of gaming I don't remember a game that has pulled me in as much as WC3 has, and now Frozen Throne.",
"There is however a nice learning curve.",
"Even if you are very good at WC3, you will run into some bumps in the road with Frozen Throne.",
"But this is to be expected with new units, new heroes, new buildings and new creeps.",
"Be warned though, a lot of the newer creeps are very, very tough and are not to be fought unless you have quite a few units.",
"I say this mostly in the vain hope that I don't get to hear \"our alley's hero has fallen\" to creeps.",
"So don't say I didn't warn you, he, he."
] |
I love this album for its awesome rock and roll. But I hate it for its pedophilia and ridiculous chauvinism. Such a dilemna for a Christian music lover. This album is as good as Kiss has ever sounded. The pristine production. The passion for powerhouse rock and roll. The great team playing among the band members. It's all here. But these 40 and 50 somethings sound ridiculous singing lyrics like "When that b---h bends over, I forget my name." Or "Plaster Caster, grab a hold of it faster. If you want to see my love, just ask her." (I can't believe I'm quoting these would be poets). Imagine what these guys could communicate if they had some kind of a moral compass to go by. At the end of the day, it's up to you whether or not you can overlook the offensive nature of some of the lyrics enough to warrant the purchase of this otherwise great album. (Incidentally the same things could be said about alot of the newer music that's coming out today). | 2 | positive | [
"I love this album for its awesome rock and roll.",
"But I hate it for its pedophilia and ridiculous chauvinism.",
"Such a dilemna for a Christian music lover.",
"This album is as good as Kiss has ever sounded.",
"The pristine production.",
"The passion for powerhouse rock and roll.",
"The great team playing among the band members.",
"It's all here.",
"But these 40 and 50 somethings sound ridiculous singing lyrics like \"When that b---h bends over, I forget my name.",
"\" Or \"Plaster Caster, grab a hold of it faster.",
"If you want to see my love, just ask her.",
"\" (I can't believe I'm quoting these would be poets).",
"Imagine what these guys could communicate if they had some kind of a moral compass to go by.",
"At the end of the day, it's up to you whether or not you can overlook the offensive nature of some of the lyrics enough to warrant the purchase of this otherwise great album.",
"(Incidentally the same things could be said about alot of the newer music that's coming out today)."
] |
I started out with a cheap digital caliper years ago. Eat batteries like they are going out of style. Then won an auction on a dial type and developed a bad opinion on digital. After viewing a review of different digital calipers I decided to give iGaging a try. Changed my view on digital calipers. I have used it for well over a year and it still has the original battery. I have left it on many times and does not seem to drain the battery. This was my main concern when I found out that it does not automatically turn off after a set time.
This is the second one I have bought. It does not quite feel as smooth as the older one. Maybe it needs a break in period or they do have adjustable gibs. When I opened the nice case I found the caliper was on. Again showing that this thing must really be easy on battery life. Accuracy is good enough for government. If I need a higher level there are other tools that do the job better. | 2 | positive | [
"I started out with a cheap digital caliper years ago.",
"Eat batteries like they are going out of style.",
"Then won an auction on a dial type and developed a bad opinion on digital.",
"After viewing a review of different digital calipers I decided to give iGaging a try.",
"Changed my view on digital calipers.",
"I have used it for well over a year and it still has the original battery.",
"I have left it on many times and does not seem to drain the battery.",
"This was my main concern when I found out that it does not automatically turn off after a set time.",
"This is the second one I have bought.",
"It does not quite feel as smooth as the older one.",
"Maybe it needs a break in period or they do have adjustable gibs.",
"When I opened the nice case I found the caliper was on.",
"Again showing that this thing must really be easy on battery life.",
"Accuracy is good enough for government.",
"If I need a higher level there are other tools that do the job better."
] |
Have had this skin for almost 2 months and so far there are no signs of wear or tear which is good. Its sticky just enough to be grippy but not overly so. It protects the controller fairly well. Keeps it from getting dirty as fast especially if you have a white controller.
Overall it feels good and is comfortable even in long play periods. The only problem I have is there is annoying little piece up by the triggers on both sides. Its right in between the trigger and the bumper buttons and there is no tension on the piece so when you switch between the bumper and triggers it can sometimes flip up and your finger will catch it. Not really a deal breaker or a big deal or anything since I plan on cutting it off anyways. Plan on buy another so far after this one falls apart. Will update my review if it doesnt last long. | 2 | positive | [
"Have had this skin for almost 2 months and so far there are no signs of wear or tear which is good.",
"Its sticky just enough to be grippy but not overly so.",
"It protects the controller fairly well.",
"Keeps it from getting dirty as fast especially if you have a white controller.",
"Overall it feels good and is comfortable even in long play periods.",
"The only problem I have is there is annoying little piece up by the triggers on both sides.",
"Its right in between the trigger and the bumper buttons and there is no tension on the piece so when you switch between the bumper and triggers it can sometimes flip up and your finger will catch it.",
"Not really a deal breaker or a big deal or anything since I plan on cutting it off anyways.",
"Plan on buy another so far after this one falls apart.",
"Will update my review if it doesnt last long."
] |
Halo 3 - Circa 2007
GOOD:
- Four-player online (or offline) co-op Gameplay allows two; three, or four players play through the game from start to end. A co-op player can come into the game at any time and leave at any time (note only one of you will play as the Master Chief, while another will play as the Arbiter, and the other two players will be Elites that work with humans)
- Great looking graphics and animation, that look even better then Halo 2, F.E.A.R. and just as good as Bioshock, while these graphics might not look as good as Gears of War do to some people these graphics still are some of the best seen to date.
- Intense multiplayer action online through Xbox Live with matches as small as one on one and as big as 16 players (and offline with out using Xbox Live using either spilt screen, or system link). Halo 3 is set up similar to Halo 2 in the sense that you're given a rank when you play multiplayer (this rank can go up or down at any time) this rank is representative of your skill and your matched with others of your skill type, that way new unskilled players and hardcore veterans will not often play against one another, unless they make a special match themselves that ignores rank.
BAD:
- Confusing plot to new players of this franchise - Playing Pervious games and read the Halo Novels will fill you in on the details, if you are incline to learn them.
- No Clan Support (like in Halo 2) - This might get fixed in a future patch
- Game is considered short to some (Campaign Story Mode).
IF IT FITS YOUR TASTE:
- A Sci-Fi First Person Shooter with quick pacing and vehicle combat.
- Co-op and online versus/team games is the big draw here.
- NEW MODE: Forge is a mode that lets you edit all the maps in Halo 3, while you cannot rebuild the maps themselves you can in this mode, add and take away any and all of the objects from vehicles and guns to spawning points and flag zones. This is all done in real time and you can invite friends to this mode while your customizing the map(s), they can play a multiplayer game while your doing this (instead of just waiting for you) and if you want you can forgo editing the map and join the game at hand as either a player or the map editor (who looks like 343 Guilty Spark), while playing as the map editor you can still add and take away any and all objects from vehicles and guns to spawning points and flag zones any time you want.
- NEW MODE: Theater Mode is a video editor that lets you record and play back any and all matches from Campaign, Multiplayer, and Forge modes from the point of view of any player either in first person or third person (even in a orbit-cam where the camera circles around the player) all in real time (you can also pause this at any time as well as fast forward and rewind), even use your camera to fly around the match and see the match from any angle you want, Don't forget you must save your videos before you turn off the game or you will lose said videos. Also you can take a picture at any time and save it to your Xbox 360 then download your picture at Bungie.net
GAME ITS MOST ASSOCATED TOO:
- Halo 2 (Xbox)
- Halo (Xbox)
- Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3)
- Bioshock (360)
- Gears of War (360)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- There are bonus items scattered through the Campaign Story Mode called Skulls getting these "Skulls" will make the game harder (by doing things like turning off radar for the rest of the Campaign Mode your playing it) but will also greatly increase your meta game score for the Campaign Mode.
