text
stringlengths 114
22.4k
| label
int64 0
2
| label_text
stringclasses 3
values | sentences
sequencelengths 10
828
|
|---|---|---|---|
To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin is a novel of 16th century France. The heroine, Genevieve Gravois, believes she is the sole survivor of a fire that killed both her parents. Her aunt and King Henry VIII of England both tell her the fire had been set by the King of France, Francois I, and from that moment on, a deep hatred for the French king takes root inside the young girl's soul. As she grows to womanhood, she swears fealty to King Henry, and in return, he educates and trains her to one day become his spy. Genevieve learns to cipher and decipher secret codes and learns to skilfully arm and defend her life with various weapons. Finally, Genevieve is sent to take her place in the court of her enemy, King Francois. There, she immerses herself into the highest levels of the French court, and begins her secret duties as a spy for the English king, sending him secret missives about politics and the actions of the French king. As her life becomes more and more immersed into the opulence and intrigues of the court nobility, Genevieve slowly comes to the realization that all is not as it seems - those who she believes are enemies are not always adversaries and her friends cannot always be trusted.
In the novel, To Serve A King, Donna Russo Morin brings to life the affluence and magnificence of the 16th century French court. Important persons of the era make appearances in the story; from Nostradamus and the infamous Diane de Poitiers, to Catherine de Medici and Anne d'Heilly, lending credibility and historical detail to the story. As the tale unfolds, the heroine progresses from a determined young woman obsessed at revenge, to one who begins to question her own values and beliefs as loyalties are tested and secrets revealed. Numerous interesting character interactions and intrigues hold the reader's interest throughout the story. The chapter endings are exquisite, and hook the reader to turn the page to read more.
This novel sweeps readers into a turbulent time and takes us into the court of King Francois of France who surrounded himself with the best art, music, and artists of the time. What I enjoyed is although the Tudors are part of the story, they, for once, are not the focus. I liked the author's portrayal of the King of France's portrayal, for even though he is the heroine's nemesis, he comes across as kind hearted, heroic, and magnaimous, which is how I believe he truly was viewed by his people.
Impeccably researched, and strewn with delightful descriptions of clothing, furniture, and the aromatic foods of the period, one cannot help but truly enjoy the experience that comes from reading this novel. The reader is drawn by the strength and determination of the affable heroine. From laughter and joy, to sadness and fear, the reader experiences a realm of emotions as the heroine outwits her adversaries and dodges danger as she learns the real truth about her past. For anyone who loves historical fiction with feisty heroines set in majestic surroundings, this make a very satisfying, enjoyable read. Like all of Donna Russo Morin's novels, this one is sure to entertain. | 2 | positive | [
"To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin is a novel of 16th century France.",
"The heroine, Genevieve Gravois, believes she is the sole survivor of a fire that killed both her parents.",
"Her aunt and King Henry VIII of England both tell her the fire had been set by the King of France, Francois I, and from that moment on, a deep hatred for the French king takes root inside the young girl's soul.",
"As she grows to womanhood, she swears fealty to King Henry, and in return, he educates and trains her to one day become his spy.",
"Genevieve learns to cipher and decipher secret codes and learns to skilfully arm and defend her life with various weapons.",
"Finally, Genevieve is sent to take her place in the court of her enemy, King Francois.",
"There, she immerses herself into the highest levels of the French court, and begins her secret duties as a spy for the English king, sending him secret missives about politics and the actions of the French king.",
"As her life becomes more and more immersed into the opulence and intrigues of the court nobility, Genevieve slowly comes to the realization that all is not as it seems - those who she believes are enemies are not always adversaries and her friends cannot always be trusted.",
"In the novel, To Serve A King, Donna Russo Morin brings to life the affluence and magnificence of the 16th century French court.",
"Important persons of the era make appearances in the story; from Nostradamus and the infamous Diane de Poitiers, to Catherine de Medici and Anne d'Heilly, lending credibility and historical detail to the story.",
"As the tale unfolds, the heroine progresses from a determined young woman obsessed at revenge, to one who begins to question her own values and beliefs as loyalties are tested and secrets revealed.",
"Numerous interesting character interactions and intrigues hold the reader's interest throughout the story.",
"The chapter endings are exquisite, and hook the reader to turn the page to read more.",
"This novel sweeps readers into a turbulent time and takes us into the court of King Francois of France who surrounded himself with the best art, music, and artists of the time.",
"What I enjoyed is although the Tudors are part of the story, they, for once, are not the focus.",
"I liked the author's portrayal of the King of France's portrayal, for even though he is the heroine's nemesis, he comes across as kind hearted, heroic, and magnaimous, which is how I believe he truly was viewed by his people.",
"Impeccably researched, and strewn with delightful descriptions of clothing, furniture, and the aromatic foods of the period, one cannot help but truly enjoy the experience that comes from reading this novel.",
"The reader is drawn by the strength and determination of the affable heroine.",
"From laughter and joy, to sadness and fear, the reader experiences a realm of emotions as the heroine outwits her adversaries and dodges danger as she learns the real truth about her past.",
"For anyone who loves historical fiction with feisty heroines set in majestic surroundings, this make a very satisfying, enjoyable read.",
"Like all of Donna Russo Morin's novels, this one is sure to entertain."
] |
Unless your thin enough or not wearing a thick winter coat this will fit you. You think for the price the waist band would stretch. Since it is made for cold weather and ppl wear thick coats. Which in the pics it looks like it does. When u get it the waist band looks like it will stretch cuz it looks like a workout waist band material but only gives a slight stretch. I wear a guys L-Xl shirt and have hips 5'7 and the rest of the skirt fits. I can wear it with out a coat which defeats the purpose but with a coat I would have to spend more money to modify it so it can be secured onto my body. If your thick/plus you might have trouble with the waist band like me. Over all looks like your wearing an over sized apron. The faux fur only goes on the top of the knees and not all the way down to the shins. The material looks hefty slightly thick. The length will still have your feet peep out if your tall. I haven't tested it outside since I can't wrap it around my waist. Edit: Changed my rating after wearing n adding length to the band for months 3 to 4 stars. I've worn in -1 and rainy days and done heat is better than non. Wind is cold but not on my legs. Granted its not 100 percent heated but its better than riding cold wind hitting your legs. I recommend this. Can't give 5 star since the band doesn't stretch and does wear a bit after time. But still with the buy. | 2 | positive | [
"Unless your thin enough or not wearing a thick winter coat this will fit you.",
"You think for the price the waist band would stretch.",
"Since it is made for cold weather and ppl wear thick coats.",
"Which in the pics it looks like it does.",
"When u get it the waist band looks like it will stretch cuz it looks like a workout waist band material but only gives a slight stretch.",
"I wear a guys L-Xl shirt and have hips 5'7 and the rest of the skirt fits.",
"I can wear it with out a coat which defeats the purpose but with a coat I would have to spend more money to modify it so it can be secured onto my body.",
"If your thick/plus you might have trouble with the waist band like me.",
"Over all looks like your wearing an over sized apron.",
"The faux fur only goes on the top of the knees and not all the way down to the shins.",
"The material looks hefty slightly thick.",
"The length will still have your feet peep out if your tall.",
"I haven't tested it outside since I can't wrap it around my waist.",
"Edit: Changed my rating after wearing n adding length to the band for months 3 to 4 stars.",
"I've worn in -1 and rainy days and done heat is better than non.",
"Wind is cold but not on my legs.",
"Granted its not 100 percent heated but its better than riding cold wind hitting your legs.",
"I recommend this.",
"Can't give 5 star since the band doesn't stretch and does wear a bit after time.",
"But still with the buy."
] |
I bought my Yamaha guitarlele about 2 years ago from Long & McQuade located in Canada. It's the same as the one Amazon is selling here. I teach classical guitar but have always loved the sound of ukulele. My reason for buying this is because I don't have to learn how to play the ukulele and can play the guitarlele using the knowledge I already have - yea!
It is very similar to a guitar in many important ways. It has the same 6 strings tuned the same way. However, and this is VERY important so please read carefully: To get the best sound out of your new guitarlele you must tune each string up in pitch. For example, let's take the 6th string (lowest) and tune it up to A instead of E. Clip on your electronic guitar tuner and crank that string up a bit until the tuner reads "A". It will be the same pitch as the actual 5th string on the guitar.
So here's the breakdown on tuning each string:
6th = A
5th = D
4th = G
3rd = C
2nd = E
1st = A
You really need to to tune it this way because otherwise the strings are too floppy and you won't get that beautiful ukulele voice. The action is very good and it will not be any harder to play.
The instrument overall is fairly easy to play, especially in the lower positions. I have trouble holding it because I'm used to holding a classical guitar so I always have to make adjustments to get used to it. Barring chords especially higher up the neck is kind of tough because the frets are so close together so I usually play easier stuff. Also, I have discovered that certain types of music really play well and others aren't so good. Almost all Celtic music sounds great! Christmas carols are lovely, but Spanish stuff doesn't sound so great, imho. The instrument just doesn't have enough power to carry some types of music. Blues are good, and very ancient sounding tunes like those that would have been played on a 4 course guitar from back around the 15th century sound really cool on the guitarlele. It seems to be well constructed, the tuning gears work well, the action is good, frets are inserted straight and level so I really can't find anything to complain about, especially for the price.
I would suggest keeping the tunes simple and have fun! It's just like a little guitar with all the same strings and same number of frets. You will probably have to tie a strap on it to hold it in place but that's not absolutely necessary, especially for those of you who are accustomed to playing small stringed instruments.
I took it camping over the summer and had a great time playing it around the campfire in the evenings, something I've always wanted to do! I'm quite fond of my guitarlele and am going to purchase another for my daughter so that we can play duets together on them! :D
UPDATE 4.10.13-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I bought another guitarlele (this time from Amazon) and it is exactly like the one I purchased a few years ago. This one is for my daughter and she is having a delightful time playing it. We've been playing guitarlele duets together and they sound great and is such a fun thing to do! | 2 | positive | [
"I bought my Yamaha guitarlele about 2 years ago from Long & McQuade located in Canada.",
"It's the same as the one Amazon is selling here.",
"I teach classical guitar but have always loved the sound of ukulele.",
"My reason for buying this is because I don't have to learn how to play the ukulele and can play the guitarlele using the knowledge I already have - yea!",
"It is very similar to a guitar in many important ways.",
"It has the same 6 strings tuned the same way.",
"However, and this is VERY important so please read carefully: To get the best sound out of your new guitarlele you must tune each string up in pitch.",
"For example, let's take the 6th string (lowest) and tune it up to A instead of E.",
"Clip on your electronic guitar tuner and crank that string up a bit until the tuner reads \"A\".",
"It will be the same pitch as the actual 5th string on the guitar.",
"So here's the breakdown on tuning each string:\n6th = A\n5th = D\n4th = G\n3rd = C\n2nd = E\n1st = A\n\nYou really need to to tune it this way because otherwise the strings are too floppy and you won't get that beautiful ukulele voice.",
"The action is very good and it will not be any harder to play.",
"The instrument overall is fairly easy to play, especially in the lower positions.",
"I have trouble holding it because I'm used to holding a classical guitar so I always have to make adjustments to get used to it.",
"Barring chords especially higher up the neck is kind of tough because the frets are so close together so I usually play easier stuff.",
"Also, I have discovered that certain types of music really play well and others aren't so good.",
"Almost all Celtic music sounds great!",
"Christmas carols are lovely, but Spanish stuff doesn't sound so great, imho.",
"The instrument just doesn't have enough power to carry some types of music.",
"Blues are good, and very ancient sounding tunes like those that would have been played on a 4 course guitar from back around the 15th century sound really cool on the guitarlele.",
"It seems to be well constructed, the tuning gears work well, the action is good, frets are inserted straight and level so I really can't find anything to complain about, especially for the price.",
"I would suggest keeping the tunes simple and have fun!",
"It's just like a little guitar with all the same strings and same number of frets.",
"You will probably have to tie a strap on it to hold it in place but that's not absolutely necessary, especially for those of you who are accustomed to playing small stringed instruments.",
"I took it camping over the summer and had a great time playing it around the campfire in the evenings, something I've always wanted to do!",
"I'm quite fond of my guitarlele and am going to purchase another for my daughter so that we can play duets together on them!",
":D\n\nUPDATE 4.",
"10.",
"13-------------------------------------------------------------------------\nI bought another guitarlele (this time from Amazon) and it is exactly like the one I purchased a few years ago.",
"This one is for my daughter and she is having a delightful time playing it.",
"We've been playing guitarlele duets together and they sound great and is such a fun thing to do!"
] |
A well-rounded third person western shoot'em up with a good story backdrop and colorful characters. The player is taken through level after level of old school shootouts, bar fights, train jackings and show downs. The sheer variety of game play is what keeps this game fresh. Each level has it's own charm and the pace is given a good change up by occasionally switching the characters you play (which all enhance and progress the storyline). The controls and aiming are smooth and the graphics are dusty and gritty like the old west. Kills are gratifying as the screen does this little 'pulse' to let you know when you've dealt the fatal blow. While there is a backdrop of 'revenge-of-my-murdered parents' plot, the game has a small city of Brimstone with npc characters to chat with and get more storyline. There are also shops you can enter to purchase goods and spend money unlocking journal pages (a readable scrap book that gives background information on items, places, things in the game) and showdown characters. These showdown characters make for another side game more suited for multiplayer purposes. A good array of guns and other weapons equals non-stop action. RDR is fun from front to finish with plenty of replay value. | 2 | positive | [
"A well-rounded third person western shoot'em up with a good story backdrop and colorful characters.",
"The player is taken through level after level of old school shootouts, bar fights, train jackings and show downs.",
"The sheer variety of game play is what keeps this game fresh.",
"Each level has it's own charm and the pace is given a good change up by occasionally switching the characters you play (which all enhance and progress the storyline).",
"The controls and aiming are smooth and the graphics are dusty and gritty like the old west.",
"Kills are gratifying as the screen does this little 'pulse' to let you know when you've dealt the fatal blow.",
"While there is a backdrop of 'revenge-of-my-murdered parents' plot, the game has a small city of Brimstone with npc characters to chat with and get more storyline.",
"There are also shops you can enter to purchase goods and spend money unlocking journal pages (a readable scrap book that gives background information on items, places, things in the game) and showdown characters.",
"These showdown characters make for another side game more suited for multiplayer purposes.",
"A good array of guns and other weapons equals non-stop action.",
"RDR is fun from front to finish with plenty of replay value."
] |
<div id="video-block-R3CQ6LCHN6NVCL" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/C18EgEtp2ZS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81us2cBKihS.png" class="video-slate-img-url"> ___________________________________________________________
NOTE ON VIDEO:
I thought it was fun to have iRobot's 780 (black hat) and LG's Hom-Bot (white hat) confined and cleaning inside a small space. Watch and draw you own conclusions.
___________________________________________________________
To establish some background, we've been using robotic vacuum cleaners since 2007. The 870 would be the third Roomba and the fourth robot vacuum cleaner we've used. Prior to the 870's arrival we were using the <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/LG-HomBot-1-0-Robotic-Vacuum/dp/B009G4CXA6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">LG HomBot 1.0 Robotic Vacuum</a> but the older Roombas, <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/iRobot-Roomba-560-Vacuum-Cleaner-Refurbished/dp/B001QGZ2RI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">iRobot Roomba 560 Vacuum Cleaner - Refurbished</a> and <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/iRobot-Roomba-580-Vacuuming-Robot/dp/B0011MITWM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">iRobot Roomba 580 Vacuuming Robot</a> had been retired a few years ago. For reasons detailed below, this model while not quite perfect was 'love at first sight' and it gets a 5 star rating at this time. I am planning to come back and update this review if needed as I become more familiar with the product and can talk about what it feels like to use it over some period of time.
And one small comment regarding the 'for pets and allergies' that's in the product name as displayed at Amazon's site. Yes, this Roomba and even the previous Roomba generation come with a nice HEPA filter and all 800 series models make it a lot easier to deal with 'hair' but this model is not specifically designed 'for pets and allergies'. It just happens to work well in a house that has pets that shed hair. By the way, 'for pets and allergies' does not appear anywhere on the product's box or in its manuals so it maybe a marketeer decided that adding that may appeal to a certain group of potential buyers at Amazon.
And one final note concerning the to Roomba 870 vs. ... comparisons below. Obviously, I haven't tried all robot vacuums in existence. I've heard that the Neato is a good competitor but I didn't have a chance to try it out yet.
____________________
Briefly and to the point:
The 870 is a significant improvement over the previous Roombas because it features:
- Higher suction power
- Lower maintenance, mainly because hair no longer gets stuck on brushes
- Detects different types of floor (carpet, tile, laminate, etc.) and operates accordingly
- Good at detecting 'soft' obstacles such as curtains (passes through) vs. hard such as furniture (does not bump hard into them)
- Better at detecting and climbing over small obstacles such as runners
- Longer battery life
You may want this Roomba if:
- You've had a Roomba before, loved it and are going to appreciate a 'new and improved' model
- Consider hand-vacuuming a boring chore and would rather do something else with your time
- Are intrigued by the practical ways in which AI could improve our lives and enjoy watching it work
- Can afford and don't mind the high price
You'd want to think some more about it before ordering if:
- You find Roomba's inability to clean/climb stairs a disqualifier
- You don't want to see Roomba's seemingly random 'trails' on your thick carpet
- You'd rather invest into a similarly priced high end traditional vacuum cleaner
If you are already sold on a Roomba, you may also want to consider the more expensive 880 model that comes with a remote and 2 lighthouses. I haven't tried the 880 but, as one who owned a 560 (no remote) and a 580 some 7 years ago, I found that I almost never used the remote after the initial 10 minutes of playing with it. The virtual walls that come with the 870 prevent the Roomba from leaving a room or a designated cleaning area. A lighthouse, which is not available with the 870 keeps the Roomba in the room until it's done cleaning it and then it allows it to pass through and go clean the next room which is important if you want the Roomba to clean more than one room while you're away.
____________________
Operation:
Like previous models, the 870 has the ability to find its charging base and recharge when battery is low. It can also sense the amount of dirt in its dustbin and turn on a red light warning so you'll know when it's time to empty it but, be aware that it will not stop on a full dustbin.
And, since I mentioned the dustbin, it's a self-contained box with a HEPA filter that so what comes out of the vacuum should be clean air as it to retains allergens/dust.
iRobot's claim that this model is 'virtually maintenance free' is an overstatement, to say the least. Yes, there is less maintenance on this model than one previous Roombas but, as the manual itself suggests, after every cleaning cycle you are expected to:
- dustbin: empty after each use
- HEPA filter: tap it against your trash can to drop the dust attached to it after each cycle, clean weekly, replace after 2 months or as needed
- extractors: clean and remove any hair, which is a 2-second chore on this model, by the way, very much after each cycle
- sensors: dust off the 16 sensors weekly
- front wheel: clean it as needed, recommended weekly
- spinning side brush: clean it as needed, recommended weekly
- Roomba's and Home Base contact points: clean them weekly
It doesn't take a lot of time and effort but I would not call this 'virtually maintenance free'. By the way, all parts that have to be maintained are conveniently color-coded (yellow) but there wasn't much to maintain on it so far. I will update this review and will note what if anything breaks or needs to be replaced or cleaned after a few months.
You can schedule future jobs on the main unit. The initial setup lets you select your language and set the date and time. You can then ask your robot to let's say, wake up every Friday at 2 a.m. and do some serious cleaning. Or you can set it to start cleaning every day at the same time or at different times on different weekdays. It's quite flexible. Or, of course, if you have many rooms/floors and only one Roomba, it's easy to simply take it to the room you want cleaned and turn it on which happens to be what we do because of this model's inability to clean more than one room/area.
While I wish the 870 could work with lighthouses, the virtual walls are still useful because you can confine your robot to a specific area so it won't go into the bathroom if you forgot the door open if you wanted it to clean the bedroom only. Depending on your floor layout you may need more than the supplied 2 virtual walls. We had 4 left from our older models and we are actually using them all so, the more the merrier and you can always buy them from Amazon or directly from iRobot.
The robot is good at fully covering the area and removing the dust. It is works great in a fully carpeted room or a bare-floor room and anything in between and, unlike our older 560 and 580, it easily climbs from the floor onto the carpet. The pattern it follows is not as organized as that of our LG robot but, in the end, there was very little dust the LG picked up after we did a full Roomba run on our bedroom - we tested that - so it seems to be covering the area well.
As I noted already, its many sensors (optic, acoustic) allow the 870 to intelligently identify obstacles and navigate accordingly. Our old 560/580s had a problem detecting 'dark' objects and would bump into them, full force. Not this 870. It goes under the bed, correctly identifying the bed's skirts as something it can pass through but it never bumps into the legs or the walls. It also appears to be able to avoid or detangle itself from electric cords, most of the time, the thicker the cord, the more successful it is. The 870 still has issues with thin charger wires so some prepping the room prior to cleaning helps.
Its sensors also allow it to detect dirt and, judging by the amount of debris found in the dustbin, it does it better than its predecessors. Once a dirty spot is detected it goes into a mode where it moves back and forth over the area several times and thoroughly sucks whatever there is there, doing multiple passes.
The 'going back to base' feature works well. This Roomba almost always managed to find its base and went into its charger when batteries went low.
You can use the virtual walls to confine your robot to a specific room. It's pretty straightforward for as long as you keep the VW and the charging base away from each other so the VW won't prevent your Roomba from going back to the charger when needed.
____________________
Maintenance:
This is going to be a short section because I've already enumerated above what you do after each cleaning cycle. Will updated if needed. The manual suggests that you replace the HEPA filter after 2 months and the only 6-month warranty on the battery seems to suggest that it's not going to last or operate at top capacity forever. Time will tell.
____________________
What's in the Box:
- Roomba's body, of course
- 2 virtual walls
- Rechargeable battery
- Home base
- Extra HEPA filter (nice)
____________________
Roomba 870 vs. Roomba 880
They are essentially the same machine but the 880 comes with a remote control which, in my view, you will not miss and with 2 lighthouses which, if you have a complex floor layout or you'd like your Roomba to clean more than one room in one session you will miss. Be aware that the 870 can't use a lighthouse so you can't buy an 870 and then buy lighthouses to work with it.
____________________
Roomba 870 vs. LG's HomBot 1.0
The HomBot is 'the other robot' of this generation we are currently using and it's interesting to see how they stack against each other. So here it is. I will prefix a heading with an 'R' to indicate 'advantage Roomba' or an 'L' to indicate 'advantage LG'. Will use '=' for a tie.
R NAVIGATION: Roomba has the advantage here. It appears to be better at going around obstacles and passing through 'soft' walls such as bed skirts. It's a lot better at dealing with wires.
R MAINTENANCE: The Roomba has a clear advantage here. Getting hairs out of its system is a matter of seconds. It's a lot harder on the LG.
R MANAGEMENT: Roomba wins by default simply because the LG doesn't have virtual walls so the only way to prevent it from crossing into another room is by physically blocking it.
= REMOVE DIRT: Both performed well. Each was able to find some small amount of dust after the other did a full pass but we already knew that cleaning is never 100% done :)
= BATTERY: Both run well on a charge. Well enough to fully and thoroughly cover a typical 'master bedroom' area. They both appear to recharge quickly.
L NOISE: LG is quieter
L CLEAN PATTERN: LG's ability to establish rectangular 'cleaning boxes' leaves a nice pattern on a 'wall-to-wall' carpeted floor. The thicker the carpet, the better a room cleaned by LG's robot looks.
I would say it's 'advantage Roomba' overall, mainly because I loath dealing with hair caught on brushes but they each have their strengths.
____________________
My rating: 5 stars
As I noted already, we've used 2 previous Roomba models in the past, we are also using a nice <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/LG-HomBot-1-0-Robotic-Vacuum/dp/B009G4CXA6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">LG HomBot 1.0 Robotic Vacuum</a> in the house, largely confined to our master bedroom. This 870 Roomba improves on previous generation of Roombas mainly by simplifying its maintenance which is a huge improvement for me. We like the LG in our master bedroom because it's significantly quieter and it has a 'cell' cleaning pattern where it establishes itself a rectangular area on the floor and it cleans it before it moves to the next. That looks good on wall-to-wall carpeting. However the LG lacks some major 870 features: hair gets tangled in the brushes, has no virtual walls and it occasionally gets trapped under the bed because it thinks that the bed skirts are walls.
While not perfect, the 870 does a number of things very well, some, especially Roomba's navigation leave room for further improvement. It's a 5 stars for 'overall' goodness, especially if you don't mind the price. Be aware that the 880 adds the lighthouse capability which may be worth the extra cost under circumstances I discussed above.
--
>> Brush your teeth, it's the law! << | 2 | positive | [
"<div id=\"video-block-R3CQ6LCHN6NVCL\" class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block\"></div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/C18EgEtp2ZS.",
"mp4\" class=\"video-url\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/81us2cBKihS.",
"png\" class=\"video-slate-img-url\"> ___________________________________________________________\nNOTE ON VIDEO:\n\nI thought it was fun to have iRobot's 780 (black hat) and LG's Hom-Bot (white hat) confined and cleaning inside a small space.",
"Watch and draw you own conclusions.",
"___________________________________________________________\n\nTo establish some background, we've been using robotic vacuum cleaners since 2007.",
"The 870 would be the third Roomba and the fourth robot vacuum cleaner we've used.",
"Prior to the 870's arrival we were using the <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/LG-HomBot-1-0-Robotic-Vacuum/dp/B009G4CXA6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">LG HomBot 1.",
"0 Robotic Vacuum</a> but the older Roombas, <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/iRobot-Roomba-560-Vacuum-Cleaner-Refurbished/dp/B001QGZ2RI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">iRobot Roomba 560 Vacuum Cleaner - Refurbished</a> and <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/iRobot-Roomba-580-Vacuuming-Robot/dp/B0011MITWM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">iRobot Roomba 580 Vacuuming Robot</a> had been retired a few years ago.",
"For reasons detailed below, this model while not quite perfect was 'love at first sight' and it gets a 5 star rating at this time.",
"I am planning to come back and update this review if needed as I become more familiar with the product and can talk about what it feels like to use it over some period of time.",
"And one small comment regarding the 'for pets and allergies' that's in the product name as displayed at Amazon's site.",
"Yes, this Roomba and even the previous Roomba generation come with a nice HEPA filter and all 800 series models make it a lot easier to deal with 'hair' but this model is not specifically designed 'for pets and allergies'.",
"It just happens to work well in a house that has pets that shed hair.",
"By the way, 'for pets and allergies' does not appear anywhere on the product's box or in its manuals so it maybe a marketeer decided that adding that may appeal to a certain group of potential buyers at Amazon.",
"And one final note concerning the to Roomba 870 vs.",
"...",
"comparisons below.",
"Obviously, I haven't tried all robot vacuums in existence.",
"I've heard that the Neato is a good competitor but I didn't have a chance to try it out yet.",
"____________________\nBriefly and to the point:\n\nThe 870 is a significant improvement over the previous Roombas because it features:\n\n- Higher suction power\n- Lower maintenance, mainly because hair no longer gets stuck on brushes\n- Detects different types of floor (carpet, tile, laminate, etc.",
") and operates accordingly\n- Good at detecting 'soft' obstacles such as curtains (passes through) vs.",
"hard such as furniture (does not bump hard into them)\n- Better at detecting and climbing over small obstacles such as runners\n- Longer battery life\n\nYou may want this Roomba if:\n\n- You've had a Roomba before, loved it and are going to appreciate a 'new and improved' model\n- Consider hand-vacuuming a boring chore and would rather do something else with your time\n- Are intrigued by the practical ways in which AI could improve our lives and enjoy watching it work\n- Can afford and don't mind the high price\n\nYou'd want to think some more about it before ordering if:\n\n- You find Roomba's inability to clean/climb stairs a disqualifier\n- You don't want to see Roomba's seemingly random 'trails' on your thick carpet\n- You'd rather invest into a similarly priced high end traditional vacuum cleaner\n\nIf you are already sold on a Roomba, you may also want to consider the more expensive 880 model that comes with a remote and 2 lighthouses.",
"I haven't tried the 880 but, as one who owned a 560 (no remote) and a 580 some 7 years ago, I found that I almost never used the remote after the initial 10 minutes of playing with it.",
"The virtual walls that come with the 870 prevent the Roomba from leaving a room or a designated cleaning area.",
"A lighthouse, which is not available with the 870 keeps the Roomba in the room until it's done cleaning it and then it allows it to pass through and go clean the next room which is important if you want the Roomba to clean more than one room while you're away.",
"____________________\nOperation:\n\nLike previous models, the 870 has the ability to find its charging base and recharge when battery is low.",
"It can also sense the amount of dirt in its dustbin and turn on a red light warning so you'll know when it's time to empty it but, be aware that it will not stop on a full dustbin.",
"And, since I mentioned the dustbin, it's a self-contained box with a HEPA filter that so what comes out of the vacuum should be clean air as it to retains allergens/dust.",
"iRobot's claim that this model is 'virtually maintenance free' is an overstatement, to say the least.",
"Yes, there is less maintenance on this model than one previous Roombas but, as the manual itself suggests, after every cleaning cycle you are expected to:\n\n- dustbin: empty after each use\n- HEPA filter: tap it against your trash can to drop the dust attached to it after each cycle, clean weekly, replace after 2 months or as needed\n- extractors: clean and remove any hair, which is a 2-second chore on this model, by the way, very much after each cycle\n- sensors: dust off the 16 sensors weekly\n- front wheel: clean it as needed, recommended weekly\n- spinning side brush: clean it as needed, recommended weekly\n- Roomba's and Home Base contact points: clean them weekly\n\nIt doesn't take a lot of time and effort but I would not call this 'virtually maintenance free'.",
"By the way, all parts that have to be maintained are conveniently color-coded (yellow) but there wasn't much to maintain on it so far.",
"I will update this review and will note what if anything breaks or needs to be replaced or cleaned after a few months.",
"You can schedule future jobs on the main unit.",
"The initial setup lets you select your language and set the date and time.",
"You can then ask your robot to let's say, wake up every Friday at 2 a.",
"m. and do some serious cleaning.",
"Or you can set it to start cleaning every day at the same time or at different times on different weekdays.",
"It's quite flexible.",
"Or, of course, if you have many rooms/floors and only one Roomba, it's easy to simply take it to the room you want cleaned and turn it on which happens to be what we do because of this model's inability to clean more than one room/area.",
"While I wish the 870 could work with lighthouses, the virtual walls are still useful because you can confine your robot to a specific area so it won't go into the bathroom if you forgot the door open if you wanted it to clean the bedroom only.",
"Depending on your floor layout you may need more than the supplied 2 virtual walls.",
"We had 4 left from our older models and we are actually using them all so, the more the merrier and you can always buy them from Amazon or directly from iRobot.",
"The robot is good at fully covering the area and removing the dust.",
"It is works great in a fully carpeted room or a bare-floor room and anything in between and, unlike our older 560 and 580, it easily climbs from the floor onto the carpet.",
"The pattern it follows is not as organized as that of our LG robot but, in the end, there was very little dust the LG picked up after we did a full Roomba run on our bedroom - we tested that - so it seems to be covering the area well.",
"As I noted already, its many sensors (optic, acoustic) allow the 870 to intelligently identify obstacles and navigate accordingly.",
"Our old 560/580s had a problem detecting 'dark' objects and would bump into them, full force.",
"Not this 870.",
"It goes under the bed, correctly identifying the bed's skirts as something it can pass through but it never bumps into the legs or the walls.",
"It also appears to be able to avoid or detangle itself from electric cords, most of the time, the thicker the cord, the more successful it is.",
"The 870 still has issues with thin charger wires so some prepping the room prior to cleaning helps.",
"Its sensors also allow it to detect dirt and, judging by the amount of debris found in the dustbin, it does it better than its predecessors.",
"Once a dirty spot is detected it goes into a mode where it moves back and forth over the area several times and thoroughly sucks whatever there is there, doing multiple passes.",
"The 'going back to base' feature works well.",
"This Roomba almost always managed to find its base and went into its charger when batteries went low.",
"You can use the virtual walls to confine your robot to a specific room.",
"It's pretty straightforward for as long as you keep the VW and the charging base away from each other so the VW won't prevent your Roomba from going back to the charger when needed.",
"____________________\nMaintenance:\n\nThis is going to be a short section because I've already enumerated above what you do after each cleaning cycle.",
"Will updated if needed.",
"The manual suggests that you replace the HEPA filter after 2 months and the only 6-month warranty on the battery seems to suggest that it's not going to last or operate at top capacity forever.",
"Time will tell.",
"____________________\nWhat's in the Box:\n\n- Roomba's body, of course\n- 2 virtual walls\n- Rechargeable battery\n- Home base\n- Extra HEPA filter (nice)\n\n____________________\nRoomba 870 vs.",
"Roomba 880\n\nThey are essentially the same machine but the 880 comes with a remote control which, in my view, you will not miss and with 2 lighthouses which, if you have a complex floor layout or you'd like your Roomba to clean more than one room in one session you will miss.",
"Be aware that the 870 can't use a lighthouse so you can't buy an 870 and then buy lighthouses to work with it.",
"____________________\nRoomba 870 vs.",
"LG's HomBot 1.",
"0\n\nThe HomBot is 'the other robot' of this generation we are currently using and it's interesting to see how they stack against each other.",
"So here it is.",
"I will prefix a heading with an 'R' to indicate 'advantage Roomba' or an 'L' to indicate 'advantage LG'.",
"Will use '=' for a tie.",
"R NAVIGATION: Roomba has the advantage here.",
"It appears to be better at going around obstacles and passing through 'soft' walls such as bed skirts.",
"It's a lot better at dealing with wires.",
"R MAINTENANCE: The Roomba has a clear advantage here.",
"Getting hairs out of its system is a matter of seconds.",
"It's a lot harder on the LG.",
"R MANAGEMENT: Roomba wins by default simply because the LG doesn't have virtual walls so the only way to prevent it from crossing into another room is by physically blocking it.",
"= REMOVE DIRT: Both performed well.",
"Each was able to find some small amount of dust after the other did a full pass but we already knew that cleaning is never 100% done :)\n= BATTERY: Both run well on a charge.",
"Well enough to fully and thoroughly cover a typical 'master bedroom' area.",
"They both appear to recharge quickly.",
"L NOISE: LG is quieter\nL CLEAN PATTERN: LG's ability to establish rectangular 'cleaning boxes' leaves a nice pattern on a 'wall-to-wall' carpeted floor.",
"The thicker the carpet, the better a room cleaned by LG's robot looks.",
"I would say it's 'advantage Roomba' overall, mainly because I loath dealing with hair caught on brushes but they each have their strengths.",
"____________________\nMy rating: 5 stars\n\nAs I noted already, we've used 2 previous Roomba models in the past, we are also using a nice <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/LG-HomBot-1-0-Robotic-Vacuum/dp/B009G4CXA6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">LG HomBot 1.",
"0 Robotic Vacuum</a> in the house, largely confined to our master bedroom.",
"This 870 Roomba improves on previous generation of Roombas mainly by simplifying its maintenance which is a huge improvement for me.",
"We like the LG in our master bedroom because it's significantly quieter and it has a 'cell' cleaning pattern where it establishes itself a rectangular area on the floor and it cleans it before it moves to the next.",
"That looks good on wall-to-wall carpeting.",
"However the LG lacks some major 870 features: hair gets tangled in the brushes, has no virtual walls and it occasionally gets trapped under the bed because it thinks that the bed skirts are walls.",
"While not perfect, the 870 does a number of things very well, some, especially Roomba's navigation leave room for further improvement.",
"It's a 5 stars for 'overall' goodness, especially if you don't mind the price.",
"Be aware that the 880 adds the lighthouse capability which may be worth the extra cost under circumstances I discussed above.",
"--\n>> Brush your teeth, it's the law!",
"<<"
] |
Belkin provides an excellent assortment of FireWire Digital High Speed Data / Video / Audio transfer via these IEEE-1394 sheilded cables.
