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Hearing a comedian making fun of the main character's voice, I wasn't sure if this movie was for me. I figure that if is fodder for comedy bits, then it can't be that good. I am glad I watched the movie anyway, because this is a fine film.
The story concerns the release of a developmentally slow man who is released from a state hospital for killing someone when he was a child. We watch him try to understand the world around him with whatever ability he has. With the family of a widow, her son, the widow's brutal boyfriend, and gay friend, Karl (played by Thornton) struggles to understand what is right and how to make things right.
Some call it a sling blade, and some call it a Kaiser blade; it is all a matter of interpretation. This film is filled with interpretations as people struggle to have their interpretation understood. The brutal boyfriend, convincingly played by Dwight Yoakam, pushes for what he thinks life should be. Karl tries to be a friend to the young boy, but learns the boy needs a good father. Everyone will try to make life into what they hope it would be.
This is a very good film, and I would highly recommend seeing it. | 2 | positive | [
"Hearing a comedian making fun of the main character's voice, I wasn't sure if this movie was for me.",
"I figure that if is fodder for comedy bits, then it can't be that good.",
"I am glad I watched the movie anyway, because this is a fine film.",
"The story concerns the release of a developmentally slow man who is released from a state hospital for killing someone when he was a child.",
"We watch him try to understand the world around him with whatever ability he has.",
"With the family of a widow, her son, the widow's brutal boyfriend, and gay friend, Karl (played by Thornton) struggles to understand what is right and how to make things right.",
"Some call it a sling blade, and some call it a Kaiser blade; it is all a matter of interpretation.",
"This film is filled with interpretations as people struggle to have their interpretation understood.",
"The brutal boyfriend, convincingly played by Dwight Yoakam, pushes for what he thinks life should be.",
"Karl tries to be a friend to the young boy, but learns the boy needs a good father.",
"Everyone will try to make life into what they hope it would be.",
"This is a very good film, and I would highly recommend seeing it."
] |
I've read this piece three years ago,while serving my first year in the israeli defence force . Looking back at this stage of my life I can say honestly that I was very young, naive ,and "green" . Things have changed greatly ever since, but some remain the same . This book came at a very confusing time for me : I wasn't satisfied with my service and thought of other options ,one of them was the Israel Marine Commando - our version of the Navy Seals. This book actually had helped me make up my mind to dismiss this option. Don't get the wrong impression. It's a must read .The first 100 pages are the best I've ever read. The story is so thrilling ,it's hard to put it down .It made me realize how terrible the status of the women in our society was and still is. I actually cried out loud in pain while reading . Those days were exetremly violent in Israel ,every monday and thursday I'd read about a woman being slaughter ,and felt the urge to do something ,to fight those killers,to punish them like Kelly punished the murderer in the book. In regard to the Commando dilemma ,I realized they make a killer out of a man. I descided I don't wanna kill anybody . It's not my way. Eventually ,the issues the book deals with are somber and very important to disscuss ,but my space here is limited. I would like anyone with interest in this subjests to contact me for further discussion. And please read it, it's an experience that is hard to forget. | 2 | positive | [
"I've read this piece three years ago,while serving my first year in the israeli defence force.",
"Looking back at this stage of my life I can say honestly that I was very young, naive ,and \"green\".",
"Things have changed greatly ever since, but some remain the same.",
"This book came at a very confusing time for me : I wasn't satisfied with my service and thought of other options ,one of them was the Israel Marine Commando - our version of the Navy Seals.",
"This book actually had helped me make up my mind to dismiss this option.",
"Don't get the wrong impression.",
"It's a must read.",
"The first 100 pages are the best I've ever read.",
"The story is so thrilling ,it's hard to put it down.",
"It made me realize how terrible the status of the women in our society was and still is.",
"I actually cried out loud in pain while reading.",
"Those days were exetremly violent in Israel ,every monday and thursday I'd read about a woman being slaughter ,and felt the urge to do something ,to fight those killers,to punish them like Kelly punished the murderer in the book.",
"In regard to the Commando dilemma ,I realized they make a killer out of a man.",
"I descided I don't wanna kill anybody.",
"It's not my way.",
"Eventually ,the issues the book deals with are somber and very important to disscuss ,but my space here is limited.",
"I would like anyone with interest in this subjests to contact me for further discussion.",
"And please read it, it's an experience that is hard to forget."
] |
I have been looking for a long time for a good, long lasting can opener. I have had electric ones, others to screw on a wall, some with magnets to hold the can cover and lots of cheap manual types. They all suffer from the same fault - short life span. They either rust, go dull or the gripping mechanism that holds on to the can fails to function. This Oxo steel opener is good quality, sharp, and stainless. The gripping mechanism actually works well. It feels solid in the hand and the rubber handles give a good grip and make turning easy. It opens cans like a charm. I have only had it for about a month now so I cannot talk about its lifespan but judging from the quality of the materials it is made from, I don't expect to see rust spots on the metal blades and I expect a long life with a sharp blade. Up to now it seems like the best opener I have ever owned. | 2 | positive | [
"I have been looking for a long time for a good, long lasting can opener.",
"I have had electric ones, others to screw on a wall, some with magnets to hold the can cover and lots of cheap manual types.",
"They all suffer from the same fault - short life span.",
"They either rust, go dull or the gripping mechanism that holds on to the can fails to function.",
"This Oxo steel opener is good quality, sharp, and stainless.",
"The gripping mechanism actually works well.",
"It feels solid in the hand and the rubber handles give a good grip and make turning easy.",
"It opens cans like a charm.",
"I have only had it for about a month now so I cannot talk about its lifespan but judging from the quality of the materials it is made from, I don't expect to see rust spots on the metal blades and I expect a long life with a sharp blade.",
"Up to now it seems like the best opener I have ever owned."
] |
Though I know they made 3 albums before this one
with an early line up of some of the best jazz players
of the time and future jazz players even
(Hubert & Ronnie Laws)...
1973's "Head To The Sky" was my first introduction
to the elements of the universe aka Earth, Wind & Fire!
They are my all-time favorite band and this is the
album that started that love affair between them and myself!
In 1973, I was a 9 yr old kid who was developing my
own burgeoning musical gifts,
and boy, was there so many great musical
mentors from that time to follow...
Stevie was in the middle of his incredible creative
run with "Innervisions" taking the world by storm!
Donny Hathaway was at his brilliant peak with
the now iconic "Extensions Of A Man"..
( I miss Donny!)
WAR was groovin' with "Deliver The Word",
Sly Stone was bumpin' the airwaves with his
last good effort "Fresh",
a pre-mothership Funkadelic was ripping it up
and slightly freaking my little 9 yr old brain out
with their 1973 effort "Cosmic Slop",
The Isley Brothers had revamped and were begining
their incredible 70's multi-platinum streak with
"3+3"....
Man, it was truly a time of artistic giants
and the bar was set high then! (Unlike today!)
Of course I was exposed to all this and more by
my mother and older cousins who were doing their thing
at that time with the weed, wine and parties!
But even then, my musical aesthetic was way keen
and I was absorbing everything I heard at warp speed!
One day my momz brought home an album with this group of smiling faces on it,
adorned in the flower / peace regalia of the time
and it read "HEAD TO THE SKY"..
I listened intently as she put it on and the tribal thunderstorm that is the intro to "Evil" swept me up!
That was the first time I'd ever heard the instrument
that was to become an E,W&F staple in years to come..
the kalimba, and man could Maurice wail on that thing!
I loved the atmosphericness of this album!
All music was like that then, it created it's
own atmosphere and took you to a heightened place.
After the tribal funk of "Evil", my young ears
were treated to what sounded like angels ascending
from heaven as the sitar/fender rhodes intro of
"Keep Your Head To The Sky" began with
Verdine purculating underneath on bass and
Al Mackay and Johnny Graham doing their thing subtlely.
Then a 21 yr old Phillip Bailey, one of the greatest
falsetto voices ever, at the height of his gifts,
began to sing and I was transfixed!
When that angelic sounding chorus kicked in,
I felt like I had left my body!
And just when I thought I couldn't go any higher..
Philip and Jessica Cleaves, who would leave the group soon after this album was released,
chimed together like songbirds from nirvana!
That did it!...I was disciple from then on!
"Build Your Nest" was as funky as an
old batch of cabbage!
It had a good message and a young Larry Dunn
was wearing that clavinet out big time!
Then a piercing sonic interlude led to
the gospel-inflected and deeply introspective
song "The World's A Masquerade", one of my
faves to this day!
Maurice was holding church!..laying down his
story of how humanity is hypocritical & phony at times,
and Phillip and the choir was testifying in the background!
It was pure rapture to my ears then and still
gives me chills now, some 33 yrs later!
Side Two opened with the breezy jazzy-funk
of "Clover", which was great too, followed by the
latin-jazz fusion of "Zanzibar" which is like an
iliad through afro-carribean music utopia!
To say that this album and group left an
indelible impression on my pysche is an understatement!
Of course, after this one was a string of majestic
and innovative material which grooved the world
and made them the icons that they are!
But this album was my introduction to them,
and like any first love, it lingers in your memory forever!
--Enjoy--- | 2 | positive | [
"Though I know they made 3 albums before this one\nwith an early line up of some of the best jazz players\nof the time and future jazz players even\n(Hubert & Ronnie Laws)...",
"1973's \"Head To The Sky\" was my first introduction\nto the elements of the universe aka Earth, Wind & Fire!",
"They are my all-time favorite band and this is the\nalbum that started that love affair between them and myself!",
"In 1973, I was a 9 yr old kid who was developing my\nown burgeoning musical gifts,\nand boy, was there so many great musical\nmentors from that time to follow...",
"Stevie was in the middle of his incredible creative\nrun with \"Innervisions\" taking the world by storm!",
"Donny Hathaway was at his brilliant peak with\nthe now iconic \"Extensions Of A Man\"..",
"( I miss Donny!",
")\nWAR was groovin' with \"Deliver The Word\",\nSly Stone was bumpin' the airwaves with his\nlast good effort \"Fresh\",\na pre-mothership Funkadelic was ripping it up\nand slightly freaking my little 9 yr old brain out\nwith their 1973 effort \"Cosmic Slop\",\nThe Isley Brothers had revamped and were begining\ntheir incredible 70's multi-platinum streak with\n\"3+3\"....",
"Man, it was truly a time of artistic giants\nand the bar was set high then!",
"(Unlike today!",
")\n\nOf course I was exposed to all this and more by\nmy mother and older cousins who were doing their thing\nat that time with the weed, wine and parties!",
"But even then, my musical aesthetic was way keen\nand I was absorbing everything I heard at warp speed!",
"One day my momz brought home an album with this group of smiling faces on it,\nadorned in the flower / peace regalia of the time\nand it read \"HEAD TO THE SKY\"..",
"I listened intently as she put it on and the tribal thunderstorm that is the intro to \"Evil\" swept me up!",
"That was the first time I'd ever heard the instrument\nthat was to become an E,W&F staple in years to come..",
"the kalimba, and man could Maurice wail on that thing!",
"I loved the atmosphericness of this album!",
"All music was like that then, it created it's\nown atmosphere and took you to a heightened place.",
"After the tribal funk of \"Evil\", my young ears\nwere treated to what sounded like angels ascending\nfrom heaven as the sitar/fender rhodes intro of\n\"Keep Your Head To The Sky\" began with\nVerdine purculating underneath on bass and\nAl Mackay and Johnny Graham doing their thing subtlely.",
"Then a 21 yr old Phillip Bailey, one of the greatest\nfalsetto voices ever, at the height of his gifts,\nbegan to sing and I was transfixed!",
"When that angelic sounding chorus kicked in,\nI felt like I had left my body!",
"And just when I thought I couldn't go any higher..",
"Philip and Jessica Cleaves, who would leave the group soon after this album was released,\nchimed together like songbirds from nirvana!",
"That did it!...",
"I was disciple from then on!",
"\"Build Your Nest\" was as funky as an\nold batch of cabbage!",
"It had a good message and a young Larry Dunn\nwas wearing that clavinet out big time!",
"Then a piercing sonic interlude led to\nthe gospel-inflected and deeply introspective\nsong \"The World's A Masquerade\", one of my\nfaves to this day!",
"Maurice was holding church!..",
"laying down his\nstory of how humanity is hypocritical & phony at times,\nand Phillip and the choir was testifying in the background!",
"It was pure rapture to my ears then and still\ngives me chills now, some 33 yrs later!",
"Side Two opened with the breezy jazzy-funk\nof \"Clover\", which was great too, followed by the\nlatin-jazz fusion of \"Zanzibar\" which is like an\niliad through afro-carribean music utopia!",
"To say that this album and group left an\nindelible impression on my pysche is an understatement!",
"Of course, after this one was a string of majestic\nand innovative material which grooved the world\nand made them the icons that they are!",
"But this album was my introduction to them,\nand like any first love, it lingers in your memory forever!",
"--Enjoy---"
] |
This case is very nice. Better quality than most clear TPU cases, as it is actually pretty clear. The hard plastic clear cases do NOT offer proper protection. TPU is a good shock absorbing material but still can have a slick finish so it doesn't attract dust and dirt. I put the screen protector mean for the front on the back (just cut out a bit for the camera) after reading reviews about the circles messing with the phone. I already had a Moshi ivisor in white which is AWESOME! Definitely worth the splurge on that one. I will update this review after a couple of weeks seeing how the case holds up
****Update ***
I realized I forgot to update this. I found the case to be too bulky and uncomfortable due to the "sharp" edges. I gave it away to someone who ended up feeling the same way. I like a little more slim and smooth. | 2 | positive | [
"This case is very nice.",
"Better quality than most clear TPU cases, as it is actually pretty clear.",
"The hard plastic clear cases do NOT offer proper protection.",
"TPU is a good shock absorbing material but still can have a slick finish so it doesn't attract dust and dirt.",
"I put the screen protector mean for the front on the back (just cut out a bit for the camera) after reading reviews about the circles messing with the phone.",
"I already had a Moshi ivisor in white which is AWESOME!",
"Definitely worth the splurge on that one.",
"I will update this review after a couple of weeks seeing how the case holds up\n\n****Update ***\nI realized I forgot to update this.",
"I found the case to be too bulky and uncomfortable due to the \"sharp\" edges.",
"I gave it away to someone who ended up feeling the same way.",
"I like a little more slim and smooth."