- There are two different limited collectors editions of this game. One is called the limited edition, which comes in a metal tin and has a bonus disc (with behind the scene videos and such) and also comes with an art book. While the other limited edition (called Legendary edition) you will find an art book a mini poster two bonus DVDs (with behind the scene videos and such as well as a collection of all the cut scenes form Halo and Halo 2 and themes you can download to your 360) And the it comes with a plastic Master Chief Helmet to keep your DVDs in (Helmet as big a volley ball).
- At Bungie.net you can sign up and pay a small fee to upgrade your Halo 3 account (default is free) to hold more space on their serves for your videos/pictures/clips that you made. | 2 | positive | [
"Halo 3 - Circa 2007\n\nGOOD:\n- Four-player online (or offline) co-op Gameplay allows two; three, or four players play through the game from start to end.",
"A co-op player can come into the game at any time and leave at any time (note only one of you will play as the Master Chief, while another will play as the Arbiter, and the other two players will be Elites that work with humans)\n- Great looking graphics and animation, that look even better then Halo 2, F.",
"E.A.R. and just as good as Bioshock, while these graphics might not look as good as Gears of War do to some people these graphics still are some of the best seen to date.",
"- Intense multiplayer action online through Xbox Live with matches as small as one on one and as big as 16 players (and offline with out using Xbox Live using either spilt screen, or system link).",
"Halo 3 is set up similar to Halo 2 in the sense that you're given a rank when you play multiplayer (this rank can go up or down at any time) this rank is representative of your skill and your matched with others of your skill type, that way new unskilled players and hardcore veterans will not often play against one another, unless they make a special match themselves that ignores rank.",
"BAD:\n- Confusing plot to new players of this franchise - Playing Pervious games and read the Halo Novels will fill you in on the details, if you are incline to learn them.",
"- No Clan Support (like in Halo 2) - This might get fixed in a future patch\n- Game is considered short to some (Campaign Story Mode).",
"IF IT FITS YOUR TASTE:\n- A Sci-Fi First Person Shooter with quick pacing and vehicle combat.",
"- Co-op and online versus/team games is the big draw here.",
"- NEW MODE: Forge is a mode that lets you edit all the maps in Halo 3, while you cannot rebuild the maps themselves you can in this mode, add and take away any and all of the objects from vehicles and guns to spawning points and flag zones.",
"This is all done in real time and you can invite friends to this mode while your customizing the map(s), they can play a multiplayer game while your doing this (instead of just waiting for you) and if you want you can forgo editing the map and join the game at hand as either a player or the map editor (who looks like 343 Guilty Spark), while playing as the map editor you can still add and take away any and all objects from vehicles and guns to spawning points and flag zones any time you want.",
"- NEW MODE: Theater Mode is a video editor that lets you record and play back any and all matches from Campaign, Multiplayer, and Forge modes from the point of view of any player either in first person or third person (even in a orbit-cam where the camera circles around the player) all in real time (you can also pause this at any time as well as fast forward and rewind), even use your camera to fly around the match and see the match from any angle you want, Don't forget you must save your videos before you turn off the game or you will lose said videos.",
"Also you can take a picture at any time and save it to your Xbox 360 then download your picture at Bungie.",
"net\n\nGAME ITS MOST ASSOCATED TOO:\n- Halo 2 (Xbox)\n- Halo (Xbox)\n- Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3)\n- Bioshock (360)\n- Gears of War (360)\n\nADDITIONAL NOTES:\n- There are bonus items scattered through the Campaign Story Mode called Skulls getting these \"Skulls\" will make the game harder (by doing things like turning off radar for the rest of the Campaign Mode your playing it) but will also greatly increase your meta game score for the Campaign Mode.",
"- There are two different limited collectors editions of this game.",
"One is called the limited edition, which comes in a metal tin and has a bonus disc (with behind the scene videos and such) and also comes with an art book.",
"While the other limited edition (called Legendary edition) you will find an art book a mini poster two bonus DVDs (with behind the scene videos and such as well as a collection of all the cut scenes form Halo and Halo 2 and themes you can download to your 360) And the it comes with a plastic Master Chief Helmet to keep your DVDs in (Helmet as big a volley ball).",
"- At Bungie.",
"net you can sign up and pay a small fee to upgrade your Halo 3 account (default is free) to hold more space on their serves for your videos/pictures/clips that you made."
] |
Corel continues its impressive series of high performing graphics suite with this version X7. As usual, the flagship product is the immensely powerful vector drawing program, CorelDraw. It is intuitive to use but comes with a comprehensive help file that does an excellent job of explaining the major topics. It is always available directly on the interface.
Added to this are the (now) great number of videos and tutorials available online. Time was, a search on YouTube provided not many results (as compared to some other suites). This has changed and I believe Corel has undertaken an effort to introduce its suite of products to more people, who are in turn producing content on their behalf. There's also an excellent manual available for purchase, which while it is for X6, still pertains.
I noticed that with this new version, the speed of start up is much faster than with X6. Installation is straightforward and easy to navigate though there is at least one puzzling thing where updates always show an Internet Explorer security error message. Work output type is profuse, including PDF. I have never used the image acquisition (TWAIN, WIA) so I can't say much about it. There are a tremendous amount of settings (the RGB profile, for example, is more than 20 items long) so some time will be expended to get really comfortable with it. However, intuitive isn't the wrong descriptor here. You can accept the defaults and play, and still figure out how to produce some pretty good content. Be aware, however, there's a reason it costs a pretty penny to acquire, and why professional T-Shirt graphics designersthe ones I know anywayoverwhelmingly use CorelDraw: it's top-notch software, and to get really good requires study. Luckily, there are now more resources than ever.
If you have multiple monitors, CorelDraw X7 will be a delight to use as you may undock any number of sections to use. I don't have one, but I have seen some work with digital pens (on a tablet) that will blow you away.
Let's be honest, the other ingredient products in the suite aren't as good as Draw. PhotoPaint is a perfectly adequate image manipulation software that does not approach Photoshop or even Corel's other products in the space, PaintShop Pro. Font Manager is a nicety but not it's not going to be a staple in your everyday use.
In all, a worthwhile, faster, better version upgrade from X6. 5 stars. | 2 | positive | [
"Corel continues its impressive series of high performing graphics suite with this version X7.",
"As usual, the flagship product is the immensely powerful vector drawing program, CorelDraw.",
"It is intuitive to use but comes with a comprehensive help file that does an excellent job of explaining the major topics.",
"It is always available directly on the interface.",
"Added to this are the (now) great number of videos and tutorials available online.",
"Time was, a search on YouTube provided not many results (as compared to some other suites).",
"This has changed and I believe Corel has undertaken an effort to introduce its suite of products to more people, who are in turn producing content on their behalf.",
"There's also an excellent manual available for purchase, which while it is for X6, still pertains.",
"I noticed that with this new version, the speed of start up is much faster than with X6.",
"Installation is straightforward and easy to navigate though there is at least one puzzling thing where updates always show an Internet Explorer security error message.",
"Work output type is profuse, including PDF.",
"I have never used the image acquisition (TWAIN, WIA) so I can't say much about it.",
"There are a tremendous amount of settings (the RGB profile, for example, is more than 20 items long) so some time will be expended to get really comfortable with it.",
"However, intuitive isn't the wrong descriptor here.",
"You can accept the defaults and play, and still figure out how to produce some pretty good content.",
"Be aware, however, there's a reason it costs a pretty penny to acquire, and why professional T-Shirt graphics designersthe ones I know anywayoverwhelmingly use CorelDraw: it's top-notch software, and to get really good requires study.",
"Luckily, there are now more resources than ever.",
"If you have multiple monitors, CorelDraw X7 will be a delight to use as you may undock any number of sections to use.",
"I don't have one, but I have seen some work with digital pens (on a tablet) that will blow you away.",
"Let's be honest, the other ingredient products in the suite aren't as good as Draw.",
"PhotoPaint is a perfectly adequate image manipulation software that does not approach Photoshop or even Corel's other products in the space, PaintShop Pro.",
"Font Manager is a nicety but not it's not going to be a staple in your everyday use.",
"In all, a worthwhile, faster, better version upgrade from X6.",
"5 stars."