This cable is a 4 pin to 4 pin - 6 foot 2 way Apple FireWire & Sony iLink compatible cable. Transmit speed up to 400 MBPS (Million Bits/Per Second). The 400 speed is for digital data only. NOTE: this is an easier and better way than USB transfer!
My evaluation of this cable is for the DIGITAL VIDEO/AUDIO transfer ONLY. The max speed of which is 100 MBPS.
I have utilized this cable for digital video/audio transfer of my Sony 8mm/Hi8/Digital8 camcorder video tapes to a Philips DVDR-985 Progressive Scan Recorder and Player via this FireWire. What is truly amazing about this cable is you transfer digital information quickly and with no picture quality or audio signal loss.
I have used this cable successfully for digital video & audio transfer between Digital8 camcorder and DVD+RW Recorders (PC DVD Burner or DVD Recorder). Digital8 camcorder to Sony GV-D800 8mm/Hi8/Digital Video Cassette Recorder and the GV-D800 to the Philips DVDR-985.
This 4pin to 4pin 6 foot 2 way FireWire cable is a very necessary and outstanding addition to the world of digital data/video/audio transfer. Enjoy. | 2 | positive | [
"Belkin provides an excellent assortment of FireWire Digital High Speed Data / Video / Audio transfer via these IEEE-1394 sheilded cables.",
"This cable is a 4 pin to 4 pin - 6 foot 2 way Apple FireWire & Sony iLink compatible cable.",
"Transmit speed up to 400 MBPS (Million Bits/Per Second).",
"The 400 speed is for digital data only.",
"NOTE: this is an easier and better way than USB transfer!",
"My evaluation of this cable is for the DIGITAL VIDEO/AUDIO transfer ONLY.",
"The max speed of which is 100 MBPS.",
"I have utilized this cable for digital video/audio transfer of my Sony 8mm/Hi8/Digital8 camcorder video tapes to a Philips DVDR-985 Progressive Scan Recorder and Player via this FireWire.",
"What is truly amazing about this cable is you transfer digital information quickly and with no picture quality or audio signal loss.",
"I have used this cable successfully for digital video & audio transfer between Digital8 camcorder and DVD+RW Recorders (PC DVD Burner or DVD Recorder).",
"Digital8 camcorder to Sony GV-D800 8mm/Hi8/Digital Video Cassette Recorder and the GV-D800 to the Philips DVDR-985.",
"This 4pin to 4pin 6 foot 2 way FireWire cable is a very necessary and outstanding addition to the world of digital data/video/audio transfer.",
"Enjoy."
] |
MR AND MRS SMITH is an entertaining though not spectacular film. It is very easy to see this film and not realize that it was directed by Alfred Hitchcock because, frankly, it does not have that Hitchcock feel to it, to say the least. It is a silly little comedy, but it does star Carole Lombard as Mrs. Smith and that alone would make any film worth viewing. However, Robert Montgomery, in my opinion, even outshines Ms. Lombard in his role as Mr. Smith.
The plot if the story is very simple. Mrs. Smith adoringly asks her husband of three years, "If you had it all to do over again, would you still have married me?" When Mr. Smith answers "Honestly, no," he sets himself up for the doghouse. Remarkably, the very next day, it is revealed that through a geographical technicality, it turns out that Mr. and Mrs. Smith were never legally married at all. Mrs. Smith wastes no time in kicking Mr. Smith out on the curb. Hijinks ensue.
The humor in this movie feels a bit dated, but it still works. Mrs. Smith comes off as ludicrously capricious, but one is not expecting great art here. In fact, MR AND MRS SMITH, at times, feels like an extended episode of I LOVE LUCY at times. I would hardly consider this to be a classic, but it is worth a viewing, particularly if you want to see a different side of Hitchcock or just enjoy the comic stylings of Lombard and Montgomery.
Jeremy W. Forstadt | 2 | positive | [
"MR AND MRS SMITH is an entertaining though not spectacular film.",
"It is very easy to see this film and not realize that it was directed by Alfred Hitchcock because, frankly, it does not have that Hitchcock feel to it, to say the least.",
"It is a silly little comedy, but it does star Carole Lombard as Mrs.",
"Smith and that alone would make any film worth viewing.",
"However, Robert Montgomery, in my opinion, even outshines Ms.",
"Lombard in his role as Mr.",
"Smith.",
"The plot if the story is very simple.",
"Mrs.",
"Smith adoringly asks her husband of three years, \"If you had it all to do over again, would you still have married me?",
"\" When Mr.",
"Smith answers \"Honestly, no,\" he sets himself up for the doghouse.",
"Remarkably, the very next day, it is revealed that through a geographical technicality, it turns out that Mr.",
"and Mrs.",
"Smith were never legally married at all.",
"Mrs.",
"Smith wastes no time in kicking Mr.",
"Smith out on the curb.",
"Hijinks ensue.",
"The humor in this movie feels a bit dated, but it still works.",
"Mrs.",
"Smith comes off as ludicrously capricious, but one is not expecting great art here.",
"In fact, MR AND MRS SMITH, at times, feels like an extended episode of I LOVE LUCY at times.",
"I would hardly consider this to be a classic, but it is worth a viewing, particularly if you want to see a different side of Hitchcock or just enjoy the comic stylings of Lombard and Montgomery.",
"Jeremy W.",
"Forstadt"
] |
and it's a must have!, its listenable and enjoyable and it doesnt get old. Now LL is 1 of my favourite artists and this is 1 of my favourite albums released by him!. he has now been in the game for 20 years and has a great lineup of albums that will keep everyone bumping.
Now to the album, i do prefer the first half of the album since it has a better lineup of songs, the 2nd half is almost as good though, and also i must say the beats on this album are great, LL fits in well with it all.
My Favourite tracks include, "Doin' It", "Hey Lover" and "I Shot Ya".
LL Cool J brought us something good here, I just love turning on the cd player and having "Make It Hot" come on, cause i no from there it's gonna be another great listen. There isn't any bad songs, although i would've loved the remix of "Loungin" to be on the album, and also there are a couple fillers, but it doesnt change how good the album is.
Anyways...LL changed the way i look at and like music, i was all into gangsta rap and i just needed to notice that there was more then that.
"Mr Smith" is a must have! and i reccommend any hip-hop lover get it A.S.A.P. | 2 | positive | [
"and it's a must have!",
", its listenable and enjoyable and it doesnt get old.",
"Now LL is 1 of my favourite artists and this is 1 of my favourite albums released by him!.",
"he has now been in the game for 20 years and has a great lineup of albums that will keep everyone bumping.",
"Now to the album, i do prefer the first half of the album since it has a better lineup of songs, the 2nd half is almost as good though, and also i must say the beats on this album are great, LL fits in well with it all.",
"My Favourite tracks include, \"Doin' It\", \"Hey Lover\" and \"I Shot Ya\".",
"LL Cool J brought us something good here, I just love turning on the cd player and having \"Make It Hot\" come on, cause i no from there it's gonna be another great listen.",
"There isn't any bad songs, although i would've loved the remix of \"Loungin\" to be on the album, and also there are a couple fillers, but it doesnt change how good the album is.",
"Anyways...",
"LL changed the way i look at and like music, i was all into gangsta rap and i just needed to notice that there was more then that.",
"\"Mr Smith\" is a must have!",
"and i reccommend any hip-hop lover get it A.",
"S.A.P."
] |
The bus is sturdy, colorful, easy to roll around, and roomy enough for at least eight Little People. It is easy for little hands to get into the bus through the open top or each window in order to manipulate the figures.
The sound is clear and loud enough, yet not annoyingly so. You will not have to turn it off if you have a headache.
The bus is light enough for your toddler to load up and carry around.
The three figures are colorful and very cute. They plug into the seats easily and without much effort.
Most importantly, it is not as overpriced as a lot of the other Little People toys are. Fair pricing for a great toy.
Buy this one. You cannot go wrong, if your kids like Little People. | 2 | positive | [
"The bus is sturdy, colorful, easy to roll around, and roomy enough for at least eight Little People.",
"It is easy for little hands to get into the bus through the open top or each window in order to manipulate the figures.",
"The sound is clear and loud enough, yet not annoyingly so.",
"You will not have to turn it off if you have a headache.",
"The bus is light enough for your toddler to load up and carry around.",
"The three figures are colorful and very cute.",
"They plug into the seats easily and without much effort.",
"Most importantly, it is not as overpriced as a lot of the other Little People toys are.",
"Fair pricing for a great toy.",
"Buy this one.",
"You cannot go wrong, if your kids like Little People."
] |
I conducted a Great Pen Review a few months ago, in which I purchased a 12-pack of the following 0.5mm pens and distributed them to friends and family for evaluation:
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Pilot-Precise-V5-Stick-Rolling-Ball-Pen-Micro-Point-0-5-mm-Black-Barrel-Ink-35334-12-Count/dp/B00006IEBI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Pilot Precise V5 Stick Rolling Ball Pen, Micro Point, 0.5 mm, Black Barrel/Ink (35334), 12-Count</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Pentel-EnerGel-Liquid-Gel-Pen-Fine-Needle-Tip-Blue-Barrel-Black-Ink-Box-of-12-BLN15-A/dp/B00006JNIN/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Pentel EnerGel Liquid Gel Pen, Fine Needle Tip, Blue Barrel, Black Ink, Box of 12 (BLN15-A)</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Pilot-G2-Retractable-Gel-Ink-Roller-Ball-Pen-Extra-Fine-Point-Clear-Barrel-Black-Ink-12-Count-31002/dp/B00006JNJ8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Roller Ball Pen, Extra Fine Point, Clear Barrel, Black Ink, 12-Count (31002)</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/uni-ball-207-Retractable-Micro-Point-Gel-Pens-12-Black-Ink-Pens-61255/dp/B0015ZZ7P2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">uni-ball 207 Retractable Micro Point Gel Pens, 12 Black Ink Pens(61255)</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Sharpie-Pen-Fine-Point-Pen-12-Black-Pens-1742663/dp/B001B66DXU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Sharpie Pen Fine Point Pen, 12 Black Pens (1742663)</a>
The overall favorites were definitely the V5 and the EnerGel. The EnerGel was generally preferred by those who liked a higher ink flowrate, while the V5 was preferred by those who liked a lower flowrate. First impressions of the Uniball 207 were quite good, but occasionally these pens drew the ire of my reviewers when they stopped writing seemingly randomly with large volumes of ink still remaining. The Sharpie pen, while better than expected, feels like a marker (because it is) and doesn't have wide appeal. The Pilot G2 was scratchy and terrible all-around; this appears to be a problem with the 0.5mm tip size, as I have heard great things about the G2 0.7mm.
I use these with my <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Moleskine-Ruled-Notebook-Pocket/dp/8883701003/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Moleskine Ruled Notebook Pocket</a>. The resulting writing is midnight black and silky smooth, and I have had no problems with bleed-through even on the relatively-thin Moleskine paper. Not a single one of the twelve V5's reviewed stopped writing before completely running out of ink.
Even those who preferred another pen in the review over the V5 still agreed that it was a fantastic pen and that they would be happy to write with it. Since the Review I have purchased even more to place around the house and the workplace, so I never have to settle for a mediocre Bic stick pen ever again. Be forewarned that, as with any great pen, your friends, family, and coworkers will steal these like crazy.
### Update (2012.0.25, 2.5 Months)
I bought more! Friends don't let friends use terrible pens. | 2 | positive | [
"I conducted a Great Pen Review a few months ago, in which I purchased a 12-pack of the following 0.",
"5mm pens and distributed them to friends and family for evaluation:\n\n<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Pilot-Precise-V5-Stick-Rolling-Ball-Pen-Micro-Point-0-5-mm-Black-Barrel-Ink-35334-12-Count/dp/B00006IEBI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Pilot Precise V5 Stick Rolling Ball Pen, Micro Point, 0.",
"5 mm, Black Barrel/Ink (35334), 12-Count</a>\n<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Pentel-EnerGel-Liquid-Gel-Pen-Fine-Needle-Tip-Blue-Barrel-Black-Ink-Box-of-12-BLN15-A/dp/B00006JNIN/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Pentel EnerGel Liquid Gel Pen, Fine Needle Tip, Blue Barrel, Black Ink, Box of 12 (BLN15-A)</a>\n<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Pilot-G2-Retractable-Gel-Ink-Roller-Ball-Pen-Extra-Fine-Point-Clear-Barrel-Black-Ink-12-Count-31002/dp/B00006JNJ8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Roller Ball Pen, Extra Fine Point, Clear Barrel, Black Ink, 12-Count (31002)</a>\n<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/uni-ball-207-Retractable-Micro-Point-Gel-Pens-12-Black-Ink-Pens-61255/dp/B0015ZZ7P2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">uni-ball 207 Retractable Micro Point Gel Pens, 12 Black Ink Pens(61255)</a>\n<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Sharpie-Pen-Fine-Point-Pen-12-Black-Pens-1742663/dp/B001B66DXU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Sharpie Pen Fine Point Pen, 12 Black Pens (1742663)</a>\n\nThe overall favorites were definitely the V5 and the EnerGel.",
"The EnerGel was generally preferred by those who liked a higher ink flowrate, while the V5 was preferred by those who liked a lower flowrate.",
"First impressions of the Uniball 207 were quite good, but occasionally these pens drew the ire of my reviewers when they stopped writing seemingly randomly with large volumes of ink still remaining.",
"The Sharpie pen, while better than expected, feels like a marker (because it is) and doesn't have wide appeal.",
"The Pilot G2 was scratchy and terrible all-around; this appears to be a problem with the 0.",
"5mm tip size, as I have heard great things about the G2 0.",
"7mm.",
"I use these with my <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Moleskine-Ruled-Notebook-Pocket/dp/8883701003/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Moleskine Ruled Notebook Pocket</a>.",
"The resulting writing is midnight black and silky smooth, and I have had no problems with bleed-through even on the relatively-thin Moleskine paper.",
"Not a single one of the twelve V5's reviewed stopped writing before completely running out of ink.",
"Even those who preferred another pen in the review over the V5 still agreed that it was a fantastic pen and that they would be happy to write with it.",
"Since the Review I have purchased even more to place around the house and the workplace, so I never have to settle for a mediocre Bic stick pen ever again.",
"Be forewarned that, as with any great pen, your friends, family, and coworkers will steal these like crazy.",
"### Update (2012.",
"0.25, 2.",
"5 Months)\nI bought more!",
"Friends don't let friends use terrible pens."
] |
i felt the need to defend these banana chips, which i don't feel deserve a one star rating. i got them in a #10can -case pack (6 different items) of various dehydrated fruits from honeyville farms, and i think they taste just like banana chips you buy at the supermarket in small packs, or mixed with trail mix. they are not the freeze-dried kind, mind you, which honeyville also sells, but the dehydrated, slightly oily variety that are a bit crunchy. i find i eat these by the cupful sometimes, and must remember to drink something! they are very sweet and satisfying. my kids really like them too.
a yr. later-- i wanted to add that I continue to get these delish banana chips. i also would like to explain that i don't eat many sweets (I think craisins are a bit too sweet to eat alone), so the "very sweet" comment for me is just kinda sweet for many people. I also use coconut oil extensively at home for the taste and health properties (along with olive oil and butter), so the coconut oil in these chips was just an added bonus.
I highly recommend these chips. Honeyville makes freeze dried banana chips as well, if you like that texture better. i just like these, because they remain crispy and tasty (vs. getting mushy faster with freeze-dried products you don't re-vacuum seal) | 2 | positive | [
"i felt the need to defend these banana chips, which i don't feel deserve a one star rating.",
"i got them in a #10can -case pack (6 different items) of various dehydrated fruits from honeyville farms, and i think they taste just like banana chips you buy at the supermarket in small packs, or mixed with trail mix.",
"they are not the freeze-dried kind, mind you, which honeyville also sells, but the dehydrated, slightly oily variety that are a bit crunchy.",
"i find i eat these by the cupful sometimes, and must remember to drink something!",
"they are very sweet and satisfying.",
"my kids really like them too.",
"a yr.",
"later-- i wanted to add that I continue to get these delish banana chips.",
"i also would like to explain that i don't eat many sweets (I think craisins are a bit too sweet to eat alone), so the \"very sweet\" comment for me is just kinda sweet for many people.",
"I also use coconut oil extensively at home for the taste and health properties (along with olive oil and butter), so the coconut oil in these chips was just an added bonus.",
"I highly recommend these chips.",
"Honeyville makes freeze dried banana chips as well, if you like that texture better.",
"i just like these, because they remain crispy and tasty (vs.",
"getting mushy faster with freeze-dried products you don't re-vacuum seal)"
] |
I'm an audio engineer and usually make my own cables for stage and/or installation jobs. So, I am picky.
At first I was leary of getting mic cable at such a good price. I normally use Canare Star Quad, but I had to find mic cable fast for a small installation job at a church. I had volunteer help, but didn't have enough Canare on-hand, so I overnighted the GLS mic cable.
When I opened the box, the heavy duty cardboard reels were well packaged. I immediately got my pocket knife out and peeled back the rubber jacket to reveal a copper shield, several strands of string and a white and a red plastic-coated stranded copper wires. Let me expound on the cable's elements:
RUBBER JACKET - for sound installation, this works fine. I don't know how it would hold up over time for use in live sound. It does peel very easily once you cut it, and that's a plus. I was able to install connectors quickly.
COPPER SHIELD - this is not braided copper. At first I thought that could be a detriment, but again, it works well for installed sound. I had to pull 4, 150' lengths for choir mics and all mics are working fine with no RF problems.
STRING - this appears to be cotton string used in manufacture and it cuts easily and doesn't fray.
RED & WHITE CONDUCTORS - These surprised me. They appear to have a rigid plastic feel, but the outer plastic cuts away easily leaving the durable strands of copper. Also when soldering, the plastic doesn't melt or draw-up. All of the copper heats evenly and distributes the solder very well. | 2 | positive | [
"I'm an audio engineer and usually make my own cables for stage and/or installation jobs.",
"So, I am picky.",
"At first I was leary of getting mic cable at such a good price.",
"I normally use Canare Star Quad, but I had to find mic cable fast for a small installation job at a church.",
"I had volunteer help, but didn't have enough Canare on-hand, so I overnighted the GLS mic cable.",
"When I opened the box, the heavy duty cardboard reels were well packaged.",
"I immediately got my pocket knife out and peeled back the rubber jacket to reveal a copper shield, several strands of string and a white and a red plastic-coated stranded copper wires.",
"Let me expound on the cable's elements:\n\nRUBBER JACKET - for sound installation, this works fine.",
"I don't know how it would hold up over time for use in live sound.",
"It does peel very easily once you cut it, and that's a plus.",
"I was able to install connectors quickly.",
"COPPER SHIELD - this is not braided copper.",
"At first I thought that could be a detriment, but again, it works well for installed sound.",
"I had to pull 4, 150' lengths for choir mics and all mics are working fine with no RF problems.",
"STRING - this appears to be cotton string used in manufacture and it cuts easily and doesn't fray.",
"RED & WHITE CONDUCTORS - These surprised me.",
"They appear to have a rigid plastic feel, but the outer plastic cuts away easily leaving the durable strands of copper.",
"Also when soldering, the plastic doesn't melt or draw-up.",
"All of the copper heats evenly and distributes the solder very well."
] |
I've owned the Zojirushi BBCCX20 for quite a few years now and have never really loved it. It is built like a battleship but getting the bread to rise and bake properly was always a problem. No matter how dark the crust setting, the tops of the loaves were aways just barely cooked.
Enter the Panasonic SD-YD250. It is built like a toy compared to the Zojirushi (which was twice the price) but don't let that fool you. This machine makes great bread.
The sandwich & french settings alone are reasons to get this machine. The texture of the sandwich baked bread is perfect for making thin even slices. Whole wheat sandwich bread made in this machine is substantial but not dense. The french bread made in this machine never lasts more than a few hours, it is that good. I don't know what magic goes on in the machine but the french bread crust always comes out all bubbly and crackling. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.
I think one reason this makes such good bread is that it doesn't rush the process. The whole wheat sandwich setting takes 5 hours and the french bread setting takes 6 hours. These times really allow the yeast to do their thing.
Also, I don't know why but with the Zojirushi you could only barely smell bread baking. The Panasonic manages to fill the whole house with that wonderful aroma.
Of course there are negatives. It is very loud and wobbles a lot during the needing process. Also the yeast dispenser is very loud and sounds like something is breaking. Also the mixing paddle is almost always completely baked into the bread and can be difficult to remove. We already forgot it was in there and put a "nice" gash into it with the bread knife.
The price on here seems to vary wildly so if you are thinking of getting it, stake it out and get it when a good deal comes along. | 2 | positive | [
"I've owned the Zojirushi BBCCX20 for quite a few years now and have never really loved it.",
"It is built like a battleship but getting the bread to rise and bake properly was always a problem.",
"No matter how dark the crust setting, the tops of the loaves were aways just barely cooked.",
"Enter the Panasonic SD-YD250.",
"It is built like a toy compared to the Zojirushi (which was twice the price) but don't let that fool you.",
"This machine makes great bread.",
"The sandwich & french settings alone are reasons to get this machine.",
"The texture of the sandwich baked bread is perfect for making thin even slices.",
"Whole wheat sandwich bread made in this machine is substantial but not dense.",
"The french bread made in this machine never lasts more than a few hours, it is that good.",
"I don't know what magic goes on in the machine but the french bread crust always comes out all bubbly and crackling.",
"My mouth is watering just thinking of it.",
"I think one reason this makes such good bread is that it doesn't rush the process.",
"The whole wheat sandwich setting takes 5 hours and the french bread setting takes 6 hours.",
"These times really allow the yeast to do their thing.",
"Also, I don't know why but with the Zojirushi you could only barely smell bread baking.",
"The Panasonic manages to fill the whole house with that wonderful aroma.",
"Of course there are negatives.",
"It is very loud and wobbles a lot during the needing process.",
"Also the yeast dispenser is very loud and sounds like something is breaking.",
"Also the mixing paddle is almost always completely baked into the bread and can be difficult to remove.",
"We already forgot it was in there and put a \"nice\" gash into it with the bread knife.",
"The price on here seems to vary wildly so if you are thinking of getting it, stake it out and get it when a good deal comes along."
] |
without boring technical details;
speed 3/5
accuracy 4/5 (did not find a rootkit i installed which nod32 did
features 5/5
ease of use, first time 4/5
install ease 5/5
support 4/5 (based on ease of finding)
cost 5/5 because of length.
wasnt fooled by a fake renamed trojan - didn't give false positive.
I am biased towards comparing everything to NOD32, but thats my preference. Worked well with VISTA and WinXP Pro OEM SP3. I'd spent five hours toying with it, going to known "bad" websites. I got one false positive, and an alert on a keygen which may or may not have been another false positive. I'd rather have false positives than an "ignore".
Overall, I'd recommend this to the average user who does not surf unfamiliar "adult" or other "hacker/keygen/serialz" sites.
The 3-PC license is a great selling point, as most people use one AV license on multiple PCs anyways but they like to feel better about it.
4 stars just because I don't think ANY antivirii software deserves 5 stars. You are NEVER 100% safe. I'm still very happy with this. | 2 | positive | [
"without boring technical details;\nspeed 3/5\naccuracy 4/5 (did not find a rootkit i installed which nod32 did\nfeatures 5/5\nease of use, first time 4/5\ninstall ease 5/5\nsupport 4/5 (based on ease of finding)\ncost 5/5 because of length.",
"wasnt fooled by a fake renamed trojan - didn't give false positive.",
"I am biased towards comparing everything to NOD32, but thats my preference.",
"Worked well with VISTA and WinXP Pro OEM SP3.",
"I'd spent five hours toying with it, going to known \"bad\" websites.",
"I got one false positive, and an alert on a keygen which may or may not have been another false positive.",
"I'd rather have false positives than an \"ignore\".",
"Overall, I'd recommend this to the average user who does not surf unfamiliar \"adult\" or other \"hacker/keygen/serialz\" sites.",
"The 3-PC license is a great selling point, as most people use one AV license on multiple PCs anyways but they like to feel better about it.",
"4 stars just because I don't think ANY antivirii software deserves 5 stars.",
"You are NEVER 100% safe.",
"I'm still very happy with this."
] |
We live in a tiny apartment and have a tiny bathroom. At first we put the toys and bath books in the seat we never used while bathing our baby but after tripping over it one too many times, I tried the frog pod and love it.
I know folks are stating that it doesn't stay put but so far so good. We use the suctions even though the recommendation is to use the anchors.
We called customer service the night we brought it home because we couldn't find the suction plate. The rep was very helpful and told us the suctions and tape are not recommended but should hold up to 6 months as long as it doesn't fall between the grout lines on your tile.
She sent us the suction plate and we received in the very next day! Talk about service.
I love that I can put her shampoo and conditioner and vitamins on the shelf behind the head and dangle some of her toys on the fingers. So far it's filled to the brim and holding strong.
Plus, it makes me smile in the morning when I take a shower. It's just such a cute and odd thing to see in the morning.
We'll keep you posted on how it holds up.
6 month follow up: Like the rep said, the frog fell down and let me tell you I nearly called the police. It scared the bejesus out of me. We tried to attach it but the suctions aren't as strong, weakened by time and soap and dirt. We tried the adhesive but ran across the same issues others have reported. It just won't hold our frog up.
It's a shame as I really love the frog. It's cute and holds tons of toys and doesn't get mildewy. Alas, our frog is leaning against our bathroom wall as a storage after the toys are dry. | 2 | positive | [
"We live in a tiny apartment and have a tiny bathroom.",
"At first we put the toys and bath books in the seat we never used while bathing our baby but after tripping over it one too many times, I tried the frog pod and love it.",
"I know folks are stating that it doesn't stay put but so far so good.",
"We use the suctions even though the recommendation is to use the anchors.",
"We called customer service the night we brought it home because we couldn't find the suction plate.",
"The rep was very helpful and told us the suctions and tape are not recommended but should hold up to 6 months as long as it doesn't fall between the grout lines on your tile.",
"She sent us the suction plate and we received in the very next day!",
"Talk about service.",
"I love that I can put her shampoo and conditioner and vitamins on the shelf behind the head and dangle some of her toys on the fingers.",
"So far it's filled to the brim and holding strong.",
"Plus, it makes me smile in the morning when I take a shower.",
"It's just such a cute and odd thing to see in the morning.",
"We'll keep you posted on how it holds up.",
"6 month follow up: Like the rep said, the frog fell down and let me tell you I nearly called the police.",
"It scared the bejesus out of me.",
"We tried to attach it but the suctions aren't as strong, weakened by time and soap and dirt.",
"We tried the adhesive but ran across the same issues others have reported.",
"It just won't hold our frog up.",
"It's a shame as I really love the frog.",
"It's cute and holds tons of toys and doesn't get mildewy.",
"Alas, our frog is leaning against our bathroom wall as a storage after the toys are dry."
] |
I'd like to review Amazon's review. They wrote:
'..compared to, say, Soul Asylum or the Black Crowes, the band still produces worthwhile records..'
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but in my opinion the Black Crowes have been making just about the best rock music in the USA since they started pushing boundaries, on Amorica. Their 90s albums would stand proudly within anything from the Stones' most prized era. It hasn't been cheaply imitative, as the critics say. They like the first Crowes album. Critics are idiots. The first album was the imitative one, w short little pop numbers. The latter ones branched out into territory never quite travelled before.
'..the Stones' spotty previous Voodoo Lounge..'
From what my ears tell me, and from what I see in many Stones fans' online reviews, Voodoo Lounge is received as their most compelling release of all-new material since Some Girls.
As for Bridges to Babylon, I think the Stones put forth more effort than on Steel Wheels or the more recent Bigger Bang, which was basically air-mailed in. I am not so enthusiastic about the production, but at least it gives the album a distinctive touch.
Of note, Keith doesn't play on Saint of Me, which is a modern Stones cult classic. | 2 | positive | [
"I'd like to review Amazon's review.",
"They wrote:\n\n'..",
"compared to, say, Soul Asylum or the Black Crowes, the band still produces worthwhile records..",
"'\n\nEveryone is entitled to an opinion, but in my opinion the Black Crowes have been making just about the best rock music in the USA since they started pushing boundaries, on Amorica.",
"Their 90s albums would stand proudly within anything from the Stones' most prized era.",
"It hasn't been cheaply imitative, as the critics say.",
"They like the first Crowes album.",
"Critics are idiots.",
"The first album was the imitative one, w short little pop numbers.",
"The latter ones branched out into territory never quite travelled before.",
"'..",
"the Stones' spotty previous Voodoo Lounge..",
"'\n\nFrom what my ears tell me, and from what I see in many Stones fans' online reviews, Voodoo Lounge is received as their most compelling release of all-new material since Some Girls.",
"As for Bridges to Babylon, I think the Stones put forth more effort than on Steel Wheels or the more recent Bigger Bang, which was basically air-mailed in.",
"I am not so enthusiastic about the production, but at least it gives the album a distinctive touch.",
"Of note, Keith doesn't play on Saint of Me, which is a modern Stones cult classic."
] |
You won't get rid of me *s*
So, this is Isolation - my favourite Toto CD. Toto still is on top! It's a shame that this CD didn't turn out to be as good in the hands of the critics, but it is actually, counting on the per cent, the CD by Toto the fans love the most. It features Fergie's "childvoice", a great voice in a great songwriter! Now, this CD is so great I could die! Hehe, no, really! It includes on of my favourite tracks of all time - Change of Heart! Change of Heart is a really complicated song to play (believe me, I've tried!!! We triedto used it for an audition, but we choose another song instead), because it includes a lot of 5/4 and 7/8. But hey, Jeff's groove is wonderful, and it makes it a lot more fun to listen to the song. When the break comes in the middle, you can feel the shivers down your spine. Now Steve Porcaro gets to play a lot on this song in the break and he does it with such feeling you almost faint. The fun thing with this CD is the song "Lion". It was originally written by Bobby Kimball (born Robert Kimball, NOT Toteaux, that was just a "decoy" when presenting their bandname) but performed by Fergie, and he has the right voice for it since he, as Bobby, has a very high-pitched voice. And of course, we shouldn't talk about "How Does It Feel", now THAT song makes me cry, really, I'm not kidding. I can feel the tears come even though I'm not listening to it. Just broke up with your boy- or girlfriend? Then, a warning, DO NOT listen to this track! And the lyrics, wow, it's kinda deep, and with Luke's voice, it really is a TT (top track)! Buy this CD, for Christ sake, DO IT! | 2 | positive | [
"You won't get rid of me *s*\nSo, this is Isolation - my favourite Toto CD.",
"Toto still is on top!",
"It's a shame that this CD didn't turn out to be as good in the hands of the critics, but it is actually, counting on the per cent, the CD by Toto the fans love the most.",
"It features Fergie's \"childvoice\", a great voice in a great songwriter!",
"Now, this CD is so great I could die!",
"Hehe, no, really!",
"It includes on of my favourite tracks of all time - Change of Heart!",
"Change of Heart is a really complicated song to play (believe me, I've tried!!!",
"We triedto used it for an audition, but we choose another song instead), because it includes a lot of 5/4 and 7/8.",
"But hey, Jeff's groove is wonderful, and it makes it a lot more fun to listen to the song.",
"When the break comes in the middle, you can feel the shivers down your spine.",
"Now Steve Porcaro gets to play a lot on this song in the break and he does it with such feeling you almost faint.",
"The fun thing with this CD is the song \"Lion\".",
"It was originally written by Bobby Kimball (born Robert Kimball, NOT Toteaux, that was just a \"decoy\" when presenting their bandname) but performed by Fergie, and he has the right voice for it since he, as Bobby, has a very high-pitched voice.",
"And of course, we shouldn't talk about \"How Does It Feel\", now THAT song makes me cry, really, I'm not kidding.",
"I can feel the tears come even though I'm not listening to it.",
"Just broke up with your boy- or girlfriend?",
"Then, a warning, DO NOT listen to this track!",
"And the lyrics, wow, it's kinda deep, and with Luke's voice, it really is a TT (top track)!",
"Buy this CD, for Christ sake, DO IT!"
] |
I'm a white girl with long, extremely thick, voluminous curly hair. My curls have a silky texture and are not dry. I usually use Devacurl products to wash and style. I like trying new products every once in a while, but usually end up disappointed. Didn't really have high hopes for this primer, as the glowing reviews sounded a little fake to me.
I washed and conditioned my hair as usually. This product is supposed to be a curl "primer" to be used as a foundation for other products. However, the directions just say to apply to damp hair, and don't mention adding other products over it. I was a little unsure of what to do, so I just used the primer alone.
This went on like a leave-in conditioner, not like a gel or anything that would hold curls together. I began drying with a diffuser and really thought, "Ugh!" when it appeared all I was going to get was limp strands of curls. However! The more I dried the bigger the volume and the more defined the curls! When I was done, I can honestly say I've never seen such poppin' curls. Soft, frizz-free and a huge head of hair. Curly girls need to try this!
(Just a little side note: This primer is for people WITH curly hair. It's not going to give you curls if your hair is straight.) | 2 | positive | [
"I'm a white girl with long, extremely thick, voluminous curly hair.",
"My curls have a silky texture and are not dry.",
"I usually use Devacurl products to wash and style.",
"I like trying new products every once in a while, but usually end up disappointed.",
"Didn't really have high hopes for this primer, as the glowing reviews sounded a little fake to me.",
"I washed and conditioned my hair as usually.",
"This product is supposed to be a curl \"primer\" to be used as a foundation for other products.",
"However, the directions just say to apply to damp hair, and don't mention adding other products over it.",
"I was a little unsure of what to do, so I just used the primer alone.",
"This went on like a leave-in conditioner, not like a gel or anything that would hold curls together.",
"I began drying with a diffuser and really thought, \"Ugh!",
"\" when it appeared all I was going to get was limp strands of curls.",
"However!",
"The more I dried the bigger the volume and the more defined the curls!",
"When I was done, I can honestly say I've never seen such poppin' curls.",
"Soft, frizz-free and a huge head of hair.",
"Curly girls need to try this!",
"(Just a little side note: This primer is for people WITH curly hair.",
"It's not going to give you curls if your hair is straight.",
")"
] |
This is the first (and only) CINERAMA film I ever saw, without doubt the most thrilling aspect of the movie is the grand scale of the Cinerama process and the multi- channel soundtrack. The transfer to DVD is an insult. In this era of digital technology it is easily possible to correct the color balance errors evident in the "seams" of this otherwise remarkable motion picture. I agree with other reviewers, lose the Turner promo. The color balance, saturation, and picture
resolution are very average, and fall well below of what the DVD process is capable. One redeeming feature is the soundtrack. Finally, after viewing the VHS tape, and Laserdisc of this movie, the DVD release incorporates the correct rear channel information of the original release. Finally, and most regrettably, this DVD release has been cropped. Don't we buy widescreen movies to see how they were originally shot? HELLO HOLLYWOOD! | 2 | positive | [
"This is the first (and only) CINERAMA film I ever saw, without doubt the most thrilling aspect of the movie is the grand scale of the Cinerama process and the multi- channel soundtrack.",
"The transfer to DVD is an insult.",
"In this era of digital technology it is easily possible to correct the color balance errors evident in the \"seams\" of this otherwise remarkable motion picture.",
"I agree with other reviewers, lose the Turner promo.",
"The color balance, saturation, and picture\nresolution are very average, and fall well below of what the DVD process is capable.",
"One redeeming feature is the soundtrack.",
"Finally, after viewing the VHS tape, and Laserdisc of this movie, the DVD release incorporates the correct rear channel information of the original release.",
"Finally, and most regrettably, this DVD release has been cropped.",
"Don't we buy widescreen movies to see how they were originally shot?",
"HELLO HOLLYWOOD!"
] |
This little device is more than worth the money. I run a Behringer EUROPOWER PMP1280S Powered Mixer into the Behringer 1202 12 channel desktop mixer($80)into the UCA202 into my computer. The recording is awesome. My recording playback sounds like its live.