] |
great items, but GET BIGGER THAN YOU THINK! i don't have particularly large hands, yet XL is very tight on me. XL actually fits my wife pretty well, making me wonder if these were actually for women. apparently not. but seriously, get significantly larger than you think you'll need - their sizing is very screwy.
just to point out, these are the 3rd or 4th Harbinger wrist-wrap gloves i've had, and each seems to have a completely different sizing system. XL in the last set i had was the correct size for me.
i'm rating these a 4 because they are well made and exactly what i was looking. I knocked a star off b/c i had to give my wife the set i ordered and get my self another set that actually fits.
be very careful about the sizing. | 2 | positive | [
"great items, but GET BIGGER THAN YOU THINK!",
"i don't have particularly large hands, yet XL is very tight on me.",
"XL actually fits my wife pretty well, making me wonder if these were actually for women.",
"apparently not.",
"but seriously, get significantly larger than you think you'll need - their sizing is very screwy.",
"just to point out, these are the 3rd or 4th Harbinger wrist-wrap gloves i've had, and each seems to have a completely different sizing system.",
"XL in the last set i had was the correct size for me.",
"i'm rating these a 4 because they are well made and exactly what i was looking.",
"I knocked a star off b/c i had to give my wife the set i ordered and get my self another set that actually fits.",
"be very careful about the sizing."
] |
I bought a pair of these headphones in 2002 and they are still going strong. I've had other headphones in that time as well, but these have been rather constant. There have been a couple of hundred dollar headphones that didn't last anywhere near as long. Earbuds have their uses, but step up to fuller, richer sound with some real headphones. I haven't even taken good care of them! the sliders that fit your head are loose (but they still stay on my head!) and the phone pads and their covering are still in pretty decent shape. They also do a reasonable job of isolating outside noises. These have no reason to be made so solidly, especially for less than $20, but they are. The cord is also reasonably long, and at this price its not a problem that its not coiled. Anyway, I think everyone should have a pair of these just as a spair if not as a primary set. | 2 | positive | [
"I bought a pair of these headphones in 2002 and they are still going strong.",
"I've had other headphones in that time as well, but these have been rather constant.",
"There have been a couple of hundred dollar headphones that didn't last anywhere near as long.",
"Earbuds have their uses, but step up to fuller, richer sound with some real headphones.",
"I haven't even taken good care of them!",
"the sliders that fit your head are loose (but they still stay on my head!",
") and the phone pads and their covering are still in pretty decent shape.",
"They also do a reasonable job of isolating outside noises.",
"These have no reason to be made so solidly, especially for less than $20, but they are.",
"The cord is also reasonably long, and at this price its not a problem that its not coiled.",
"Anyway, I think everyone should have a pair of these just as a spair if not as a primary set."
] |
I own one, I like it and will keep it, but there are things you should know. It may not be a noise gate, but it behaves like one. When you stop playing, it can be heard quickly adapting to the changing signal. It does not entirely remove all hums and buzzes, but it does get rid of 99 percent of them. And what is there is much, much quieter. Also, the power supply (included) is recommended as the only way to power it (using as it does less than 9v), so no 1 spots will do. This last is a hassle, but worth it. I play strats and teles, and it works like a charm with them, but it doesn't render them utterly silent. (I've encountered humbuckers that were noisy as heck, and this would doubtless help them too.) Also, the high setting on the Debugger can create some slight, metallic delay pedal-like sounds, but they are very subtle and not to be feared. The normal setting will likely be your choice, as it is mine. Just remember that it's basically a 'smart processor' that is reacting on the fly to your signal, and the tiny flaws in performance will not bother you. Note: put it first in your signal chain! Best for: noisy, buzzy pickups. | 2 | positive | [
"I own one, I like it and will keep it, but there are things you should know.",
"It may not be a noise gate, but it behaves like one.",
"When you stop playing, it can be heard quickly adapting to the changing signal.",
"It does not entirely remove all hums and buzzes, but it does get rid of 99 percent of them.",
"And what is there is much, much quieter.",
"Also, the power supply (included) is recommended as the only way to power it (using as it does less than 9v), so no 1 spots will do.",
"This last is a hassle, but worth it.",
"I play strats and teles, and it works like a charm with them, but it doesn't render them utterly silent.",
"(I've encountered humbuckers that were noisy as heck, and this would doubtless help them too.",
") Also, the high setting on the Debugger can create some slight, metallic delay pedal-like sounds, but they are very subtle and not to be feared.",
"The normal setting will likely be your choice, as it is mine.",
"Just remember that it's basically a 'smart processor' that is reacting on the fly to your signal, and the tiny flaws in performance will not bother you.",
"Note: put it first in your signal chain!",
"Best for: noisy, buzzy pickups."
] |
I bought one of these tents last year when our daughter was 10 months old, and we wanted to work in the yard. Unfortunately she was a little weirded out initially by the tent, and us zipping her in. I then decided to move it indoors, and then get inside with her, and then play with her. It has never gone outside again. She and all her friends love playing with the tent. I think she would go inside it again if I had put it outside, but it was easier to keep it inside.
The one concern I have with these tents is the siding. It is good that you have mesh (so you can have some air flow through the sides as well). When we first used the tent, it was in the middle of the HOT TEXAS summer, and honestly, she was not getting much airflow into the tent. If you don't have a good breeze, those tents seem like a hotbox (just without the direct sunlight).
I would recommend using the tent indoors before using it outside (especially for those under 12 months), and make sure you have some air-flow.
Educational value of 2 stars because the children learn how to zipper the door open and closed. These things are pretty durable, good sized, and easy to break down and pop up. I really recommend, as long as you take precautions. | 2 | positive | [
"I bought one of these tents last year when our daughter was 10 months old, and we wanted to work in the yard.",
"Unfortunately she was a little weirded out initially by the tent, and us zipping her in.",
"I then decided to move it indoors, and then get inside with her, and then play with her.",
"It has never gone outside again.",
"She and all her friends love playing with the tent.",
"I think she would go inside it again if I had put it outside, but it was easier to keep it inside.",
"The one concern I have with these tents is the siding.",
"It is good that you have mesh (so you can have some air flow through the sides as well).",
"When we first used the tent, it was in the middle of the HOT TEXAS summer, and honestly, she was not getting much airflow into the tent.",
"If you don't have a good breeze, those tents seem like a hotbox (just without the direct sunlight).",
"I would recommend using the tent indoors before using it outside (especially for those under 12 months), and make sure you have some air-flow.",
"Educational value of 2 stars because the children learn how to zipper the door open and closed.",
"These things are pretty durable, good sized, and easy to break down and pop up.",
"I really recommend, as long as you take precautions."
] |
My geriatric cat LOVED the senior formula. The only reason I stopped the subscription was she had kidney disease and was prescribed Hill's k/d. It was the clear winner of an extensive grain-free taste test that included Weruva, Spot's Stew, Blue Buffalo, and others I forget. My only complaint is many of the cans had dents. This did not affect the quality or her willingness to eat it, but is obviously not a good thing.
The opposite happened with my kitten. None of the cans were dented, but she often walked away from it and begged for something else. I know it's not the chicken - she likes everything else with chicken. She does like the dry version of it though. Wellness is a good brand, just not what my kitty likes to eat. | 2 | positive | [
"My geriatric cat LOVED the senior formula.",
"The only reason I stopped the subscription was she had kidney disease and was prescribed Hill's k/d.",
"It was the clear winner of an extensive grain-free taste test that included Weruva, Spot's Stew, Blue Buffalo, and others I forget.",
"My only complaint is many of the cans had dents.",
"This did not affect the quality or her willingness to eat it, but is obviously not a good thing.",
"The opposite happened with my kitten.",
"None of the cans were dented, but she often walked away from it and begged for something else.",
"I know it's not the chicken - she likes everything else with chicken.",
"She does like the dry version of it though.",
"Wellness is a good brand, just not what my kitty likes to eat."
] |
Well being that I loved the Age of Empires series, Age of Mythology is just what the series needs to keep improving. Age of Mythology dives heads-first into the lore, religions, and fairy tales of civilizations like the Egyptians, Greek, and Norse. This means that in addition to your standard units (archers, cavalry, pikesmen, etc.), you get special mythical creatures with unique powers that can easily turn the tide of battle if left unchecked. The demonstration I saw gave me a peek at the Norse frost giant, the Greek minotaur, cyclops, and medusa, and the Egyptian Anubis. Each one of these units had spectacular attacks. The cyclops and minotaurs smashed and gored their opponents, while the medusa turned them to stone. The Frost Giant didn't attack enemies directly, but its frost breath froze them in place to make them easy pickings for allies. Choosing a civilization and god is an important strategic decision. Your race decides what set of gods you can worship, but you have your choice of several different dieties in that set. Choosing a god will determine what strengths and weaknesses you have, so it greatly impacts how you play the game. Age of Mythology includes a new, fully 3D engine that lets you smoothly zoom in and out or rotate the camera at will.
