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Mirror polish, what is not to love. It was either this one or the red one to be like the movie "Office Space." But I'm happy with the chrome, it looks very retro. It is heavy. I can tell the plating is solid, and that after many years of use a light polish will get it looking like new. I expect this to last many decades. The spring loader is quite strong. It is made just as solid as the ones I have from the 70s. The staple assist models of other brands that can go through 70 sheets in my experience misfire significantly more than this, and I do dozens of staples daily in my paper pushing county gov. job. When in doubt go with ol' trusty! There is a 747 in every office for a reason! | 2 | positive | [
"Mirror polish, what is not to love.",
"It was either this one or the red one to be like the movie \"Office Space.",
"\" But I'm happy with the chrome, it looks very retro.",
"It is heavy.",
"I can tell the plating is solid, and that after many years of use a light polish will get it looking like new.",
"I expect this to last many decades.",
"The spring loader is quite strong.",
"It is made just as solid as the ones I have from the 70s.",
"The staple assist models of other brands that can go through 70 sheets in my experience misfire significantly more than this, and I do dozens of staples daily in my paper pushing county gov.",
"job.",
"When in doubt go with ol' trusty!",
"There is a 747 in every office for a reason!"
] |
I play mainly heavy, fast paced metal on an 8 string with 10's tuned to standard, so I have an enormous amount of tention on the strings. I burn through a Jim Dunlop nylon pick in one sitting every time, and at times would have to grab a fresh one in a single sitting. It is absolutely not the case for these. These picks take all of the abuse I can lay on them. Session after session, I'm on the same pick.
The "Bad"
1. You have to make your own grip if you need one, which you probably will. They don't slip out as easily as say, a Fender plastic pick, but nontheless will move around if you're being harsh on it.
2. As other reviewers have said, they most certainly run quite heavy. So go a size down from what you want, trust me. | 2 | positive | [
"I play mainly heavy, fast paced metal on an 8 string with 10's tuned to standard, so I have an enormous amount of tention on the strings.",
"I burn through a Jim Dunlop nylon pick in one sitting every time, and at times would have to grab a fresh one in a single sitting.",
"It is absolutely not the case for these.",
"These picks take all of the abuse I can lay on them.",
"Session after session, I'm on the same pick.",
"The \"Bad\"\n1.",
"You have to make your own grip if you need one, which you probably will.",
"They don't slip out as easily as say, a Fender plastic pick, but nontheless will move around if you're being harsh on it.",
"2.",
"As other reviewers have said, they most certainly run quite heavy.",
"So go a size down from what you want, trust me."
] |
NOTE:THIS WILL WORK ON 360!
Halo has everything a game should need. Awesome story, responsive controls, great graphics, and an awesome main character who kicks (bad word) and takes names.
STORY:
You are Spartan-117, a lone Spartan(all the others were killed) created for war. You are aboard the marine flagship the Pillar of Autumn. The ship is boardered by the Covenant, a race of aliens bent on the destruction of the human race and Earth. You are awoken from a cyro-chamber and ordered to report to Captain Keyes. He gives you the ship's A.I. and tells you to find an escape pod. The game is picked up from there.
GRAPHICS:
Nothing short of amazing. Detailed environments, detailed weopons, human and Covenant designs, vehicle designs, and cinematic scenes all blow you away.
SOUND:
From the music(which will at least give you goosebumps) to the sound of death and guns everywhere, the sound was phenominally done. Voices are incredible and the death screams for humans and Covenant are both realistic and satisfying. The vehicles sound great as well.
GAMEPLAY:
The gameplay flows realisticly. You can only carry two guns at a time and there is no alt. fire for weapons. You can melee when the Covenant get up in your grill and try to kill you. You can jump, crouch, fly, drive, shoot, run, and blast your way to victory. Each of the 10 levels(except the first)is at least an hour long but the ability to save last checkpoint and exit is a lifesaver. Checkpoints appear frequntly which is good and are placed very well.
Now go out and buy the game for yourself. It won't dissapoint. | 2 | positive | [
"NOTE:THIS WILL WORK ON 360!",
"Halo has everything a game should need.",
"Awesome story, responsive controls, great graphics, and an awesome main character who kicks (bad word) and takes names.",
"STORY:\nYou are Spartan-117, a lone Spartan(all the others were killed) created for war.",
"You are aboard the marine flagship the Pillar of Autumn.",
"The ship is boardered by the Covenant, a race of aliens bent on the destruction of the human race and Earth.",
"You are awoken from a cyro-chamber and ordered to report to Captain Keyes.",
"He gives you the ship's A.",
"I. and tells you to find an escape pod.",
"The game is picked up from there.",
"GRAPHICS:\nNothing short of amazing.",
"Detailed environments, detailed weopons, human and Covenant designs, vehicle designs, and cinematic scenes all blow you away.",
"SOUND:\nFrom the music(which will at least give you goosebumps) to the sound of death and guns everywhere, the sound was phenominally done.",
"Voices are incredible and the death screams for humans and Covenant are both realistic and satisfying.",
"The vehicles sound great as well.",
"GAMEPLAY:\nThe gameplay flows realisticly.",
"You can only carry two guns at a time and there is no alt.",
"fire for weapons.",
"You can melee when the Covenant get up in your grill and try to kill you.",
"You can jump, crouch, fly, drive, shoot, run, and blast your way to victory.",
"Each of the 10 levels(except the first)is at least an hour long but the ability to save last checkpoint and exit is a lifesaver.",
"Checkpoints appear frequntly which is good and are placed very well.",
"Now go out and buy the game for yourself.",
"It won't dissapoint."
] |
Shakespeare's age was the high renaissance in England. Most of the plays were performed at the Globe. The date of the writing and the first performance of RICHARD II is 1592. Richard has two roles. They are God's deputy and Adam's heir.
A Machiavellian conflict between the king and his usurper is set forth in the play. Richard exiles Mowbray and Bolingbroke. John of Gaunt is sick and England is sick. England is subject to misrule by Richard, Gaunt asserts.
Following the death of John of Gaunt, traitors, so-called, appear. Many of the nobles in the kingdom go over to the side of Bolingbroke, (Gaunt's son, also known as Henry IV).
It is Act III and Richard lands in Wales. His rule still shows outward splendor. When he learns of Bolingbroke's advance, he loses his air of authority. Richard learns that his uncle, the Duke of York, has joined with Bolingbroke's forces.
Bolingbroke seeks to have his banishment reversed and his lands restored. (At first he did not seek a complete regime shift.) Richard is imprisoned at Pomfret Castle. His queen is sent to France. Sir Pierce Exton slays Richard. | 2 | positive | [
"Shakespeare's age was the high renaissance in England.",
"Most of the plays were performed at the Globe.",
"The date of the writing and the first performance of RICHARD II is 1592.",
"Richard has two roles.",
"They are God's deputy and Adam's heir.",
"A Machiavellian conflict between the king and his usurper is set forth in the play.",
"Richard exiles Mowbray and Bolingbroke.",
"John of Gaunt is sick and England is sick.",
"England is subject to misrule by Richard, Gaunt asserts.",
"Following the death of John of Gaunt, traitors, so-called, appear.",
"Many of the nobles in the kingdom go over to the side of Bolingbroke, (Gaunt's son, also known as Henry IV).",
"It is Act III and Richard lands in Wales.",
"His rule still shows outward splendor.",
"When he learns of Bolingbroke's advance, he loses his air of authority.",
"Richard learns that his uncle, the Duke of York, has joined with Bolingbroke's forces.",
"Bolingbroke seeks to have his banishment reversed and his lands restored.",
"(At first he did not seek a complete regime shift.",
") Richard is imprisoned at Pomfret Castle.",
"His queen is sent to France.",
"Sir Pierce Exton slays Richard."
] |
To be honest, this Mountain House Chicken Teriyaki is pretty good. However, I'm accustomed to teriyaki chicken being a little different. I prefer it as grilled chicken with onions and pineapple over steamed white rice. But there are many ways to make a teriyaki dish. This is not to say that this chicken teriyaki is bad, far from it. I enjoyed it.
This dish comes with rice, and chicken that's not been grilled. It doesn't have pineapple, but does have peas, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. All of which I like in this dish. The teriyaki sauce is worked through the dish, but that's unavoidable considering it's been freeze-dried. The flavor of their teriyaki is appropriate, not bad but not the best sauce I've tasted. I'd say the flavor is good.
I recommend this chicken teriyaki.
The pouch --
Like some other brands I've tried, this one comes in a pouch. The pouch design deserves to be discussed too. The idea in these pouches of freeze-dried food is that they're easy to carry in a backpack, without refrigeration, and that they have a long shelf life. So the pouch design plays its role in this.
The pouch is made of thick strong material. It has an aluminized interior surface, which is excellent for trapping the heat (or cold if called for). It's thermal insulation. This helps keep the food at the right temperature for longer.
The pouch also has a zip-lock top so it can be sealed to trap the steam, allowing the food to be thoroughly re-hydrated.
The bottom of the pouch is pleated, with the sides going straight down, which makes it very stable as it stands upright. This is important to help with pouring in the water and stirring without knocking over. Because of the thickness of the material when you expand the bottom to make it stand upright it helps the top stay wide open too. With just one hand the water can be poured in, the opening is wide enough. | 2 | positive | [
"To be honest, this Mountain House Chicken Teriyaki is pretty good.",
"However, I'm accustomed to teriyaki chicken being a little different.",
"I prefer it as grilled chicken with onions and pineapple over steamed white rice.",
"But there are many ways to make a teriyaki dish.",
"This is not to say that this chicken teriyaki is bad, far from it.",
"I enjoyed it.",
"This dish comes with rice, and chicken that's not been grilled.",
"It doesn't have pineapple, but does have peas, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions.",
"All of which I like in this dish.",
"The teriyaki sauce is worked through the dish, but that's unavoidable considering it's been freeze-dried.",
"The flavor of their teriyaki is appropriate, not bad but not the best sauce I've tasted.",
"I'd say the flavor is good.",
"I recommend this chicken teriyaki.",
"The pouch --\nLike some other brands I've tried, this one comes in a pouch.",
"The pouch design deserves to be discussed too.",
"The idea in these pouches of freeze-dried food is that they're easy to carry in a backpack, without refrigeration, and that they have a long shelf life.",
"So the pouch design plays its role in this.",
"The pouch is made of thick strong material.",
"It has an aluminized interior surface, which is excellent for trapping the heat (or cold if called for).",
"It's thermal insulation.",
"This helps keep the food at the right temperature for longer.",
"The pouch also has a zip-lock top so it can be sealed to trap the steam, allowing the food to be thoroughly re-hydrated.",
"The bottom of the pouch is pleated, with the sides going straight down, which makes it very stable as it stands upright.",
"This is important to help with pouring in the water and stirring without knocking over.",
"Because of the thickness of the material when you expand the bottom to make it stand upright it helps the top stay wide open too.",
"With just one hand the water can be poured in, the opening is wide enough."
] |
Alaska oil companies settle dispute over Trans
The settlement was filed Friday with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) said Chief Alaska Attorney General John Ptacin . It is subject to FERC and RCA approval which state officials hope will happen by next spring he said.
The settlement resolves multiple disputes over the time period. “There’s about 40 rate cases. We’re settling all of those cases in this settlement agreement ” Ptacin said.
The state argued that the owner companies botched the project and added costs that should not be used to reduce the value of North Slope crude or the revenues derived from that crude. The state prevailed on that point Ptacin said.
Disputes also concerned property taxes and how they would be treated in the tariff calculations he said.
Also parties to the settlement are Anadarko Tesoro Flint Hills and Petro Star Inc. which shipped oil through the pipeline but held no ownership shares. Those companies generally sided with the state in the tariff disputes Ptacin said. | 2 | positive | [
"Alaska oil companies settle dispute over Trans\nThe settlement was filed Friday with the U.",
"S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) said Chief Alaska Attorney General John Ptacin.",
"It is subject to FERC and RCA approval which state officials hope will happen by next spring he said.",
"The settlement resolves multiple disputes over the time period.",
"“There’s about 40 rate cases.",
"We’re settling all of those cases in this settlement agreement ” Ptacin said.",
"The state argued that the owner companies botched the project and added costs that should not be used to reduce the value of North Slope crude or the revenues derived from that crude.",
"The state prevailed on that point Ptacin said.",
"Disputes also concerned property taxes and how they would be treated in the tariff calculations he said.",
"Also parties to the settlement are Anadarko Tesoro Flint Hills and Petro Star Inc.",
"which shipped oil through the pipeline but held no ownership shares.",
"Those companies generally sided with the state in the tariff disputes Ptacin said."
] |
I have used several Pevonia products for over 15 years and have always been happy with the results on my now 64 year old face and neck/chest area. I also get compliments on my skin as well, including how good I smell during hugs and I don't wear perfume. I added this C complex with oxyzomes about a year or so ago on a more regular basis. I use to only use it in the summer after being in the sun a lot. Now that I use it daily, I can tell a marked improvement in my skin, including smaller pores, softer skin and a more even tone. I highly recommend it for use after Pevonia's 'lotion'/toner. I also very much appreciate Amazon's prices.
Update 7.29.17: I started getting several non acne tiny bumbs on my forehead so discontinued using the C complexe only on my forehead as I wasn't getting them anywhere else & could only attribute the bumps to having added this on a regular basis. After only two days of discontinuing this, the bumps went away. I thought it only fair to share this in case you too have ultra sensitive skin. I'm still using it everywhere else, as I still believe in the product; just that my forehead doesn't. I've gone back to the Pevonia DNA for my forehead pores. | 2 | positive | [
"I have used several Pevonia products for over 15 years and have always been happy with the results on my now 64 year old face and neck/chest area.",
"I also get compliments on my skin as well, including how good I smell during hugs and I don't wear perfume.",
"I added this C complex with oxyzomes about a year or so ago on a more regular basis.",
"I use to only use it in the summer after being in the sun a lot.",
"Now that I use it daily, I can tell a marked improvement in my skin, including smaller pores, softer skin and a more even tone.",
"I highly recommend it for use after Pevonia's 'lotion'/toner.",
"I also very much appreciate Amazon's prices.",
"Update 7.",
"29.",
"17: I started getting several non acne tiny bumbs on my forehead so discontinued using the C complexe only on my forehead as I wasn't getting them anywhere else & could only attribute the bumps to having added this on a regular basis.",
"After only two days of discontinuing this, the bumps went away.",
"I thought it only fair to share this in case you too have ultra sensitive skin.",
"I'm still using it everywhere else, as I still believe in the product; just that my forehead doesn't.",
"I've gone back to the Pevonia DNA for my forehead pores."
] |
Although I had no interest in screwdrivers and screws when I started this book, the text provided a pleasant reading experience and I learned more than I thought I would. All in all, it was well worth the time spent. I think you will feel that way too, unless you have no interest at all in mechanical devices and the process of innovation. My favorite parts related to the innovations.
This book is composed of equal parts (1) why the author chose the screwdriver as the tool of the millennium for his article in the Sunday New York Times Magazine (2) where you have to go to find out about screwdrivers from the past (3) how he developed the information for this history of the screwdriver and screws and (4) the geniuses who developed the key advances in the technology of these useful devices. The style is a bit rambling, much like what would happen if you were chatting about the subject over a barbecue in the back yard with plenty of time on your hands. I can assure you this must be the most complete and authoritative book about screwdrivers and screws ever, especially since the author points out the virtual absence of any prior material turning up in his research.
Let me summarize the key areas. He picked the screwdriver as the tool of the millennium not because he thought of it, but because his wife told him that it was the one tool that she always kept around. After having gone through his own tool kit, he had not even thought of the screwdriver.
The first place where much shows up on the screwdriver in older texts is Diderot's Encyclopedia. In those days screwdrivers were called turnscrews.
To get a flavor of the screwdriver in the middle ages, when it seems to have appeared, you have to look into armor and early guns.
The screw goes back much further, showing up in useful form for Archimedes in Greek times as a way to raise water.
Screws later played many other important roles, especially in presses (including, of course, printing presses).
Lathes turned out (pun intended) to be an important related technology for making screws precise and consistent.
I learned about some interesting related technologies, including Greek mechanical devices with gears for calculating the orbits of heavenly bodies.
Then, we finally get down to gears and the development of improved lathes and the Robertson and Phillips screw heads. He prefers the Robertson (which I had never heard of before) which uses a socket top to screw in and remove screws.
At the end is a nice set of illustrations along with a glossary of tools.
This book is probably going to be a classic Father's Day gift for decades, along with a Robertson screwdriver, socket set, and screws.
Overcome your misconception that you know all you need to know about screwdrivers. You'll be pleasantly surprised by this gentle and unassuming book.
When you are done, pick something else you think you probably know enough about and search around to find a good book on that topic as well to expand your own knowledge further. Keep doing that, and some wonderful learning awaits you!
Donald Mitchell (donmitch@irresistibleforces.com) | 2 | positive | [
"Although I had no interest in screwdrivers and screws when I started this book, the text provided a pleasant reading experience and I learned more than I thought I would.",
"All in all, it was well worth the time spent.",
"I think you will feel that way too, unless you have no interest at all in mechanical devices and the process of innovation.",
"My favorite parts related to the innovations.",
"This book is composed of equal parts (1) why the author chose the screwdriver as the tool of the millennium for his article in the Sunday New York Times Magazine (2) where you have to go to find out about screwdrivers from the past (3) how he developed the information for this history of the screwdriver and screws and (4) the geniuses who developed the key advances in the technology of these useful devices.",
"The style is a bit rambling, much like what would happen if you were chatting about the subject over a barbecue in the back yard with plenty of time on your hands.",
"I can assure you this must be the most complete and authoritative book about screwdrivers and screws ever, especially since the author points out the virtual absence of any prior material turning up in his research.",
"Let me summarize the key areas.",
"He picked the screwdriver as the tool of the millennium not because he thought of it, but because his wife told him that it was the one tool that she always kept around.",
"After having gone through his own tool kit, he had not even thought of the screwdriver.",
"The first place where much shows up on the screwdriver in older texts is Diderot's Encyclopedia.",
"In those days screwdrivers were called turnscrews.",
"To get a flavor of the screwdriver in the middle ages, when it seems to have appeared, you have to look into armor and early guns.",
"The screw goes back much further, showing up in useful form for Archimedes in Greek times as a way to raise water.",
"Screws later played many other important roles, especially in presses (including, of course, printing presses).",
"Lathes turned out (pun intended) to be an important related technology for making screws precise and consistent.",
"I learned about some interesting related technologies, including Greek mechanical devices with gears for calculating the orbits of heavenly bodies.",
"Then, we finally get down to gears and the development of improved lathes and the Robertson and Phillips screw heads.",
"He prefers the Robertson (which I had never heard of before) which uses a socket top to screw in and remove screws.",
"At the end is a nice set of illustrations along with a glossary of tools.",
"This book is probably going to be a classic Father's Day gift for decades, along with a Robertson screwdriver, socket set, and screws.",
"Overcome your misconception that you know all you need to know about screwdrivers.",
"You'll be pleasantly surprised by this gentle and unassuming book.",
"When you are done, pick something else you think you probably know enough about and search around to find a good book on that topic as well to expand your own knowledge further.",
"Keep doing that, and some wonderful learning awaits you!",
"Donald Mitchell (donmitch@irresistibleforces.",
"com)"
] |
These are definitely a Fine Point markers, but they bleed through. Unfortunately my puppy got ahold of one of markers so I am down to 11 of a 12 pack. As long as I only plan to use the front page of a paper this marker is okay. But if I need to use the back page I'm out of luck. I'm using it now on the back of my Papermate Flair review & it is bleeding through and obscuring some of the things I've written.
I like the Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker, but it is impractical especially in filling out a form, or any other action that requires it not to bleed through to the back of the page. Also something very Annoying is how Difficult it is to take the Cap off each of these markers and even to press the cap down so that it is completely closed. This is important if you have arthritis or nerve damage in your hand.
If you are a Sharpie person you'll really like it - just be aware of the cap removal difficulty & bleeding through. I won't be buying them again after I use the pack of 12. But if I ever get to a point where I only need to use the front page of a notebook then I'd certainly consider these markers. | 2 | positive | [
"These are definitely a Fine Point markers, but they bleed through.",
"Unfortunately my puppy got ahold of one of markers so I am down to 11 of a 12 pack.",
"As long as I only plan to use the front page of a paper this marker is okay.",
"But if I need to use the back page I'm out of luck.",
"I'm using it now on the back of my Papermate Flair review & it is bleeding through and obscuring some of the things I've written.",
"I like the Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker, but it is impractical especially in filling out a form, or any other action that requires it not to bleed through to the back of the page.",
"Also something very Annoying is how Difficult it is to take the Cap off each of these markers and even to press the cap down so that it is completely closed.",
"This is important if you have arthritis or nerve damage in your hand.",
"If you are a Sharpie person you'll really like it - just be aware of the cap removal difficulty & bleeding through.",
"I won't be buying them again after I use the pack of 12.",
"But if I ever get to a point where I only need to use the front page of a notebook then I'd certainly consider these markers."
] |
The Fifth Season of Star Trek Deep Space Nine broke all the records for me. After stumbling a bit thru the first two seasons it really caught on by Season Three and Four.
I will list my Baker's Dozen best episodes from start to finish with some honorable mentions as well. These episodes will be listed in order of appearance. This will make things easier for the DVD viewer. As of this writing I will be the 376th person to review this fine series.
Baker's Dozen Best Season Five Episodes
"Apocalypse Rising" takes off from the series finale of Season Four. Odo and crew go after a Changeling that they believe is Gowron. Or is he? I liked "Looking For Parmach In All the Wrong Places." It reintroduces Grilka and she and Quark consummate their relationship, much to the chagrin of Worf. The relationship Dax has with Worf is finally consummated too. This episode had bits of comedy and comic relief in it. "Nor the Battle to the Strong" may well have been one of the four or five best of the season. It showed how Jake dealt with and confronted his fears when facing his own mortality. An absolute gem! "Trials & Tribbleations" was a technological masterpiece. I never saw it when it was originally broadcast but did see it as a rerun and was astounded by what was achieved on Star Trek's 30th anniversary. This year is the 50th anniversary of Star Trek and all I can say is: Wow! We have come so far with our technologies! It all looked so real. "The Ascent" looks at first to be another "crash landing" episode but this gives us so much more character background for Quark and Odo's love-hate relationship they have for one another. "Rapture" is the episode that Doctor Bashir has been replaced by a Changeling. This is the episode where they switched over to the new (Ugly) uniforms from the previous ones (More On That Later). I greatly liked "Rapture" and found it to be of great interest. Captain Sisko too (As Regards Bajoran Artifacts) is an archaeologist (As Is Captain Picard). "The Darkness & the Light" was an incredible episode and very dark for Star Trek. How could the Cardassian kill so many people from light year(s) away from DS9? That aspect of the plot was lacking but not the actual acting by Nana Visitor. She was incredible in this episode. seeing her friends die was difficult for me to accept as I'd grown to love them. "For the Uniform" was an incredible episode and one that I could not really find myself agreeing with Sisko as I truly supported the Maquis who were oppressed people. I did not look at them as "terrorists" but freedom fighters. The two part story called: "In Purgatory's Shadow" and "By Inferno's Light" were absolutely incredible! The two episodes complimented each other perfectly. They may well have been the best two part episodes in the Star Trek franchise! "Blaze of Glory" and "Call to Arms" round out my Baker's Dozen Best Season Five Episodes. The former episode allows Michael Eddington to be redeemed. although I never really felt he was "bad" to begin with. He saved Sisko's life along with others of DS9 and served capably until he chose to defect to the Maquis along with the industrial replicators. It turned out it was a blessing in disguise that he did that. Had he not done so they would have fallen into the hands of cardassians and their overlords the Dominion! They should have pointed that out in the show. Call to Arms was the best episode of the season! A tremendous Season Finale that was DS9's best. The final shot of the Defiant and General Martok's Bird of Prey joining the combined Klingon and Federation fleet is one of the greatest special effects shots I've ever seen! The battle fleet was enormous! All kinds of vessels were there including the Galaxy Class starships we all truly loved from The Next Generation.
Why the new and ugly uniforms? It made no sense! Yes, I know the movie had them change for some reason but there was no need for the producers to adopt the new "film uniforms" for Star Trek Deep Space Nine. I hated the darker colors and really loved the red and blue and gold. Unfortunately they took that to another level. I'll never agree with that switch.
The worst episodes? I'll name them without going into too much detail. "Ferengi Love Songs" "The Begotten" and "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" were horrible. The latter being the worst of the bunch. Everything about it seemed to be contrived to "out" Julian. No, I can't subscribe to that episode. I'm the 282nd person to give Season Five a Five Star review. Buy this DVD set and you won't be disappointed. | 2 | positive | [
"The Fifth Season of Star Trek Deep Space Nine broke all the records for me.",
"After stumbling a bit thru the first two seasons it really caught on by Season Three and Four.",
"I will list my Baker's Dozen best episodes from start to finish with some honorable mentions as well.",
"These episodes will be listed in order of appearance.",
"This will make things easier for the DVD viewer.",
"As of this writing I will be the 376th person to review this fine series.",
"Baker's Dozen Best Season Five Episodes\n\"Apocalypse Rising\" takes off from the series finale of Season Four.",
"Odo and crew go after a Changeling that they believe is Gowron.",
"Or is he?",
"I liked \"Looking For Parmach In All the Wrong Places.",
"\" It reintroduces Grilka and she and Quark consummate their relationship, much to the chagrin of Worf.",
"The relationship Dax has with Worf is finally consummated too.",
"This episode had bits of comedy and comic relief in it.",
"\"Nor the Battle to the Strong\" may well have been one of the four or five best of the season.",
"It showed how Jake dealt with and confronted his fears when facing his own mortality.",
"An absolute gem!",
"\"Trials & Tribbleations\" was a technological masterpiece.",
"I never saw it when it was originally broadcast but did see it as a rerun and was astounded by what was achieved on Star Trek's 30th anniversary.",
"This year is the 50th anniversary of Star Trek and all I can say is: Wow!",
"We have come so far with our technologies!",
"It all looked so real.",
"\"The Ascent\" looks at first to be another \"crash landing\" episode but this gives us so much more character background for Quark and Odo's love-hate relationship they have for one another.",
"\"Rapture\" is the episode that Doctor Bashir has been replaced by a Changeling.",
"This is the episode where they switched over to the new (Ugly) uniforms from the previous ones (More On That Later).",
"I greatly liked \"Rapture\" and found it to be of great interest.",
"Captain Sisko too (As Regards Bajoran Artifacts) is an archaeologist (As Is Captain Picard).",
"\"The Darkness & the Light\" was an incredible episode and very dark for Star Trek.",
"How could the Cardassian kill so many people from light year(s) away from DS9?",
"That aspect of the plot was lacking but not the actual acting by Nana Visitor.",
"She was incredible in this episode.",
"seeing her friends die was difficult for me to accept as I'd grown to love them.",
"\"For the Uniform\" was an incredible episode and one that I could not really find myself agreeing with Sisko as I truly supported the Maquis who were oppressed people.",
"I did not look at them as \"terrorists\" but freedom fighters.",
"The two part story called: \"In Purgatory's Shadow\" and \"By Inferno's Light\" were absolutely incredible!",
"The two episodes complimented each other perfectly.",
"They may well have been the best two part episodes in the Star Trek franchise!",
"\"Blaze of Glory\" and \"Call to Arms\" round out my Baker's Dozen Best Season Five Episodes.",
"The former episode allows Michael Eddington to be redeemed.",
"although I never really felt he was \"bad\" to begin with.",
"He saved Sisko's life along with others of DS9 and served capably until he chose to defect to the Maquis along with the industrial replicators.",
"It turned out it was a blessing in disguise that he did that.",
"Had he not done so they would have fallen into the hands of cardassians and their overlords the Dominion!",
"They should have pointed that out in the show.",
"Call to Arms was the best episode of the season!",
"A tremendous Season Finale that was DS9's best.",
"The final shot of the Defiant and General Martok's Bird of Prey joining the combined Klingon and Federation fleet is one of the greatest special effects shots I've ever seen!",
"The battle fleet was enormous!",
"All kinds of vessels were there including the Galaxy Class starships we all truly loved from The Next Generation.",
"Why the new and ugly uniforms?",
"It made no sense!",
"Yes, I know the movie had them change for some reason but there was no need for the producers to adopt the new \"film uniforms\" for Star Trek Deep Space Nine.",
"I hated the darker colors and really loved the red and blue and gold.",
"Unfortunately they took that to another level.",
"I'll never agree with that switch.",
"The worst episodes?",
"I'll name them without going into too much detail.",
"\"Ferengi Love Songs\" \"The Begotten\" and \"Doctor Bashir, I Presume?",
"\" were horrible.",
"The latter being the worst of the bunch.",
"Everything about it seemed to be contrived to \"out\" Julian.",
"No, I can't subscribe to that episode.",
"I'm the 282nd person to give Season Five a Five Star review.",
"Buy this DVD set and you won't be disappointed."
] |
Mortal Kombat has fixed a lot of problems with their latest release, Mortal Kombat Armageddon. There are trillions of characters and some fun mini-games too.
The basic plot - as if this blood-drenched game really needed a plot - is that the Gods are sick of all the fighting going on. They send their two sons down to try to get things under control. In the meantime, there's a gigantic pyramid in which the various Kombatants can duke it out to see who reins supreme.
There are many ways to play in Mortal Kombat Armageddon. There is a story mode where you do have a plot - you walk along paths in jungles, explore spaceships, have random fights as you go, gathering up coins and treasures. In arcade mode, you have instant access to about 60 different characters in a series of fights. If you get stuck with one character, you can try again with a new one.
The characters are drawn from all of the Mortal Kombat games. Some only showed up briefly in previous games. If you've been following up on the Mortal Kombat saga, you'll see all sorts of references to previous situations and feuds.
All the coins you earn in the various stages can be used to unlock items - new skills, new outfits, and more. They actually tell you what you're going to unlock, too! That's a nice change. Also, there's only one type of coin - so everything you earn goes into one bank account for you to spend however you wish.
There is a REALLY cool character creating system where you can set up a character, male or female, with exactly the hair, eyes, body shape and costume you want. The tweaking is pretty impressive with eye color, nose shape and more. You expect this level of detail from a RPG - but from a fighting game it's a great bonus.
Speaking of bonusses, if you like games like Super Bombad Racing, you're in for a treat. They include an entire racing game as a bonus, with little cartooney versions of Mortal Kombat characters zipping around on a track.
Are there downsides to the game? Well, while the arenas you fight in are destructable, have the ability to go from one area to the other and have interactive items, they are not as "lushly gorgeous" as a few other XBox fighting games.
Also, while it's pretty tame now compared to other mature games, it's worth noting that Mortal Kombat is very bloody. When this series first came out, a lot of people were in an uproar over it. Now the blood spurting out seems almost normal. Still, not a game for little kids.
It also seems a bit silly that you have fully detailed cinematics - sometimes VERY long cinematics - setting up situations ... but when you end an important battle you often get a text message saying "And then [insert important boss name here] decided to stop fighting and run away". It's a bit anticlimactic.
Still, these are minor complaints in a game that is really quite stellar. They let you play tons of characters right from the beginning, so you can easily get to your favorites. They have a ton of things to unlock, and the coin system is very easy. You know WHAT you're going to unlock.
And, to be honest, I *love* that they have male and female characters, side by side, kicking butt. I've seen male and female players choosing both male and female characters without any problem, knowing that both can be equally strong and skilled. That really makes me happy, that we've reached this point.
Highly recommend for mature fighting game fans. | 2 | positive | [
"Mortal Kombat has fixed a lot of problems with their latest release, Mortal Kombat Armageddon.",
"There are trillions of characters and some fun mini-games too.",
"The basic plot - as if this blood-drenched game really needed a plot - is that the Gods are sick of all the fighting going on.",
"They send their two sons down to try to get things under control.",
"In the meantime, there's a gigantic pyramid in which the various Kombatants can duke it out to see who reins supreme.",
"There are many ways to play in Mortal Kombat Armageddon.",
"There is a story mode where you do have a plot - you walk along paths in jungles, explore spaceships, have random fights as you go, gathering up coins and treasures.",
"In arcade mode, you have instant access to about 60 different characters in a series of fights.",
"If you get stuck with one character, you can try again with a new one.",
"The characters are drawn from all of the Mortal Kombat games.",
"Some only showed up briefly in previous games.",
"If you've been following up on the Mortal Kombat saga, you'll see all sorts of references to previous situations and feuds.",
"All the coins you earn in the various stages can be used to unlock items - new skills, new outfits, and more.",
"They actually tell you what you're going to unlock, too!",
"That's a nice change.",
"Also, there's only one type of coin - so everything you earn goes into one bank account for you to spend however you wish.",
"There is a REALLY cool character creating system where you can set up a character, male or female, with exactly the hair, eyes, body shape and costume you want.",
"The tweaking is pretty impressive with eye color, nose shape and more.",
"You expect this level of detail from a RPG - but from a fighting game it's a great bonus.",
"Speaking of bonusses, if you like games like Super Bombad Racing, you're in for a treat.",
"They include an entire racing game as a bonus, with little cartooney versions of Mortal Kombat characters zipping around on a track.",
"Are there downsides to the game?",
"Well, while the arenas you fight in are destructable, have the ability to go from one area to the other and have interactive items, they are not as \"lushly gorgeous\" as a few other XBox fighting games.",
"Also, while it's pretty tame now compared to other mature games, it's worth noting that Mortal Kombat is very bloody.",
"When this series first came out, a lot of people were in an uproar over it.",
"Now the blood spurting out seems almost normal.",
"Still, not a game for little kids.",
"It also seems a bit silly that you have fully detailed cinematics - sometimes VERY long cinematics - setting up situations...",
"but when you end an important battle you often get a text message saying \"And then [insert important boss name here] decided to stop fighting and run away\".",
"It's a bit anticlimactic.",
"Still, these are minor complaints in a game that is really quite stellar.",
"They let you play tons of characters right from the beginning, so you can easily get to your favorites.",
"They have a ton of things to unlock, and the coin system is very easy.",
"You know WHAT you're going to unlock.",
"And, to be honest, I *love* that they have male and female characters, side by side, kicking butt.",
"I've seen male and female players choosing both male and female characters without any problem, knowing that both can be equally strong and skilled.",
"That really makes me happy, that we've reached this point.",
"Highly recommend for mature fighting game fans."