I use a lot of Behringer equipment and no, I don't work for Behringer. I'm on a budget. That means little money.
My friends say, "Duh, oh, well, Behringer is built cheap and is junk." And I say, "Duh, huh, really? I've got better sound than you, a lot more equipment to power my show, it has never broken down, and I paid a LOT less than you did."
In fact, I use Behringer XM8500 mics ( 3 pack for $60 ). I was playing a gig at a small pub. A friend who swears by Sure mics asked if he could do a song on my break. I said sure. When he was done, he said, I LOVE this mic. The sound is awesome. Nuff said. | 2 | positive | [
"This little device is more than worth the money.",
"I run a Behringer EUROPOWER PMP1280S Powered Mixer into the Behringer 1202 12 channel desktop mixer($80)into the UCA202 into my computer.",
"The recording is awesome.",
"My recording playback sounds like its live.",
"I use a lot of Behringer equipment and no, I don't work for Behringer.",
"I'm on a budget.",
"That means little money.",
"My friends say, \"Duh, oh, well, Behringer is built cheap and is junk.",
"\" And I say, \"Duh, huh, really?",
"I've got better sound than you, a lot more equipment to power my show, it has never broken down, and I paid a LOT less than you did.",
"\"\n\nIn fact, I use Behringer XM8500 mics ( 3 pack for $60 ).",
"I was playing a gig at a small pub.",
"A friend who swears by Sure mics asked if he could do a song on my break.",
"I said sure.",
"When he was done, he said, I LOVE this mic.",
"The sound is awesome.",
"Nuff said."
] |
This is the sequel to Caught In the Mix. Devin and Clark were college sweethearts, who had an intense love connection that got torn apart by life. Ten years later their paths cross again, and their feelings for each other are still combustible. Now they are both married and the stakes are extremely high, but is the connection worth the risk.
Devin is running for Congress and Clark owns a successful Outreach center for girls with her husband Kenneth. In Devin and Clark's case the heart wants what the heart wants an no matter how they try, the can't seem to stay away from each other.
The stuff really hits the fan when Clark gets news that her husband may not be the man she thought he was. Clark is determine to stick by Kenneth and prove his innocence, but it gets messy when its leaked that she and Devin have been having an affair. With Devin's reputation on the line and Clark's world crumbling around her feet, it looks like maybe they weren't destine for each other after all.
This is a prime example of the heart wanting what the heart wants no matter how long it takes. Just goes to show you can listen to your heart and be guide to your destiny or listen to your brain (rationalize what's best and make a lot of mistakes). This story grab me from page one and did not let go until I finished the story, meaning I didn't put this book down until I finished it. I truly enjoyed and recommend this book. In the sea of mediocre stories available right now, this one is definitely not mediocre and worth reading. | 2 | positive | [
"This is the sequel to Caught In the Mix.",
"Devin and Clark were college sweethearts, who had an intense love connection that got torn apart by life.",
"Ten years later their paths cross again, and their feelings for each other are still combustible.",
"Now they are both married and the stakes are extremely high, but is the connection worth the risk.",
"Devin is running for Congress and Clark owns a successful Outreach center for girls with her husband Kenneth.",
"In Devin and Clark's case the heart wants what the heart wants an no matter how they try, the can't seem to stay away from each other.",
"The stuff really hits the fan when Clark gets news that her husband may not be the man she thought he was.",
"Clark is determine to stick by Kenneth and prove his innocence, but it gets messy when its leaked that she and Devin have been having an affair.",
"With Devin's reputation on the line and Clark's world crumbling around her feet, it looks like maybe they weren't destine for each other after all.",
"This is a prime example of the heart wanting what the heart wants no matter how long it takes.",
"Just goes to show you can listen to your heart and be guide to your destiny or listen to your brain (rationalize what's best and make a lot of mistakes).",
"This story grab me from page one and did not let go until I finished the story, meaning I didn't put this book down until I finished it.",
"I truly enjoyed and recommend this book.",
"In the sea of mediocre stories available right now, this one is definitely not mediocre and worth reading."
] |
Preston Sturges's first big budget film with superstars Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda is one of the director's most successful and often imitated movies. Stanwyck and Charles Coburn masquerading as daughter and father, make a living as card sharps, taking advantage of the rich and famous aboard transatlantic luxury liners. Along comes Charles Pike (Fonda), the heir to Pike's Ale (the Ale that won at Yale!), and Jean (Stanwyck) immediately sizes him up as an easy mark. To reveal too much of the plot would spoil the fun. Stanwyck and Fonda appear to be having the time of their lives, each digging into their roles with verve and gusto. Fonda is especially amusing showing off his excellent physical comedy skills, heretofore unknown. And Stanwyck proves once again, that when it comes to portraying tough-minded women who chuck it all for love, she's in a class by herself. Filled with the usual Sturges stock company, Eugene Pallette (simply hysterical as Fonda's father), William Demarest, Eric Blore, Robert Greig, all giving wonderful comic performances. The Lady Eve is one of those pictures that grows more endearing with each viewing. | 2 | positive | [
"Preston Sturges's first big budget film with superstars Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda is one of the director's most successful and often imitated movies.",
"Stanwyck and Charles Coburn masquerading as daughter and father, make a living as card sharps, taking advantage of the rich and famous aboard transatlantic luxury liners.",
"Along comes Charles Pike (Fonda), the heir to Pike's Ale (the Ale that won at Yale!",
"), and Jean (Stanwyck) immediately sizes him up as an easy mark.",
"To reveal too much of the plot would spoil the fun.",
"Stanwyck and Fonda appear to be having the time of their lives, each digging into their roles with verve and gusto.",
"Fonda is especially amusing showing off his excellent physical comedy skills, heretofore unknown.",
"And Stanwyck proves once again, that when it comes to portraying tough-minded women who chuck it all for love, she's in a class by herself.",
"Filled with the usual Sturges stock company, Eugene Pallette (simply hysterical as Fonda's father), William Demarest, Eric Blore, Robert Greig, all giving wonderful comic performances.",
"The Lady Eve is one of those pictures that grows more endearing with each viewing."
] |
I like to have cleansing cloths in my bathroom for when I come home from a night out. I am almost always too tired to do a complicated makeup removal. Cleansing Cloths make it much easier and quicker. I have been using them for years, but this is my first time trying them from skyn.
I LOVE how the ICELAND Glacial cloths soothe my eyes. They are so relaxing on tired skin. I think I may even start using them after long nights at work when my eyes are sore too. I did feel a tiny bit of burning in my eye . However, I think that is because I was trying to get every bit of my eye makeup off including my eyeliner.
The only issue that I have with these cloths is that they are really only best for the eyes. If I am wearing eye makeup, I am also wearing face makeup that needs to be removed. I tried to use these cloths on my face and the "icy hot" feeling irritated my facial skin. It turned my face bright red and inflamed. It was fine again the next morning, but I am not going to use them on my face again. So, I really have to use two cloths if I use these to remove makeup after a night out. Other than that, I really like the soothing effect. | 2 | positive | [
"I like to have cleansing cloths in my bathroom for when I come home from a night out.",
"I am almost always too tired to do a complicated makeup removal.",
"Cleansing Cloths make it much easier and quicker.",
"I have been using them for years, but this is my first time trying them from skyn.",
"I LOVE how the ICELAND Glacial cloths soothe my eyes.",
"They are so relaxing on tired skin.",
"I think I may even start using them after long nights at work when my eyes are sore too.",
"I did feel a tiny bit of burning in my eye.",
"However, I think that is because I was trying to get every bit of my eye makeup off including my eyeliner.",
"The only issue that I have with these cloths is that they are really only best for the eyes.",
"If I am wearing eye makeup, I am also wearing face makeup that needs to be removed.",
"I tried to use these cloths on my face and the \"icy hot\" feeling irritated my facial skin.",
"It turned my face bright red and inflamed.",
"It was fine again the next morning, but I am not going to use them on my face again.",
"So, I really have to use two cloths if I use these to remove makeup after a night out.",
"Other than that, I really like the soothing effect."
] |
<div id="video-block-RNI1RLBQA53ZY" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91s4Ud1hM1S.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91om-ZGrpxS.png" class="video-slate-img-url"> Good so far! This is my first FDM type of 3D printer so still getting the settings etc on this machine, but it seems to be working just as well as the hatchbox filament I also got at the same time. 210 is my temp settings with a 60 heat bed and painters tape to stick onto the bed. No lifting or burning etc. | 2 | positive | [
"<div id=\"video-block-RNI1RLBQA53ZY\" class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block\"></div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/91s4Ud1hM1S.",
"mp4\" class=\"video-url\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/91om-ZGrpxS.",
"png\" class=\"video-slate-img-url\"> Good so far!",
"This is my first FDM type of 3D printer so still getting the settings etc on this machine, but it seems to be working just as well as the hatchbox filament I also got at the same time.",
"210 is my temp settings with a 60 heat bed and painters tape to stick onto the bed.",
"No lifting or burning etc."
] |
I'm a relatively new fan of Chicago, and since buying their box set this past summer, I've now been buying some of their remastered full albums. The DVD in that box set includes a live performance of "Devil's Sweet" from Chicago VII, which I was really impressed by. So I picked up this CD.
The first half of this CD really blew me away. All instrumental jazz! These were similar to those long jams on the first couple of albums, which I like a lot. But definitely more jazz here. What's most incredible is all 7 of these guys contribute equally to the sound. You can hear everybody, and everybody even gets a chance in the spotlight without stepping on the rest. All but one member individually wrote at least one track (and even that one member, saxophone/flautist Walter Parazaider, still co-wrote some songs). Not all pop fans are going to like these long instrumentals (they even admit in the liner notes that such jamming is more self-indulgent), but speaking as a musician I think it's easily some of their best work.
Even if you're not so much into the instrumentals, there's still a lot of great music left on this CD, which was originally released as Chicago's last original double album. The second half gets more into the songs you've probably heard as singles. These were generously represented on the box set too. The songs, "Happy Man", "Call on Me", "Wishing You Were Here" etc. are also great. And they flow well with the rest of the album; they don't sound like singles put on there for making money.
Chicago VII has beautiful free-form material that you just didn't hear in the 80s from Chicago. I don't accuse them of "selling out"; they're just one of countless victims of the 80s corporate music take over. But Chicago VII is a shining example of what a truly talented band is capable of, when they're given full artistic control. | 2 | positive | [
"I'm a relatively new fan of Chicago, and since buying their box set this past summer, I've now been buying some of their remastered full albums.",
"The DVD in that box set includes a live performance of \"Devil's Sweet\" from Chicago VII, which I was really impressed by.",
"So I picked up this CD.",
"The first half of this CD really blew me away.",
"All instrumental jazz!",
"These were similar to those long jams on the first couple of albums, which I like a lot.",
"But definitely more jazz here.",
"What's most incredible is all 7 of these guys contribute equally to the sound.",
"You can hear everybody, and everybody even gets a chance in the spotlight without stepping on the rest.",
"All but one member individually wrote at least one track (and even that one member, saxophone/flautist Walter Parazaider, still co-wrote some songs).",
"Not all pop fans are going to like these long instrumentals (they even admit in the liner notes that such jamming is more self-indulgent), but speaking as a musician I think it's easily some of their best work.",
"Even if you're not so much into the instrumentals, there's still a lot of great music left on this CD, which was originally released as Chicago's last original double album.",
"The second half gets more into the songs you've probably heard as singles.",
"These were generously represented on the box set too.",
"The songs, \"Happy Man\", \"Call on Me\", \"Wishing You Were Here\" etc.",
"are also great.",
"And they flow well with the rest of the album; they don't sound like singles put on there for making money.",
"Chicago VII has beautiful free-form material that you just didn't hear in the 80s from Chicago.",
"I don't accuse them of \"selling out\"; they're just one of countless victims of the 80s corporate music take over.",
"But Chicago VII is a shining example of what a truly talented band is capable of, when they're given full artistic control."
] |
I have oily skin. I am not a teenager. I am a nearly 60-year-old woman who looks younger because of the oily skin, but I do not enjoy the occasional breakouts.
I ordered this product on a whim, to be honest. I've used the Clean & Clear toner for a few years. I decided to try these product together, just to see if it made a difference.
I used to just splash water on my face in the morning. Now I use the Morning Burst, which really wakes me up and makes my skin feel tingly. I follow it up with the Toner. I wait a little while, before putting on my moisturizer with sunscreen. This seems to have made a difference.
Before bed, I follow the same routine, just using the Night Relaxing soap.
It's just been a few days, but what a difference in my skin. My peaches & cream complexion is back. My skin looks good and the bumps are going away.
I would think this product would be good for all ages. I would be careful if your skin tends to be dry. This might be too strong a product. | 2 | positive | [
"I have oily skin.",
"I am not a teenager.",
"I am a nearly 60-year-old woman who looks younger because of the oily skin, but I do not enjoy the occasional breakouts.",
"I ordered this product on a whim, to be honest.",
"I've used the Clean & Clear toner for a few years.",
"I decided to try these product together, just to see if it made a difference.",
"I used to just splash water on my face in the morning.",
"Now I use the Morning Burst, which really wakes me up and makes my skin feel tingly.",
"I follow it up with the Toner.",
"I wait a little while, before putting on my moisturizer with sunscreen.",
"This seems to have made a difference.",
"Before bed, I follow the same routine, just using the Night Relaxing soap.",
"It's just been a few days, but what a difference in my skin.",
"My peaches & cream complexion is back.",
"My skin looks good and the bumps are going away.",
"I would think this product would be good for all ages.",
"I would be careful if your skin tends to be dry.",
"This might be too strong a product."
] |
Had it for about a week with no real issues. Takes decent pictures and videos and is quite thin. Easy to setup Virgin account($35 unlimited web/text, 300 minutes talk). My only complaint so far is the battery barely makes it a day(granted with heavy initial use). With more normal use and using it more as a phone it should be able to make it a couple days before a couple hour recharge.
Extras purchased:
Spare battery
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006HZK8Q8/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00
Snap on cover
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R0H21Q/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01
LCD screen protector
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JHIEG6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
HDMI micro adapter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UH0Z9Q/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00
32GB class 4 SD micro card
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G60AD6/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00
Will post more as things come up. | 2 | positive | [
"Had it for about a week with no real issues.",
"Takes decent pictures and videos and is quite thin.",
"Easy to setup Virgin account($35 unlimited web/text, 300 minutes talk).",
"My only complaint so far is the battery barely makes it a day(granted with heavy initial use).",
"With more normal use and using it more as a phone it should be able to make it a couple days before a couple hour recharge.",
"Extras purchased:\n\nSpare battery\nhttp://www.",
"amazon.",
"com/gp/product/B006HZK8Q8/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00\nSnap on cover\nhttp://www.",
"amazon.",
"com/gp/product/B007R0H21Q/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01\nLCD screen protector\nhttp://www.",
"amazon.",
"com/gp/product/B005JHIEG6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00\nHDMI micro adapter\nhttp://www.",
"amazon.",
"com/gp/product/B003UH0Z9Q/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00\n32GB class 4 SD micro card\nhttp://www.",
"amazon.",
"com/gp/product/B004G60AD6/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00\n\nWill post more as things come up."
] |
There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the amount of product you can put inside this cooler. To clarify; this is a 12 can cooler and it holds 12 cans. After you fill this cooler up with hot water and let it sit so it forms into the shape it was designed for per the directions, you can fit 8 regular cans (coke, Miller Lite) into the bottom of the cooler. You then have to lay any additional cans on top of the 8 previous put in. In my many times of using this we put 12 cans of beer :), plus two small 16 oz bottles of water and 8 pounds of ice which is plenty of ice for this cooler even in 90+ degrees of South Carolina heat. This cooler is a day cooler, it is not intended to be a three day cooler. It will keep your stuff cold all day, sunup past sundown but down't expect ice to be there in the morning in the summertime. It is very durable and the zipper is stiff enough to close the cooler with one hand. It stores easily and doesn't take up much room. I chose the black mainly because it doesn't show dirt. I have a Yeti and Pelican high end coolers and I find myself using this one more often than those. From someone who's wife says I have a cooler fetish, I highly recommend this product! | 2 | positive | [
"There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the amount of product you can put inside this cooler.",
"To clarify; this is a 12 can cooler and it holds 12 cans.",
"After you fill this cooler up with hot water and let it sit so it forms into the shape it was designed for per the directions, you can fit 8 regular cans (coke, Miller Lite) into the bottom of the cooler.",
"You then have to lay any additional cans on top of the 8 previous put in.",
"In my many times of using this we put 12 cans of beer :), plus two small 16 oz bottles of water and 8 pounds of ice which is plenty of ice for this cooler even in 90+ degrees of South Carolina heat.",
"This cooler is a day cooler, it is not intended to be a three day cooler.",
"It will keep your stuff cold all day, sunup past sundown but down't expect ice to be there in the morning in the summertime.",
"It is very durable and the zipper is stiff enough to close the cooler with one hand.",
"It stores easily and doesn't take up much room.",
"I chose the black mainly because it doesn't show dirt.",
"I have a Yeti and Pelican high end coolers and I find myself using this one more often than those.",
"From someone who's wife says I have a cooler fetish, I highly recommend this product!"
] |
* Love Crystallized Clorox, There's Just Something About Bleach. It Brightens My Day. It Smells So Clean.
* Clorox Bleach Crystals Are Clorox Bleach. They Are Just Crystallized. That's The Only Difference.
* These Crystals Are Economical. There's No Splash Back. I Have More Control With The Same Great Cleaning Power.
* The Bottle Is Slim And Trim. It Weighs 1 And 1/2 Pounds.
* Crystals Do Everything Liquid Bleach Does. And, Crystals Are Simple To Use.
* I Am A Bleach Person. I Love It. I Love The Smell, The Power. I Can Practically Hear Germs Screaming.
* I Use A Little In My Hand Washed Dishes (We Live On A Farm), To Clean My Toilets, Tub, Floors, Some Of My Laundry, And Lots More.
* I Love The Crystals. The Bottle Isn't Heavy Or Bulky (Saves Space).
* It's Super Easy To Measure Into The Lid/Cup. It's Water/Liquid Activated. It's Best To Measure Into Standing Water.
* I Haven't Ruined A Shirt Or Pants Since I Began Using This a Few Months Ago. No Splashes!
* Bottom Line, It Works. It's Cost Effective Too.
(Bear With Me Now, I Have A Point And I'll Get You There)
* There Is More Bleach In A 24 Ounce Bottle Of Crystals Than In A Gallon Of Liquid Bleach. And It Costs Less.
1) I Decided To Crunch Some Numbers.
2) A Gallon Of Liquid Clorox Bleach On Amazon, At The Best Price Is $8.36.
3) 1 Liquid Gallon Is 16 Cups. Any Use. Still 16 Cups. $8.36.
4) A 24 Ounce Container Of Clorox Crystals Is 24 Cups. Well, That's Simple. 8 Cups More In Crystals.
5) If I Buy Crystals In The "Regular Section" Of Prime Pantry I Get Them For $3.99 Using 3.8% Of My pantry Box. Cool.
* Bottom Line: Clorox Crystals Give Me 8 More Cups (For $3.99) Than A Gallon Of Liquid For ($8.36).
* NOTE: Here's Why I Decided To Review:
* I Got My Last Bottle Of Clorox Crystals In The Prime Pantry Section Of "Buy 5 Items For Free Shipping". My Bad.
* These Clorox 24 Ounce Crystals Were $5.15 (7.2% Of Box), Sale $4.71, But Still (7.2% Of My Box). In The "Buy 5 Items" Section.
* However, Still In Prime Pantry, Another Search For Them, I Found, They Are $3.99 (3.8% Of Box) For 24 Ounces. I'M NOT KIDDING.
* At First, I Thought The Price Had Increased. Then I Realized I Paid More Because Of Where In Prime Pantry I Bought Them. Live And Learn.
* Check It Out. Here's The Lower Priced One, hat Uses Less % Of The Box : <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Clorox-Control-Bleach-Crystals-Fresh-Meadow-Scent-24-Ounces/dp/B0105J8QGU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Clorox Control Bleach Crystals, Fresh Meadow Scent, 24 Ounces</a>
* If You Have Any Questions Email Me By Clicking My username.
* Hope This Info Helps. Thanks For Reading. | 2 | positive | [
"* Love Crystallized Clorox, There's Just Something About Bleach.",
"It Brightens My Day.",
"It Smells So Clean.",
"* Clorox Bleach Crystals Are Clorox Bleach.",
"They Are Just Crystallized.",
"That's The Only Difference.",
"* These Crystals Are Economical.",
"There's No Splash Back.",
"I Have More Control With The Same Great Cleaning Power.",
"* The Bottle Is Slim And Trim.",
"It Weighs 1 And 1/2 Pounds.",
"* Crystals Do Everything Liquid Bleach Does.",
"And, Crystals Are Simple To Use.",
"* I Am A Bleach Person.",
"I Love It.",
"I Love The Smell, The Power.",
"I Can Practically Hear Germs Screaming.",
"* I Use A Little In My Hand Washed Dishes (We Live On A Farm), To Clean My Toilets, Tub, Floors, Some Of My Laundry, And Lots More.",
"* I Love The Crystals.",
"The Bottle Isn't Heavy Or Bulky (Saves Space).",
"* It's Super Easy To Measure Into The Lid/Cup.",
"It's Water/Liquid Activated.",
"It's Best To Measure Into Standing Water.",
"* I Haven't Ruined A Shirt Or Pants Since I Began Using This a Few Months Ago.",
"No Splashes!",
"* Bottom Line, It Works.",
"It's Cost Effective Too.",
"(Bear With Me Now, I Have A Point And I'll Get You There)\n* There Is More Bleach In A 24 Ounce Bottle Of Crystals Than In A Gallon Of Liquid Bleach.",
"And It Costs Less.",
"1) I Decided To Crunch Some Numbers.",
"2) A Gallon Of Liquid Clorox Bleach On Amazon, At The Best Price Is $8.",
"36.",
"3) 1 Liquid Gallon Is 16 Cups.",
"Any Use.",
"Still 16 Cups.",
"$8.",
"36.",
"4) A 24 Ounce Container Of Clorox Crystals Is 24 Cups.",
"Well, That's Simple.",
"8 Cups More In Crystals.",
"5) If I Buy Crystals In The \"Regular Section\" Of Prime Pantry I Get Them For $3.",
"99 Using 3.",
"8% Of My pantry Box.",
"Cool.",
"* Bottom Line: Clorox Crystals Give Me 8 More Cups (For $3.",
"99) Than A Gallon Of Liquid For ($8.",
"36).",
"* NOTE: Here's Why I Decided To Review:\n* I Got My Last Bottle Of Clorox Crystals In The Prime Pantry Section Of \"Buy 5 Items For Free Shipping\".",
"My Bad.",
"* These Clorox 24 Ounce Crystals Were $5.",
"15 (7.",
"2% Of Box), Sale $4.",
"71, But Still (7.",
"2% Of My Box).",
"In The \"Buy 5 Items\" Section.",
"* However, Still In Prime Pantry, Another Search For Them, I Found, They Are $3.",
"99 (3.",
"8% Of Box) For 24 Ounces.",
"I'M NOT KIDDING.",
"* At First, I Thought The Price Had Increased.",
"Then I Realized I Paid More Because Of Where In Prime Pantry I Bought Them.",
"Live And Learn.",
"* Check It Out.",
"Here's The Lower Priced One, hat Uses Less % Of The Box : <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Clorox-Control-Bleach-Crystals-Fresh-Meadow-Scent-24-Ounces/dp/B0105J8QGU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Clorox Control Bleach Crystals, Fresh Meadow Scent, 24 Ounces</a>\n* If You Have Any Questions Email Me By Clicking My username.",
"* Hope This Info Helps.",
"Thanks For Reading."
] |
Stephanie works for a magazine and is working on a column about single women and sexual fantasies. Stephanie meets Justin. Actually she trips and he catches her.
Justin was a famous Baseball player until he was in an accident. He sees Stephanie and happens to be at the right point when she tripe and he catches her. They hook up and start seeing each other.
Stephanie is writing for the magazine about her sex life with Justin under a different name so nobody will find out. She wants to end the article because she is falling for Justin and he doesn't know about the articles.
Justin is falling for her also.
The truth comes out about Stephanie & Justin. Great way it ends. | 2 | positive | [
"Stephanie works for a magazine and is working on a column about single women and sexual fantasies.",
"Stephanie meets Justin.",
"Actually she trips and he catches her.",
"Justin was a famous Baseball player until he was in an accident.",
"He sees Stephanie and happens to be at the right point when she tripe and he catches her.",
"They hook up and start seeing each other.",
"Stephanie is writing for the magazine about her sex life with Justin under a different name so nobody will find out.",
"She wants to end the article because she is falling for Justin and he doesn't know about the articles.",
"Justin is falling for her also.",
"The truth comes out about Stephanie & Justin.",
"Great way it ends."
] |
Many have read Murder on the Orient Express and other classic Agatha Christie books. I probably read my first Christie book 25 years ago.
But I had never heard of her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, before spotting it in a library. This book is certainly not her best. But it is certainly worth reading. Interestingly, despite introducing her famous detective Hercule Poirot to the reader, she treats him as a person who people should know if they know anything about detectives, as someone with whom we are all acquainted already.
The plot has all the hallmarks of Agatha's later works. A person dies. There are small assorted clues, but nothing like a smoking gun. There are people who hate the victim, and people who love them, but Christie manages to draw suspicion upon both sets of characters alike without making the plot seem forced. The intricate plan for the murder that eventually comes out is similarly within the realm of possibility.
The only real problem I had was that when Poirot revealed the final clue, it was something none of us could have guessed beforehand. Still, this was a good first effort in a marvelous career for Agatha Christie. | 2 | positive | [
"Many have read Murder on the Orient Express and other classic Agatha Christie books.",
"I probably read my first Christie book 25 years ago.",
"But I had never heard of her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, before spotting it in a library.",
"This book is certainly not her best.",
"But it is certainly worth reading.",
"Interestingly, despite introducing her famous detective Hercule Poirot to the reader, she treats him as a person who people should know if they know anything about detectives, as someone with whom we are all acquainted already.",
"The plot has all the hallmarks of Agatha's later works.",
"A person dies.",
"There are small assorted clues, but nothing like a smoking gun.",
"There are people who hate the victim, and people who love them, but Christie manages to draw suspicion upon both sets of characters alike without making the plot seem forced.",
"The intricate plan for the murder that eventually comes out is similarly within the realm of possibility.",
"The only real problem I had was that when Poirot revealed the final clue, it was something none of us could have guessed beforehand.",
"Still, this was a good first effort in a marvelous career for Agatha Christie."
] |
Once again Squaresoft has given us a great game of fantasy and a great epic story. The character in this is like everyone when they start any story game he doesn't know where the hell he is. So you can really relate with this character and learn enough about where you are in the game. The graphics in this game are amazing nothing I have ever seen before but I think we all should have seen that coming. I know that if you not such a reading you don't really like to read what they are saying. Well those days are over the characters actually speak now. there are 7 playable characters and you no longer have to hurry up and make your attacking or defending move. This time the characters have turns on when they are going to make there move. the only two bad things about it is this time there isn't a world where you can fly around. This time you can only go to certain places in the game. Nowe you know when you get into a fight you get Exp to level up well kiss it goodbye. Now they have this whole sphere level thing. The game will teach you how to use it so don'tr start going crazy. Other then those two flaws it's a great game to play over and over again. | 2 | positive | [
"Once again Squaresoft has given us a great game of fantasy and a great epic story.",
"The character in this is like everyone when they start any story game he doesn't know where the hell he is.",
"So you can really relate with this character and learn enough about where you are in the game.",
"The graphics in this game are amazing nothing I have ever seen before but I think we all should have seen that coming.",
"I know that if you not such a reading you don't really like to read what they are saying.",
"Well those days are over the characters actually speak now.",
"there are 7 playable characters and you no longer have to hurry up and make your attacking or defending move.",
"This time the characters have turns on when they are going to make there move.",
"the only two bad things about it is this time there isn't a world where you can fly around.",
"This time you can only go to certain places in the game.",
"Nowe you know when you get into a fight you get Exp to level up well kiss it goodbye.",
"Now they have this whole sphere level thing.",
"The game will teach you how to use it so don'tr start going crazy.",
"Other then those two flaws it's a great game to play over and over again."
] |
WARNING! ----- BEWARE!
These IMO are a great best bang for the buck headphone. I am on my 4th pair over many years. These are very accurate, low distortion, defined with very good (not rap boomy) lower bass. These are flat and detailed. They are not warm sounding as some prefer.
BE VERY CAREFUL of unethical fly by night online dealers selling these headphones for a very low price. They are counterfeit fakes, that at first glance appear to be genuine. Don't be fooled! They take your order, immediately charge your credit card, add a foreign credit card trans charge and ship the fake MDR-V6 from China. Contact your credit card company and place the order in dispute. Never use a debit card with these crooks or send them a money order! The poor quality headband slider is the first big sign of a fake. Carry bag with no Sony name on it. Much of the copy job is very clever, deceptive and hard to spot at first. Contact the seller and ask it they will be shipped from China. Buy only from Amazon or other online dealer with top reputations. | 2 | positive | [
"WARNING!",
"----- BEWARE!",
"These IMO are a great best bang for the buck headphone.",
"I am on my 4th pair over many years.",
"These are very accurate, low distortion, defined with very good (not rap boomy) lower bass.",
"These are flat and detailed.",
"They are not warm sounding as some prefer.",
"BE VERY CAREFUL of unethical fly by night online dealers selling these headphones for a very low price.",
"They are counterfeit fakes, that at first glance appear to be genuine.",
"Don't be fooled!",
"They take your order, immediately charge your credit card, add a foreign credit card trans charge and ship the fake MDR-V6 from China.",
"Contact your credit card company and place the order in dispute.",
"Never use a debit card with these crooks or send them a money order!",
"The poor quality headband slider is the first big sign of a fake.",
"Carry bag with no Sony name on it.",
"Much of the copy job is very clever, deceptive and hard to spot at first.",
"Contact the seller and ask it they will be shipped from China.",
"Buy only from Amazon or other online dealer with top reputations."
] |
The Elder is certainly one of Kiss' most controversial and best albums. In 1981, with new drummer Eric Carr and producer Bob Ezrin, Kiss embarked on a new direction. The Elder is a "gothic concept album" about a young boy on a odyssey to save the universe. It comes across as a soundtrack to a film that wasn't made. No pictures of Kiss themselves are present in the mysterious album jacket. Most certainly new territory for Kiss, and they boldly pull it off.
The songs really do rock and are accompanied by a orchestra and choir to give the songs a unique atmosphere. The subtle and haunting ballad A World Without Heros..sung by Gene Simmons is one of the standouts. Odyssey, Under The Rose and I are other terrific songs from this unique Kiss album.
Comparisons can be made to such bands as Rush or Pink Floyd (Ezrin had just co-produced The Wall) Neitherless Kiss deserves a lot of credit for going out on a limb on this effort. It may have been a commercial failure but it is a very cool Rock album. | 2 | positive | [
"The Elder is certainly one of Kiss' most controversial and best albums.",
"In 1981, with new drummer Eric Carr and producer Bob Ezrin, Kiss embarked on a new direction.",
"The Elder is a \"gothic concept album\" about a young boy on a odyssey to save the universe.",
"It comes across as a soundtrack to a film that wasn't made.",
"No pictures of Kiss themselves are present in the mysterious album jacket.",
"Most certainly new territory for Kiss, and they boldly pull it off.",
"The songs really do rock and are accompanied by a orchestra and choir to give the songs a unique atmosphere.",
"The subtle and haunting ballad A World Without Heros..",
"sung by Gene Simmons is one of the standouts.",
"Odyssey, Under The Rose and I are other terrific songs from this unique Kiss album.",
"Comparisons can be made to such bands as Rush or Pink Floyd (Ezrin had just co-produced The Wall) Neitherless Kiss deserves a lot of credit for going out on a limb on this effort.",
"It may have been a commercial failure but it is a very cool Rock album."
] |
I have actually purchased two of these from this seller. The 1st was the black one that sold with Amazon Prime Shipping. It was such a huge help that I bought the white one for myself & my new HD7 & passed the black one on to my husband. I was willing to pay the few extra dollars just for the white so we don't get them mixed up. I actually found (not sure why)that the white one charges itself & my phone alot faster than the black one that is supposed to be the same. It's standby time is longer also, I recently lost it (my world crumbled) for a week. When we found it inside my chair 4 of the 5 power indicator lights were still on! I have have been able to do a complete charge on my HD7 (which is a battery hog) 6 times before a recharge was needed to the charger itself. And the battery indicator lights are also much more accurate on the white one.
This also comes with a little black bag to carry it in, which may not sound like a big deal but it is a HUGE assest.
One note, this comes with a usb to mini usb cable. So if your phone needs a micro usb, you will have to supply your own cable or adapter. Some may purchase this for use on the go & I do use it for that. But what I'm enjoying the most is using it at home. I don't have to string a charger across the room & worry about my dogs getting caught up in it or yanking my phone across the floor. If you buy this, you will be amazed at just how handy it is! | 2 | positive | [
"I have actually purchased two of these from this seller.",
"The 1st was the black one that sold with Amazon Prime Shipping.",
"It was such a huge help that I bought the white one for myself & my new HD7 & passed the black one on to my husband.",
"I was willing to pay the few extra dollars just for the white so we don't get them mixed up.",
"I actually found (not sure why)that the white one charges itself & my phone alot faster than the black one that is supposed to be the same.",
"It's standby time is longer also, I recently lost it (my world crumbled) for a week.",
"When we found it inside my chair 4 of the 5 power indicator lights were still on!",
"I have have been able to do a complete charge on my HD7 (which is a battery hog) 6 times before a recharge was needed to the charger itself.",
"And the battery indicator lights are also much more accurate on the white one.",
"This also comes with a little black bag to carry it in, which may not sound like a big deal but it is a HUGE assest.",
"One note, this comes with a usb to mini usb cable.",
"So if your phone needs a micro usb, you will have to supply your own cable or adapter.",
"Some may purchase this for use on the go & I do use it for that.",
"But what I'm enjoying the most is using it at home.",
"I don't have to string a charger across the room & worry about my dogs getting caught up in it or yanking my phone across the floor.",
"If you buy this, you will be amazed at just how handy it is!"
] |
There are many reviews for this brush on Amazon that trash it for coming apart too quickly, yet I have one which has lasted me for years. The solution is simple. The new brushes sometimes arrive with the metal loop around the foam insufficiently clamped shut, which allows the foam to pull free. Simply inspect the brush on arrival and, if necessary, crimp the metal loop around the foam shut with a pliers before using your new brush. Problem solved!
I am taking the time to write this review because this is a fine, long-lasting brush, and the only one I have found that cleans not only my feeder's bottles, but also their bases (via entry through the slots in the bases).
BTW, I use Perky Pet's '209 Our Best 30-Ounce Glass Hummingbird Feeders,' and I truly do consider them Best. Their large size allows me to re-fill them less frequently (although I get so many hummers they can empty one in a day). Please ..... spend a bit more and get a quality glass feeder, don't waste your money on the acrylic ones. A glass feeder will last you longer, will not discolor, and will keep the nectar within more cool and fresh for a longer period of time. Your hummers will thank you for it.
Finally, don't waste your money buying nectar when a solution of one part sugar in four parts water (3/4 cup sugar in 3 cups water, for example) makes perfect nectar. I like to boil my nectar for a few minutes and then re-stir it to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved, then I simply allow it to cool. Also, please do not add red food coloring to your nectar since it is completely unnecessary for attracting hummers, and is not healthy for them.