To wrap it up: The screen shots I have seen are awesome! But where the Age of Empires games strived for more historical accuracy and an air of legitimacy, Age of Mythology dives heads-first into the lore, religions, and fairy tales of civilizations like the Egyptians, Greek, and Norse. This game will be great! | 2 | positive | [
"Well being that I loved the Age of Empires series, Age of Mythology is just what the series needs to keep improving.",
"Age of Mythology dives heads-first into the lore, religions, and fairy tales of civilizations like the Egyptians, Greek, and Norse.",
"This means that in addition to your standard units (archers, cavalry, pikesmen, etc.",
"), you get special mythical creatures with unique powers that can easily turn the tide of battle if left unchecked.",
"The demonstration I saw gave me a peek at the Norse frost giant, the Greek minotaur, cyclops, and medusa, and the Egyptian Anubis.",
"Each one of these units had spectacular attacks.",
"The cyclops and minotaurs smashed and gored their opponents, while the medusa turned them to stone.",
"The Frost Giant didn't attack enemies directly, but its frost breath froze them in place to make them easy pickings for allies.",
"Choosing a civilization and god is an important strategic decision.",
"Your race decides what set of gods you can worship, but you have your choice of several different dieties in that set.",
"Choosing a god will determine what strengths and weaknesses you have, so it greatly impacts how you play the game.",
"Age of Mythology includes a new, fully 3D engine that lets you smoothly zoom in and out or rotate the camera at will.",
"To wrap it up: The screen shots I have seen are awesome!",
"But where the Age of Empires games strived for more historical accuracy and an air of legitimacy, Age of Mythology dives heads-first into the lore, religions, and fairy tales of civilizations like the Egyptians, Greek, and Norse.",
"This game will be great!"
] |
I don't know why I waited so long to see Gattaca, the blurb on the box just didn't reach out and grab me, but after seeing Dark City, I decided to take a chance on this movie too, and I'm glad I did. Gattaca is like the thinking man's sci-fi, some of the possible mixed with some of the improbable, but wrapped up in such a way that you find yourself just accepting it, because you're drawn along on the story, and you don't really want to quibble over all the details.
Ethan Hawke plays an in-valid(a natural born), who desires to go to space, but never will because he wasn't born a valid, one whose genes have been altered so that he will be perfect. This setback doesn't stop him though, and through the help of a valid, portrayed by Jude Law, who was paralzyed by a car accident, he sets out to fool the top of the elite at the space company Gattaca, into thinking he is one of them. The premise is an unusual one, but it works, because we are able to believe in the ability of Hawke to carry this masquerade off.
Most of all the actors do a fine job here, I was impressed by Ethan Hawke's portrayal of the main character. Jude Law, an actor I usually don't care for, also does an impressive job as the valid who doesn't really believe Hawke can carry this off, since he himself, a genetically altered man slated to win the gold medal in swimming at the olympics, could only win the silver. It wouldn't be fair to mention the two men without also mentioning Uma Thurman, an actress I generally don't care for either, but who does a very good job in this movie.
While I followed the flow of most of the movie, and could see the possibility of gene altering becoming feasible in the near future, the biggest problem I had with the movie was the investigation that took place after the murder take place in Gattaca. The police seemed to be able to do whatever they wanted, stop anyone anywhere, and test their DNA. It was never stated that in addition to science progressing so far that citizens had also lost some of their basic rights, and that the authorities were allowed to go anywhere they wanted and test anyone they felt like. This seemed like the only real weak link in the story to me, but I let it slide since I was enjoying the overall aspect of the movie.
So, at the very least I recommend that you rent this movie, and see for yourself how good it is. I ended up buying it after I saw it, and if you're anything like me, I think you'll do the same. | 2 | positive | [
"I don't know why I waited so long to see Gattaca, the blurb on the box just didn't reach out and grab me, but after seeing Dark City, I decided to take a chance on this movie too, and I'm glad I did.",
"Gattaca is like the thinking man's sci-fi, some of the possible mixed with some of the improbable, but wrapped up in such a way that you find yourself just accepting it, because you're drawn along on the story, and you don't really want to quibble over all the details.",
"Ethan Hawke plays an in-valid(a natural born), who desires to go to space, but never will because he wasn't born a valid, one whose genes have been altered so that he will be perfect.",
"This setback doesn't stop him though, and through the help of a valid, portrayed by Jude Law, who was paralzyed by a car accident, he sets out to fool the top of the elite at the space company Gattaca, into thinking he is one of them.",
"The premise is an unusual one, but it works, because we are able to believe in the ability of Hawke to carry this masquerade off.",
"Most of all the actors do a fine job here, I was impressed by Ethan Hawke's portrayal of the main character.",
"Jude Law, an actor I usually don't care for, also does an impressive job as the valid who doesn't really believe Hawke can carry this off, since he himself, a genetically altered man slated to win the gold medal in swimming at the olympics, could only win the silver.",
"It wouldn't be fair to mention the two men without also mentioning Uma Thurman, an actress I generally don't care for either, but who does a very good job in this movie.",
"While I followed the flow of most of the movie, and could see the possibility of gene altering becoming feasible in the near future, the biggest problem I had with the movie was the investigation that took place after the murder take place in Gattaca.",
"The police seemed to be able to do whatever they wanted, stop anyone anywhere, and test their DNA.",
"It was never stated that in addition to science progressing so far that citizens had also lost some of their basic rights, and that the authorities were allowed to go anywhere they wanted and test anyone they felt like.",
"This seemed like the only real weak link in the story to me, but I let it slide since I was enjoying the overall aspect of the movie.",
"So, at the very least I recommend that you rent this movie, and see for yourself how good it is.",
"I ended up buying it after I saw it, and if you're anything like me, I think you'll do the same."
] |
Let me start of by saying that I thought that this game was going to be very hard. I heard so many things about this game being extremely hard, so I was worried that it would be to hard when I played it. But then I played it, and it wasn't hard. I beat the 2nd and 3rd level without dying, I beat the whole entire game without dying once, in fact, I don't even know what the dying animation looks like. The key to making this an easy game is using trickster style. Choose trickster and stick with it, that way you won't die so easily. Yes, the game was challenging, but not as challenging as I thought it would be. Also, after level 12 I started to use the unlimited Devil Trigger thing, but I hardly used it. The only time I used unlimited devil trigger was to kill annoying enemies or to out run bosses(some of the bosses have very fast attacks).But besides that I fought normally. Devil Trigger didn't seem that useful to me. Also, while fighting Vergil the only time I used devil trigger was when he used devil trigger, to make the fight more interesting. But if any of you guys are having trouble with the game just go to the main menu, hold down all the shoulder buttons, and rotate both analog sticks until you hear a sound or something. You will unlock every difficulty, extras, and costumes, the costume with the purple aura around Dante is unlimited devil trigger, but I didn't know about that until level 13. You gain devil trigger on level 8. But if you can become good at using trickster you won't need devil trigger. I think that I am one of a few people on this earth who thinks that this game isn't that hard. Anyway's, let's get to the review.
Story:
The story in Devil May Cry 1 sucked, why, because there really was no story. But Devil May Cry 3 has an excellent story, one of the best things about it is that the story is very easy to follow. It has lot's of action, cool characters, betrayel, and humour. Yes, Dante is ridiculous, but I love his attitude, he is fearless, nothing scares him, although he doesn't seem serious about anything he actually is. He has emotions, but he dosen't always show them. Dante's brother is an awesome chracter, I just love his attitude, and the side characters are also very interesting. I love the story in this game.
Gameplay:
In my opinion this game has the best combat systems. Yes, there are multiple ways to fight, there are actually 6 different ways to fight. I won't reveal the last 2, actually, I don't really like the last 2 that much. The 1st and in my opinion the best fighting style is trickster, trickster dosen't give you any attacks, but it is fun to fight using trickster. For some reason dashing around the battle field is very fun. Especially when you upgrade trickster to level 3. You can do a teleportation attack, although I didn't use it much. Basically, trickster is about out manuevering the enemy, and it is about fast reflexes. Sword master is extremely fun to use, upgrading sword master to level 3 is the best thing that a gamer can do, because it is so freakin awesome. Sword master offers plenty of fun and stlye, you can toss your sword at enemies, create fire tornados, and use an awesome attack where you punch the ground and a huge pillar of light comes, I think that there are 27 sword master attacks. Sword master is the funnest style, and for people who want to inflict maximum damage sword master is the best thing to use. Gun slinger is for people who don't like going close to enemies. Gun slinger is best for attacking multiple enemies. I don't like it though, mainly because I like getting up close and personal. Gun slinger isn't that great, I wouldn't suggest it. Royal guard is...I don't know what to say about this style, I don't like it because you don't get a lot of extra moves, the attacks that come with royal guard are pretty strong, but there is only one attack, the rest is guarding. The good thing about royal guard is that you can block enemy attacks and you can greatly reduce damage. The bad thing is that sometimes enemies attack so fast you can't guard. I wouldn't recommend royal guard at the start of the game, but after you beat the game it is okay to use. The best thing about royal guard is that once you get it to level 3 you can absorb health by blocking the enemies attacks. I think that this game has some of the best boss fights ever, they are fun, challenging, require lot's of strategy, and just plain awesome. And the last boss is actually how a last boss should be in a game, very hard. If I had to explain the combat in one simple sentence I would probably say that it is hack and slash with style and strategy. You can have 2 meele weapons and 2 guns while fighting, and you can easily switch between them. During the whole game you will get 5 meele weapons and 5 guns. The weapons are awesome, for meele you get a sword, nunchucks(spelled wrong), 2 elemental swords that you dual weild, fighting glove...things, and a guitar...no, that was not a typo. And for guns you get 2 normal hand guns, a shot gun, an energy gun, a sniper, and a rocker launcher.
Sound:
I like the sound track, but they use the same music to much. The music that you hear on level 2 is basically the same music you will hear throughout the whole game. The only time the music changes is during boss fights or cutscenes.
Graphics:
The second best looking PS2 game I have ever played. The enemies look kinda dull, but the main characters and the bosses look perfect, they are feeled with detail, and the level design is also amazing, everything looks beautiful. Heck, even the inside of a whale looks awesome.
Replay:
The replay value is great, mainly because you can master every style. Going back through levels and using different styles is fun. And there are plenty of secret missions to find. Also, there is one style that allows, you to have 2 copies of yourself, sorry for ruining the suprise, it's called dopple ganger. Anyway's, if you plug in a second controller a second person can play as the copy of yourself. This is when you should use unlimited devil trigger, because Dopple ganger requires devil trigger. So if you use unlimited devil trigger you and your friends can play through levels together like co-op, but remember, the camera only follows player one. Also, on level 19 there is a part on the boss fight where somebody helps you fight the boss, if you plug in a second controller you can play as that person.
Overall rating:
Story: 20/20
It is the only Devil May Cry game that has a good story, that alone gives it a full score. And the characters are great.
Gameplay: 20/20
Fast paced action, amazing bosses, and plenty of depth.
Sound: 20/20
Although they use the same soundtrack alot it dosen't bother me, mainly because I like the sound track.
Graphics: 20/20
Although the enemies lack detail the bosses and main characters look perfect.
Replay: 20/20
Multiple fighting styles to master, secret missions, and the ability to play with a second person, it dosen't get much better.
Rating: 100/100
This is my 3rd favorite game, the only 2 games that top it are Splinter Cell 1 and 3. And let me just say, for all of the people who hate this game because it is hard, you are all wusses. I am not trying to be offensive, but seriously, I didn't die once, I don't care if you don't believe me or you do, but I seriously never died. Except for when I played Heaven or Hell mode, which was after I beat the normal mode. But seriously, if the game seems too hard don't give up on it, the game get's easier towards the end. So c'mon guy's, don't wimp out. All of the people who rated it low because of difficulty are wusses. If you are worried about the difficulty then don't bother with the game, but if you don't mind a challenge then buy the game. It's the best action game I have ever played. But here's a little advice if you get stuck, play previous levels to get orbs and buy yellow orbs and green orbs. That's what I did, but I never used them that much. After you get used to the game it is fun...although I was used to it from the beggining. Do yourself a favor, and play this game...or at least rent it.