] |
Besides "Made In U.S.A." this is the second best of the Beach Boys greatest hits albums which there are plenty of. I just think "Made In U.S.A." was better because it featured songs from Pet Sounds. This album has a good format though. Having "Shut Down", "Fun Fun Fun" and "I Get Around" back to back to back is a great trio. Ending the album with "Good Vibrations" was cool but I think ending it with "All Summer Long" cause the album is "Endless Summer" and "All Summer Long" is the end of the summer. The album is over all very good. "Warmth of the sun" is a great song. The album is really worth it. Any true Beach Boys fan deserves this album. | 2 | positive | [
"Besides \"Made In U.",
"S.A.\" this is the second best of the Beach Boys greatest hits albums which there are plenty of.",
"I just think \"Made In U.",
"S.A.\" was better because it featured songs from Pet Sounds.",
"This album has a good format though.",
"Having \"Shut Down\", \"Fun Fun Fun\" and \"I Get Around\" back to back to back is a great trio.",
"Ending the album with \"Good Vibrations\" was cool but I think ending it with \"All Summer Long\" cause the album is \"Endless Summer\" and \"All Summer Long\" is the end of the summer.",
"The album is over all very good.",
"\"Warmth of the sun\" is a great song.",
"The album is really worth it.",
"Any true Beach Boys fan deserves this album."
] |
Season 5 is a quality season overall, but all you really need to know about it is contained in the 6th episode of the season. It's the one where the DS9 crew travels back in time and finds the ship USS Enterprise 1701 on the day when it finds itself overrun with Tribbles. The DS9 crew has to blend into the background of the original series episode. Excellent CGI is employed to digitally insert Sisko into scenes with James Kirk. And Worf makes an offhand reference to why Klingons in the Original Series era look different than Klingons of the Next Generation era. (No cranial ridges in the original series) that spawns an entire story arc in Star Trek : Enterprise, the final installment of the Trek universe. It's one of the single best episodes of the entire Trek franchise.
As for the storytelling DS9 is probably the best overall story arc in the Trek franchise. While there are a lot of single episode stories, there is an overall story arc that spans the entire series. It's interesting. It's well written. Well made. And it's just good sci-fi and story telling in general. The series long story arc takes a lot of twists and turns but it deals with inter stellar politics and power struggles that the other Trek series only elude to. (Yeah, Captain Picard has a fair amount of diplomatic and military run ins with the Romulans and Klingons, but on Deep Space Nine the series delves much deeper into the politics or all that, and introduces a few new races from the other side of the galaxy into the mix)
If you like the Star Trek franchise, you have to try Deep Space Nine. | 2 | positive | [
"Season 5 is a quality season overall, but all you really need to know about it is contained in the 6th episode of the season.",
"It's the one where the DS9 crew travels back in time and finds the ship USS Enterprise 1701 on the day when it finds itself overrun with Tribbles.",
"The DS9 crew has to blend into the background of the original series episode.",
"Excellent CGI is employed to digitally insert Sisko into scenes with James Kirk.",
"And Worf makes an offhand reference to why Klingons in the Original Series era look different than Klingons of the Next Generation era.",
"(No cranial ridges in the original series) that spawns an entire story arc in Star Trek : Enterprise, the final installment of the Trek universe.",
"It's one of the single best episodes of the entire Trek franchise.",
"As for the storytelling DS9 is probably the best overall story arc in the Trek franchise.",
"While there are a lot of single episode stories, there is an overall story arc that spans the entire series.",
"It's interesting.",
"It's well written.",
"Well made.",
"And it's just good sci-fi and story telling in general.",
"The series long story arc takes a lot of twists and turns but it deals with inter stellar politics and power struggles that the other Trek series only elude to.",
"(Yeah, Captain Picard has a fair amount of diplomatic and military run ins with the Romulans and Klingons, but on Deep Space Nine the series delves much deeper into the politics or all that, and introduces a few new races from the other side of the galaxy into the mix)\n\nIf you like the Star Trek franchise, you have to try Deep Space Nine."
] |
This was probably one of, if not, THE coolest games I've ever played. It is so well made. Graphics are good, stories are cool, just the right challenge level. It's just awesome.
Now I haven't played the first game although it's next on my list, so I can't verify or counter the other peoples' statements about it being too formulaic, like the first one. But I just had an awesome time with this game. I just couldn't keep away. I played it constantly and beat it in two days. I'm not saying it didn't have enough gameplay hours; they were probably sufficient. But I was just hooked and I played it all the time. The extras that you can unlock are pretty cool too.
And what an ending! The ending to the last case is awesome. I won't reveal any more, but what a surprise! Now, it's highly unlikely, but hey, this is drama. It's a cool story anyway.
If you are interested in crime, crime scene investigation, or forensics, this game is definitely for you! | 2 | positive | [
"This was probably one of, if not, THE coolest games I've ever played.",
"It is so well made.",
"Graphics are good, stories are cool, just the right challenge level.",
"It's just awesome.",
"Now I haven't played the first game although it's next on my list, so I can't verify or counter the other peoples' statements about it being too formulaic, like the first one.",
"But I just had an awesome time with this game.",
"I just couldn't keep away.",
"I played it constantly and beat it in two days.",
"I'm not saying it didn't have enough gameplay hours; they were probably sufficient.",
"But I was just hooked and I played it all the time.",
"The extras that you can unlock are pretty cool too.",
"And what an ending!",
"The ending to the last case is awesome.",
"I won't reveal any more, but what a surprise!",
"Now, it's highly unlikely, but hey, this is drama.",
"It's a cool story anyway.",
"If you are interested in crime, crime scene investigation, or forensics, this game is definitely for you!"
] |
This was not an easy soundtrack to get my hands on. It was my husband that did. Our toddler has an everlasting affection for the film and the two songs, "Hi Diddle de" and "I've got no strings" so we thought the second addition to his own c.d. collection would be the entire soundtrack. (The Snow White soundtrack was the first, and that is just as great as this one!)
Remastered into all it's glorious musical score, Pinochhio is a great c.d. for those who like movie/musical score type soundtracks. It does have the two songs that my son loves too, and also, "when you wish upon a star". "When..." is one of the most sweet and simple songs that has never failed to enlighten me. I get very choked up and happy at the same time when I hear it. It's such a classic song. I actually think the music is better than the movie! There were parts of the film that I thought were truly disturbing.
I highly recommend this c.d. The sound is crystal clear, and it is brilliantly remastered to bring you into the story and feel Pinocchio's pain, sadness, and joy. | 2 | positive | [
"This was not an easy soundtrack to get my hands on.",
"It was my husband that did.",
"Our toddler has an everlasting affection for the film and the two songs, \"Hi Diddle de\" and \"I've got no strings\" so we thought the second addition to his own c.",
"d. collection would be the entire soundtrack.",
"(The Snow White soundtrack was the first, and that is just as great as this one!",
")\nRemastered into all it's glorious musical score, Pinochhio is a great c.",
"d. for those who like movie/musical score type soundtracks.",
"It does have the two songs that my son loves too, and also, \"when you wish upon a star\".",
"\"When...",
"\" is one of the most sweet and simple songs that has never failed to enlighten me.",
"I get very choked up and happy at the same time when I hear it.",
"It's such a classic song.",
"I actually think the music is better than the movie!",
"There were parts of the film that I thought were truly disturbing.",
"I highly recommend this c.",
"d. The sound is crystal clear, and it is brilliantly remastered to bring you into the story and feel Pinocchio's pain, sadness, and joy."
] |
At first I couldn't wait to get this. I ordered 2 at the same time. As I started to fill the pages, I started seeing the first of several problems. Pockets were tight and it would be very easy to scratch a dvd on the zipper. Speaking of zipper, it is very hard to work when the wallet is full. The other day, I wanted to see about getting more CD wallets (not necessarily Fellows) when I read the reviews here for this wallet. I read the part about not putting cd's in the inner pockets because they would bend. I went home and checked mine. Sure enough, when the wallet is full, the cd's are slightly bent. I would imagine if they were left that way for a period of time, they would probably stay curved. | 2 | positive | [
"At first I couldn't wait to get this.",
"I ordered 2 at the same time.",
"As I started to fill the pages, I started seeing the first of several problems.",
"Pockets were tight and it would be very easy to scratch a dvd on the zipper.",
"Speaking of zipper, it is very hard to work when the wallet is full.",
"The other day, I wanted to see about getting more CD wallets (not necessarily Fellows) when I read the reviews here for this wallet.",
"I read the part about not putting cd's in the inner pockets because they would bend.",
"I went home and checked mine.",
"Sure enough, when the wallet is full, the cd's are slightly bent.",
"I would imagine if they were left that way for a period of time, they would probably stay curved."
] |
I bought this tea from a store - so I am only reviewing the product/taste. It's incredible and amazing. Absolutely incredible. It is very "sweet". The spices make this actually taste very sweet (but not overly sweet). It truly tastes like chai (sweetened chai). I Love a really creamy chai tea so I use either half and half or whipping cream (1-2 tbsp) with a 8 oz of this tea (1 bag, 8 oz hot water, 5-7 min seep). I love how I don't need to add sweetener/sugar. It's great by itself as well. I'm doing this intermittent fasting and I crave food and sweet food at night. I just bought a box of this yesterday and between my mother and I, we've already finished half the box. I can drink this and sleep with no issue because it's caffeine free. I'm so incredibly happy with this tea, I cannot even describe. The store I got it from was a bit cheaper than here - I will probably be buying 2 boxes of this tea a week. It's literally my favorite tea right now. | 2 | positive | [
"I bought this tea from a store - so I am only reviewing the product/taste.",
"It's incredible and amazing.",
"Absolutely incredible.",
"It is very \"sweet\".",
"The spices make this actually taste very sweet (but not overly sweet).",
"It truly tastes like chai (sweetened chai).",
"I Love a really creamy chai tea so I use either half and half or whipping cream (1-2 tbsp) with a 8 oz of this tea (1 bag, 8 oz hot water, 5-7 min seep).",
"I love how I don't need to add sweetener/sugar.",
"It's great by itself as well.",
"I'm doing this intermittent fasting and I crave food and sweet food at night.",
"I just bought a box of this yesterday and between my mother and I, we've already finished half the box.",
"I can drink this and sleep with no issue because it's caffeine free.",
"I'm so incredibly happy with this tea, I cannot even describe.",
"The store I got it from was a bit cheaper than here - I will probably be buying 2 boxes of this tea a week.",
"It's literally my favorite tea right now."
] |
Tiring of a virtuoso drummer/band leader- like Ginger Baker, Jack and Leslie brought on the former Mountain drummer, Corky Laing into the trio almost as a session player. There was rumour he was just paid on a small weekly salary-which left the control to Jack Bruce and Leslie West, juggernauts of the blues humbucker Gibson- guitar and bass. Jack is using; fresh from his work with Cream; his Gibson EB-3 bass here, bending strings and pulsing nasty grooves. So much of rock is mundane, but these guys take risks in their playing and it makes for much more interesting listening. The cover version of Boyd's blues standard, "Third Degree" typifies the fearless yet tasteful playing of Bruce, with Leslie West wrenching -dripping blues phrases and trills-over double tracked power chords. Bruce is a jazzer and cellist-so when he rips away on the pencil thin Gibson EB-3 neck-he is not playing garage band patterns-but highly sophisticated riffing and melodic structures. West counters that style with drenching vibrato and amplified blues tones like Volcanic lava-trilling, bending, squealing sonic majesty. Vocals are superb and crisply mixed over the booster rocket instruments. The melodic track, "Out in the Fields" would be later covered by guitar legend, Gary Moore. Songs like, "Love Is Worth The Blues, Pleasure, The Doctor and Thrid Degree" SHOULD be cranked loud, thru a good sound system. Blues power rock with Jack Bruce, as one of the best vocal tenors-rips up the competitive landscape. Even THEY could not top this production and the band "correctly" self destructed, shortly afterwards. The later produced- live album, is interesting-and recommended-but keep in mind-you are not getting the multi-tracking of this brilliant studio album. On Live N' Kickin' (Polydor 841 038-2) you have only the live virtuoso talent of a trio that is enjoying the music-almost as much as the audience. Why Dontcha, is a rare gem. Real musicians-real players; turned loose to play their hearts out, and definately a must for any serious music listener. | 2 | positive | [
"Tiring of a virtuoso drummer/band leader- like Ginger Baker, Jack and Leslie brought on the former Mountain drummer, Corky Laing into the trio almost as a session player.",
"There was rumour he was just paid on a small weekly salary-which left the control to Jack Bruce and Leslie West, juggernauts of the blues humbucker Gibson- guitar and bass.",
"Jack is using; fresh from his work with Cream; his Gibson EB-3 bass here, bending strings and pulsing nasty grooves.",
"So much of rock is mundane, but these guys take risks in their playing and it makes for much more interesting listening.",
"The cover version of Boyd's blues standard, \"Third Degree\" typifies the fearless yet tasteful playing of Bruce, with Leslie West wrenching -dripping blues phrases and trills-over double tracked power chords.",
"Bruce is a jazzer and cellist-so when he rips away on the pencil thin Gibson EB-3 neck-he is not playing garage band patterns-but highly sophisticated riffing and melodic structures.",
"West counters that style with drenching vibrato and amplified blues tones like Volcanic lava-trilling, bending, squealing sonic majesty.",
"Vocals are superb and crisply mixed over the booster rocket instruments.",
"The melodic track, \"Out in the Fields\" would be later covered by guitar legend, Gary Moore.",
"Songs like, \"Love Is Worth The Blues, Pleasure, The Doctor and Thrid Degree\" SHOULD be cranked loud, thru a good sound system.",
"Blues power rock with Jack Bruce, as one of the best vocal tenors-rips up the competitive landscape.",
"Even THEY could not top this production and the band \"correctly\" self destructed, shortly afterwards.",
"The later produced- live album, is interesting-and recommended-but keep in mind-you are not getting the multi-tracking of this brilliant studio album.",
"On Live N' Kickin' (Polydor 841 038-2) you have only the live virtuoso talent of a trio that is enjoying the music-almost as much as the audience.",
"Why Dontcha, is a rare gem.",
"Real musicians-real players; turned loose to play their hearts out, and definately a must for any serious music listener."
] |
Every Herman Wouk book I have read has been incredible, but this one takes first prize.
The Winds of War is a work of historical fiction about the lead up to the outbreak of World War II in Europe (it had, of course already begun in Asia between Japan and China and other Asian neighbors) and the effect of the war on an American military family. It ends when America enters the war. The sequel, War and Remembrance continues the story through the end of the war.
The main character, Victor Henry, a Commander in the United States Navy is sent to Germany just before the beginning of the war as a naval attache in the American embassy. He is the gruff career military man with compassion and love just below the surface and easily recognized by anyone except his family. His wife Rhoda is a Washington, DC socialite who was captivated by Victor but is now restless in her life as an officer's wife.
Victor and Rhoda have three children, Warren, the eldest who follows his father into the Navy and puts in for flight training, a daughter who is a less developed character and the aptly named Byron, a dreamer and a sensitive man who bridles under his father's influence and flees college to Siena, Italy, where he becomes an assistant to the American Jewish writer, Aaron Jastrow and falls in love with his daughter Natalie.
Victor Henry has something of Zelig in him and is a bit player in many important events of the time. He attends a weekend retreat of high-ranking Nazis and has meetings with FDR.
Byron's employer Aaron Jastrow is a complex man, both running from his roots as a Yeshiva boy in Poland, and the product of those roots. Natalie is a perfect picture of an American ex-pat woman living in Europe (first Paris than Italy) in the heyday of Americans living abroad. And all of us can empathize with Byron, the young man who has not yet found his way in the world.
All these characters are set against the backdrop of the precursor to war and the beginning of the war. For instance, one of the best sections of the book is an extremely harrowing but vivid section in which Byron, Natalie and Natalie's lover get stuck in Poland as the Nazis begin their occupation of that country.
The fact that Wouk can seamlessly weave this web of characters into the tumultuous time in the late 1930s and early 1940s is a testament to a great author. Indeed, I am writing this review at least 10 years after finishing the book, yet it is all vivid in my mind.
One final note that deserves mention: Wouk treats us to several sections of a fictional book within a book. After the war, Victor Henry translates a book by a German World War II general. Wouk intersperses excerpts of this fictional book throughout the story, providing a seemingly totally realistic view from a German nationalist who fought for the Nazis (although was not a Nazi himself).
A must read for anyone who would describe himself or herself as any of the following: (a) a history or historical fiction fan, (b) a fan of epic romance, (c) anyone interested in World War II, (d) anyone interested in the Navy. | 2 | positive | [
"Every Herman Wouk book I have read has been incredible, but this one takes first prize.",
"The Winds of War is a work of historical fiction about the lead up to the outbreak of World War II in Europe (it had, of course already begun in Asia between Japan and China and other Asian neighbors) and the effect of the war on an American military family.",
"It ends when America enters the war.",
"The sequel, War and Remembrance continues the story through the end of the war.",
"The main character, Victor Henry, a Commander in the United States Navy is sent to Germany just before the beginning of the war as a naval attache in the American embassy.",
"He is the gruff career military man with compassion and love just below the surface and easily recognized by anyone except his family.",
"His wife Rhoda is a Washington, DC socialite who was captivated by Victor but is now restless in her life as an officer's wife.",
"Victor and Rhoda have three children, Warren, the eldest who follows his father into the Navy and puts in for flight training, a daughter who is a less developed character and the aptly named Byron, a dreamer and a sensitive man who bridles under his father's influence and flees college to Siena, Italy, where he becomes an assistant to the American Jewish writer, Aaron Jastrow and falls in love with his daughter Natalie.",
"Victor Henry has something of Zelig in him and is a bit player in many important events of the time.",
"He attends a weekend retreat of high-ranking Nazis and has meetings with FDR.",
"Byron's employer Aaron Jastrow is a complex man, both running from his roots as a Yeshiva boy in Poland, and the product of those roots.",
"Natalie is a perfect picture of an American ex-pat woman living in Europe (first Paris than Italy) in the heyday of Americans living abroad.",
"And all of us can empathize with Byron, the young man who has not yet found his way in the world.",
"All these characters are set against the backdrop of the precursor to war and the beginning of the war.",
"For instance, one of the best sections of the book is an extremely harrowing but vivid section in which Byron, Natalie and Natalie's lover get stuck in Poland as the Nazis begin their occupation of that country.",
"The fact that Wouk can seamlessly weave this web of characters into the tumultuous time in the late 1930s and early 1940s is a testament to a great author.",
"Indeed, I am writing this review at least 10 years after finishing the book, yet it is all vivid in my mind.",
"One final note that deserves mention: Wouk treats us to several sections of a fictional book within a book.",
"After the war, Victor Henry translates a book by a German World War II general.",
"Wouk intersperses excerpts of this fictional book throughout the story, providing a seemingly totally realistic view from a German nationalist who fought for the Nazis (although was not a Nazi himself).",
"A must read for anyone who would describe himself or herself as any of the following: (a) a history or historical fiction fan, (b) a fan of epic romance, (c) anyone interested in World War II, (d) anyone interested in the Navy."
] |
I held off buying this game because of the criticisms I heard on review sites. I finally bought this game on a lightning deal on Amazon for a great price, and I have to say after playing this game I'd easily pay $59.99 for it. In the past I've played Final Fantasy games, and although I enjoyed most of them, there were some annoying parts. I feel that FF13 removes those annoying moments and streamlines the experience to make what is in my opinion the best in the series. Although the story lulls a bit early on, it is quite good, and because of the fast pace of the game, it kept me engaged.
My first complaint about other FF games was getting lost/stuck. Sometimes you'd find yourself trying to find someone or something to continue on and having no clue where to find that person or thing. FF13 has a clear map showing you where to go and how to get there. Some people complained that FF13 was too linear. Throughout the whole game I never once got lost or stuck. To me, that is a plus.
Previous FF games were stingy on the save points. FF13 has an abundance of them. This means less backtracking if you found you had to suddenly turn off the game. Another plus.
Other FF games had random enemy encounters that would initiate every five steps and eventually became annoying. FF13 lets you see your enemies as you approach them and gives you to option to avoid them, attack them, or even try to sneak up on them! No more annoying random battles. Plus plus!
Most FF games had slow battle systems that could take anywhere from 2 to 30 minutes per battle. The slow nature of battles made them feel tedious and chore-like, especially given the frequency of random battles. FF13 is fast and most battles will take less than a minute. The game rates you based on how fast you defeat enemies. This encourages you to try to end the battles quickly. Battles are quick and exciting and throughout the entire game I never dreaded a battle. Instead I looked forward to them. A big improvement.
Previous FF games forced you to stock up on tents and potions and waste your precious money on items you'd need for the grueling battles ahead. FF13 is a fairly forgiving game. If you should lose in battle, you just restart moments before you entered the battle, giving you the option run forward and fight again or head back and try a different strategy. No more restarting from your last save point (which, given the infrequency of save points in previous FF games could mean going back an hour or more). Also, if you should win a battle, all HP lost is immediately restored and all status ailments healed. This keeps the focus on the battle at hand and not on spending all of your Gil on potions. This feature went a long way to making the game fun instead of tedious.
Other FF games required you to level grind just to complete the game. This is not necessary (however it is still possible for those of you who just have to max out your character) in FF13. You level up using a Crystarium that you fill with Crystal Points that your earn from battle. As long as you keep leveling up the Paradigms that your characters start with and don't avoid too many battles, you'll never be too under powered to continue with the game. This eliminates another reason players would get stuck in previous FF games.
As for the presentation, which is the main reason why I play a FF game, FF13 is the best so far. I won't argue that the story is the best, but it isn't as bad as some have claimed. The cinematics and cut-scenes are gorgeous and truly a sight to behold. The graphics and animations are top-tier stuff, and the lip sync was even re-animated for the English dub. Speaking of, the dub is great. The voice work is what you would expect from modern day video games and anime. Is it Academy Award level? No, but for a Japanese game it works well. The entire game, from start to finish, is fully voiced, so no need to read subtitles (unless you like that). The music is also very good, with some memorable tunes that will get stuck in your head. The game is full of cut-scenes, so if you don't like cut-scenes, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU PLAYING A FINAL FANTASY GAME?
Overall this is an incredible package. The game is long (60-80 hours), gorgeous, and most of all fun. It is slightly easier than previous FF games, which I think is a plus. The price has come down considerably, so if you haven't picked this one up yet, now is the time.
If you have a choice between the PS3 or Xbox 360 version, pick up the PS3 version. The FMV runs in full 1080p and looks better than the low-rez video compression on the Xbox. Besides that, the games are identical. | 2 | positive | [
"I held off buying this game because of the criticisms I heard on review sites.",
"I finally bought this game on a lightning deal on Amazon for a great price, and I have to say after playing this game I'd easily pay $59.",
"99 for it.",
"In the past I've played Final Fantasy games, and although I enjoyed most of them, there were some annoying parts.",
"I feel that FF13 removes those annoying moments and streamlines the experience to make what is in my opinion the best in the series.",
"Although the story lulls a bit early on, it is quite good, and because of the fast pace of the game, it kept me engaged.",
"My first complaint about other FF games was getting lost/stuck.",
"Sometimes you'd find yourself trying to find someone or something to continue on and having no clue where to find that person or thing.",
"FF13 has a clear map showing you where to go and how to get there.",
"Some people complained that FF13 was too linear.",
"Throughout the whole game I never once got lost or stuck.",
"To me, that is a plus.",
"Previous FF games were stingy on the save points.",
"FF13 has an abundance of them.",
"This means less backtracking if you found you had to suddenly turn off the game.",
"Another plus.",
"Other FF games had random enemy encounters that would initiate every five steps and eventually became annoying.",
"FF13 lets you see your enemies as you approach them and gives you to option to avoid them, attack them, or even try to sneak up on them!",
"No more annoying random battles.",
"Plus plus!",
"Most FF games had slow battle systems that could take anywhere from 2 to 30 minutes per battle.",
"The slow nature of battles made them feel tedious and chore-like, especially given the frequency of random battles.",
"FF13 is fast and most battles will take less than a minute.",
"The game rates you based on how fast you defeat enemies.",
"This encourages you to try to end the battles quickly.",
"Battles are quick and exciting and throughout the entire game I never dreaded a battle.",
"Instead I looked forward to them.",
"A big improvement.",
"Previous FF games forced you to stock up on tents and potions and waste your precious money on items you'd need for the grueling battles ahead.",
"FF13 is a fairly forgiving game.",
"If you should lose in battle, you just restart moments before you entered the battle, giving you the option run forward and fight again or head back and try a different strategy.",
"No more restarting from your last save point (which, given the infrequency of save points in previous FF games could mean going back an hour or more).",
"Also, if you should win a battle, all HP lost is immediately restored and all status ailments healed.",
"This keeps the focus on the battle at hand and not on spending all of your Gil on potions.",
"This feature went a long way to making the game fun instead of tedious.",
"Other FF games required you to level grind just to complete the game.",
"This is not necessary (however it is still possible for those of you who just have to max out your character) in FF13.",
"You level up using a Crystarium that you fill with Crystal Points that your earn from battle.",
"As long as you keep leveling up the Paradigms that your characters start with and don't avoid too many battles, you'll never be too under powered to continue with the game.",
"This eliminates another reason players would get stuck in previous FF games.",
"As for the presentation, which is the main reason why I play a FF game, FF13 is the best so far.",
"I won't argue that the story is the best, but it isn't as bad as some have claimed.",
"The cinematics and cut-scenes are gorgeous and truly a sight to behold.",
"The graphics and animations are top-tier stuff, and the lip sync was even re-animated for the English dub.",
"Speaking of, the dub is great.",
"The voice work is what you would expect from modern day video games and anime.",
"Is it Academy Award level?",
"No, but for a Japanese game it works well.",
"The entire game, from start to finish, is fully voiced, so no need to read subtitles (unless you like that).",
"The music is also very good, with some memorable tunes that will get stuck in your head.",
"The game is full of cut-scenes, so if you don't like cut-scenes, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU PLAYING A FINAL FANTASY GAME?",
"Overall this is an incredible package.",
"The game is long (60-80 hours), gorgeous, and most of all fun.",
"It is slightly easier than previous FF games, which I think is a plus.",
"The price has come down considerably, so if you haven't picked this one up yet, now is the time.",
"If you have a choice between the PS3 or Xbox 360 version, pick up the PS3 version.",
"The FMV runs in full 1080p and looks better than the low-rez video compression on the Xbox.",
"Besides that, the games are identical."
] |
This Phone is awesome!!! I don't play games on it, therefore I don't have that issue I've read about. The touch sreen isn't as responsive as the Prevail or Zte but not a problem for me. I watch streaming Fox 8 news on this phone, I have Netflix downloaded on it to watch movies and tv programs. I only download apps I use, because they will eat up your battery..I just purchased a backup battery to swap out when the first one drains. The Phone charges pretty quick too..the slide out keyboard is great, I use it and the talk/text microphone a lot. Also when I'm at home I use WiFi..which is super fast. Boostmobile is awesome and has plans..you can't beat. | 2 | positive | [
"This Phone is awesome!!!",
"I don't play games on it, therefore I don't have that issue I've read about.",
"The touch sreen isn't as responsive as the Prevail or Zte but not a problem for me.",
"I watch streaming Fox 8 news on this phone, I have Netflix downloaded on it to watch movies and tv programs.",
"I only download apps I use, because they will eat up your battery..",
"I just purchased a backup battery to swap out when the first one drains.",
"The Phone charges pretty quick too..",
"the slide out keyboard is great, I use it and the talk/text microphone a lot.",
"Also when I'm at home I use WiFi..",
"which is super fast.",
"Boostmobile is awesome and has plans..",
"you can't beat."
] |
Smackdown vs Raw 2006 was the second installment in the Smackdown vs Raw series and probably the best one of the entire Smackdown vs Raw series for a number of reasons
We'll start with graphics first. There's not much to complain about with the superstar graphics. The muscles and skin tone were on par as were the attires for. The hair for some of the superstars looks a little funky but it's completely forgivable.
2 new match types debuted with the first being the Buried Alive Match. Really it should've been called a Casket Match instead of Buried Alive because all this match consists of is you trying to stuff your opponent into a casket, close the lid, and have a loader pour a fair amount of dirt over the casket. No graves or anything like that.
The second new match is the Fulfill Your Fantasy match, replacing the Bra & Panties match. This match is much more fun than the Bra & Panties match as there're more things you can do in the match. First, you can choose between 3 different attires for the divas to wear of either a schoolgirl outfit, a nurse, or a French maid. The ring is decked out with a large fluffy bed in the middle of it, beside 2 chairs holding pillows. There are 3 humiliating ways to defeat your diva opponent: spanking, ripping off her clothes, or knocking her out with a pillow. There's a meter in the match that must be filled to win the match. So say Joy Giovanni spanks Michelle McCool or Stacy spanks Trish. Each spank given will fill the meter with a great portion. The same goes for pillow strikes and ripping off their clothes. There's a post-match cutscene for which way you win. If you win via pillow strikes, a cutscene is shown of you knocking your opponent out with a pillow. If you win by spanking, your player is shown putting the loser over her knee and and spanking her with a paddle. Great and fun match to play. Unfortunately this was the only game it was in. This was also the last game to feature in diva based match
Backstage Brawls were updated as well and split into 3 different ares. You could fight either backstage, in a bar, or in the parking lot. All 3 areas are fun to play in and feature tons of interactive features. In the bar, you can make a pool player shoot a ball into your opponent's head. In the backstage area, you can steal a soda from a backstage worker, slam them through a table or even hit them with weapons! This was a really great update that made the match more enjoyable to play, unlike the previous year's
Season Mode was also a fun one to play in. Better than Smackdown vs Raws and the character you play as, gets a voice-over! If you choose to go on Smackdown for the season, you'll spend the year trying to solve the mystery of who ran down Smackdown GM, Teddy Long in the parking garage. Depending on what superstar you play as, there are 2 routes the ending of that story takes. In the middle of it all, you'll go on a Legends Tour, try to free Torrie Wilson from the evil clutches of JBL and his cabinet, and even do battle with The Undertaker who's been controlled by Eddie Guerrero. If you decide to fight on Raw, you'll form a friendship with Shelton Benjamin to take out Triple H and Ric Flair, go on a Legends Tour, win titles only to have Eric Bischoff take them from you and vacate them, and so much more! There are plenty of different stories you can play throughout the year with a great dose of added realism and it'll all end with you fighting for the company's top prize at Wrestlemania 21. LOVE this Season Mode!
In addition to Season Mode there was also the new General Manager Mode that puts you in charge. Take the role of either Raw GM or Smackdown GM, form your roster, and run the show starting at Backlash and ending at Wrestlemania! GM Mode is not only about fun but about responsibilities as well. For 1 whole year you must fight to keep a well-balanced crowd and your audience entertained as you'll be battling with the opposing brand. You must balance your budget, book matches responsively, and keep your superstars happy. If a superstar becomes unhappy with you due to either being left off the show or something, they'll let you know. If a superstar gets minorly injured, it's best to keep them out of action before they become severely injured and are forced to be out of action. As mentioned, it's best to balance your budget because you'll have to renew your superstar's contracts as they expire. The last thing you want is to end up with a show of only 5 or 6 superstars. Throughout the week, you'll receive emails from J.R. to guide you through the year, the income salary, the ratings number, and more. To add drama to the mode, you can start rivalries between 2 superstars, send a superstar to the other show to cause trouble, and slander the opposing show. The show with the most popularity at the end of the season, wins a GM of the Year Trophy. Great mode that teaches the player fun and responsibility
The roster was decently sized. Superstars and divas making their debuts included Orlando Jordan, Joy Giovanni, Muhammad Hassan, Michelle McCool, Carlito, Paul London, Sylvan Grenier, Christy Hemme, Eugene and others. There were also a fair amount of legends in the game as well. All 3 faces of Hulk Hogan were in the game (80s, NWO, and Modern), Andre the Giant, British Bulldog, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, The Rock, Bret Hart, Masked Kane, Junkyard Dog, and Ted Dibiase.