Enjoy your birds, and all the rest of our Creator's MARVEL-ous creation! | 2 | positive | [
"There are many reviews for this brush on Amazon that trash it for coming apart too quickly, yet I have one which has lasted me for years.",
"The solution is simple.",
"The new brushes sometimes arrive with the metal loop around the foam insufficiently clamped shut, which allows the foam to pull free.",
"Simply inspect the brush on arrival and, if necessary, crimp the metal loop around the foam shut with a pliers before using your new brush.",
"Problem solved!",
"I am taking the time to write this review because this is a fine, long-lasting brush, and the only one I have found that cleans not only my feeder's bottles, but also their bases (via entry through the slots in the bases).",
"BTW, I use Perky Pet's '209 Our Best 30-Ounce Glass Hummingbird Feeders,' and I truly do consider them Best.",
"Their large size allows me to re-fill them less frequently (although I get so many hummers they can empty one in a day).",
"Please....",
".",
"spend a bit more and get a quality glass feeder, don't waste your money on the acrylic ones.",
"A glass feeder will last you longer, will not discolor, and will keep the nectar within more cool and fresh for a longer period of time.",
"Your hummers will thank you for it.",
"Finally, don't waste your money buying nectar when a solution of one part sugar in four parts water (3/4 cup sugar in 3 cups water, for example) makes perfect nectar.",
"I like to boil my nectar for a few minutes and then re-stir it to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved, then I simply allow it to cool.",
"Also, please do not add red food coloring to your nectar since it is completely unnecessary for attracting hummers, and is not healthy for them.",
"Enjoy your birds, and all the rest of our Creator's MARVEL-ous creation!"
] |
Startropics, for those unfamiliar with this great game, is pretty much of the linear RPG type with some challenging puzzles thrown in the mix. You are Mike, who has just arrived at Coralcola to visit your uncle, Dr. J. You find out that he has been kidnapped and only you can save him.
Mike goes through the game equipped with a yo-yo. It proves to be a powerful tool, and it only gets stronger further into the game. You will most likely encounter some frustrating puzzles that seemingly have no solution, but have patience with this game. It is worth it when you figure it out. You will be tasked with conquering undergroung tunnels full of monsters, a haunted graveyard and more. Overall there is enough to do to take many hours away from your life.
This is my personal favorite NES game of all time, along with Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, and if I could rate it higher than 5 stars I would. It was everything a game should be and I had a lot of fun (and frustration) playing this game. This is an essential title for NES owners, and can usually be found for cheap (under 10 bucks). Give it a try, I doubt you will be disappointed! | 2 | positive | [
"Startropics, for those unfamiliar with this great game, is pretty much of the linear RPG type with some challenging puzzles thrown in the mix.",
"You are Mike, who has just arrived at Coralcola to visit your uncle, Dr.",
"J.",
"You find out that he has been kidnapped and only you can save him.",
"Mike goes through the game equipped with a yo-yo.",
"It proves to be a powerful tool, and it only gets stronger further into the game.",
"You will most likely encounter some frustrating puzzles that seemingly have no solution, but have patience with this game.",
"It is worth it when you figure it out.",
"You will be tasked with conquering undergroung tunnels full of monsters, a haunted graveyard and more.",
"Overall there is enough to do to take many hours away from your life.",
"This is my personal favorite NES game of all time, along with Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, and if I could rate it higher than 5 stars I would.",
"It was everything a game should be and I had a lot of fun (and frustration) playing this game.",
"This is an essential title for NES owners, and can usually be found for cheap (under 10 bucks).",
"Give it a try, I doubt you will be disappointed!"
] |
I'm a fan of some mineral powder products, others not so much. Some seem to get into the lines of your face and just sit there, emphasizing age. Others (mainly eye shadows and blushes) do a pretty good job of lightly sitting on the skin, adding color without emphasizing the lines. Scott-Vincent's ended up being one of the later. Trying it as foundation was no good for me. The white powder added when you turn the dial (boy that took me a while to figure out) makes it too light for my complexion and trying to scoop up the darker powder without the white powder was just too much of a hassle. So, I mixed up the two colors and tried it as a finishing powder. This seemed to work fairly well. The powder went on smoothly, but at times the white powder left my face splotchy with white puffs, even when I mixed it well in the compact. It think they should redo the powder colors so one is just a light cream color and not white.
Overall the powder performed well, lasting as long as my usual $10 mineral finishing powder, so no complaints there. I only put it on once in the morning. I have dry skin, so my face doesn't require reapplying of powder since there is no shine and it doesn't wear away. I didn't notice my skin looking anymore youthful and unlined than usual, but I didn't use it as a foundation, so that might of made a difference. I didn't use the mask, either there wasn't one in my package or I missed it and threw it away. I wouldn't have used it anyway. It just seems plain silly and reminds me of a creepy skin mask from Silence of the Lambs. The brush is really nice and soft, two thumbs up for the brush. It is rather small and narrow, giving you more control I suppose. Overall this was a nice foundation/finishing powder, but the price, ouch. I'm on a teacher's salary. This was fun to try, but paying almost $80 for foundation just isn't going to happen in my household. Hello L'Oreal and Mary Kay foundations, good to see again. | 2 | positive | [
"I'm a fan of some mineral powder products, others not so much.",
"Some seem to get into the lines of your face and just sit there, emphasizing age.",
"Others (mainly eye shadows and blushes) do a pretty good job of lightly sitting on the skin, adding color without emphasizing the lines.",
"Scott-Vincent's ended up being one of the later.",
"Trying it as foundation was no good for me.",
"The white powder added when you turn the dial (boy that took me a while to figure out) makes it too light for my complexion and trying to scoop up the darker powder without the white powder was just too much of a hassle.",
"So, I mixed up the two colors and tried it as a finishing powder.",
"This seemed to work fairly well.",
"The powder went on smoothly, but at times the white powder left my face splotchy with white puffs, even when I mixed it well in the compact.",
"It think they should redo the powder colors so one is just a light cream color and not white.",
"Overall the powder performed well, lasting as long as my usual $10 mineral finishing powder, so no complaints there.",
"I only put it on once in the morning.",
"I have dry skin, so my face doesn't require reapplying of powder since there is no shine and it doesn't wear away.",
"I didn't notice my skin looking anymore youthful and unlined than usual, but I didn't use it as a foundation, so that might of made a difference.",
"I didn't use the mask, either there wasn't one in my package or I missed it and threw it away.",
"I wouldn't have used it anyway.",
"It just seems plain silly and reminds me of a creepy skin mask from Silence of the Lambs.",
"The brush is really nice and soft, two thumbs up for the brush.",
"It is rather small and narrow, giving you more control I suppose.",
"Overall this was a nice foundation/finishing powder, but the price, ouch.",
"I'm on a teacher's salary.",
"This was fun to try, but paying almost $80 for foundation just isn't going to happen in my household.",
"Hello L'Oreal and Mary Kay foundations, good to see again."
] |
Talk to any hardcore "Twisted Metal" fan, and they'll say two things: the first two games were excellent, and the next two were terrible, which can be attributed to the fact that the series changed hands between different developers. So when the original developers were brought back to the series, they decided to do one thing: rebuild the genre of vehicular combat from scratch. The end result is "Twisted Metal: Black", a darker, more sinister version of its Playstation cousins. But it's all for the best, because "TM:B" has to be the best game in the "Twisted Metal" series and one of the must-have titles of the Playstation2.
There is a reason why this game has the subtitle "Black" attached to it. "TM:B" is one of those games that doesn't just meet the requirements of an M-rated title; it lives up to it. Themes found in this game include homicide, depression, suicide, self-mutilation, medical malpractice, and physical abuse. Don't believe me? Watch any of the game's characters' opening sequences (particularly Sweet Tooth's), and you'll understand why this game belongs in the same category as "Grand Theft Auto III".
But the shock factor isn't just for show. The stories of all the twisted, demented characters are deep and powerful, giving them depth and personality. A player actually wants to help his chosen character win, actually wants his character to defeat all the other characters so that Calypso, the mysterious host of the Twisted Metal tournaments, can grant the winner what his heart desires. It's pulled off so perfectly that you'd almost forget you're rooting for a homicidal maniac or a fanatical preacher or whatever character you've chosen.
In terms of gameplay, "Twisted Metal: Black" makes you earn your way through the game. The controls can be complex at first, but once they're mastered it's almost like second-nature. Each character has his own unique vehicle, and each vehicle handles differently. Some are slow but can take a ton of damage, while others are weak but are unbelievably fast. Each vehicle also has its own unique Special Attack. For example, Sweet Tooth's icecream truck can transform into a robot that fires a hailstorm of homing missiles, while Outlaw sends a stream of locked-on, powerful bullets from the roof of his police vehicle. And all other weapons like missiles and gas cans have their own unique placement on each character's vehicle; the game is worth buying just to see where the weaponry is located on each vehicle.
The AI in the game can be described in one word: brutal. One mistake will result in serious damage, and each opponent knows when to fight and when to run. Players looking for a deep experience don't have to look farther than "Twisted Metal: Black". Probably the only fault in the gameplay is the lack of an all-out brawl in multiplayer. Players can fight each other in multiplayer, but not with any AI vehicles as well. The team battle mode does have an all-out brawl and somewhat makes up for it, but players in team battle mode share lives, which is questionable at best.
Graphically, "TM:B" is amazing. Even with titles such as "Metal Gear Solid 2", "Final Fantasy X". and "Grand Theft Auto III" out already, "Twisted Metal: Black" still looks impressive. It runs at a solid frame rate, even in multiplayer, and the loading times are minimal. The frame rate does slow down occassionaly when the front-back view (looking in front and behind at the same time) is selected, but it's not really that important. The environments are dark and eerie, giving the game the atmosphere its title of "Black" proclaims, and most of them are massive, which is a testament to how the PS2 can be used probably. And the characters' vehicles are all detailed and uniquely designed, showing how dedicated the developers were to bringing the series back to its former glory.
Soundwise, the game can't get any better. The dark music in each stage sets the mood right, and sounds like missile screams and explosions are top-notch. And the voice-overs for each character are Academy-Award worthy, making them believable and realistic. Listen to Sweet Tooth's movie sequences and you'll understand just how sinister he is. Listen to Billy Ray's sequences and you feel the immense pain in his heart. This level of realism brings vehicular combat to a new level of enjoyment.
All in all, "Twisted Metal: Black" is undoubtedly a must-have for vehicular combat fans, and is a worthy addition to any PS2 owner's library. Be warned: this game lives up to its Mature rating; anyone who can't handle an R-rated movie should stay away from this game. But any gamer who is mature enough to handle "Grand Theft Auto III" should be more than comfortable with the dark nature of "TM:B". And the multiplayer shortcomings will be more than made up for when "Twisted Metal: Black Online" is released. | 2 | positive | [
"Talk to any hardcore \"Twisted Metal\" fan, and they'll say two things: the first two games were excellent, and the next two were terrible, which can be attributed to the fact that the series changed hands between different developers.",
"So when the original developers were brought back to the series, they decided to do one thing: rebuild the genre of vehicular combat from scratch.",
"The end result is \"Twisted Metal: Black\", a darker, more sinister version of its Playstation cousins.",
"But it's all for the best, because \"TM:B\" has to be the best game in the \"Twisted Metal\" series and one of the must-have titles of the Playstation2.",
"There is a reason why this game has the subtitle \"Black\" attached to it.",
"\"TM:B\" is one of those games that doesn't just meet the requirements of an M-rated title; it lives up to it.",
"Themes found in this game include homicide, depression, suicide, self-mutilation, medical malpractice, and physical abuse.",
"Don't believe me?",
"Watch any of the game's characters' opening sequences (particularly Sweet Tooth's), and you'll understand why this game belongs in the same category as \"Grand Theft Auto III\".",
"But the shock factor isn't just for show.",
"The stories of all the twisted, demented characters are deep and powerful, giving them depth and personality.",
"A player actually wants to help his chosen character win, actually wants his character to defeat all the other characters so that Calypso, the mysterious host of the Twisted Metal tournaments, can grant the winner what his heart desires.",
"It's pulled off so perfectly that you'd almost forget you're rooting for a homicidal maniac or a fanatical preacher or whatever character you've chosen.",
"In terms of gameplay, \"Twisted Metal: Black\" makes you earn your way through the game.",
"The controls can be complex at first, but once they're mastered it's almost like second-nature.",
"Each character has his own unique vehicle, and each vehicle handles differently.",
"Some are slow but can take a ton of damage, while others are weak but are unbelievably fast.",
"Each vehicle also has its own unique Special Attack.",
"For example, Sweet Tooth's icecream truck can transform into a robot that fires a hailstorm of homing missiles, while Outlaw sends a stream of locked-on, powerful bullets from the roof of his police vehicle.",
"And all other weapons like missiles and gas cans have their own unique placement on each character's vehicle; the game is worth buying just to see where the weaponry is located on each vehicle.",
"The AI in the game can be described in one word: brutal.",
"One mistake will result in serious damage, and each opponent knows when to fight and when to run.",
"Players looking for a deep experience don't have to look farther than \"Twisted Metal: Black\".",
"Probably the only fault in the gameplay is the lack of an all-out brawl in multiplayer.",
"Players can fight each other in multiplayer, but not with any AI vehicles as well.",
"The team battle mode does have an all-out brawl and somewhat makes up for it, but players in team battle mode share lives, which is questionable at best.",
"Graphically, \"TM:B\" is amazing.",
"Even with titles such as \"Metal Gear Solid 2\", \"Final Fantasy X\".",
"and \"Grand Theft Auto III\" out already, \"Twisted Metal: Black\" still looks impressive.",
"It runs at a solid frame rate, even in multiplayer, and the loading times are minimal.",
"The frame rate does slow down occassionaly when the front-back view (looking in front and behind at the same time) is selected, but it's not really that important.",
"The environments are dark and eerie, giving the game the atmosphere its title of \"Black\" proclaims, and most of them are massive, which is a testament to how the PS2 can be used probably.",
"And the characters' vehicles are all detailed and uniquely designed, showing how dedicated the developers were to bringing the series back to its former glory.",
"Soundwise, the game can't get any better.",
"The dark music in each stage sets the mood right, and sounds like missile screams and explosions are top-notch.",
"And the voice-overs for each character are Academy-Award worthy, making them believable and realistic.",
"Listen to Sweet Tooth's movie sequences and you'll understand just how sinister he is.",
"Listen to Billy Ray's sequences and you feel the immense pain in his heart.",
"This level of realism brings vehicular combat to a new level of enjoyment.",
"All in all, \"Twisted Metal: Black\" is undoubtedly a must-have for vehicular combat fans, and is a worthy addition to any PS2 owner's library.",
"Be warned: this game lives up to its Mature rating; anyone who can't handle an R-rated movie should stay away from this game.",
"But any gamer who is mature enough to handle \"Grand Theft Auto III\" should be more than comfortable with the dark nature of \"TM:B\".",
"And the multiplayer shortcomings will be more than made up for when \"Twisted Metal: Black Online\" is released."
] |
I have most of the Distress Ink pads, and I love them and use them almost every day.
This review is about the CLEAR EMBOSSING INK. I never gave it a thought because I thought that it would give a "Distressed" result or something. I went to online forums and brick-and-mortar stores and told them of my embossing woes. No matter what powder I used, what embossing ink, no matter the paper or heat gun, I *always* got bumps, pits, and general uneven embossing. I've always loved the embossing part and how it COULD look. I wanted as close to a glass-like finish as possible and I always got told that it's supposed to be bumpy and uneven. I refused to accept this, I knew it would be possible, and I would find out how. That's where the scrapbook store came in. I shared with them my plight and that the only way I get what I wanted was using Colorbox pigment ink. My local scrapbook store suggested I try this Distress Clear Embossing Ink, and I did, and I wish I had found out about it earlier. By earlier I mean a year ago. My embossed images no longer have pits and bumps in them. When I use them side by side with the Ranger Inkessentials clear/black embossing pens and I am<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Ranger-Inkssentials-Embossing-Pens-2-Pack-Black-And-Clear/dp/B001M0JNVE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Ranger Inkssentials Embossing Pens, 2-Pack, Black And Clear</a> in embossing heaven.
It was SO relieving to know that it was INK that was my problem, not me! | 2 | positive | [
"I have most of the Distress Ink pads, and I love them and use them almost every day.",
"This review is about the CLEAR EMBOSSING INK.",
"I never gave it a thought because I thought that it would give a \"Distressed\" result or something.",
"I went to online forums and brick-and-mortar stores and told them of my embossing woes.",
"No matter what powder I used, what embossing ink, no matter the paper or heat gun, I *always* got bumps, pits, and general uneven embossing.",
"I've always loved the embossing part and how it COULD look.",
"I wanted as close to a glass-like finish as possible and I always got told that it's supposed to be bumpy and uneven.",
"I refused to accept this, I knew it would be possible, and I would find out how.",
"That's where the scrapbook store came in.",
"I shared with them my plight and that the only way I get what I wanted was using Colorbox pigment ink.",
"My local scrapbook store suggested I try this Distress Clear Embossing Ink, and I did, and I wish I had found out about it earlier.",
"By earlier I mean a year ago.",
"My embossed images no longer have pits and bumps in them.",
"When I use them side by side with the Ranger Inkessentials clear/black embossing pens and I am<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Ranger-Inkssentials-Embossing-Pens-2-Pack-Black-And-Clear/dp/B001M0JNVE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Ranger Inkssentials Embossing Pens, 2-Pack, Black And Clear</a> in embossing heaven.",
"It was SO relieving to know that it was INK that was my problem, not me!"
] |
I actually bought this and my PS3 at the same time. I strongly recommend that you buy this if you want to watch something on your PS3. It has a lot of buttons such as SUBTITLE, TOP MENU, and other things a normal remote has. 2 AA batteries are included. Please note: You have to turn on your PS3 before you even try to use it or set it up. Read the manual and you'll be fine. BUY THE REMOTE and you'll have a swell time. I sure did. Bye. :) | 2 | positive | [
"I actually bought this and my PS3 at the same time.",
"I strongly recommend that you buy this if you want to watch something on your PS3.",
"It has a lot of buttons such as SUBTITLE, TOP MENU, and other things a normal remote has.",
"2 AA batteries are included.",
"Please note: You have to turn on your PS3 before you even try to use it or set it up.",
"Read the manual and you'll be fine.",
"BUY THE REMOTE and you'll have a swell time.",
"I sure did.",
"Bye.",
":)"
] |
I was a little nervous about buying Blitzkrieg. In general, I've disliked real-time strategy games like this and I was worried about buying a product supported from Germany. But I couldn't be more pleased. Blitzkrieg in an excellent game.
This is basically a tactical level strategy game. You are given a certain amount of assets and mission objectives and you attempt to carry them out. Usually, this means your "core group" of 3-6 tanks and a battery of artillary. As the war goes on, this core groups becomes more experienced and you can upgrade their hardware, sometimes getting cutting edge weapons as a reward for completing a mission. You also have snipers, foot soldiers and support trucks. And in historical missions, you can have a massive array of tanks, rocket launchers, artillary and troops. And all these assets are rendered with splendid and incredible detail. Facing a Tiger tanks with Shermans? Better sneak around and attack from the back where his armor is weak. You go face to face and he'll kill you without getting a scratch from your popgun cannons. Attacking a trench? Watch out for mines and grenades. Even the artillary pieces have operators who can be killed without damaging the weapon -- which can then be taken over by your own troops.
The thing that makes this game fun is the flexibility. There's not one set way to win a mission. This applies to the computer as well. It frequently adapts to circumstances. If you don't watch carefully, he'll sneak a platoon of soldiers behind your line to savage your artillary and trucks. Your snipers can spy enemy tanks and call in an artillary strike. But if he sniffs your presence, his tanks will roll out and attack. You have to be careful even tooling down a road because he might set a a few soldiers and AT guns on a cliff to deliver a devastating blow to your armor. Or you can set an ambush of your own and lure his armor out into it. If you're getting artillary fire, you can order your artillary to lay a supressing barrage -- only to see him pick up, move to a new location and open fire.
The game is not easy. I've frequently had to restart because I stupidly charged in with armor and no troops and got slaughtered. Or I used my air support to bomb a few tanks instead of holding back and fending off his bombers when they went after my artillary. The Soviet campaign is especially difficult as the German weapons totally outclass you in the beginning of the war that it's almost impossible to win.
There are a few problems. The software is a little twitchy and somtimes likes to drop the frame rate for no reason. And I would really have liked to seen a branching campaign where you could invade England as the Germans or attack the Russians as the Americans.
But overall this is fantastic. The realism is amazing and the gameplay is engrossing. | 2 | positive | [
"I was a little nervous about buying Blitzkrieg.",
"In general, I've disliked real-time strategy games like this and I was worried about buying a product supported from Germany.",
"But I couldn't be more pleased.",
"Blitzkrieg in an excellent game.",
"This is basically a tactical level strategy game.",
"You are given a certain amount of assets and mission objectives and you attempt to carry them out.",
"Usually, this means your \"core group\" of 3-6 tanks and a battery of artillary.",
"As the war goes on, this core groups becomes more experienced and you can upgrade their hardware, sometimes getting cutting edge weapons as a reward for completing a mission.",
"You also have snipers, foot soldiers and support trucks.",
"And in historical missions, you can have a massive array of tanks, rocket launchers, artillary and troops.",
"And all these assets are rendered with splendid and incredible detail.",
"Facing a Tiger tanks with Shermans?",
"Better sneak around and attack from the back where his armor is weak.",
"You go face to face and he'll kill you without getting a scratch from your popgun cannons.",
"Attacking a trench?",
"Watch out for mines and grenades.",
"Even the artillary pieces have operators who can be killed without damaging the weapon -- which can then be taken over by your own troops.",
"The thing that makes this game fun is the flexibility.",
"There's not one set way to win a mission.",
"This applies to the computer as well.",
"It frequently adapts to circumstances.",
"If you don't watch carefully, he'll sneak a platoon of soldiers behind your line to savage your artillary and trucks.",
"Your snipers can spy enemy tanks and call in an artillary strike.",
"But if he sniffs your presence, his tanks will roll out and attack.",
"You have to be careful even tooling down a road because he might set a a few soldiers and AT guns on a cliff to deliver a devastating blow to your armor.",
"Or you can set an ambush of your own and lure his armor out into it.",
"If you're getting artillary fire, you can order your artillary to lay a supressing barrage -- only to see him pick up, move to a new location and open fire.",
"The game is not easy.",
"I've frequently had to restart because I stupidly charged in with armor and no troops and got slaughtered.",
"Or I used my air support to bomb a few tanks instead of holding back and fending off his bombers when they went after my artillary.",
"The Soviet campaign is especially difficult as the German weapons totally outclass you in the beginning of the war that it's almost impossible to win.",
"There are a few problems.",
"The software is a little twitchy and somtimes likes to drop the frame rate for no reason.",
"And I would really have liked to seen a branching campaign where you could invade England as the Germans or attack the Russians as the Americans.",
"But overall this is fantastic.",
"The realism is amazing and the gameplay is engrossing."
] |
I've made it a fair ways through Shakespeare's oeuvre but somehow hadn't gotten to the popular "As You Like It" until a few weeks ago, when I decided to read it before seeing a local university production of the play. Both the reading experience and the later theatrical experience were extremely enjoyable, as this is one of Shakespeare's more witty and light plays.
Several things really work here. The repartee between Rosalind and Celia is delightful, and Rosalind, in general, is a bold and large-hearted heroine. I'm not sure if "As You Like It" is one of Shakespeare's earlier comedies, but it feels like it. I loved how he uses the clown Touchstone (and Jacques, too) as both the fool and a voice of wisdom in the play. Love, of course, requires humility, requires that you be willing to make a fool of yourself. Shakespeare eventually develops on that theme (most notably, in my opinion, in "King Lear" and "Twelfth Night"), and I enjoyed its exploration here. Orlando's total foolishness and exuberance in pursuit of Rosalind, especially, is both delightful and profound.
I give the play four stars (compared only against other Shakespearean plays, of course) because it does seem to lack, to me, the finish of other comedies. The play seems to me to have too many characters, and the premise of Rosalind, as Ganymede, offering to cure Orlando of being in love is just not the most solid of plot points. But those things aside, "As You Like It" is a fantastically enjoyable and beautiful play. | 2 | positive | [
"I've made it a fair ways through Shakespeare's oeuvre but somehow hadn't gotten to the popular \"As You Like It\" until a few weeks ago, when I decided to read it before seeing a local university production of the play.",
"Both the reading experience and the later theatrical experience were extremely enjoyable, as this is one of Shakespeare's more witty and light plays.",
"Several things really work here.",
"The repartee between Rosalind and Celia is delightful, and Rosalind, in general, is a bold and large-hearted heroine.",
"I'm not sure if \"As You Like It\" is one of Shakespeare's earlier comedies, but it feels like it.",
"I loved how he uses the clown Touchstone (and Jacques, too) as both the fool and a voice of wisdom in the play.",
"Love, of course, requires humility, requires that you be willing to make a fool of yourself.",
"Shakespeare eventually develops on that theme (most notably, in my opinion, in \"King Lear\" and \"Twelfth Night\"), and I enjoyed its exploration here.",
"Orlando's total foolishness and exuberance in pursuit of Rosalind, especially, is both delightful and profound.",
"I give the play four stars (compared only against other Shakespearean plays, of course) because it does seem to lack, to me, the finish of other comedies.",
"The play seems to me to have too many characters, and the premise of Rosalind, as Ganymede, offering to cure Orlando of being in love is just not the most solid of plot points.",
"But those things aside, \"As You Like It\" is a fantastically enjoyable and beautiful play."
] |
I'm one of those people who really just wants a phone that I can use to call people. But,in this age of gadgets, I must admit that I like the extras. It's just easier to deal with, the touch screen that is. I like using a cell phone for my morning alarm also and found several of the ringtones very pleasing to awaken to(I set three morning alarms).
I was a little nervous about the triple minutes for life actually coming through. So when I activated the phone I asked the rep if he could tell. He said yes, spent a lot of time with his supervisor, said it was only double minutes and gave me a number to call to "get the triple minutes" since it's not a TracFone promo. When I called the number they said, as I thought, that it was in the phone and if I got 1200 minutes it was triple. I still didn't want to wait to find out that is was not the case, there's only a ninety day warranty and a 7 day return, so I purchased the $10, 30 minute deal online. Sure enough I got 90 minutes.
When I tried to add the 40 bonus minutes for July from the TracFone Saving Book I only receive 10 minutes. I called so they gave me 40 minutes. I ended up with a bonus of 50.
I probably should have mentioned first that this is an incredible deal: A double minutes for life card with a year of service and 800 minutes is the same price, $119, but without the phone! If you purchased a 450 and 120 minute deal you'd have 1140 minutes with the dmfl phone and that would cost you $120 plus tax, no phone.
I already have an MP3 player but I can put the same sdhc card in the phone and have my music. I have good camera, a DSLR, but sometimes it's overkill, this has a 2mp camera and video. The touch screen makes the calculator easy to use. The virtual QWERTY keyboard is great for texting, though I wish it was a little more responsive, and maybe I can do something about that in the touch calibration.
OK, I just realized the calculator can be switched to scientific with cos,sin,tan,log,etc; it shifts between radians and degrees. I work with algebra and trigonometry with kids so there's another plus.
I've only had it for a day. Maybe I'll change my mind or find things I don't like. But, for now I really like it.
UPDATE: I've had this phone for about six weeks and I like it even more as I become more dependent on the features. Still no problems with texting. Seemed at first that the touch was not responsive but I guess it was just me because now it's fine. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA THAT USUALLY HAS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE. This phone has limited service but I can still use it at home in a pinch; we've learned to depend on the land lines and I use it mostly for when I travel. Yesterday I got a text with it under my pillow.
My daughter looked at some pictures I took with it and thought they were good. Great pics of rainbows and sunrise. Can't compare to a "real" camera but does the trick in a pinch.
I WAS USING IT FOR THE STOPWATCH WHILE POWER WALKING AND THREW IT IN A MUD PUDDLE; WATCHED THE BUBBLES COME UP, FISHED IT OUT, LET IT DRY AND IT STILL WORKS. FREAKED ME OUT.
8 MONTHS LATER: MY PHONE IS STILL FUNCTIONING WITHOUT PROBLEMS. | 2 | positive | [
"I'm one of those people who really just wants a phone that I can use to call people.",
"But,in this age of gadgets, I must admit that I like the extras.",
"It's just easier to deal with, the touch screen that is.",
"I like using a cell phone for my morning alarm also and found several of the ringtones very pleasing to awaken to(I set three morning alarms).",
"I was a little nervous about the triple minutes for life actually coming through.",
"So when I activated the phone I asked the rep if he could tell.",
"He said yes, spent a lot of time with his supervisor, said it was only double minutes and gave me a number to call to \"get the triple minutes\" since it's not a TracFone promo.",
"When I called the number they said, as I thought, that it was in the phone and if I got 1200 minutes it was triple.",
"I still didn't want to wait to find out that is was not the case, there's only a ninety day warranty and a 7 day return, so I purchased the $10, 30 minute deal online.",
"Sure enough I got 90 minutes.",
"When I tried to add the 40 bonus minutes for July from the TracFone Saving Book I only receive 10 minutes.",
"I called so they gave me 40 minutes.",
"I ended up with a bonus of 50.",
"I probably should have mentioned first that this is an incredible deal: A double minutes for life card with a year of service and 800 minutes is the same price, $119, but without the phone!",
"If you purchased a 450 and 120 minute deal you'd have 1140 minutes with the dmfl phone and that would cost you $120 plus tax, no phone.",
"I already have an MP3 player but I can put the same sdhc card in the phone and have my music.",
"I have good camera, a DSLR, but sometimes it's overkill, this has a 2mp camera and video.",
"The touch screen makes the calculator easy to use.",
"The virtual QWERTY keyboard is great for texting, though I wish it was a little more responsive, and maybe I can do something about that in the touch calibration.",
"OK, I just realized the calculator can be switched to scientific with cos,sin,tan,log,etc; it shifts between radians and degrees.",
"I work with algebra and trigonometry with kids so there's another plus.",
"I've only had it for a day.",
"Maybe I'll change my mind or find things I don't like.",
"But, for now I really like it.",
"UPDATE: I've had this phone for about six weeks and I like it even more as I become more dependent on the features.",
"Still no problems with texting.",
"Seemed at first that the touch was not responsive but I guess it was just me because now it's fine.",
"I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA THAT USUALLY HAS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE.",
"This phone has limited service but I can still use it at home in a pinch; we've learned to depend on the land lines and I use it mostly for when I travel.",
"Yesterday I got a text with it under my pillow.",
"My daughter looked at some pictures I took with it and thought they were good.",
"Great pics of rainbows and sunrise.",
"Can't compare to a \"real\" camera but does the trick in a pinch.",
"I WAS USING IT FOR THE STOPWATCH WHILE POWER WALKING AND THREW IT IN A MUD PUDDLE; WATCHED THE BUBBLES COME UP, FISHED IT OUT, LET IT DRY AND IT STILL WORKS.",
"FREAKED ME OUT.",
"8 MONTHS LATER: MY PHONE IS STILL FUNCTIONING WITHOUT PROBLEMS."
] |
NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN A TRILOGY. I REVIEWED AND ENJOYED FIRST BOOK, AND IF YOU HAVENT READ IT, GO READ IT, AS THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR IT.
Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb is a typical second book in what is shaping up to be a very enjoyable first trilogy, and I quite enjoyed jumping into it straight after finishing the first book in the trilogy, Assassins Apprentice.
Royal Assassin brings us back to all of our favorite characters, at least, those who survived the first book. In particular, we follow Fitzs viewpoint for the entire story again, watching as he starts to really be an adult and have some power over those around him. He continues to grow more relatable, even though his life is far from anything Ive ever experienced. His struggles feel real, and at times, incredibly frustrating.
We also see more of Burrich, Chade, Royal and Verity, Shrewd, and Molly, all the characters we came to know in the first book. There are hardly any new additions, however, and this book is very much a dig deeper instead of spread wider type of book, something rather uncommon in the fantasy world these days. I liked this digging, as it helped to give the feel that Hobb has complete control over her plot and characters, instead of letting them run rampant and multiply as, say, GRRM has done.
The magic continues to be semi-standard telepathic type magic, and its not the main focal point of the novel, though it continues to play an important role. I found myself neither excited nor disappointed by its possibilitiesnothing short of Hurley or Sanderson levels of magical coolness gets me excited anymorebut it was well thought out and served its purpose well.
I found that, because I continued to be more and more engaged by the same characters, that this book didn't have quite the same dragging feeling that the first book had, though it also wasn't an incredibly fast book. There is no breakneck plot, which is just fine. This is the kind of book that enjoys what it is, and it feels good.
The emotional hooks here are definitely deeper too, and Hobb continues to put her characters through the wringer. While the tension only very gradually rises, the amount of pain the characters are going through is at a constant high level, both emotionally and at times physically. This, perhaps, more than anything, is what makes the book so engaging, and overall gave it a more cohesive feel.
The plot is the most second book part of the book, for sure. It leaves all of its threads unresolved, and I didn't feel like it really even ended the threads that it should have. It did have an intense ending, but I have to admit that I was expecting more to be tied up, and new problems expanded for the third and final book.
In summary, Royal Assassin was a satisfying second book that dug deeper into all of the characters that we came to know in the first book, and used this digging to intensify the emotional pain that Hobb could deal to them. I did not find the plot to be as satisfying as I had hoped, and while it does leave me wanting the third book, I wish it had resolved a few more threads with its conclusion. I definitely give it four of five stars, though, as I thoroughly enjoyed it, and Im looking forward to what I hope is a conclusive final volume in the trilogy.
Review originally from my blog, Mental Megalodon. | 2 | positive | [
"NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN A TRILOGY.",
"I REVIEWED AND ENJOYED FIRST BOOK, AND IF YOU HAVENT READ IT, GO READ IT, AS THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR IT.",
"Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb is a typical second book in what is shaping up to be a very enjoyable first trilogy, and I quite enjoyed jumping into it straight after finishing the first book in the trilogy, Assassins Apprentice.",
"Royal Assassin brings us back to all of our favorite characters, at least, those who survived the first book.",
"In particular, we follow Fitzs viewpoint for the entire story again, watching as he starts to really be an adult and have some power over those around him.",
"He continues to grow more relatable, even though his life is far from anything Ive ever experienced.",
"His struggles feel real, and at times, incredibly frustrating.",
"We also see more of Burrich, Chade, Royal and Verity, Shrewd, and Molly, all the characters we came to know in the first book.",
"There are hardly any new additions, however, and this book is very much a dig deeper instead of spread wider type of book, something rather uncommon in the fantasy world these days.",
"I liked this digging, as it helped to give the feel that Hobb has complete control over her plot and characters, instead of letting them run rampant and multiply as, say, GRRM has done.",
"The magic continues to be semi-standard telepathic type magic, and its not the main focal point of the novel, though it continues to play an important role.",
"I found myself neither excited nor disappointed by its possibilitiesnothing short of Hurley or Sanderson levels of magical coolness gets me excited anymorebut it was well thought out and served its purpose well.",
"I found that, because I continued to be more and more engaged by the same characters, that this book didn't have quite the same dragging feeling that the first book had, though it also wasn't an incredibly fast book.",
"There is no breakneck plot, which is just fine.",
"This is the kind of book that enjoys what it is, and it feels good.",
"The emotional hooks here are definitely deeper too, and Hobb continues to put her characters through the wringer.",
"While the tension only very gradually rises, the amount of pain the characters are going through is at a constant high level, both emotionally and at times physically.",
"This, perhaps, more than anything, is what makes the book so engaging, and overall gave it a more cohesive feel.",
"The plot is the most second book part of the book, for sure.",
"It leaves all of its threads unresolved, and I didn't feel like it really even ended the threads that it should have.",
"It did have an intense ending, but I have to admit that I was expecting more to be tied up, and new problems expanded for the third and final book.",
"In summary, Royal Assassin was a satisfying second book that dug deeper into all of the characters that we came to know in the first book, and used this digging to intensify the emotional pain that Hobb could deal to them.",
"I did not find the plot to be as satisfying as I had hoped, and while it does leave me wanting the third book, I wish it had resolved a few more threads with its conclusion.",
"I definitely give it four of five stars, though, as I thoroughly enjoyed it, and Im looking forward to what I hope is a conclusive final volume in the trilogy.",
"Review originally from my blog, Mental Megalodon."