Note: This game is rated "M" for blood, suggestive themes, and violence. | 2 | positive | [
"Let me start of by saying that I thought that this game was going to be very hard.",
"I heard so many things about this game being extremely hard, so I was worried that it would be to hard when I played it.",
"But then I played it, and it wasn't hard.",
"I beat the 2nd and 3rd level without dying, I beat the whole entire game without dying once, in fact, I don't even know what the dying animation looks like.",
"The key to making this an easy game is using trickster style.",
"Choose trickster and stick with it, that way you won't die so easily.",
"Yes, the game was challenging, but not as challenging as I thought it would be.",
"Also, after level 12 I started to use the unlimited Devil Trigger thing, but I hardly used it.",
"The only time I used unlimited devil trigger was to kill annoying enemies or to out run bosses(some of the bosses have very fast attacks).",
"But besides that I fought normally.",
"Devil Trigger didn't seem that useful to me.",
"Also, while fighting Vergil the only time I used devil trigger was when he used devil trigger, to make the fight more interesting.",
"But if any of you guys are having trouble with the game just go to the main menu, hold down all the shoulder buttons, and rotate both analog sticks until you hear a sound or something.",
"You will unlock every difficulty, extras, and costumes, the costume with the purple aura around Dante is unlimited devil trigger, but I didn't know about that until level 13.",
"You gain devil trigger on level 8.",
"But if you can become good at using trickster you won't need devil trigger.",
"I think that I am one of a few people on this earth who thinks that this game isn't that hard.",
"Anyway's, let's get to the review.",
"Story:\n\nThe story in Devil May Cry 1 sucked, why, because there really was no story.",
"But Devil May Cry 3 has an excellent story, one of the best things about it is that the story is very easy to follow.",
"It has lot's of action, cool characters, betrayel, and humour.",
"Yes, Dante is ridiculous, but I love his attitude, he is fearless, nothing scares him, although he doesn't seem serious about anything he actually is.",
"He has emotions, but he dosen't always show them.",
"Dante's brother is an awesome chracter, I just love his attitude, and the side characters are also very interesting.",
"I love the story in this game.",
"Gameplay:\n\nIn my opinion this game has the best combat systems.",
"Yes, there are multiple ways to fight, there are actually 6 different ways to fight.",
"I won't reveal the last 2, actually, I don't really like the last 2 that much.",
"The 1st and in my opinion the best fighting style is trickster, trickster dosen't give you any attacks, but it is fun to fight using trickster.",
"For some reason dashing around the battle field is very fun.",
"Especially when you upgrade trickster to level 3.",
"You can do a teleportation attack, although I didn't use it much.",
"Basically, trickster is about out manuevering the enemy, and it is about fast reflexes.",
"Sword master is extremely fun to use, upgrading sword master to level 3 is the best thing that a gamer can do, because it is so freakin awesome.",
"Sword master offers plenty of fun and stlye, you can toss your sword at enemies, create fire tornados, and use an awesome attack where you punch the ground and a huge pillar of light comes, I think that there are 27 sword master attacks.",
"Sword master is the funnest style, and for people who want to inflict maximum damage sword master is the best thing to use.",
"Gun slinger is for people who don't like going close to enemies.",
"Gun slinger is best for attacking multiple enemies.",
"I don't like it though, mainly because I like getting up close and personal.",
"Gun slinger isn't that great, I wouldn't suggest it.",
"Royal guard is...",
"I don't know what to say about this style, I don't like it because you don't get a lot of extra moves, the attacks that come with royal guard are pretty strong, but there is only one attack, the rest is guarding.",
"The good thing about royal guard is that you can block enemy attacks and you can greatly reduce damage.",
"The bad thing is that sometimes enemies attack so fast you can't guard.",
"I wouldn't recommend royal guard at the start of the game, but after you beat the game it is okay to use.",
"The best thing about royal guard is that once you get it to level 3 you can absorb health by blocking the enemies attacks.",
"I think that this game has some of the best boss fights ever, they are fun, challenging, require lot's of strategy, and just plain awesome.",
"And the last boss is actually how a last boss should be in a game, very hard.",
"If I had to explain the combat in one simple sentence I would probably say that it is hack and slash with style and strategy.",
"You can have 2 meele weapons and 2 guns while fighting, and you can easily switch between them.",
"During the whole game you will get 5 meele weapons and 5 guns.",
"The weapons are awesome, for meele you get a sword, nunchucks(spelled wrong), 2 elemental swords that you dual weild, fighting glove...",
"things, and a guitar...",
"no, that was not a typo.",
"And for guns you get 2 normal hand guns, a shot gun, an energy gun, a sniper, and a rocker launcher.",
"Sound:\n\nI like the sound track, but they use the same music to much.",
"The music that you hear on level 2 is basically the same music you will hear throughout the whole game.",
"The only time the music changes is during boss fights or cutscenes.",
"Graphics:\n\nThe second best looking PS2 game I have ever played.",
"The enemies look kinda dull, but the main characters and the bosses look perfect, they are feeled with detail, and the level design is also amazing, everything looks beautiful.",
"Heck, even the inside of a whale looks awesome.",
"Replay:\n\nThe replay value is great, mainly because you can master every style.",
"Going back through levels and using different styles is fun.",
"And there are plenty of secret missions to find.",
"Also, there is one style that allows, you to have 2 copies of yourself, sorry for ruining the suprise, it's called dopple ganger.",
"Anyway's, if you plug in a second controller a second person can play as the copy of yourself.",
"This is when you should use unlimited devil trigger, because Dopple ganger requires devil trigger.",
"So if you use unlimited devil trigger you and your friends can play through levels together like co-op, but remember, the camera only follows player one.",
"Also, on level 19 there is a part on the boss fight where somebody helps you fight the boss, if you plug in a second controller you can play as that person.",
"Overall rating:\n\nStory: 20/20\n\nIt is the only Devil May Cry game that has a good story, that alone gives it a full score.",
"And the characters are great.",
"Gameplay: 20/20\n\nFast paced action, amazing bosses, and plenty of depth.",
"Sound: 20/20\n\nAlthough they use the same soundtrack alot it dosen't bother me, mainly because I like the sound track.",
"Graphics: 20/20\n\nAlthough the enemies lack detail the bosses and main characters look perfect.",
"Replay: 20/20\n\nMultiple fighting styles to master, secret missions, and the ability to play with a second person, it dosen't get much better.",
"Rating: 100/100\n\nThis is my 3rd favorite game, the only 2 games that top it are Splinter Cell 1 and 3.",
"And let me just say, for all of the people who hate this game because it is hard, you are all wusses.",
"I am not trying to be offensive, but seriously, I didn't die once, I don't care if you don't believe me or you do, but I seriously never died.",
"Except for when I played Heaven or Hell mode, which was after I beat the normal mode.",
"But seriously, if the game seems too hard don't give up on it, the game get's easier towards the end.",
"So c'mon guy's, don't wimp out.",
"All of the people who rated it low because of difficulty are wusses.",
"If you are worried about the difficulty then don't bother with the game, but if you don't mind a challenge then buy the game.",
"It's the best action game I have ever played.",
"But here's a little advice if you get stuck, play previous levels to get orbs and buy yellow orbs and green orbs.",
"That's what I did, but I never used them that much.",
"After you get used to the game it is fun...",
"although I was used to it from the beggining.",
"Do yourself a favor, and play this game...",
"or at least rent it.",
"Note: This game is rated \"M\" for blood, suggestive themes, and violence."
] |
This is a game for all ages. We played it with 20-somethings and 60-somethings and the battle lasted until the very end of the board, which makes it a great inter-generational game because every age group brings some skills to this challenging memory game.
You get ten (10) seconds to look at something - an ad, a movie poster, a magazine cover, etc. - and then the questions about what you remember come at you.
The scoring system is relatively easy and the game easily progresses without a lot of having to refer back to the rules.
Some, who play in pairs or groups, try having different members of the team study only certain aspects of the thing to remember. Others try an overall approach, taking in as much as you can about the whole 'picture' in general. There are merits to almost every approach to remembering. The trick is getting the right question to match up with what you may have seen and remember. A toss of the die is what determines the question.
There's even an option to make up your own question. But be careful. If you get too detailed and try too hard to stump the opponent, you may find yourself at the receiving end of an even more picky and difficult question in that option when it comes your way.
Yes - the game is challenging - but the good part is that it is challenging to everyone.
Another option involves using the whole list of questions rather than rolling the die to determine which question is asked. This puts a whole new spin to the game.
Two young couples played the game and stayed relatively close in scoring. Two older couples played and did much the same. Then the younger played the older, and the outcome was a back and forth battle to the end.
I personally detest games where I find myself getting more and tense as the game progresses. This is NOT such a game. Taking in whatever I can in the ten (10) second "stare" is enough to earn me plenty of points. Oh, and cutting the opponents some slack is a little easier with this game because some answers are a true judgemnt call - and what goes around does come around. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a game for all ages.",
"We played it with 20-somethings and 60-somethings and the battle lasted until the very end of the board, which makes it a great inter-generational game because every age group brings some skills to this challenging memory game.",
"You get ten (10) seconds to look at something - an ad, a movie poster, a magazine cover, etc.",
"- and then the questions about what you remember come at you.",
"The scoring system is relatively easy and the game easily progresses without a lot of having to refer back to the rules.",
"Some, who play in pairs or groups, try having different members of the team study only certain aspects of the thing to remember.",
"Others try an overall approach, taking in as much as you can about the whole 'picture' in general.",
"There are merits to almost every approach to remembering.",
"The trick is getting the right question to match up with what you may have seen and remember.",
"A toss of the die is what determines the question.",
"There's even an option to make up your own question.",
"But be careful.",
"If you get too detailed and try too hard to stump the opponent, you may find yourself at the receiving end of an even more picky and difficult question in that option when it comes your way.",
"Yes - the game is challenging - but the good part is that it is challenging to everyone.",
"Another option involves using the whole list of questions rather than rolling the die to determine which question is asked.",
"This puts a whole new spin to the game.",
"Two young couples played the game and stayed relatively close in scoring.",
"Two older couples played and did much the same.",
"Then the younger played the older, and the outcome was a back and forth battle to the end.",
"I personally detest games where I find myself getting more and tense as the game progresses.",
"This is NOT such a game.",
"Taking in whatever I can in the ten (10) second \"stare\" is enough to earn me plenty of points.",
"Oh, and cutting the opponents some slack is a little easier with this game because some answers are a true judgemnt call - and what goes around does come around."
] |
Al Pacino is a consummate master of his craft and Keanu Reeves always delivers a solid and thoroughly enjoyable performance.
The Diabolical premise is old as the hills, but this particular plot is a brilliant departure from the usual Faustian bargain theme.
The script dispenses with the moth eaten, morality play approach and brings it into the late 20th century for a much needed and spectacular makeover; one that would even make a fashion runway model envious.
The extensive filming in Manhattan and the very gifted supporting cast are skillfully utilized to convey a realistic and accurate glimpse into the life and politics of the Big Apple or any major city around the globe.
Unfortunately, I had issues with the portrayal of Reeve's wife; also an attorney, although of a lesser caliber.
It's not uncommon for some wives to adjust to life in "the big city" wherever that may be; when their ambitious husband is promoted by his company to a lofty position that requires a disruptive uprooting of the family.
This is the first time I've been disappointed by Charlize Theron because her character is scripted to behave more like a very sheltered soccer mom rather than a tough, seasoned lawyer with razor sharp smarts . It is the latter assessment that is a more accurate and palatable description of Ms. Theron's approach to acting; and I suspect her private personality as well.
I prefer to fault the director for Ms. Theron's highly erratic and episodic portrayal of an unsophisticated wife behaving like an emotionally unstable and naive "innocent" who fell off a turnip truck who cries and complains incessantly about being abandoned; it's absolutely horrendous.
Pacino in his role of the "Fallen One" presents the idea that ".....vanity is my favorite vice."