3 other new features in the game were the sleeper hold system, the possum pin, and the stamina system. How the sleeper hold system works is, once your opponent's head turns yellow, lock them in a sleeper hold (sitting or standing will do) where they will pass out in the hold. Once locked into the hold, the CPU or human opponent will have three attempts to escape the submission hold or perform a reversal in a desperate attempt to turn the tables on the attacker. If the player should fail to escape from the hold before the referee reaches a final count of three, the match will be lost by KO. The possum pin works by storing a finisher. If you've been beat down enough, when your superstar goes to attack you, press the L1 and L2 buttons to initiate the possum pin where you'll surprise them with a roll up. The stamina system involves the amount of energy you and your opponent have. If you run too much, you'll lose stamina. If during a match, both you and your opponent run out of energy, you'll both fall to the mat, where the referee will start a count. You both have to the count of 10 to get back up or the match goes to a Draw
Overall: Sorry for the long review, but this game was too great to not go into every nook and cranny about it. Smackdown vs Raw 2006 is one of my all time favorites to play. Whenever I want to resort back to PS2 wrestling games, SVR 2006 is usually the first one I play. This is another WWE game where if people give it less than 3 stars, they're crazy. Smackdown vs Raw 2006 would have competition though as Smackdown vs Raw 2007 would come in and possibly outdo 2006.... | 2 | positive | [
"Smackdown vs Raw 2006 was the second installment in the Smackdown vs Raw series and probably the best one of the entire Smackdown vs Raw series for a number of reasons\n\nWe'll start with graphics first.",
"There's not much to complain about with the superstar graphics.",
"The muscles and skin tone were on par as were the attires for.",
"The hair for some of the superstars looks a little funky but it's completely forgivable.",
"2 new match types debuted with the first being the Buried Alive Match.",
"Really it should've been called a Casket Match instead of Buried Alive because all this match consists of is you trying to stuff your opponent into a casket, close the lid, and have a loader pour a fair amount of dirt over the casket.",
"No graves or anything like that.",
"The second new match is the Fulfill Your Fantasy match, replacing the Bra & Panties match.",
"This match is much more fun than the Bra & Panties match as there're more things you can do in the match.",
"First, you can choose between 3 different attires for the divas to wear of either a schoolgirl outfit, a nurse, or a French maid.",
"The ring is decked out with a large fluffy bed in the middle of it, beside 2 chairs holding pillows.",
"There are 3 humiliating ways to defeat your diva opponent: spanking, ripping off her clothes, or knocking her out with a pillow.",
"There's a meter in the match that must be filled to win the match.",
"So say Joy Giovanni spanks Michelle McCool or Stacy spanks Trish.",
"Each spank given will fill the meter with a great portion.",
"The same goes for pillow strikes and ripping off their clothes.",
"There's a post-match cutscene for which way you win.",
"If you win via pillow strikes, a cutscene is shown of you knocking your opponent out with a pillow.",
"If you win by spanking, your player is shown putting the loser over her knee and and spanking her with a paddle.",
"Great and fun match to play.",
"Unfortunately this was the only game it was in.",
"This was also the last game to feature in diva based match\n\nBackstage Brawls were updated as well and split into 3 different ares.",
"You could fight either backstage, in a bar, or in the parking lot.",
"All 3 areas are fun to play in and feature tons of interactive features.",
"In the bar, you can make a pool player shoot a ball into your opponent's head.",
"In the backstage area, you can steal a soda from a backstage worker, slam them through a table or even hit them with weapons!",
"This was a really great update that made the match more enjoyable to play, unlike the previous year's\n\nSeason Mode was also a fun one to play in.",
"Better than Smackdown vs Raws and the character you play as, gets a voice-over!",
"If you choose to go on Smackdown for the season, you'll spend the year trying to solve the mystery of who ran down Smackdown GM, Teddy Long in the parking garage.",
"Depending on what superstar you play as, there are 2 routes the ending of that story takes.",
"In the middle of it all, you'll go on a Legends Tour, try to free Torrie Wilson from the evil clutches of JBL and his cabinet, and even do battle with The Undertaker who's been controlled by Eddie Guerrero.",
"If you decide to fight on Raw, you'll form a friendship with Shelton Benjamin to take out Triple H and Ric Flair, go on a Legends Tour, win titles only to have Eric Bischoff take them from you and vacate them, and so much more!",
"There are plenty of different stories you can play throughout the year with a great dose of added realism and it'll all end with you fighting for the company's top prize at Wrestlemania 21.",
"LOVE this Season Mode!",
"In addition to Season Mode there was also the new General Manager Mode that puts you in charge.",
"Take the role of either Raw GM or Smackdown GM, form your roster, and run the show starting at Backlash and ending at Wrestlemania!",
"GM Mode is not only about fun but about responsibilities as well.",
"For 1 whole year you must fight to keep a well-balanced crowd and your audience entertained as you'll be battling with the opposing brand.",
"You must balance your budget, book matches responsively, and keep your superstars happy.",
"If a superstar becomes unhappy with you due to either being left off the show or something, they'll let you know.",
"If a superstar gets minorly injured, it's best to keep them out of action before they become severely injured and are forced to be out of action.",
"As mentioned, it's best to balance your budget because you'll have to renew your superstar's contracts as they expire.",
"The last thing you want is to end up with a show of only 5 or 6 superstars.",
"Throughout the week, you'll receive emails from J.",
"R. to guide you through the year, the income salary, the ratings number, and more.",
"To add drama to the mode, you can start rivalries between 2 superstars, send a superstar to the other show to cause trouble, and slander the opposing show.",
"The show with the most popularity at the end of the season, wins a GM of the Year Trophy.",
"Great mode that teaches the player fun and responsibility\n\nThe roster was decently sized.",
"Superstars and divas making their debuts included Orlando Jordan, Joy Giovanni, Muhammad Hassan, Michelle McCool, Carlito, Paul London, Sylvan Grenier, Christy Hemme, Eugene and others.",
"There were also a fair amount of legends in the game as well.",
"All 3 faces of Hulk Hogan were in the game (80s, NWO, and Modern), Andre the Giant, British Bulldog, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, The Rock, Bret Hart, Masked Kane, Junkyard Dog, and Ted Dibiase.",
"3 other new features in the game were the sleeper hold system, the possum pin, and the stamina system.",
"How the sleeper hold system works is, once your opponent's head turns yellow, lock them in a sleeper hold (sitting or standing will do) where they will pass out in the hold.",
"Once locked into the hold, the CPU or human opponent will have three attempts to escape the submission hold or perform a reversal in a desperate attempt to turn the tables on the attacker.",
"If the player should fail to escape from the hold before the referee reaches a final count of three, the match will be lost by KO.",
"The possum pin works by storing a finisher.",
"If you've been beat down enough, when your superstar goes to attack you, press the L1 and L2 buttons to initiate the possum pin where you'll surprise them with a roll up.",
"The stamina system involves the amount of energy you and your opponent have.",
"If you run too much, you'll lose stamina.",
"If during a match, both you and your opponent run out of energy, you'll both fall to the mat, where the referee will start a count.",
"You both have to the count of 10 to get back up or the match goes to a Draw\n\nOverall: Sorry for the long review, but this game was too great to not go into every nook and cranny about it.",
"Smackdown vs Raw 2006 is one of my all time favorites to play.",
"Whenever I want to resort back to PS2 wrestling games, SVR 2006 is usually the first one I play.",
"This is another WWE game where if people give it less than 3 stars, they're crazy.",
"Smackdown vs Raw 2006 would have competition though as Smackdown vs Raw 2007 would come in and possibly outdo 2006...."
] |
if you don't already have this cd, i want to know why? who told you you don't need this? did your old lady say you don't need this? did she wake up with a wild hair up her behind and say something like, "Leroy, we already have sooo many cds!" well, don't listen to your old lady. you need this. if you don't have this cd, you definitely need it. you're gonna be comin home from work and sittin down to drink a few forties and you're gonna need somethin just right to listen to. and this is the cd that is just right for that moment. so forget what the old lady says, get this cd now. | 2 | positive | [
"if you don't already have this cd, i want to know why?",
"who told you you don't need this?",
"did your old lady say you don't need this?",
"did she wake up with a wild hair up her behind and say something like, \"Leroy, we already have sooo many cds!",
"\" well, don't listen to your old lady.",
"you need this.",
"if you don't have this cd, you definitely need it.",
"you're gonna be comin home from work and sittin down to drink a few forties and you're gonna need somethin just right to listen to.",
"and this is the cd that is just right for that moment.",
"so forget what the old lady says, get this cd now."
] |
I'm not giving this 5 stars because its not a custom leather holster that you would pay 4 or 5 times more for. Don't get me wrong, it works. But it is what it is. Its a cheap priced, not made, IWB for a Sig P938. Gun fits ok as its not custom cut for my gun. Its made for guns of that size. Some guns it will fit tight and some it will fit a bit loose. For me it fits pretty good. All around a good holster. I would buy one again if I had to. Again, I'm not giving it 5 stars because at 4 stars it does what it should do and 5 stars would be above and beyond. This does what it should. | 2 | positive | [
"I'm not giving this 5 stars because its not a custom leather holster that you would pay 4 or 5 times more for.",
"Don't get me wrong, it works.",
"But it is what it is.",
"Its a cheap priced, not made, IWB for a Sig P938.",
"Gun fits ok as its not custom cut for my gun.",
"Its made for guns of that size.",
"Some guns it will fit tight and some it will fit a bit loose.",
"For me it fits pretty good.",
"All around a good holster.",
"I would buy one again if I had to.",
"Again, I'm not giving it 5 stars because at 4 stars it does what it should do and 5 stars would be above and beyond.",
"This does what it should."
] |
This product is for "Grease Eating" type ants in the house. If you have "Sweet Ants" then you need Terro. The ants seem to like it, thus the 4 stars. They have gobbled up almost the entire tube since I bought it a month ago. I have ordered another one for them. I am using it for Big Head Ants which may be living in the walls. It can take a number of weeks to wipe out the colony and the queen so this is SOP. The foraging ants will take it back to the colony and add it to the food supply. You need to make sure that there is no other food source for them. You can tell which type you have by looking at what they eat. If it is a pork chop bone they favor, then they eat grease. If they are in the sugar bowl they are sweet ants. I will update the review when I know if it has been successful. This product is for "Grease Eating" type ants in the house. If you have "Sweet Ants" then you need Terro. | 2 | positive | [
"This product is for \"Grease Eating\" type ants in the house.",
"If you have \"Sweet Ants\" then you need Terro.",
"The ants seem to like it, thus the 4 stars.",
"They have gobbled up almost the entire tube since I bought it a month ago.",
"I have ordered another one for them.",
"I am using it for Big Head Ants which may be living in the walls.",
"It can take a number of weeks to wipe out the colony and the queen so this is SOP.",
"The foraging ants will take it back to the colony and add it to the food supply.",
"You need to make sure that there is no other food source for them.",
"You can tell which type you have by looking at what they eat.",
"If it is a pork chop bone they favor, then they eat grease.",
"If they are in the sugar bowl they are sweet ants.",
"I will update the review when I know if it has been successful.",
"This product is for \"Grease Eating\" type ants in the house.",
"If you have \"Sweet Ants\" then you need Terro."
] |
I was introduced to these stings about 1993 by a friend who restrung my guitar for me. I was using Boomer or something at the time, and even as a beginner I could tell a big difference in the feel. I'm not a big tone snob, so I've not noticed much on the tone being good or bad, esp since I use a lot of distortion ala Big Muff.
I have friends who use more expensive coated Elixers and stuff like that. And after over 15 years of playing I cant tell much difference betwen these and those. I think a lot is in the mind of the player. But I know there are some seasoned player with incredible ears and could tell the difference a mile away, but I'm not one of those guys.
I like the minimal packaging, being environmentally conscious and all. And for the price they are above the quality of anything of equal value, and maybe more. I think after playing a months with these any Elixer fan would have to admit they are just as good, even better if you consider the price. | 2 | positive | [
"I was introduced to these stings about 1993 by a friend who restrung my guitar for me.",
"I was using Boomer or something at the time, and even as a beginner I could tell a big difference in the feel.",
"I'm not a big tone snob, so I've not noticed much on the tone being good or bad, esp since I use a lot of distortion ala Big Muff.",
"I have friends who use more expensive coated Elixers and stuff like that.",
"And after over 15 years of playing I cant tell much difference betwen these and those.",
"I think a lot is in the mind of the player.",
"But I know there are some seasoned player with incredible ears and could tell the difference a mile away, but I'm not one of those guys.",
"I like the minimal packaging, being environmentally conscious and all.",
"And for the price they are above the quality of anything of equal value, and maybe more.",
"I think after playing a months with these any Elixer fan would have to admit they are just as good, even better if you consider the price."
] |
Writer/director Deepa Mehta's second installment in the trilogy of EARTH/FIRE/WATER again examines the plight of women ,this time in modern day India,concerning duty towards the husband vs the desire that arises inside. The desire in this film is that of two woman,both stuck in duty-bound lives full of thousands of years of tradition,who find complete love for the first time in each other. Deepa Mehta's films are quite deliberate and slowly paced,allowing the senses to be awakened properly. There is much silence and hesitant longing in her films, and the viewer must be aware that they will be slowly and deliberately drawn along at a very exacting pace. All of Mehta's movies are stunning in all ways. She is an absolute pioneer among film makers when it comes to her sensitivity towards women's issues. MEN....WOMEN....WATCH THESE FILMS AND LEARN!!!!Though Mehta's films are about the supression within the Indian culture,the same issues of religion/tradition and taboo confront each nation on the face of this Earth. Anyone who is teachable will learn scads about themselves through Mehta's touching portrayals that her characters endure to experience liberation of body,soul and spirit. | 2 | positive | [
"Writer/director Deepa Mehta's second installment in the trilogy of EARTH/FIRE/WATER again examines the plight of women ,this time in modern day India,concerning duty towards the husband vs the desire that arises inside.",
"The desire in this film is that of two woman,both stuck in duty-bound lives full of thousands of years of tradition,who find complete love for the first time in each other.",
"Deepa Mehta's films are quite deliberate and slowly paced,allowing the senses to be awakened properly.",
"There is much silence and hesitant longing in her films, and the viewer must be aware that they will be slowly and deliberately drawn along at a very exacting pace.",
"All of Mehta's movies are stunning in all ways.",
"She is an absolute pioneer among film makers when it comes to her sensitivity towards women's issues.",
"MEN....",
"WOMEN....",
"WATCH THESE FILMS AND LEARN!!!!",
"Though Mehta's films are about the supression within the Indian culture,the same issues of religion/tradition and taboo confront each nation on the face of this Earth.",
"Anyone who is teachable will learn scads about themselves through Mehta's touching portrayals that her characters endure to experience liberation of body,soul and spirit."
] |
The XYZ Da Vinci 1.0 is the Millennium Falcon of 3D printers. 'How so,' You ask? Well let me lay this down for you.
Out of the box, the Da Vinci 1.0 can only use expensive proprietary filament. So if you want to use any 3rd party filament, you have one of two options. 1) Use a cartridge resetter to trick your printer into thinking your cartridge still has more filament in it. However, if XYZ catches you, your system will get bricked. 2) Short out your system and push custom firmware onto it. Personally I recommend option number two if you're any good with hardware. Then you have to re-calibrate your bed, basically set aside a weekend if that's your plan.
Ok, so you've flashed your system or set up a cartridge resetter. You may have seen other types of filament aside from ABS. Filament like PLA, NinjaFlex, bronzefill, woodfill. Anything that isn't normal ABS. XYZ makes their own kind of PLA, but some have noted it isn't true PLA, it's a special blend. "Why doesn't it work?" I'm sure you're asking. Well, there are gaps within the extruder. The stock extruder has lots of gaps where heat escapes. These gaps also allow for PLA and flexible materials to bend and clog up the extruder. The issue with bronze/woodfill type filaments is that they tend to just clog the extruder. The way to solve these issues is to replace the extruder with a new one like the E36. That'll set you back at least $100.
The little plastic pieces on the inside that keep the bars in place also have a tendency to break, so make sure you print out replacements.
So, it's ok for a cheap printer. Put some time into it and making modifications and you'll have a good printer. Put some money into modifications and you'll have a great printer. | 2 | positive | [
"The XYZ Da Vinci 1.",
"0 is the Millennium Falcon of 3D printers.",
"'How so,' You ask?",
"Well let me lay this down for you.",
"Out of the box, the Da Vinci 1.",
"0 can only use expensive proprietary filament.",
"So if you want to use any 3rd party filament, you have one of two options.",
"1) Use a cartridge resetter to trick your printer into thinking your cartridge still has more filament in it.",
"However, if XYZ catches you, your system will get bricked.",
"2) Short out your system and push custom firmware onto it.",
"Personally I recommend option number two if you're any good with hardware.",
"Then you have to re-calibrate your bed, basically set aside a weekend if that's your plan.",
"Ok, so you've flashed your system or set up a cartridge resetter.",
"You may have seen other types of filament aside from ABS.",
"Filament like PLA, NinjaFlex, bronzefill, woodfill.",
"Anything that isn't normal ABS.",
"XYZ makes their own kind of PLA, but some have noted it isn't true PLA, it's a special blend.",
"\"Why doesn't it work?",
"\" I'm sure you're asking.",
"Well, there are gaps within the extruder.",
"The stock extruder has lots of gaps where heat escapes.",
"These gaps also allow for PLA and flexible materials to bend and clog up the extruder.",
"The issue with bronze/woodfill type filaments is that they tend to just clog the extruder.",
"The way to solve these issues is to replace the extruder with a new one like the E36.",
"That'll set you back at least $100.",
"The little plastic pieces on the inside that keep the bars in place also have a tendency to break, so make sure you print out replacements.",
"So, it's ok for a cheap printer.",
"Put some time into it and making modifications and you'll have a good printer.",
"Put some money into modifications and you'll have a great printer."
] |
This was the album that got me into Europe, although it's not their very best album. Of course the title track is a classic hit, but songs like "Carrie", "Rock the night" and "Cherokee" were big hits also. The entire album is great. Europe does a sensational job of combining keybords with guitars on this album and Joey Tempest delivers a great vocal performance. This isn't their hardest rockin' album, but it's well balanced. "The Final Countdown" is a melodic AOR album from a band whose majority of recordings were in the Hard Rock genre. Many people think of Europe as a keyboard band, but actually 4 of their 6 albums are much heavier and guitar driven.
To "rock lover 69" below: You are way off base with your immature criticism of this band and it's fans. Europe makes great music, and music certainly doesn't have to be evil and nasty to be likeable. Why does it have to be "metal" as you define it? What difference does it make what the band's nationality is? Europe is cool because they are talented and have an excellent melodic sound which many people love, and this has nothing to do with their nationality! Ever heard of Van Halen (Dutch), Def Leppard (English), or Bon Jovi (American)?? LOTS OF ROCK BANDS ALL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAVE A MELODIC SOUND. Learn to appreciate things for what they ARE, not for what they ARE NOT. Maybe one day when you become an adult you will understand this. Give Europe another try in about 10 years. | 2 | positive | [
"This was the album that got me into Europe, although it's not their very best album.",
"Of course the title track is a classic hit, but songs like \"Carrie\", \"Rock the night\" and \"Cherokee\" were big hits also.",
"The entire album is great.",
"Europe does a sensational job of combining keybords with guitars on this album and Joey Tempest delivers a great vocal performance.",
"This isn't their hardest rockin' album, but it's well balanced.",
"\"The Final Countdown\" is a melodic AOR album from a band whose majority of recordings were in the Hard Rock genre.",
"Many people think of Europe as a keyboard band, but actually 4 of their 6 albums are much heavier and guitar driven.",
"To \"rock lover 69\" below: You are way off base with your immature criticism of this band and it's fans.",
"Europe makes great music, and music certainly doesn't have to be evil and nasty to be likeable.",
"Why does it have to be \"metal\" as you define it?",
"What difference does it make what the band's nationality is?",
"Europe is cool because they are talented and have an excellent melodic sound which many people love, and this has nothing to do with their nationality!",
"Ever heard of Van Halen (Dutch), Def Leppard (English), or Bon Jovi (American)??",
"LOTS OF ROCK BANDS ALL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAVE A MELODIC SOUND.",
"Learn to appreciate things for what they ARE, not for what they ARE NOT.",
"Maybe one day when you become an adult you will understand this.",
"Give Europe another try in about 10 years."
] |
I got two of these shades for my porch to block our view of our trashy neighbors next door. They work wonderfully for that purpose, while still letting air circulate on the porch. The "Summer Haze" pattern looks really nice and passably period on our house, which is an 1850's Victorian. In case you can't tell from the photo (I couldn't), the "Summer Haze" pattern is a white background with forest green stripes. The green stripes are flanked by one narrow light brown stripe on either side. Despite the green, the pattern ends up looking pretty neutral on my bright blue house and does not clash at all.
The only issue I have with them is that the bottom brackets don't work so well. These brackets are designed to be mounted at the bottom of wherever you'd like your shade to hang, one on either side, so that the shade will stay down instead of flapping in the breeze and possibly rolling itself further down that you want it to go. These brackets, unlike the rest of the hardware, are plastic, and he shade pops right off them as soon as the wind blows. I can get along without using them, since I either have the shades all the way up or all the way down, but it's something to consider if you don't want to do the same. Other than that, I love these shades. I do wonder how and if they will hold up in cold weather (I live in PA.) I imagine I will probably have to take them down for the winter, but if I find out any information about how they hold up in freezing temps then I'll be sure to update this review.
EDIT: I contacted Coolaroo and asked how these would fare in snowy, freezing conditions. The company rep responded that I should "definitely take them down in the winter, as the Coolaroo shade warranty does not cover storm or wind damage." I guess I'll have to figure something else out to block my bad view during the cold months...sigh. | 2 | positive | [
"I got two of these shades for my porch to block our view of our trashy neighbors next door.",
"They work wonderfully for that purpose, while still letting air circulate on the porch.",
"The \"Summer Haze\" pattern looks really nice and passably period on our house, which is an 1850's Victorian.",
"In case you can't tell from the photo (I couldn't), the \"Summer Haze\" pattern is a white background with forest green stripes.",
"The green stripes are flanked by one narrow light brown stripe on either side.",
"Despite the green, the pattern ends up looking pretty neutral on my bright blue house and does not clash at all.",
"The only issue I have with them is that the bottom brackets don't work so well.",
"These brackets are designed to be mounted at the bottom of wherever you'd like your shade to hang, one on either side, so that the shade will stay down instead of flapping in the breeze and possibly rolling itself further down that you want it to go.",
"These brackets, unlike the rest of the hardware, are plastic, and he shade pops right off them as soon as the wind blows.",
"I can get along without using them, since I either have the shades all the way up or all the way down, but it's something to consider if you don't want to do the same.",
"Other than that, I love these shades.",
"I do wonder how and if they will hold up in cold weather (I live in PA.",
") I imagine I will probably have to take them down for the winter, but if I find out any information about how they hold up in freezing temps then I'll be sure to update this review.",
"EDIT: I contacted Coolaroo and asked how these would fare in snowy, freezing conditions.",
"The company rep responded that I should \"definitely take them down in the winter, as the Coolaroo shade warranty does not cover storm or wind damage.",
"\" I guess I'll have to figure something else out to block my bad view during the cold months...",
"sigh."
] |
If King Diamond's "Fatal Portrait" set the groundwork for his work, "Abigail" defined him. Many people see this 2nd record as King Diamond's best, and it is easy to understand why. On one hand, he has some of the best musicians ever. (Guitarist Andy LaRoque may not get the kudos that Ed Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, or Steve Vai get. But in my opinion this is proof that the most kudos does not necessarily define the best.) Second, King's vocals might be an aquired taste, but once you have the taste, you are sentenced for life. Third, King Diamond puts many so called Hollywood Horrors to shame by defining what horror is. Since he has no visual aids, he writes stories so frightening that that the lyrics alone are enough to scare you. (Let alone once he adds his vocals!) The story starts with the end scene and then goes back to the beginning where John Lafey and his wife Miriam go to take possession of a mansion they have inherited. They encounter several horsemen who warn them of the danger in the area. (Musically, this record never falters, and nor do the lyrics.) 'Mansion In Darkness' releases the tension for a moment as John and Miriam settle in. 'Family Ghost' introduces a ghostly ancestor of John who warns him of the dangers of Abigail. One of the most dramatic moments is 'July 7th 1777.' There is a flashback of when the ghost we met was alive and he killed his wife for having an affair that ended in her pregnancy. (Hence Abigail.) Moving back to the present, 'Deadly Omens' allows us to breathe a moment while we anticipate what is to come. Things start moving really fast as 'Possession' brings the horror from the past into the present. There is a frightening aspect of recognition to 'Abigail.' (Mr. Diamond seems to know that often recognition is more scarey than the overdone blood and effects that Hollywood still thinks is so.) The track ends with the climax of the count's horsemen coming to quell the situation. This final track has Andy La Roque's arguably best guitar solo. As many of you know, so many years later, King Diamond was to write a sequel that got mixed reviews. But it is no surprise that this 2nd record remains hailed by many as King Diamond's best. | 2 | positive | [
"If King Diamond's \"Fatal Portrait\" set the groundwork for his work, \"Abigail\" defined him.",
"Many people see this 2nd record as King Diamond's best, and it is easy to understand why.",
"On one hand, he has some of the best musicians ever.",
"(Guitarist Andy LaRoque may not get the kudos that Ed Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, or Steve Vai get.",
"But in my opinion this is proof that the most kudos does not necessarily define the best.",
") Second, King's vocals might be an aquired taste, but once you have the taste, you are sentenced for life.",
"Third, King Diamond puts many so called Hollywood Horrors to shame by defining what horror is.",
"Since he has no visual aids, he writes stories so frightening that that the lyrics alone are enough to scare you.",
"(Let alone once he adds his vocals!",
") The story starts with the end scene and then goes back to the beginning where John Lafey and his wife Miriam go to take possession of a mansion they have inherited.",
"They encounter several horsemen who warn them of the danger in the area.",
"(Musically, this record never falters, and nor do the lyrics.",
") 'Mansion In Darkness' releases the tension for a moment as John and Miriam settle in.",
"'Family Ghost' introduces a ghostly ancestor of John who warns him of the dangers of Abigail.",
"One of the most dramatic moments is 'July 7th 1777.",
"' There is a flashback of when the ghost we met was alive and he killed his wife for having an affair that ended in her pregnancy.",
"(Hence Abigail.",
") Moving back to the present, 'Deadly Omens' allows us to breathe a moment while we anticipate what is to come.",
"Things start moving really fast as 'Possession' brings the horror from the past into the present.",
"There is a frightening aspect of recognition to 'Abigail.",
"' (Mr.",
"Diamond seems to know that often recognition is more scarey than the overdone blood and effects that Hollywood still thinks is so.",
") The track ends with the climax of the count's horsemen coming to quell the situation.",
"This final track has Andy La Roque's arguably best guitar solo.",
"As many of you know, so many years later, King Diamond was to write a sequel that got mixed reviews.",
"But it is no surprise that this 2nd record remains hailed by many as King Diamond's best."
] |
I recently discovered the author Debora Geary by winning a copy of her novella MatchMakers 2.0 on LibraryThing.com. I was immediately hooked on her down-to-earth, humorous writing style. I then learned of her new book, A Modern Witch, and immediately added this to my TBR list.
There is nothing like Harry Potter, Bewitched or even new-age like to the witches in this story. Lauren is a very successful realtor in Chicago and doesn't even know that she is witch until she is pulled into an online witch chat while grocery shopping. This online site is the brain-child of a brother and sister computer programming team, Nell and Jamie. Nell is mother of five and her youngest son, Aervyn, is perhaps the most powerful and skilled witch seen in recent times, and he's only four. Jamie is a witch-trainer and computer nerd/geek. His improptu job is to leave California for Chicago to discern if Lauren is truly a witch or if their new programming has a glitch. Of course Lauren is a witch but she has difficulty accepting this news and even more difficulty accepting that she is a mind-witch with channeling skills. After having her barrier blocking skills blown by a precognitive incident (not hers but Jamie's), she is forced to travel to California for what she terms "witch boot camp." It is here that the fun truly begins.
Along for this topsy-turvy joyride into witch training is Lauren's best friend, Nat. Nat, although descended from great wealth and Boston bluebloods, feels more at ease operating her yoga studio in Chicago. However, she also feels kinship with Lauren and refuses to allow her to travel without her moral support. Both Nat and Lauren learn to deal with issues they've never experienced when brought into a large, loving witch family. Nat falls in love with Jamie and must deal with issues concerning her love of Chicago, her business and Jamie's love for his family and life in California. Lauren must cope with accepting that what she has always felt was just great intuition is actually her mid-witching abilities. The only person that is truly open and accepting of everything that happens is Aervyn. It is truly magical to read about his spellcasting during large circle. This four year old communes with the planet and attempts to heal or "burp" the San Andreas fault line in order to prevent a major quake. He even states that the planet told him not completely heal the fault and thanks him for his work. He doesn't even realize the enormity of what he has done, although all of the others in the circle do and are stunned.
At its heart this seems to be a story about acceptance. It's about accepting changes in our personal life paths. It's about accepting that there are people with a myriad of different abilities and life-choices. Ms. Geary presents a well-crafted tale that was quite easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. | 2 | positive | [
"I recently discovered the author Debora Geary by winning a copy of her novella MatchMakers 2.",
"0 on LibraryThing.",
"com.",
"I was immediately hooked on her down-to-earth, humorous writing style.",
"I then learned of her new book, A Modern Witch, and immediately added this to my TBR list.",
"There is nothing like Harry Potter, Bewitched or even new-age like to the witches in this story.",
"Lauren is a very successful realtor in Chicago and doesn't even know that she is witch until she is pulled into an online witch chat while grocery shopping.",
"This online site is the brain-child of a brother and sister computer programming team, Nell and Jamie.",
"Nell is mother of five and her youngest son, Aervyn, is perhaps the most powerful and skilled witch seen in recent times, and he's only four.",
"Jamie is a witch-trainer and computer nerd/geek.",
"His improptu job is to leave California for Chicago to discern if Lauren is truly a witch or if their new programming has a glitch.",
"Of course Lauren is a witch but she has difficulty accepting this news and even more difficulty accepting that she is a mind-witch with channeling skills.",
"After having her barrier blocking skills blown by a precognitive incident (not hers but Jamie's), she is forced to travel to California for what she terms \"witch boot camp.",
"\" It is here that the fun truly begins.",
"Along for this topsy-turvy joyride into witch training is Lauren's best friend, Nat.",
"Nat, although descended from great wealth and Boston bluebloods, feels more at ease operating her yoga studio in Chicago.",
"However, she also feels kinship with Lauren and refuses to allow her to travel without her moral support.",
"Both Nat and Lauren learn to deal with issues they've never experienced when brought into a large, loving witch family.",
"Nat falls in love with Jamie and must deal with issues concerning her love of Chicago, her business and Jamie's love for his family and life in California.",
"Lauren must cope with accepting that what she has always felt was just great intuition is actually her mid-witching abilities.",
"The only person that is truly open and accepting of everything that happens is Aervyn.",
"It is truly magical to read about his spellcasting during large circle.",
"This four year old communes with the planet and attempts to heal or \"burp\" the San Andreas fault line in order to prevent a major quake.",
"He even states that the planet told him not completely heal the fault and thanks him for his work.",
"He doesn't even realize the enormity of what he has done, although all of the others in the circle do and are stunned.",
"At its heart this seems to be a story about acceptance.",
"It's about accepting changes in our personal life paths.",
"It's about accepting that there are people with a myriad of different abilities and life-choices.",
"Ms.",
"Geary presents a well-crafted tale that was quite easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.",
"I look forward to reading more from her in the future."
] |
This review is posted on my blog: [...] my writing seminar here at school, we had to read The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. This novel takes place in southern India and follows the life of the twins Esthappen and Rahel. It is 1969 and the Marxist Uprising is very prominent in the state of Kerala. Through a series of flashbacks and present day scenes, Roy creatively illustrates the unbecoming of their family through secrecy, loss of innocence, and tragedy.
This was one of the best books I have had to read for a class. It throws the twins into a situation they never dreamed of being in and shows how one persons mistakes can affect an entire family. While reading, you slowly begin to see the children lose their innocence and trust in the good things that their world has to offer, which ultimately hardens their hearts.
The conclusion of this novel was very tragic and made me cry. When you learn who the God of Small Things is it makes you so happy but you also know what is going to happen and it is so upsetting. But once the twins are reunited as adults, they realize that there was always that special connection between them, even if it isn't the connection you expect.
Roys work successfully shows the corruption of Indias current Love Laws and Caste System. She breaks down borders and builds her characters around these strict laws but allows them to step out of bounds. Through her social commentary, Roy thoroughly describes to the reader what needs to be changed in India. Roy is a fresh and strong voice that stands up against the laws of her land, showing others that change is necessary.
4.3 Stars | 2 | positive | [
"This review is posted on my blog: [...",
"] my writing seminar here at school, we had to read The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.",
"This novel takes place in southern India and follows the life of the twins Esthappen and Rahel.",
"It is 1969 and the Marxist Uprising is very prominent in the state of Kerala.",
"Through a series of flashbacks and present day scenes, Roy creatively illustrates the unbecoming of their family through secrecy, loss of innocence, and tragedy.",
"This was one of the best books I have had to read for a class.",
"It throws the twins into a situation they never dreamed of being in and shows how one persons mistakes can affect an entire family.",
"While reading, you slowly begin to see the children lose their innocence and trust in the good things that their world has to offer, which ultimately hardens their hearts.",
"The conclusion of this novel was very tragic and made me cry.",
"When you learn who the God of Small Things is it makes you so happy but you also know what is going to happen and it is so upsetting.",
"But once the twins are reunited as adults, they realize that there was always that special connection between them, even if it isn't the connection you expect.",
"Roys work successfully shows the corruption of Indias current Love Laws and Caste System.",
"She breaks down borders and builds her characters around these strict laws but allows them to step out of bounds.",
"Through her social commentary, Roy thoroughly describes to the reader what needs to be changed in India.",
"Roy is a fresh and strong voice that stands up against the laws of her land, showing others that change is necessary.",
"4.",
"3 Stars"
] |
I loved this device so much that I now have four! I use each one for a separate key allowing me the opportunity to change keys quickly while performing. Before a performance and while my hands are free, I just load each harmonica of the desired key into it's own holder. In this method, each holder and harmonica combo now represents a different key, so as needed, I switch from one holder to another. I find it easier to adjust the holder around my neck than to fumble with the necessary stiff springs and a small harmonica while balancing a rather expensive guitar in my lap. This by no means is the only way to do it; it's just my way. I realize that most people are more coordinated than me and switching out each harmonica as you need them may work for you. It's just that I have enough on my plate between playing guitar, singing, blowing a harmonica, and entertaining to be distracted by anything I can avoid. Anyway, the holders are solid, easy to use, with a plastic covering around the neck part, and convenient wing nuts for quick adjustments. A great value at a great price. I hope this helps. | 2 | positive | [
"I loved this device so much that I now have four!",
"I use each one for a separate key allowing me the opportunity to change keys quickly while performing.",
"Before a performance and while my hands are free, I just load each harmonica of the desired key into it's own holder.",
"In this method, each holder and harmonica combo now represents a different key, so as needed, I switch from one holder to another.",
"I find it easier to adjust the holder around my neck than to fumble with the necessary stiff springs and a small harmonica while balancing a rather expensive guitar in my lap.",
"This by no means is the only way to do it; it's just my way.",
"I realize that most people are more coordinated than me and switching out each harmonica as you need them may work for you.",
"It's just that I have enough on my plate between playing guitar, singing, blowing a harmonica, and entertaining to be distracted by anything I can avoid.",
"Anyway, the holders are solid, easy to use, with a plastic covering around the neck part, and convenient wing nuts for quick adjustments.",
"A great value at a great price.",
"I hope this helps."
] |
Honestly, this updated Platinum edition offers everything you could ever dream of in a first person "shooter" game.
In the edition, you'll get Half-Life, Opposing Force, Team Fortress, Counter-Strike, and Blue Shift. All games are more than worthy of being called classics in their own time. And more specifically, Half-Life, OpFor, and Blue Shift allow you to play individually.
Now, what truly pushes this over the top is the ability to get ONLINE and fight with other human opponents! The online community is thriving. Counter-Strike, Half-Life, Team Fortress, and Opposing Force all allow online play or no sign-up/monthly fees. It's all FREE. There are nearly 1000 Half-Life servers and nearly 30,000 Counter-Strike servers world-wide!!!
As a lover of DOOM, Descent, and Duke Nukem 3D, I thought I had played all the best first-person shooter games (as of 1998). Then I played Half-Life! Since Half-Life 2 has not yet been released this still remains the BEST online Multiplayer First Person Shooter on the market today.