] |
This product was a huge life saver! I had two stripped bolt holes on my older durango caliper mount. I thought for sure I would have to replace the entire mechanism to correct the problem, but then ran across a discussion board that mentioned these HeliCoil repair kits. I gave them a try and they worked great! Very easy process, although the directions were vague. I had to go back to the discussion boards to find out the specifics on what other items I would need. For this kit, you also need a 23/64 drill bit. I also used one slightly smaller one and then stepped up to the larger bit. The tap that came with this kit was also of a very good quality. Overall, this is a wonderful item and one that I am totally thankful exists. | 2 | positive | [
"This product was a huge life saver!",
"I had two stripped bolt holes on my older durango caliper mount.",
"I thought for sure I would have to replace the entire mechanism to correct the problem, but then ran across a discussion board that mentioned these HeliCoil repair kits.",
"I gave them a try and they worked great!",
"Very easy process, although the directions were vague.",
"I had to go back to the discussion boards to find out the specifics on what other items I would need.",
"For this kit, you also need a 23/64 drill bit.",
"I also used one slightly smaller one and then stepped up to the larger bit.",
"The tap that came with this kit was also of a very good quality.",
"Overall, this is a wonderful item and one that I am totally thankful exists."
] |
Stannis Baratheon marches on Winterfell from the Wall. Daenerys's empire is threatened from within. Tyrion finds himself enslaved. Cercei finds herself in chains. The Crow's Eye desires Daenerys for his own but so do several other would-be suitors. And Jon Snow faces dissent from his brothers of the Watch...
In the latest installment of Incest and Intrigue, more of the pieces are placed on the board. Daenerys can't trust anyone. Jon Snow can't trust anyone. Iron Lords cannot trust their own brothers. Sellswords in general cannot be trusted. In short, no one can trust anyone while the Game of Thrones is being played.
This one had its share of memorable moments, both good and ill. I really like how Arya's story is developing but I don't see how it's going to tie back into things. The revelation of Young Griff's true identity was a game changer and its repercussions will be felt in the next couple books. I liked that Brienne is still alive and that Jaime Lannister chose to follow her instead of rushing to Cercei's defense. Jon Snow getting knifed on the Wall by his sworn brothers didn't sit well with me. I'm really hoping he's still alive come next book, whenever that may be.
It looks like Theon is headed for redemption but I'd rather see him dead or taking the black. Bran is progressing nicely. Whatever happened to Ricken and that bastard of Robert's that isn't Gendry? And who is Cercei's new champion Robert Strong, the Mountain, perhaps?
I honestly don't think Martin will be able to wrap things up in two more books, not with all the balls he has in the air. Plus, it would be all too easy for him to throw more players into the mix to keep the saga going. Still, with A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin has made an Oathbreaker out of me. I once swore I'd never get caught up in a neverending fantasy series. In fact, I believe I said I'd rather eat my own testicles. However, I'm pretty caught up in this one. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to join the tent city on George R.R. Martin's front lawn, to wail and gnash my teeth every night until the next book is ready. | 2 | positive | [
"Stannis Baratheon marches on Winterfell from the Wall.",
"Daenerys's empire is threatened from within.",
"Tyrion finds himself enslaved.",
"Cercei finds herself in chains.",
"The Crow's Eye desires Daenerys for his own but so do several other would-be suitors.",
"And Jon Snow faces dissent from his brothers of the Watch...",
"In the latest installment of Incest and Intrigue, more of the pieces are placed on the board.",
"Daenerys can't trust anyone.",
"Jon Snow can't trust anyone.",
"Iron Lords cannot trust their own brothers.",
"Sellswords in general cannot be trusted.",
"In short, no one can trust anyone while the Game of Thrones is being played.",
"This one had its share of memorable moments, both good and ill.",
"I really like how Arya's story is developing but I don't see how it's going to tie back into things.",
"The revelation of Young Griff's true identity was a game changer and its repercussions will be felt in the next couple books.",
"I liked that Brienne is still alive and that Jaime Lannister chose to follow her instead of rushing to Cercei's defense.",
"Jon Snow getting knifed on the Wall by his sworn brothers didn't sit well with me.",
"I'm really hoping he's still alive come next book, whenever that may be.",
"It looks like Theon is headed for redemption but I'd rather see him dead or taking the black.",
"Bran is progressing nicely.",
"Whatever happened to Ricken and that bastard of Robert's that isn't Gendry?",
"And who is Cercei's new champion Robert Strong, the Mountain, perhaps?",
"I honestly don't think Martin will be able to wrap things up in two more books, not with all the balls he has in the air.",
"Plus, it would be all too easy for him to throw more players into the mix to keep the saga going.",
"Still, with A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.",
"R. Martin has made an Oathbreaker out of me.",
"I once swore I'd never get caught up in a neverending fantasy series.",
"In fact, I believe I said I'd rather eat my own testicles.",
"However, I'm pretty caught up in this one.",
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to join the tent city on George R.",
"R. Martin's front lawn, to wail and gnash my teeth every night until the next book is ready."
] |
I bought this sander several years ago and use it a lot at times in building guitars and other detail work. It is uniquely useful at times. It is great for shaping irregular parts such as guitar necks when one is nearly finished with the neck and for faceted curved parts.
A few negatives tho. Dust removal on any but the shortest triangular pad is very poor hooked up to a vac. Also, very hard to get a wide range of sandpaper for all the pads. I cut up old 5 hole loop and hook sandpaper which as become tattered at the edges. It still works well. Sometimes doesn't stick all that well but very useful.
It is very easy to burn an adapter pad and I have burned several and haven't been able to find replacements.
Seems durable and well made. Kind of noisy but I like it's variable speed and aggressiveness at high speed. | 2 | positive | [
"I bought this sander several years ago and use it a lot at times in building guitars and other detail work.",
"It is uniquely useful at times.",
"It is great for shaping irregular parts such as guitar necks when one is nearly finished with the neck and for faceted curved parts.",
"A few negatives tho.",
"Dust removal on any but the shortest triangular pad is very poor hooked up to a vac.",
"Also, very hard to get a wide range of sandpaper for all the pads.",
"I cut up old 5 hole loop and hook sandpaper which as become tattered at the edges.",
"It still works well.",
"Sometimes doesn't stick all that well but very useful.",
"It is very easy to burn an adapter pad and I have burned several and haven't been able to find replacements.",
"Seems durable and well made.",
"Kind of noisy but I like it's variable speed and aggressiveness at high speed."