I think that's questionable and highly subjective; however we must remember that this commentary is based on a centuries old depiction of Moses descending from a mountain with stone tablets; it is a tad cliche.
The film is a voyeurs dream come true and feeds the audience with never ending depictions of life at the pinnacle of Le Haute Monde that are in themselves enticing and enviable as they are sumptuous.
This is "The Devil Wears Prada" on a life threatening overdose of illegal steroids.
Pacino delivers an astounding and mind blowing monologue near the end of the film that in itself qualifies as a reason to watch this amazing film. Mr. Pacino's performance convinces you that the Prince of Darkness is capable of making the infamous attorney Roy Cohn in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America" (HBO movie version) a siren of sublime delight. Ironically, the role of attorney Cohn is also played by Al Pacino which is an amusing irony to say the least.
How many actors can boast that they can be compared to and be outdone by themselves. Think about that one. | 2 | positive | [
"Al Pacino is a consummate master of his craft and Keanu Reeves always delivers a solid and thoroughly enjoyable performance.",
"The Diabolical premise is old as the hills, but this particular plot is a brilliant departure from the usual Faustian bargain theme.",
"The script dispenses with the moth eaten, morality play approach and brings it into the late 20th century for a much needed and spectacular makeover; one that would even make a fashion runway model envious.",
"The extensive filming in Manhattan and the very gifted supporting cast are skillfully utilized to convey a realistic and accurate glimpse into the life and politics of the Big Apple or any major city around the globe.",
"Unfortunately, I had issues with the portrayal of Reeve's wife; also an attorney, although of a lesser caliber.",
"It's not uncommon for some wives to adjust to life in \"the big city\" wherever that may be; when their ambitious husband is promoted by his company to a lofty position that requires a disruptive uprooting of the family.",
"This is the first time I've been disappointed by Charlize Theron because her character is scripted to behave more like a very sheltered soccer mom rather than a tough, seasoned lawyer with razor sharp smarts.",
"It is the latter assessment that is a more accurate and palatable description of Ms.",
"Theron's approach to acting; and I suspect her private personality as well.",
"I prefer to fault the director for Ms.",
"Theron's highly erratic and episodic portrayal of an unsophisticated wife behaving like an emotionally unstable and naive \"innocent\" who fell off a turnip truck who cries and complains incessantly about being abandoned; it's absolutely horrendous.",
"Pacino in his role of the \"Fallen One\" presents the idea that \"....",
".",
"vanity is my favorite vice.",
"\"\nI think that's questionable and highly subjective; however we must remember that this commentary is based on a centuries old depiction of Moses descending from a mountain with stone tablets; it is a tad cliche.",
"The film is a voyeurs dream come true and feeds the audience with never ending depictions of life at the pinnacle of Le Haute Monde that are in themselves enticing and enviable as they are sumptuous.",
"This is \"The Devil Wears Prada\" on a life threatening overdose of illegal steroids.",
"Pacino delivers an astounding and mind blowing monologue near the end of the film that in itself qualifies as a reason to watch this amazing film.",
"Mr.",
"Pacino's performance convinces you that the Prince of Darkness is capable of making the infamous attorney Roy Cohn in Tony Kushner's \"Angels in America\" (HBO movie version) a siren of sublime delight.",
"Ironically, the role of attorney Cohn is also played by Al Pacino which is an amusing irony to say the least.",
"How many actors can boast that they can be compared to and be outdone by themselves.",
"Think about that one."
] |
Many of the reviews of this Highlander DVD claim it is terrible quality and is unwatchable. I think that is highly exaggerated. This DVD was not made with much care, especially when it boasts a THX remastering (i guess Lucas's team slacked on this one). But it is not that bad. I found it very watchable and only noticed some fuzziness now and then. The soundtrack isn't done that well (the dialogue is too low and the music by queen is too high), but this really isn't that big a deal. Unless you're a hardcore Highlander fan i doubt you'll notice or care about any of these faults. This was probably the cheapest DVD i've ever gotten (it was like 7 bucks), and for that price it was well worth it. Sure, it's not made as well as it could have been, but it's also not as expensive as it could have been either. The quality is good enough and its faults are really not that bad, it is certainly worth the low price. | 2 | positive | [
"Many of the reviews of this Highlander DVD claim it is terrible quality and is unwatchable.",
"I think that is highly exaggerated.",
"This DVD was not made with much care, especially when it boasts a THX remastering (i guess Lucas's team slacked on this one).",
"But it is not that bad.",
"I found it very watchable and only noticed some fuzziness now and then.",
"The soundtrack isn't done that well (the dialogue is too low and the music by queen is too high), but this really isn't that big a deal.",
"Unless you're a hardcore Highlander fan i doubt you'll notice or care about any of these faults.",
"This was probably the cheapest DVD i've ever gotten (it was like 7 bucks), and for that price it was well worth it.",
"Sure, it's not made as well as it could have been, but it's also not as expensive as it could have been either.",
"The quality is good enough and its faults are really not that bad, it is certainly worth the low price."
] |
Odin Sphere is simply a fun and beautiful game to play. It is not perfect by all means but it accomplishes the most important factor about video games, entertaining and fun. The game is set within Norse Mythology, such as Valkyrie Profile from Square-Enix, but also deviates from its source material making it its own entity. There are iconic characters such as Odin, Valkyries, and the Aesirs but that is pretty much where the similarities end. Introduce within OS's world are Gods, Fairies, Humans, Elemental Deities, and Rabbit creatures known as pookas. The game is a side scrolling action rpg with strategic gameplay elements, so do not expect a hack and slash game. The story is long and deep letting you play five different characters, each with their own strength and weakness which also provide balance for the game, with intertwining story arcs. Odin Sphere's art and character design is amazingly beautiful, rich vibrant colors, creative characters, and wonderful voice overs whether you play in English or its original Japanese dialogue. The only down side with Odin Sphere is that it can become repetitive, especially when trying to level up and the slowdown. The slowdown can become very unbearable at times especially when you are encountering a boss, but it only occurs when there are a lot of enemies on the screen. All in all, Odin Sphere is a fun game and everyone should at least give this game a try. | 2 | positive | [
"Odin Sphere is simply a fun and beautiful game to play.",
"It is not perfect by all means but it accomplishes the most important factor about video games, entertaining and fun.",
"The game is set within Norse Mythology, such as Valkyrie Profile from Square-Enix, but also deviates from its source material making it its own entity.",
"There are iconic characters such as Odin, Valkyries, and the Aesirs but that is pretty much where the similarities end.",
"Introduce within OS's world are Gods, Fairies, Humans, Elemental Deities, and Rabbit creatures known as pookas.",
"The game is a side scrolling action rpg with strategic gameplay elements, so do not expect a hack and slash game.",
"The story is long and deep letting you play five different characters, each with their own strength and weakness which also provide balance for the game, with intertwining story arcs.",
"Odin Sphere's art and character design is amazingly beautiful, rich vibrant colors, creative characters, and wonderful voice overs whether you play in English or its original Japanese dialogue.",
"The only down side with Odin Sphere is that it can become repetitive, especially when trying to level up and the slowdown.",
"The slowdown can become very unbearable at times especially when you are encountering a boss, but it only occurs when there are a lot of enemies on the screen.",
"All in all, Odin Sphere is a fun game and everyone should at least give this game a try."
] |
It's our amazing good fortune to have this document of one of George Bernard Shaw's greatest plays, filmed during his lifetime so that he could author the screenplay as he wrote the original stage work. It is a monument to the magnificence, not only of Shaw, but of Caesar. It is also a monument to Shaw's brilliant playcraft, clever plotting, and canny application of humor. It goes without saying that Shaw was brilliant, since of course he was a socialist.
We have seen this story before, though differently told, when the wonderful Rex Harrison played Caesar to the talented Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra. (Both of these names should be written with a K, since that is how they were both actually pronounced.) It is an absolute truth about that later film that only the first half is much worth watching, since Richard Burton in the second half plays a lovesick puppy so well it's thoroughly disgusting. GBS avoids that pitfall by giving us a great Caesar and a delightful Cleopatra, and fabulous stars to play them.
Shaw's play tells the story of Caesar's occupation of Alexandria after his final defeat of Pompey, and his defense of his position against perfidious Egyptians and renegade Romans in the service of Ptolemy XIV, Cleopatra's prepubescent brother and husband. The text is a creation of the utmost cunning: nothing less than a successful imitation of Shakespeare (though mostly in a more modern idiom). Few writers other than Shaw would have attempted this feat, and fewer still would have been successful at it.
Mentioning Ptolemy XIV, I should mention his (and Cleo's) brother, Ptolemy XIII. They were both married to Cleopatra and each of them was pounding on her bedroom door by the time he was 10. The film, alas, forgets the last Ptolemy, the XVth, called Caesarion, Caesar's son by Cleopatra. It was his official acknowledgement of this son that caused him so much trouble back home.
The essence of Shaw is of course his wit. Hardly a play of his is as witty as this one. The film is 2 hours long and seems scarcely an hour, so packed is it with sparkling dialogue.
To portray this great literary work, the producers have assembled a gallery of some of the greatest actors of the time. Caesar is played by the hugely talented Claude Rains whose portrayals of iconic roles have made him one of the greatest actors of the last century. He gives the immortal Julius such sangfroid and cool calculation as to make us instantly believe his greatness as a general and statesman.
Cleopatra is portrayed by the great Vivien Leigh, who graced and enhanced every part she took. Her beauty is in fact far, far greater than the legendary queen's (we have pictures). There is a rumor that Cleopatra was African (black) by descent - which, while not a big deal, is a lie. We know each and every one of her ancestors since before the time of Alexander the Great, and they are all Greek (and mostly closely related). Shaw also cleverly switches the story of the rug from her first meeting with Caesar to ruse to smuggle her into Caesar's emergency redoubt at the Pharos (the Alexandria lighthouse).
Apollodoros (misspelt with a "u" before the "s"), the Greek jack of all trades, arts, and talents, is played with huge humor by the inimitable Stewart Granger. Granger's acting talents gave both of the Fairbanks a run for their money. Cleopatra's nurse and chief bottle washer, Ftatateeta, is portrayed by the wonderful Flora Robson. For this part her skin is stained dusky and she's given an Egyptian-style fright wig ... and is absolutely convincing. When she's on camera, she manages to upstage even the riveting Rains.
The roll of talented veteran actors continues. As Pothinos (misspelt with a "us"), Ptolemy's puppet master and master of all nasty diplomatic maneuvers, we have Francis L. Sullivan. It was Pothinos' idea to knock off Pompey in the hope of sucking up to Caesar. No such luck, of course, because Caesar greatly admired and liked Pompey despite the fact that they had recently become enemies. Sullivan portrays Pothinos with delightful wiliness and sliminess. *** As the loyal Rufio, "Caesar's shield", we have a steadfast Basil Sydney. Rufio eventually becomes Roman "governor" of Egypt, although that country was then still technically independent and didn't have a governor. Rufio's part is given a good shot of good-humored testosterone and Sydney gives it great stature. *** The talented veteran Cecil Parker gives us Caesar's faithful British amanuensis, Britannus. His physical stature and Druidic appearance make him very convincing as a 1st-Century BCE British warrior-poet. *** And so on. Every part in this film is well-played by people who know what they're doing.
The DVD itself was manufactured in Korea. Don't expect a lot. This Technicolor film has a washed-out look ... although the colors are usually clear if not vividly bright. The sound is good (but could be better) and as we might expect from actors of stage quality, the dialogue is clear. There are, in addition, English subtitles. There are no extra features, but with older films we seldom get them. Some people might take points off for substandard color and sound. So do I. I give extra stars for Shaw's genius and take them off for an inferior recording of the original film. That leaves the correct total: the maximum.