] |
Raiders of the Lost Ark...Written in 1981 by John Williams, this soundtrack was nominated for the Academy award, and well deserved it. Full of exciting music, this soundtrack will please all. In 1995, Raiders of the Lost Ark was re- issued. The 1995 version has seven new tracks that were never in the original version, while other tracks carry previously unreleased material. The most famous of the soundtrack, "The Raiders March", is an exciting piece full of brass intruments. Is this soundtrack worth buying? Well, I was pleased with it, and it will probably please you! Containing 18 tracks, all of them worth listening to, it is worth the money. This soundtrack is probably one of John William's best scores, so if your looking for a great John William's classic, this is for you! Most of the music in Raiders of the Lost Ark is tense, while their are other tracks that are more on the quiet side. If you are into tense music, this CD fits that category just fine. Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of three similar soundtracks in the "Indiana Jones" series. Other scores in this series include "Indiana Jones and the last Crusade" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". Raiders of the Lost Ark and "the temple of Doom" are probably the best of the series. This series is great to collect, especially if John Williams is your favorite. | 2 | positive | [
"Raiders of the Lost Ark...",
"Written in 1981 by John Williams, this soundtrack was nominated for the Academy award, and well deserved it.",
"Full of exciting music, this soundtrack will please all.",
"In 1995, Raiders of the Lost Ark was re- issued.",
"The 1995 version has seven new tracks that were never in the original version, while other tracks carry previously unreleased material.",
"The most famous of the soundtrack, \"The Raiders March\", is an exciting piece full of brass intruments.",
"Is this soundtrack worth buying?",
"Well, I was pleased with it, and it will probably please you!",
"Containing 18 tracks, all of them worth listening to, it is worth the money.",
"This soundtrack is probably one of John William's best scores, so if your looking for a great John William's classic, this is for you!",
"Most of the music in Raiders of the Lost Ark is tense, while their are other tracks that are more on the quiet side.",
"If you are into tense music, this CD fits that category just fine.",
"Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of three similar soundtracks in the \"Indiana Jones\" series.",
"Other scores in this series include \"Indiana Jones and the last Crusade\" and \"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom\".",
"Raiders of the Lost Ark and \"the temple of Doom\" are probably the best of the series.",
"This series is great to collect, especially if John Williams is your favorite."
] |
I bought this, due to a number of reviewers who said this tasted just like pineapple juice! I love pineapple juice, but don't drink it because they tend to be high in sugar, but with this being kool-aid? It's sugar Free! When I opened the first packet, I was bombarded by what has to be the strongest pineapple smell in my life! It was glorious, and after reading the "It tastes just like pineapple juice!" reviews, I had very high hopes! I mixed it into the water, poured myself a glass, and came to the conclusion that those reviewers have never tasted Pineapple juice!
Make no mistake about it! This does not taste anything like pineapple juice. Does it at least have a pineapple taste? Sure, but it's about what you would expect a kool-aid packet with pineapple flavoring to taste like. It doesn't even have as strong a pineapple flavor as most pineapple soda. so if you are expecting a good alternative to pineapple juice? You're not getting it! Still, it is very tasty, and is perhaps one of, if not the best tasting kool-aid flavor I have ever had!
Most kool-aid packets tend to have a nasty, almost tart aftertaste. I will definitely keep buying these! | 2 | positive | [
"I bought this, due to a number of reviewers who said this tasted just like pineapple juice!",
"I love pineapple juice, but don't drink it because they tend to be high in sugar, but with this being kool-aid?",
"It's sugar Free!",
"When I opened the first packet, I was bombarded by what has to be the strongest pineapple smell in my life!",
"It was glorious, and after reading the \"It tastes just like pineapple juice!",
"\" reviews, I had very high hopes!",
"I mixed it into the water, poured myself a glass, and came to the conclusion that those reviewers have never tasted Pineapple juice!",
"Make no mistake about it!",
"This does not taste anything like pineapple juice.",
"Does it at least have a pineapple taste?",
"Sure, but it's about what you would expect a kool-aid packet with pineapple flavoring to taste like.",
"It doesn't even have as strong a pineapple flavor as most pineapple soda.",
"so if you are expecting a good alternative to pineapple juice?",
"You're not getting it!",
"Still, it is very tasty, and is perhaps one of, if not the best tasting kool-aid flavor I have ever had!",
"Most kool-aid packets tend to have a nasty, almost tart aftertaste.",
"I will definitely keep buying these!"
] |
This is a perfect product for any n64 player wanting to revive their original controller. takes only about 5 minutes to put in and your playing! I fell in love with it right then and there! even before I used it! but when I did I proposed to it! by kicking ass in all the video games I love on my Lovable n64! I actually mod to! so now it is glowing green! with a new joystick attached to it! people said the only problem with it is the ssb game. I honestly have to say. I have the same problem (kinda) I think it will take time to break in completely but at the same time I adapted to it like it was nothing in only 5 minutes! I love how it looks and the size of it! its a must buy! not kidding! Because now I have a modded n64 and controller. The controller lights up with a new joystick and the n64 has a scart/rgb mod to it so it provides better video and sound as well as color! I love it so much! my favorite system entirely revived with TECHNOLOGY! | 2 | positive | [
"This is a perfect product for any n64 player wanting to revive their original controller.",
"takes only about 5 minutes to put in and your playing!",
"I fell in love with it right then and there!",
"even before I used it!",
"but when I did I proposed to it!",
"by kicking ass in all the video games I love on my Lovable n64!",
"I actually mod to!",
"so now it is glowing green!",
"with a new joystick attached to it!",
"people said the only problem with it is the ssb game.",
"I honestly have to say.",
"I have the same problem (kinda) I think it will take time to break in completely but at the same time I adapted to it like it was nothing in only 5 minutes!",
"I love how it looks and the size of it!",
"its a must buy!",
"not kidding!",
"Because now I have a modded n64 and controller.",
"The controller lights up with a new joystick and the n64 has a scart/rgb mod to it so it provides better video and sound as well as color!",
"I love it so much!",
"my favorite system entirely revived with TECHNOLOGY!"
] |
This story is short and filled with romance and action. If you like PNR, erotica, and are looking for a good fast read this is for you.
Frankie is a complex person. She's confident in her work life, yet insecure and innocent when it comes to sex and relationships. Frankie has good reason not to trust men. It all stems from an incident in her past which has left her scarred both physically and emotionally.
Jake is a vampire that is almost out of time when he finds his life mate in Frankie. He knows he'll have a time of it getting her to trust him. It was sweet the way he took his time, was loving and gentle with her. Of course, he protects and saves Frankie. He waits a little too long for me before he makes her aware that she's his life mate. It would have saved her a lot of her hurt and confusion.
The story is fast paced and will keep you engaged. There was plenty of sex for a story of this size and it was pretty steamy. My only issue was with one scene, if I'd read "slowly and tenderly" one more time I might have stopped reading. It's obvious from the ending that the story will continue, but not who it will be about. It could be about different people, but I felt it left Jake and Frankie's story with a "to be continued" feel. This is a good short read with just a bit more information and length it could have been a really good/great story.
(I received a copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review.) | 2 | positive | [
"This story is short and filled with romance and action.",
"If you like PNR, erotica, and are looking for a good fast read this is for you.",
"Frankie is a complex person.",
"She's confident in her work life, yet insecure and innocent when it comes to sex and relationships.",
"Frankie has good reason not to trust men.",
"It all stems from an incident in her past which has left her scarred both physically and emotionally.",
"Jake is a vampire that is almost out of time when he finds his life mate in Frankie.",
"He knows he'll have a time of it getting her to trust him.",
"It was sweet the way he took his time, was loving and gentle with her.",
"Of course, he protects and saves Frankie.",
"He waits a little too long for me before he makes her aware that she's his life mate.",
"It would have saved her a lot of her hurt and confusion.",
"The story is fast paced and will keep you engaged.",
"There was plenty of sex for a story of this size and it was pretty steamy.",
"My only issue was with one scene, if I'd read \"slowly and tenderly\" one more time I might have stopped reading.",
"It's obvious from the ending that the story will continue, but not who it will be about.",
"It could be about different people, but I felt it left Jake and Frankie's story with a \"to be continued\" feel.",
"This is a good short read with just a bit more information and length it could have been a really good/great story.",
"(I received a copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review.",
")"
] |
I purchased this belt sander to sand the 4x4s for my grandkids swing set. We got a 50 grit paper and used it for a few hours to sand off the slivers and roughness. The power is great, it's smooth and not very loud. The belt adjustment is precise and the belt tracks well. My son in law tried to sand the cord. This was the end of our sanding for the day. I got to take apart the sander. First I had to get the cord out that was run up in the sander. I will tell you that the mechanical parts are solid and well built. Top of the line. The screws all screw into the metal body so you can tighten them back down snug. The rollers have a 7/8" nut shaped cone inside so I was able to use a rachet to back out the entangled cord. The cord was not cut, but I feared it might be internally damaged after being severely pinched. So I ended up shortening the cord. This was no problem since it has a sturdy very long cord. The layout and connections in the switch and neutral where great. It was very easy to reinstall the slightly shorter cord. When I restarted the sander I realized that the drive was not working properly. So I flipped the sander on it's side and removed the cover to the belt. I feared the motor or gears might be messed up. I was delighted to find that some of the cogs on the rubber belt had been stripped away when the cord suddenly stopped the sander. So rather than replacing the motor or broken gears, I replaced a $7 drive belt. Overall the design and implementation of the sand is excellent. It is designed and built to last. This is something you don't find in many power tools today. Kudos to Makita. I look forward to using the sander for years to come. | 2 | positive | [
"I purchased this belt sander to sand the 4x4s for my grandkids swing set.",
"We got a 50 grit paper and used it for a few hours to sand off the slivers and roughness.",
"The power is great, it's smooth and not very loud.",
"The belt adjustment is precise and the belt tracks well.",
"My son in law tried to sand the cord.",
"This was the end of our sanding for the day.",
"I got to take apart the sander.",
"First I had to get the cord out that was run up in the sander.",
"I will tell you that the mechanical parts are solid and well built.",
"Top of the line.",
"The screws all screw into the metal body so you can tighten them back down snug.",
"The rollers have a 7/8\" nut shaped cone inside so I was able to use a rachet to back out the entangled cord.",
"The cord was not cut, but I feared it might be internally damaged after being severely pinched.",
"So I ended up shortening the cord.",
"This was no problem since it has a sturdy very long cord.",
"The layout and connections in the switch and neutral where great.",
"It was very easy to reinstall the slightly shorter cord.",
"When I restarted the sander I realized that the drive was not working properly.",
"So I flipped the sander on it's side and removed the cover to the belt.",
"I feared the motor or gears might be messed up.",
"I was delighted to find that some of the cogs on the rubber belt had been stripped away when the cord suddenly stopped the sander.",
"So rather than replacing the motor or broken gears, I replaced a $7 drive belt.",
"Overall the design and implementation of the sand is excellent.",
"It is designed and built to last.",
"This is something you don't find in many power tools today.",
"Kudos to Makita.",
"I look forward to using the sander for years to come."
] |
I'm convinced that KA can write no wrong! Every book is fantastic.
Rock Chick Revenge. I was SO SO happy to find out I was FINALLY getting to read Luke's book. Oh Luke - he's tried for love in previous books and he FINALLY meets his perfect match.
Ava grew up across the street from Luke and had a crush on him growing up. I love books where the characters come back in contact with each other.
Luke was a perfect Hot Bunch guy. Ava was the perfect Rock Chick addition.
This series has to be the best series ever. I love seeing all the characters in each book, and LOVE seeing the funny stuff they get into. | 2 | positive | [
"I'm convinced that KA can write no wrong!",
"Every book is fantastic.",
"Rock Chick Revenge.",
"I was SO SO happy to find out I was FINALLY getting to read Luke's book.",
"Oh Luke - he's tried for love in previous books and he FINALLY meets his perfect match.",
"Ava grew up across the street from Luke and had a crush on him growing up.",
"I love books where the characters come back in contact with each other.",
"Luke was a perfect Hot Bunch guy.",
"Ava was the perfect Rock Chick addition.",
"This series has to be the best series ever.",
"I love seeing all the characters in each book, and LOVE seeing the funny stuff they get into."
] |
I was in fact looking for the AIWA XR-EM71 unit but could not find one. Because I needed soms mini or micro system in my office I tried to look for an alternative in the same price range. I went home with the MC-50. The unit is beautiful and decent with light blue front lights. For the price you get a lot of options you won't find on other systems. There is a timer (you can use the system as a clockradio/CDplayer !), sleepfunction, RDS, 3 CD-changer suited for CD-R and CD-RW discs, RDS-news search, Incredible Surround sound, digital out, wooden speakers, remote control, plug and play, 40 tuner presets and 40 programming CDtracks, clock display function, Dim-function, tape recorder, subwoofer plug. The incredible surround option is a nice feature that gives the impression of surround sound. However I've found that this option is not always that good (depending on the sort of music you play). The RDS-news option interrupts the CD-player or tape recorder when a news transmission is detected and switches to tuner mode. At the end of the bulletin the system switches again to the last resource and resumes its last operation. It's a pity that this option works only once for each activation ! The CD-changer is a little noisy when changing discs but that's common with most CD-changers. Even expensive multiplayers make soms noise when changing discs (however the marantz multiplayers are as far as I now the most silent discchangers available: you hardly hear the discs changing !). The speakers are very well build and give a crisp sound. All in all I'm very satisfied with the MC-50. | 2 | positive | [
"I was in fact looking for the AIWA XR-EM71 unit but could not find one.",
"Because I needed soms mini or micro system in my office I tried to look for an alternative in the same price range.",
"I went home with the MC-50.",
"The unit is beautiful and decent with light blue front lights.",
"For the price you get a lot of options you won't find on other systems.",
"There is a timer (you can use the system as a clockradio/CDplayer!",
"), sleepfunction, RDS, 3 CD-changer suited for CD-R and CD-RW discs, RDS-news search, Incredible Surround sound, digital out, wooden speakers, remote control, plug and play, 40 tuner presets and 40 programming CDtracks, clock display function, Dim-function, tape recorder, subwoofer plug.",
"The incredible surround option is a nice feature that gives the impression of surround sound.",
"However I've found that this option is not always that good (depending on the sort of music you play).",
"The RDS-news option interrupts the CD-player or tape recorder when a news transmission is detected and switches to tuner mode.",
"At the end of the bulletin the system switches again to the last resource and resumes its last operation.",
"It's a pity that this option works only once for each activation!",
"The CD-changer is a little noisy when changing discs but that's common with most CD-changers.",
"Even expensive multiplayers make soms noise when changing discs (however the marantz multiplayers are as far as I now the most silent discchangers available: you hardly hear the discs changing!",
").",
"The speakers are very well build and give a crisp sound.",
"All in all I'm very satisfied with the MC-50."
] |
I am eternally grateful to Alley McBeal for introducing the incredible music of Barry White to me. The name has always been familiar to me, but I'm not quite old enough to have been properly exposed to the man's music. After watching my favorite character John Cage psych himself up with Barry White music each week on television, I knew I had to have a Barry White CD, and it had to feature You're the First, the Last, My Everything. This All-Time Greatest Hits album, packing twenty hits from 1973-1979 onto one disc, pretty much sells itself. I know there are lengthier collections available now, but this remains the best one-CD ensemble of Barry White staples you will find. I do believe that several of these tracks are somewhat edited from the longer versions featured on the original albums, but I don't have a problem with this. I wanted an authoritative introduction to the man's music, and that is exactly what this album delivers. The original, full-length versions of his songs are all out there waiting for me to get around to buying all of his albums.
I really don't even know where to begin in terms of discussing these 20 tracks; every song on here is incredible. In the liner notes, you can see where each song peaked on the R&B and/or pop charts as well as find out the original album each song was taken from. The songs I am particularly enamored with are I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby; Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe; You're the First, the Last, My Everything; Let the Music Play; You See the Trouble With Me; and Your Sweetness Is My Weakness. I might point out that two of these tracks are instrumentals: Love's Theme (which is instantly recognizable) and Satin Soul. On each and every track, Barry is just laying down that soul groove in his incredibly cool, untouchable way. Obviously, that deep, silky voice is famous for its romantic powers, but, speaking as someone with no one at this time to create the appropriate mood for, this music is also well suited for helping you mellow out and relax after a long day. When you need a little confidence boost, follow the example of Alley McBeal's John Cage; Barry White is the man. You don't listen to Barry White music; you experience it. | 2 | positive | [
"I am eternally grateful to Alley McBeal for introducing the incredible music of Barry White to me.",
"The name has always been familiar to me, but I'm not quite old enough to have been properly exposed to the man's music.",
"After watching my favorite character John Cage psych himself up with Barry White music each week on television, I knew I had to have a Barry White CD, and it had to feature You're the First, the Last, My Everything.",
"This All-Time Greatest Hits album, packing twenty hits from 1973-1979 onto one disc, pretty much sells itself.",
"I know there are lengthier collections available now, but this remains the best one-CD ensemble of Barry White staples you will find.",
"I do believe that several of these tracks are somewhat edited from the longer versions featured on the original albums, but I don't have a problem with this.",
"I wanted an authoritative introduction to the man's music, and that is exactly what this album delivers.",
"The original, full-length versions of his songs are all out there waiting for me to get around to buying all of his albums.",
"I really don't even know where to begin in terms of discussing these 20 tracks; every song on here is incredible.",
"In the liner notes, you can see where each song peaked on the R&B and/or pop charts as well as find out the original album each song was taken from.",
"The songs I am particularly enamored with are I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby; Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe; You're the First, the Last, My Everything; Let the Music Play; You See the Trouble With Me; and Your Sweetness Is My Weakness.",
"I might point out that two of these tracks are instrumentals: Love's Theme (which is instantly recognizable) and Satin Soul.",
"On each and every track, Barry is just laying down that soul groove in his incredibly cool, untouchable way.",
"Obviously, that deep, silky voice is famous for its romantic powers, but, speaking as someone with no one at this time to create the appropriate mood for, this music is also well suited for helping you mellow out and relax after a long day.",
"When you need a little confidence boost, follow the example of Alley McBeal's John Cage; Barry White is the man.",
"You don't listen to Barry White music; you experience it."
] |
I build custom arcade stick enclosures and provide artwork printing to my customers, and was looking for a high quality paper for the prints that wasn't glossy. Since the prints go under plexiglass, a glossy finish would show the artwork sticking to the plexiglass in some spots (looking sort of like wet spots). After a bit of research I ordered a pack of the Epson Ultra Premium Matte Presentation Paper to test.
When it arrived, I did some test prints right away. As soon as I opened the package I knew I was dealing with high quality paper. Inside the outer cardboard packaging, the paper was in a plastic pouch with several instruction sheets. One thing to not is that the paper has two sides; a bright white side that you print on, and an off white, duller side that is the back and the side you obviously don't want to print on. Based on some of the negative reviews here it seems some buyers fail to notice this, and print on the wrong side thus resulting in less than desirable prints. It's the first thing mentioned on the instruction sheet too...
All of my print tests confirmed what I already suspected: this Epson paper is very high quality and prints beautifully. Colors were very vibrant and saturated with no smearing, the paper is a very bright white and it's a heavyweight paper so you don't get the ripples that you do when printing images on plain paper. All of my prints are printed with my <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Epson-WorkForce-1100/dp/B002HREI0C/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Epson WorkForce 1100</a> printer with a Cobra Ink Systems continuous ink supply system with pigment inks installed.
I couldn't be happier. It's an excellent, high quality heavy weight paper to print on and the images print beautifully. | 2 | positive | [
"I build custom arcade stick enclosures and provide artwork printing to my customers, and was looking for a high quality paper for the prints that wasn't glossy.",
"Since the prints go under plexiglass, a glossy finish would show the artwork sticking to the plexiglass in some spots (looking sort of like wet spots).",
"After a bit of research I ordered a pack of the Epson Ultra Premium Matte Presentation Paper to test.",
"When it arrived, I did some test prints right away.",
"As soon as I opened the package I knew I was dealing with high quality paper.",
"Inside the outer cardboard packaging, the paper was in a plastic pouch with several instruction sheets.",
"One thing to not is that the paper has two sides; a bright white side that you print on, and an off white, duller side that is the back and the side you obviously don't want to print on.",
"Based on some of the negative reviews here it seems some buyers fail to notice this, and print on the wrong side thus resulting in less than desirable prints.",
"It's the first thing mentioned on the instruction sheet too...",
"All of my print tests confirmed what I already suspected: this Epson paper is very high quality and prints beautifully.",
"Colors were very vibrant and saturated with no smearing, the paper is a very bright white and it's a heavyweight paper so you don't get the ripples that you do when printing images on plain paper.",
"All of my prints are printed with my <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Epson-WorkForce-1100/dp/B002HREI0C/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Epson WorkForce 1100</a> printer with a Cobra Ink Systems continuous ink supply system with pigment inks installed.",
"I couldn't be happier.",
"It's an excellent, high quality heavy weight paper to print on and the images print beautifully."
] |
While it should be a standard to wait a long while before reviewing there are aspects that become more quickly apparent both for comparison and understanding.
My previous French language experience came from two years of high school classes about sixteen years ago. I've had a few other language classes since then, establishing me if not as a thorough polyglot at least as a someone well versed in language training from a variety of different teaching styles, approaches, and contexts.
I've tried to keep up with a number of these languages I've studied, with various success, and with various software help. Mostly the inexpensive kind. I've picked up the Instant Immersion disks (a great, inexpensive, entirely un-thorough approach), the Learn to Speak series (about the same, though with a lot more content).
Recently, to learn German for my studies I looked at more thorough programs and two stood out. The Rosetta Stone series and the Tell Me More. I noticed Tell Me More was getting great reviews and was less than half the price. Being a little financially strapped I skipped the trend and bought Tell Me More. And I'm very glad I did. It's an effective program that has pushed me quite along in learning the language.
Still, there was a tickle in my brain. Is Rosetta Stone really better? So, when it came time for me to start with French, also for my studies, I decided to make a contrast.
And yes, Rosetta Stone is the better program.
In some ways.
Really, I'd have to say these are quite different programs, rather than one being substantially better.
Tell Me More is a like a class in a box. There is a mix of exercises that help to build vocabulary, sentence structure, writing, pronunciation, and other aspects. Each section has a large mix of short lessons that reinforce the learning without becoming dull or tedious. Save yourself taking language classes by using Tell Me More.
Rosetta Stone is a lot less like taking a class. It's more like finding yourself on an island with a group of people who all only speak another shared language. And if you want to learn how to thrive on this island, then you follow their patient, but focused, teaching.
This approach sticks, and it is effective.
My only quibble is I'm not sure it's quite worth the amount of money they are asking. Indeed, if money isn't an issue then by all means go with Rosetta Stone. There are qualities that do set it apart, and it helps a person feel much more involved in the language and less like taking a class.
But, if money is an issue Tell Me More is comparable in quality, without being nearly as expensive.
That's not a slam against the product quality of Rosetta Stone at all. It really is an extraordinary software, and revolutionizes language learning. | 2 | positive | [
"While it should be a standard to wait a long while before reviewing there are aspects that become more quickly apparent both for comparison and understanding.",
"My previous French language experience came from two years of high school classes about sixteen years ago.",
"I've had a few other language classes since then, establishing me if not as a thorough polyglot at least as a someone well versed in language training from a variety of different teaching styles, approaches, and contexts.",
"I've tried to keep up with a number of these languages I've studied, with various success, and with various software help.",
"Mostly the inexpensive kind.",
"I've picked up the Instant Immersion disks (a great, inexpensive, entirely un-thorough approach), the Learn to Speak series (about the same, though with a lot more content).",
"Recently, to learn German for my studies I looked at more thorough programs and two stood out.",
"The Rosetta Stone series and the Tell Me More.",
"I noticed Tell Me More was getting great reviews and was less than half the price.",
"Being a little financially strapped I skipped the trend and bought Tell Me More.",
"And I'm very glad I did.",
"It's an effective program that has pushed me quite along in learning the language.",
"Still, there was a tickle in my brain.",
"Is Rosetta Stone really better?",
"So, when it came time for me to start with French, also for my studies, I decided to make a contrast.",
"And yes, Rosetta Stone is the better program.",
"In some ways.",
"Really, I'd have to say these are quite different programs, rather than one being substantially better.",
"Tell Me More is a like a class in a box.",
"There is a mix of exercises that help to build vocabulary, sentence structure, writing, pronunciation, and other aspects.",
"Each section has a large mix of short lessons that reinforce the learning without becoming dull or tedious.",
"Save yourself taking language classes by using Tell Me More.",
"Rosetta Stone is a lot less like taking a class.",
"It's more like finding yourself on an island with a group of people who all only speak another shared language.",
"And if you want to learn how to thrive on this island, then you follow their patient, but focused, teaching.",
"This approach sticks, and it is effective.",
"My only quibble is I'm not sure it's quite worth the amount of money they are asking.",
"Indeed, if money isn't an issue then by all means go with Rosetta Stone.",
"There are qualities that do set it apart, and it helps a person feel much more involved in the language and less like taking a class.",
"But, if money is an issue Tell Me More is comparable in quality, without being nearly as expensive.",
"That's not a slam against the product quality of Rosetta Stone at all.",
"It really is an extraordinary software, and revolutionizes language learning."
] |
<div id="video-block-R3HAQSEG1Y2VLG" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1N2HeU1EkS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91WrkIMenHS.png" class="video-slate-img-url"> When I pulled this shovel out, couldn't believe it. It's a beast. Someone posted pics of the blade breaking - that made my jaw drop, there's something else he's not telling us. This thing is solid, heavy, great balance, and awesome; I really feel like if someone broke into my house, since my fists are just too powerul, this would be at or near the top of my list of what to grab to smash someone's face in. Just trying to re-iterate that it has good balance. | 2 | positive | [
"<div id=\"video-block-R3HAQSEG1Y2VLG\" class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block\"></div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/A1N2HeU1EkS.",
"mp4\" class=\"video-url\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/91WrkIMenHS.",
"png\" class=\"video-slate-img-url\"> When I pulled this shovel out, couldn't believe it.",
"It's a beast.",
"Someone posted pics of the blade breaking - that made my jaw drop, there's something else he's not telling us.",
"This thing is solid, heavy, great balance, and awesome; I really feel like if someone broke into my house, since my fists are just too powerul, this would be at or near the top of my list of what to grab to smash someone's face in.",
"Just trying to re-iterate that it has good balance."
] |
(I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Author in exchange for an honest review
Grace Donnelly is a proud pet spa owner. She got away from what her father and brother wanted her to do. She loves dogs and what better way to give back to the furry community, then groom the animals she adores. Unfortunately, she's supposed to be watching one of the prize dogs who is most likely to win the annual Fur Ball, but the beautiful dog has been stolen. She has to find out who would steal the dog and why. The only person to help her is her ex-boyfriend, Nick. He's a security specialist so he'll be able to help her. She doesn't really want his help though because of what happened in their past between them. Nick is also investigating a past incident that happened to his grandfather and he has someone trying to kill him. He wants to finally get the con-artist who took money from his grandfather and killed his grandfather's friend.
It's up to Nick to solve both mysteries, but of course Grace is being stubborn about receiving his help with her mystery.
This was very enjoyable mystery. I loved strong, stubborn, Grace Donnelly and I adored her Aunt Beth. (she made the book hilarious) I also loved Nick because he managed to get through Grace's stubbornness and won her over with helping her with finding the dog that was stolen. There was times I wanted to go through the book and slap her silly for Nick. She got herself in some sticky situations, but some how always managed to get out it...barely of course.
I also adored how Nick stood up to Grace's father and brother. Grace's father and brother were jerks to her. They just didn't want to consider that she was surviving without them and doing great. Her Aunt Beth even stepped in because she couldn't stand Grace's Dad.
I enjoyed how the mystery of both the dog napping and Nick's mystery unraveled. Definitely wasn't expecting the mysteries to play out that way and who was the actual dog napper.
There was steamy scenes too between Grace and Nick when they got together. I loved how everything fell in place for them even though Grace just didn't want to consider that Nick was a great guy.
I really enjoyed this book and the writing style of Maureen Fischer. This was a really funny book and I found myself laughing out loud at times (especially with how Aunt Beth was).
I recommend this book to mystery readers out there, animal lovers, and readers who want a good laugh. You'll definitely enjoy this funny, mystery book. | 2 | positive | [
"(I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Author in exchange for an honest review\nGrace Donnelly is a proud pet spa owner.",
"She got away from what her father and brother wanted her to do.",
"She loves dogs and what better way to give back to the furry community, then groom the animals she adores.",
"Unfortunately, she's supposed to be watching one of the prize dogs who is most likely to win the annual Fur Ball, but the beautiful dog has been stolen.",
"She has to find out who would steal the dog and why.",
"The only person to help her is her ex-boyfriend, Nick.",
"He's a security specialist so he'll be able to help her.",
"She doesn't really want his help though because of what happened in their past between them.",
"Nick is also investigating a past incident that happened to his grandfather and he has someone trying to kill him.",
"He wants to finally get the con-artist who took money from his grandfather and killed his grandfather's friend.",
"It's up to Nick to solve both mysteries, but of course Grace is being stubborn about receiving his help with her mystery.",
"This was very enjoyable mystery.",
"I loved strong, stubborn, Grace Donnelly and I adored her Aunt Beth.",
"(she made the book hilarious) I also loved Nick because he managed to get through Grace's stubbornness and won her over with helping her with finding the dog that was stolen.",
"There was times I wanted to go through the book and slap her silly for Nick.",
"She got herself in some sticky situations, but some how always managed to get out it...",
"barely of course.",
"I also adored how Nick stood up to Grace's father and brother.",
"Grace's father and brother were jerks to her.",
"They just didn't want to consider that she was surviving without them and doing great.",
"Her Aunt Beth even stepped in because she couldn't stand Grace's Dad.",
"I enjoyed how the mystery of both the dog napping and Nick's mystery unraveled.",
"Definitely wasn't expecting the mysteries to play out that way and who was the actual dog napper.",
"There was steamy scenes too between Grace and Nick when they got together.",
"I loved how everything fell in place for them even though Grace just didn't want to consider that Nick was a great guy.",
"I really enjoyed this book and the writing style of Maureen Fischer.",
"This was a really funny book and I found myself laughing out loud at times (especially with how Aunt Beth was).",
"I recommend this book to mystery readers out there, animal lovers, and readers who want a good laugh.",
"You'll definitely enjoy this funny, mystery book."
] |
I'm not an artist, and I can only dream of drawing something as good as all the customer images. But, I DO like coloring and I DON'T like the lined look left by my colored pencils.
Both the marker and pencil can be used with Prismacolor pencils and, while the effect is similar, the process is not the same
The blender is for burnishing (it flattens the paper so color and light can be evenly dispersed).
The marker liquifies the color from the pencil and helps to move the color more evenly around the area being colored.
I clean my marker by simply drawing on a piece of scratch paper until it runs clear. Yet, it remains stained. While the stain doesn't effect performance, it still irks me and I wish I knew of a way to safely remove it (if you do, let me know).
Kneaded eraser=best eraser on the planet.
Pencil extender for when I'm working with a 1 inch pencil because I don't want to shell out the money for a new one.
Ebony pencil: dark, dark, dark
Pencil sharpener: small therefore more difficult to hold, but very sharp with a well constructed hole that gets me a fine tip without breaking my pencil. | 2 | positive | [
"I'm not an artist, and I can only dream of drawing something as good as all the customer images.",
"But, I DO like coloring and I DON'T like the lined look left by my colored pencils.",
"Both the marker and pencil can be used with Prismacolor pencils and, while the effect is similar, the process is not the same\n\nThe blender is for burnishing (it flattens the paper so color and light can be evenly dispersed).",
"The marker liquifies the color from the pencil and helps to move the color more evenly around the area being colored.",
"I clean my marker by simply drawing on a piece of scratch paper until it runs clear.",
"Yet, it remains stained.",
"While the stain doesn't effect performance, it still irks me and I wish I knew of a way to safely remove it (if you do, let me know).",
"Kneaded eraser=best eraser on the planet.",
"Pencil extender for when I'm working with a 1 inch pencil because I don't want to shell out the money for a new one.",
"Ebony pencil: dark, dark, dark\n\nPencil sharpener: small therefore more difficult to hold, but very sharp with a well constructed hole that gets me a fine tip without breaking my pencil."
] |
I have been quilting for many years. I have tried many brands of rulers, including mono grid. I have always gone back to this brand. This packet is a wonderful group of sizes for different types of sewing. I didn't have one of them, and have missed it. I ran over my 9.5 with my sewing chair, and no brand survives that. This is a really good buy, on a great product. The markings are numerous enough to allow a variety of measurements, but not so many as to be confusing. The printing doesn't chip off. It is easy to use on the diagonal.
One negative vote, watch for thieving family members who also like them. | 2 | positive | [
"I have been quilting for many years.",
"I have tried many brands of rulers, including mono grid.",
"I have always gone back to this brand.",
"This packet is a wonderful group of sizes for different types of sewing.",
"I didn't have one of them, and have missed it.",
"I ran over my 9.",
"5 with my sewing chair, and no brand survives that.",
"This is a really good buy, on a great product.",
"The markings are numerous enough to allow a variety of measurements, but not so many as to be confusing.",
"The printing doesn't chip off.",
"It is easy to use on the diagonal.",
"One negative vote, watch for thieving family members who also like them."
] |
So, despite the reviews about the hours and hours it took others to put this together, I caved and ordered it for my daughter's second birthday. I had eyed it at Christmas time, but the reviews turned me off---I finally got fed up with the lack of options and bit the bullet. While I'm glad I did, it's still a bit more money for what you get.
My husband and his friend had it put together in about 45 minutes. Their complaint was that everything pretty much interlocks, so if you lose just one piece, an entire side could become non-functioning. We've only had this for a day, but it'll mean I'm extra careful. There were sharp edges that were filed down, but the doors open well, everything has stayed attached despite being played with non-stop by a 3.5 yr old and new 2 year old.
When I told my husband how much I spent on it, he grumbled about how it's cute, but has a very flawed design. He says it worth closer to $10-$15, but our daughter is loving it so the $30 was worth it.
We also bought her a Melissa & Doug 12" doll, M&D diaper set, and M&D feeding set; the doll fits perfectly and the accessories are easily stored. | 2 | positive | [
"So, despite the reviews about the hours and hours it took others to put this together, I caved and ordered it for my daughter's second birthday.",
"I had eyed it at Christmas time, but the reviews turned me off---I finally got fed up with the lack of options and bit the bullet.",
"While I'm glad I did, it's still a bit more money for what you get.",
"My husband and his friend had it put together in about 45 minutes.",
"Their complaint was that everything pretty much interlocks, so if you lose just one piece, an entire side could become non-functioning.",
"We've only had this for a day, but it'll mean I'm extra careful.",
"There were sharp edges that were filed down, but the doors open well, everything has stayed attached despite being played with non-stop by a 3.",
"5 yr old and new 2 year old.",
"When I told my husband how much I spent on it, he grumbled about how it's cute, but has a very flawed design.",
"He says it worth closer to $10-$15, but our daughter is loving it so the $30 was worth it.",
"We also bought her a Melissa & Doug 12\" doll, M&D diaper set, and M&D feeding set; the doll fits perfectly and the accessories are easily stored."
] |
Born in 1820, Elizabeth Gaskell was part of that great vintage of English novelists, all born within a few years of each other, that included Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, William Makepeace Thackeray and the Bront sisters. In fact, Charlotte Bront would become a great friend of Gaskells for life. This astonishing literary cohort would go on to define the golden century of the English novel.