With an NVidia GForce2 and a 1GHz PIII, I am getting between 60-99 FPS (frames per second). The graphics are excellent and the play is smooth.
One warning though with this game: ONCE YOU PLAY IT ONLINE, YOU WILL NEVER EVER HAVE ENOUGH TIME IN YOUR LIFE TO PLAY THIS GAME. It is truly awesome and the Half-Life community is a welcoming one...as well as challenging. The Mod community is thriving as well...there are truly a multitude of Mods.
Simply put: BUY THIS GAME!!! GET CONNECTED!!! THEN PLAY UNTIL YOUR EYEBALLS ROLL BACK IN YOUR HEAD OR YOUR FINGERS FALL OFF.
You will never be sorry for buying this product. I have been playing this game online, every month for nearly 3 years...I have tried other games, but none compared to this one. | 2 | positive | [
"Honestly, this updated Platinum edition offers everything you could ever dream of in a first person \"shooter\" game.",
"In the edition, you'll get Half-Life, Opposing Force, Team Fortress, Counter-Strike, and Blue Shift.",
"All games are more than worthy of being called classics in their own time.",
"And more specifically, Half-Life, OpFor, and Blue Shift allow you to play individually.",
"Now, what truly pushes this over the top is the ability to get ONLINE and fight with other human opponents!",
"The online community is thriving.",
"Counter-Strike, Half-Life, Team Fortress, and Opposing Force all allow online play or no sign-up/monthly fees.",
"It's all FREE.",
"There are nearly 1000 Half-Life servers and nearly 30,000 Counter-Strike servers world-wide!!!",
"As a lover of DOOM, Descent, and Duke Nukem 3D, I thought I had played all the best first-person shooter games (as of 1998).",
"Then I played Half-Life!",
"Since Half-Life 2 has not yet been released this still remains the BEST online Multiplayer First Person Shooter on the market today.",
"With an NVidia GForce2 and a 1GHz PIII, I am getting between 60-99 FPS (frames per second).",
"The graphics are excellent and the play is smooth.",
"One warning though with this game: ONCE YOU PLAY IT ONLINE, YOU WILL NEVER EVER HAVE ENOUGH TIME IN YOUR LIFE TO PLAY THIS GAME.",
"It is truly awesome and the Half-Life community is a welcoming one...",
"as well as challenging.",
"The Mod community is thriving as well...",
"there are truly a multitude of Mods.",
"Simply put: BUY THIS GAME!!!",
"GET CONNECTED!!!",
"THEN PLAY UNTIL YOUR EYEBALLS ROLL BACK IN YOUR HEAD OR YOUR FINGERS FALL OFF.",
"You will never be sorry for buying this product.",
"I have been playing this game online, every month for nearly 3 years...",
"I have tried other games, but none compared to this one."
] |
I love this vacuum cleaner. I've used upright ones for years because they were easier to use but then you have to move everything to vacuum under it. With this one, you can just stick it under most furniture. Much more convenient and faster. I've never owned a Dyson like a lot here have so I can't tell you if this compares to it or not, but this is really a nice one and the suction is great. It rolls smoothly and doesn't take up as much space as I thought it would. It's not as heavy as some and I can easily carry it to do the steps with. No bags required which is a big plus and saves you money. The dust cup is a little small but usually lasts as long as I'm willing to vacuum anyway, so no big deal. This picks up cat hair great on furniture and in the carpet. That was my main reason for wanting this one. Some vacuums just don't cut it with the cat hair. I decided to use it on my hardwood floors too because it's not easy getting everything along the edges with a broom and it works much better than the broom. Oh, and it's much quieter than most vacuums too. I want to mention one great feature on it that I've not had on any of my other vacuums. You know the dirt that gets at the edge and you usually have to use a tool to get it with, well, this vacuum picks it up if you go straight at it instead of sideways. The front top pushes back so it gets directly to the edge. There is also a strip of felt on front bumper so you don't smack and damage anything if you do hit the edge of a table or something. It's great for steps because of this feature. I didn't even put the special attachment on to do them. There's also a pet glider attachment with this that is easier to clean pet hair off of then the regular attachment. | 2 | positive | [
"I love this vacuum cleaner.",
"I've used upright ones for years because they were easier to use but then you have to move everything to vacuum under it.",
"With this one, you can just stick it under most furniture.",
"Much more convenient and faster.",
"I've never owned a Dyson like a lot here have so I can't tell you if this compares to it or not, but this is really a nice one and the suction is great.",
"It rolls smoothly and doesn't take up as much space as I thought it would.",
"It's not as heavy as some and I can easily carry it to do the steps with.",
"No bags required which is a big plus and saves you money.",
"The dust cup is a little small but usually lasts as long as I'm willing to vacuum anyway, so no big deal.",
"This picks up cat hair great on furniture and in the carpet.",
"That was my main reason for wanting this one.",
"Some vacuums just don't cut it with the cat hair.",
"I decided to use it on my hardwood floors too because it's not easy getting everything along the edges with a broom and it works much better than the broom.",
"Oh, and it's much quieter than most vacuums too.",
"I want to mention one great feature on it that I've not had on any of my other vacuums.",
"You know the dirt that gets at the edge and you usually have to use a tool to get it with, well, this vacuum picks it up if you go straight at it instead of sideways.",
"The front top pushes back so it gets directly to the edge.",
"There is also a strip of felt on front bumper so you don't smack and damage anything if you do hit the edge of a table or something.",
"It's great for steps because of this feature.",
"I didn't even put the special attachment on to do them.",
"There's also a pet glider attachment with this that is easier to clean pet hair off of then the regular attachment."
] |
I went to medical school at one of the best in the country. I studied molecular biology and this movies science is spot on. For those that don't know the title Gattaca is made up of letters that are all nucleotides , the building blocks of DNA. That is kind of neat. And they never really advertise that. They don't mention that in the movie. You just have to kind of know what. Makes you feel special if you do know it. That's how I know the writer is a highly intelligent person and expect the audience to be intelligent also. They don't dumb it down for us. I loved it. Five stars. I would give it six if I could. | 2 | positive | [
"I went to medical school at one of the best in the country.",
"I studied molecular biology and this movies science is spot on.",
"For those that don't know the title Gattaca is made up of letters that are all nucleotides , the building blocks of DNA.",
"That is kind of neat.",
"And they never really advertise that.",
"They don't mention that in the movie.",
"You just have to kind of know what.",
"Makes you feel special if you do know it.",
"That's how I know the writer is a highly intelligent person and expect the audience to be intelligent also.",
"They don't dumb it down for us.",
"I loved it.",
"Five stars.",
"I would give it six if I could."
] |
Amazing, exciting, erotic, tons of sex, sexy and hot! That's exactly what awaits you in the pages of Declan and Tori. Wow!
The chemistry between Declan and Tori is something to envy. Each desiring the other for some time, but hesitant to do anything about it because Tori stands her ground to never (ever) date a cop. One day all of that goes out the window. Tori has come to realize life is to short to live with regrets. Once Declan accepts the truth behind Tori's words that her current situation is NOT the reason why she wants him, he goes at her full force, with no holds barred. He expresses himself with unbelievable passion that he only has for her and she does the same right back for him.
Many surprises and paranormal's are within. Also a very fun, exhilarating and exciting experience to read! | 2 | positive | [
"Amazing, exciting, erotic, tons of sex, sexy and hot!",
"That's exactly what awaits you in the pages of Declan and Tori.",
"Wow!",
"The chemistry between Declan and Tori is something to envy.",
"Each desiring the other for some time, but hesitant to do anything about it because Tori stands her ground to never (ever) date a cop.",
"One day all of that goes out the window.",
"Tori has come to realize life is to short to live with regrets.",
"Once Declan accepts the truth behind Tori's words that her current situation is NOT the reason why she wants him, he goes at her full force, with no holds barred.",
"He expresses himself with unbelievable passion that he only has for her and she does the same right back for him.",
"Many surprises and paranormal's are within.",
"Also a very fun, exhilarating and exciting experience to read!"
] |
I've had really good experiences with Dewalt 7.2 Volt drill and batteries. I literally use it every day on the job. The batteries will last days of occasional to hard use. They aren't even lithium ion, they are the old style. I use them until they are not usable, charge them for 30-min or so until full charged then they last for days again. I've only had one battery completely fail out of the probably 6 or so that I own. The batteries I purchased here seem to work just fine still. The battery has enough power to easily sink drywall screws into wood without pre-drilling a hole with a drill bit. Would be 5 stars but the batteries sometimes won't fit in every charger I have for 14 and 18 volt dewalt drills. | 2 | positive | [
"I've had really good experiences with Dewalt 7.",
"2 Volt drill and batteries.",
"I literally use it every day on the job.",
"The batteries will last days of occasional to hard use.",
"They aren't even lithium ion, they are the old style.",
"I use them until they are not usable, charge them for 30-min or so until full charged then they last for days again.",
"I've only had one battery completely fail out of the probably 6 or so that I own.",
"The batteries I purchased here seem to work just fine still.",
"The battery has enough power to easily sink drywall screws into wood without pre-drilling a hole with a drill bit.",
"Would be 5 stars but the batteries sometimes won't fit in every charger I have for 14 and 18 volt dewalt drills."
] |
First off I must say that I am no phone junky in any sense of the word. The only reason I own a cell phone is they have become something of a necessity these days it seems.
I bought this phone because I wanted to change phone services. I use, on average, less than a hundred minutes per month on calls. This phone at this price was a great deal for me. $14 for the phone and $10 a month for service is saving me hundreds of dollars on the year. The phone is attractive, the service has great call reception and the phone has more bells and whistles than I'll ever use. Since the unused minutes roll over I have already begun to accumulate many more minutes, allowing me to use the phone a little more liberally than I normally would. I have reduced my costs by 2/3rds thanx fo Tracfone. What a relief to no longer be paying for services I don't need or want. Tweet this! Not. :-)
Oh and the battery life on this phone for me is good for day's. One good charge a week and it is good to go.
Update: I have now owned this phone for over a year. I bought a protective cover for it shortly after purchase and it looks and operates like the day I bought it. Have accumulated 1274 minutes. The charge actually lasts longer than days. More like weeks. I probably charge it once a month. Still gets great reception and the savings are fantabulous. | 2 | positive | [
"First off I must say that I am no phone junky in any sense of the word.",
"The only reason I own a cell phone is they have become something of a necessity these days it seems.",
"I bought this phone because I wanted to change phone services.",
"I use, on average, less than a hundred minutes per month on calls.",
"This phone at this price was a great deal for me.",
"$14 for the phone and $10 a month for service is saving me hundreds of dollars on the year.",
"The phone is attractive, the service has great call reception and the phone has more bells and whistles than I'll ever use.",
"Since the unused minutes roll over I have already begun to accumulate many more minutes, allowing me to use the phone a little more liberally than I normally would.",
"I have reduced my costs by 2/3rds thanx fo Tracfone.",
"What a relief to no longer be paying for services I don't need or want.",
"Tweet this!",
"Not.",
":-)\n\nOh and the battery life on this phone for me is good for day's.",
"One good charge a week and it is good to go.",
"Update: I have now owned this phone for over a year.",
"I bought a protective cover for it shortly after purchase and it looks and operates like the day I bought it.",
"Have accumulated 1274 minutes.",
"The charge actually lasts longer than days.",
"More like weeks.",
"I probably charge it once a month.",
"Still gets great reception and the savings are fantabulous."
] |
When considering this lens, you will obviously think about comparing it to the competition:
Sigma/Tamrom 70-200 2.8 for 600-1200
Canon 70-200 2.8 I ~1200
Canon 70-200 2.8 II ~2000???
I WANTED the canon 2.8 I for 1200, it is reasonable and 2.8 is amazing for any lens. I settled for this lens due to being basically half the price.
This lens is basically very good. It is very light weight(compared to the 24-70 2.8L, it is nothing) I don't even mind the size!! Goes well with the Canon t2I body due to the 1.6x magnification crop sensor. I will always keep this lens on that body, now that I also have a Canon 5d Mark II. I will have to find a good wide angle lens for that body.
I just checked, and it can fit inside of my SMALL camera bag, just barely. This is amazing, I can now carry two bodies and two lenses(this and a wide angle lens) in my camera bag. My camera bag is very small, too small for a laptop or a paper notebook, yet I can fit this lens,attached to a camera body (w/o hood) and have it ready for quick shots.
I like how the lens does not extend like other zoom lenses. My 24-70 2.8L lens does this which can be a problem. The lens hood would normally protect the extended area, and it can suction dust into the lens when you change focal length. Now I don't have to worry.
In my dim lit house, lit by normal bulbs about 25 feet off the ground, I can shoot at 1/80, F4 at 6400. Not bad at all, I was expecting a lot worse!! Still, it is very difficult to get a sharp shot at 200(more on a 1.6 crop) at 1/80. Due to this, I would want a 2.8 lens still. This is not a concern at all in cloudy/sunny shots during the daytime.
I was also surprised that the minimum focus distance is 4 feet, but that is not too bad. Should have researched more.
The bokeh at F4 is not amazing in cluttered scenes. If there is a shot with something close in the BG, it will be impossible to blur and make it look pretty.
The auto focus is very fast, yet in dark scenes and at 200MM it searches for focus A LOT. Not bad enough to be concerned about.
Handheld shots at <1/120 will be very hard to do.
The sharpness is great when you can hold it steady
So the ONLY thing to consider when comparing this to the other lenses is what situation you will use it in. For day time shots, this lens will do. If you do indoor or night time shooting, I would go with the 2.8.
This lens is fun and amazing. I will buy the 2.0x extender and the 2.8 version when I get more money!! | 2 | positive | [
"When considering this lens, you will obviously think about comparing it to the competition:\n\nSigma/Tamrom 70-200 2.",
"8 for 600-1200\n\nCanon 70-200 2.",
"8 I ~1200\n\nCanon 70-200 2.",
"8 II ~2000???",
"I WANTED the canon 2.",
"8 I for 1200, it is reasonable and 2.",
"8 is amazing for any lens.",
"I settled for this lens due to being basically half the price.",
"This lens is basically very good.",
"It is very light weight(compared to the 24-70 2.",
"8L, it is nothing) I don't even mind the size!!",
"Goes well with the Canon t2I body due to the 1.",
"6x magnification crop sensor.",
"I will always keep this lens on that body, now that I also have a Canon 5d Mark II.",
"I will have to find a good wide angle lens for that body.",
"I just checked, and it can fit inside of my SMALL camera bag, just barely.",
"This is amazing, I can now carry two bodies and two lenses(this and a wide angle lens) in my camera bag.",
"My camera bag is very small, too small for a laptop or a paper notebook, yet I can fit this lens,attached to a camera body (w/o hood) and have it ready for quick shots.",
"I like how the lens does not extend like other zoom lenses.",
"My 24-70 2.",
"8L lens does this which can be a problem.",
"The lens hood would normally protect the extended area, and it can suction dust into the lens when you change focal length.",
"Now I don't have to worry.",
"In my dim lit house, lit by normal bulbs about 25 feet off the ground, I can shoot at 1/80, F4 at 6400.",
"Not bad at all, I was expecting a lot worse!!",
"Still, it is very difficult to get a sharp shot at 200(more on a 1.",
"6 crop) at 1/80.",
"Due to this, I would want a 2.",
"8 lens still.",
"This is not a concern at all in cloudy/sunny shots during the daytime.",
"I was also surprised that the minimum focus distance is 4 feet, but that is not too bad.",
"Should have researched more.",
"The bokeh at F4 is not amazing in cluttered scenes.",
"If there is a shot with something close in the BG, it will be impossible to blur and make it look pretty.",
"The auto focus is very fast, yet in dark scenes and at 200MM it searches for focus A LOT.",
"Not bad enough to be concerned about.",
"Handheld shots at <1/120 will be very hard to do.",
"The sharpness is great when you can hold it steady\n\nSo the ONLY thing to consider when comparing this to the other lenses is what situation you will use it in.",
"For day time shots, this lens will do.",
"If you do indoor or night time shooting, I would go with the 2.",
"8.\n\nThis lens is fun and amazing.",
"I will buy the 2.",
"0x extender and the 2.",
"8 version when I get more money!!"
] |
I'll start off by saying that it's a real shame this band isn't together anymore.
I was listening to a demo version of "The Drugs Don't Work" last night in my car when I thought I should add this to the discs that I've reviewed here. The lyrics in that song really some up the whole disc. Equal parts of beauty, sadness, and content, Urban Hymns can become a very, very personal record for it's listener. The music is simply amazing, full on examples of the great talents at work. The way-overplayed "Bittersweet...", tends to stick out from the rest of the tracks but that's ok, it's a great single, isn't it? I really like the tracks "Lucky Man, Drugs..., and Velvet Morning". All are so powerful in their own unique way, but work together to give this album tremendous flow. If you don't own this and your thinking about it, you should drop the cash and add it to your collection, it will be in heavy rotation soon thereafter.
On the horizon comes the solo effort from Richard Ashcroft. This singer/songwriter is simply going to set the world on it's side yet again with some incredible tunes. Keeping with much of the style that made Verve fans...well, Verve fans. Look for his first solo single due out in the U.K., April 3rd 2000. | 2 | positive | [
"I'll start off by saying that it's a real shame this band isn't together anymore.",
"I was listening to a demo version of \"The Drugs Don't Work\" last night in my car when I thought I should add this to the discs that I've reviewed here.",
"The lyrics in that song really some up the whole disc.",
"Equal parts of beauty, sadness, and content, Urban Hymns can become a very, very personal record for it's listener.",
"The music is simply amazing, full on examples of the great talents at work.",
"The way-overplayed \"Bittersweet...",
"\", tends to stick out from the rest of the tracks but that's ok, it's a great single, isn't it?",
"I really like the tracks \"Lucky Man, Drugs...",
", and Velvet Morning\".",
"All are so powerful in their own unique way, but work together to give this album tremendous flow.",
"If you don't own this and your thinking about it, you should drop the cash and add it to your collection, it will be in heavy rotation soon thereafter.",
"On the horizon comes the solo effort from Richard Ashcroft.",
"This singer/songwriter is simply going to set the world on it's side yet again with some incredible tunes.",
"Keeping with much of the style that made Verve fans...",
"well, Verve fans.",
"Look for his first solo single due out in the U.",
"K., April 3rd 2000."
] |
Overall, this is a great filter when paired with the properly sized pump. Be sure to use the flow limiter if the pump flow exceeds 40gpm.
I removed one star because the 1st filter still had dirty water inside and was leaking. It was a warehouse deal, but Amazon took it back and I bought a new unit. That one leaked around the flange, and spewed DE into the pool for about 1 minute when the pump started. Amazon sent a replacement. This one, the 3rd, works great so far.
The water wasn't horrible after Winter, but regardless this filter cleared the water better than any filter to date (I tried sand, cartridge) in 24 hours. Crystal clear! There is a very brief puff of DE when the pump starts, but that was within the first 1-2 hours after installation and charging. I haven't checked it lately, but the pressure is perfect - started at 10psi, 8psi after adding DE, and settled at 10psi after 2 days.
Can't go wrong with this filter for pools with up to 25k gallons (my opinion only). Mine is less than 10k gallons, but it's obvious this filter can double that filtration capacity - with the correct pump and run time.
At the end of the day, it was worth the purchase, and this year I hope to relax more, and mess with the pool and filter much less... | 2 | positive | [
"Overall, this is a great filter when paired with the properly sized pump.",
"Be sure to use the flow limiter if the pump flow exceeds 40gpm.",
"I removed one star because the 1st filter still had dirty water inside and was leaking.",
"It was a warehouse deal, but Amazon took it back and I bought a new unit.",
"That one leaked around the flange, and spewed DE into the pool for about 1 minute when the pump started.",
"Amazon sent a replacement.",
"This one, the 3rd, works great so far.",
"The water wasn't horrible after Winter, but regardless this filter cleared the water better than any filter to date (I tried sand, cartridge) in 24 hours.",
"Crystal clear!",
"There is a very brief puff of DE when the pump starts, but that was within the first 1-2 hours after installation and charging.",
"I haven't checked it lately, but the pressure is perfect - started at 10psi, 8psi after adding DE, and settled at 10psi after 2 days.",
"Can't go wrong with this filter for pools with up to 25k gallons (my opinion only).",
"Mine is less than 10k gallons, but it's obvious this filter can double that filtration capacity - with the correct pump and run time.",
"At the end of the day, it was worth the purchase, and this year I hope to relax more, and mess with the pool and filter much less..."
] |
Multiple shelves in my office are lined with binders of various colors, sizes, and brands; I am no stranger to binders. I use them for organizing important documents, art and ad references, my own writings, and even for archiving magazines, and I've had varying rates of success with them. After using the Avery Nonstick Heavy Duty binder for a couple of months I can say with confidence that, for me, it's an almost perfect binder.
It comfortably holds 200 clear sheet protectors, each with one to two sheets of paper (~275 sheets) and it's currently at capacity, but I know if I'd just put the sheets in without the protectors, I could probably fit another 100+.
Now, with that many pages in the binder, it's heavy. One problem I've had with the larger binders was the spine bowing from the weight, the rings struggling to remain attached; I was pleased that I didn't have the same problem with the Avery Nonstick HD binder. The rings and spine felt secure, however, I do wish the front/back/spine paperboard was a bit sturdier.
Turning the pages was, more often than not, smooth due to the gapless rings. However, after repeated opening and closing, I've found that a minuscule gap has developed in the center ring which sometimes hinders the smooth turning of pages. It's minor to me, but worth noting.
Although I'm using sheet protectors for the vast majority of my pages, I've added one page to the back in order to test whether the binder will lift ink after prolonged use. So far, it hasn't and I'll be certain to update this review should that change.
I adore that the rings open by the touch of a small lever, but sometimes I'll forget and try to open it with the center ring. It takes a second to remember that such method won't work, but someone more determined or absentminded could easily break the binder. This, to me, is a design flaw since many binders are designed to open with the center ring. On the flip side, some may consider it a feature since it's less likely that the rings will open accidentally.
All in all, I'm happy with this binder despite a few quirks. | 2 | positive | [
"Multiple shelves in my office are lined with binders of various colors, sizes, and brands; I am no stranger to binders.",
"I use them for organizing important documents, art and ad references, my own writings, and even for archiving magazines, and I've had varying rates of success with them.",
"After using the Avery Nonstick Heavy Duty binder for a couple of months I can say with confidence that, for me, it's an almost perfect binder.",
"It comfortably holds 200 clear sheet protectors, each with one to two sheets of paper (~275 sheets) and it's currently at capacity, but I know if I'd just put the sheets in without the protectors, I could probably fit another 100+.",
"Now, with that many pages in the binder, it's heavy.",
"One problem I've had with the larger binders was the spine bowing from the weight, the rings struggling to remain attached; I was pleased that I didn't have the same problem with the Avery Nonstick HD binder.",
"The rings and spine felt secure, however, I do wish the front/back/spine paperboard was a bit sturdier.",
"Turning the pages was, more often than not, smooth due to the gapless rings.",
"However, after repeated opening and closing, I've found that a minuscule gap has developed in the center ring which sometimes hinders the smooth turning of pages.",
"It's minor to me, but worth noting.",
"Although I'm using sheet protectors for the vast majority of my pages, I've added one page to the back in order to test whether the binder will lift ink after prolonged use.",
"So far, it hasn't and I'll be certain to update this review should that change.",
"I adore that the rings open by the touch of a small lever, but sometimes I'll forget and try to open it with the center ring.",
"It takes a second to remember that such method won't work, but someone more determined or absentminded could easily break the binder.",
"This, to me, is a design flaw since many binders are designed to open with the center ring.",
"On the flip side, some may consider it a feature since it's less likely that the rings will open accidentally.",
"All in all, I'm happy with this binder despite a few quirks."
] |
Endeavoring to reedem themselves after the underwhelming performance of the Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo released the Wii.
The Wii not only gives the typical 14-24 male a chance to have fun, but also Mom, Dad, and Grandma can play and have a blast. With their strategy to 'bring gaming back to the masses,' Nintendo have succeeded significantly. Now, all the family can play on a video game console and really have a good time, which is something not typical of video game machines. But as I have said, Nintendo has a Wiinner!
It is a good thing that Wii Sports come with the Wii because it trully shows what the machine can do, and it's also a great party game. Get four people together and play a match of tennis or bowling and you are in Nirvana!
Of course, there are also other great games for the Wii besides Wii Sports, but that is a trifle irrelevant. I'm here to discourse on the Wii itself and its hardware.
Which brings me to my next point: the graphics. Now, the Wii is not a graphics powerhouse. Some have been audacious enough to call it a Gamecube 1.5. But that is of no matter. For many really don't give a hoot about the quality of the graphics as much as they do about the gameplay. Would you rather look at a georgeous monopoly board or actually play it? I'd go with the latter. How about you?
The Wii is cheap, fun, and can get the family together. What's not to love? | 2 | positive | [
"Endeavoring to reedem themselves after the underwhelming performance of the Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo released the Wii.",
"The Wii not only gives the typical 14-24 male a chance to have fun, but also Mom, Dad, and Grandma can play and have a blast.",
"With their strategy to 'bring gaming back to the masses,' Nintendo have succeeded significantly.",
"Now, all the family can play on a video game console and really have a good time, which is something not typical of video game machines.",
"But as I have said, Nintendo has a Wiinner!",
"It is a good thing that Wii Sports come with the Wii because it trully shows what the machine can do, and it's also a great party game.",
"Get four people together and play a match of tennis or bowling and you are in Nirvana!",
"Of course, there are also other great games for the Wii besides Wii Sports, but that is a trifle irrelevant.",
"I'm here to discourse on the Wii itself and its hardware.",
"Which brings me to my next point: the graphics.",
"Now, the Wii is not a graphics powerhouse.",
"Some have been audacious enough to call it a Gamecube 1.",
"5. But that is of no matter.",
"For many really don't give a hoot about the quality of the graphics as much as they do about the gameplay.",
"Would you rather look at a georgeous monopoly board or actually play it?",
"I'd go with the latter.",
"How about you?",
"The Wii is cheap, fun, and can get the family together.",
"What's not to love?"
] |
First of all I ordered two since they are so cheap with free quick shipping.
To my surprise there are 3 covers in each packet. Awesome. So I ended up with 6 of them which is great for as long as I'll have this phone.
It is really difficult to understand how to put these on as mentioned on one post. It is really easy if you watch the utube video. Once a person has done this once they will never forget.
1. Pull back tag #1 enough to stick and align to phone.
2. Smooth on to push out bubbles. Relift and restick as needed to remove bubbles.
3. Then simply pull up on tab #2 leaving the center protector plastic which is thinner than the outside ones it came between. | 2 | positive | [
"First of all I ordered two since they are so cheap with free quick shipping.",
"To my surprise there are 3 covers in each packet.",
"Awesome.",
"So I ended up with 6 of them which is great for as long as I'll have this phone.",
"It is really difficult to understand how to put these on as mentioned on one post.",
"It is really easy if you watch the utube video.",
"Once a person has done this once they will never forget.",
"1.",
"Pull back tag #1 enough to stick and align to phone.",
"2.",
"Smooth on to push out bubbles.",
"Relift and restick as needed to remove bubbles.",
"3.",
"Then simply pull up on tab #2 leaving the center protector plastic which is thinner than the outside ones it came between."
] |
When I began to see the trailers for this movie, I thought it looked extremely dumb. But when I went to see it in the theaters, I was Amazed and completely thrilled with it. It is one of the best cartoon movies I have seen in my life! It is also very emotionally touching, considering I cried atleast half the movie when I saw it for the first time! The characters are so adorable, especially Lilo and Stitch, mainly because of the creative drawing techniques used for this film. The story is very strong, heart-warming, and relative. It is a must-see, no matter what your age is! It has the laughs, the action, and the emotions, all in one happy little bundle of joy called LILO & STITCH! I couldn't wait to buy it when it came out on DVD & VHS so hopefully you'll not wait a moment longer to buy it yourself. Enjoy! | 2 | positive | [
"When I began to see the trailers for this movie, I thought it looked extremely dumb.",
"But when I went to see it in the theaters, I was Amazed and completely thrilled with it.",
"It is one of the best cartoon movies I have seen in my life!",
"It is also very emotionally touching, considering I cried atleast half the movie when I saw it for the first time!",
"The characters are so adorable, especially Lilo and Stitch, mainly because of the creative drawing techniques used for this film.",
"The story is very strong, heart-warming, and relative.",
"It is a must-see, no matter what your age is!",
"It has the laughs, the action, and the emotions, all in one happy little bundle of joy called LILO & STITCH!",
"I couldn't wait to buy it when it came out on DVD & VHS so hopefully you'll not wait a moment longer to buy it yourself.",
"Enjoy!"
] |
I'm going to use the same words that I used for the "ramp" that I also bought. I will change a few things but this way, I can save my fingers a bit. Here goes: Since I got four similar items, I might copy and paste a lot of this review so bear with me. Allow me to begin by stating that my cats, a Manx and a black and white mixed breed, have NEVER used a scratch post. I've tried everything under the sun. Well our kitties run inside and outside so, they do get to scratch on trees, etc., and on the couch (until we run them off) when need be. I got this round toy and 3 other deals and they have both scratched on ALL of them. This round toy is the most popular of all with my Manx when it comes to playing with that ball. I was shocked. She also lies on it and sits on it casually. The black and white cat is coming around but prefers others that I bought to this, although she will sit on it. At first, my cats were leery about using this and kind of looked at it in a funny manner. Then, all of the sudden, I heard our Manx going to town with that ball. The price was great and I really can't say anything negative about it. I think some folks mentioned that this moves about due to the light-weight but, that's fine as it just keeps them on the go. It's not like it flies all over the room or anything but it doesn't stay totally planted, of course, due to the weight. Plus, it's a cute toy, scratch deal and looks good in any location. I really recommend this for those who have had no luck with any other scratch posts. I began by giving the cats little treats when they'd scratch on the toys and that helped too. Hope this convinces anyone who is undecided to go for it! | 2 | positive | [
"I'm going to use the same words that I used for the \"ramp\" that I also bought.",
"I will change a few things but this way, I can save my fingers a bit.",
"Here goes: Since I got four similar items, I might copy and paste a lot of this review so bear with me.",
"Allow me to begin by stating that my cats, a Manx and a black and white mixed breed, have NEVER used a scratch post.",
"I've tried everything under the sun.",
"Well our kitties run inside and outside so, they do get to scratch on trees, etc.",
", and on the couch (until we run them off) when need be.",
"I got this round toy and 3 other deals and they have both scratched on ALL of them.",
"This round toy is the most popular of all with my Manx when it comes to playing with that ball.",
"I was shocked.",
"She also lies on it and sits on it casually.",
"The black and white cat is coming around but prefers others that I bought to this, although she will sit on it.",
"At first, my cats were leery about using this and kind of looked at it in a funny manner.",
"Then, all of the sudden, I heard our Manx going to town with that ball.",
"The price was great and I really can't say anything negative about it.",
"I think some folks mentioned that this moves about due to the light-weight but, that's fine as it just keeps them on the go.",
"It's not like it flies all over the room or anything but it doesn't stay totally planted, of course, due to the weight.",
"Plus, it's a cute toy, scratch deal and looks good in any location.",
"I really recommend this for those who have had no luck with any other scratch posts.",
"I began by giving the cats little treats when they'd scratch on the toys and that helped too.",
"Hope this convinces anyone who is undecided to go for it!"
] |
We have a 55 gallon community tank and after we started using SeaChem Neutral Regulator I started seeing a growth increase in green algae all over my ornements. I have a ton of fake corals in my tank and this was getting annoying having to clean them every week. I read the back of the NR bottle and noticed it said that it is Phosphate based. Well...Algae loves phosphates...I picked a small bottle of this at my local pet store and payed a pretty penny for it..I put some in my Seachem "The Bag" and threw it in my canister filter. To my surprise the algae slowed wayed down over a 2 week period. So I ordered the large container from Amazon and haven't looked back since. Every time I clean out my canister I dump the old Phosgaurd and add a few tablespoons to my bag and toss in the top tray of my canister. Over the last few months I have had little to no issues with the green algae building up on my fake corals. The pics I have provided are of the 2L jug...thats a lot of Phosgaurd. The other photo you can see the size of the granules. I hope this reviews helps someone. Happy Shopping!! | 2 | positive | [
"We have a 55 gallon community tank and after we started using SeaChem Neutral Regulator I started seeing a growth increase in green algae all over my ornements.",
"I have a ton of fake corals in my tank and this was getting annoying having to clean them every week.",
"I read the back of the NR bottle and noticed it said that it is Phosphate based.",
"Well...",
"Algae loves phosphates...",
"I picked a small bottle of this at my local pet store and payed a pretty penny for it..",
"I put some in my Seachem \"The Bag\" and threw it in my canister filter.",
"To my surprise the algae slowed wayed down over a 2 week period.",
"So I ordered the large container from Amazon and haven't looked back since.",
"Every time I clean out my canister I dump the old Phosgaurd and add a few tablespoons to my bag and toss in the top tray of my canister.",
"Over the last few months I have had little to no issues with the green algae building up on my fake corals.",
"The pics I have provided are of the 2L jug...",
"thats a lot of Phosgaurd.",
"The other photo you can see the size of the granules.",
"I hope this reviews helps someone.",
"Happy Shopping!!"
] |
Yay! Senseo has returned! At least the medium roast is available now. We ordered next day service and paid the extra fee just to get our Senseo. I had called DE and talked to them and they were having problems getting the Senseo to the US. Thankfully, my Dutch friend had no problems getting Senseo in Holland and so shipped us some in the meantime. Geez, I could open my own Senseo store! LOL Anyway, our Walmart had Melitta for the immediate need, but nothing is as good as DE's Senseo.
Can't wait for breakfast blend and sumatra to return.
Alley
Grand Prairie, TX, USA | 2 | positive | [
"Yay!",
"Senseo has returned!",
"At least the medium roast is available now.",
"We ordered next day service and paid the extra fee just to get our Senseo.",
"I had called DE and talked to them and they were having problems getting the Senseo to the US.",
"Thankfully, my Dutch friend had no problems getting Senseo in Holland and so shipped us some in the meantime.",
"Geez, I could open my own Senseo store!",
"LOL Anyway, our Walmart had Melitta for the immediate need, but nothing is as good as DE's Senseo.",
"Can't wait for breakfast blend and sumatra to return.",
"Alley\nGrand Prairie, TX, USA"
] |
Review of: "Uni-Ball Onyx Rollerball Stick Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, 12-Count," by Uni-ball.