It's sad that shallow people with no appreciation of theater or great playwriting should inflict low-star ratings on this immortal film. It's an insult to the greatest English playwright since Shakespeare. | 2 | positive | [
"It's our amazing good fortune to have this document of one of George Bernard Shaw's greatest plays, filmed during his lifetime so that he could author the screenplay as he wrote the original stage work.",
"It is a monument to the magnificence, not only of Shaw, but of Caesar.",
"It is also a monument to Shaw's brilliant playcraft, clever plotting, and canny application of humor.",
"It goes without saying that Shaw was brilliant, since of course he was a socialist.",
"We have seen this story before, though differently told, when the wonderful Rex Harrison played Caesar to the talented Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra.",
"(Both of these names should be written with a K, since that is how they were both actually pronounced.",
") It is an absolute truth about that later film that only the first half is much worth watching, since Richard Burton in the second half plays a lovesick puppy so well it's thoroughly disgusting.",
"GBS avoids that pitfall by giving us a great Caesar and a delightful Cleopatra, and fabulous stars to play them.",
"Shaw's play tells the story of Caesar's occupation of Alexandria after his final defeat of Pompey, and his defense of his position against perfidious Egyptians and renegade Romans in the service of Ptolemy XIV, Cleopatra's prepubescent brother and husband.",
"The text is a creation of the utmost cunning: nothing less than a successful imitation of Shakespeare (though mostly in a more modern idiom).",
"Few writers other than Shaw would have attempted this feat, and fewer still would have been successful at it.",
"Mentioning Ptolemy XIV, I should mention his (and Cleo's) brother, Ptolemy XIII.",
"They were both married to Cleopatra and each of them was pounding on her bedroom door by the time he was 10.",
"The film, alas, forgets the last Ptolemy, the XVth, called Caesarion, Caesar's son by Cleopatra.",
"It was his official acknowledgement of this son that caused him so much trouble back home.",
"The essence of Shaw is of course his wit.",
"Hardly a play of his is as witty as this one.",
"The film is 2 hours long and seems scarcely an hour, so packed is it with sparkling dialogue.",
"To portray this great literary work, the producers have assembled a gallery of some of the greatest actors of the time.",
"Caesar is played by the hugely talented Claude Rains whose portrayals of iconic roles have made him one of the greatest actors of the last century.",
"He gives the immortal Julius such sangfroid and cool calculation as to make us instantly believe his greatness as a general and statesman.",
"Cleopatra is portrayed by the great Vivien Leigh, who graced and enhanced every part she took.",
"Her beauty is in fact far, far greater than the legendary queen's (we have pictures).",
"There is a rumor that Cleopatra was African (black) by descent - which, while not a big deal, is a lie.",
"We know each and every one of her ancestors since before the time of Alexander the Great, and they are all Greek (and mostly closely related).",
"Shaw also cleverly switches the story of the rug from her first meeting with Caesar to ruse to smuggle her into Caesar's emergency redoubt at the Pharos (the Alexandria lighthouse).",
"Apollodoros (misspelt with a \"u\" before the \"s\"), the Greek jack of all trades, arts, and talents, is played with huge humor by the inimitable Stewart Granger.",
"Granger's acting talents gave both of the Fairbanks a run for their money.",
"Cleopatra's nurse and chief bottle washer, Ftatateeta, is portrayed by the wonderful Flora Robson.",
"For this part her skin is stained dusky and she's given an Egyptian-style fright wig...",
"and is absolutely convincing.",
"When she's on camera, she manages to upstage even the riveting Rains.",
"The roll of talented veteran actors continues.",
"As Pothinos (misspelt with a \"us\"), Ptolemy's puppet master and master of all nasty diplomatic maneuvers, we have Francis L.",
"Sullivan.",
"It was Pothinos' idea to knock off Pompey in the hope of sucking up to Caesar.",
"No such luck, of course, because Caesar greatly admired and liked Pompey despite the fact that they had recently become enemies.",
"Sullivan portrays Pothinos with delightful wiliness and sliminess.",
"*** As the loyal Rufio, \"Caesar's shield\", we have a steadfast Basil Sydney.",
"Rufio eventually becomes Roman \"governor\" of Egypt, although that country was then still technically independent and didn't have a governor.",
"Rufio's part is given a good shot of good-humored testosterone and Sydney gives it great stature.",
"*** The talented veteran Cecil Parker gives us Caesar's faithful British amanuensis, Britannus.",
"His physical stature and Druidic appearance make him very convincing as a 1st-Century BCE British warrior-poet.",
"*** And so on.",
"Every part in this film is well-played by people who know what they're doing.",
"The DVD itself was manufactured in Korea.",
"Don't expect a lot.",
"This Technicolor film has a washed-out look...",
"although the colors are usually clear if not vividly bright.",
"The sound is good (but could be better) and as we might expect from actors of stage quality, the dialogue is clear.",
"There are, in addition, English subtitles.",
"There are no extra features, but with older films we seldom get them.",
"Some people might take points off for substandard color and sound.",
"So do I.",
"I give extra stars for Shaw's genius and take them off for an inferior recording of the original film.",
"That leaves the correct total: the maximum.",
"It's sad that shallow people with no appreciation of theater or great playwriting should inflict low-star ratings on this immortal film.",
"It's an insult to the greatest English playwright since Shakespeare."
] |
There needs to be more development between the characters, they don't really develop any sort of "bond" and cheesy 'heart felt' moments would have rang true if we saw these relationships properly progress.
I love the economies and buying buildings. Nice assortment of side quests. The family and child option is nice, but could be more in depth.
I enjoyed the game and I'm playing thru it a second time and finding stuff I missed the first time. You could beat this game fairly quickly but you'd miss a lot. Take your time and enjoy it.
I'm looking forward to fable 3.
Other improvements would be not automatically closing the menus after selecting a food item or a potion. It wastes a lot of time when you are trying to use a bunch of food/potions you just bought.
The game is down to well under $20 used and well worth it! | 2 | positive | [
"There needs to be more development between the characters, they don't really develop any sort of \"bond\" and cheesy 'heart felt' moments would have rang true if we saw these relationships properly progress.",
"I love the economies and buying buildings.",
"Nice assortment of side quests.",
"The family and child option is nice, but could be more in depth.",
"I enjoyed the game and I'm playing thru it a second time and finding stuff I missed the first time.",
"You could beat this game fairly quickly but you'd miss a lot.",
"Take your time and enjoy it.",
"I'm looking forward to fable 3.",
"Other improvements would be not automatically closing the menus after selecting a food item or a potion.",
"It wastes a lot of time when you are trying to use a bunch of food/potions you just bought.",
"The game is down to well under $20 used and well worth it!"
] |
Just made Pizzells this morning, this maker worked exactly as it says. We made 90, took us about two hours. However once we got our rymthem down we skipped right along.
Secondly I called the company to find out if you could refrigerate the batter, you can up to 4 days.
Here's the best part!!! An actual person answered the phone!! She was delightful, she advised she would find out & call me back. She did within the hour!!!
Would recommend this product highly, their customer service perfect. Remember those days before menu's? | 2 | positive | [
"Just made Pizzells this morning, this maker worked exactly as it says.",
"We made 90, took us about two hours.",
"However once we got our rymthem down we skipped right along.",
"Secondly I called the company to find out if you could refrigerate the batter, you can up to 4 days.",
"Here's the best part!!!",
"An actual person answered the phone!!",
"She was delightful, she advised she would find out & call me back.",
"She did within the hour!!!",
"Would recommend this product highly, their customer service perfect.",
"Remember those days before menu's?"
] |
I am very picky about my cases. They have to be something that isn't black so I can find it in my car or purse. Although this is a deep plum, it still stands out. I also have to like the feel of the case and feel as if my phone is protected. The soft lining on the inside of the case gives it a nice fit and probably helps a tiny with shock absorbancy. I would normally use a silicone case like I had with my iPhone, but I couldn't really find one I wanted for my HTC. I would recommend this case to anyone looking for a nice way of protecting their investement.
EDITED REVIEW... After owning this for well over a month now, I have to say that I am very impressed with how well this case has protected my phone. I've dropped it on cement and it was just fine (more than once). My only complaint is that I can't get the danged thing off, so now that I need a new screen protector, I'm short of beating the dang thing to get it off. But, I'd still buy another one. Doesn't make it bulky at all. | 2 | positive | [
"I am very picky about my cases.",
"They have to be something that isn't black so I can find it in my car or purse.",
"Although this is a deep plum, it still stands out.",
"I also have to like the feel of the case and feel as if my phone is protected.",
"The soft lining on the inside of the case gives it a nice fit and probably helps a tiny with shock absorbancy.",
"I would normally use a silicone case like I had with my iPhone, but I couldn't really find one I wanted for my HTC.",
"I would recommend this case to anyone looking for a nice way of protecting their investement.",
"EDITED REVIEW...",
"After owning this for well over a month now, I have to say that I am very impressed with how well this case has protected my phone.",
"I've dropped it on cement and it was just fine (more than once).",
"My only complaint is that I can't get the danged thing off, so now that I need a new screen protector, I'm short of beating the dang thing to get it off.",
"But, I'd still buy another one.",
"Doesn't make it bulky at all."
] |
Once upon a time Los Angeles almost rivalled Nashville in the number of Country music Honky-Tonk clubs and bars. Sad to say, that scene is almost totally gone. The Palomino closed its doors years ago (I never got there) and outside of Buck's "Crystal Palace" in Bakersfield, Cody Bryant's "Viva Cantina" in Burbank, The Cowboy Palace, and a couple of places down in Riverside and Orange County, Country music is all but non-existent in Southern California.
But it was California Country that gave us Buck, Merle, Rosie Maddox, and yeah, Chris, Herb, Larry Murray, Gram Parsons, Clarence White, the Byrds, the Burritos, Poco, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Linda and Emmylou and a couple of strange dudes named Frey and Henley and their bandmates. And it was from California where this wonderful and incomparable Desert Rose Band, led by two veterans from that genre they helped to create, came out of.
And for six years and 12 top ten songs- most of 'em number one hits, the Desert Rose Band made Nashville stand up and take notice.
There's nobody out there right now with that sound, definitely not the pablum churned out of the Tennessee town. Martina is very pretty and waaay cool, but Shania and Sheryl Crow (LOL) are not really country, and neither are most of the boys (Trace Adkins?? - his last song was more like a Ted Nugent or Allman Bros. video!, and Kenny Chesney??? LOL) these days. The Desert Rose Band was both die-hard Country and Jingle-Jangle Rock. Buy this album, and you will hear Country music that touched the soul on some of the songs, but were so catchy on others that they made ya want to get up and dance.
Even today, there are many of us out here who not only call DRB "incomparable"...and...They most certainly were! | 2 | positive | [
"Once upon a time Los Angeles almost rivalled Nashville in the number of Country music Honky-Tonk clubs and bars.",
"Sad to say, that scene is almost totally gone.",
"The Palomino closed its doors years ago (I never got there) and outside of Buck's \"Crystal Palace\" in Bakersfield, Cody Bryant's \"Viva Cantina\" in Burbank, The Cowboy Palace, and a couple of places down in Riverside and Orange County, Country music is all but non-existent in Southern California.",
"But it was California Country that gave us Buck, Merle, Rosie Maddox, and yeah, Chris, Herb, Larry Murray, Gram Parsons, Clarence White, the Byrds, the Burritos, Poco, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Linda and Emmylou and a couple of strange dudes named Frey and Henley and their bandmates.",
"And it was from California where this wonderful and incomparable Desert Rose Band, led by two veterans from that genre they helped to create, came out of.",
"And for six years and 12 top ten songs- most of 'em number one hits, the Desert Rose Band made Nashville stand up and take notice.",
"There's nobody out there right now with that sound, definitely not the pablum churned out of the Tennessee town.",
"Martina is very pretty and waaay cool, but Shania and Sheryl Crow (LOL) are not really country, and neither are most of the boys (Trace Adkins??",
"- his last song was more like a Ted Nugent or Allman Bros.",
"video!",
", and Kenny Chesney???",
"LOL) these days.",
"The Desert Rose Band was both die-hard Country and Jingle-Jangle Rock.",
"Buy this album, and you will hear Country music that touched the soul on some of the songs, but were so catchy on others that they made ya want to get up and dance.",
"Even today, there are many of us out here who not only call DRB \"incomparable\"...",
"and...",
"They most certainly were!"