] |
This book is an analysis of globalization as an economic and political force. Friedman contends that globalization is the new organization of the world that has spontaneously appeared since the end of the Cold War. He argues that the developments in finance and instant communication, including telephones, faxes, e-mail and the Internet have shifted the balance of power in the world from national superpowers to an anonymous, amorphous group that he terms the "Electronic Herd." Countries that open their borders and adopt free-market economics can reap the riches that globalization promises, but doing so also has unavoidable consequences for traditional culture.
The book is organized into four parts: Seeing the System, Plugging into the System, The Backlash against the System, and America and the System. In the first part, Friedman lays out the essential elements of his analysis of globalization, from the conflict between the desire for development and luxury (the Lexus) and the yearning for traditional roots (the olive tree), to the Golden Straitjacket (Friedman's term for the set of economic constraints that a country must adopt in order to reap the benefits of globalization), to the Electronic Herd (independent international investors constantly trying to scoop up hot deals while avoiding burnt fingers). The remainder of the book considers how globalization came about or comes about, and what its possible consequences may be.
Before reading this book, I had heard that Friedman was a proponent of globalization, and that he uses this book for a platform for arguing why it should be spread. But that's not the message I got from reading the book. Globalization is a tricky issue because there is no universally accepted definition of the term. If `globalization' is taken to mean allowing transnational corporations to gain increasing control of the economies of developed and developing countries alike, then no reasonable person who doesn't have a financial interest in the corporations would support it. But for Friedman, `globalization' is "the inexorable integration of markets, transportation systems, and communication systems to a degree never witnessed before-in a way that is enabling corporations, countries, and individuals to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper than ever before, and in a way that is enabling the world to reach into corporations, countries, and individuals farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper than ever before." (Although this definition actually appears in another book of his, Longitudes and Attitudes, such a definition is assumed throughout the present book.) He writes "Globalization is the product of the democratizations of finance, technology and information, but what is driving all three of these is the basic human desire for a better life-a life with more choices as to what to eat, what to wear, where to live, where to travel, how to work, what to read, what to write and what to learn." The fact is, for the vast majority of countries on the planet, globalization is already in place to a certain extent, and becoming more extensive everyday. In this sense of the word, it makes no sense to support or oppose globalization; what we need to do is understand it better so that we might see where it is taking us.
In this book, Friedman seeks to help us understand the consequences of globalization, both positive and negative. He argues that one positive consequence of globalization is that it puts pressure on autocratic governments to become more democratic. But he also warns that empowering individuals as our modern communications system has done has created the potential for super-monsters. Indeed, when one keeps in mind that this book was written in 1999, one can see how prophetic he was: "When you combine the angry men that Americanization-globalization creates with the way in which globalization can super-empower people, you have what I believe is the real, immediate national security threat to the United States today: the Super-Empowered Angry Man. That's right, it's not another superpower that threatens America at the end of the twentieth century. The greatest danger that the United States faces today is from Super-empowered individuals who hate American more than ever because of globalization and who can do something about it on their own, more than ever, thanks to globalization." He then goes on to name Osama bin Laden as one of the prime examples of such angry men.
Instead of being an enthusiastic proponent of no-holds-barred globalization, Friedman stresses, "there will be no sustainable globalization without environmental preservation and cultural preservation." He goes on to note "America does have a shared national interest to pursue in today's globalization system, and it has an enormous role to play. Put simply: As the country that benefits most from global economic integration, it is our job to make sure that globalization is sustainable and that advances are leading declines for as many people as possible, in as many countries as possible, on as many days as possible."
The one aspect of the book that I didn't like was Friedman's somewhat flippant writing style. Perhaps he is trying to appeal to a general audience by using a very conversational style, but I found this off-putting when discussing such a serious topic. Some of his metaphors for explaining globalization (such as DOS 1.0-7.) are also a bit too rooted in the popular culture of the 1990s to give them lasting meaning for future audiences. These points aside, the book is quite informative and thought-provoking and should be read by all interested in international economics or politics. | 2 | positive | [
"This book is an analysis of globalization as an economic and political force.",
"Friedman contends that globalization is the new organization of the world that has spontaneously appeared since the end of the Cold War.",
"He argues that the developments in finance and instant communication, including telephones, faxes, e-mail and the Internet have shifted the balance of power in the world from national superpowers to an anonymous, amorphous group that he terms the \"Electronic Herd.",
"\" Countries that open their borders and adopt free-market economics can reap the riches that globalization promises, but doing so also has unavoidable consequences for traditional culture.",
"The book is organized into four parts: Seeing the System, Plugging into the System, The Backlash against the System, and America and the System.",
"In the first part, Friedman lays out the essential elements of his analysis of globalization, from the conflict between the desire for development and luxury (the Lexus) and the yearning for traditional roots (the olive tree), to the Golden Straitjacket (Friedman's term for the set of economic constraints that a country must adopt in order to reap the benefits of globalization), to the Electronic Herd (independent international investors constantly trying to scoop up hot deals while avoiding burnt fingers).",
"The remainder of the book considers how globalization came about or comes about, and what its possible consequences may be.",
"Before reading this book, I had heard that Friedman was a proponent of globalization, and that he uses this book for a platform for arguing why it should be spread.",
"But that's not the message I got from reading the book.",
"Globalization is a tricky issue because there is no universally accepted definition of the term.",
"If `globalization' is taken to mean allowing transnational corporations to gain increasing control of the economies of developed and developing countries alike, then no reasonable person who doesn't have a financial interest in the corporations would support it.",
"But for Friedman, `globalization' is \"the inexorable integration of markets, transportation systems, and communication systems to a degree never witnessed before-in a way that is enabling corporations, countries, and individuals to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper than ever before, and in a way that is enabling the world to reach into corporations, countries, and individuals farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper than ever before.",
"\" (Although this definition actually appears in another book of his, Longitudes and Attitudes, such a definition is assumed throughout the present book.",
") He writes \"Globalization is the product of the democratizations of finance, technology and information, but what is driving all three of these is the basic human desire for a better life-a life with more choices as to what to eat, what to wear, where to live, where to travel, how to work, what to read, what to write and what to learn.",
"\" The fact is, for the vast majority of countries on the planet, globalization is already in place to a certain extent, and becoming more extensive everyday.",
"In this sense of the word, it makes no sense to support or oppose globalization; what we need to do is understand it better so that we might see where it is taking us.",
"In this book, Friedman seeks to help us understand the consequences of globalization, both positive and negative.",
"He argues that one positive consequence of globalization is that it puts pressure on autocratic governments to become more democratic.",
"But he also warns that empowering individuals as our modern communications system has done has created the potential for super-monsters.",
"Indeed, when one keeps in mind that this book was written in 1999, one can see how prophetic he was: \"When you combine the angry men that Americanization-globalization creates with the way in which globalization can super-empower people, you have what I believe is the real, immediate national security threat to the United States today: the Super-Empowered Angry Man.",
"That's right, it's not another superpower that threatens America at the end of the twentieth century.",
"The greatest danger that the United States faces today is from Super-empowered individuals who hate American more than ever because of globalization and who can do something about it on their own, more than ever, thanks to globalization.",
"\" He then goes on to name Osama bin Laden as one of the prime examples of such angry men.",
"Instead of being an enthusiastic proponent of no-holds-barred globalization, Friedman stresses, \"there will be no sustainable globalization without environmental preservation and cultural preservation.",
"\" He goes on to note \"America does have a shared national interest to pursue in today's globalization system, and it has an enormous role to play.",
"Put simply: As the country that benefits most from global economic integration, it is our job to make sure that globalization is sustainable and that advances are leading declines for as many people as possible, in as many countries as possible, on as many days as possible.",
"\"\n\nThe one aspect of the book that I didn't like was Friedman's somewhat flippant writing style.",
"Perhaps he is trying to appeal to a general audience by using a very conversational style, but I found this off-putting when discussing such a serious topic.",
"Some of his metaphors for explaining globalization (such as DOS 1.",
"0-7.",
") are also a bit too rooted in the popular culture of the 1990s to give them lasting meaning for future audiences.",
"These points aside, the book is quite informative and thought-provoking and should be read by all interested in international economics or politics."