These are my favorite pens. The manufacturer specifications list: "Sturdy metal roller point with liquid ink ensures a flawless writing experience.
Precision tungsten ball for ultra-smooth action. Durable metal point is excellent for marking carbon copies or multi-part forms. Easy-to-hold matte black barrel prevents writing fatigue. Smooth writing, quick-drying ink."
I prefer the fine point/tip Onyx pens. In my opinion they write very smooth and the pen ink does not blanch/bleed into the paper. For a box of twelve the buyer is looking at approximately $.60 per pen. That is a good deal. The ink per pen lasts for pages and pages of writing. I have not been disappointed. Five stars. | 2 | positive | [
"Review of: \"Uni-Ball Onyx Rollerball Stick Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, 12-Count,\" by Uni-ball.",
"These are my favorite pens.",
"The manufacturer specifications list: \"Sturdy metal roller point with liquid ink ensures a flawless writing experience.",
"Precision tungsten ball for ultra-smooth action.",
"Durable metal point is excellent for marking carbon copies or multi-part forms.",
"Easy-to-hold matte black barrel prevents writing fatigue.",
"Smooth writing, quick-drying ink.",
"\"\n\nI prefer the fine point/tip Onyx pens.",
"In my opinion they write very smooth and the pen ink does not blanch/bleed into the paper.",
"For a box of twelve the buyer is looking at approximately $.",
"60 per pen.",
"That is a good deal.",
"The ink per pen lasts for pages and pages of writing.",
"I have not been disappointed.",
"Five stars."
] |
I've used quite a bit of this product over a number of years. I generally consider this a permanent product. There are some solvents out there that can help to loosen it, but my experience would rate this as permanent. Does not like some plastics so be sure to check compatibility prior to use. The product is not a "caulking", it is an adhesive sealant. It will dry to a dull finish and not white & shiny like silicone tub caulking. It is fairly think and can get everywhere if not careful. One minute you touch it with your finger to make a nice bead & the next minute you find it on your shirt, pants, door knob to the house & kitchen faucet ... two weeks later you find it in your ear (ok, a little exaggeration but......). Clean up any "messes" fast! If memory serves me right, it takes something like 7 days for full cure. Be sure you understand this. Things may come in contact with it during this time & forever become part of the "bond". Need it to cure faster? Try the 5200FC (fast cure - red tube). Need it to come apart easier later? Try the 4200.
Will bond nearly everything. I've bonded marine hardware to boats. Great for stuff like cleats that have strain placed on them & a low likely hood you will ever need to remove it later. Used to glue tiles to stair risers in my former house. Good luck changing THOSE tiles new homeowner! Ive injected it between metal panels to prevent squeaking & better form a seal. Lots of uses! | 2 | positive | [
"I've used quite a bit of this product over a number of years.",
"I generally consider this a permanent product.",
"There are some solvents out there that can help to loosen it, but my experience would rate this as permanent.",
"Does not like some plastics so be sure to check compatibility prior to use.",
"The product is not a \"caulking\", it is an adhesive sealant.",
"It will dry to a dull finish and not white & shiny like silicone tub caulking.",
"It is fairly think and can get everywhere if not careful.",
"One minute you touch it with your finger to make a nice bead & the next minute you find it on your shirt, pants, door knob to the house & kitchen faucet...",
"two weeks later you find it in your ear (ok, a little exaggeration but....",
"..",
").",
"Clean up any \"messes\" fast!",
"If memory serves me right, it takes something like 7 days for full cure.",
"Be sure you understand this.",
"Things may come in contact with it during this time & forever become part of the \"bond\".",
"Need it to cure faster?",
"Try the 5200FC (fast cure - red tube).",
"Need it to come apart easier later?",
"Try the 4200.",
"Will bond nearly everything.",
"I've bonded marine hardware to boats.",
"Great for stuff like cleats that have strain placed on them & a low likely hood you will ever need to remove it later.",
"Used to glue tiles to stair risers in my former house.",
"Good luck changing THOSE tiles new homeowner!",
"Ive injected it between metal panels to prevent squeaking & better form a seal.",
"Lots of uses!"
] |
It feels crazy to review a clock, but I must put in a good word for this wonderful clock radio. It does just about everything but make breakfast for you. There are nature sounds. It will put you to sleep by CD and wake you by radio. You can set two different alarms to accommodate different schedules. Sound quality is average, but what do you want in a clock radio?
My only beef, and it is a big one, is that whoever engineered this thing imagines that all users are mechanical geniuses. I have to get out the manual every time I need to reset something. It's simply not an intuitive interface and that does drive me crazy. Still, it's not enough for me to dissuade anyone from getting this funky gadget. | 2 | positive | [
"It feels crazy to review a clock, but I must put in a good word for this wonderful clock radio.",
"It does just about everything but make breakfast for you.",
"There are nature sounds.",
"It will put you to sleep by CD and wake you by radio.",
"You can set two different alarms to accommodate different schedules.",
"Sound quality is average, but what do you want in a clock radio?",
"My only beef, and it is a big one, is that whoever engineered this thing imagines that all users are mechanical geniuses.",
"I have to get out the manual every time I need to reset something.",
"It's simply not an intuitive interface and that does drive me crazy.",
"Still, it's not enough for me to dissuade anyone from getting this funky gadget."
] |
While I don't love everything that happens in this book, I definitely love the series.
Set in an alternate world in a renaissance time period, it continues a story of friends, family, magic, dragons, and much more. While there might be many of these themes available, the Farseer and Tawny Man series definitely stand out in how you will fall in love with the characters and be engaged in the plot.
Of the "Tawny Man" series, which is the follow up to the "Fitzchivalry Farseer" series, this is the most action packed. The first two in the series were more of a set up of the end, as well as a reminder of what happened in the first series and a point of filling in some of the important details of the plot line that further develops the characters and gives you the "why" of many of the things that have happened in the past.
While the Tawny Man series doesn't get you quite as attached to the characters as Farseer did, it's definitely a must read to complete the story and will definitely give you both joy, sorrow, and a mixture of emotions as you learn more about the characters. It's definitely satisfying, though I'd say you really should read the first series before it. If you haven't, then definitely read it after. It's wonderful.
There are notes of the authors other series "Liveships" throughout the books that give you several peeks into the lives of those characters as well, which I feel adds a lot of flavor to the book.
I have read all three of the aforementioned series several times, with this one being read with my family aloud so that my husband can experience this wonderful story. | 2 | positive | [
"While I don't love everything that happens in this book, I definitely love the series.",
"Set in an alternate world in a renaissance time period, it continues a story of friends, family, magic, dragons, and much more.",
"While there might be many of these themes available, the Farseer and Tawny Man series definitely stand out in how you will fall in love with the characters and be engaged in the plot.",
"Of the \"Tawny Man\" series, which is the follow up to the \"Fitzchivalry Farseer\" series, this is the most action packed.",
"The first two in the series were more of a set up of the end, as well as a reminder of what happened in the first series and a point of filling in some of the important details of the plot line that further develops the characters and gives you the \"why\" of many of the things that have happened in the past.",
"While the Tawny Man series doesn't get you quite as attached to the characters as Farseer did, it's definitely a must read to complete the story and will definitely give you both joy, sorrow, and a mixture of emotions as you learn more about the characters.",
"It's definitely satisfying, though I'd say you really should read the first series before it.",
"If you haven't, then definitely read it after.",
"It's wonderful.",
"There are notes of the authors other series \"Liveships\" throughout the books that give you several peeks into the lives of those characters as well, which I feel adds a lot of flavor to the book.",
"I have read all three of the aforementioned series several times, with this one being read with my family aloud so that my husband can experience this wonderful story."
] |
As soon as my husband and I were asked (7 years ago already - boy, that went fast!) to babysit for our first grandson when my daughter-in-law went back to work, we immediately started a list of all of the fantastic, classic toys from our childhood that we couldn't WAIT to purchase and be able to introduce him to! A Tinkertoy construction set is something we both had (I think mine was purchased for one of my younger brothers, but I enjoyed it too, and had purchased a set for my own grown sons back in the day.) The recommended age is 3+ (I understand why... several small pieces that could present a choking hazard), but we just could NOT wait, purchasing this set among other of our favorite old classics for his 2nd Christmas! I'm sure my son and daughter-in-law probably were thinking, "Here we go with the old-fashioned toys...", but there's a reason this toy is a classic, having been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, and has been around (though updated) since 1914 - it's T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C!
This is a perfect set, too... the included instructions show how to create numerous items (race car, two different airplanes, tank, robot, working elevator, guitar/ microphone stand, space shuttle, monorail, tractor/cart, swing set, helicopter and windmill) and those are all great, but you know what? My husband and I (and now our grandson) believe the BEST way to play with this set is to just let your imagination take over! There are LOTS of pieces to work with: 10 wooden spools (just shy of 2" diameter & @ 5/8" thick) with a tight-fitting hole drilled completely through the middle and 8 partially drilled holes around the perimeter at 45 degrees apart; 10 wooden "Part W" pieces (same size/shape of a spool, but its perimeter has just 4 partially drilled holes at 90 degrees, a loose-fitting hole drilled through the center and 4 tight-fitting drilled-through holes that surround the center hole); 6 WOODEN (later models have plastic) couplings (@ 2" long cylindrical pieces, @ 1/2" diameter, with a loose-fitting hole drilled through the center, and tight-fitting partially drilled holes on each end); 10 WOODEN (again, later models have plastic) caps (5/8" long cylinders with tight-fitting holes partially drilled on one end); and 48 wooden rods of varying colors/lengths (6 10-1/4" brown, 4 7-1/8" green, 6 @ 5-1/2" red, 12 4-3/4" blue, and 20 3" yellow), that are slotted on each end to allow for some "give" when inserting them into tight-fitting holes. There are also several plastic pieces: 8 orange 2" long connector clips (with a slotted, tight-fitting hole in the center, also slotted on both ends), 2 orange 1-3/4" long rail holders (hard to describe... half has a U curve, the other half flat); 2 green 2-1/2" long flags (tapering from 2" down to 1" width); 2 red 3-1/2" robot arms (one end is @ 1-3/4" diameter with partially drilled, right-fitting holes at the top and at 90 degree apart around the middle, and the other end is @ 1-1/8" diameter with a partially drilled, tight-fitting hole at the bottom); 1 yellow "face plate" (again, hard to describe other than it looks like a robot face with a slotted cylinder on the back), 2 thin 8" long purple tubes, and a length of string.
We can't begin to count the number of amazing inventions, creatures, vehicles, etc. our grandson has been able to create with these things! For well over a year, our middle grandson (3 years old) has been using the large sticks with spools on the end as drumsticks to pound on the tin lid to the can (and the coffee table, and just about everything else!), or to make "umbrellas", "suns", and REALLY enjoys trying to get hold of and dismantle his Big Brother's creations (have to admit - much as we love him to pieces! - he's a little holy terror, and it's hard to keep track of all of the pieces with him in the picture! One of these days I'll have to go hunting for a few of the missing rods and that piece of string - probably hiding in those hard-to-get-at crevices in the sofa!) Again, there are MANY small pieces --- we have a 7 month old grandson now as well, and this is not something we take out to play with when he's rolling around on the floor, so just be careful of who's around in your own home when playtime includes Tinkertoys! | 2 | positive | [
"As soon as my husband and I were asked (7 years ago already - boy, that went fast!",
") to babysit for our first grandson when my daughter-in-law went back to work, we immediately started a list of all of the fantastic, classic toys from our childhood that we couldn't WAIT to purchase and be able to introduce him to!",
"A Tinkertoy construction set is something we both had (I think mine was purchased for one of my younger brothers, but I enjoyed it too, and had purchased a set for my own grown sons back in the day.",
") The recommended age is 3+ (I understand why...",
"several small pieces that could present a choking hazard), but we just could NOT wait, purchasing this set among other of our favorite old classics for his 2nd Christmas!",
"I'm sure my son and daughter-in-law probably were thinking, \"Here we go with the old-fashioned toys...",
"\", but there's a reason this toy is a classic, having been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, and has been around (though updated) since 1914 - it's T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C!",
"This is a perfect set, too...",
"the included instructions show how to create numerous items (race car, two different airplanes, tank, robot, working elevator, guitar/ microphone stand, space shuttle, monorail, tractor/cart, swing set, helicopter and windmill) and those are all great, but you know what?",
"My husband and I (and now our grandson) believe the BEST way to play with this set is to just let your imagination take over!",
"There are LOTS of pieces to work with: 10 wooden spools (just shy of 2\" diameter & @ 5/8\" thick) with a tight-fitting hole drilled completely through the middle and 8 partially drilled holes around the perimeter at 45 degrees apart; 10 wooden \"Part W\" pieces (same size/shape of a spool, but its perimeter has just 4 partially drilled holes at 90 degrees, a loose-fitting hole drilled through the center and 4 tight-fitting drilled-through holes that surround the center hole); 6 WOODEN (later models have plastic) couplings (@ 2\" long cylindrical pieces, @ 1/2\" diameter, with a loose-fitting hole drilled through the center, and tight-fitting partially drilled holes on each end); 10 WOODEN (again, later models have plastic) caps (5/8\" long cylinders with tight-fitting holes partially drilled on one end); and 48 wooden rods of varying colors/lengths (6 10-1/4\" brown, 4 7-1/8\" green, 6 @ 5-1/2\" red, 12 4-3/4\" blue, and 20 3\" yellow), that are slotted on each end to allow for some \"give\" when inserting them into tight-fitting holes.",
"There are also several plastic pieces: 8 orange 2\" long connector clips (with a slotted, tight-fitting hole in the center, also slotted on both ends), 2 orange 1-3/4\" long rail holders (hard to describe...",
"half has a U curve, the other half flat); 2 green 2-1/2\" long flags (tapering from 2\" down to 1\" width); 2 red 3-1/2\" robot arms (one end is @ 1-3/4\" diameter with partially drilled, right-fitting holes at the top and at 90 degree apart around the middle, and the other end is @ 1-1/8\" diameter with a partially drilled, tight-fitting hole at the bottom); 1 yellow \"face plate\" (again, hard to describe other than it looks like a robot face with a slotted cylinder on the back), 2 thin 8\" long purple tubes, and a length of string.",
"We can't begin to count the number of amazing inventions, creatures, vehicles, etc.",
"our grandson has been able to create with these things!",
"For well over a year, our middle grandson (3 years old) has been using the large sticks with spools on the end as drumsticks to pound on the tin lid to the can (and the coffee table, and just about everything else!",
"), or to make \"umbrellas\", \"suns\", and REALLY enjoys trying to get hold of and dismantle his Big Brother's creations (have to admit - much as we love him to pieces!",
"- he's a little holy terror, and it's hard to keep track of all of the pieces with him in the picture!",
"One of these days I'll have to go hunting for a few of the missing rods and that piece of string - probably hiding in those hard-to-get-at crevices in the sofa!",
") Again, there are MANY small pieces --- we have a 7 month old grandson now as well, and this is not something we take out to play with when he's rolling around on the floor, so just be careful of who's around in your own home when playtime includes Tinkertoys!"
] |
While other brands call for 4 cups of water to 1 cup of steel cut oats, BRM calls for only 3 cups of water and less cooking time. I split the difference: 3.5 cups of water, low boil for 20 minutes, remove from heat and cover for 30 minutes or so. If you enjoy the texture of steel cut vs. old fashioned, I do not recommend cooking in a slow cooker overnight, as it turns out mushy and stuck to the pot, even if you've used spray or shortening to coat the pan. Just plan on hanging around the kitchen for 20 minutes so you can stir frequently, and you will be happy. I save leftovers covered in the refrigerator and eat 1 serving per day with milk, butter, and brown sugar. Sometimes I add all of that except milk after cooking and before putting the lid on to sit. Then I just have to nuke until hot and add milk for a quick meal.
Added: Much, MUCH cheaper than buying in the grocery store. | 2 | positive | [
"While other brands call for 4 cups of water to 1 cup of steel cut oats, BRM calls for only 3 cups of water and less cooking time.",
"I split the difference: 3.",
"5 cups of water, low boil for 20 minutes, remove from heat and cover for 30 minutes or so.",
"If you enjoy the texture of steel cut vs.",
"old fashioned, I do not recommend cooking in a slow cooker overnight, as it turns out mushy and stuck to the pot, even if you've used spray or shortening to coat the pan.",
"Just plan on hanging around the kitchen for 20 minutes so you can stir frequently, and you will be happy.",
"I save leftovers covered in the refrigerator and eat 1 serving per day with milk, butter, and brown sugar.",
"Sometimes I add all of that except milk after cooking and before putting the lid on to sit.",
"Then I just have to nuke until hot and add milk for a quick meal.",
"Added: Much, MUCH cheaper than buying in the grocery store."
] |
Honestly, I couldn't stop palying this game. Visually, it is the best firt-person shooter on the PS2. Story-wise, it's nothing to write home about. Action-wise, it's intense and unforgettable. Control-wise, it's pretty much a breeze. Depth-wise, it's fairly shallow, but forgiveable. Now, if you haven't played this game yet, and you plan to, remember this: enemies die a lot faster if you just shoot them in the head. I say that because, after expending 15 rounds a piece, enemies usually fall, but one good round to the head will do the trick. If they're carrying a shotgun, several rounds to the head will be needed. And believe me, there are no shortages of enemies what-so-ever. In fact, at points I got a little frustrated when they kept coming because I was either almost out of ammo, or cornered like a dog. Either way, it's still a hoot!
The levels are very linear, but you won't notice until you get close to the end of the game. Since there's only eight levels in all, it's not a very long game, but the levels are literally huge and offer a nice variety. The Enemy AI can be a little dumb at times, but not dumb enough for you to just joy-ride along. There's no SOCOM stealth involved or Ghost-Recon teamwork. Just you and your arsenal blowing everything out of the way, with an occasional friendly AI thrown in (and they actually help out with decreasing the population of baddies)
There are several games I've played without blinking and this is easily one of them. The action can be so intense at times, you'll actually feel submerged in the action. That said, drink plenty of water and spare yourself a few days to even try this game. For replay, I think trying to beat the harder levels is a must, but soon gets frustrating when you're up against thirty bad guys in a small room where you have little or no advantage points to fire from. The weapons are well versed for combat. The M-249, the M-16A2, MP-5, Glock 40-mm, RPG, UZI, Spas-12 shotgun, as well as many other automatics I'm not all that familiar with. You'll get silenced weapons for a few sneaky kills. You'll get grenades for hard to reach baddies. You'll be able to blow up trucks, cars, explosive crates, etc with small arms fire. And you'll be able to create chain reaction explosions to maximize some serious damage.
This game takes the cake in my book for PS2 FPS. I can't think of another one that has better graphics or equally intense battles. My only gripe is the overload of enemies and the amount it takes to kill them. Since it's cheaper now, it's well worth it. I will be playing this one on and off for a long time, but only in short increments, because this game makes my eyes bleed. | 2 | positive | [
"Honestly, I couldn't stop palying this game.",
"Visually, it is the best firt-person shooter on the PS2.",
"Story-wise, it's nothing to write home about.",
"Action-wise, it's intense and unforgettable.",
"Control-wise, it's pretty much a breeze.",
"Depth-wise, it's fairly shallow, but forgiveable.",
"Now, if you haven't played this game yet, and you plan to, remember this: enemies die a lot faster if you just shoot them in the head.",
"I say that because, after expending 15 rounds a piece, enemies usually fall, but one good round to the head will do the trick.",
"If they're carrying a shotgun, several rounds to the head will be needed.",
"And believe me, there are no shortages of enemies what-so-ever.",
"In fact, at points I got a little frustrated when they kept coming because I was either almost out of ammo, or cornered like a dog.",
"Either way, it's still a hoot!",
"The levels are very linear, but you won't notice until you get close to the end of the game.",
"Since there's only eight levels in all, it's not a very long game, but the levels are literally huge and offer a nice variety.",
"The Enemy AI can be a little dumb at times, but not dumb enough for you to just joy-ride along.",
"There's no SOCOM stealth involved or Ghost-Recon teamwork.",
"Just you and your arsenal blowing everything out of the way, with an occasional friendly AI thrown in (and they actually help out with decreasing the population of baddies)\n\nThere are several games I've played without blinking and this is easily one of them.",
"The action can be so intense at times, you'll actually feel submerged in the action.",
"That said, drink plenty of water and spare yourself a few days to even try this game.",
"For replay, I think trying to beat the harder levels is a must, but soon gets frustrating when you're up against thirty bad guys in a small room where you have little or no advantage points to fire from.",
"The weapons are well versed for combat.",
"The M-249, the M-16A2, MP-5, Glock 40-mm, RPG, UZI, Spas-12 shotgun, as well as many other automatics I'm not all that familiar with.",
"You'll get silenced weapons for a few sneaky kills.",
"You'll get grenades for hard to reach baddies.",
"You'll be able to blow up trucks, cars, explosive crates, etc with small arms fire.",
"And you'll be able to create chain reaction explosions to maximize some serious damage.",
"This game takes the cake in my book for PS2 FPS.",
"I can't think of another one that has better graphics or equally intense battles.",
"My only gripe is the overload of enemies and the amount it takes to kill them.",
"Since it's cheaper now, it's well worth it.",
"I will be playing this one on and off for a long time, but only in short increments, because this game makes my eyes bleed."
] |
Knowing what is in your dog's food (and what shouldn't be in it) is so important. The food you feed your dog can literally impact your pet's health and life span. I'm personally a fan of feeding a raw diet but know it's not feasible for everyone and even for those of us who feed raw diets, there are times we have to resort to kibble. This is one of the dog foods I could recommend with reasonable comfort in those instances.
You'll notice the first ingredient is chicken meal. Now I'm going to tell you right now that people get emotional over whether "chicken" should be the first ingredient or whether "chicken meal" should be the first ingredient. I prefer chicken meal to chicken and this is why.
When they weigh the ingredients to put in order they do it before things a dehydrated/cooked down. If chicken is the first ingredient that's before they process it for the dog food so by the time it's processed it might be that it should actually fall 4th or 5th on the ingredient list. Chicken meal, on the other hand, is already processed for the most part so it stays on the top of the ingredient list during manufacturing. I also like this dog food is grain free as I do not believe dogs are meant to digest grains.
With that being said, there are some controversial ingredients here, which is why it's getting 4 stars instead of 5. Avocados are actually toxic to dogs, or at least parts of them are. I'm sure, however, that the manufacturing process keeps the toxic part of the avocado out but it still gives one pause for thought. It also has tomato pomice in it, which is another ingredient of controversy. While some like to see it in there as a source of fiber, others believe it's just a cheap filler and prefer dog food not have it. Personally I feel if it has nutritional value and doesn't harm the dog then it is okay to have in there, even if others view it as a filler, but it is also why this is 4 stars instead of 5.
Overall this is a great choice if you want to feed your dog a premium dog food and can't feed raw. It's definitely better than anything you will find on the shelves of your local supermarket. | 2 | positive | [
"Knowing what is in your dog's food (and what shouldn't be in it) is so important.",
"The food you feed your dog can literally impact your pet's health and life span.",
"I'm personally a fan of feeding a raw diet but know it's not feasible for everyone and even for those of us who feed raw diets, there are times we have to resort to kibble.",
"This is one of the dog foods I could recommend with reasonable comfort in those instances.",
"You'll notice the first ingredient is chicken meal.",
"Now I'm going to tell you right now that people get emotional over whether \"chicken\" should be the first ingredient or whether \"chicken meal\" should be the first ingredient.",
"I prefer chicken meal to chicken and this is why.",
"When they weigh the ingredients to put in order they do it before things a dehydrated/cooked down.",
"If chicken is the first ingredient that's before they process it for the dog food so by the time it's processed it might be that it should actually fall 4th or 5th on the ingredient list.",
"Chicken meal, on the other hand, is already processed for the most part so it stays on the top of the ingredient list during manufacturing.",
"I also like this dog food is grain free as I do not believe dogs are meant to digest grains.",
"With that being said, there are some controversial ingredients here, which is why it's getting 4 stars instead of 5.",
"Avocados are actually toxic to dogs, or at least parts of them are.",
"I'm sure, however, that the manufacturing process keeps the toxic part of the avocado out but it still gives one pause for thought.",
"It also has tomato pomice in it, which is another ingredient of controversy.",
"While some like to see it in there as a source of fiber, others believe it's just a cheap filler and prefer dog food not have it.",
"Personally I feel if it has nutritional value and doesn't harm the dog then it is okay to have in there, even if others view it as a filler, but it is also why this is 4 stars instead of 5.",
"Overall this is a great choice if you want to feed your dog a premium dog food and can't feed raw.",
"It's definitely better than anything you will find on the shelves of your local supermarket."
] |
...it is really good. you can get out of the skateboard and walk around and knock people around. you also can steal cars. in two player mode, there is a game called firefight and u can shoot fireballs out of the skateboard.
when u beat the game, you get the level hotter than hell and iron man. the level is basically nothing but a kiss concert(you know, the rock band that stick their tongues out?) hit the kiss letters once and u get the music video of gods of thunder. hit it twice and they will come out of the stage and play their song lick it up. also in the tampa bay level, beat your friend eric sparrow to choose your sponser either birdhouse(hawks group) element(margeras group[the guy from jack@ss) or other sponsers. the best is either element or birdhouse. for ps2 users, you get the demo of mtx motorax feat. travis pastrama (aka travis pastrama's pro moto x) get first place in that game and get a special code for t.h.u.g tony hawks underground. the last level is go against your ex friend turned rival eric sparrow. beat him and see your tape shot in hawaii which is the mctwist over the helicopter. when you first do it and in the tape, it is in M@TRIX M0dE | 2 | positive | [
"...",
"it is really good.",
"you can get out of the skateboard and walk around and knock people around.",
"you also can steal cars.",
"in two player mode, there is a game called firefight and u can shoot fireballs out of the skateboard.",
"when u beat the game, you get the level hotter than hell and iron man.",
"the level is basically nothing but a kiss concert(you know, the rock band that stick their tongues out?",
") hit the kiss letters once and u get the music video of gods of thunder.",
"hit it twice and they will come out of the stage and play their song lick it up.",
"also in the tampa bay level, beat your friend eric sparrow to choose your sponser either birdhouse(hawks group) element(margeras group[the guy from jack@ss) or other sponsers.",
"the best is either element or birdhouse.",
"for ps2 users, you get the demo of mtx motorax feat.",
"travis pastrama (aka travis pastrama's pro moto x) get first place in that game and get a special code for t.",
"h.u.g tony hawks underground.",
"the last level is go against your ex friend turned rival eric sparrow.",
"beat him and see your tape shot in hawaii which is the mctwist over the helicopter.",
"when you first do it and in the tape, it is in M@TRIX M0dE"
] |
Bought 2 for our hunting club and set them in the ground blinds. They are all poly so they won't rust. What surprised us was how comfortable it was. Not overly padded but the back of the seat hits you just right for proper support. Strong enough for the bigger butts in the club. Bonus storage a real plus.
Pro: Very comfortable and looks like it will last longer than most seats. Storage is a welcome extra.
Con: It's not supposed to be a chair you would want to carry all day. On the heavier side but manageable. | 2 | positive | [
"Bought 2 for our hunting club and set them in the ground blinds.",
"They are all poly so they won't rust.",
"What surprised us was how comfortable it was.",
"Not overly padded but the back of the seat hits you just right for proper support.",
"Strong enough for the bigger butts in the club.",
"Bonus storage a real plus.",
"Pro: Very comfortable and looks like it will last longer than most seats.",
"Storage is a welcome extra.",
"Con: It's not supposed to be a chair you would want to carry all day.",
"On the heavier side but manageable."
] |
Actually, South Dakota has two official flags. The first, adopted in 1909, had two sides, with the state seal on one side and the sun on the other. Of course, it is expensive to manufacture a double-sided flag, so in 1963 a second design was adopted (and updated in 1992). The state's blue flag now show the state seal surrounded by a sunburst with the words "South Dakota" above and "The Mount Rushmore State" below (the latter being the state's official nickname).
The state seal of South Dakota at the center of the flag was adopted in 1889. It contains symbols of several important South Dakota industries and resources. A farmer plowing a field of corn in the foreground represents agriculture, the cattle grazing on the grasslands represents ranching, and the smelting furnace symbolizes the state's mining industry. At the center of the seal is the Missouri River (just as it the actual river works through the center of the state), with a riverboat steaming along. At the top of the seal is the state motto, "Under God, the people rule."
This 3 foot by 5 foot single reverse flag is made of 100% heavyweight nylon, which makes it extremely durable. It is also specially treated to minimize deterioration because of the sun or chemicals. It features brilliant, fast colors, a strong canvas heading, and large grommets. For citizens of South Dakota who want to fly their state flag or display it some other way, this is exactly what they want. | 2 | positive | [
"Actually, South Dakota has two official flags.",
"The first, adopted in 1909, had two sides, with the state seal on one side and the sun on the other.",
"Of course, it is expensive to manufacture a double-sided flag, so in 1963 a second design was adopted (and updated in 1992).",
"The state's blue flag now show the state seal surrounded by a sunburst with the words \"South Dakota\" above and \"The Mount Rushmore State\" below (the latter being the state's official nickname).",
"The state seal of South Dakota at the center of the flag was adopted in 1889.",
"It contains symbols of several important South Dakota industries and resources.",
"A farmer plowing a field of corn in the foreground represents agriculture, the cattle grazing on the grasslands represents ranching, and the smelting furnace symbolizes the state's mining industry.",
"At the center of the seal is the Missouri River (just as it the actual river works through the center of the state), with a riverboat steaming along.",
"At the top of the seal is the state motto, \"Under God, the people rule.",
"\"\n\nThis 3 foot by 5 foot single reverse flag is made of 100% heavyweight nylon, which makes it extremely durable.",
"It is also specially treated to minimize deterioration because of the sun or chemicals.",
"It features brilliant, fast colors, a strong canvas heading, and large grommets.",
"For citizens of South Dakota who want to fly their state flag or display it some other way, this is exactly what they want."
] |
I liked this light-hearted novella and, although downright silly at times, it still made me laugh or smile.
The main problem I had with the story involved weak research and improbable situations. It would have made more sense set after 1868. Some examples include:
Jessica got her hair hung around a loose string on Tom's button.
Tom stumbled, didn't fall, but still hit his head on a sofa. How tall was he? He wasn't supposed to be Tom Thumb.
Tom cut corn stalks with a reaper and stacked them in shocks. My dad cut corn stalks with a sickle ot scythe. A reaper was used more for grains like wheat or rye.
Jessica wouldn't have worn a riding skirt in 1868. She would have ridden side-saddle.
Tom also seemed immature for twenty. He bickered, lied about, and played pranks on his younger brothers, as if he were twelve years old.
Jessica seemed way too forward for a proper young lady of 1868. Her sentiments were definitely more modern.
Despite these problems, I enjoyed the book. It was a clean, easy read and a gem for it's free price. | 2 | positive | [
"I liked this light-hearted novella and, although downright silly at times, it still made me laugh or smile.",
"The main problem I had with the story involved weak research and improbable situations.",
"It would have made more sense set after 1868.",
"Some examples include:\nJessica got her hair hung around a loose string on Tom's button.",
"Tom stumbled, didn't fall, but still hit his head on a sofa.",
"How tall was he?",
"He wasn't supposed to be Tom Thumb.",
"Tom cut corn stalks with a reaper and stacked them in shocks.",
"My dad cut corn stalks with a sickle ot scythe.",
"A reaper was used more for grains like wheat or rye.",
"Jessica wouldn't have worn a riding skirt in 1868.",
"She would have ridden side-saddle.",
"Tom also seemed immature for twenty.",
"He bickered, lied about, and played pranks on his younger brothers, as if he were twelve years old.",
"Jessica seemed way too forward for a proper young lady of 1868.",
"Her sentiments were definitely more modern.",
"Despite these problems, I enjoyed the book.",
"It was a clean, easy read and a gem for it's free price."
] |
Blizzard has done the turn based rpg's better than anyone ever. Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, are all considered the best of the best. Warcraft III is truly the best of the group and one of the funnest PC games ever created. Hundreds of hours of my life have been put into this game and even 5 years later I find myself playing it here and there.
If you play World of Warcraft then go back and play this if you never have before. The entire games mythos is based of Warcraft III and for long time blizzard gamers going from War III to WOW was a fantastic experience. Truly WOW took War III to another level.
Even now I see it for sale at Wal Mart and Target for $20+ due to its popularity. If you haven't played this game BUY IT. It's worth every dime. | 2 | positive | [
"Blizzard has done the turn based rpg's better than anyone ever.",
"Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, are all considered the best of the best.",
"Warcraft III is truly the best of the group and one of the funnest PC games ever created.",
"Hundreds of hours of my life have been put into this game and even 5 years later I find myself playing it here and there.",
"If you play World of Warcraft then go back and play this if you never have before.",
"The entire games mythos is based of Warcraft III and for long time blizzard gamers going from War III to WOW was a fantastic experience.",
"Truly WOW took War III to another level.",
"Even now I see it for sale at Wal Mart and Target for $20+ due to its popularity.",
"If you haven't played this game BUY IT.",
"It's worth every dime."
] |
ood; Better with modifications.
Do NOT buy this for rats. It will damage their spines. This is an appropriate sized wheel for Syrian hamsters and below.
It's not loud at all unless it's on the cage floor for some reason. Even then, it's because my hamster won't stop kicking the bedding out from under it. I simply attached it to the top bars securely and it's fine now. I also cut some plastic off the axle, which made it spin much more freely. It's a cheaper wheel, for sure, but it's fine if you're willing to contribute a few minutes of work. I was not paying 20-30 dollars for a better hamster wheel to avoid five minutes of effort. | 2 | positive | [
"ood; Better with modifications.",
"Do NOT buy this for rats.",
"It will damage their spines.",
"This is an appropriate sized wheel for Syrian hamsters and below.",
"It's not loud at all unless it's on the cage floor for some reason.",
"Even then, it's because my hamster won't stop kicking the bedding out from under it.",
"I simply attached it to the top bars securely and it's fine now.",
"I also cut some plastic off the axle, which made it spin much more freely.",
"It's a cheaper wheel, for sure, but it's fine if you're willing to contribute a few minutes of work.",
"I was not paying 20-30 dollars for a better hamster wheel to avoid five minutes of effort."