In this book, the North represents all that is gritty, industrial, scrapping, harsh, poor and exploitive about 19th century England, while the South represents all that is fine, bucolic, genteel and traditional. It is a broad national canvas, on which is painted the central social problem of the century the industrialization of England and the inequality of wealth it created, while at the same time it built the vast engine of entrepreneurship and dynamism that made the British Empire great. It utterly transformed not only England but the vast global empire it ruled, influencing that empire and the rest of the world in ways that have lasted even into our own times. Astonishing innovation creates tremendous wealth that is always concentrated at first and later is dispersed throughout the economy by market and governmental forces.
Gaskell wrote her novel in the turbulent years immediately following the revolutions of 1848 that shocked and rocked Europe. At about the same time that she was writing this feeling and masterful exploration of the ages vexing politics, a man named Karl Marx was in the British Museum in London, scribbling away at his own interpretation of the same problem, which he would publish to the world in 1867 as Das Kapital. Forty years later, this book would prove he spark that ignited the bonfire of the Russian Revolution and lit the bonfire of communism, whose lurid flames would define much of the extreme politics of the 20th century.
For the many admiring readers of Dickens, Thackeray, the Bronts and Trollope, Gaskell is a shockingly different experience. Her writing eschews the polite drawing rooms of the upper classes and instead explores the real, gritty lives of the classes that had little representation in the novels of the day, except perhaps as sentimentalized by Dickens. Here we have a clergyman who resigns his position because of a doctrinal dispute with the Established Church (heavens!). Here we have good people who suffer appallingly and die from atrocious illnesses. Here we have lovers who duel in sharp debate and characters who speak in authentic dialect, instead of the sappy, faux-dialect served up by other novelists of the period. It is the stuff of life, and we are led through it unflinchingly.
Before the transformation wrought by industrialization, there was only one source of wealth in England and in most of Europe: land. It was concentrated in very few hands and the way it worked was, one family owned most of the land in the district; most of the people in that district worked for that family and poured their labor and the wealth of that district into that familys stately home and pleasant lifestyle. But industrialization changed all that, creating enormous new wealth, new progress and new ways to become successful and to rise economically and socially. This transfusion of new wealth and the proliferation of new avenues of ascent created massive social change, unrest and opportunity for both self-improvement and class exploitation.
Why read a book like this? Well, there are several very good reasons. It is a great novel and deals with large and very serious issues of human drama and experience. It is humane, historical and hugely interesting, as well as being very well written. But too you may mine it for clues to our own day and our own social and economic problems, when each days newspaper is full of discussion of whether wealth is too concentrated in our own society or whether efforts at redistribution have suppressed the economy and created an unhealthy dependency and social atrophy. My advice is to forget the unreadable Karl Marx and instead read this eminently readable and in fact great book. Then compare it with our own times and troubles and see what lessons you take away from it. Though it is 110 years old, it is still fresh, original and provocatively thoughtful. | 2 | positive | [
"Born in 1820, Elizabeth Gaskell was part of that great vintage of English novelists, all born within a few years of each other, that included Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, William Makepeace Thackeray and the Bront sisters.",
"In fact, Charlotte Bront would become a great friend of Gaskells for life.",
"This astonishing literary cohort would go on to define the golden century of the English novel.",
"In this book, the North represents all that is gritty, industrial, scrapping, harsh, poor and exploitive about 19th century England, while the South represents all that is fine, bucolic, genteel and traditional.",
"It is a broad national canvas, on which is painted the central social problem of the century the industrialization of England and the inequality of wealth it created, while at the same time it built the vast engine of entrepreneurship and dynamism that made the British Empire great.",
"It utterly transformed not only England but the vast global empire it ruled, influencing that empire and the rest of the world in ways that have lasted even into our own times.",
"Astonishing innovation creates tremendous wealth that is always concentrated at first and later is dispersed throughout the economy by market and governmental forces.",
"Gaskell wrote her novel in the turbulent years immediately following the revolutions of 1848 that shocked and rocked Europe.",
"At about the same time that she was writing this feeling and masterful exploration of the ages vexing politics, a man named Karl Marx was in the British Museum in London, scribbling away at his own interpretation of the same problem, which he would publish to the world in 1867 as Das Kapital.",
"Forty years later, this book would prove he spark that ignited the bonfire of the Russian Revolution and lit the bonfire of communism, whose lurid flames would define much of the extreme politics of the 20th century.",
"For the many admiring readers of Dickens, Thackeray, the Bronts and Trollope, Gaskell is a shockingly different experience.",
"Her writing eschews the polite drawing rooms of the upper classes and instead explores the real, gritty lives of the classes that had little representation in the novels of the day, except perhaps as sentimentalized by Dickens.",
"Here we have a clergyman who resigns his position because of a doctrinal dispute with the Established Church (heavens!",
").",
"Here we have good people who suffer appallingly and die from atrocious illnesses.",
"Here we have lovers who duel in sharp debate and characters who speak in authentic dialect, instead of the sappy, faux-dialect served up by other novelists of the period.",
"It is the stuff of life, and we are led through it unflinchingly.",
"Before the transformation wrought by industrialization, there was only one source of wealth in England and in most of Europe: land.",
"It was concentrated in very few hands and the way it worked was, one family owned most of the land in the district; most of the people in that district worked for that family and poured their labor and the wealth of that district into that familys stately home and pleasant lifestyle.",
"But industrialization changed all that, creating enormous new wealth, new progress and new ways to become successful and to rise economically and socially.",
"This transfusion of new wealth and the proliferation of new avenues of ascent created massive social change, unrest and opportunity for both self-improvement and class exploitation.",
"Why read a book like this?",
"Well, there are several very good reasons.",
"It is a great novel and deals with large and very serious issues of human drama and experience.",
"It is humane, historical and hugely interesting, as well as being very well written.",
"But too you may mine it for clues to our own day and our own social and economic problems, when each days newspaper is full of discussion of whether wealth is too concentrated in our own society or whether efforts at redistribution have suppressed the economy and created an unhealthy dependency and social atrophy.",
"My advice is to forget the unreadable Karl Marx and instead read this eminently readable and in fact great book.",
"Then compare it with our own times and troubles and see what lessons you take away from it.",
"Though it is 110 years old, it is still fresh, original and provocatively thoughtful."
] |
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/A-Raucous-Time/dp/147756909X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">A Raucous Time</a>
A Raucous Time is the breathless tale of two dare-devil cousins, Rhyllann and Wren, who are pursued by ruthless criminals in a series of incredible adventures, aided (and abetted) by Detective Inspector Crombie and the police force.
King John's treasure is the original source of all the trouble (lost in 1216 in a terrible disaster). Rhyllann and Wren should be in school but instead they are involved in all manner of hair-raising exploits. There is double-dealing, police corruption, a mysterious note in code, a terrifying near collision, a stolen aeroplane, pistols, electric shocks, even the Sword in the Stone... We suffer with the heroic Rhyllann as he tries to look after his younger cousin Wren, a cherubic blue eyed blond haired boy with distinctly Machiavellian tendencies. Despite an injured leg and a shocking lack of food, Wren manages some pretty amazing feats by sheer genius and willpower while Rhyllann develops into a flying action hero.
Your heart will race during the nail-biting finale in the secret chamber where a final discovery is made. Mysterious twists at the end of the story leave you in no doubt that the Celtic Cousins will be back for further thrilling adventures. Make sure you join them! | 2 | positive | [
"<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/A-Raucous-Time/dp/147756909X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">A Raucous Time</a>\n\nA Raucous Time is the breathless tale of two dare-devil cousins, Rhyllann and Wren, who are pursued by ruthless criminals in a series of incredible adventures, aided (and abetted) by Detective Inspector Crombie and the police force.",
"King John's treasure is the original source of all the trouble (lost in 1216 in a terrible disaster).",
"Rhyllann and Wren should be in school but instead they are involved in all manner of hair-raising exploits.",
"There is double-dealing, police corruption, a mysterious note in code, a terrifying near collision, a stolen aeroplane, pistols, electric shocks, even the Sword in the Stone...",
"We suffer with the heroic Rhyllann as he tries to look after his younger cousin Wren, a cherubic blue eyed blond haired boy with distinctly Machiavellian tendencies.",
"Despite an injured leg and a shocking lack of food, Wren manages some pretty amazing feats by sheer genius and willpower while Rhyllann develops into a flying action hero.",
"Your heart will race during the nail-biting finale in the secret chamber where a final discovery is made.",
"Mysterious twists at the end of the story leave you in no doubt that the Celtic Cousins will be back for further thrilling adventures.",
"Make sure you join them!"
] |
As I wrote in the title, I felt a little guilty buying pre-made tea. It's not that hard to make it from leaves or tea bags. On the other hand, my life has been really hectic lately and I decided to get this and also some Gold Peak. I did my own private taste test to see which is best. Pure Leaf is much better in my opinion. First, it has a better tea flavor. I bought the sweet version of both products and Pure Leaf is slightly less sweet, which is good. Gold Leaf is way too sweet for me. Pure Leaf has 160 calories in the sweet version. Since we are trying to put weight on my husband, we actually preferred the sweetened type. Pure Leaf is sweetened with sugar, so there is no icky after-taste.
Pure Leaf is made by Lipton Tea and Gold Peak is made by Coca-Cola | 2 | positive | [
"As I wrote in the title, I felt a little guilty buying pre-made tea.",
"It's not that hard to make it from leaves or tea bags.",
"On the other hand, my life has been really hectic lately and I decided to get this and also some Gold Peak.",
"I did my own private taste test to see which is best.",
"Pure Leaf is much better in my opinion.",
"First, it has a better tea flavor.",
"I bought the sweet version of both products and Pure Leaf is slightly less sweet, which is good.",
"Gold Leaf is way too sweet for me.",
"Pure Leaf has 160 calories in the sweet version.",
"Since we are trying to put weight on my husband, we actually preferred the sweetened type.",
"Pure Leaf is sweetened with sugar, so there is no icky after-taste.",
"Pure Leaf is made by Lipton Tea and Gold Peak is made by Coca-Cola"
] |
When I originally heard "Na Na Na", I was afraid that this album would be their downfall. The song grew on me over time and now it is one of my favorite tracks. Then "Sing" came out and it was the same reaction again..."uh oh." I didn't know what to expect when I bought this, but I decided to give them chance since I do love the past three albums. I am very happy to say that this record is amazing. Danger Days may not be as strong as their previous album, but it could just be that I haven't listened to it long enough for it to be up there. Still, I really do recommend this album to all of the MCR fans. This is one of the best albums of the year. It didn't let me down like others have this year. | 2 | positive | [
"When I originally heard \"Na Na Na\", I was afraid that this album would be their downfall.",
"The song grew on me over time and now it is one of my favorite tracks.",
"Then \"Sing\" came out and it was the same reaction again...",
"\"uh oh.",
"\" I didn't know what to expect when I bought this, but I decided to give them chance since I do love the past three albums.",
"I am very happy to say that this record is amazing.",
"Danger Days may not be as strong as their previous album, but it could just be that I haven't listened to it long enough for it to be up there.",
"Still, I really do recommend this album to all of the MCR fans.",
"This is one of the best albums of the year.",
"It didn't let me down like others have this year."
] |
If you have a glass top I would not buy this model
Amazon says the following in the description
15 lb. pressure control. Removable self sealing gasket. Safety fuse. Heatproof handles with reminder ring. Strong aluminum alloy. Rack and instruction booklet. Not recommended for canning.
It does not have a rack in mine, it does not have a 15 pound control, it is 10 pound by the instructions.
Amazon says nothing about cooking on a glass top, instruction Book says not to use on glass top stoves because the bottom has a concave in the middle that won't allow it to get up to pressure, Well I have a glass top and not wanting to send it back I tried it, came to a boil faster than a old (20 or more years)I own, Put the lid on and it locked fairly quick, maybe 5 minutes? steam started coming out of the top, I waited about 2 minutes and put the weight on, maybe 6 to 8 minutes it was bounceing like it should, so much for not coming up to pressure on a glass top stove.
The finish is super polished, Looks like stainless steel not aluminum. add photo does not do it justice.
After the test and using it once I found another DO NOT USE ON GLASS TOP,
so I sent a E mail to consumeraffairs@wearever.com today
here is what I asked
model 92160 6 quart cooker
Bought it on line at Amazon.com
the descripttion on their web site didn't say any thing about a glass top stove.
in the instructions saw that it might not come up to pressure on a glass top which I have,
I tested it with just water to see and it came up to pressure really fast, twice as fast as my old mirror 4 quart flat bottom pressure cooker I have.
so I cooked a resipe of rice pudding in the book and it did what it was suppossed to do, came up to pressure fast and cooked just like the book instructions time setting.
Then I was rereading the instruction book some more and I came accross this
Got it and in the page 2 of instructions and it says
do not use on flat glass top or glass ceramic ranges could damage cooker, this cooker has a curved concave bottom which will not make proper contact with the cooking surface which could result in damage to your pressure cooker.
what do they mean damage, is it going to blow up or what.
I can't understand why it would be any diffront than a electric coil wire stove top, it wouldn't contact the bottom any more than My glass top, in fact less ,,according to you to get proper contact you would have to use a gas stove only.
Is it safe to use on my glass top? 2-19-09
well its 5 years later and still hasn't blown up, use it every few months cooking beans mostly | 2 | positive | [
"If you have a glass top I would not buy this model\n\nAmazon says the following in the description\n15 lb.",
"pressure control.",
"Removable self sealing gasket.",
"Safety fuse.",
"Heatproof handles with reminder ring.",
"Strong aluminum alloy.",
"Rack and instruction booklet.",
"Not recommended for canning.",
"It does not have a rack in mine, it does not have a 15 pound control, it is 10 pound by the instructions.",
"Amazon says nothing about cooking on a glass top, instruction Book says not to use on glass top stoves because the bottom has a concave in the middle that won't allow it to get up to pressure, Well I have a glass top and not wanting to send it back I tried it, came to a boil faster than a old (20 or more years)I own, Put the lid on and it locked fairly quick, maybe 5 minutes?",
"steam started coming out of the top, I waited about 2 minutes and put the weight on, maybe 6 to 8 minutes it was bounceing like it should, so much for not coming up to pressure on a glass top stove.",
"The finish is super polished, Looks like stainless steel not aluminum.",
"add photo does not do it justice.",
"After the test and using it once I found another DO NOT USE ON GLASS TOP,\nso I sent a E mail to consumeraffairs@wearever.",
"com today\nhere is what I asked\nmodel 92160 6 quart cooker\nBought it on line at Amazon.",
"com\nthe descripttion on their web site didn't say any thing about a glass top stove.",
"in the instructions saw that it might not come up to pressure on a glass top which I have,\nI tested it with just water to see and it came up to pressure really fast, twice as fast as my old mirror 4 quart flat bottom pressure cooker I have.",
"so I cooked a resipe of rice pudding in the book and it did what it was suppossed to do, came up to pressure fast and cooked just like the book instructions time setting.",
"Then I was rereading the instruction book some more and I came accross this\nGot it and in the page 2 of instructions and it says\n\ndo not use on flat glass top or glass ceramic ranges could damage cooker, this cooker has a curved concave bottom which will not make proper contact with the cooking surface which could result in damage to your pressure cooker.",
"what do they mean damage, is it going to blow up or what.",
"I can't understand why it would be any diffront than a electric coil wire stove top, it wouldn't contact the bottom any more than My glass top, in fact less ,,according to you to get proper contact you would have to use a gas stove only.",
"Is it safe to use on my glass top?",
"2-19-09\nwell its 5 years later and still hasn't blown up, use it every few months cooking beans mostly"
] |
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. This one was another example of the benefits of having a Kindle - the ability to find quality, enjoyable writing that would be unavailable without e-books. This novel offers an entertaining, though violent, story about people chasing a winning lottery ticket. We've all read about lives ruined by winning the big money but who imagined how many lives can be affected, and even ruined, in the pursuit of the winning ticket? There's actually some light humor intertwined with the violence (good and bad family dynamics, for example) and a nice twist to the tale near the end. All-in-all entertaining and highly recommended!
BTW, I was surprised at the number of poor reviews but on reading them I found that the reviewers had more complaints about profanity and (perceived) racism than the actual writing itself. In my opinion the profanity was limited and the author provided realistic dialog and characters for the scenarios presented. My suggestion: read the plot description and check out the sample text provided and if the style is not for you then skip the book. One reviewer panned the book after admittedly reading only "a few pages". That isn't fair to the author or to those who rely on other readers' reviews of actual content to help them select new books. | 2 | positive | [
"I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.",
"This one was another example of the benefits of having a Kindle - the ability to find quality, enjoyable writing that would be unavailable without e-books.",
"This novel offers an entertaining, though violent, story about people chasing a winning lottery ticket.",
"We've all read about lives ruined by winning the big money but who imagined how many lives can be affected, and even ruined, in the pursuit of the winning ticket?",
"There's actually some light humor intertwined with the violence (good and bad family dynamics, for example) and a nice twist to the tale near the end.",
"All-in-all entertaining and highly recommended!",
"BTW, I was surprised at the number of poor reviews but on reading them I found that the reviewers had more complaints about profanity and (perceived) racism than the actual writing itself.",
"In my opinion the profanity was limited and the author provided realistic dialog and characters for the scenarios presented.",
"My suggestion: read the plot description and check out the sample text provided and if the style is not for you then skip the book.",
"One reviewer panned the book after admittedly reading only \"a few pages\".",
"That isn't fair to the author or to those who rely on other readers' reviews of actual content to help them select new books."
] |
Shatner has said he knew he was being absurd when he made this, but I don't believe it for a second. I am convinced he thought he was being suave and interesting when he made this. Well, this is why IT IS so fantastic. It's the corniest record an actor ever made. When I first heard Mr. Tamborine Man I laughed long and hard...especially at the end when he screams so dramatically.
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds features Shatner sounding pained with indigestion, or drunk, as he delivers the lyrics to the Beatle classic. You can hear him smiling to himself in "It was a very good year."
Shatner doesn't sing so much as speak the lyrics to the songs he covers just like with the recent Best Buy commercials. Anyway, this would be a great "bad" gift to give someone. Shatner!! ...What a bloated cornball. | 2 | positive | [
"Shatner has said he knew he was being absurd when he made this, but I don't believe it for a second.",
"I am convinced he thought he was being suave and interesting when he made this.",
"Well, this is why IT IS so fantastic.",
"It's the corniest record an actor ever made.",
"When I first heard Mr.",
"Tamborine Man I laughed long and hard...",
"especially at the end when he screams so dramatically.",
"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds features Shatner sounding pained with indigestion, or drunk, as he delivers the lyrics to the Beatle classic.",
"You can hear him smiling to himself in \"It was a very good year.",
"\"\nShatner doesn't sing so much as speak the lyrics to the songs he covers just like with the recent Best Buy commercials.",
"Anyway, this would be a great \"bad\" gift to give someone.",
"Shatner!!",
"...",
"What a bloated cornball."
] |
I've had these since 2008. I use them whenever I cut open a vacuum pack of chicken, sausage, fish, or any meat. Then I separate the handles and toss it into the dishwasher. I occasionally use them to trim off "weird" pieces from raw chicken, cut herbs, trim pie dough, or anything touching food. "Regular" (unwashable) scissors should never touch food.
I get them sharpened about once a year along with all my knives.
I wouldn't recommend them for butterflying a chicken. They will get the job done, but it will be a lot of work and dulls the knife fast. For that I would get some heavy duty poultry shears.
Also, minus 1/4 star for that silly screwdriver "feature". Most likely you will never use it, and instead you'll poke yourself with it occasionally. | 2 | positive | [
"I've had these since 2008.",
"I use them whenever I cut open a vacuum pack of chicken, sausage, fish, or any meat.",
"Then I separate the handles and toss it into the dishwasher.",
"I occasionally use them to trim off \"weird\" pieces from raw chicken, cut herbs, trim pie dough, or anything touching food.",
"\"Regular\" (unwashable) scissors should never touch food.",
"I get them sharpened about once a year along with all my knives.",
"I wouldn't recommend them for butterflying a chicken.",
"They will get the job done, but it will be a lot of work and dulls the knife fast.",
"For that I would get some heavy duty poultry shears.",
"Also, minus 1/4 star for that silly screwdriver \"feature\".",
"Most likely you will never use it, and instead you'll poke yourself with it occasionally."
] |
Bruce Springsteen's seventh LP, 1984's "Born in the USA" is one that marks a change in the rock legend. On this album, he makes the change from a working class underdog to a bona fide American rock star. Bruce has represented many different things throughout his long and winding career, and "Born in the USA" is among the most interesting for sure. Here, he tends to move away from the tales of the depressed New Jersey working class and instead appears to comment more on America as a whole. He deals with the war, growing up, and relationships in a more broad and accessible manner. However, the songwriting on "Born in the USA" is arguably the finest of his incredible career. "Born in the USA" is chock full of pure rock anthems, the kind with the slamming drums and squealing guitar that made them so memorable. The band is at their finest here, with the sax of Clarence Clemmons and contributions of Max Weinberg and Gary Tallent. "Born in the USA" also has its share of slower, subtle tracks that are equally as effective. From a lyrical standpoint, from a musical standpoint, "Born in the USA" is the perfect rock album and arguably the finest of Bruce Springsteen's discography.
The album begins with the classic title track, an anthem of epic proportions. Musically, it's quite simple and repetitive, yet effective. Bruce narrates from the view of a Vietnam vet, who despite his troubles with family, war, and country, still proudly proclaims to be "Born in the USA." This song is really moving from a lyrical perspective. "Cover Me" is an excellent upbeat rock n' roll song, very memorable and catchy. "Darlington County" is a happy, summertime song, evoking an earlier Sprinsteen. "Working on the Highway" is easily one of my favorites, a fast, simple number with great guitar and organ instrumentation. I also absolutely love "Downbound Train," a depressed yet hopeful and inspiring song recounting a relationship gone sour. The short "I'm on Fire" is subtly ingenious, beautiful and touching. "No Surrender" and the very sad "Bobby Jean" bring a classic rock spirit, while remaining with the album's theme. "I'm Going Down" may be my favorite Springsteen song at least musically, it's so underrated. It almost has a country vibe to it, it showcases one of Bruce's finest performances and the songwriting is just great. The album closes with three of his best known songs. "Glory Days" is the anthemic look at the past through the eyes of one man. The amazing "Dancing in the Dark" is one of the best arrangements Bruce has put together, providing an inspired performance through his verses and a unique musical approach. Lastly, the slow "My Hometown" is a moving conversation from a father to a young boy.
It's incredible that so many huge hits and incredible singles could have been on one album. Looking back twenty years later, at least five or six of these songs still receive constant radio rotation and are remembered as classic rock singles. But "Born in the USA" is more than just a rock n' roll monster, it's an inspired take on American life and the way people live. This album is simply a must have for anyone. | 2 | positive | [
"Bruce Springsteen's seventh LP, 1984's \"Born in the USA\" is one that marks a change in the rock legend.",
"On this album, he makes the change from a working class underdog to a bona fide American rock star.",
"Bruce has represented many different things throughout his long and winding career, and \"Born in the USA\" is among the most interesting for sure.",
"Here, he tends to move away from the tales of the depressed New Jersey working class and instead appears to comment more on America as a whole.",
"He deals with the war, growing up, and relationships in a more broad and accessible manner.",
"However, the songwriting on \"Born in the USA\" is arguably the finest of his incredible career.",
"\"Born in the USA\" is chock full of pure rock anthems, the kind with the slamming drums and squealing guitar that made them so memorable.",
"The band is at their finest here, with the sax of Clarence Clemmons and contributions of Max Weinberg and Gary Tallent.",
"\"Born in the USA\" also has its share of slower, subtle tracks that are equally as effective.",
"From a lyrical standpoint, from a musical standpoint, \"Born in the USA\" is the perfect rock album and arguably the finest of Bruce Springsteen's discography.",
"The album begins with the classic title track, an anthem of epic proportions.",
"Musically, it's quite simple and repetitive, yet effective.",
"Bruce narrates from the view of a Vietnam vet, who despite his troubles with family, war, and country, still proudly proclaims to be \"Born in the USA.",
"\" This song is really moving from a lyrical perspective.",
"\"Cover Me\" is an excellent upbeat rock n' roll song, very memorable and catchy.",
"\"Darlington County\" is a happy, summertime song, evoking an earlier Sprinsteen.",
"\"Working on the Highway\" is easily one of my favorites, a fast, simple number with great guitar and organ instrumentation.",
"I also absolutely love \"Downbound Train,\" a depressed yet hopeful and inspiring song recounting a relationship gone sour.",
"The short \"I'm on Fire\" is subtly ingenious, beautiful and touching.",
"\"No Surrender\" and the very sad \"Bobby Jean\" bring a classic rock spirit, while remaining with the album's theme.",
"\"I'm Going Down\" may be my favorite Springsteen song at least musically, it's so underrated.",
"It almost has a country vibe to it, it showcases one of Bruce's finest performances and the songwriting is just great.",
"The album closes with three of his best known songs.",
"\"Glory Days\" is the anthemic look at the past through the eyes of one man.",
"The amazing \"Dancing in the Dark\" is one of the best arrangements Bruce has put together, providing an inspired performance through his verses and a unique musical approach.",
"Lastly, the slow \"My Hometown\" is a moving conversation from a father to a young boy.",
"It's incredible that so many huge hits and incredible singles could have been on one album.",
"Looking back twenty years later, at least five or six of these songs still receive constant radio rotation and are remembered as classic rock singles.",
"But \"Born in the USA\" is more than just a rock n' roll monster, it's an inspired take on American life and the way people live.",
"This album is simply a must have for anyone."
] |
This is one of my alltime favorite albums because I fell in love with PPL just before the Vince Gill era and then I loved them even more as they created two fantastic albums featuring him (ladies, he was sweetly chunky with long beautiful dark brown hair and beautiful green eyes and you would have loved him like you do now anyway - heaven knows I did).
That said, there are only 3 small problems with this album, which honestly folks, do not stop it from being a MUST OWN for every country music fan. Here are the problems...the first one is a crucial mistake to me and should be to all true PPL fans.
1) Helloooooo? The song, "Fallin' In and Out of Love" should come immediately before "Amie" and NOT, no NEVER, after it?!?! Is it possible that the original members of PPL had nothing to do with the release of this compilation? Why in the world did the producers put these songs in the WRONG order when they got it right on every other PPL album?
2) Even though I consider myself a HUGE PPL fan, I have always HATED their version of "That'll Be the Day" so I have to program my CD player to skip it after I program it to play the #1 & #2 tracks in the appropriate order (see 1 above).
3) You cannot call this the best of PPL and leave out "I'll Fix Your Flat Tire Merle". The great song that puts the phenomenal egoed, once-great Merle Haggard gently and humorously in his place is sorely missing from this compilation and other "Greatest Hits" treatments for this band.
Otherwise and ANYWAY, buy this album! Vince Gill never sounded better than on "Still Right Here In My Heart" and "I'll Be Damned" (although Janny Lou is a little embarrassing nowadays since the name Amy Grant doesn't rhyme in the same way). "Amie" and "Two Lane Highway" are still fabulous after all these years and not even retro-vintage fabulous, but just plain fabulous in their own rights.
Finally, let me just say that the wanna be bands out there like Alabama and Lone Star could have learned a thing or two from the obvious joy PPL took in doing what they did so well regardless of whether the money rolled in or not. It is a crying shame for those of us who love PPL and could have truly enjoyed a greater volume of their music that they were poorly handled and marketed when they were at their peak. So, bottom line? Enjoy this stuff folks. It's all there is and it doesn't get any better than this!! | 2 | positive | [
"This is one of my alltime favorite albums because I fell in love with PPL just before the Vince Gill era and then I loved them even more as they created two fantastic albums featuring him (ladies, he was sweetly chunky with long beautiful dark brown hair and beautiful green eyes and you would have loved him like you do now anyway - heaven knows I did).",
"That said, there are only 3 small problems with this album, which honestly folks, do not stop it from being a MUST OWN for every country music fan.",
"Here are the problems...",
"the first one is a crucial mistake to me and should be to all true PPL fans.",
"1) Helloooooo?",
"The song, \"Fallin' In and Out of Love\" should come immediately before \"Amie\" and NOT, no NEVER, after it?!",
"?!",
"Is it possible that the original members of PPL had nothing to do with the release of this compilation?",
"Why in the world did the producers put these songs in the WRONG order when they got it right on every other PPL album?",
"2) Even though I consider myself a HUGE PPL fan, I have always HATED their version of \"That'll Be the Day\" so I have to program my CD player to skip it after I program it to play the #1 & #2 tracks in the appropriate order (see 1 above).",
"3) You cannot call this the best of PPL and leave out \"I'll Fix Your Flat Tire Merle\".",
"The great song that puts the phenomenal egoed, once-great Merle Haggard gently and humorously in his place is sorely missing from this compilation and other \"Greatest Hits\" treatments for this band.",
"Otherwise and ANYWAY, buy this album!",
"Vince Gill never sounded better than on \"Still Right Here In My Heart\" and \"I'll Be Damned\" (although Janny Lou is a little embarrassing nowadays since the name Amy Grant doesn't rhyme in the same way).",
"\"Amie\" and \"Two Lane Highway\" are still fabulous after all these years and not even retro-vintage fabulous, but just plain fabulous in their own rights.",
"Finally, let me just say that the wanna be bands out there like Alabama and Lone Star could have learned a thing or two from the obvious joy PPL took in doing what they did so well regardless of whether the money rolled in or not.",
"It is a crying shame for those of us who love PPL and could have truly enjoyed a greater volume of their music that they were poorly handled and marketed when they were at their peak.",
"So, bottom line?",
"Enjoy this stuff folks.",
"It's all there is and it doesn't get any better than this!!"
] |
I remember in 1978 hearing this HOT song playing in a gay club in Athens, Ga. called Episode. I was only 22 years old and just coming out. For me, the music of that time will always be an anthem for our time of discovery. Everything was fresh and new and even today, this music should be heard!!!!! The title song, Get Off is one of the most unusual of the time. ENJOY!!!!! The original version and album are on MP3!!!! | 2 | positive | [
"I remember in 1978 hearing this HOT song playing in a gay club in Athens, Ga.",
"called Episode.",
"I was only 22 years old and just coming out.",
"For me, the music of that time will always be an anthem for our time of discovery.",
"Everything was fresh and new and even today, this music should be heard!!!!",
"!",
"The title song, Get Off is one of the most unusual of the time.",
"ENJOY!!!!",
"!",
"The original version and album are on MP3!!!!"
] |
Coming off the success of 1980's British Steel, Judas Priest released Point of Entry, which marked yet another stylistic change for the band. The songs were shorter, the tempoes simpler, and with a more mainstream feel overall. Indeed, this albums has more of a '70s rock feel than any of their '70s albums. It sounds almost as if it's an evolutionary dead end, a brief foray into mainstream rock before the metallic assault of Screaming for Vengeance. However, even as a dead end, it makes a killer album. The songs are consistently good, with the expected screams from Rob and the dualing Glenn/K.K. solos, and for once in the Dave Holland era, some excellent rythem playing. Rob's lyrics, often silly to near the point of self-parody on later albums, are effective and well-written here. Songs like Desert Plains, already instrumentally great, are pushed over the limit with some great lyrics to accompany them. All in all, if you're a Priest fan who already has most of their releases and is looking to round pout the collection, this is a must-have. | 2 | positive | [
"Coming off the success of 1980's British Steel, Judas Priest released Point of Entry, which marked yet another stylistic change for the band.",
"The songs were shorter, the tempoes simpler, and with a more mainstream feel overall.",
"Indeed, this albums has more of a '70s rock feel than any of their '70s albums.",
"It sounds almost as if it's an evolutionary dead end, a brief foray into mainstream rock before the metallic assault of Screaming for Vengeance.",
"However, even as a dead end, it makes a killer album.",
"The songs are consistently good, with the expected screams from Rob and the dualing Glenn/K.",
"K. solos, and for once in the Dave Holland era, some excellent rythem playing.",
"Rob's lyrics, often silly to near the point of self-parody on later albums, are effective and well-written here.",
"Songs like Desert Plains, already instrumentally great, are pushed over the limit with some great lyrics to accompany them.",
"All in all, if you're a Priest fan who already has most of their releases and is looking to round pout the collection, this is a must-have."
] |
These are decent gloves for the money. Yes, they could use more padding, or a thicker palm. They do bunch up and pinch once in a while. Easy to put on and take off. Velcro seems good. Back hand material is all right, but I can see where the edging may not last. Not as good a quality as the old Harbinger gloves, but decent for the money. If you can get them for around 10 bucks they are a good buy, if you pay 12 or more they are not as good. I can see where these gloves will not last as long as the older models, but what can I say. It is getting very hard to find decent gloves these days. (decent anything is getting hard to find) Quality has gone down on many things, but price has stayed the same. I guess if these last a year I will be happy. I lift very heavy and very hard and sometimes these gloves just do not make the cut. Would be better suited to lighter weights and dumbbells with less knurling. I still get calluses through the gloves. If I could have given these three and one half stars I would have. Better suited to lighter sports. XXL fit me right on the money and their sizing chart worked for me. I would even use these for riding motorcycle over my leather ones as these are easier to get on and off and are rather comfortable. I have not had any bleeding problems with these at all, and compared to some Gold's Gym lifting gloves I saw at Walmart for nearly the same price, these are better quality. | 2 | positive | [
"These are decent gloves for the money.",
"Yes, they could use more padding, or a thicker palm.",
"They do bunch up and pinch once in a while.",
"Easy to put on and take off.",
"Velcro seems good.",
"Back hand material is all right, but I can see where the edging may not last.",
"Not as good a quality as the old Harbinger gloves, but decent for the money.",
"If you can get them for around 10 bucks they are a good buy, if you pay 12 or more they are not as good.",
"I can see where these gloves will not last as long as the older models, but what can I say.",
"It is getting very hard to find decent gloves these days.",
"(decent anything is getting hard to find) Quality has gone down on many things, but price has stayed the same.",
"I guess if these last a year I will be happy.",
"I lift very heavy and very hard and sometimes these gloves just do not make the cut.",
"Would be better suited to lighter weights and dumbbells with less knurling.",
"I still get calluses through the gloves.",
"If I could have given these three and one half stars I would have.",
"Better suited to lighter sports.",
"XXL fit me right on the money and their sizing chart worked for me.",
"I would even use these for riding motorcycle over my leather ones as these are easier to get on and off and are rather comfortable.",
"I have not had any bleeding problems with these at all, and compared to some Gold's Gym lifting gloves I saw at Walmart for nearly the same price, these are better quality."
] |
Let's see...I've tried the talprid worms, the plunger trap, the mole cat, the poison peanuts....all worthless. I was fed up and called in the mole pros who used these traps. During the span of Jan-July, they killed 7 moles on my 0.4 acres. On labor day, I power raked, aerated, and reseeded. About a week later the moles started tearing it all up again!! I couldn't financially justify bringing them back so I learned to use these traps myself and took out 4 of the critters since. 11 of them in less than a year!
The toughest thing to swallow is that you have to dig holes in your sod. Well, I'll rip the band-aid off and tell you that you are just going to have to do it. The longer you wait, the bigger the reconstruction project will be. If you're looking at the Wire Teck Easy Set Mole trap (no digging), then I have one of those too and have never caught anything with it.
Start digging. | 2 | positive | [
"Let's see...",
"I've tried the talprid worms, the plunger trap, the mole cat, the poison peanuts....",
"all worthless.",
"I was fed up and called in the mole pros who used these traps.",
"During the span of Jan-July, they killed 7 moles on my 0.",
"4 acres.",
"On labor day, I power raked, aerated, and reseeded.",
"About a week later the moles started tearing it all up again!!",
"I couldn't financially justify bringing them back so I learned to use these traps myself and took out 4 of the critters since.",
"11 of them in less than a year!",
"The toughest thing to swallow is that you have to dig holes in your sod.",
"Well, I'll rip the band-aid off and tell you that you are just going to have to do it.",
"The longer you wait, the bigger the reconstruction project will be.",
"If you're looking at the Wire Teck Easy Set Mole trap (no digging), then I have one of those too and have never caught anything with it.",
"Start digging."