] |
This VHS box set is the first of one thing, and the last of another. Let me explain what I mean here.
These tapes are the very first ones featuring THX from Industrial Light and Magic. Before this set was released, THX was only available in movie theaters. After these tapes were released, THX has become featured on both VHS and DVD.
The thing that these tapes are the last of is the original theatrical release of Star Wars Episodes 4, 5 and 6. After 1995 when these tapes were released, the Star Wars Special Edition of the movies came out. When the Special Editions of the movies came out, it was goodbye to the original movies for the most part. Those of you who own this and the Special Edition version know what I mean.
If you want to own and see the original Star Wars movies as they first appeared in the theaters, these videotapes are the only way to do so. | 2 | positive | [
"This VHS box set is the first of one thing, and the last of another.",
"Let me explain what I mean here.",
"These tapes are the very first ones featuring THX from Industrial Light and Magic.",
"Before this set was released, THX was only available in movie theaters.",
"After these tapes were released, THX has become featured on both VHS and DVD.",
"The thing that these tapes are the last of is the original theatrical release of Star Wars Episodes 4, 5 and 6.",
"After 1995 when these tapes were released, the Star Wars Special Edition of the movies came out.",
"When the Special Editions of the movies came out, it was goodbye to the original movies for the most part.",
"Those of you who own this and the Special Edition version know what I mean.",
"If you want to own and see the original Star Wars movies as they first appeared in the theaters, these videotapes are the only way to do so."
] |
Willie D rejoins the group after a few years hiatus, and is back with fervor! Willie D, Face, and Bushwick Bill once again have that passionate chemistry and deliver a hard faced album with stone cold rhymes and great beats. As for the production, you get Mike Dean (who does the majority), N.O. Joe, Scarface, Derek Edwards, all great beatsmiths. Stylistically, the album is Southern style G-Funk, like many Houston albums are, but the beats range from a few laidback cuts to some blood curdling horror beats that stomp and shake the ground. The horror joints are the awesome "Still" and "Open Minded" (f/ DMG). The beats are really hard and loud, and the rhymes are lyrical terrorism. "Geto Fantasy" is gumbo style with lyrics about dreams about making it out the hood. "Time Taker" is real chill. The beats is laidback and phat, and the trio deliver some deep knowledge about the meaning of life, how time can just flow away, and judgment day, and making the most of time on earth. Bushwick Bill gets really personal and heart drenching on his solo "I Just Wanna Die." The beat is crazy, gothic, and stomach churning as are Bill's suicidal lyrics. I love the beat on "N---as And Flies" with Derek Edwards delivering the funk. I love the whiny synth in the hook and Willie drops some street and social knowledge. Facemob drops in with GB in "Hold It Down" for a nice mobb joint with an airy but simple beat. All in all, this album is a great reunion of the Houston legends, and the nice beats and crazy spits make this an easy mid 90's classic. | 2 | positive | [
"Willie D rejoins the group after a few years hiatus, and is back with fervor!",
"Willie D, Face, and Bushwick Bill once again have that passionate chemistry and deliver a hard faced album with stone cold rhymes and great beats.",
"As for the production, you get Mike Dean (who does the majority), N.",
"O. Joe, Scarface, Derek Edwards, all great beatsmiths.",
"Stylistically, the album is Southern style G-Funk, like many Houston albums are, but the beats range from a few laidback cuts to some blood curdling horror beats that stomp and shake the ground.",
"The horror joints are the awesome \"Still\" and \"Open Minded\" (f/ DMG).",
"The beats are really hard and loud, and the rhymes are lyrical terrorism.",
"\"Geto Fantasy\" is gumbo style with lyrics about dreams about making it out the hood.",
"\"Time Taker\" is real chill.",
"The beats is laidback and phat, and the trio deliver some deep knowledge about the meaning of life, how time can just flow away, and judgment day, and making the most of time on earth.",
"Bushwick Bill gets really personal and heart drenching on his solo \"I Just Wanna Die.",
"\" The beat is crazy, gothic, and stomach churning as are Bill's suicidal lyrics.",
"I love the beat on \"N---as And Flies\" with Derek Edwards delivering the funk.",
"I love the whiny synth in the hook and Willie drops some street and social knowledge.",
"Facemob drops in with GB in \"Hold It Down\" for a nice mobb joint with an airy but simple beat.",
"All in all, this album is a great reunion of the Houston legends, and the nice beats and crazy spits make this an easy mid 90's classic."
] |
When I started to read this download and realized that it took place in outer space I thought that it was just going to be some silly alien slasher which wasn't going to be good at all. But as I started to read more into the story, I was fully drawn in, and I have to admit that I found this story more creepy than many other horror novels that I have read.
STORY - A spacecraft has mysteriously docked without broadcasting its reason for doing so. Usually when this happens, it is a sure sign that something illegal is afoot. Three custom enforcers are sent to the ship to find out what is going on with this ship, but when they arrive, they find the extraordinarily large ship surprisingly deserted. As they start to explore, their sense of unease begins to grow. With doors appearing and disappearing in the seemingly unused ship, the three men start to wonder if they're simply being toyed with by some evil force...
WRITING STYLE - Atmosphere is key in nearly all horror stories, and the author got the perfect atmosphere for this story. Although there are never any jump moments in the download, I felt chills several times while reading, only because of the amazing atmosphere.
The characterization was another perfect aspect of this story; all of the characters have unique personalities and speak to each other with their own perspective.
Endings are something often messed up in horror stories, and the author, yet again, creates a perfect ending that definitely has a twist to it.
I don't think there is really anything to criticize in this story other than the fact that there a few typos, one including mixing up two names (it shouldn't confuse the reader, though).
OVERALL - This was a fantastic space thriller with a hint of sci-fi in it. Like I said earlier, it doesn't have any terrifying jump scenes, but I still highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys a psychological horror story.
WARNINGS - Violence, Peril, Mild Language | 2 | positive | [
"When I started to read this download and realized that it took place in outer space I thought that it was just going to be some silly alien slasher which wasn't going to be good at all.",
"But as I started to read more into the story, I was fully drawn in, and I have to admit that I found this story more creepy than many other horror novels that I have read.",
"STORY - A spacecraft has mysteriously docked without broadcasting its reason for doing so.",
"Usually when this happens, it is a sure sign that something illegal is afoot.",
"Three custom enforcers are sent to the ship to find out what is going on with this ship, but when they arrive, they find the extraordinarily large ship surprisingly deserted.",
"As they start to explore, their sense of unease begins to grow.",
"With doors appearing and disappearing in the seemingly unused ship, the three men start to wonder if they're simply being toyed with by some evil force...",
"WRITING STYLE - Atmosphere is key in nearly all horror stories, and the author got the perfect atmosphere for this story.",
"Although there are never any jump moments in the download, I felt chills several times while reading, only because of the amazing atmosphere.",
"The characterization was another perfect aspect of this story; all of the characters have unique personalities and speak to each other with their own perspective.",
"Endings are something often messed up in horror stories, and the author, yet again, creates a perfect ending that definitely has a twist to it.",
"I don't think there is really anything to criticize in this story other than the fact that there a few typos, one including mixing up two names (it shouldn't confuse the reader, though).",
"OVERALL - This was a fantastic space thriller with a hint of sci-fi in it.",
"Like I said earlier, it doesn't have any terrifying jump scenes, but I still highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys a psychological horror story.",
"WARNINGS - Violence, Peril, Mild Language"
] |
Seriously, you cannot beat an eheim canister filter. Comes with media, ball valves so basically ready to go out of the box. Took me about 15min to set up. You also don't have to suck water through the hose to fill. As long as the filter is below the tank, hook everything up, with the ball valves closed. Insert the in and out puts. Open the ball valve on the input, water will start to flow, open the output ball valve and you will have a full filter in minutes. For once I didn't make a mess on the carpet starting a filter. Very Very Very pleased. After the initial set up, the canister will be a bit noisey from air bubbles. Tilt the filter around, give it a bit of a shake and let it run wide open throttle for about 30 min, then adjust it to where you want. Mine runs silent now!