] |
I arguably see a lot of classic video games come back again. Yet, with all of those, many games have had a very little opportunity of a cult following. In 1989, puzzle games really did bacome a staple of the video game industry with the smashing status of the addictive Tetris. That game has been so amazing, very few knockoffs have also stayed the course. Dr. Mario was also one of those games that has been a constant for Nintendo owners. From the debut for the original NES system, to all the way on the N64 wave awhile back, Dr. Mario has been a surprising standout, and now Game Boy owners can feel the viruses again.
Dr. Mario: The NES version for thr Game Boy Advance, still remains as addictive as it was a staple for NES owners years ago. The game has 20 wild and wolly levels of pure puzzle action that just keeps getting more complex by the minute. In the game, you try to fill the medicing bottle by stacking four parts of pills either across or vertically to attack the viruses. The game is very easy to tackle, and brings out a good sense of challenge. However, there are a few surprising disadvantages to the game. One of them is that for some, it is a lack of challenge, especially if you've mastered the whole game years ago for the NES, or any of the other revised versions. Another disadvatage is that the game doesn't bring out anything new, considering it is the exact same version without any different things to make it unique again for Game Boy players.
Nevertheless, Dr. Mario is a pure wild delight for anybody who is addicted to puzzles. I loved this game before for the original Nintendo system, and I still love it now. Hopefully, many in this generation can keeps those viruses away and bring the pills going. This is a must have for the Game Boy Advance.
Graphics: C+
Sound: C
Control: A-
Price: B+
Fun & Enjoyment: B
Overall: B | 2 | positive | [
"I arguably see a lot of classic video games come back again.",
"Yet, with all of those, many games have had a very little opportunity of a cult following.",
"In 1989, puzzle games really did bacome a staple of the video game industry with the smashing status of the addictive Tetris.",
"That game has been so amazing, very few knockoffs have also stayed the course.",
"Dr.",
"Mario was also one of those games that has been a constant for Nintendo owners.",
"From the debut for the original NES system, to all the way on the N64 wave awhile back, Dr.",
"Mario has been a surprising standout, and now Game Boy owners can feel the viruses again.",
"Dr.",
"Mario: The NES version for thr Game Boy Advance, still remains as addictive as it was a staple for NES owners years ago.",
"The game has 20 wild and wolly levels of pure puzzle action that just keeps getting more complex by the minute.",
"In the game, you try to fill the medicing bottle by stacking four parts of pills either across or vertically to attack the viruses.",
"The game is very easy to tackle, and brings out a good sense of challenge.",
"However, there are a few surprising disadvantages to the game.",
"One of them is that for some, it is a lack of challenge, especially if you've mastered the whole game years ago for the NES, or any of the other revised versions.",
"Another disadvatage is that the game doesn't bring out anything new, considering it is the exact same version without any different things to make it unique again for Game Boy players.",
"Nevertheless, Dr.",
"Mario is a pure wild delight for anybody who is addicted to puzzles.",
"I loved this game before for the original Nintendo system, and I still love it now.",
"Hopefully, many in this generation can keeps those viruses away and bring the pills going.",
"This is a must have for the Game Boy Advance.",
"Graphics: C+\n\nSound: C\n\nControl: A-\n\nPrice: B+\n\nFun & Enjoyment: B\n\nOverall: B"
] |
This movie defies any easy description of it. What makes it so great is the way it transcends the confines of normal film narrative. And Pink Floyd does deserve a lot credit for that transcendant feel. The cinematographer and the great locations also have a lot to do with the feel of this picture. The actual plot is somewhat pedestrian. Two youths dropping out further and further. Both however are played by very appealing actors and Mimsy Farmer is especially interesting. She plays her role with a cool and naturalness making her seem like the very incarnation of the sixties spirit both the creative and destructive side of it. The male lead has less star appeal but he is solid. Its her movie though. Hers and the blue seas, and the soundtrack. Barbet Schroeder is not serving any script, rather he is capturing a mood, the story is incidental to the music. | 2 | positive | [
"This movie defies any easy description of it.",
"What makes it so great is the way it transcends the confines of normal film narrative.",
"And Pink Floyd does deserve a lot credit for that transcendant feel.",
"The cinematographer and the great locations also have a lot to do with the feel of this picture.",
"The actual plot is somewhat pedestrian.",
"Two youths dropping out further and further.",
"Both however are played by very appealing actors and Mimsy Farmer is especially interesting.",
"She plays her role with a cool and naturalness making her seem like the very incarnation of the sixties spirit both the creative and destructive side of it.",
"The male lead has less star appeal but he is solid.",
"Its her movie though.",
"Hers and the blue seas, and the soundtrack.",
"Barbet Schroeder is not serving any script, rather he is capturing a mood, the story is incidental to the music."
] |
This book seems well written and it resonates well with me. Aside from what has been taught by religious doctrine and supported by many scriptures, Deepak talks about what he believes Jesus really meant when he said many of the things we remember and quote all the time. At 234 pages + index, the book is broken down into plain language, so it is easy to understand the opinions expressed by the writer. Copyright is 2008, so it is freshly written.
The Third Jesus indicates that there are 3 Jesus(es), the first being the historical Jesus of 2000 years ago. This is the Jesus whose teachings are the foundation of Christianity as thought and as theology. The second Jesus is the Son of God, who embodied an institutional religion, with its specific dogma, priesthood, and millions of devout believers. The third Jesus is the Cosmic Christ, a term being used often these days. The writer refers to the Cosmic Christ as the Jesus who embraces ALL humanity, not just those covered by the church built in his name. As a spiritual guide, the Cosmic Christ speaks to all who will listen, to help them access the God within and as a personal experience (without the middle man). This is the Christ who helps us to attain enlightenment or God-consciousness, or grace, as some call it. This book is dedicated to the Irish Christian Brothers in India who introduced Deepak to Jesus when he was a little boy.
Much of the book looks at sayings attributed to Jesus with an eye on the analysis of what he may have REALLY meant. For example, "you have been taught an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I say don't resist evil. If someone hits you, let him hit you twice . . ."(Matthew 5:38-42) Many of us want revenge for the evil doers, but Jesus would have us "resist not evil" and forgive them. Did Jesus not submit himself to unjust trial, persecution, torture, and a horrible agonizing death? And what did he say on the cross? (Hint: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.") (Come on now--how many people do you know that would be screaming and cursing out the maggot-infested dogs to their last breath? But FORGIVE THEM? that takes somebody really special.) Anyway, the author tells us that when we live in a higher state of consciousness/awareness/vibration, "evil" does not hang around as it does when you are more susceptible to it. In other words, when you learn to find the peace within yourself, and NOT attach yourself to revenge or righteous indignation, you master anger and evil begins to release its hold on you. (and I thoroughly agree) Deepak goes to explain a great deal more on the subject.
This book is full of scriptures and passages and what Deepak believes to be the intended message of Jesus for each one, and for ALL people of all beliefs. Some of the many concepts addressed are: The Golden Rule, Karma (reeping and sowing), praying with faith, why you should pray if God already knows what you want, being in a state of higher awareness/consciousness at the soul level, judgement, materialism, etc. The book addresses common arguments of who the "real" Jesus is and the pros and cons of each (to help you consider the possibilities so you can make up your own mind). (Remember that about 313 AD, Emporer Constantine officially adopted Christianity but then banned many religious documents, such as the Gospel of Thomas. Now why would he go and do such a thing?)
The book includes a section on contemplation, similar to meditation, explaining what contemplation is and providing some scriptures to practice this deeper form of thinking with, where you go within yourself to seek a deeper meaning.
I met Deepak in the early 1990s at a Satellite television studio in Washington DC. He was doing a presentation on one of his earlier works and I was fortunate to be able to speak with him personally for a few minutes. Although I was not at the stage of awareness that I am now, I certainly sensed something very special about this man--a sort of knowledgeable peace. He was a pleasure to listen to and speak with. Today he is the author of over 50 books, translated into more than 35 languages. He has some excellent material out there on spirituality topics. One of my favorites is his 2-CD gold cover chakra balancing CD (check my other reviews for more info on that one.) I believe the man to be a well-educated spiritual being in human form.
I highly recommend this book and certainly agree with what I've read in it. I do not believe the concepts should be earth-shattering to anyone. Most likely, you know these things already, at your soul consciousness level if not at your conscious awareness level, but sometimes we need to be reminded. This would be a good book to share with friends and to re-read every so often. I do not believe bible-readers would be offended by its contents. It just encourages people to look more within themselves for deeper meaning and to hold others in love in your heart--complicated concepts broken down for easy reading. Remember that Jesus said to love one another.
Approximately 2/3rds through the book are "15 Steps to God-Consciousness: Lessons and Exercises". An example is #8 "resist not evil". Applying the Teaching: explains that it means overcoming evil without resisting it (and more detail). An exercise follows, explaining how to practice the concept by making a perception change. It involves facing your fears and hidden feelings. Evil has power over you ONLY WHEN YOU GIVE IT POWER. (This concept alone is priceless, once you really get it.)
Throughout the book, there are a lot of comments similar to ". . .as you progress on the spiritual path, you begin to see/feel/experience X/Y/Z, etc." I have personally experienced many of these, as he says them to be true. Some examples: as you begin to achieve a higher level of consciousness: you feel more secure and positive about yourself, you exist in peace with others, you drop the habits of criticizing and complaining, life is no longer a competition "me" against "them", obsessive and compulsive thoughts lose their grip, negative thoughts are replaced by positive ones, you improve the atmosphere around you (by your presence), and many many more. (Personally, I have found it EXTREMELY difficult to be around negative people or people who disrespect others or themselves.) | 2 | positive | [
"This book seems well written and it resonates well with me.",
"Aside from what has been taught by religious doctrine and supported by many scriptures, Deepak talks about what he believes Jesus really meant when he said many of the things we remember and quote all the time.",
"At 234 pages + index, the book is broken down into plain language, so it is easy to understand the opinions expressed by the writer.",
"Copyright is 2008, so it is freshly written.",
"The Third Jesus indicates that there are 3 Jesus(es), the first being the historical Jesus of 2000 years ago.",
"This is the Jesus whose teachings are the foundation of Christianity as thought and as theology.",
"The second Jesus is the Son of God, who embodied an institutional religion, with its specific dogma, priesthood, and millions of devout believers.",
"The third Jesus is the Cosmic Christ, a term being used often these days.",
"The writer refers to the Cosmic Christ as the Jesus who embraces ALL humanity, not just those covered by the church built in his name.",
"As a spiritual guide, the Cosmic Christ speaks to all who will listen, to help them access the God within and as a personal experience (without the middle man).",
"This is the Christ who helps us to attain enlightenment or God-consciousness, or grace, as some call it.",
"This book is dedicated to the Irish Christian Brothers in India who introduced Deepak to Jesus when he was a little boy.",
"Much of the book looks at sayings attributed to Jesus with an eye on the analysis of what he may have REALLY meant.",
"For example, \"you have been taught an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I say don't resist evil.",
"If someone hits you, let him hit you twice.",
".",
".",
"\"(Matthew 5:38-42) Many of us want revenge for the evil doers, but Jesus would have us \"resist not evil\" and forgive them.",
"Did Jesus not submit himself to unjust trial, persecution, torture, and a horrible agonizing death?",
"And what did he say on the cross?",
"(Hint: \"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.",
"\") (Come on now--how many people do you know that would be screaming and cursing out the maggot-infested dogs to their last breath?",
"But FORGIVE THEM?",
"that takes somebody really special.",
") Anyway, the author tells us that when we live in a higher state of consciousness/awareness/vibration, \"evil\" does not hang around as it does when you are more susceptible to it.",
"In other words, when you learn to find the peace within yourself, and NOT attach yourself to revenge or righteous indignation, you master anger and evil begins to release its hold on you.",
"(and I thoroughly agree) Deepak goes to explain a great deal more on the subject.",
"This book is full of scriptures and passages and what Deepak believes to be the intended message of Jesus for each one, and for ALL people of all beliefs.",
"Some of the many concepts addressed are: The Golden Rule, Karma (reeping and sowing), praying with faith, why you should pray if God already knows what you want, being in a state of higher awareness/consciousness at the soul level, judgement, materialism, etc.",
"The book addresses common arguments of who the \"real\" Jesus is and the pros and cons of each (to help you consider the possibilities so you can make up your own mind).",
"(Remember that about 313 AD, Emporer Constantine officially adopted Christianity but then banned many religious documents, such as the Gospel of Thomas.",
"Now why would he go and do such a thing?",
")\n\nThe book includes a section on contemplation, similar to meditation, explaining what contemplation is and providing some scriptures to practice this deeper form of thinking with, where you go within yourself to seek a deeper meaning.",
"I met Deepak in the early 1990s at a Satellite television studio in Washington DC.",
"He was doing a presentation on one of his earlier works and I was fortunate to be able to speak with him personally for a few minutes.",
"Although I was not at the stage of awareness that I am now, I certainly sensed something very special about this man--a sort of knowledgeable peace.",
"He was a pleasure to listen to and speak with.",
"Today he is the author of over 50 books, translated into more than 35 languages.",
"He has some excellent material out there on spirituality topics.",
"One of my favorites is his 2-CD gold cover chakra balancing CD (check my other reviews for more info on that one.",
") I believe the man to be a well-educated spiritual being in human form.",
"I highly recommend this book and certainly agree with what I've read in it.",
"I do not believe the concepts should be earth-shattering to anyone.",
"Most likely, you know these things already, at your soul consciousness level if not at your conscious awareness level, but sometimes we need to be reminded.",
"This would be a good book to share with friends and to re-read every so often.",
"I do not believe bible-readers would be offended by its contents.",
"It just encourages people to look more within themselves for deeper meaning and to hold others in love in your heart--complicated concepts broken down for easy reading.",
"Remember that Jesus said to love one another.",
"Approximately 2/3rds through the book are \"15 Steps to God-Consciousness: Lessons and Exercises\".",
"An example is #8 \"resist not evil\".",
"Applying the Teaching: explains that it means overcoming evil without resisting it (and more detail).",
"An exercise follows, explaining how to practice the concept by making a perception change.",
"It involves facing your fears and hidden feelings.",
"Evil has power over you ONLY WHEN YOU GIVE IT POWER.",
"(This concept alone is priceless, once you really get it.",
")\n\nThroughout the book, there are a lot of comments similar to \".",
".",
".",
"as you progress on the spiritual path, you begin to see/feel/experience X/Y/Z, etc.",
"\" I have personally experienced many of these, as he says them to be true.",
"Some examples: as you begin to achieve a higher level of consciousness: you feel more secure and positive about yourself, you exist in peace with others, you drop the habits of criticizing and complaining, life is no longer a competition \"me\" against \"them\", obsessive and compulsive thoughts lose their grip, negative thoughts are replaced by positive ones, you improve the atmosphere around you (by your presence), and many many more.",
"(Personally, I have found it EXTREMELY difficult to be around negative people or people who disrespect others or themselves.",
")"
] |
I began video gaming on this platform at the age of 50. I am now 63yrs old and still going strong on video games. I love this platform because it is sleek and the controller was the first to be ergonimically designed. The games are VERY enjoyable and I go back to them regularly. They had some very unique ones such as Boogerman, Zombie ate my neighbors, Toejam & Earl on the planet Funketron. It also had the BEST pinball games EVER to be released to date. Dragon's Revenge and Dragon's Fury. I recently purchased Phantasy Star IV on this platform and am enjoying it very much! I also liked the RPG Sword Of Vermillion a very underated game BUT a good one! This system had superb graphics for the time. Was very far ahead. I go back and play the Sega games since most games today are just clones of clones :) Sega was way ahead of it's time in platforms too bad they did not know how to run a business or they would have given Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox some HEAVY competition. You will not be disappointed with this platform that began a lot of fine things. | 2 | positive | [
"I began video gaming on this platform at the age of 50.",
"I am now 63yrs old and still going strong on video games.",
"I love this platform because it is sleek and the controller was the first to be ergonimically designed.",
"The games are VERY enjoyable and I go back to them regularly.",
"They had some very unique ones such as Boogerman, Zombie ate my neighbors, Toejam & Earl on the planet Funketron.",
"It also had the BEST pinball games EVER to be released to date.",
"Dragon's Revenge and Dragon's Fury.",
"I recently purchased Phantasy Star IV on this platform and am enjoying it very much!",
"I also liked the RPG Sword Of Vermillion a very underated game BUT a good one!",
"This system had superb graphics for the time.",
"Was very far ahead.",
"I go back and play the Sega games since most games today are just clones of clones :) Sega was way ahead of it's time in platforms too bad they did not know how to run a business or they would have given Nintendo, Sony, and Xbox some HEAVY competition.",
"You will not be disappointed with this platform that began a lot of fine things."
] |
This little radio rocks! It's very simple to use and as many others have stated, is a step back in time to the days when transistor radios were the state of the art. The RF-P50 pulls in tons of stations on both the AM and FM bands. I would say that it's performance is on par with my car radio, maybe better. The ON/OFF dial does double duty as the volume control. Tuning is done by the same type dial and is sensitive and precise. The red LED tuning sensor does help fine tune your station and acts somewhat as a power ON indicator, especially in low/no light use. There is a green mechanical indicator that does the same but is harder to see even in daylight. Power consumption is minimal and batteries last a long time. I'm using rechargables and they fit just fine in the battery compartment. Finally, the sound clarity is very good and the volume range is ample with low distortion. I would not quite call this a pocket radio but it is a nice, compact receiver. Keep one around for emergencies...but don't be surprised if you grab it for yard work, for enjoyment on the deck, or to listen in to the announcer at a ball game. | 2 | positive | [
"This little radio rocks!",
"It's very simple to use and as many others have stated, is a step back in time to the days when transistor radios were the state of the art.",
"The RF-P50 pulls in tons of stations on both the AM and FM bands.",
"I would say that it's performance is on par with my car radio, maybe better.",
"The ON/OFF dial does double duty as the volume control.",
"Tuning is done by the same type dial and is sensitive and precise.",
"The red LED tuning sensor does help fine tune your station and acts somewhat as a power ON indicator, especially in low/no light use.",
"There is a green mechanical indicator that does the same but is harder to see even in daylight.",
"Power consumption is minimal and batteries last a long time.",
"I'm using rechargables and they fit just fine in the battery compartment.",
"Finally, the sound clarity is very good and the volume range is ample with low distortion.",
"I would not quite call this a pocket radio but it is a nice, compact receiver.",
"Keep one around for emergencies...",
"but don't be surprised if you grab it for yard work, for enjoyment on the deck, or to listen in to the announcer at a ball game."
] |
<div id="video-block-RVOOS5EMZX9MF" 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/B1YQTcNEkhS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1pDvb3FAOS.png" class="video-slate-img-url"> Our dog absolutely loves this thing! I couldn't understand all of the hype in the reviews, because it just looks like any other little toy duck/chew pet for a pup. I was hesitant to get this because I thought it would be too big, but decided to give it a go after reading SO many positive reviews about it. I am attaching a video, although we missed the funniest first couple of minutes when he was going absolutely nuts racing around the room with it, but he has played with it every day since we got it and it's fast becoming one of his favourite toys.
*Update*
I'm taking away a star because within the week, the belly had ripped open and squeaker had come out. Our dog still loves it, but I was disappointed that the quality was not as good as we'd hoped. We have a chihuahua mix, so he's small and a gentle chewer, so I can't imagine this lasting any length of time with a bigger dog or one who is a more aggressive chewer. | 2 | positive | [
"<div id=\"video-block-RVOOS5EMZX9MF\" 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/B1YQTcNEkhS.",
"mp4\" class=\"video-url\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/A1pDvb3FAOS.",
"png\" class=\"video-slate-img-url\"> Our dog absolutely loves this thing!",
"I couldn't understand all of the hype in the reviews, because it just looks like any other little toy duck/chew pet for a pup.",
"I was hesitant to get this because I thought it would be too big, but decided to give it a go after reading SO many positive reviews about it.",
"I am attaching a video, although we missed the funniest first couple of minutes when he was going absolutely nuts racing around the room with it, but he has played with it every day since we got it and it's fast becoming one of his favourite toys.",
"*Update*\nI'm taking away a star because within the week, the belly had ripped open and squeaker had come out.",
"Our dog still loves it, but I was disappointed that the quality was not as good as we'd hoped.",
"We have a chihuahua mix, so he's small and a gentle chewer, so I can't imagine this lasting any length of time with a bigger dog or one who is a more aggressive chewer."
] |
OVERVIEW: If you're at all familiar with the Tiger Woods PGA series of golf games for PS2 or XBox, you'll know that it's the most realistic and fun golfing game on the market. The graphics are wonderful as usual. Swing is fairly easy to get used to. Animation is fluid. Decent soundtrack and sound effects. Though a few minor flaws in this package, it's still an awesome game and no one can come close to it. Amazon is wrong in saying this is a 1-player game (up to 4 can play at once).
THE GOOD: 14 courses in all (8 new courses) - including classics like Pebble Beach (CA), Harbour Town (Hilton Head, SC), Troon North Monument (AZ), and my favorite on this '05 game being Edgewood in Lake Tahoe (CA). All look very realistic and I commend the designers for their attention to detail. There are also a few "fantasy" type courses that you have to unlock (these may or may not exist in real life?) - Greek Isles, Paradise Cove, Emerald Dragon - and Tiger's Dream 18. All the features from 2004 return including all the different kinds of tournaments and stroke play. The "Skill Zone" is modestly improved with 2 new places in Diablo Valley and the locked "Roof" - definitely fun and a good way to earn some quick cash. Picking your tee time is a neat feature... if you're start time is 6:00am - the sun is just coming up and the roosters are making some noise in the background. If you're finishing late in the day, the atmosphere really looks like the sun is setting. Sound effects are good - featuring dogs barking, birds chirping, planes flying overhead, lawn mowers, crowd noises, car alarms going off from being hit by a stray ball, roosters, ocean surf, and more. The "GameFace-II" feature is incredible - where you can build a golfing character from the ground up (from foot size, calf girth, arms & legs muscle definition, to a complete face makeover). The Pro Shop features all kinds of things to buy for your golfer (new clothes, shoes, jackets, sunglasses, hats, jewelry and tattoos... not to mention new golf clubs, balls, grips, gloves - choose from all the best known manufacturers; including Ping, Taylor-Made, Callaway, etc. The game play itself is for the most part unchanged from the 2003/2004 versions of the game, so if you've played Tiger Woods PGA Golf before, you'll pick it up easily. I've suggested before on past Tiger Woods PGA game reviews that the old classic golfers should be brought to life on these games... in 2005, they're here. Play as or against the great ones, including Nicklaus, Palmer and Hogan.
THE NOT SO GOOD: This is such a good game, however it's not without flaws. Tiger Woods takes a decent amount of time to play (you better allow 20-30 minutes for 18 holes)... and I still can not believe there isn't a SAVE button (meaning, you have to complete the 18 holes before you can save a game). Too many little things slow the pace of the game down: Numerous celebrations by the golfers as they make a nice putt (if you're good at this game and you are consistently shooting better than par, you'll get tired of all the hoopla). Too many times your golfer bends down to tie his shoes (once or twice during the 18 holes I could expect, but 6 times?). Too many slow motion putts - from any distance if it reverts to slo-mo, you know the ball is going in the cup when it does this and it somehow takes the guess-work or chance out of it. Some of the remarks the commentators make are questionable at best. Semi-sarcastic comments like, "The ball appears to be heading toward the RIGHT side of the green." (well, that's where the pin is!); "The ball MIGHT make the green" (and the ball lands in the middle of the green); or after I lipped out a 28 foot putt leaving it inches away from the cup, he says "Well, that's just a BAD putt". The commentators also call you an "idiot" and a "moron" from time to time when you make a bad shot. The XBox version of this game moves from hole to hole at a slightly quicker pace than the PS2 version. Again, these things are very minor and should not take away from the incredible game play of Tiger Woods '05... the best golf SIM out there in '05. | 2 | positive | [
"OVERVIEW: If you're at all familiar with the Tiger Woods PGA series of golf games for PS2 or XBox, you'll know that it's the most realistic and fun golfing game on the market.",
"The graphics are wonderful as usual.",
"Swing is fairly easy to get used to.",
"Animation is fluid.",
"Decent soundtrack and sound effects.",
"Though a few minor flaws in this package, it's still an awesome game and no one can come close to it.",
"Amazon is wrong in saying this is a 1-player game (up to 4 can play at once).",
"THE GOOD: 14 courses in all (8 new courses) - including classics like Pebble Beach (CA), Harbour Town (Hilton Head, SC), Troon North Monument (AZ), and my favorite on this '05 game being Edgewood in Lake Tahoe (CA).",
"All look very realistic and I commend the designers for their attention to detail.",
"There are also a few \"fantasy\" type courses that you have to unlock (these may or may not exist in real life?",
") - Greek Isles, Paradise Cove, Emerald Dragon - and Tiger's Dream 18.",
"All the features from 2004 return including all the different kinds of tournaments and stroke play.",
"The \"Skill Zone\" is modestly improved with 2 new places in Diablo Valley and the locked \"Roof\" - definitely fun and a good way to earn some quick cash.",
"Picking your tee time is a neat feature...",
"if you're start time is 6:00am - the sun is just coming up and the roosters are making some noise in the background.",
"If you're finishing late in the day, the atmosphere really looks like the sun is setting.",
"Sound effects are good - featuring dogs barking, birds chirping, planes flying overhead, lawn mowers, crowd noises, car alarms going off from being hit by a stray ball, roosters, ocean surf, and more.",
"The \"GameFace-II\" feature is incredible - where you can build a golfing character from the ground up (from foot size, calf girth, arms & legs muscle definition, to a complete face makeover).",
"The Pro Shop features all kinds of things to buy for your golfer (new clothes, shoes, jackets, sunglasses, hats, jewelry and tattoos...",
"not to mention new golf clubs, balls, grips, gloves - choose from all the best known manufacturers; including Ping, Taylor-Made, Callaway, etc.",
"The game play itself is for the most part unchanged from the 2003/2004 versions of the game, so if you've played Tiger Woods PGA Golf before, you'll pick it up easily.",
"I've suggested before on past Tiger Woods PGA game reviews that the old classic golfers should be brought to life on these games...",
"in 2005, they're here.",
"Play as or against the great ones, including Nicklaus, Palmer and Hogan.",
"THE NOT SO GOOD: This is such a good game, however it's not without flaws.",
"Tiger Woods takes a decent amount of time to play (you better allow 20-30 minutes for 18 holes)...",
"and I still can not believe there isn't a SAVE button (meaning, you have to complete the 18 holes before you can save a game).",
"Too many little things slow the pace of the game down: Numerous celebrations by the golfers as they make a nice putt (if you're good at this game and you are consistently shooting better than par, you'll get tired of all the hoopla).",
"Too many times your golfer bends down to tie his shoes (once or twice during the 18 holes I could expect, but 6 times?",
").",
"Too many slow motion putts - from any distance if it reverts to slo-mo, you know the ball is going in the cup when it does this and it somehow takes the guess-work or chance out of it.",
"Some of the remarks the commentators make are questionable at best.",
"Semi-sarcastic comments like, \"The ball appears to be heading toward the RIGHT side of the green.",
"\" (well, that's where the pin is!",
"); \"The ball MIGHT make the green\" (and the ball lands in the middle of the green); or after I lipped out a 28 foot putt leaving it inches away from the cup, he says \"Well, that's just a BAD putt\".",
"The commentators also call you an \"idiot\" and a \"moron\" from time to time when you make a bad shot.",
"The XBox version of this game moves from hole to hole at a slightly quicker pace than the PS2 version.",
"Again, these things are very minor and should not take away from the incredible game play of Tiger Woods '05...",
"the best golf SIM out there in '05."
] |
This is a real Haws watering can made from quality copper nicely fitted and carefully soldered together. Because solder melts at relatively low temperatures this is not the can to use to heat water in. It is not a multi-tasker. It is beautiful and useful. The copper is not lacquered so it can be polished using a good copper polish or jewelers cloth and it will need to be polished periodically to keep its 'out of the box' appearance. I find the 2-pint/1 Liter size is the 'right' balance between useful capacity and comfortable carrying/pouring weight when full. The classic Haws design with a copper tube supporting the long, flowing spout is stable and sturdy. Water flows at a good rate and the long nose of the spout works well for placing water into the middle of a plant. The brass rose is also well-made and provides a gentle spray that doesn't stray too far from the edge of the pot or planter. As the manufacturer suggests, the rose is not best used on indoor pots and plants because there will be some over spray. The rose slips on and off easily. Good gardening tools give me extra pleasure every time I use them so I see value for the price in this item. The packaging in the picture is also 'a step above' in quality, being fitted to accept the can. A little gift wrap and you have the presentation that will please any avid gardener. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a real Haws watering can made from quality copper nicely fitted and carefully soldered together.",
"Because solder melts at relatively low temperatures this is not the can to use to heat water in.",
"It is not a multi-tasker.",
"It is beautiful and useful.",
"The copper is not lacquered so it can be polished using a good copper polish or jewelers cloth and it will need to be polished periodically to keep its 'out of the box' appearance.",
"I find the 2-pint/1 Liter size is the 'right' balance between useful capacity and comfortable carrying/pouring weight when full.",
"The classic Haws design with a copper tube supporting the long, flowing spout is stable and sturdy.",
"Water flows at a good rate and the long nose of the spout works well for placing water into the middle of a plant.",
"The brass rose is also well-made and provides a gentle spray that doesn't stray too far from the edge of the pot or planter.",
"As the manufacturer suggests, the rose is not best used on indoor pots and plants because there will be some over spray.",
"The rose slips on and off easily.",
"Good gardening tools give me extra pleasure every time I use them so I see value for the price in this item.",
"The packaging in the picture is also 'a step above' in quality, being fitted to accept the can.",
"A little gift wrap and you have the presentation that will please any avid gardener."
] |
This device makes cleaning my 40 gal breeder much easier. I can change more water at a time because I don't have to lug and treat buckets of water. In fact I have to watch the water level to make sure I don't take out too much - because the siphon is stronger than the regular siphon you use with a bucket. It will even pull up sediment from your sand. My only complaint is that the faucet connections are kind of leaky but I handle that with a towel over the faucet to keep the water in the utility sink. I tried this today with a KDF filter ( the kind for RV's) and it works! So now I hook up the KDF filter to the hose when it's time to fill and I don't have to worry about the quality of the water going in the tank. One of my African Cichlids was very curious about the clean warm water flowing from the plastic tube - that had just pulled dirty water out.
EDIT: I bought this back in 2012 and I'm still happy with it. I had to replace the pump but I replaced it with a drain and fill water bed pump - same thing. | 2 | positive | [
"This device makes cleaning my 40 gal breeder much easier.",
"I can change more water at a time because I don't have to lug and treat buckets of water.",
"In fact I have to watch the water level to make sure I don't take out too much - because the siphon is stronger than the regular siphon you use with a bucket.",
"It will even pull up sediment from your sand.",
"My only complaint is that the faucet connections are kind of leaky but I handle that with a towel over the faucet to keep the water in the utility sink.",
"I tried this today with a KDF filter ( the kind for RV's) and it works!",
"So now I hook up the KDF filter to the hose when it's time to fill and I don't have to worry about the quality of the water going in the tank.",
"One of my African Cichlids was very curious about the clean warm water flowing from the plastic tube - that had just pulled dirty water out.",
"EDIT: I bought this back in 2012 and I'm still happy with it.",
"I had to replace the pump but I replaced it with a drain and fill water bed pump - same thing."
] |
Feeling unwanted, unaccepted and unable to find a way to fit in and find family, love and hope for the future creates a pain and hopeless feeling for Weezie the elephant with allergies. Weezie hopes to be adopted and find a family of his own that would want and love him but before they can get to know him the same problem arises terminating any chance he had at acceptance.
It might start with a tickle and end with a sneeze. When you think about a full nose being blasted out in an explosive expulsion it might be hard to accept but if you have the nose of an elephant the moment is traumatic. Children love visualizing such comedy even though it is serious for Weezie as the story is read. This is such a unique way to share a story with humor adding more fun as you read.
Will Weezie ever find someone who wants him knowing of his sneezing massive amounts of awful mucus? Will he ever find someone who can find a way to see and get to know him instead of judging and reacting to something that is not his fault and out of his control?
This delightful tale entertains, amuses and opens paths of communication to not only share a great little children's story but also think and learn about many of life's issues and ideas.
My grandson and I loved sharing this book and took turns reading. He needed a bit of help with a word or two but it is written in a smooth and easy reading style that inspired us to the next page. From beginning to end we enjoyed this book. | 2 | positive | [
"Feeling unwanted, unaccepted and unable to find a way to fit in and find family, love and hope for the future creates a pain and hopeless feeling for Weezie the elephant with allergies.",
"Weezie hopes to be adopted and find a family of his own that would want and love him but before they can get to know him the same problem arises terminating any chance he had at acceptance.",
"It might start with a tickle and end with a sneeze.",
"When you think about a full nose being blasted out in an explosive expulsion it might be hard to accept but if you have the nose of an elephant the moment is traumatic.",
"Children love visualizing such comedy even though it is serious for Weezie as the story is read.",
"This is such a unique way to share a story with humor adding more fun as you read.",
"Will Weezie ever find someone who wants him knowing of his sneezing massive amounts of awful mucus?",
"Will he ever find someone who can find a way to see and get to know him instead of judging and reacting to something that is not his fault and out of his control?",
"This delightful tale entertains, amuses and opens paths of communication to not only share a great little children's story but also think and learn about many of life's issues and ideas.",
"My grandson and I loved sharing this book and took turns reading.",
"He needed a bit of help with a word or two but it is written in a smooth and easy reading style that inspired us to the next page.",
"From beginning to end we enjoyed this book."
] |
I would agree with the other mom that said this is the mother of all kitchens! It is just like the real thing. It has all the appliances of a real kitchen plus all of the extras. All the sounds are very realistic and she loves making everything work. She loves that she has plate holders just like mommy! She also loves the baskets because they hold all of her play food. This thing holds all of her play kitchen items and then some. I have never seen so much storage on a kitchen set.
It is a very large unit but it was well worth it the extra space! It is so realistic and the "granite" and other details make it a really nice toy to have taking up part of the family room. Plus it is super easy to clean and unlike another set we had it is very stable and sturdy...good enough (and large enough) for 3 active toddlers to all play with at the same time.