] |
As the poor relation to the Arringtons, a baronet family, Lucy has few and small expectations in life. When her cousin, Sebastian, proposes Lucy is grateful but also very surprised. Sebastian's mother approves, but her only stipulation is that they keep it a secret until after Sebastian's sister is married. At the sister's wedding parties, preparations, etc. the Arringtons meet the Wright-Gordons. Sebastian is smitten with Anna, who has no knowledge of the engagement. Honoring her promise for silence, Lucy says nothing while another woman flirts with her fianc and ends up spending more and more time with Anna's brother James. Once family tragedy strikes, Sebastian proves less than honorable leaving Anna on her own.
A MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE was an engaging love story with a lot of heart. Both Lucy and James, as well as Sebastian and Anna, were believable characters who all have their own agendas and priorities. There was a lot of subtlety used to showcase each person's true character.
For the most part, I was completely drawn into this story. I felt as if I were a part of Lucy's and James' relationship by watching all the small and little things that built it.
The only problem I had with this story was with some issues with the ending. The big crux of their budding romance was something you knew was coming and could easily understand both sides of it. I was just waiting for something more in the overcoming of it. Early on in their marriage while Lucy is trying to adjust to the life as a viscountess, James tells Lucy "You do have power. You simply have to choose how to use it. That's when it becomes your own." I kept waiting for Lucy to do just that. But she doesn't. She does nothing. She concedes to James' anger and hurtful decisions and cries. I kept waiting for her to make a decision, make a choice, cause a reaction, something, anything! to own her new power. But she doesn't. She cries. *sigh*
Despite the lackluster ending, I really enjoyed this story. You can read Anna's and Sebastian's continuing story in <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Sergeant-s-Lady/dp/B003U89SIE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Sergeant's Lady</a> (which was released before this one.)
(264 pages) | 2 | positive | [
"As the poor relation to the Arringtons, a baronet family, Lucy has few and small expectations in life.",
"When her cousin, Sebastian, proposes Lucy is grateful but also very surprised.",
"Sebastian's mother approves, but her only stipulation is that they keep it a secret until after Sebastian's sister is married.",
"At the sister's wedding parties, preparations, etc.",
"the Arringtons meet the Wright-Gordons.",
"Sebastian is smitten with Anna, who has no knowledge of the engagement.",
"Honoring her promise for silence, Lucy says nothing while another woman flirts with her fianc and ends up spending more and more time with Anna's brother James.",
"Once family tragedy strikes, Sebastian proves less than honorable leaving Anna on her own.",
"A MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE was an engaging love story with a lot of heart.",
"Both Lucy and James, as well as Sebastian and Anna, were believable characters who all have their own agendas and priorities.",
"There was a lot of subtlety used to showcase each person's true character.",
"For the most part, I was completely drawn into this story.",
"I felt as if I were a part of Lucy's and James' relationship by watching all the small and little things that built it.",
"The only problem I had with this story was with some issues with the ending.",
"The big crux of their budding romance was something you knew was coming and could easily understand both sides of it.",
"I was just waiting for something more in the overcoming of it.",
"Early on in their marriage while Lucy is trying to adjust to the life as a viscountess, James tells Lucy \"You do have power.",
"You simply have to choose how to use it.",
"That's when it becomes your own.",
"\" I kept waiting for Lucy to do just that.",
"But she doesn't.",
"She does nothing.",
"She concedes to James' anger and hurtful decisions and cries.",
"I kept waiting for her to make a decision, make a choice, cause a reaction, something, anything!",
"to own her new power.",
"But she doesn't.",
"She cries.",
"*sigh*\n\nDespite the lackluster ending, I really enjoyed this story.",
"You can read Anna's and Sebastian's continuing story in <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/The-Sergeant-s-Lady/dp/B003U89SIE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">The Sergeant's Lady</a> (which was released before this one.",
")\n\n(264 pages)"
] |
Soft Machine Third is not quite the whimsey-fest of <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Volumes-One-Two/dp/B0000004F9/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Volumes One & Two</a>. But when released in 1970, the Village Voice called it the "best album of all time."
That's impossible to prove or disprove. But the double set was on of the first to thrust serious fusion on to rock, from the multi-part suite of Hugh Hopper's "Facelift," to the melodic, "Out Bloody Rageous" by Mike Ratlege, who also wrote the hooky riff of "Slightly All The Time."
Each track was a side long, and the fouth was Robert Wyatt's "Moon In June." Here the band kicked back to the beat poetry improvisations of the first two albums. Wyatt is in even sharper form than usual, finding his verse as he moves through the piece. It is an epic college of poetry, jazz, fuzz and electronics. Never had popular music felt so ambitious.
"Moon In June" was the last of its kind, as, I would say unforntunately, the Softs moved in a more serious jazz fusion direction after Third, and after one more album, <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Fourth/dp/B000H8RWFG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Fourth</a>, Wyatt was gone.
Who knows what the best album of all time was, but given the sweep of Third there is hardly a better one. | 2 | positive | [
"Soft Machine Third is not quite the whimsey-fest of <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Volumes-One-Two/dp/B0000004F9/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Volumes One & Two</a>.",
"But when released in 1970, the Village Voice called it the \"best album of all time.",
"\"\n\nThat's impossible to prove or disprove.",
"But the double set was on of the first to thrust serious fusion on to rock, from the multi-part suite of Hugh Hopper's \"Facelift,\" to the melodic, \"Out Bloody Rageous\" by Mike Ratlege, who also wrote the hooky riff of \"Slightly All The Time.",
"\"\n\nEach track was a side long, and the fouth was Robert Wyatt's \"Moon In June.",
"\" Here the band kicked back to the beat poetry improvisations of the first two albums.",
"Wyatt is in even sharper form than usual, finding his verse as he moves through the piece.",
"It is an epic college of poetry, jazz, fuzz and electronics.",
"Never had popular music felt so ambitious.",
"\"Moon In June\" was the last of its kind, as, I would say unforntunately, the Softs moved in a more serious jazz fusion direction after Third, and after one more album, <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Fourth/dp/B000H8RWFG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Fourth</a>, Wyatt was gone.",
"Who knows what the best album of all time was, but given the sweep of Third there is hardly a better one."
] |
First off i wanna say wat is the deal with Halo 2? Why does everyone love it so much? its good but not over the top amzing like GTA! This game offers wat Halo 2 did and more. There's vehicles and tons of cool weapons, but the best part is your bio-augmentations, they give power-ups like invisibility, ballistic-shielding, slow-motion, night/heat vision, and electrical storm. You can also hack into computers and shut down security. It's also very challenging in a good way. It's fun and easy to pick up and play. However if you don't have an online connection rent it, cause single players fun but short. Online play is definately awesome and addictive, but we need more people to play. BUY THIS GAME!!!!!! | 2 | positive | [
"First off i wanna say wat is the deal with Halo 2?",
"Why does everyone love it so much?",
"its good but not over the top amzing like GTA!",
"This game offers wat Halo 2 did and more.",
"There's vehicles and tons of cool weapons, but the best part is your bio-augmentations, they give power-ups like invisibility, ballistic-shielding, slow-motion, night/heat vision, and electrical storm.",
"You can also hack into computers and shut down security.",
"It's also very challenging in a good way.",
"It's fun and easy to pick up and play.",
"However if you don't have an online connection rent it, cause single players fun but short.",
"Online play is definately awesome and addictive, but we need more people to play.",
"BUY THIS GAME!!!!",
"!!"
] |
I needed an off-network (AT&T) SIM to test the IMEI unlock on my iPhone, so I ordered one of these.
Install was straightforward, activation was easy on their web site. After activating, I got the features promised without having to fiddle around with magic network settings. It just worked.
Better still is the $50/month unlimited plan. True, being an AT&T phone on T-Mobile, I wasn't expecting any better than 2G, but with T-Mobile's refarming, I've actually been getting 3G in some areas.
I've also used the SIM in my iPad-3 (Verizon), and it too, works fine, along with the spotty, but unexpected 3G coverage.
I'm thinking real seriously of paying AT&T's extortionate ETF and just going with Simple Mobile full time. I have no need for MMS, and don't use that much data on my phone. This would cut my monthly phone bill in half, which would pay off the ETF very quickly. | 2 | positive | [
"I needed an off-network (AT&T) SIM to test the IMEI unlock on my iPhone, so I ordered one of these.",
"Install was straightforward, activation was easy on their web site.",
"After activating, I got the features promised without having to fiddle around with magic network settings.",
"It just worked.",
"Better still is the $50/month unlimited plan.",
"True, being an AT&T phone on T-Mobile, I wasn't expecting any better than 2G, but with T-Mobile's refarming, I've actually been getting 3G in some areas.",
"I've also used the SIM in my iPad-3 (Verizon), and it too, works fine, along with the spotty, but unexpected 3G coverage.",
"I'm thinking real seriously of paying AT&T's extortionate ETF and just going with Simple Mobile full time.",
"I have no need for MMS, and don't use that much data on my phone.",
"This would cut my monthly phone bill in half, which would pay off the ETF very quickly."
] |
I've owned/used cables from just about every cable maker out there, including the expensive brands. Rarely, and I mean RARELY can you tell a big difference in the tone/sound from a cable. Unless you're a touring professional, whose cables take a massive beating every day, there is no point in spending the money on "industrial" strength cables.
We own about 15 of these cables in various lengths. We use them regularly in church services, outdoor applications/venues, camps, you name it. These cables have lasted amazingly well, and perform flawlessly. They DO have quality connectors on them, and the cable coils easily, and also lays completely flat when uncoiled. Sound quality is fantastic, and I love the all-black construction.
Don't buy the hype about Monster, Mogami, etc. Not worth the price tag, IMO. If you're looking for quality cables that just work, and you don't want to spend a lot of money, these Planet Waves cables are fantastic! | 2 | positive | [
"I've owned/used cables from just about every cable maker out there, including the expensive brands.",
"Rarely, and I mean RARELY can you tell a big difference in the tone/sound from a cable.",
"Unless you're a touring professional, whose cables take a massive beating every day, there is no point in spending the money on \"industrial\" strength cables.",
"We own about 15 of these cables in various lengths.",
"We use them regularly in church services, outdoor applications/venues, camps, you name it.",
"These cables have lasted amazingly well, and perform flawlessly.",
"They DO have quality connectors on them, and the cable coils easily, and also lays completely flat when uncoiled.",
"Sound quality is fantastic, and I love the all-black construction.",
"Don't buy the hype about Monster, Mogami, etc.",
"Not worth the price tag, IMO.",
"If you're looking for quality cables that just work, and you don't want to spend a lot of money, these Planet Waves cables are fantastic!"
] |
It takes a lot for me to become engaged in a handheld game. I really have to enjoy the gameplay and/or the story and characters as I generally prefer console games. I typically purchase Nintendo handhelds to play Pokemon. I came across this game by accident on Amazon, and after reading reviews and watching gameplay on Youtube, decided to ask for it for Christmas. I thought, what the heck, I'll give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! This game is awesome. You play Phoenix Wright, up-and-coming attorney. You have several cases to solve (I think 5. I'm on case 4 already because I play it so much!). Each case is a unique story with memorable characters. Every case I've played has been a murder trial. You get to investigate by searching for clues and talking to witnesses. After that, you get to go into the court room. Your job is to defend the murder suspect and prove his/her innocence by finding contradictions in the witnesses' statements and presenting evidence. You get 5 mistakes. If you give the wrong evidence, object at the wrong time, badger a witness too much, or sometimes answer incorrectly, you lose a "life." You have 5 throughout each trial. I'll admit, I've lost a few times, but I just retry and think until I can figure it out. This game is text/story-based, so if you don't like that, I wouldn't recommend it. It also might be a little much for young children. It's not super violent, and it only shows a little bit of animated blood, but still.