I have this set up on an 8.7 bowfront tank, over filtration for sure, but you can't go wrong with that. | 2 | positive | [
"Seriously, you cannot beat an eheim canister filter.",
"Comes with media, ball valves so basically ready to go out of the box.",
"Took me about 15min to set up.",
"You also don't have to suck water through the hose to fill.",
"As long as the filter is below the tank, hook everything up, with the ball valves closed.",
"Insert the in and out puts.",
"Open the ball valve on the input, water will start to flow, open the output ball valve and you will have a full filter in minutes.",
"For once I didn't make a mess on the carpet starting a filter.",
"Very Very Very pleased.",
"After the initial set up, the canister will be a bit noisey from air bubbles.",
"Tilt the filter around, give it a bit of a shake and let it run wide open throttle for about 30 min, then adjust it to where you want.",
"Mine runs silent now!",
"I have this set up on an 8.",
"7 bowfront tank, over filtration for sure, but you can't go wrong with that."
] |
The first of two albums recorded at Hansa By The Wall in Berlin, Low is a progression and expansion of the sound he was merely hinting at on Station To Station.
Songs like "Breaking Glass" are an extension of what he did in the previous Station To Station. This song might as well be "TVC16." The electronic, computerized beats of "What In The World" also illustrates the progression.
"Sound And Vision," with its Phil Spectorish wall of synthesizer and the guitars, is one of Bowie's best singles.
The pleading tone of "Be My Wife" is marked by the appeal of a man world-weary, with the hallmarks of a "been there, done that" lifestyle, coupled with clonking piano and guitar. The verse and chorus are brief and repeated, but they convey a very simple message.
If rock fused with electronica characterizes the first half of Low, the second half comprises the section of Low I really like, the new age instrumentals lining the second half. "A New Career In A New Town" leads the way, with a melancholy flute-like synthesizer against a pulsing percussive beat before breaking into the synth-guitar of "Speed Of Life", wailing harmonica.
The majestic and introspective "Warszawa," (pronounced vaar-shaava) could almost be a substitute soundtrack for the silent film Metropolis. It evokes the sight of one beholding the vista of a futuristic city. What were his thoughts when he created this lovely piece? Was it the ruins of post-War Poland or the industrial wasteland of the Communist years? Or perhaps it was a mirror of Bowie's own inner self.
"Art Decade" continues the majestic sense of wonder with computerized bleeps and other sounds interspersed throughout.
"Weeping Wall" contains xylophones and wailing guitar synthesizers. It is somewhat quick-paced towards the end.
The closing instrumental "Subterraneans" is the most melancholy, accompanied by the synth-symphonic wall of sound, low intonations, and saxophones. Bowie has a few snatches of vocals mid-song.
All five of these instrumentals can also be found on the All Saints Collected Instrumentals album he released on 11 September of last year. Whether listening to them here or on All Saints, my mind is transported to another place when I listen to them. It also helps that before hearing the originals, I heard Phillip Glass's extended versions and improvisations of "Warszawa" and "Subterraneans" on his Low Symphony, so hearing the originals for the first time was quite a revelation.
One of Bowie's landmark albums and one not to be missed. It further demonstrates the versatility and chameleonic abilities of Bowie. Listen to this album, Hunky Dory, Black Tie White Noise, and Let's Dance, and compare. See what I mean? | 2 | positive | [
"The first of two albums recorded at Hansa By The Wall in Berlin, Low is a progression and expansion of the sound he was merely hinting at on Station To Station.",
"Songs like \"Breaking Glass\" are an extension of what he did in the previous Station To Station.",
"This song might as well be \"TVC16.",
"\" The electronic, computerized beats of \"What In The World\" also illustrates the progression.",
"\"Sound And Vision,\" with its Phil Spectorish wall of synthesizer and the guitars, is one of Bowie's best singles.",
"The pleading tone of \"Be My Wife\" is marked by the appeal of a man world-weary, with the hallmarks of a \"been there, done that\" lifestyle, coupled with clonking piano and guitar.",
"The verse and chorus are brief and repeated, but they convey a very simple message.",
"If rock fused with electronica characterizes the first half of Low, the second half comprises the section of Low I really like, the new age instrumentals lining the second half.",
"\"A New Career In A New Town\" leads the way, with a melancholy flute-like synthesizer against a pulsing percussive beat before breaking into the synth-guitar of \"Speed Of Life\", wailing harmonica.",
"The majestic and introspective \"Warszawa,\" (pronounced vaar-shaava) could almost be a substitute soundtrack for the silent film Metropolis.",
"It evokes the sight of one beholding the vista of a futuristic city.",
"What were his thoughts when he created this lovely piece?",
"Was it the ruins of post-War Poland or the industrial wasteland of the Communist years?",
"Or perhaps it was a mirror of Bowie's own inner self.",
"\"Art Decade\" continues the majestic sense of wonder with computerized bleeps and other sounds interspersed throughout.",
"\"Weeping Wall\" contains xylophones and wailing guitar synthesizers.",
"It is somewhat quick-paced towards the end.",
"The closing instrumental \"Subterraneans\" is the most melancholy, accompanied by the synth-symphonic wall of sound, low intonations, and saxophones.",
"Bowie has a few snatches of vocals mid-song.",
"All five of these instrumentals can also be found on the All Saints Collected Instrumentals album he released on 11 September of last year.",
"Whether listening to them here or on All Saints, my mind is transported to another place when I listen to them.",
"It also helps that before hearing the originals, I heard Phillip Glass's extended versions and improvisations of \"Warszawa\" and \"Subterraneans\" on his Low Symphony, so hearing the originals for the first time was quite a revelation.",
"One of Bowie's landmark albums and one not to be missed.",
"It further demonstrates the versatility and chameleonic abilities of Bowie.",
"Listen to this album, Hunky Dory, Black Tie White Noise, and Let's Dance, and compare.",
"See what I mean?"
] |
You know you're in trouble when the first scenario after the tutorial pits you against three foes. If you've played a RTS before it's not that bad but if you're new to the genre it's the deep end of the pool. True, I'm more of a explore and build player but I was still disappointed with the difficulty of the campaigns. If a game wants to be difficult I'd prefer it be with good AI, not swamping you with an early rush or overwhelming numbers. There is a simple formula to win most scenarios: survive the early rush, create a defense and assault the computer opponents one at a time, and you'll win.
There are good things here, a lot of them. Huge maps and tech tree, updated graphics and well-balanced 'rock-paper-scissors' units. I also think the random scenario generator is great for a couple hours of play.