] |
Update at end....
If you expect this unit to work as well as a $200 burr grinder, don't waste your money. However, If you are currently using a blade type coffee grinder and would like to dramatically improve the flavor of your home ground coffee beans, then this unit might be a good chose for you. I didn't want to spend the $100 plus for a grinder. Frankly, I wasn't convinced that a blade grinder versus a burr grinder would make a difference in the way the end coffee would taste. When my blade grinder finally died, I decided I wanted to test this theory that a burr grinder produced a better tasting cup of coffee with the same beans I was using in my blade grinder. You will read from many sources on the web that the blade grinders will over heat the beans during the grind, and this is the reason you get an off or bitter flavor. Well, I would feel the ground beans right after blade grinding and I could feel any heat buildup. They weren't even warm. So how could this cause any off flavor?
Well, I ordered the La Pavoni PA-BURR grinder. As soon as I got it I had to try it out. I placed the grind adjustment about in the middle of the range. I put in the quantity of beans that I needed. Next, I set the grind timer for the number of cups worth of bean I wanted ground and started the grinder. All went well. After making coffee with the same beans I used in my old blade grinder, I was totally shocked that I could truly tell a difference in the flavor! Not just a minor flavor change, but a WOW type of improvement. I'm hooked! A burr grinder does make a flavor improvement, though I don't buy the theory that it is due to the blade type grinder over heating the beans. I think it has to due more with some of the bean being pulverized so fine that this causes the off flavor, though I really don't know why.
I have to tell you that I did have one disaster with the La Pavoni PA. After my first use I decided to clean the burr grinder out with a brush. I found the burr grinder comes apart by turning the top burr a few degrees, which unlocks it allowing it to be lifted out. I found it easy to brush out and pretty uneventful, until my next grind! Somehow I didn't get the burr locked back in place. This caused the grinder to lift the burr out and the beans grind was a mix of all sizes from unground beans to power, not to mention the mess everywhere. So, if you use this grinder and remove the burr at some point, make sure you turn it fully and tightly back in the lock position.
Pros: Very good grind and consistent grind size. Very little dust. The price for what you get. Very easy to use. Noise level is acceptable. The unit looks good. Much better tasting coffee compared to a blade grinder.
Cons: The cup to grind timer doesn't match with its markings. Makes a mess if you don't get the burr grinder seated and locked. There is a little bit of grinding dust that can get on my kitchen counter. Not really anymore then my old blade grinder.
Conclusion, I am really enjoying this new grinder. If it were to fail in the future, I might be willing to purchase a higher dollar burr grinder now that I know that it does make a difference in flavor. I have had this unit for a month now and really like it. It truly hit the price value point for me.
12-20-06 Update,
Static can be a problem with this grinder. When I wrote the first review on this grinder the humidity was still on the higher side. Now in the colder months of the year static can cause the coffee grounds to jump all over the place making a big mess. I have found a way to reduce it. It is kind of a pain, but if I take a damp paper towel and wrap it around the ground coffee catcher it will reduce the static big time. For now I'm still happy with the unit and will continue to use it. Once it dies I will purchase a better unit. I thinking of getting the Kitchen Aide unit next. | 2 | positive | [
"Update at end....",
"If you expect this unit to work as well as a $200 burr grinder, don't waste your money.",
"However, If you are currently using a blade type coffee grinder and would like to dramatically improve the flavor of your home ground coffee beans, then this unit might be a good chose for you.",
"I didn't want to spend the $100 plus for a grinder.",
"Frankly, I wasn't convinced that a blade grinder versus a burr grinder would make a difference in the way the end coffee would taste.",
"When my blade grinder finally died, I decided I wanted to test this theory that a burr grinder produced a better tasting cup of coffee with the same beans I was using in my blade grinder.",
"You will read from many sources on the web that the blade grinders will over heat the beans during the grind, and this is the reason you get an off or bitter flavor.",
"Well, I would feel the ground beans right after blade grinding and I could feel any heat buildup.",
"They weren't even warm.",
"So how could this cause any off flavor?",
"Well, I ordered the La Pavoni PA-BURR grinder.",
"As soon as I got it I had to try it out.",
"I placed the grind adjustment about in the middle of the range.",
"I put in the quantity of beans that I needed.",
"Next, I set the grind timer for the number of cups worth of bean I wanted ground and started the grinder.",
"All went well.",
"After making coffee with the same beans I used in my old blade grinder, I was totally shocked that I could truly tell a difference in the flavor!",
"Not just a minor flavor change, but a WOW type of improvement.",
"I'm hooked!",
"A burr grinder does make a flavor improvement, though I don't buy the theory that it is due to the blade type grinder over heating the beans.",
"I think it has to due more with some of the bean being pulverized so fine that this causes the off flavor, though I really don't know why.",
"I have to tell you that I did have one disaster with the La Pavoni PA.",
"After my first use I decided to clean the burr grinder out with a brush.",
"I found the burr grinder comes apart by turning the top burr a few degrees, which unlocks it allowing it to be lifted out.",
"I found it easy to brush out and pretty uneventful, until my next grind!",
"Somehow I didn't get the burr locked back in place.",
"This caused the grinder to lift the burr out and the beans grind was a mix of all sizes from unground beans to power, not to mention the mess everywhere.",
"So, if you use this grinder and remove the burr at some point, make sure you turn it fully and tightly back in the lock position.",
"Pros: Very good grind and consistent grind size.",
"Very little dust.",
"The price for what you get.",
"Very easy to use.",
"Noise level is acceptable.",
"The unit looks good.",
"Much better tasting coffee compared to a blade grinder.",
"Cons: The cup to grind timer doesn't match with its markings.",
"Makes a mess if you don't get the burr grinder seated and locked.",
"There is a little bit of grinding dust that can get on my kitchen counter.",
"Not really anymore then my old blade grinder.",
"Conclusion, I am really enjoying this new grinder.",
"If it were to fail in the future, I might be willing to purchase a higher dollar burr grinder now that I know that it does make a difference in flavor.",
"I have had this unit for a month now and really like it.",
"It truly hit the price value point for me.",
"12-20-06 Update,\n\nStatic can be a problem with this grinder.",
"When I wrote the first review on this grinder the humidity was still on the higher side.",
"Now in the colder months of the year static can cause the coffee grounds to jump all over the place making a big mess.",
"I have found a way to reduce it.",
"It is kind of a pain, but if I take a damp paper towel and wrap it around the ground coffee catcher it will reduce the static big time.",
"For now I'm still happy with the unit and will continue to use it.",
"Once it dies I will purchase a better unit.",
"I thinking of getting the Kitchen Aide unit next."
] |
This card stock is attractive as well as strong and durable. It is the perfect material to use when creating flyers to use indoors and outdoors.
As a jazz musician, advertising is very important. Every so often, I create flyers to advertise my private teaching services, flyers which I hang up inside and outside the buildings of local businesses. These flyers consist of an image of myself performing, contact information, and a slot for business cards. In the past, I have used A4 computer paper. That paper was too flimsy, as it was difficult to attach to the wall with the weight of the business cards, and its condition deteriorated over time. However, with this card stock, the extra strength ensures that it can support the weight of the business cards. The durability ensures that the paper will still look clean, and the print will still look sharp, after months of exposure to the elements.
The card stock can still be used in normal printers without a problem. Simply replace the computer paper in the printer with this, and print away.
This card stock can also be useful for school projects. If you have a child who needs to create a shoe-box project, a collage, or something similar, this paper is strong enough to support its own weight, yet bendable. This will enable you to create figures that you can fold, figures which will be able to stand up (such as pyramids).
Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone who needs durable card stock paper. | 2 | positive | [
"This card stock is attractive as well as strong and durable.",
"It is the perfect material to use when creating flyers to use indoors and outdoors.",
"As a jazz musician, advertising is very important.",
"Every so often, I create flyers to advertise my private teaching services, flyers which I hang up inside and outside the buildings of local businesses.",
"These flyers consist of an image of myself performing, contact information, and a slot for business cards.",
"In the past, I have used A4 computer paper.",
"That paper was too flimsy, as it was difficult to attach to the wall with the weight of the business cards, and its condition deteriorated over time.",
"However, with this card stock, the extra strength ensures that it can support the weight of the business cards.",
"The durability ensures that the paper will still look clean, and the print will still look sharp, after months of exposure to the elements.",
"The card stock can still be used in normal printers without a problem.",
"Simply replace the computer paper in the printer with this, and print away.",
"This card stock can also be useful for school projects.",
"If you have a child who needs to create a shoe-box project, a collage, or something similar, this paper is strong enough to support its own weight, yet bendable.",
"This will enable you to create figures that you can fold, figures which will be able to stand up (such as pyramids).",
"Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone who needs durable card stock paper."
] |
This is not an unbiased review. I have been a Cusack fan forever. His filmology is filled with great efforts but this is one of my favs. The dialog is snappy, intelligent and funny. The characters are not overcooked and drenched in self pity. Driver and Akroyd were cast perfectly as the ditched-on-prom night-girlfriend and the wanna be assassins club president (don't get me started on Akroyd). Arkin is Cusack reluctant shrink and some of his lines are the best in the film. Buy it. Watch it. You'll love it. | 2 | positive | [
"This is not an unbiased review.",
"I have been a Cusack fan forever.",
"His filmology is filled with great efforts but this is one of my favs.",
"The dialog is snappy, intelligent and funny.",
"The characters are not overcooked and drenched in self pity.",
"Driver and Akroyd were cast perfectly as the ditched-on-prom night-girlfriend and the wanna be assassins club president (don't get me started on Akroyd).",
"Arkin is Cusack reluctant shrink and some of his lines are the best in the film.",
"Buy it.",
"Watch it.",
"You'll love it."
] |
I have tried more than one spice blend from this company (via grocery store and their website) and thus far, it has never failed to be delicious. This particular one is probably my personal favorite. It is a little bit spicy but contrary to what many people believe about Thai cooking, it is NOT always outrageously hot. This has a spicy sweet kick to it. I'd rate it about a 5 on a one to ten heat index.
Try using this on chicken breasts that you are pan sauteing. Put your chicken breasts (boneless/skinless) in a hot frying pan that you have put about a tablespoon of oil into (can use cooking spray also). After one side has browned, flip it, add the seasoning blend, brown the other side, put on your plate and season that side. It goes wonderfully with rice noodles or brown rice. The seasoning itself also goes great IN the brown rice or stirred into the noodles. It's a great way to make a relatively low fat/low calorie meal taste outstanding.
If you like this blend, you have to try their others! Deliciously Dill is also a personal favorite. | 2 | positive | [
"I have tried more than one spice blend from this company (via grocery store and their website) and thus far, it has never failed to be delicious.",
"This particular one is probably my personal favorite.",
"It is a little bit spicy but contrary to what many people believe about Thai cooking, it is NOT always outrageously hot.",
"This has a spicy sweet kick to it.",
"I'd rate it about a 5 on a one to ten heat index.",
"Try using this on chicken breasts that you are pan sauteing.",
"Put your chicken breasts (boneless/skinless) in a hot frying pan that you have put about a tablespoon of oil into (can use cooking spray also).",
"After one side has browned, flip it, add the seasoning blend, brown the other side, put on your plate and season that side.",
"It goes wonderfully with rice noodles or brown rice.",
"The seasoning itself also goes great IN the brown rice or stirred into the noodles.",
"It's a great way to make a relatively low fat/low calorie meal taste outstanding.",
"If you like this blend, you have to try their others!",
"Deliciously Dill is also a personal favorite."
] |
Sebastian Wakefield isn't happy when his ex, Luke Emerson, shows up at his tattoo shop wanting a tattoo. He's even less happy when he finds out what it is: an angel memorial tattoo for someone named "A.J." He can't really afford to turn down the business, however, so he agrees to do the tat.
Once he gets Luke in his tattoo chair, all his old feelings come rushing back. He's still attracted to Luke, and he has a lot of deep feelings for the man aside from the bitterness and anger over Luke's cheating ways. It's obvious Luke shares his attraction, and pretty soon Seb's wondering why they shouldn't sleep together again--just sex, no emotions involved. That shouldn't be too hard...
A.J.'s Angel is a great mix of emotional and hot. I really sympathized with Sebastian. Even years after Luke's betrayal, he's still hurt. He just doesn't realize how much until Luke shows up wanting a tattoo. He struggles with anger, jealousy over the mysterious "A.J.", and an attraction he can't shake. The "I'll sleep with him to get him out of my system" plot is not anything new, but it was well-done here. Seb knows he's playing with fire, and accepts the potential consequences even as he gives in to his desires.
Since Sebastian is the first-person narrator, Luke is less developed. He really messed up the first time they were together, something he freely admits. Most of the time I absolutely hate cheaters in books, but it's clear that Luke understands how badly he hurt Seb and that he wants to make amends. The scenes between Luke and Sebastian are both hot and emotional. Sebastian goes through an emotional wringer in A.J.'s Angel, and thanks to his narration the reader gets to come along. There's not a lot of external action to be found here, but the emotional journey kept me interested enough that I didn't care. L.A. Witt is fast becoming one of my auto-buy authors, and A.J.'s Angel does not disappoint. Contemporary fans, pick this one up!
Cassie
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed | 2 | positive | [
"Sebastian Wakefield isn't happy when his ex, Luke Emerson, shows up at his tattoo shop wanting a tattoo.",
"He's even less happy when he finds out what it is: an angel memorial tattoo for someone named \"A.",
"J.\" He can't really afford to turn down the business, however, so he agrees to do the tat.",
"Once he gets Luke in his tattoo chair, all his old feelings come rushing back.",
"He's still attracted to Luke, and he has a lot of deep feelings for the man aside from the bitterness and anger over Luke's cheating ways.",
"It's obvious Luke shares his attraction, and pretty soon Seb's wondering why they shouldn't sleep together again--just sex, no emotions involved.",
"That shouldn't be too hard...",
"A.",
"J.'s Angel is a great mix of emotional and hot.",
"I really sympathized with Sebastian.",
"Even years after Luke's betrayal, he's still hurt.",
"He just doesn't realize how much until Luke shows up wanting a tattoo.",
"He struggles with anger, jealousy over the mysterious \"A.",
"J.\", and an attraction he can't shake.",
"The \"I'll sleep with him to get him out of my system\" plot is not anything new, but it was well-done here.",
"Seb knows he's playing with fire, and accepts the potential consequences even as he gives in to his desires.",
"Since Sebastian is the first-person narrator, Luke is less developed.",
"He really messed up the first time they were together, something he freely admits.",
"Most of the time I absolutely hate cheaters in books, but it's clear that Luke understands how badly he hurt Seb and that he wants to make amends.",
"The scenes between Luke and Sebastian are both hot and emotional.",
"Sebastian goes through an emotional wringer in A.",
"J.'s Angel, and thanks to his narration the reader gets to come along.",
"There's not a lot of external action to be found here, but the emotional journey kept me interested enough that I didn't care.",
"L.",
"A. Witt is fast becoming one of my auto-buy authors, and A.",
"J.'s Angel does not disappoint.",
"Contemporary fans, pick this one up!",
"Cassie\nReviewed for Joyfully Reviewed"
] |
...says Anthony Hopkins, speaking of the first time his agent mentioned "Silence of the Lambs" to him as a potential project. This comment comes in "Inside the Labyrinth," a documentary about the film that is one of the many nifty extras on this DVD. I almost fell out of my chair laughing at the answering machine message from Hopkins as Lecter ("...please leave a message. I insist. The last person who failed to do so, I ate his liver..."). There are plenty of teasers and trailers for the movie for people who like that sort of thing, as I do. You can spend all afternoon with this DVD, enjoying the complete "Lambs experience."
The movie itself? As sommeone on the crew said, it spans several genres...detective story, fairy tale, morality play, psychological thriller, horror movie. It excels at each of them in a way that no other film had done before, and few have done since. I can still remember seeing this in the theater when it was originally released, clutching the friend next to me and screaming my fool head off as Jame Gumb stalked Clarice with his green night goggles. So many things about the movie stay with you, and make it worth seeing again and again. | 2 | positive | [
"...",
"says Anthony Hopkins, speaking of the first time his agent mentioned \"Silence of the Lambs\" to him as a potential project.",
"This comment comes in \"Inside the Labyrinth,\" a documentary about the film that is one of the many nifty extras on this DVD.",
"I almost fell out of my chair laughing at the answering machine message from Hopkins as Lecter (\"...",
"please leave a message.",
"I insist.",
"The last person who failed to do so, I ate his liver...",
"\").",
"There are plenty of teasers and trailers for the movie for people who like that sort of thing, as I do.",
"You can spend all afternoon with this DVD, enjoying the complete \"Lambs experience.",
"\"\nThe movie itself?",
"As sommeone on the crew said, it spans several genres...",
"detective story, fairy tale, morality play, psychological thriller, horror movie.",
"It excels at each of them in a way that no other film had done before, and few have done since.",
"I can still remember seeing this in the theater when it was originally released, clutching the friend next to me and screaming my fool head off as Jame Gumb stalked Clarice with his green night goggles.",
"So many things about the movie stay with you, and make it worth seeing again and again."
] |
This is a great book that offers a different take on the alien abduction of women from Earth. Two seven foot alien warriors are looking for "pleasure pets" different from the brown blobs and robotic kind that are the norm. They come upon Earth women, a species that are only given to The Royals and decide to take a chance despite their history of choosing pets that ended up going crazy. Rue and Dawn are "harvested" and endure processing and the fear of the unknown. They are the perfect pair; Rue is a fighter/leader and Dawn is a quiet, studious follower. And their personalities lend a change in the basic abductions because despite their appearances, they are capable of reasoning and are given the opportunity to study their new planet in advance to their landing.
The aliens believe that the pair are fragile, brainless, and "cute" they find that other warriors are envious. The Warrior planet is dying because their have not been any women born to give birth and the "Temple of Mothers" has only a few elderly and protected female species.
The two warriors take their pets down to their planet to begin the claiming process which entails being chased; and leave them while they have a drink at the local cave/bar. When they return and find the two pets missing, it is the beginning of a humorous chase with the women using their knowledge of the planet to astound the warriors at every turn. Good book with many surprise laughs. Amazon Verified Review | 2 | positive | [
"This is a great book that offers a different take on the alien abduction of women from Earth.",
"Two seven foot alien warriors are looking for \"pleasure pets\" different from the brown blobs and robotic kind that are the norm.",
"They come upon Earth women, a species that are only given to The Royals and decide to take a chance despite their history of choosing pets that ended up going crazy.",
"Rue and Dawn are \"harvested\" and endure processing and the fear of the unknown.",
"They are the perfect pair; Rue is a fighter/leader and Dawn is a quiet, studious follower.",
"And their personalities lend a change in the basic abductions because despite their appearances, they are capable of reasoning and are given the opportunity to study their new planet in advance to their landing.",
"The aliens believe that the pair are fragile, brainless, and \"cute\" they find that other warriors are envious.",
"The Warrior planet is dying because their have not been any women born to give birth and the \"Temple of Mothers\" has only a few elderly and protected female species.",
"The two warriors take their pets down to their planet to begin the claiming process which entails being chased; and leave them while they have a drink at the local cave/bar.",
"When they return and find the two pets missing, it is the beginning of a humorous chase with the women using their knowledge of the planet to astound the warriors at every turn.",
"Good book with many surprise laughs.",
"Amazon Verified Review"
] |
This review supposes that you've watched all three movies -- in their various incarnations -- at least a dozen times. If not, what are you waiting for? And only the sheer love I have for these films precludes me from rating the whole shebang less than four stars. Otherwise, this is a three-star product...
First of all the presentation and packaging was noticably sub-standard for such a hugely anticipated, landmark DVD launch: cheapily thin cardboard volume box with the DVDs shoved in. No booklets, no tchotchkes, no nothing. Some people may not care about such things, but it immediately signalled to me that Lucas really didn't give a hoot about how it looked -- people were going to buy it anyway. For such a lanmark piece of cinema, it compares poorly on packaging with the awesome care put into the "Band of Brothers" boxed set, or even the LOTR films.
While I'm not a sound or video expert who can pinpoint minute errors, there are noticible color correction problems in Episode IV, which may be a holdover from the quality of the print. But I'm sorry, in this digital age, someone at Lucasfilms should have picked up on it. It's most annoyingly apparent in the opening Tatooine scenes. There were also some DVD static too which to me signals a poor transfer. It's a sad fact that for 'A New Hope' my VHS copy has better picture quality in some scenes...
The best is the Death Star battle -- the cgi remake is IMO superior to the original.
Episode V was a vast improvement in transfer with no noticable color issues, f/x artifacts, etc. Same with Episode VI. Music in both is given a stronger boost (in a good way) that really lets you hear it tell the story along with the visuals. Whether this was an error, or not, it sounds magnificent.
The special seatures, including the much-hyped two hour documentary, aren't all that, to tell the truth. There's little offered in these extras that most Star Wars fans don't already know, nor is anything beyond the usual full-length feature, some featurettes, trailers and production stills. I did get a kick out of the old trailers for their amusing cheesiness. However the quality of the extras is such that once you've watched the extras, they're not worth a second viewings.
The commentary tracks are so-so as well. Lucas does provide some interesting bits about his inspirations and about the evolution of the story. By far the most fascinating commentary comes, once again, from sound designer Ben Burtt. Carrie Fisher contributes really nothing aside from typically cynical showbiz comments. Harrison Ford is a grouch anyway, so he's not missed, but where was Hamill? His interviews on the extras were quite good. Or Anthony Daniels? I'd would've loved to hear John Williams discuss his musicial score and cues. As far as commentary goes, it really should have had something along the level of what was on the LOTR extended DVDs where there were multiple tracks for the filmmakers, the cast, and production/design teams.
All told, if this is the best Lucas could do, it falls short; I think it will be disappointing on several levels for many die-hard Star Wars fans because it feels like a half-baked effort to present a legendary work of film. At least I wasn't getting gouged on the price.
Like many fans, I regret not having theatrical versions of the Trilogy included. If so, I would have gladly paid over $100 for some sort of "Ultimate Star Wars Edition." <hint, hint...> | 2 | positive | [
"This review supposes that you've watched all three movies -- in their various incarnations -- at least a dozen times.",
"If not, what are you waiting for?",
"And only the sheer love I have for these films precludes me from rating the whole shebang less than four stars.",
"Otherwise, this is a three-star product...",
"First of all the presentation and packaging was noticably sub-standard for such a hugely anticipated, landmark DVD launch: cheapily thin cardboard volume box with the DVDs shoved in.",
"No booklets, no tchotchkes, no nothing.",
"Some people may not care about such things, but it immediately signalled to me that Lucas really didn't give a hoot about how it looked -- people were going to buy it anyway.",
"For such a lanmark piece of cinema, it compares poorly on packaging with the awesome care put into the \"Band of Brothers\" boxed set, or even the LOTR films.",
"While I'm not a sound or video expert who can pinpoint minute errors, there are noticible color correction problems in Episode IV, which may be a holdover from the quality of the print.",
"But I'm sorry, in this digital age, someone at Lucasfilms should have picked up on it.",
"It's most annoyingly apparent in the opening Tatooine scenes.",
"There were also some DVD static too which to me signals a poor transfer.",
"It's a sad fact that for 'A New Hope' my VHS copy has better picture quality in some scenes...",
"The best is the Death Star battle -- the cgi remake is IMO superior to the original.",
"Episode V was a vast improvement in transfer with no noticable color issues, f/x artifacts, etc.",
"Same with Episode VI.",
"Music in both is given a stronger boost (in a good way) that really lets you hear it tell the story along with the visuals.",
"Whether this was an error, or not, it sounds magnificent.",
"The special seatures, including the much-hyped two hour documentary, aren't all that, to tell the truth.",
"There's little offered in these extras that most Star Wars fans don't already know, nor is anything beyond the usual full-length feature, some featurettes, trailers and production stills.",
"I did get a kick out of the old trailers for their amusing cheesiness.",
"However the quality of the extras is such that once you've watched the extras, they're not worth a second viewings.",
"The commentary tracks are so-so as well.",
"Lucas does provide some interesting bits about his inspirations and about the evolution of the story.",
"By far the most fascinating commentary comes, once again, from sound designer Ben Burtt.",
"Carrie Fisher contributes really nothing aside from typically cynical showbiz comments.",
"Harrison Ford is a grouch anyway, so he's not missed, but where was Hamill?",
"His interviews on the extras were quite good.",
"Or Anthony Daniels?",
"I'd would've loved to hear John Williams discuss his musicial score and cues.",
"As far as commentary goes, it really should have had something along the level of what was on the LOTR extended DVDs where there were multiple tracks for the filmmakers, the cast, and production/design teams.",
"All told, if this is the best Lucas could do, it falls short; I think it will be disappointing on several levels for many die-hard Star Wars fans because it feels like a half-baked effort to present a legendary work of film.",
"At least I wasn't getting gouged on the price.",
"Like many fans, I regret not having theatrical versions of the Trilogy included.",
"If so, I would have gladly paid over $100 for some sort of \"Ultimate Star Wars Edition.",
"\" <hint, hint...",
">"
] |
Dries out pimples really well. Helps them come to a head if they have not yet. I like that I can truly spot treat because since my face is dry from all the acne products I don't to apply spot treatment anywhere but where I need it. With creams although I try to spot treat it ends up being a larger area than the bump site. I am very happy with it. Will continue to use it. I don't know that it works any better than when I use the Proactiv sulfur mask as a spot treatment. I will put a dab of that on a pimple before bed and it dries it out pretty good the next day. And it is much cheaper since it comes "free" with the proactiv 3 piece kit. But even so I bought this and I like it and still would buy it again. | 2 | positive | [
"Dries out pimples really well.",
"Helps them come to a head if they have not yet.",
"I like that I can truly spot treat because since my face is dry from all the acne products I don't to apply spot treatment anywhere but where I need it.",
"With creams although I try to spot treat it ends up being a larger area than the bump site.",
"I am very happy with it.",
"Will continue to use it.",
"I don't know that it works any better than when I use the Proactiv sulfur mask as a spot treatment.",
"I will put a dab of that on a pimple before bed and it dries it out pretty good the next day.",
"And it is much cheaper since it comes \"free\" with the proactiv 3 piece kit.",
"But even so I bought this and I like it and still would buy it again."
] |
Slide the top section off in the direction of the arrow; DO NOT attempt to pull it straight up> it's a 'no go'. Removing the cap to the battery compartment is a challenge. It is supposed to slide off. Plastic on plastic makes very difficult. I used one of my thin blades to pry it part way open. Then it lifts up vertically. I used a small bit of petroleum jelly on the battery case hooks and it is MUCH easier open the battery case. Unit, powered by 4 'C' batteries, speeds ties along rapidly. Packaging with the Styrofoam is a #6 and recyclable in my area, so an environmental plus. Overall, worth the $ and performs well. | 2 | positive | [
"Slide the top section off in the direction of the arrow; DO NOT attempt to pull it straight up> it's a 'no go'.",
"Removing the cap to the battery compartment is a challenge.",
"It is supposed to slide off.",
"Plastic on plastic makes very difficult.",
"I used one of my thin blades to pry it part way open.",
"Then it lifts up vertically.",
"I used a small bit of petroleum jelly on the battery case hooks and it is MUCH easier open the battery case.",
"Unit, powered by 4 'C' batteries, speeds ties along rapidly.",
"Packaging with the Styrofoam is a #6 and recyclable in my area, so an environmental plus.",
"Overall, worth the $ and performs well."
] |
This, Paul Schrader's directoral debut, is a funny and some-times hard-hitting drama of three Detroit auto-workers who have to deal with the problems of money, friends, family, future,and much more while working on "the line".
The three main characters (Pryor, Kietel and Kotto) in a desperate need for cash, decide to rip off their own union and steal from the union safe. But instead of finding money, they find an incriminating ledger and from here they have to struggle with the rights and wrongs of what to do, where to turn and whether or not their friendship can sustain these dillema's.
The film contains stand-out performances from all three of the leads, which is not surprising having read that Schrader promised each one of them top billing to bind them to a contract and then told 'em it was equal top billing afterwards, obviously causing them to try and act the pants off each other. There is also a good level of detail in their day-to-day lives making the three seem like real characters and not just ciphers for the script. There are some really funny scenes ("What about my locker!!" , the robbery , visit from the IRS etc.), as well as some great drama (the three-way conversation after the party, Kotto and the killers etc).
Overall, this is a low-key film with some high-ground ideas that even now ring pretty true. While I enjoyed most of this film there was a bit that reminded me a little bit too much of "Mean Streets" and the ending seemed somewhat forced, though it still ended the film on the right note. As was said elsewhere, definately worth checking out at least once. | 2 | positive | [
"This, Paul Schrader's directoral debut, is a funny and some-times hard-hitting drama of three Detroit auto-workers who have to deal with the problems of money, friends, family, future,and much more while working on \"the line\".",
"The three main characters (Pryor, Kietel and Kotto) in a desperate need for cash, decide to rip off their own union and steal from the union safe.",
"But instead of finding money, they find an incriminating ledger and from here they have to struggle with the rights and wrongs of what to do, where to turn and whether or not their friendship can sustain these dillema's.",
"The film contains stand-out performances from all three of the leads, which is not surprising having read that Schrader promised each one of them top billing to bind them to a contract and then told 'em it was equal top billing afterwards, obviously causing them to try and act the pants off each other.",
"There is also a good level of detail in their day-to-day lives making the three seem like real characters and not just ciphers for the script.",
"There are some really funny scenes (\"What about my locker!!",
"\" , the robbery , visit from the IRS etc.",
"), as well as some great drama (the three-way conversation after the party, Kotto and the killers etc).",
"Overall, this is a low-key film with some high-ground ideas that even now ring pretty true.",
"While I enjoyed most of this film there was a bit that reminded me a little bit too much of \"Mean Streets\" and the ending seemed somewhat forced, though it still ended the film on the right note.",
"As was said elsewhere, definately worth checking out at least once."
] |
Wow. What can I say. Wow! I received the kit as a birthday gift. (I am in my mid thirties)
My 5 Caterpillars arrived on Oct 30, 2012.
I named them A, E, I, O, and U ("U" was a runt!). As the weather had turned colder I knew these would be inside-butterflies.
Within a week, all 5 turned into their chrysalis-selves. Pretty!
The hatching from each chrysalis began on Nov 12, 2012 when "A" and "E" hatched. On Nov 14th "I" and "O" hatched. And finally on Nov 16th the last one hatched, the only one who I "KNOW" was the same name going into his chrysalis and coming out of it: "U".
Well, I watched them hatch and even later on Nov 25 they were mating! No eggs appeared (I was afraid of that, I was not prepared for any new cycles).
They are supposed to live as butterflies for 2-4 weeks. Time passed and on Dec 22 three butterflies died, and the next day one more died. That's four dead by week 5; I expected the last one to go soon after.
True these are inside-butterflies, but a life-span is a life-span. It is 01-06-13 today and I still have one living! That's like 7 weeks so far! Although we think this one is either "I" or "O", we've changed the name to Methuselah!! The experience has been great.
I reckon having a Methuselah is not a common occurrence. Even so, I might do it again one year.
Edit: Methuselah died Jan 12, 2012 He lived 1 month and 29 days if he was "I" or "O" originally. WOW! | 2 | positive | [
"Wow.",
"What can I say.",
"Wow!",
"I received the kit as a birthday gift.",
"(I am in my mid thirties)\n\nMy 5 Caterpillars arrived on Oct 30, 2012.",
"I named them A, E, I, O, and U (\"U\" was a runt!",
").",
"As the weather had turned colder I knew these would be inside-butterflies.",
"Within a week, all 5 turned into their chrysalis-selves.",
"Pretty!",
"The hatching from each chrysalis began on Nov 12, 2012 when \"A\" and \"E\" hatched.",
"On Nov 14th \"I\" and \"O\" hatched.",
"And finally on Nov 16th the last one hatched, the only one who I \"KNOW\" was the same name going into his chrysalis and coming out of it: \"U\".",
"Well, I watched them hatch and even later on Nov 25 they were mating!",
"No eggs appeared (I was afraid of that, I was not prepared for any new cycles).",
"They are supposed to live as butterflies for 2-4 weeks.",
"Time passed and on Dec 22 three butterflies died, and the next day one more died.",
"That's four dead by week 5; I expected the last one to go soon after.",
"True these are inside-butterflies, but a life-span is a life-span.",
"It is 01-06-13 today and I still have one living!",
"That's like 7 weeks so far!",
"Although we think this one is either \"I\" or \"O\", we've changed the name to Methuselah!!",
"The experience has been great.",
"I reckon having a Methuselah is not a common occurrence.",
"Even so, I might do it again one year.",
"Edit: Methuselah died Jan 12, 2012 He lived 1 month and 29 days if he was \"I\" or \"O\" originally.",
"WOW!"
] |
MacLean never wrote a better novel than this, his first.
For those who love the sea and yet respect her fearsome savagry, HMS Ulysses satisfies. Brilliant character development, superb technical detail.
HMS Ulysses is a good novel -- more than that, the book pays tribute to both the Royal Navy and the Merchant Marine, and homage in equal measure to all -- German, British, American. It reminds us that brave men sailed the North Atlantic, and that courage knows no boundaries.
The book follows the fortunes of a fighting ship whose crew is slowly self-destructing after months of convoy duty in the North Atlantic. They are offered the prospect of a break in the Mediterranean if they can complete one final convoy to Russia through the murderous North Atlantic, and thereby atone for a mutiny that has left two people dead...
Their voyage -- and ultimate atonement -- tests the mettle of all on board, and challenges the base assumptions we tend to make about the inherant goodness of Humanity. It will leave you pondering how you would have responded under similar circumstances, and perhaps may leave you less than satisfied with what you learn about yourself.
As a tale it compares well with Noel Coward's wartime movie "In Which We Serve". MacLean paints his tale with prosaic pictures that stay in your mind more persistently than any film could. The final image of the HMS Ulysses, with battle ensign flying, stays with you long after you put the book down.
MacLean's book reminds us that things like this happened every day, once. It is a reminder of the gallantry of a generation that is fast disappearing. | 2 | positive | [
"MacLean never wrote a better novel than this, his first.",
"For those who love the sea and yet respect her fearsome savagry, HMS Ulysses satisfies.",
"Brilliant character development, superb technical detail.",
"HMS Ulysses is a good novel -- more than that, the book pays tribute to both the Royal Navy and the Merchant Marine, and homage in equal measure to all -- German, British, American.",
"It reminds us that brave men sailed the North Atlantic, and that courage knows no boundaries.",
"The book follows the fortunes of a fighting ship whose crew is slowly self-destructing after months of convoy duty in the North Atlantic.",
"They are offered the prospect of a break in the Mediterranean if they can complete one final convoy to Russia through the murderous North Atlantic, and thereby atone for a mutiny that has left two people dead...",
"Their voyage -- and ultimate atonement -- tests the mettle of all on board, and challenges the base assumptions we tend to make about the inherant goodness of Humanity.",
"It will leave you pondering how you would have responded under similar circumstances, and perhaps may leave you less than satisfied with what you learn about yourself.",
"As a tale it compares well with Noel Coward's wartime movie \"In Which We Serve\".",
"MacLean paints his tale with prosaic pictures that stay in your mind more persistently than any film could.",
"The final image of the HMS Ulysses, with battle ensign flying, stays with you long after you put the book down.",
"MacLean's book reminds us that things like this happened every day, once.",
"It is a reminder of the gallantry of a generation that is fast disappearing."