All in all mother of all of kitchens is a good description of this set. It's great and you can't go work with it! | 2 | positive | [
"I would agree with the other mom that said this is the mother of all kitchens!",
"It is just like the real thing.",
"It has all the appliances of a real kitchen plus all of the extras.",
"All the sounds are very realistic and she loves making everything work.",
"She loves that she has plate holders just like mommy!",
"She also loves the baskets because they hold all of her play food.",
"This thing holds all of her play kitchen items and then some.",
"I have never seen so much storage on a kitchen set.",
"It is a very large unit but it was well worth it the extra space!",
"It is so realistic and the \"granite\" and other details make it a really nice toy to have taking up part of the family room.",
"Plus it is super easy to clean and unlike another set we had it is very stable and sturdy...",
"good enough (and large enough) for 3 active toddlers to all play with at the same time.",
"All in all mother of all of kitchens is a good description of this set.",
"It's great and you can't go work with it!"
] |
In the seventies, Pink Floyd was fantastic live. It wasn't just the visual show. The group would experiment with new material and would take old material and stretch it out and play it in new, exciting ways. Before Dark Side of the Moon was released, Pink Floyd was touring and playing an early version of it called Eclipsed. The tour following the release of the album featured a fantastic rendition of Dark Side of the Moon (far superior than that on Pulse) and pre-album versions of songs from Wish You Were Here and Animals.
This live version of the wall does not stray too far from the studio version. There are two new songs that are fairly good, but nothing special. Many of the songs are livelier and played with more energy. There are extra musical flourishes on most of the songs and a stronger emphasis on keyboards throughout. Another Brick In the Wall part 2 has a nice organ solo at the end. The version of Run is very interesting and different from any other. But other than that, the band never really opens up or significantly modifies, or builds upon the original album. Most surprising is the lack luster version of Comfortably Numb. While not bad, there are other live versions that are much better.
There are a few downsides. Some songs aren't done quite as well as on the studio album. Although audience noise is generally kept to a minimum there are some places it is too loud. During some tracks, such as Is Anybody Out There?, the background TV noise is kept at a level where it is just barely audible so that it is just an annoying buzz.
All in all, I like the live version better. Because this is basically a musical, or rock opera it works much better as a live performance. I think this version pushes the work just over the four star barrier into five star material. | 2 | positive | [
"In the seventies, Pink Floyd was fantastic live.",
"It wasn't just the visual show.",
"The group would experiment with new material and would take old material and stretch it out and play it in new, exciting ways.",
"Before Dark Side of the Moon was released, Pink Floyd was touring and playing an early version of it called Eclipsed.",
"The tour following the release of the album featured a fantastic rendition of Dark Side of the Moon (far superior than that on Pulse) and pre-album versions of songs from Wish You Were Here and Animals.",
"This live version of the wall does not stray too far from the studio version.",
"There are two new songs that are fairly good, but nothing special.",
"Many of the songs are livelier and played with more energy.",
"There are extra musical flourishes on most of the songs and a stronger emphasis on keyboards throughout.",
"Another Brick In the Wall part 2 has a nice organ solo at the end.",
"The version of Run is very interesting and different from any other.",
"But other than that, the band never really opens up or significantly modifies, or builds upon the original album.",
"Most surprising is the lack luster version of Comfortably Numb.",
"While not bad, there are other live versions that are much better.",
"There are a few downsides.",
"Some songs aren't done quite as well as on the studio album.",
"Although audience noise is generally kept to a minimum there are some places it is too loud.",
"During some tracks, such as Is Anybody Out There?",
", the background TV noise is kept at a level where it is just barely audible so that it is just an annoying buzz.",
"All in all, I like the live version better.",
"Because this is basically a musical, or rock opera it works much better as a live performance.",
"I think this version pushes the work just over the four star barrier into five star material."
] |
Thanks for this one, R. Cooper! A friend insisted I read "A Boy and his Dragon" so I did that first (and loved it), but I am pretty much as enthused about this fairy/werewolf duo, Cal and Ray.
This sort of supernatural fantasy romance isn't everyone's taste. Cooper's imagined world - an alternate America where all sort of supernatural creatures just exist and have been dealt with for decades (except, oddly, vampires, which Ray insists don't really exist!!!).
Once you just go with that premise it's sort of marvelous. Seems that each of the books focuses on teaching the reader about the deeper truths of specific creatures. I do like me a good werewolf, and Ray Branigan is a good one. But I am just the kind of gay man who loves a sugar-infused fairy, and Cal Parker is awesome. Wings aside, they seem to be my type.
The sexual repression and yearning fairly buzzes off the page, and Cooper pulls the same stunt as with the boy and his dragon - that very repression of desire and love makes the ultimate payoff amazingly intense from an emotional perspective. Cooper also infuses the narrative, which is wrapped around a peculiar murder mystery with its own complications, with wonderfully imagined cultural history about these magical creatures, exposing stereotypes and false myths that misinform and confuse the characters.
That said, the lavish description of scents and smells, which of course the werewolf is very tuned to, play a significant role in this book, almost a character in itself. I can find the standard "scent of love" used in many m/m novels to be irritating and over-calculated; but in R. Cooper's sparkly pen, the very over-the-topness of smell descriptions adds to the slightly halucinogenic quality (then again, it could have been the Nyquil...). Not for everyone, but very much for me. | 2 | positive | [
"Thanks for this one, R.",
"Cooper!",
"A friend insisted I read \"A Boy and his Dragon\" so I did that first (and loved it), but I am pretty much as enthused about this fairy/werewolf duo, Cal and Ray.",
"This sort of supernatural fantasy romance isn't everyone's taste.",
"Cooper's imagined world - an alternate America where all sort of supernatural creatures just exist and have been dealt with for decades (except, oddly, vampires, which Ray insists don't really exist!!!",
").",
"Once you just go with that premise it's sort of marvelous.",
"Seems that each of the books focuses on teaching the reader about the deeper truths of specific creatures.",
"I do like me a good werewolf, and Ray Branigan is a good one.",
"But I am just the kind of gay man who loves a sugar-infused fairy, and Cal Parker is awesome.",
"Wings aside, they seem to be my type.",
"The sexual repression and yearning fairly buzzes off the page, and Cooper pulls the same stunt as with the boy and his dragon - that very repression of desire and love makes the ultimate payoff amazingly intense from an emotional perspective.",
"Cooper also infuses the narrative, which is wrapped around a peculiar murder mystery with its own complications, with wonderfully imagined cultural history about these magical creatures, exposing stereotypes and false myths that misinform and confuse the characters.",
"That said, the lavish description of scents and smells, which of course the werewolf is very tuned to, play a significant role in this book, almost a character in itself.",
"I can find the standard \"scent of love\" used in many m/m novels to be irritating and over-calculated; but in R.",
"Cooper's sparkly pen, the very over-the-topness of smell descriptions adds to the slightly halucinogenic quality (then again, it could have been the Nyquil...",
").",
"Not for everyone, but very much for me."
] |
I think this is 2Pac's best album, even better then All Eyez On Me. My Favorite track is "Krazy". Now on to the fools who hate this album just because of the cover art. This is his best album hard, deep and his last real album so if you don't listen to it that's your sad choice but I'm enjoying it everyday. Let me paste a quote from 2Pac himself about this album so you know it's not about mocking Christ or anything like that.
"Now, it's for fun. This new Makaveli album I got comin' out, I'm takin' on niggas. It's like, my dopest album ever. It's 12 tracks. I talk about my shooting [in New York]. I say the names of the niggas that shot me, the names of the niggas that set me up.... Everything I couldn't say, I said it in a rap. I also dis Dre, I dis Mobb Deep. All them niggas: Jay-Z, Puffy, Biggie. My album cover is me on the cross being crucified, and the cross is the map. It's got New York, Harlem, Brooklyn, everything. And I'm on the cross bein' crucified for keepin' it real."
Where in that quote does he say he thinks of himself as the Messiah or God? He just thinks he and Christ had something in common, telling the truth and taking all kinds of crap for it (eventually dying for it). R.I.P. T. Shakur & Long Live Makaveli! | 2 | positive | [
"I think this is 2Pac's best album, even better then All Eyez On Me.",
"My Favorite track is \"Krazy\".",
"Now on to the fools who hate this album just because of the cover art.",
"This is his best album hard, deep and his last real album so if you don't listen to it that's your sad choice but I'm enjoying it everyday.",
"Let me paste a quote from 2Pac himself about this album so you know it's not about mocking Christ or anything like that.",
"\"Now, it's for fun.",
"This new Makaveli album I got comin' out, I'm takin' on niggas.",
"It's like, my dopest album ever.",
"It's 12 tracks.",
"I talk about my shooting [in New York].",
"I say the names of the niggas that shot me, the names of the niggas that set me up....",
"Everything I couldn't say, I said it in a rap.",
"I also dis Dre, I dis Mobb Deep.",
"All them niggas: Jay-Z, Puffy, Biggie.",
"My album cover is me on the cross being crucified, and the cross is the map.",
"It's got New York, Harlem, Brooklyn, everything.",
"And I'm on the cross bein' crucified for keepin' it real.",
"\"\n\nWhere in that quote does he say he thinks of himself as the Messiah or God?",
"He just thinks he and Christ had something in common, telling the truth and taking all kinds of crap for it (eventually dying for it).",
"R.",
"I.P. T.",
"Shakur & Long Live Makaveli!"
] |
This is a great set. It measure a few thousandths off when I get into anything above a 1/4" just on the small side so I have to shim it into place. The small guide to the sizes is pretty darn close to right on and is great to use. The packaging/storage is a plastic case that works great. I wish there were directions but basically it has shims on one side with the blades and then spacers on the other side with the chippers. Blades are heavy duty, make a solid cut and a pretty awesome noise on my table saw when it's running
Cons:
- The surface that is cut when using the dado set leaves very small grooves. This doesn't affect my projects so far since my dado's are internal but it if you had any of it exposed it would need to be cleaned up
- The cut leaves two small over cuts in the corners of the dado. If you raise your saw up so it is supposed to cut 1/4" the entire middle will be exactly the same but in each corner of the cut there will be a small corner that is a bit deeper in the shape of a triangle (blade). If you have any exposed dado's then you need to cut a bit shy of your final and shave it into place. This isn't ideal but for 1/3 the price of the nice sets I can't complain. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a great set.",
"It measure a few thousandths off when I get into anything above a 1/4\" just on the small side so I have to shim it into place.",
"The small guide to the sizes is pretty darn close to right on and is great to use.",
"The packaging/storage is a plastic case that works great.",
"I wish there were directions but basically it has shims on one side with the blades and then spacers on the other side with the chippers.",
"Blades are heavy duty, make a solid cut and a pretty awesome noise on my table saw when it's running\n\nCons:\n- The surface that is cut when using the dado set leaves very small grooves.",
"This doesn't affect my projects so far since my dado's are internal but it if you had any of it exposed it would need to be cleaned up\n- The cut leaves two small over cuts in the corners of the dado.",
"If you raise your saw up so it is supposed to cut 1/4\" the entire middle will be exactly the same but in each corner of the cut there will be a small corner that is a bit deeper in the shape of a triangle (blade).",
"If you have any exposed dado's then you need to cut a bit shy of your final and shave it into place.",
"This isn't ideal but for 1/3 the price of the nice sets I can't complain."
] |
I love books on writing. I have read my share of them too. I've read ones by Terry Brooks and Stephen King and others. So you'd think by now that I would have at least one novel under my belt. But I don't. Julie clarifies this issue in a nutshell...you have to write your way. Yes, you should pay attention to the advice and there are certain things the writer should not fudge on, like style and grammar. She recommends The Elements of Style by Strunk and White and there I couldn't agree with her more. I happen to have that book in my writing arsenal. A writer should also keep a good book on grammar handy. What she said that I really liked and agree with 100% is "write something that matters--if only to you." Great advice. Who wants to write something they don't care about? If the writer doesn't care, the reader certainly isn't going to. It doesn't have to be a big statement book, but the story should mean something, should touch the writer and, therefore, the reader. Authenticity and truth come in too. Don't skimp on the details. Do the research. The most important thing though...get it written. Set deadlines for yourself and this is one I like. Set a goal of five pages per day, five days a week. This works for Julie because she's a rule breaker so if she doesn't write on Monday, she can write Saturday to make it up. Or she can add pages on to other days. I think I like this approach better than so many words per day or hours even. Frankly, the word count thing makes me very nervous (I'm talking to you NaNoWriMo)!
Julie's core rules:
Start it--put one word after another.
Put your heart in it.
Part with it--get it written.
Simple and straight forward. I like it. In subsequent chapters, she discusses voice, plot, characters, and all the nuts and bolts when it comes to writing a novel, but she does it in a fresh way. She doesn't bog it all down with pages and pages of explanations. That's one beef I have with writing books. They are way too long. Hence why there are so many on my shelves that remain unread. Julie's 121 page dynamo is the perfect book on writing. This is a book that will stay in my eReader and I will be using it as I continue with the novel I started during NaNoWriMo and did not finish. I will finish it. Five pages a day, five days a week and I will write it my way. Thank you, Julie. | 2 | positive | [
"I love books on writing.",
"I have read my share of them too.",
"I've read ones by Terry Brooks and Stephen King and others.",
"So you'd think by now that I would have at least one novel under my belt.",
"But I don't.",
"Julie clarifies this issue in a nutshell...",
"you have to write your way.",
"Yes, you should pay attention to the advice and there are certain things the writer should not fudge on, like style and grammar.",
"She recommends The Elements of Style by Strunk and White and there I couldn't agree with her more.",
"I happen to have that book in my writing arsenal.",
"A writer should also keep a good book on grammar handy.",
"What she said that I really liked and agree with 100% is \"write something that matters--if only to you.",
"\" Great advice.",
"Who wants to write something they don't care about?",
"If the writer doesn't care, the reader certainly isn't going to.",
"It doesn't have to be a big statement book, but the story should mean something, should touch the writer and, therefore, the reader.",
"Authenticity and truth come in too.",
"Don't skimp on the details.",
"Do the research.",
"The most important thing though...",
"get it written.",
"Set deadlines for yourself and this is one I like.",
"Set a goal of five pages per day, five days a week.",
"This works for Julie because she's a rule breaker so if she doesn't write on Monday, she can write Saturday to make it up.",
"Or she can add pages on to other days.",
"I think I like this approach better than so many words per day or hours even.",
"Frankly, the word count thing makes me very nervous (I'm talking to you NaNoWriMo)!",
"Julie's core rules:\n\nStart it--put one word after another.",
"Put your heart in it.",
"Part with it--get it written.",
"Simple and straight forward.",
"I like it.",
"In subsequent chapters, she discusses voice, plot, characters, and all the nuts and bolts when it comes to writing a novel, but she does it in a fresh way.",
"She doesn't bog it all down with pages and pages of explanations.",
"That's one beef I have with writing books.",
"They are way too long.",
"Hence why there are so many on my shelves that remain unread.",
"Julie's 121 page dynamo is the perfect book on writing.",
"This is a book that will stay in my eReader and I will be using it as I continue with the novel I started during NaNoWriMo and did not finish.",
"I will finish it.",
"Five pages a day, five days a week and I will write it my way.",
"Thank you, Julie."
] |
Final Fantasy 7 is a masterpiece. What a cliche! Masterpiece; a term suggesting the undisputed magnum opus of an already venerable company. Many things gain this mark, but few live up to their expectation. Final Fantasy 7 does.
In many ways, Final Fantasy 7 is far from perfect. The graphics, compared to today, are dated, grainy, and harsh. The storyline reeks of cliche-ridden overtones. The characters seem generic. However, this is all a product of subsequent games.
Final Fantasy 7 defined the 3D graphical engine used in almost all of today's RPGs. Its characters, still fresh, were very unique, emotionally unstable, and enjoyable to read about. The storyline spins off numerous tangents and undertones that suggested a fully functioning, realistic world that presents real-life human troubles.
This is far from a typical RPG. From its conception, it redefined the genre and introduced the RPG to about 3 million new gamers. Saying that Final Fantasy 7 single-handedly elevated RPGs from niche to mainstream status would be far from an erraneous statement.
Considering all of these things, a person skeptical about playing Final Fantasy 7 should grant reconsideration. Though it is far from the prettiest and most unique of games, it does represent the model that all of today's successful RPGs follow. And, in this case, the model is more radiant than its spinoffs. | 2 | positive | [
"Final Fantasy 7 is a masterpiece.",
"What a cliche!",
"Masterpiece; a term suggesting the undisputed magnum opus of an already venerable company.",
"Many things gain this mark, but few live up to their expectation.",
"Final Fantasy 7 does.",
"In many ways, Final Fantasy 7 is far from perfect.",
"The graphics, compared to today, are dated, grainy, and harsh.",
"The storyline reeks of cliche-ridden overtones.",
"The characters seem generic.",
"However, this is all a product of subsequent games.",
"Final Fantasy 7 defined the 3D graphical engine used in almost all of today's RPGs.",
"Its characters, still fresh, were very unique, emotionally unstable, and enjoyable to read about.",
"The storyline spins off numerous tangents and undertones that suggested a fully functioning, realistic world that presents real-life human troubles.",
"This is far from a typical RPG.",
"From its conception, it redefined the genre and introduced the RPG to about 3 million new gamers.",
"Saying that Final Fantasy 7 single-handedly elevated RPGs from niche to mainstream status would be far from an erraneous statement.",
"Considering all of these things, a person skeptical about playing Final Fantasy 7 should grant reconsideration.",
"Though it is far from the prettiest and most unique of games, it does represent the model that all of today's successful RPGs follow.",
"And, in this case, the model is more radiant than its spinoffs."
] |
Had a toilet with a FluidMaster fill valve that wasn't working right. The old valve was filling water VERY slowly. For whatever reason. Not sure how old the old fill valve was, but it needed replaced. The toilet is close to 40 years old and is an American Standard. Installation of this valve is not difficult. The way to adjust the water line is fine. Quiet, works and guarantee for five years. All that and MADE IN USA! I may get a few just to have around for my two other toilets in the house in case anything happens with them. Bottom line: KORKY makes some great toilet stuff! | 2 | positive | [
"Had a toilet with a FluidMaster fill valve that wasn't working right.",
"The old valve was filling water VERY slowly.",
"For whatever reason.",
"Not sure how old the old fill valve was, but it needed replaced.",
"The toilet is close to 40 years old and is an American Standard.",
"Installation of this valve is not difficult.",
"The way to adjust the water line is fine.",
"Quiet, works and guarantee for five years.",
"All that and MADE IN USA!",
"I may get a few just to have around for my two other toilets in the house in case anything happens with them.",
"Bottom line: KORKY makes some great toilet stuff!"
] |
Silverfish are just disgusting. There's no simple way to say it. ICK. I have no idea how these little suckers got into our house but they were waiting for us when we got back after 6 months away. No like they were everywhere but we'd see the odd one now and again. And if you see one you can bet there are hundreds you aren't seeing. These little packets somehow attract silverfish and somehow kill them. I don't want to know the details. But they do work. When we go away again this year we are going to put out a million of these things. | 2 | positive | [
"Silverfish are just disgusting.",
"There's no simple way to say it.",
"ICK.",
"I have no idea how these little suckers got into our house but they were waiting for us when we got back after 6 months away.",
"No like they were everywhere but we'd see the odd one now and again.",
"And if you see one you can bet there are hundreds you aren't seeing.",
"These little packets somehow attract silverfish and somehow kill them.",
"I don't want to know the details.",
"But they do work.",
"When we go away again this year we are going to put out a million of these things."
] |
I have the second book in the series as well. There are both written instructions and charts for each of the shawls. Once blocked, the beautiful lace patterns are very clear and defined. Why four starts and not five? Sizing. When knitting in the gauge, the shawls ran on the small side for the recipients - these shawls knit perfect for someone that wears a solid medium size. I adjusted the sizing by adding extra row repeats strategically. As for complexity, I am not a good judge for someone else. I regularly knit "intermediate" patterns with no issues. I recommend if you have a stitch that is new to you, to create a sample and practice the unfamiliar stitch for a few rows. This way the stitch that is new to you will be even when you knit it within the shawl. Happy knitting! | 2 | positive | [
"I have the second book in the series as well.",
"There are both written instructions and charts for each of the shawls.",
"Once blocked, the beautiful lace patterns are very clear and defined.",
"Why four starts and not five?",
"Sizing.",
"When knitting in the gauge, the shawls ran on the small side for the recipients - these shawls knit perfect for someone that wears a solid medium size.",
"I adjusted the sizing by adding extra row repeats strategically.",
"As for complexity, I am not a good judge for someone else.",
"I regularly knit \"intermediate\" patterns with no issues.",
"I recommend if you have a stitch that is new to you, to create a sample and practice the unfamiliar stitch for a few rows.",
"This way the stitch that is new to you will be even when you knit it within the shawl.",
"Happy knitting!"
] |
Are you all kidding or what? In the context of the game's release, Mega Man Zero 2 is the best in the series! Just compare and contrast the original with this sequel, and the results are obvious. GameSpot's review on this game is accurate, but it harshly condemns this game for being so difficult. The difficulty, most would concur, is pronunciated in the beginning, where Zero has little health and must fight two Golems and a Mecha Scorpion...and survive the onslaught! I admit I was a bit daunted by the number of mini-bosses in the game's onset, but after the first batch of bosses (namely after Phoenix Magnion) the game does not hate you as much.
The game's sprites look wonderful. Mega Man Zero features more hand-drawn characters and landscapes, and that is okay, but Zero 2's looks are simply amazing for a handheld game. Not only have the graphics sharpened, but the quality of the game's music has improved greatly. Some of the stand-out tracks include the Train level, the Computer Zone (both the Rooftop and the base) and the Neo Arcadia Temple. How can reviewers say that the graphics have been recycled from Mega Man Zero, when plainly the characters look more vibrant and well-animated?
The difficulty in the game is also increased by the number of levels where you largely depend on the Chain Rod to traverse. The Forest of Dysis, for instance, got on my nerves because I had to jump a certain distance in order for my Chain Rod to grapple on the floating machine. You can't get too close to the agent you wish to latch on to. I learned that the hard way. Another thing is to swing to the other side correctly. In a very realistic manner, you to have swing back and forth to gain momentum prior to leaping across, or you may find yourself exploding to bits after 4 or 5 tries.
The cyber-elf system is a little easier to use, but it's not dramatically different from the first game's system. Basically you talk to Ciel if you want to download a cyber-elf (they're basically sprites that endow Zero with upgrades and abilities), but some cyber-elves require that you feed them Energy Crystals, or you can't transfer them. As the game progresses, you might want to consider downloading the cyber-elves that increase your MAX energy because the bosses get bigger (but not always badder). Too bad this affects your Mission Result ranking permanently, for the rest of the game. I can't complain however, because even though I finished the game with a C Rank, I obtained 99% of the EX Skills after each Boss Battle.
Cutscenes are considerably more abundant in this game than in any of the other Mega Man Zero installments. Particularly astouding graphics are what makes this game such an enjoyable experience, in spite of the difficulty setting and the acquisition of Zero's forms, which is my subsequent topic.
Zero grows stronger not only by the collection of EX Skills he absorbs from his adversaries, but also by obtaining "Forms." These forms are like a physical evolution. They can only be attained when you embark on a Mission: That means you CANNOT obtain a form on an already completed mission!!! That makes forms a rarity, because you get them only by performing certain kinds of actions. For example, you get the X Form (so called because of X's weapon of choice, the Buster, and by the Form's color, blue) by KILLING 50 enemies with your Buster before the Mission ends. If you want to know about Zero's other forms, check out gamefaqs.com.
The plot that drives Mega Man Zero 2 is as engrossing as the first game's. After separating yourself from the Resistance Base for a time, Zero wants to find a purpose for living, as well as search for clues about his past. However, he's in a rut, and he looks for Ciel and the Resistance. When he is rescued by the Resistance Reploids, he discovers that the leadership and management of the Reploids has been passed down from Ciel to a mysterious figure named Elpizo. He was formerly from Neo Arcadia, but he was ostracized (kicked out) and is now the Commander of the Resistance. As Zero takes on Elpizo's orders to infiltrate Neo Arcadia and ultimately destroy it, we find that he's got a hidden agenda running. The Dark Elf, a creature that used to be benign and which was X's hope to ending the Elf Wars a 100 years ago, is now a source of evil energy. Elpizo is obsessed with the Dark Elf and will do anything to get his hands on its boundless power. While this game doesn't reveal TOO much about Zero's relationship to X or their past, it doesn't mean this game isn't good. It keeps you interested in what other things will transpire. Play Mega Man Zero 3 and you will come to learn a lot, but you might not think that game as challenging or as fun as Mega Man Zero 2...but that might just be my personal opinion. :) It's so much fun kicking the crap out of Leviathan, Fefnir and Harpuia, I'll tell you that much! | 2 | positive | [
"Are you all kidding or what?",
"In the context of the game's release, Mega Man Zero 2 is the best in the series!",
"Just compare and contrast the original with this sequel, and the results are obvious.",
"GameSpot's review on this game is accurate, but it harshly condemns this game for being so difficult.",
"The difficulty, most would concur, is pronunciated in the beginning, where Zero has little health and must fight two Golems and a Mecha Scorpion...",
"and survive the onslaught!",
"I admit I was a bit daunted by the number of mini-bosses in the game's onset, but after the first batch of bosses (namely after Phoenix Magnion) the game does not hate you as much.",
"The game's sprites look wonderful.",
"Mega Man Zero features more hand-drawn characters and landscapes, and that is okay, but Zero 2's looks are simply amazing for a handheld game.",
"Not only have the graphics sharpened, but the quality of the game's music has improved greatly.",
"Some of the stand-out tracks include the Train level, the Computer Zone (both the Rooftop and the base) and the Neo Arcadia Temple.",
"How can reviewers say that the graphics have been recycled from Mega Man Zero, when plainly the characters look more vibrant and well-animated?",
"The difficulty in the game is also increased by the number of levels where you largely depend on the Chain Rod to traverse.",
"The Forest of Dysis, for instance, got on my nerves because I had to jump a certain distance in order for my Chain Rod to grapple on the floating machine.",
"You can't get too close to the agent you wish to latch on to.",
"I learned that the hard way.",
"Another thing is to swing to the other side correctly.",
"In a very realistic manner, you to have swing back and forth to gain momentum prior to leaping across, or you may find yourself exploding to bits after 4 or 5 tries.",
"The cyber-elf system is a little easier to use, but it's not dramatically different from the first game's system.",
"Basically you talk to Ciel if you want to download a cyber-elf (they're basically sprites that endow Zero with upgrades and abilities), but some cyber-elves require that you feed them Energy Crystals, or you can't transfer them.",
"As the game progresses, you might want to consider downloading the cyber-elves that increase your MAX energy because the bosses get bigger (but not always badder).",
"Too bad this affects your Mission Result ranking permanently, for the rest of the game.",
"I can't complain however, because even though I finished the game with a C Rank, I obtained 99% of the EX Skills after each Boss Battle.",
"Cutscenes are considerably more abundant in this game than in any of the other Mega Man Zero installments.",
"Particularly astouding graphics are what makes this game such an enjoyable experience, in spite of the difficulty setting and the acquisition of Zero's forms, which is my subsequent topic.",
"Zero grows stronger not only by the collection of EX Skills he absorbs from his adversaries, but also by obtaining \"Forms.",
"\" These forms are like a physical evolution.",
"They can only be attained when you embark on a Mission: That means you CANNOT obtain a form on an already completed mission!!!",
"That makes forms a rarity, because you get them only by performing certain kinds of actions.",
"For example, you get the X Form (so called because of X's weapon of choice, the Buster, and by the Form's color, blue) by KILLING 50 enemies with your Buster before the Mission ends.",
"If you want to know about Zero's other forms, check out gamefaqs.",
"com.",
"The plot that drives Mega Man Zero 2 is as engrossing as the first game's.",
"After separating yourself from the Resistance Base for a time, Zero wants to find a purpose for living, as well as search for clues about his past.",
"However, he's in a rut, and he looks for Ciel and the Resistance.",
"When he is rescued by the Resistance Reploids, he discovers that the leadership and management of the Reploids has been passed down from Ciel to a mysterious figure named Elpizo.",
"He was formerly from Neo Arcadia, but he was ostracized (kicked out) and is now the Commander of the Resistance.",
"As Zero takes on Elpizo's orders to infiltrate Neo Arcadia and ultimately destroy it, we find that he's got a hidden agenda running.",
"The Dark Elf, a creature that used to be benign and which was X's hope to ending the Elf Wars a 100 years ago, is now a source of evil energy.",
"Elpizo is obsessed with the Dark Elf and will do anything to get his hands on its boundless power.",
"While this game doesn't reveal TOO much about Zero's relationship to X or their past, it doesn't mean this game isn't good.",
"It keeps you interested in what other things will transpire.",
"Play Mega Man Zero 3 and you will come to learn a lot, but you might not think that game as challenging or as fun as Mega Man Zero 2...",
"but that might just be my personal opinion.",
":) It's so much fun kicking the crap out of Leviathan, Fefnir and Harpuia, I'll tell you that much!"
] |
Bought 3 of these for my garage and like them so much that I bought another 3. However, like other reviews have said, you will need to know where your ceiling joists are in order to plan your layout and to be able to hang these. Luckily, even though there is drywall in my garage, it is not painted, so I was able to see where the screws to secure the drywall were anchored into the joists, and I just followed the leaders. I can see how people say that this can be wobbly if you're only installing one; however, by joining 2 or more together makes it pretty solid - also, I have mine against a wall.
Installation Tips: Once you have found your joists, first time installation may yield not so great results. My installation of the 2nd set of 3 turned out better than my first. Again, the horizontal support rail will run parallel with your ceiling joists so plan accordingly. In addition, be sure to measure the 36" exactly between the vertical supports - this will be from the inside of the supports. For example, install the right vertical support first and then put the end of your tape measure on the inside of that support and measure out 36" and make a small line on the ceiling. At this line is where the inside of the left vertical support should line up. this will allow for the shelf (comes in 2 parts) to fit perfectly while keeping the vertical supports perfectly vertical. Also, if you're connecting more than 1 side-by-side, make sure that the lower half of the vertical support (each support consists of 2 pieces) is on the inside. You'll see what I mean once you install more than one. Be sure to zip tie the adjacent supports together to get that aforementioned, added stability. Getting the supports in the correct position are the foundation to a great installation. The rest of the installation of the horizontal support rails and the shelves are easy after you get the support per the above instructions.
Time to Install: It took me about one hour to install one with a power drill and a manual ratchet, but then I discovered that I had a drill attachment for my sockets which reduced the time to install to about 40 minutes. Recommend that you drill pilot holes where the securing screws go (I think I used a 3/16" drill bit); don't use too wide a drill bit our you may have to change your layout another inch.
Hope this helps. | 2 | positive | [
"Bought 3 of these for my garage and like them so much that I bought another 3.",
"However, like other reviews have said, you will need to know where your ceiling joists are in order to plan your layout and to be able to hang these.",
"Luckily, even though there is drywall in my garage, it is not painted, so I was able to see where the screws to secure the drywall were anchored into the joists, and I just followed the leaders.",
"I can see how people say that this can be wobbly if you're only installing one; however, by joining 2 or more together makes it pretty solid - also, I have mine against a wall.",
"Installation Tips: Once you have found your joists, first time installation may yield not so great results.",
"My installation of the 2nd set of 3 turned out better than my first.",
"Again, the horizontal support rail will run parallel with your ceiling joists so plan accordingly.",
"In addition, be sure to measure the 36\" exactly between the vertical supports - this will be from the inside of the supports.",
"For example, install the right vertical support first and then put the end of your tape measure on the inside of that support and measure out 36\" and make a small line on the ceiling.",
"At this line is where the inside of the left vertical support should line up.",
"this will allow for the shelf (comes in 2 parts) to fit perfectly while keeping the vertical supports perfectly vertical.",
"Also, if you're connecting more than 1 side-by-side, make sure that the lower half of the vertical support (each support consists of 2 pieces) is on the inside.",
"You'll see what I mean once you install more than one.",
"Be sure to zip tie the adjacent supports together to get that aforementioned, added stability.",
"Getting the supports in the correct position are the foundation to a great installation.",
"The rest of the installation of the horizontal support rails and the shelves are easy after you get the support per the above instructions.",
"Time to Install: It took me about one hour to install one with a power drill and a manual ratchet, but then I discovered that I had a drill attachment for my sockets which reduced the time to install to about 40 minutes.",
"Recommend that you drill pilot holes where the securing screws go (I think I used a 3/16\" drill bit); don't use too wide a drill bit our you may have to change your layout another inch.",
"Hope this helps."
] |
(September 25, 2013): I've been having the worst luck with driveshafts on my car in recent years. I swear all the driveshaft rebuilders are sourcing their CV boots from Suresplit Co. "Guaranteed to last just long enough to prevent callbacks-- and not a day more!" Why would rebuilders NOT do something like this? Why would garages not LOVE IT?
But thanks to this amazing tape I have a secret weapon against all these ripoff artists / a quick, easy means of "emergency" boot repair that actually seems pretty darn permanent. The splits are always at the large end of the boot, very close to the boot band and parallel to it, and about a 1/2 inch long. If I have good access I'll remove the boot band and place the first wrap of tape over the band seat, then re-install the band over it. Now additional tape will "grab" real easy and it's a cinch to build up more tape over the problem area. Five wraps or so should do the trick. If I don't have good access (when it's the inboard boot) I'll work the same way, first putting a single wrap OVER the boot band. That first wrap is the trick. Once that's down, laying up more tape is easy. This particular self-fusing tape is excellent for this application because it has a center stripe so you can lay it down very precisely even in awkward areas (like way back inside a wheel well).
You'll know the problem has been going on for a while if there's grease slung all over in an "equator" pattern surrounding the split. If so, you should get some new grease inside that boot pronto, and here's how: you need specialty CV grease of the same type that's already in there, a grease gun, a grease needle (like this: Lincoln Lubrication 5807 Grease Injector Needle with Hose), and more of this tape. With your grease gun loaded and fitted with the needle, pierce the boot right at the bottom of a "valley" in the boot, preferably toward the small end. The resulting tiny puncture in this particular spot shouldn't ever cause much trouble. Pump in 3 to 4 ounces of grease, aiming the needle toward the bearings, then lay a wrap or two of this tape in the "valley" to cover the puncture (when picking a spot to pierce with the needle, you need to be thinking "where will the tape naturally stay put?"). Voila, your cheap ripoff CV boot is completely fixed. Keep an eye on it for sure, but this "emergency" repair may last for years.