If you're new to real-time strategy it isn't the place to start. If you want to David vs. Goliath, this game is for you. | 2 | positive | [
"You know you're in trouble when the first scenario after the tutorial pits you against three foes.",
"If you've played a RTS before it's not that bad but if you're new to the genre it's the deep end of the pool.",
"True, I'm more of a explore and build player but I was still disappointed with the difficulty of the campaigns.",
"If a game wants to be difficult I'd prefer it be with good AI, not swamping you with an early rush or overwhelming numbers.",
"There is a simple formula to win most scenarios: survive the early rush, create a defense and assault the computer opponents one at a time, and you'll win.",
"There are good things here, a lot of them.",
"Huge maps and tech tree, updated graphics and well-balanced 'rock-paper-scissors' units.",
"I also think the random scenario generator is great for a couple hours of play.",
"If you're new to real-time strategy it isn't the place to start.",
"If you want to David vs.",
"Goliath, this game is for you."
] |
Master of the Hunt is the third book in the King of Prey series and features Aeson, brother to King Kabril. Though Aeson has had his share of women, he secretly desires more, though he would never willingly admit to it. He wants a mate and family of his own, but is afraid it will never happen. His brother suggests he ask the Oracle about his mate, but Aeson has no desire to tempt the fates.
Shelby has always been different, what with having a father and brother who have wings and being able to see and know things about people she shouldn't, how could she not be. She knows her and her brother's existence is forbidden so they live and work to blend into the human world. But when she finds herself instantly and strongly attracted to a sexy stranger, wanting to tell him everything, she has no idea what she should do.
Shelby was too funny! She was determined to make Aeson work for her affection. The fire between Aeson and Shelby is pretty hot. BDSM is definitely not Shelby's thing but with Aeson...it might be worth exploring. It was great to see Kabril giving Aeson a hard time after the way Aeson treated him when Kabril found his mate. There's enough suspense to keep you turning the pages wondering what's going to happen next. And the teasing and laughter will leave a smile on your face. It was good book and I look forward to the rest of the brothers finding their mates. | 2 | positive | [
"Master of the Hunt is the third book in the King of Prey series and features Aeson, brother to King Kabril.",
"Though Aeson has had his share of women, he secretly desires more, though he would never willingly admit to it.",
"He wants a mate and family of his own, but is afraid it will never happen.",
"His brother suggests he ask the Oracle about his mate, but Aeson has no desire to tempt the fates.",
"Shelby has always been different, what with having a father and brother who have wings and being able to see and know things about people she shouldn't, how could she not be.",
"She knows her and her brother's existence is forbidden so they live and work to blend into the human world.",
"But when she finds herself instantly and strongly attracted to a sexy stranger, wanting to tell him everything, she has no idea what she should do.",
"Shelby was too funny!",
"She was determined to make Aeson work for her affection.",
"The fire between Aeson and Shelby is pretty hot.",
"BDSM is definitely not Shelby's thing but with Aeson...",
"it might be worth exploring.",
"It was great to see Kabril giving Aeson a hard time after the way Aeson treated him when Kabril found his mate.",
"There's enough suspense to keep you turning the pages wondering what's going to happen next.",
"And the teasing and laughter will leave a smile on your face.",
"It was good book and I look forward to the rest of the brothers finding their mates."
] |
Domestic abusers and guns can be a deadly combination
CLOSE Some GOP lawmakers in Washington appear willing to consider legislative restrictions to curb gun violence particularly in outlawing bump stocks which the Trump administration also wants to do through administrative action. (Feb. 26) AP
Lisette Johnson center is shown recently with her children Natalie and Graham. Natalie was 12 and Graham was about to turn 10 when their father shot their mother before killing himself in 2009. (Photo: Family photo)
If Virginia's 2016 law to enforce the gun restrictions was in effect when her husband shot her and killed himself Lisette Johnson says it would have likely prevented the tragedy. Even though police and courts still need to actively confiscate weapons â which is hardly the norm â Johnson said an "upscale abuser" like her husband would have likely turned his in.
"He didnât see himself as a criminal " she says.
Johnson never got a restraining order against her husband but had told him to get all of his guns out of the house. He did â except for the one he used to fire five bullets two of the four he fired at her are still inside her body.
Johnson now volunteers as a community advocate who helps connect victims with doctors and other services they might have been cut off from while in the throes of control by their violent partners. She helped one young women who was two weeks away from giving birth and hadn't had any prenatal visits because she had been prevented from going to the doctor.
Lisette Johnson who survived domestic abuse and being shot by her late husband is now an advocate for other victims. (Photo: Family photo) | 2 | positive | [
"Domestic abusers and guns can be a deadly combination\nCLOSE Some GOP lawmakers in Washington appear willing to consider legislative restrictions to curb gun violence particularly in outlawing bump stocks which the Trump administration also wants to do through administrative action.",
"(Feb.",
"26) AP\nLisette Johnson center is shown recently with her children Natalie and Graham.",
"Natalie was 12 and Graham was about to turn 10 when their father shot their mother before killing himself in 2009.",
"(Photo: Family photo)\nIf Virginia's 2016 law to enforce the gun restrictions was in effect when her husband shot her and killed himself Lisette Johnson says it would have likely prevented the tragedy.",
"Even though police and courts still need to actively confiscate weapons â which is hardly the norm â Johnson said an \"upscale abuser\" like her husband would have likely turned his in.",
"\"He didnât see himself as a criminal \" she says.",
"Johnson never got a restraining order against her husband but had told him to get all of his guns out of the house.",
"He did â except for the one he used to fire five bullets two of the four he fired at her are still inside her body.",
"Johnson now volunteers as a community advocate who helps connect victims with doctors and other services they might have been cut off from while in the throes of control by their violent partners.",
"She helped one young women who was two weeks away from giving birth and hadn't had any prenatal visits because she had been prevented from going to the doctor.",
"Lisette Johnson who survived domestic abuse and being shot by her late husband is now an advocate for other victims.",
"(Photo: Family photo)"
] |
Well, I have been playing GTA: Vice City for about 3 months now and I believe that this is worth 5 stars (despite the few flaws). This game is great. The graphics are beautifull and the gameplay is very good.
One part about the whole GTA series is the fun you have roaming around the whole town, and this game is another perfect example of why that is so much fun. If you are with your friends, it is great laughing about your adventures throughout the town stealing cars and what not, But if you are by yourself, it is not as exciting... but still pretty fun.
The missions are great too. They add much more depth to the game as well as excitement. You start out by completing easy missions (dropping people off, delivering things, etc.). As the game progresses though, you are foced to complete very hard missions (killing gang members, stealing various vehicles, etc.). That is one of the few flaws of this near perfect game: You go from easy missions to extremely hard missions. Other than that the missions are great.
There is not much I have to say about the sound and the graphics. They are both excelent. It is funny to hear the songs I remember my parents listening to on the radio. The graphics are awesome too. Nothing more, nothing less.
Overall, this game is well worth shelling out 50 bucks for. If you are a fan of the GTA series, you will love it, and if you have never heard of it before (I don't know why you wouldn't have...), then give it a try anyway. | 2 | positive | [
"Well, I have been playing GTA: Vice City for about 3 months now and I believe that this is worth 5 stars (despite the few flaws).",
"This game is great.",
"The graphics are beautifull and the gameplay is very good.",
"One part about the whole GTA series is the fun you have roaming around the whole town, and this game is another perfect example of why that is so much fun.",
"If you are with your friends, it is great laughing about your adventures throughout the town stealing cars and what not, But if you are by yourself, it is not as exciting...",
"but still pretty fun.",
"The missions are great too.",
"They add much more depth to the game as well as excitement.",
"You start out by completing easy missions (dropping people off, delivering things, etc.",
").",
"As the game progresses though, you are foced to complete very hard missions (killing gang members, stealing various vehicles, etc.",
").",
"That is one of the few flaws of this near perfect game: You go from easy missions to extremely hard missions.",
"Other than that the missions are great.",
"There is not much I have to say about the sound and the graphics.",
"They are both excelent.",
"It is funny to hear the songs I remember my parents listening to on the radio.",
"The graphics are awesome too.",
"Nothing more, nothing less.",
"Overall, this game is well worth shelling out 50 bucks for.",
"If you are a fan of the GTA series, you will love it, and if you have never heard of it before (I don't know why you wouldn't have...",
"), then give it a try anyway."