] |
Mary Boleyn was a young girl when her family set her in the path of the Kings eye. As his interest piqued, she fell in love with the King, despite adoring his wife. As she gave birth to his children, she realizes her family is power hungry. Now forced to step aside, as her sister Anne is placed in the role of future Queen, Mary must wrestle with what her family holds dear and what her heart feels is right.
This historical fiction novel is set around King Henry VIII and shows the hoity-toity of the court. This regal story opens the readers eyes to the cost of royalty. This isn't just a love story, as sibling rivalry becomes a battle of survival. The narrators voice is consistent and clear, while giving each character their own unique accent. A gripping story, with a powerful ending, this book will make readers instant fans of Philippa Gregory.
Notes:
This review was written for Ariesgrl Book Reviews and My Sister's Books. | 2 | positive | [
"Mary Boleyn was a young girl when her family set her in the path of the Kings eye.",
"As his interest piqued, she fell in love with the King, despite adoring his wife.",
"As she gave birth to his children, she realizes her family is power hungry.",
"Now forced to step aside, as her sister Anne is placed in the role of future Queen, Mary must wrestle with what her family holds dear and what her heart feels is right.",
"This historical fiction novel is set around King Henry VIII and shows the hoity-toity of the court.",
"This regal story opens the readers eyes to the cost of royalty.",
"This isn't just a love story, as sibling rivalry becomes a battle of survival.",
"The narrators voice is consistent and clear, while giving each character their own unique accent.",
"A gripping story, with a powerful ending, this book will make readers instant fans of Philippa Gregory.",
"Notes:\nThis review was written for Ariesgrl Book Reviews and My Sister's Books."
] |
I love Bali Skimp Skamp Briefs. I cannot or would not ever purchase any other brief. I have been wearing these for at least 25 years. I was so thankful that I could still find them on Amazon.com. You saved my life. They are so comfortable because the material feels like you are wearing nothing and because there is only one seam and that is down the back. No matter how many times you wash and wear them, they still fit and wear the same. I can wear them for two or three years and they are still great. I usually buy 5 pair at a time because I know that they are going to be long lasting and so so comfortable. If you have never tried them, you really should. You'll never wear anything else. As my Mother-In-Law used to tell me, "Honey they are like wearing skin." Out of five stars, I give them a 10. | 2 | positive | [
"I love Bali Skimp Skamp Briefs.",
"I cannot or would not ever purchase any other brief.",
"I have been wearing these for at least 25 years.",
"I was so thankful that I could still find them on Amazon.",
"com.",
"You saved my life.",
"They are so comfortable because the material feels like you are wearing nothing and because there is only one seam and that is down the back.",
"No matter how many times you wash and wear them, they still fit and wear the same.",
"I can wear them for two or three years and they are still great.",
"I usually buy 5 pair at a time because I know that they are going to be long lasting and so so comfortable.",
"If you have never tried them, you really should.",
"You'll never wear anything else.",
"As my Mother-In-Law used to tell me, \"Honey they are like wearing skin.",
"\" Out of five stars, I give them a 10."
] |
This novel definitely has the Wow factor. From the great title to the stunning conclusion, the author develops the action with detail and just enough surprises. Clark's character development drives the story. Shawn Cleary of the FBI and her foil, Detective Sgt. Pulaski, of the Washington, D.C. Police spar throughout, but it's not hard to see the underlying respect they have for each other. Pulaski provides the black humor, for example, describing a survivor of attempted murder, "Pretty scary, huh? A lawyer who can't be killed." Shawn's romantic interest and her many relatives lend a humanizing touch to the revelations of dirty politics. A story worth reading, and definitely a cautionary tale. | 2 | positive | [
"This novel definitely has the Wow factor.",
"From the great title to the stunning conclusion, the author develops the action with detail and just enough surprises.",
"Clark's character development drives the story.",
"Shawn Cleary of the FBI and her foil, Detective Sgt.",
"Pulaski, of the Washington, D.",
"C. Police spar throughout, but it's not hard to see the underlying respect they have for each other.",
"Pulaski provides the black humor, for example, describing a survivor of attempted murder, \"Pretty scary, huh?",
"A lawyer who can't be killed.",
"\" Shawn's romantic interest and her many relatives lend a humanizing touch to the revelations of dirty politics.",
"A story worth reading, and definitely a cautionary tale."
] |
Horror is in many ways along the same paths as comedy which can create terror or laughter when they can but certain people will be immune to it, the difference between blood and guts to subtlety, or in other words, a fart joke to satire. So along with books and movies, gaming can also create a horror atmosphere but whether or not it succeeds really depends on how well they pull it off and whether or not you're into that kind of thing. F.E.A.R (First Encounter Assault Recon) is one of the more well-known games in the horror field so with the sequel coming up really soon, I thought I'd check it out and my general feeling is not one of disappointment or amazement but somewhere in the middle: the gunfights and horror elements work well but then they just didn't get to me either the other times.
Story: You play as the "Point Man" a special operative in the F.E.A.R who's job it is to terminate one Paxton Fettel, who's taking control of enhanced soldiers via psychic abilities and taking control of a government building. You're sent in to deal with this threat but something's aren't what they seem: visions fade in and out, sounds are heard with nothing around and a strange apparition of a young red-dressed girl keeps showing herself to her. Her identity, as well as yours, is the basic for the game.
The problem is...I didn't really care. I mean the whole story about Alma is interesting but the problem is that it's very easy to get lost in the narrative even though it's a pretty simple tale. Unlike the Half-Life 2 games where characters spoke in cutscene directly in front of you and even optional subtitles can be called in, Fear on the other hand has a really small window on the top left for who's talking where I literally had to lean in close and squint just to make out the names (even though your health and ammo counters are pretty fat numbers). It's a really immersive environment and the atmosphere is quite tangible like any good horror story but it's the actual narrative that is either uninvolving or just hard to figure out.
Graphics: Originally released for the PC, Fear makes it way onto the Xbox 360 and its apparently inferior port onto the PS3 (like the Orange Box it seems) and graphically it's hit-or-miss. Facial animation is quite good and the lighting is very convincing in mood and seeing ripples and bullet trails in slow motion is awesome however the repetitive level design and same-y looking rooms and corridors kind of drag this down. Where the experience really goes into the cool zone is the weird visual tricks the game employs to mess with you which range from split-second frame inserts to vanishing people to temporary location moving (one time I went from a corridor/room to a long hallway with blood on the ceiling and back and again...don't know what the hell that was about but sweet!). It does get a bit old seeing another "did I just see...?" image but by that point, you've been playing for so long, you buy into it. Slowdown is apparently in some cases but it's usually for the big fights anyway.
Sound/Music: Sound design is quite stellar from the gunfire blasts to the weird ambience of the locales to the bizarre encounters, everything is delivered well. Like most horror, well...GOOD horror anyway, they knew when to use sound effectively whereas most directors have to shock you by turning up the sound really, really loud for 2 seconds, Fear likes to play tricks on you: silence and something's coming right? Well not always. Sometimes cues come up for you to get ready only there's nothing, turn than BAM! Voice acting for the most part is good but again, the characters aren't really that engaging so it's a case where I didn't mind the voices themselves, just who the voice was attached to.
Gameplay: For the most part, Fear plays like a typical shooter: guns with up to 3 available at a time, grenades which range from remote controlled to proximity to simple frag and melee attacks. The big selling point is the idea of using your superhuman reflexes and slowing down time to mow down enemies which strange as it sounds, is awesome yet weirdly out-of-place in a horror game. It's like John Woo's Hard Boiled by way of Ju-On or the Ring and while in firefights, it's incredibly useful (not to mention smirk inducing) its implementation into a horror game works well enough but then you wonder: shouldn't the game be more terrifying if I can't knock my enemies senseless? Oh and one issue: on the D-pad, left and right are used as a kind of tilt to basically see around edges without having to physically move however the flashlight is your down and in many cases I'd try to tilt only to have my flashlight turn on at the same time and the AI is so good, they'll point out your flashlight and you're going "aw hell" and forgo your plans for stealth and just Rambo the buggers.
The game isn't necessarily difficult and the times I died were really my fault since I'd rush in or wouldn't plan things out but then on occasion, there'd be an absolute moronic move on part of the developers that got my blood boiling. Example: one mission I won by the skin of my teeth with barely any health left (if you go below 25, you regenerate to that point, the rest is up to you with scattered med kits and body armor) and was airlifted by helicopter. Only here's the stupid part: they didn't bring me back to full health. I mean, this is my squad, my brothers in arms and they can't even bring me to full 100%? So when I landed, we were ambushed, 2 guys came out and shot me to death and going into slow-mo didn't help because there was 3-4 others on the roof anyway. Like what the hell?
F.E.A.R is the kind of horror game where it's a cool experience when the game tries to completely mess with you but then when it goes into shooter mode, it feels a bit...stock, a bit too "I've seen this before". At least Monolith's own Condemned games changed FPS playing a bit but this just feels like everything else I played, only without the creepy girl. It's well worth a go but I wouldn't call it flawless either. | 2 | positive | [
"Horror is in many ways along the same paths as comedy which can create terror or laughter when they can but certain people will be immune to it, the difference between blood and guts to subtlety, or in other words, a fart joke to satire.",
"So along with books and movies, gaming can also create a horror atmosphere but whether or not it succeeds really depends on how well they pull it off and whether or not you're into that kind of thing.",
"F.",
"E.A.R (First Encounter Assault Recon) is one of the more well-known games in the horror field so with the sequel coming up really soon, I thought I'd check it out and my general feeling is not one of disappointment or amazement but somewhere in the middle: the gunfights and horror elements work well but then they just didn't get to me either the other times.",
"Story: You play as the \"Point Man\" a special operative in the F.",
"E.A.R who's job it is to terminate one Paxton Fettel, who's taking control of enhanced soldiers via psychic abilities and taking control of a government building.",
"You're sent in to deal with this threat but something's aren't what they seem: visions fade in and out, sounds are heard with nothing around and a strange apparition of a young red-dressed girl keeps showing herself to her.",
"Her identity, as well as yours, is the basic for the game.",
"The problem is...",
"I didn't really care.",
"I mean the whole story about Alma is interesting but the problem is that it's very easy to get lost in the narrative even though it's a pretty simple tale.",
"Unlike the Half-Life 2 games where characters spoke in cutscene directly in front of you and even optional subtitles can be called in, Fear on the other hand has a really small window on the top left for who's talking where I literally had to lean in close and squint just to make out the names (even though your health and ammo counters are pretty fat numbers).",
"It's a really immersive environment and the atmosphere is quite tangible like any good horror story but it's the actual narrative that is either uninvolving or just hard to figure out.",
"Graphics: Originally released for the PC, Fear makes it way onto the Xbox 360 and its apparently inferior port onto the PS3 (like the Orange Box it seems) and graphically it's hit-or-miss.",
"Facial animation is quite good and the lighting is very convincing in mood and seeing ripples and bullet trails in slow motion is awesome however the repetitive level design and same-y looking rooms and corridors kind of drag this down.",
"Where the experience really goes into the cool zone is the weird visual tricks the game employs to mess with you which range from split-second frame inserts to vanishing people to temporary location moving (one time I went from a corridor/room to a long hallway with blood on the ceiling and back and again...",
"don't know what the hell that was about but sweet!",
").",
"It does get a bit old seeing another \"did I just see...",
"?",
"\" image but by that point, you've been playing for so long, you buy into it.",
"Slowdown is apparently in some cases but it's usually for the big fights anyway.",
"Sound/Music: Sound design is quite stellar from the gunfire blasts to the weird ambience of the locales to the bizarre encounters, everything is delivered well.",
"Like most horror, well...",
"GOOD horror anyway, they knew when to use sound effectively whereas most directors have to shock you by turning up the sound really, really loud for 2 seconds, Fear likes to play tricks on you: silence and something's coming right?",
"Well not always.",
"Sometimes cues come up for you to get ready only there's nothing, turn than BAM!",
"Voice acting for the most part is good but again, the characters aren't really that engaging so it's a case where I didn't mind the voices themselves, just who the voice was attached to.",
"Gameplay: For the most part, Fear plays like a typical shooter: guns with up to 3 available at a time, grenades which range from remote controlled to proximity to simple frag and melee attacks.",
"The big selling point is the idea of using your superhuman reflexes and slowing down time to mow down enemies which strange as it sounds, is awesome yet weirdly out-of-place in a horror game.",
"It's like John Woo's Hard Boiled by way of Ju-On or the Ring and while in firefights, it's incredibly useful (not to mention smirk inducing) its implementation into a horror game works well enough but then you wonder: shouldn't the game be more terrifying if I can't knock my enemies senseless?",
"Oh and one issue: on the D-pad, left and right are used as a kind of tilt to basically see around edges without having to physically move however the flashlight is your down and in many cases I'd try to tilt only to have my flashlight turn on at the same time and the AI is so good, they'll point out your flashlight and you're going \"aw hell\" and forgo your plans for stealth and just Rambo the buggers.",
"The game isn't necessarily difficult and the times I died were really my fault since I'd rush in or wouldn't plan things out but then on occasion, there'd be an absolute moronic move on part of the developers that got my blood boiling.",
"Example: one mission I won by the skin of my teeth with barely any health left (if you go below 25, you regenerate to that point, the rest is up to you with scattered med kits and body armor) and was airlifted by helicopter.",
"Only here's the stupid part: they didn't bring me back to full health.",
"I mean, this is my squad, my brothers in arms and they can't even bring me to full 100%?",
"So when I landed, we were ambushed, 2 guys came out and shot me to death and going into slow-mo didn't help because there was 3-4 others on the roof anyway.",
"Like what the hell?",
"F.",
"E.A.R is the kind of horror game where it's a cool experience when the game tries to completely mess with you but then when it goes into shooter mode, it feels a bit...",
"stock, a bit too \"I've seen this before\".",
"At least Monolith's own Condemned games changed FPS playing a bit but this just feels like everything else I played, only without the creepy girl.",
"It's well worth a go but I wouldn't call it flawless either."
] |
Apparently the old Skynyrd mojo came around once more in 1997, what with the 20th anniversary of the plane crash and all. This is a true Skynyrd album, and IMO the only post-crash Skynyrd album of original songs that is up there with the old Ronnie-led Skynyrd of the 70's. I read an interview published around the time this album was released, and in it I believe it was Medlocke who said something to the extent of "We didn't have a lot of time to spend writing and recording for this album, so keep that in mind--we can do better!" Well, geez, Rickey, this album is just fine--and sorry to say--you guys haven't come close to topping it yet! There are lot of great songs on this CD! Some of the softer, acoustic-oriented numbers are a tad mediocre, but especially the rock songs are great! My favorite two are "We Ain't Much Different" and "O.R.R.". Those two numbers (and some others) would fit very nicely into any old Skynyrd albums--Ronnie would be proud! Speaking of Ronnie, I think recording "Travelin' Man" (which was never recorded in the studio anyway) with Johnny performing a duet with Ronnie's old vocal track was a stroke of genius! Great idea, Rickey (it was his idea)! Great rendition!
So I highly recommend this CD, even for old-Skynyrd diehards who scoff at any version of Skynyrd after 1977. For the most part, I'm an old-Skynyrd diehard myself, but I do take exception in this CD. Also, BTW, their Lyve At Steel Towne CD/DVD are also great, since the material comes from a mixture of old Skynyrd tunes and tunes from the Twenty CD. Great performances, as well! | 2 | positive | [
"Apparently the old Skynyrd mojo came around once more in 1997, what with the 20th anniversary of the plane crash and all.",
"This is a true Skynyrd album, and IMO the only post-crash Skynyrd album of original songs that is up there with the old Ronnie-led Skynyrd of the 70's.",
"I read an interview published around the time this album was released, and in it I believe it was Medlocke who said something to the extent of \"We didn't have a lot of time to spend writing and recording for this album, so keep that in mind--we can do better!",
"\" Well, geez, Rickey, this album is just fine--and sorry to say--you guys haven't come close to topping it yet!",
"There are lot of great songs on this CD!",
"Some of the softer, acoustic-oriented numbers are a tad mediocre, but especially the rock songs are great!",
"My favorite two are \"We Ain't Much Different\" and \"O.",
"R.R.\".",
"Those two numbers (and some others) would fit very nicely into any old Skynyrd albums--Ronnie would be proud!",
"Speaking of Ronnie, I think recording \"Travelin' Man\" (which was never recorded in the studio anyway) with Johnny performing a duet with Ronnie's old vocal track was a stroke of genius!",
"Great idea, Rickey (it was his idea)!",
"Great rendition!",
"So I highly recommend this CD, even for old-Skynyrd diehards who scoff at any version of Skynyrd after 1977.",
"For the most part, I'm an old-Skynyrd diehard myself, but I do take exception in this CD.",
"Also, BTW, their Lyve At Steel Towne CD/DVD are also great, since the material comes from a mixture of old Skynyrd tunes and tunes from the Twenty CD.",
"Great performances, as well!"
] |
These are a MUST HAVE. At first, I wondered if these were really needed. Where they come in handy the most is when you have corners/etc that are fit snuggly/tight that just won't quite let you put 2 pieces of track together. This statement is meant in 2 ways:
1) you're trying to put 2 pieces of track together that are the same on the ends not allowing any track to fit & you need to be able to choose which type ends to have. With these, you can pick & choose which end you want anytime no matter where on the track; and,
2) if you have tracks put together that are snug & have little/no give & just barely can't put them together - these due to the blue edges give that little bend. It isn't much bend @ all & you don't see it, but it gives just enough flexibility to get track pieces together when you might not have been able to....I hope I explained this clearly. I think if you've ever been building tracks & just barely couldn't fit 2 pieces of track together b/c the pieces are wood you would know. I'm not saying this will always fix it, but it has come in handy several times & is why I've purchased several.
To be able to choose what type end you have on your track is wonderful & as my review says & numerous others reviews say - these are a MUST HAVE!
Highly recommend - 5 stars. | 2 | positive | [
"These are a MUST HAVE.",
"At first, I wondered if these were really needed.",
"Where they come in handy the most is when you have corners/etc that are fit snuggly/tight that just won't quite let you put 2 pieces of track together.",
"This statement is meant in 2 ways:\n1) you're trying to put 2 pieces of track together that are the same on the ends not allowing any track to fit & you need to be able to choose which type ends to have.",
"With these, you can pick & choose which end you want anytime no matter where on the track; and,\n2) if you have tracks put together that are snug & have little/no give & just barely can't put them together - these due to the blue edges give that little bend.",
"It isn't much bend @ all & you don't see it, but it gives just enough flexibility to get track pieces together when you might not have been able to....",
"I hope I explained this clearly.",
"I think if you've ever been building tracks & just barely couldn't fit 2 pieces of track together b/c the pieces are wood you would know.",
"I'm not saying this will always fix it, but it has come in handy several times & is why I've purchased several.",
"To be able to choose what type end you have on your track is wonderful & as my review says & numerous others reviews say - these are a MUST HAVE!",
"Highly recommend - 5 stars."
] |
Skies of Arcadia: Legends is a remake of a game with the same title for the Dreamcast. I never owned a Dreamcast, so I thought I might play it. I became quickly addicted. This is the best RPG for the GameCube.
Vyse, a Blue Rogue, fights the evil Valua Empire with the help of his friends. Yes, the story isn't very oringal. What IS orginal is the ship vs. ship battles. You start with a small ship ('Little Jack') and then later upgrade to a warship called The Delfinus. The graphics are decent, and the story keeps you interested until the end of the game. | 2 | positive | [
"Skies of Arcadia: Legends is a remake of a game with the same title for the Dreamcast.",
"I never owned a Dreamcast, so I thought I might play it.",
"I became quickly addicted.",
"This is the best RPG for the GameCube.",
"Vyse, a Blue Rogue, fights the evil Valua Empire with the help of his friends.",
"Yes, the story isn't very oringal.",
"What IS orginal is the ship vs.",
"ship battles.",
"You start with a small ship ('Little Jack') and then later upgrade to a warship called The Delfinus.",
"The graphics are decent, and the story keeps you interested until the end of the game."
] |
The Weber Smokey Joe Grill is a real performer. We are so pleased we purchased one of these. We cook a lot on the grill weather permitting. The Smokey Joe Grill fires up quick. The Smokey Joe Grill also cooks up burgers, hotdogs and steaks evenly and in short order to perfection. I really mean it. We love it. The food is ready in no time. The Smokey Joe Grill is really an efficient unit and is quite innocuous in appearance. It is quite mobile and seems to fit anywhere for use or storage. It is actually quite amazing. We have noticed that we use less charcoal, lighter fluid, save time, get better tasting food and save time on cleanup. We own two depending on how much we are going to cook. The smaller units are perfect for two people or a third or even a forth if somebody happens to stop by. | 2 | positive | [
"The Weber Smokey Joe Grill is a real performer.",
"We are so pleased we purchased one of these.",
"We cook a lot on the grill weather permitting.",
"The Smokey Joe Grill fires up quick.",
"The Smokey Joe Grill also cooks up burgers, hotdogs and steaks evenly and in short order to perfection.",
"I really mean it.",
"We love it.",
"The food is ready in no time.",
"The Smokey Joe Grill is really an efficient unit and is quite innocuous in appearance.",
"It is quite mobile and seems to fit anywhere for use or storage.",
"It is actually quite amazing.",
"We have noticed that we use less charcoal, lighter fluid, save time, get better tasting food and save time on cleanup.",
"We own two depending on how much we are going to cook.",
"The smaller units are perfect for two people or a third or even a forth if somebody happens to stop by."
] |
I've read three books by Meg Maguire (two in a row this week alone) and her alter ego Cara McKenna and if there is one thing I've noticed about her style of writing is that she has the ability to simply take two characters and tell a fabulous, emotional, heartfelt story. No real secondary characters of note to cloud the canvas, no crazy antics, just a well told story that grabs you and makes you care about her characters.
M.L. Emery was a child protg at 12, a renowned sculptor but for the past eight years by choice he has been living a quite existence and doing this thing in the picturesque countryside of Cape Breton (second book in a row with a Canadian setting. I believe Meg Maguire is secretly Canadian and I approve).
I thought Ms. Maguire did a great job of capturing Max's French essence from the cadence of his speech pattern, his expressions and his penchant for wine and bread and cheese. I could actually hear Max's French accent in my head and I definitely got iz French vibe while reading this story.
Fallon Frost is a lobbyist and environmentalist, who has agreed to suspend her life including her job for months and pose reluctantly, for a commissioned nude sculpture for a man she detests - Donald Forrester.
Max and Fallon do not start off their journey under the best of terms. These are two people who for their own reasons have entered into an uneasy working relationship to create a masterpiece. The problem at the start is that neither one of them really has their heart in the project.
I will admit when I was about 30% into the story I still had no clear vision as to why Fallon had agreed to go along with this preposterous plan to have her likeness permanently carved in stone, financed by a man infatuated with her, who she disliked immensely.
I had no such qualms as to M.L. Emery's motivation. This quirky, dark, sexy Frenchman definitely marched to the beat of his own drummer and I found his character totally intriguing. He made Fallon uncomfortable and wary of him while being tantalized and intrigued at the same time. I totally felt the same way.
I liken Max to a mad scientist. He was fascinated with capturing imperfect models in marble and in fact has numerous pieces missing limbs and body parts littering his property. Max didn't want to do the likeness of Fallon, but realized the money - $700,000 being offered by her "fianc" for his latest work of art was too good to turn down. The money would allow him to do the work he loved and not the commercial nonsense he had no tolerance for. I totally got Max's motivation.
As these two work together in close quarters, Fallon nude for the most part, Max absorbed in his work, their relationship grows and loves starts to blossom between them and when Max discovers the true reasons behind Fallon's agreeing to pose - he feels betrayed, hurt and angry that Fallon would allow his craft to be debased and herself used in that manner.
He is totally gutted. Here's an emotional passage showcasing Max's feelings:
He sighed and set he cat down, eyes caught once again by the stone shape of the woman he'd driven from this house. He stared at the sky, crisscrossed by a thousand mullions. At this moment his home looked an awful lot like a cage. Without Fallon it looked like ribs with no heart beating inside them. He rubbed that spot on his own chest, trying to ease the ache. Quietly insert my own sobs here.
My absolute favorite part of The Reluctant Nude was the epilogue. It was a wonderful and satisfying ending to a beautifully told love story wrapped up with a nice, neat bow. | 2 | positive | [
"I've read three books by Meg Maguire (two in a row this week alone) and her alter ego Cara McKenna and if there is one thing I've noticed about her style of writing is that she has the ability to simply take two characters and tell a fabulous, emotional, heartfelt story.",
"No real secondary characters of note to cloud the canvas, no crazy antics, just a well told story that grabs you and makes you care about her characters.",
"M.",
"L. Emery was a child protg at 12, a renowned sculptor but for the past eight years by choice he has been living a quite existence and doing this thing in the picturesque countryside of Cape Breton (second book in a row with a Canadian setting.",
"I believe Meg Maguire is secretly Canadian and I approve).",
"I thought Ms.",
"Maguire did a great job of capturing Max's French essence from the cadence of his speech pattern, his expressions and his penchant for wine and bread and cheese.",
"I could actually hear Max's French accent in my head and I definitely got iz French vibe while reading this story.",
"Fallon Frost is a lobbyist and environmentalist, who has agreed to suspend her life including her job for months and pose reluctantly, for a commissioned nude sculpture for a man she detests - Donald Forrester.",
"Max and Fallon do not start off their journey under the best of terms.",
"These are two people who for their own reasons have entered into an uneasy working relationship to create a masterpiece.",
"The problem at the start is that neither one of them really has their heart in the project.",
"I will admit when I was about 30% into the story I still had no clear vision as to why Fallon had agreed to go along with this preposterous plan to have her likeness permanently carved in stone, financed by a man infatuated with her, who she disliked immensely.",
"I had no such qualms as to M.",
"L. Emery's motivation.",
"This quirky, dark, sexy Frenchman definitely marched to the beat of his own drummer and I found his character totally intriguing.",
"He made Fallon uncomfortable and wary of him while being tantalized and intrigued at the same time.",
"I totally felt the same way.",
"I liken Max to a mad scientist.",
"He was fascinated with capturing imperfect models in marble and in fact has numerous pieces missing limbs and body parts littering his property.",
"Max didn't want to do the likeness of Fallon, but realized the money - $700,000 being offered by her \"fianc\" for his latest work of art was too good to turn down.",
"The money would allow him to do the work he loved and not the commercial nonsense he had no tolerance for.",
"I totally got Max's motivation.",
"As these two work together in close quarters, Fallon nude for the most part, Max absorbed in his work, their relationship grows and loves starts to blossom between them and when Max discovers the true reasons behind Fallon's agreeing to pose - he feels betrayed, hurt and angry that Fallon would allow his craft to be debased and herself used in that manner.",
"He is totally gutted.",
"Here's an emotional passage showcasing Max's feelings:\n\nHe sighed and set he cat down, eyes caught once again by the stone shape of the woman he'd driven from this house.",
"He stared at the sky, crisscrossed by a thousand mullions.",
"At this moment his home looked an awful lot like a cage.",
"Without Fallon it looked like ribs with no heart beating inside them.",
"He rubbed that spot on his own chest, trying to ease the ache.",
"Quietly insert my own sobs here.",
"My absolute favorite part of The Reluctant Nude was the epilogue.",
"It was a wonderful and satisfying ending to a beautifully told love story wrapped up with a nice, neat bow."
] |
There is a lot to like in this Hoover vacuum cleaner. First, the way it bends to get under and around things - that ability addresses the main requirement in vacuum cleaners.
Next thing is Easy Rinse Filter - that's just like a killer ap. No changing dusty bags or wondering when to change 'em. With this, you get immediate feedback as you can see the dusty junk pulled up. Seeing it makes the human brain want to get at more.
The attachment lets us reach 15 feet to get at more things. Sucks up insects, no problem. It also has a 2-in-1 cleaning tool.
All in all, it gets a lot of stars. It makes you want to take it up and down stairs - the biggest dread when using previous units.
I recommend this vacuum cleaner highly. It does a great job. | 2 | positive | [
"There is a lot to like in this Hoover vacuum cleaner.",
"First, the way it bends to get under and around things - that ability addresses the main requirement in vacuum cleaners.",
"Next thing is Easy Rinse Filter - that's just like a killer ap.",
"No changing dusty bags or wondering when to change 'em.",
"With this, you get immediate feedback as you can see the dusty junk pulled up.",
"Seeing it makes the human brain want to get at more.",
"The attachment lets us reach 15 feet to get at more things.",
"Sucks up insects, no problem.",
"It also has a 2-in-1 cleaning tool.",
"All in all, it gets a lot of stars.",
"It makes you want to take it up and down stairs - the biggest dread when using previous units.",
"I recommend this vacuum cleaner highly.",
"It does a great job."
] |
Velvet Rope is proof positive that Janet remains way ahead in the pop game. "Rope" again finds JJ combining message and pulsating rhythm in a sprawling masterwork. The dancy, upbeat "Together Again" is a reminder that the AIDS crisis remains with us. "You," "Empty" and "My Need" are thumping, beat-heavy self-examinations. Janet, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also take on an uncomfortable topic for most people - homosexuality - in "Free Zone." The irresistable, jazz-inflected groove has one ultimate message: Free your mind, and let people be who they are. My favorite track, "Got 'Til Its Gone," places deft Joni Mitchell samples and a Q-Tip rap over an intoxicating bass groove. The ballads - "I Get Lonely" and "Every Time" rank with "Again", "Lets Wait a While" and "Any Time, Any Place." The album also has a Black Cat-like rocker - What About - that tells of the story of a physically abusive relationship. The Velvet Rope takes all residents of the Rhythm Nation along on Janet's continuing journey. | 2 | positive | [
"Velvet Rope is proof positive that Janet remains way ahead in the pop game.",
"\"Rope\" again finds JJ combining message and pulsating rhythm in a sprawling masterwork.",
"The dancy, upbeat \"Together Again\" is a reminder that the AIDS crisis remains with us.",
"\"You,\" \"Empty\" and \"My Need\" are thumping, beat-heavy self-examinations.",
"Janet, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also take on an uncomfortable topic for most people - homosexuality - in \"Free Zone.",
"\" The irresistable, jazz-inflected groove has one ultimate message: Free your mind, and let people be who they are.",
"My favorite track, \"Got 'Til Its Gone,\" places deft Joni Mitchell samples and a Q-Tip rap over an intoxicating bass groove.",
"The ballads - \"I Get Lonely\" and \"Every Time\" rank with \"Again\", \"Lets Wait a While\" and \"Any Time, Any Place.",
"\" The album also has a Black Cat-like rocker - What About - that tells of the story of a physically abusive relationship.",
"The Velvet Rope takes all residents of the Rhythm Nation along on Janet's continuing journey."
] |
Betsy DeVos apparently âconfusedâ about federal law protecting students with disabilities
Betsy DeVos Donald Trump's nominee for education secretary appeared before senators at her confirmation hearing on Jan. 17 but some of her responses created more questions than they answered. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)
Betsy DeVos displayed at best confusion and at worst a lack of knowledge about a key federal law involving students with disabilities during her Tuesday confirmation hearing before a Senate panel that will vote on whether she should become President-elect Donald Trumpâs education secretary.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) asked DeVos about the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which requires public schools to provide children with disabilities a âfree appropriate public educationâ and governs how states and public agencies provide various services to millions of students.
Kaine asked her if she believes that all schools that receive federal funding â whether public public charter or private â should be required to meet the requirements of IDEA.
She responded: âI think they already are.â
DeVos said: âI think that is a matter that is best left to the states.â
Devos repeated: âI think thatâs an issue thatâs best left to the states.â
DeVos began speaking about a Florida voucher program for students with disabilities that requires students to sign away their IDEA due process rights.
DeVos said: âI think that is certainly worth discussion.â
[Six astonishing things Betsy DeVos said â and refused to say â at her confirmation hearing]
Accompanied by Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and former Senator Joe Lieberman President-elect Donald Trumpâs nominee for Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos appears before the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee for her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill Tuesday Jan. 17 2017. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post)
Near the end of the hearing Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) returned to the issue telling DeVos that IDEA is a federal civil rights law and noting that federal law must be followed. She asked DeVos if she stood by her statement that it was up to the states to follow it and DeVos responded âFederal law must be followed where federal dollars are in play.â
DeVos responded âI may have confused it.â
( DeVos may have confused IDEA? With what exactly?)
Hassan then explained to DeVos what IDEA actually guarantees to students with disabilities and urged her to learn about it saying she was âconcernedâ that DeVos was unfamiliar with it. DeVos responded that if she is confirmed as education secretary she would be âvery sensitiveâ to the needs of special needs students.
What we learned about Betsy DeVos âs higher education positions | 2 | positive | [
"Betsy DeVos apparently âconfusedâ about federal law protecting students with disabilities\nBetsy DeVos Donald Trump's nominee for education secretary appeared before senators at her confirmation hearing on Jan.",
"17 but some of her responses created more questions than they answered.",
"(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)\n Betsy DeVos displayed at best confusion and at worst a lack of knowledge about a key federal law involving students with disabilities during her Tuesday confirmation hearing before a Senate panel that will vote on whether she should become President-elect Donald Trumpâs education secretary.",
"Sen.",
"Tim Kaine (D-Va.",
") asked DeVos about the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which requires public schools to provide children with disabilities a âfree appropriate public educationâ and governs how states and public agencies provide various services to millions of students.",
"Kaine asked her if she believes that all schools that receive federal funding â whether public public charter or private â should be required to meet the requirements of IDEA.",
"She responded: âI think they already are.",
"â\n DeVos said: âI think that is a matter that is best left to the states.",
"â\n Devos repeated: âI think thatâs an issue thatâs best left to the states.",
"â\n DeVos began speaking about a Florida voucher program for students with disabilities that requires students to sign away their IDEA due process rights.",
"DeVos said: âI think that is certainly worth discussion.",
"â\n[Six astonishing things Betsy DeVos said â and refused to say â at her confirmation hearing]\nAccompanied by Sen.",
"Tim Scott (R-S.",
"C.) and former Senator Joe Lieberman President-elect Donald Trumpâs nominee for Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos appears before the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee for her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill Tuesday Jan.",
"17 2017.",
"(Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post)\nNear the end of the hearing Sen.",
"Maggie Hassan (D-N.",
"H.) returned to the issue telling DeVos that IDEA is a federal civil rights law and noting that federal law must be followed.",
"She asked DeVos if she stood by her statement that it was up to the states to follow it and DeVos responded âFederal law must be followed where federal dollars are in play.",
"â\n DeVos responded âI may have confused it.",
"â\n( DeVos may have confused IDEA?",
"With what exactly?",
")\nHassan then explained to DeVos what IDEA actually guarantees to students with disabilities and urged her to learn about it saying she was âconcernedâ that DeVos was unfamiliar with it.",
"DeVos responded that if she is confirmed as education secretary she would be âvery sensitiveâ to the needs of special needs students.",
"What we learned about Betsy DeVos âs higher education positions"
] |
This is a great face cream. It goes on light and non-greasy. I can feel it on my skin, however. What I like about this cream is how well it held my powder foundation. I live in a hot and humid climate. Just stepping outside will cause me to break into a sweat. I pat my face dry with a cloth and very little powder came off. There are days when wearing makeup is a total waste of time. This is a big help with keeping my color on. At the end of the day, I do not feel sticky. A little of this goes a long way. One or two pumps gives me more than enough to cover my face and throat. Too bad that it is a tad bit expensive for my budget. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a great face cream.",
"It goes on light and non-greasy.",
"I can feel it on my skin, however.",
"What I like about this cream is how well it held my powder foundation.",
"I live in a hot and humid climate.",
"Just stepping outside will cause me to break into a sweat.",
"I pat my face dry with a cloth and very little powder came off.",
"There are days when wearing makeup is a total waste of time.",
"This is a big help with keeping my color on.",
"At the end of the day, I do not feel sticky.",
"A little of this goes a long way.",
"One or two pumps gives me more than enough to cover my face and throat.",
"Too bad that it is a tad bit expensive for my budget."
] |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.