We're talking less than ten bucks worth of materials versus $300 and up to have a shop slap in another ripoff rebuilt shaft.
update 5/20/2014:
My patch job has held up really well, but I now know the tape has to be built up heavy (4 layers) and must "cup" around the leak. That is, the wrapping has to extend to smaller diameter sections on BOTH sides of the leak. If one side of the wrap doesn't cup this way, centrifugal force will still force grease out during high speed driving. | 2 | positive | [
"(September 25, 2013): I've been having the worst luck with driveshafts on my car in recent years.",
"I swear all the driveshaft rebuilders are sourcing their CV boots from Suresplit Co.",
"\"Guaranteed to last just long enough to prevent callbacks-- and not a day more!",
"\" Why would rebuilders NOT do something like this?",
"Why would garages not LOVE IT?",
"But thanks to this amazing tape I have a secret weapon against all these ripoff artists / a quick, easy means of \"emergency\" boot repair that actually seems pretty darn permanent.",
"The splits are always at the large end of the boot, very close to the boot band and parallel to it, and about a 1/2 inch long.",
"If I have good access I'll remove the boot band and place the first wrap of tape over the band seat, then re-install the band over it.",
"Now additional tape will \"grab\" real easy and it's a cinch to build up more tape over the problem area.",
"Five wraps or so should do the trick.",
"If I don't have good access (when it's the inboard boot) I'll work the same way, first putting a single wrap OVER the boot band.",
"That first wrap is the trick.",
"Once that's down, laying up more tape is easy.",
"This particular self-fusing tape is excellent for this application because it has a center stripe so you can lay it down very precisely even in awkward areas (like way back inside a wheel well).",
"You'll know the problem has been going on for a while if there's grease slung all over in an \"equator\" pattern surrounding the split.",
"If so, you should get some new grease inside that boot pronto, and here's how: you need specialty CV grease of the same type that's already in there, a grease gun, a grease needle (like this: Lincoln Lubrication 5807 Grease Injector Needle with Hose), and more of this tape.",
"With your grease gun loaded and fitted with the needle, pierce the boot right at the bottom of a \"valley\" in the boot, preferably toward the small end.",
"The resulting tiny puncture in this particular spot shouldn't ever cause much trouble.",
"Pump in 3 to 4 ounces of grease, aiming the needle toward the bearings, then lay a wrap or two of this tape in the \"valley\" to cover the puncture (when picking a spot to pierce with the needle, you need to be thinking \"where will the tape naturally stay put?",
"\").",
"Voila, your cheap ripoff CV boot is completely fixed.",
"Keep an eye on it for sure, but this \"emergency\" repair may last for years.",
"We're talking less than ten bucks worth of materials versus $300 and up to have a shop slap in another ripoff rebuilt shaft.",
"update 5/20/2014:\nMy patch job has held up really well, but I now know the tape has to be built up heavy (4 layers) and must \"cup\" around the leak.",
"That is, the wrapping has to extend to smaller diameter sections on BOTH sides of the leak.",
"If one side of the wrap doesn't cup this way, centrifugal force will still force grease out during high speed driving."
] |
First off TiVo and Replay are both great products. I won't go into what's great about them, but when I was buying them, I couldn't find a good review to tell me which is better replay or TiVo. When I got ReplayTv I was a little concerned because I read some bad things about it as compared to TiVo. The main reason I got it over TiVo is because it doesn't have that ball and chain $10 a month charge TiVo has which adds up to $120 a year. The bad things I heard about Replay were a loud fan (Which I couldn't hear at all really. If I turned everything off I heard a small tiny relaxing hum, but I couldn't really tell if it was coming from my cable box or the replayTv) And someone said that the replay box calls long distance on his phone(I had the option of 3 to 5 local numbers in my area). Some people also said that the software on TiVo is better, I don't really know, but Replay updated their software, and it will download the latest version of their software for you free. Also they say the remote is a better on TiVo. I really liked the remote on the 2020, I didn't even need the instruction manual to figure it out, and TiVo doesn't have the 30sec commerical skip which is very useful. As far as features and software record time and quality, I think they are both about equal, each have their strong points and the differences are not noticable. I personally think that replay has better features. But with ReplayTv your not stuck with that ball and chain $10 monthly bill.
So if your choosing between the 2, I say buy ReplayTv | 2 | positive | [
"First off TiVo and Replay are both great products.",
"I won't go into what's great about them, but when I was buying them, I couldn't find a good review to tell me which is better replay or TiVo.",
"When I got ReplayTv I was a little concerned because I read some bad things about it as compared to TiVo.",
"The main reason I got it over TiVo is because it doesn't have that ball and chain $10 a month charge TiVo has which adds up to $120 a year.",
"The bad things I heard about Replay were a loud fan (Which I couldn't hear at all really.",
"If I turned everything off I heard a small tiny relaxing hum, but I couldn't really tell if it was coming from my cable box or the replayTv) And someone said that the replay box calls long distance on his phone(I had the option of 3 to 5 local numbers in my area).",
"Some people also said that the software on TiVo is better, I don't really know, but Replay updated their software, and it will download the latest version of their software for you free.",
"Also they say the remote is a better on TiVo.",
"I really liked the remote on the 2020, I didn't even need the instruction manual to figure it out, and TiVo doesn't have the 30sec commerical skip which is very useful.",
"As far as features and software record time and quality, I think they are both about equal, each have their strong points and the differences are not noticable.",
"I personally think that replay has better features.",
"But with ReplayTv your not stuck with that ball and chain $10 monthly bill.",
"So if your choosing between the 2, I say buy ReplayTv"
] |
Feb 26,09
The X-box 360 wireless controller is the best controller you could buy for the X-box system. You can even get rechargeable batteries for it. The batteries that it comes with are very good and last long depending on the brand or the store. The controller is made well so it doesn't break easily. It also uses a very low amount of power. The wireless controller is a very tough and a very useful remote to have. You can play from a distance without hassle of messing with the long or short wire. It is also good to be able to sit on a couch or chair and have fun playing. This is why the X-box 360 wireless controller is the best controller for the X-box 360.
by LM | 2 | positive | [
"Feb 26,09\n\n The X-box 360 wireless controller is the best controller you could buy for the X-box system.",
"You can even get rechargeable batteries for it.",
"The batteries that it comes with are very good and last long depending on the brand or the store.",
"The controller is made well so it doesn't break easily.",
"It also uses a very low amount of power.",
"The wireless controller is a very tough and a very useful remote to have.",
"You can play from a distance without hassle of messing with the long or short wire.",
"It is also good to be able to sit on a couch or chair and have fun playing.",
"This is why the X-box 360 wireless controller is the best controller for the X-box 360.",
"by LM"
] |
Most ocean cds are of the "Sound and Fury" type, which makes them basically unsuitable for their most popular use: that of a crooning lullaby.
This recording by Dan Gibson does not, contrary to the official review above, offer you the sound of gentle waves gently lapping on the shores of Oregon. The waves of "Ocean Surf" are big and powerful ones but they are slow-paced. "Ocean Surf" is a natural, oceanic Adagio. It is majestic and yes, soothing (IF and only IF you turn down the volume)...
All my friends and visitors are transfixed when they hear this cd and most of them then proceed to ask me if they can borrow it, which I always answer in the negative.
Purists will be delighted since this recording does not feature any bird or other disturbing musical agency, either natural or artificial. It is just waves and the rustling sound of flushed sand for more than one hour.
People who are looking for more variety in sound should buy the equivalent cd by Echoes of Nature or Waves by Scott Wyker. Echoes of Nature has seagulls, singing pebbles and other oceanic audio delicacies (but no music, don't fret!), whereas Scott Wyker offers you an outstanding recording that is both genuine, evocative and extremely beautiful. | 2 | positive | [
"Most ocean cds are of the \"Sound and Fury\" type, which makes them basically unsuitable for their most popular use: that of a crooning lullaby.",
"This recording by Dan Gibson does not, contrary to the official review above, offer you the sound of gentle waves gently lapping on the shores of Oregon.",
"The waves of \"Ocean Surf\" are big and powerful ones but they are slow-paced.",
"\"Ocean Surf\" is a natural, oceanic Adagio.",
"It is majestic and yes, soothing (IF and only IF you turn down the volume)...",
"All my friends and visitors are transfixed when they hear this cd and most of them then proceed to ask me if they can borrow it, which I always answer in the negative.",
"Purists will be delighted since this recording does not feature any bird or other disturbing musical agency, either natural or artificial.",
"It is just waves and the rustling sound of flushed sand for more than one hour.",
"People who are looking for more variety in sound should buy the equivalent cd by Echoes of Nature or Waves by Scott Wyker.",
"Echoes of Nature has seagulls, singing pebbles and other oceanic audio delicacies (but no music, don't fret!",
"), whereas Scott Wyker offers you an outstanding recording that is both genuine, evocative and extremely beautiful."
] |
If every ethnographer immersed themselves in cultures to the degree that Hunter S. Thompson did for the sake of "Hell's Angels" the social science would take on a wildly different, almost anarchic character. "Hell's Angels" is a venture into the reality of the infamous California motorcycle gang during its heyday in the mid-1960s. Steeped in the political turmoil and the individual crises of the time "Hell's Angels" attempts to set the record straight about the oft vilified and outcast Angels.
Thompson's writing style meshes perfectly with a subject that strains against the framework of the normal sociological perspective. His understanding of the Angels comes from his time as a tolerated companion of the gang who was blessed with the remarkable opportunity to understand the organization from within. His exploration of the gang and its decriers takes a unique position in that it maintains a harsh scrutiny of both the gang and the media sensationalism that launched it to notoriety. He spends quite a deal of time deconstructing the media accounts of so-called Hell's Angels atrocities.
Thompson regales the exploits of the Angels as only someone twisted enough to associate with them could. His tact in bringing their story to light takes an interesting path as it not only details their actions and behavior patterns, but works to explain the societal conditions that bond them together as a group. Thompson successfully navigates being neither a Hell's Angels apologist or a basher providing a clear sense of how the gang operates and why it attracts people.
As the book progresses, the harsher criticism that emerge are aimed at members of society as a whole who perversely shun the Angels begging for government action to protect them, while at the same time poking and prodding the Angels to put on their most profane performances. It is clear that Thompson himself is a character that doesn't quite fit in to either the Angels or "proper society", but he does possess the insight of a person who is able to step back and describe a situation from a more or less objective angle. Thompson is also free from the typical academic constraints that would limit a person providing such a dense glimpse into any culture, instead he is free the Angels from the perspective of raw humanity.
As an admirer of Thompson's work, I would say that "Hell's Angels" is an unavoidable read. The book is slow to start weighted down by explaining the history of an organization that begins long before he emerges on the scene, but unusual journey and view that unfolds is certainly worth the time. | 2 | positive | [
"If every ethnographer immersed themselves in cultures to the degree that Hunter S.",
"Thompson did for the sake of \"Hell's Angels\" the social science would take on a wildly different, almost anarchic character.",
"\"Hell's Angels\" is a venture into the reality of the infamous California motorcycle gang during its heyday in the mid-1960s.",
"Steeped in the political turmoil and the individual crises of the time \"Hell's Angels\" attempts to set the record straight about the oft vilified and outcast Angels.",
"Thompson's writing style meshes perfectly with a subject that strains against the framework of the normal sociological perspective.",
"His understanding of the Angels comes from his time as a tolerated companion of the gang who was blessed with the remarkable opportunity to understand the organization from within.",
"His exploration of the gang and its decriers takes a unique position in that it maintains a harsh scrutiny of both the gang and the media sensationalism that launched it to notoriety.",
"He spends quite a deal of time deconstructing the media accounts of so-called Hell's Angels atrocities.",
"Thompson regales the exploits of the Angels as only someone twisted enough to associate with them could.",
"His tact in bringing their story to light takes an interesting path as it not only details their actions and behavior patterns, but works to explain the societal conditions that bond them together as a group.",
"Thompson successfully navigates being neither a Hell's Angels apologist or a basher providing a clear sense of how the gang operates and why it attracts people.",
"As the book progresses, the harsher criticism that emerge are aimed at members of society as a whole who perversely shun the Angels begging for government action to protect them, while at the same time poking and prodding the Angels to put on their most profane performances.",
"It is clear that Thompson himself is a character that doesn't quite fit in to either the Angels or \"proper society\", but he does possess the insight of a person who is able to step back and describe a situation from a more or less objective angle.",
"Thompson is also free from the typical academic constraints that would limit a person providing such a dense glimpse into any culture, instead he is free the Angels from the perspective of raw humanity.",
"As an admirer of Thompson's work, I would say that \"Hell's Angels\" is an unavoidable read.",
"The book is slow to start weighted down by explaining the history of an organization that begins long before he emerges on the scene, but unusual journey and view that unfolds is certainly worth the time."
] |
This thing is great! Those who say it breaks to easily should realize that as much like a badminton racket as it may look, it IS NOT for swatting shuttle cocks! One need merely see a fly, moth or other flying insect, approach the little bugger, depress the conveniently situated power buttons on the handle a do a "slow-mo" badminton maneuver until the bug as been ever so gently touched by the power grid and WHAM! The flying thing lights up and dies instantly! Furthermore, it sticks to the grid just enough so it doesn't fall to the floor so that you can then walk the racket to the nearest toilet, turn it bug-side down, give the racket a gentle rap and the insect falls into the water awaiting it's departing flush.
No kidding. I like this thing so much I picked up a second one today. If you'r bothered by flying insects buy one of these. You'll wish you had a few more bugs after the first day of enjoyable hunting.
(UPDATE: A week after getting this swatter the battery door broke off. A piece of scotch tape fixed that. No big deal.) | 2 | positive | [
"This thing is great!",
"Those who say it breaks to easily should realize that as much like a badminton racket as it may look, it IS NOT for swatting shuttle cocks!",
"One need merely see a fly, moth or other flying insect, approach the little bugger, depress the conveniently situated power buttons on the handle a do a \"slow-mo\" badminton maneuver until the bug as been ever so gently touched by the power grid and WHAM!",
"The flying thing lights up and dies instantly!",
"Furthermore, it sticks to the grid just enough so it doesn't fall to the floor so that you can then walk the racket to the nearest toilet, turn it bug-side down, give the racket a gentle rap and the insect falls into the water awaiting it's departing flush.",
"No kidding.",
"I like this thing so much I picked up a second one today.",
"If you'r bothered by flying insects buy one of these.",
"You'll wish you had a few more bugs after the first day of enjoyable hunting.",
"(UPDATE: A week after getting this swatter the battery door broke off.",
"A piece of scotch tape fixed that.",
"No big deal.",
")"
] |
This is a surprisingly good filament and I have been buying more and more of it. There are a number of good points to it:
* Box has a cut-out to see the actual filament. If you stock a lot of them, then you would appreciate this feature.
* Labeled on the box as well as both sides of the reel. This is something nobody else seems to be doing.
* It is a bit more than 1KG net weight. Some brands has quite a bit less but you can't return it because you don't know until the spool is used up.
* The price is right, at list of $19.99 and even cheaper at Amazon
* No problems with printing. I print at 215 degrees | 2 | positive | [
"This is a surprisingly good filament and I have been buying more and more of it.",
"There are a number of good points to it:\n* Box has a cut-out to see the actual filament.",
"If you stock a lot of them, then you would appreciate this feature.",
"* Labeled on the box as well as both sides of the reel.",
"This is something nobody else seems to be doing.",
"* It is a bit more than 1KG net weight.",
"Some brands has quite a bit less but you can't return it because you don't know until the spool is used up.",
"* The price is right, at list of $19.",
"99 and even cheaper at Amazon\n* No problems with printing.",
"I print at 215 degrees"
] |
I tried the lentils and liked them, but had to actually spice them up some with extra heat, to bring them from rather bland, to great. It was a small adjustment for a well received, quick meal.
I had to try the Punjab Eggplant. I love eggplant and couldn't wait. This meal is much spicier and did not require extra heat. It was just right for me, as it is. However, I was expecting a more predominant flavor of eggplant, since it is the number one ingredient, but the tomato flavor dominated. It also has more of a soup consistency, or thick tomato sauce, than expected.
I have to say, that when spread over a fresh serving of Jasmine rice, it was delicious. I have also used a package as my pasta sauce, which was applauded for its unique flavor, topped with a little fresh basil from the garden.
I can see the Tasty Bite meals serving many, as a very quick meal, which was the intended purpose. But, in my experience, the best of the products comes from utilizing them in other recipes. Eggplant spaghetti, topped with fresh herbs -- yep, it takes more time, but it is worth is. | 2 | positive | [
"I tried the lentils and liked them, but had to actually spice them up some with extra heat, to bring them from rather bland, to great.",
"It was a small adjustment for a well received, quick meal.",
"I had to try the Punjab Eggplant.",
"I love eggplant and couldn't wait.",
"This meal is much spicier and did not require extra heat.",
"It was just right for me, as it is.",
"However, I was expecting a more predominant flavor of eggplant, since it is the number one ingredient, but the tomato flavor dominated.",
"It also has more of a soup consistency, or thick tomato sauce, than expected.",
"I have to say, that when spread over a fresh serving of Jasmine rice, it was delicious.",
"I have also used a package as my pasta sauce, which was applauded for its unique flavor, topped with a little fresh basil from the garden.",
"I can see the Tasty Bite meals serving many, as a very quick meal, which was the intended purpose.",
"But, in my experience, the best of the products comes from utilizing them in other recipes.",
"Eggplant spaghetti, topped with fresh herbs -- yep, it takes more time, but it is worth is."
] |
I have one of these and I find it invaluable. However, based on what I've heard from others and what I've read here, there seems to be a great deal of confusion on how it works. BEFORE you use it for the first time, roll up the edges of the sanding disc and put dust on the crepe surface. Being both a male and a typical male I didn't read the instructions (instructions are for sissies and beside I know what I'm doing... most common last words prior to getting a Darwin Award), put my sander in it for the first time and had it vibrate right off my work bench with my sander in it... "what a piece of *&^%$#~!" was pretty much my reaction.
However, after reading the instructions (humble pie can be quite tasty) and several months of use it has paid for itself time and again in both saved time (not waiting for the sander to wind down) and sandpaper (the crepe scrubs and cleans the sanding discs like a charm). In fact I'd say it gets better with use, and there is a tension adjustment to control the rotation resistance (if required).
Made in beautiful Angus, Ontario famous for... well Angus is just up the road from me.
Highly recommended. | 2 | positive | [
"I have one of these and I find it invaluable.",
"However, based on what I've heard from others and what I've read here, there seems to be a great deal of confusion on how it works.",
"BEFORE you use it for the first time, roll up the edges of the sanding disc and put dust on the crepe surface.",
"Being both a male and a typical male I didn't read the instructions (instructions are for sissies and beside I know what I'm doing...",
"most common last words prior to getting a Darwin Award), put my sander in it for the first time and had it vibrate right off my work bench with my sander in it...",
"\"what a piece of *&^%$#~!",
"\" was pretty much my reaction.",
"However, after reading the instructions (humble pie can be quite tasty) and several months of use it has paid for itself time and again in both saved time (not waiting for the sander to wind down) and sandpaper (the crepe scrubs and cleans the sanding discs like a charm).",
"In fact I'd say it gets better with use, and there is a tension adjustment to control the rotation resistance (if required).",
"Made in beautiful Angus, Ontario famous for...",
"well Angus is just up the road from me.",
"Highly recommended."
] |
Gurumin - A Monstrous Adventure PSP lets you enjoy a cartoon style RPG with explosions, puzzles, and some low key fun. Rated E10+ for mild cartoon violence.
I greatly appreciate the idea of having easy-playing RPGs to introduce new players to this type of game. Not all RPGs have to be incredibly complicated with multiple attribute modification. This is a perfectly lovely game with a straightforward character - a young girl who meets up with a set of friendly monsters. She is soon equipped with a basic weapon and heads out to protect her friends.
The game is meant to be cartooney, and you embrace it. The monsters are cute. The villagers are friendly. There is certainly a place in the world for this style of casual, easy-going adventure.
The game draws you in. There are long conversations, full cut scenes and it's as if you're immersed in a story. You start to connect with the characters.
There was great potential here for the game to be a perfect getting-started RPG for any age. However, the game designers seem to have forgotten at some points that the game WAS aimed at beginners. At the beginning of the story you're in a town. You wander around. And around. And around. Finally you're getting bored because there is nowhere to go - and eventually your character says "I'm bored! There's nothing to do!" So the game wanted to wait for you to get bored? That's a recipe for frustration.
You start battling monsters. The game ramps them up very nicely, and slowly - just one at the beginning, then two monsters, and so on. You learn your skills and get the hang of how things work. But then you're stuck in a locked room with no apparent way out. Again, it leads to frustration.
Still, every game has puzzles, so I accept that the game designers are trying to mix things up and keep it interesting. I just think, especially early in the game, that things should flow smoothly for the player so they stay engaged and keep delving into the game's world.
Well recommended for young gamers and those new to the RPG style of gameplay. | 2 | positive | [
"Gurumin - A Monstrous Adventure PSP lets you enjoy a cartoon style RPG with explosions, puzzles, and some low key fun.",
"Rated E10+ for mild cartoon violence.",
"I greatly appreciate the idea of having easy-playing RPGs to introduce new players to this type of game.",
"Not all RPGs have to be incredibly complicated with multiple attribute modification.",
"This is a perfectly lovely game with a straightforward character - a young girl who meets up with a set of friendly monsters.",
"She is soon equipped with a basic weapon and heads out to protect her friends.",
"The game is meant to be cartooney, and you embrace it.",
"The monsters are cute.",
"The villagers are friendly.",
"There is certainly a place in the world for this style of casual, easy-going adventure.",
"The game draws you in.",
"There are long conversations, full cut scenes and it's as if you're immersed in a story.",
"You start to connect with the characters.",
"There was great potential here for the game to be a perfect getting-started RPG for any age.",
"However, the game designers seem to have forgotten at some points that the game WAS aimed at beginners.",
"At the beginning of the story you're in a town.",
"You wander around.",
"And around.",
"And around.",
"Finally you're getting bored because there is nowhere to go - and eventually your character says \"I'm bored!",
"There's nothing to do!",
"\" So the game wanted to wait for you to get bored?",
"That's a recipe for frustration.",
"You start battling monsters.",
"The game ramps them up very nicely, and slowly - just one at the beginning, then two monsters, and so on.",
"You learn your skills and get the hang of how things work.",
"But then you're stuck in a locked room with no apparent way out.",
"Again, it leads to frustration.",
"Still, every game has puzzles, so I accept that the game designers are trying to mix things up and keep it interesting.",
"I just think, especially early in the game, that things should flow smoothly for the player so they stay engaged and keep delving into the game's world.",
"Well recommended for young gamers and those new to the RPG style of gameplay."
] |
Nine Inch Nails halo 8 is a concept album documenting a man's different modes in life as he realizes all that he believed to be true is nothing.
Doubts about religion and a God emerge on track 1. "Mr. Self Destruct", as he sees religion's very controlling message. It teaches him to deny natural feelings, fills him with guilt and fear. It's destructive path is man's loss of free thinking and free will. Another track, "Piggy", what I understand, is a song about man's conformity. Fears coming true and things not turning out the way he had planned. No one can stop him or make him feel anything because he is too far gone and just doesn't care anymore. In "Heresey", we see how controlling and dominating certain institutions are and how they have all the answers to ease our curiosities. They are hypocrits telling him how he should live his life. "Closer" is about his loosing self respect, if you want him, here he is. "Ruiner" is hoping that "maybe there will come a day when those that you keep blind will suddenly realize" the truth about the lies we have all been told. Hope for our free will and thought to be re-kindled. "A Warm Place" shows signs of hope in this chaotic world around him. "Hurt" is a beautiful song about things that he fears and pains that he feels.
This album is a true work of art and I don't know how Trent does it, but he has the talent to make noisey chaos work together in his music. Witness 14 works of art on this CD. Definitly worth the experience and to re-live it often. | 2 | positive | [
"Nine Inch Nails halo 8 is a concept album documenting a man's different modes in life as he realizes all that he believed to be true is nothing.",
"Doubts about religion and a God emerge on track 1.",
"\"Mr.",
"Self Destruct\", as he sees religion's very controlling message.",
"It teaches him to deny natural feelings, fills him with guilt and fear.",
"It's destructive path is man's loss of free thinking and free will.",
"Another track, \"Piggy\", what I understand, is a song about man's conformity.",
"Fears coming true and things not turning out the way he had planned.",
"No one can stop him or make him feel anything because he is too far gone and just doesn't care anymore.",
"In \"Heresey\", we see how controlling and dominating certain institutions are and how they have all the answers to ease our curiosities.",
"They are hypocrits telling him how he should live his life.",
"\"Closer\" is about his loosing self respect, if you want him, here he is.",
"\"Ruiner\" is hoping that \"maybe there will come a day when those that you keep blind will suddenly realize\" the truth about the lies we have all been told.",
"Hope for our free will and thought to be re-kindled.",
"\"A Warm Place\" shows signs of hope in this chaotic world around him.",
"\"Hurt\" is a beautiful song about things that he fears and pains that he feels.",
"This album is a true work of art and I don't know how Trent does it, but he has the talent to make noisey chaos work together in his music.",
"Witness 14 works of art on this CD.",
"Definitly worth the experience and to re-live it often."
] |
I read a ton of reviews before purchasing, and I have not been disappointed. I originally owned a Ryobi, but the charger died and I could not find a replacement ... then a Skil, but the charger went bad and took the batteries with it ... so I bought another Skil because it had the same batteries and was cheaper than buying the batteries and charger separately, but those batteries eventually just wore out ... after receiving the Panasonic I topped off both batteries, but I have yet to need the second one, despite re-screwing down the entire floor area of my kitchen, laundry, and a half bath with deck screws prior to installing new flooring ... I don't know how long it's going to last, but I am very happy right now! Cheers to all ...
(Update July 2010: 30 months and still going strong ... no problems ... will definitely give Panasonic the first look if I need another.) | 2 | positive | [
"I read a ton of reviews before purchasing, and I have not been disappointed.",
"I originally owned a Ryobi, but the charger died and I could not find a replacement...",
"then a Skil, but the charger went bad and took the batteries with it...",
"so I bought another Skil because it had the same batteries and was cheaper than buying the batteries and charger separately, but those batteries eventually just wore out...",
"after receiving the Panasonic I topped off both batteries, but I have yet to need the second one, despite re-screwing down the entire floor area of my kitchen, laundry, and a half bath with deck screws prior to installing new flooring...",
"I don't know how long it's going to last, but I am very happy right now!",
"Cheers to all...",
"(Update July 2010: 30 months and still going strong...",
"no problems...",
"will definitely give Panasonic the first look if I need another.",
")"
] |
Originally attracted by the box, which you've got to admit is one of the best-looking around, I'd been thinking of buying Revenant for ages but considered it vastly overpriced (unlike Black Isle games, which seem to drop in price by at least half when they've been out for a remarkably short while). Recent lower pricing (along with the long wait for the release of Baldur's Gate 2) saw me grabbing a copy, loading it up and setting off on a short, but immensely enjoyable quest. It turned out to be a great time filler.
In the single player mode, your character is Locke D'Averam, dead for 10,000 years but because of unique skills, brought back onto the mortal coil to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the head honcho of Misthaven, the main town on the island of Ahkuilon, by a mysterious magician with (surprise, surprise!) his own agenda. During his quest, aspects of Locke's past gradually reveal themselves and his visions start making sense by the end. Sounds like a poor man's "Planescape: Torment", you might think, but since nothing can compare to that epic, forget it and judge it on it's own merits.
Likened by many to Diablo, this game is superior in that it actually has a reasonably compelling storyline (though badly voice acted) and the combat system is not your average hack'n'slash - you learn new battle techniques from the master as you advance. The use of a game pad is strongly recommended, though I survived all the combat encounters by pounding the hell out of my keyboard while moving about with the mouse. The scenery is beautifully rendered (the lighting is a real feature), and animation of Locke and his enemies is superb, though a tad repetitious - like the giant spiders getting stuck on the sword and having to be removed with obvious difficulty (hilarious the first time), the death gurgles of the ninja guys got old very quickly.
This is the only game I've played lately where you can carry everything you find - there don't seem to be any weight limits and there are millions of slots, especially once you have a few pouches which you really need to negotiate the huge inventory you end up with (I had about 10 full suits of armour at the end - I was too scared to sell any in case I needed their special properties). Even though the armourer and weapon smith promise bigger and better equipment, you actually find the best stuff during the quest, though you need to buy some stuff to start off with. Unlike many other games, except at the very beginning, I always had enough cash to buy any potions, etc. that I needed. In fact, at the (rather abrupt) end, I had about 60 unused potions of various sorts, and about $100,000. Also, your character is usually strong enough and well enough equipped to survive most encounters pretty easily. I found the fact that he wasn't constantly being killed quite refreshing. None of the puzzles were too taxing, though I had to redo one level for the want of one vial.
Even though the price was reduced, it was still fractionally more than I paid for Planescape: Torment, or for that matter, Baldur's Gate, each of which provided rich and stimulating entertainment for a couple of months. I spent exactly a week getting to the end of Revenant, and since I'd been having such fun, I was totally unprepared for it. Remember how disappointing the end of Diablo was? Ditto for Revenant - the final encounter was quite easy for my impressively armoured, well-armed and richly provisioned character and the whole thing was quickly wrapped up in a movie sequence. It left me feeling the story was only half told and that the developers just suddenly decided to get it to some sort of conclusion and out in the shops, while they got on with something else. I wish they'd just gone on with the next chapter - despite any shortcomings mentioned above, I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is the game to play when you're half concentrating on something else - in my case, LIVE coverage of the Sydney Olympics. | 2 | positive | [
"Originally attracted by the box, which you've got to admit is one of the best-looking around, I'd been thinking of buying Revenant for ages but considered it vastly overpriced (unlike Black Isle games, which seem to drop in price by at least half when they've been out for a remarkably short while).",
"Recent lower pricing (along with the long wait for the release of Baldur's Gate 2) saw me grabbing a copy, loading it up and setting off on a short, but immensely enjoyable quest.",
"It turned out to be a great time filler.",
"In the single player mode, your character is Locke D'Averam, dead for 10,000 years but because of unique skills, brought back onto the mortal coil to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the head honcho of Misthaven, the main town on the island of Ahkuilon, by a mysterious magician with (surprise, surprise!",
") his own agenda.",
"During his quest, aspects of Locke's past gradually reveal themselves and his visions start making sense by the end.",
"Sounds like a poor man's \"Planescape: Torment\", you might think, but since nothing can compare to that epic, forget it and judge it on it's own merits.",
"Likened by many to Diablo, this game is superior in that it actually has a reasonably compelling storyline (though badly voice acted) and the combat system is not your average hack'n'slash - you learn new battle techniques from the master as you advance.",
"The use of a game pad is strongly recommended, though I survived all the combat encounters by pounding the hell out of my keyboard while moving about with the mouse.",
"The scenery is beautifully rendered (the lighting is a real feature), and animation of Locke and his enemies is superb, though a tad repetitious - like the giant spiders getting stuck on the sword and having to be removed with obvious difficulty (hilarious the first time), the death gurgles of the ninja guys got old very quickly.",
"This is the only game I've played lately where you can carry everything you find - there don't seem to be any weight limits and there are millions of slots, especially once you have a few pouches which you really need to negotiate the huge inventory you end up with (I had about 10 full suits of armour at the end - I was too scared to sell any in case I needed their special properties).",
"Even though the armourer and weapon smith promise bigger and better equipment, you actually find the best stuff during the quest, though you need to buy some stuff to start off with.",
"Unlike many other games, except at the very beginning, I always had enough cash to buy any potions, etc.",
"that I needed.",
"In fact, at the (rather abrupt) end, I had about 60 unused potions of various sorts, and about $100,000.",
"Also, your character is usually strong enough and well enough equipped to survive most encounters pretty easily.",
"I found the fact that he wasn't constantly being killed quite refreshing.",
"None of the puzzles were too taxing, though I had to redo one level for the want of one vial.",
"Even though the price was reduced, it was still fractionally more than I paid for Planescape: Torment, or for that matter, Baldur's Gate, each of which provided rich and stimulating entertainment for a couple of months.",
"I spent exactly a week getting to the end of Revenant, and since I'd been having such fun, I was totally unprepared for it.",
"Remember how disappointing the end of Diablo was?",
"Ditto for Revenant - the final encounter was quite easy for my impressively armoured, well-armed and richly provisioned character and the whole thing was quickly wrapped up in a movie sequence.",
"It left me feeling the story was only half told and that the developers just suddenly decided to get it to some sort of conclusion and out in the shops, while they got on with something else.",
"I wish they'd just gone on with the next chapter - despite any shortcomings mentioned above, I thoroughly enjoyed it!",
"This is the game to play when you're half concentrating on something else - in my case, LIVE coverage of the Sydney Olympics."
] |
i love when people use that line. but anyway, let's talk about halo 3.
i didn't care much for halo, or halo 2. yet i find myself loving halo 3.
but why?? here is why.. Multiplayer is great!!! the funny thing about it is how they give you a number iver your head like we are some kind of tool. but the flae is this my friends, the graphics are not as good as i thought even in 1080p, but then again the graphics are better than halo 1,
also u can rewatch your matches that is cool. the guns are pretty much the same and the cars.. i have not yet done co-op but i'm hooking it up right now.. all in all good game, better online, 7.8/10 graphics, 8.9/10 sound, 7.7/10 guns, online paly 9/10, solo game 7.7/10, co-op n/a | 2 | positive | [
"i love when people use that line.",
"but anyway, let's talk about halo 3.",
"i didn't care much for halo, or halo 2.",
"yet i find myself loving halo 3.",
"but why??",
"here is why..",
"Multiplayer is great!!!",
"the funny thing about it is how they give you a number iver your head like we are some kind of tool.",
"but the flae is this my friends, the graphics are not as good as i thought even in 1080p, but then again the graphics are better than halo 1,\nalso u can rewatch your matches that is cool.",
"the guns are pretty much the same and the cars..",
"i have not yet done co-op but i'm hooking it up right now..",
"all in all good game, better online, 7.",
"8/10 graphics, 8.",
"9/10 sound, 7.",
"7/10 guns, online paly 9/10, solo game 7.",
"7/10, co-op n/a"
] |
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