] |
This is actually the 4th pair I've bought, even though they come with a lifetime warranty. It's just easier to replace them, and costs the same after shipping and such. Also, I cut up my first two pairs to try to Frankenstein them together, thus voiding the warranty. I will probably return my third pair so that I always have a good pair on hand.
These are as good sounding as anything below $100, and I highly, highly recommend them. They are a little muddier than earplugs costing ten times as much and 100 times better than other cheap buds. They are a little awkward to get into your ears, and won't fit every ear canal, but for me, they rock.
Also, because I use them when riding a motorcycle, they block all the wind noise and fit under my helmet, which no other earplugs seen to do as well. I can remove my helmet without ripping off my ears! (Check your state laws regarding use of headphones while driving.) | 2 | positive | [
"This is actually the 4th pair I've bought, even though they come with a lifetime warranty.",
"It's just easier to replace them, and costs the same after shipping and such.",
"Also, I cut up my first two pairs to try to Frankenstein them together, thus voiding the warranty.",
"I will probably return my third pair so that I always have a good pair on hand.",
"These are as good sounding as anything below $100, and I highly, highly recommend them.",
"They are a little muddier than earplugs costing ten times as much and 100 times better than other cheap buds.",
"They are a little awkward to get into your ears, and won't fit every ear canal, but for me, they rock.",
"Also, because I use them when riding a motorcycle, they block all the wind noise and fit under my helmet, which no other earplugs seen to do as well.",
"I can remove my helmet without ripping off my ears!",
"(Check your state laws regarding use of headphones while driving.",
")"
] |
cannibal corpse has been getting a lot of bad press lately in the underground, i suppose a lot of people are getting bored with them, but i still enjoy their earlier albums. after barns left (to join the fairly weak six feet under) the band lost part of their sickening aura in favor of a more complex approach, but is that why we listen to gory metal? people say the band is single minded and a bit dull, and of course they are, but if they weren't i would never listen to this.
the instrumentation on this album is in the old school style mostly, the druming differs from more recent styles in a way, not being a drummer i'm not sure how to describe it, there is certainly less bass drum work on this record than some of their later output. most of the time both guitars and bass move together in simple crunchy riffs, with some time changes. the vocals are groaned in a very monotone fashion and the whole of the album is very repetative.
now to the lyrics, i know a great number of mothers were upset about this and cannibal corpse's other albums, and you can see why in those wonderfully colorful, wholesome lyrics. lines like "deterioration of grated genitals, dangling from the hooks - obscene feelings deep inside me" show that while the whole ordeal is pretty weird, it is purposly over the top. sometimes i can't decide whether or not it supposed to be entirely funny or just a dry exageration, but either way it can be entertaining. i really have to admit, it is funny to hear people complain about this band; they never claimed to be dream theater.
well i don't listen to this very often, though i am while writing this. my favorite song is without a doubt 'covered with sores.' get this if you enjoy the gorey stuff, but it isn't as good as carcas. for new death metal fans i would recomend the bleeding as their best album as well, as this one does get tedious, but i'd also recomend morbid angel and autopsy first. | 2 | positive | [
"cannibal corpse has been getting a lot of bad press lately in the underground, i suppose a lot of people are getting bored with them, but i still enjoy their earlier albums.",
"after barns left (to join the fairly weak six feet under) the band lost part of their sickening aura in favor of a more complex approach, but is that why we listen to gory metal?",
"people say the band is single minded and a bit dull, and of course they are, but if they weren't i would never listen to this.",
"the instrumentation on this album is in the old school style mostly, the druming differs from more recent styles in a way, not being a drummer i'm not sure how to describe it, there is certainly less bass drum work on this record than some of their later output.",
"most of the time both guitars and bass move together in simple crunchy riffs, with some time changes.",
"the vocals are groaned in a very monotone fashion and the whole of the album is very repetative.",
"now to the lyrics, i know a great number of mothers were upset about this and cannibal corpse's other albums, and you can see why in those wonderfully colorful, wholesome lyrics.",
"lines like \"deterioration of grated genitals, dangling from the hooks - obscene feelings deep inside me\" show that while the whole ordeal is pretty weird, it is purposly over the top.",
"sometimes i can't decide whether or not it supposed to be entirely funny or just a dry exageration, but either way it can be entertaining.",
"i really have to admit, it is funny to hear people complain about this band; they never claimed to be dream theater.",
"well i don't listen to this very often, though i am while writing this.",
"my favorite song is without a doubt 'covered with sores.",
"' get this if you enjoy the gorey stuff, but it isn't as good as carcas.",
"for new death metal fans i would recomend the bleeding as their best album as well, as this one does get tedious, but i'd also recomend morbid angel and autopsy first."
] |
Who would ever think these would be so light on your feet? I went to a local store to try these out for fit and to see if they would feel heavy to walk around wearing. Then I ran home to order them. I work outside standing on cement and wanted / needed good support in the form of good cushion for my feet. I wore them in the heat of summer, I wear them to walk for exercise and not wanting to put them away for winter added socks to keep them on my feet. I never felt the sole was hot in the summer heat, nothing felt sticky in the footbed nor did my feet feeling sweaty, amazing ! I bought these shortly after contacting keen to tell them how dissappointed I was they stopped making the toeless canvas version (because I told people who complemented them they felt like my slippers--loved them) which I wore out previously and would not now be able to replace unless I opted for this rubber inclosed toe. I love the color, have to say it did not fade like the toeless aqua canvas so that was a bonus. I recommend to try walking around wearing them inside, if you are an outdoor type who needs one really good shoe for the active support and the adjustable fit of bare feet or socks give these a try. Ample toe room not only in the toebed width but length, no more painful notice your nails need trimming! Or blisters breaking them in. Very smooth and comfortable on the inside, Soft easy on / off, did I say adjustable? YES! | 2 | positive | [
"Who would ever think these would be so light on your feet?",
"I went to a local store to try these out for fit and to see if they would feel heavy to walk around wearing.",
"Then I ran home to order them.",
"I work outside standing on cement and wanted / needed good support in the form of good cushion for my feet.",
"I wore them in the heat of summer, I wear them to walk for exercise and not wanting to put them away for winter added socks to keep them on my feet.",
"I never felt the sole was hot in the summer heat, nothing felt sticky in the footbed nor did my feet feeling sweaty, amazing!",
"I bought these shortly after contacting keen to tell them how dissappointed I was they stopped making the toeless canvas version (because I told people who complemented them they felt like my slippers--loved them) which I wore out previously and would not now be able to replace unless I opted for this rubber inclosed toe.",
"I love the color, have to say it did not fade like the toeless aqua canvas so that was a bonus.",
"I recommend to try walking around wearing them inside, if you are an outdoor type who needs one really good shoe for the active support and the adjustable fit of bare feet or socks give these a try.",
"Ample toe room not only in the toebed width but length, no more painful notice your nails need trimming!",
"Or blisters breaking them in.",
"Very smooth and comfortable on the inside, Soft easy on / off, did I say adjustable?",
"YES!"
] |
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