The dialogue is funny, and I find myself laughing at the banter between Phoenix and other characters. He's very likable as are many other characters like Mia Fey, Detective Gumshoe, Larry Butz, etc. The prosecutors, however, you just want to hate! They'll try anything to stop you from winning the case. It does get a bit frustrating sometimes because I'm not sure what to do, but I usually just replay that part, and then I figure it out. The nice thing about the game is that you get to save at any point in the game, even in the middle of a trial, so you can retry if you lose the case. It really does require you to think! After playing this game, I can't wait to try the others! I went out and bought Apollo Justice Ace Attorney from Gamestop. The games are not easy to find, though. I haven't been able to find any of the other 3 games except on Amazon. I may end up just buying them from Amazon, even though they're a bit expensive. They're such good games. I can't help it! So, if you like challenging games with a good story, pick this one up! It's pretty cheap on Amazon. | 2 | positive | [
"It takes a lot for me to become engaged in a handheld game.",
"I really have to enjoy the gameplay and/or the story and characters as I generally prefer console games.",
"I typically purchase Nintendo handhelds to play Pokemon.",
"I came across this game by accident on Amazon, and after reading reviews and watching gameplay on Youtube, decided to ask for it for Christmas.",
"I thought, what the heck, I'll give it a shot.",
"I'm so glad I did!",
"This game is awesome.",
"You play Phoenix Wright, up-and-coming attorney.",
"You have several cases to solve (I think 5.",
"I'm on case 4 already because I play it so much!",
").",
"Each case is a unique story with memorable characters.",
"Every case I've played has been a murder trial.",
"You get to investigate by searching for clues and talking to witnesses.",
"After that, you get to go into the court room.",
"Your job is to defend the murder suspect and prove his/her innocence by finding contradictions in the witnesses' statements and presenting evidence.",
"You get 5 mistakes.",
"If you give the wrong evidence, object at the wrong time, badger a witness too much, or sometimes answer incorrectly, you lose a \"life.",
"\" You have 5 throughout each trial.",
"I'll admit, I've lost a few times, but I just retry and think until I can figure it out.",
"This game is text/story-based, so if you don't like that, I wouldn't recommend it.",
"It also might be a little much for young children.",
"It's not super violent, and it only shows a little bit of animated blood, but still.",
"The dialogue is funny, and I find myself laughing at the banter between Phoenix and other characters.",
"He's very likable as are many other characters like Mia Fey, Detective Gumshoe, Larry Butz, etc.",
"The prosecutors, however, you just want to hate!",
"They'll try anything to stop you from winning the case.",
"It does get a bit frustrating sometimes because I'm not sure what to do, but I usually just replay that part, and then I figure it out.",
"The nice thing about the game is that you get to save at any point in the game, even in the middle of a trial, so you can retry if you lose the case.",
"It really does require you to think!",
"After playing this game, I can't wait to try the others!",
"I went out and bought Apollo Justice Ace Attorney from Gamestop.",
"The games are not easy to find, though.",
"I haven't been able to find any of the other 3 games except on Amazon.",
"I may end up just buying them from Amazon, even though they're a bit expensive.",
"They're such good games.",
"I can't help it!",
"So, if you like challenging games with a good story, pick this one up!",
"It's pretty cheap on Amazon."
] |
10 stars would be better for this little machine!!!
I have been using this vacuum for a month now and am so happy I got it. I have used bagless upright vacuums for the last several years and was just disgusted with them. As soon as it was delivered I put it together and started vacuuming with really little effort. I have carpet, slate tile and vinyl tile it works great on all 3. The carpet actually feels fluffy after vacuuming now. I also use it on my furniture and beds. It picks up dog hair and human hair like a dream. I love the duster attachment I use it all the time on everything shelves, books, the TV, ceiling fans, etc. and it does a complete job without leaving anything behind. I have used bagless upright vacuums for years and would sneeze for hours afterwards and was convinced I was just moving dust and hair around; not with this one I don't sneeze and I know it has done its job ... the air even smells cleaner.
I had read that several people have had problems w/ the tool caddy lid not staying closed I discovered if the crevice tool is not put back in its place right that will cause the lid to pop open otherwise its fine.
I actually like vacuuming now ... words I never thought I would be saying. :)
I highly recommend this vacuum cleaner for any and everybody. | 2 | positive | [
"10 stars would be better for this little machine!!!",
"I have been using this vacuum for a month now and am so happy I got it.",
"I have used bagless upright vacuums for the last several years and was just disgusted with them.",
"As soon as it was delivered I put it together and started vacuuming with really little effort.",
"I have carpet, slate tile and vinyl tile it works great on all 3.",
"The carpet actually feels fluffy after vacuuming now.",
"I also use it on my furniture and beds.",
"It picks up dog hair and human hair like a dream.",
"I love the duster attachment I use it all the time on everything shelves, books, the TV, ceiling fans, etc.",
"and it does a complete job without leaving anything behind.",
"I have used bagless upright vacuums for years and would sneeze for hours afterwards and was convinced I was just moving dust and hair around; not with this one I don't sneeze and I know it has done its job...",
"the air even smells cleaner.",
"I had read that several people have had problems w/ the tool caddy lid not staying closed I discovered if the crevice tool is not put back in its place right that will cause the lid to pop open otherwise its fine.",
"I actually like vacuuming now...",
"words I never thought I would be saying.",
":)\n\nI highly recommend this vacuum cleaner for any and everybody."
] |
Even though this Hohner 38C Mini Harmonica, Major C is very small and very cute, and has limited value for playing any music, I still like it. It comes with a plastic casing in order to protect it and keep it clean. I have two standard size harmonicas which I play every day but I also worked a little with this mini model but it is more of a novelty than a serious musical instrument. Nevertheless, I found it to be a unique and interesting mini-harmonica.
I personally enjoyed fooling with this tiny harmonica and was able to make a little music with it. If you are into harmonicas you might want to check out this Hohner Mini-Harmonica. Just keep in mind that this is not a standard harmonica with 10 holes. This Mini-Harmonica only has 4 holes very close together.
Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Heart: An old warrior's poetic tribute). | 2 | positive | [
"Even though this Hohner 38C Mini Harmonica, Major C is very small and very cute, and has limited value for playing any music, I still like it.",
"It comes with a plastic casing in order to protect it and keep it clean.",
"I have two standard size harmonicas which I play every day but I also worked a little with this mini model but it is more of a novelty than a serious musical instrument.",
"Nevertheless, I found it to be a unique and interesting mini-harmonica.",
"I personally enjoyed fooling with this tiny harmonica and was able to make a little music with it.",
"If you are into harmonicas you might want to check out this Hohner Mini-Harmonica.",
"Just keep in mind that this is not a standard harmonica with 10 holes.",
"This Mini-Harmonica only has 4 holes very close together.",
"Rating: 4 Stars.",
"Joseph J.",
"Truncale (Author: The Samurai Heart: An old warrior's poetic tribute)."
] |
This is a good game. This is NOT anything like the demo version packaged with the DVD SW Collection. That version seems to have been an old version going back several revisions; even the controls and weapons are different. It takes you into the battles featured in the films and you can play any character except Jedi Knight or Sith. You can pilot X-wing, Y-wing or drive AT-AT or scout walker. You can also ride a Tantam but you can't shoot while mounted. The game starts with the battle with about 200 per side. You can come back to the battle after you're killed as long as there is a Command Post and you still have troops. The problems are few but noticeable. The dogfights are clumsy at best and the controls for the aircraft are inverted and takes getting use too. The troops can be ordered to follow you or hold a postion but they may not do so even when they acknowledge your orders. I found myself assaulting an enemy position alone after telling a group of soldiers to follow me. I've been in battles down to just me On Cloud City with only 4 or 5 enemy left and the game ends not letting me as a sniper to pick off the remaining troops and win the game. Very annoying. The Endor scene features speeder bikes if you can find one. Some of the weapons are limited in destructive power and on occasion will overheat or run out of ammo. A head shot should kill an enemy but it must be the very top of the head between the eyes. Very realistic though and enjoyable. I finished the campaign mode and now just play the conquest mode. Still not a game for Star Wars fans to ignore and a lot of fun. Update: After playing for about a 100 hours this game plays unfairly and even "cheats" by slowly converting a captured flag to your colors; enemys appear out of nowhere after clearing a small room; tanks on one side and nothing to counter it on the other; effectiveness of weapons, ie. 6-8 rockets to destroy a tank or 6 shots to kill an enemy; limited weapons to counter shielded droids; troops on your side don't give cover for you during assaults and shows no difference in winning the battle letting captured flags fall in to enemy hands. I found a group of AI just standing there doing nothing in a full fire fight. If I leave the circle of influence even for a second, the flag completely resets back to the enemy colors, leaving me to start over. The circle can be very small in some areas especially in the Rebel Fortress on Yarvin. I had to stand on top of the flag to convert it. And finally, when you "Respawn", you always have your back towards the enemy. I got killed quite a few times just trying to turn around to face the enemy. Still a game to check out when the price goes down.
To add to updates 6/12/05: Jedi can only be killed by pushing him into The Pit of Sarlec with you in a vehicle (Tatooine) or grenading him off a cliff or ledge in Bespin Rhen Var battle scenes. The Jedi will respawn. There are minor bugs in the game eg: Droideka spawning inside a mountain and firing at will in Geonosis with no way to get to him creating an infinite loop. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a good game.",
"This is NOT anything like the demo version packaged with the DVD SW Collection.",
"That version seems to have been an old version going back several revisions; even the controls and weapons are different.",
"It takes you into the battles featured in the films and you can play any character except Jedi Knight or Sith.",
"You can pilot X-wing, Y-wing or drive AT-AT or scout walker.",
"You can also ride a Tantam but you can't shoot while mounted.",
"The game starts with the battle with about 200 per side.",
"You can come back to the battle after you're killed as long as there is a Command Post and you still have troops.",
"The problems are few but noticeable.",
"The dogfights are clumsy at best and the controls for the aircraft are inverted and takes getting use too.",
"The troops can be ordered to follow you or hold a postion but they may not do so even when they acknowledge your orders.",
"I found myself assaulting an enemy position alone after telling a group of soldiers to follow me.",
"I've been in battles down to just me On Cloud City with only 4 or 5 enemy left and the game ends not letting me as a sniper to pick off the remaining troops and win the game.",
"Very annoying.",
"The Endor scene features speeder bikes if you can find one.",
"Some of the weapons are limited in destructive power and on occasion will overheat or run out of ammo.",
"A head shot should kill an enemy but it must be the very top of the head between the eyes.",
"Very realistic though and enjoyable.",
"I finished the campaign mode and now just play the conquest mode.",
"Still not a game for Star Wars fans to ignore and a lot of fun.",
"Update: After playing for about a 100 hours this game plays unfairly and even \"cheats\" by slowly converting a captured flag to your colors; enemys appear out of nowhere after clearing a small room; tanks on one side and nothing to counter it on the other; effectiveness of weapons, ie.",
"6-8 rockets to destroy a tank or 6 shots to kill an enemy; limited weapons to counter shielded droids; troops on your side don't give cover for you during assaults and shows no difference in winning the battle letting captured flags fall in to enemy hands.",
"I found a group of AI just standing there doing nothing in a full fire fight.",
"If I leave the circle of influence even for a second, the flag completely resets back to the enemy colors, leaving me to start over.",
"The circle can be very small in some areas especially in the Rebel Fortress on Yarvin.",
"I had to stand on top of the flag to convert it.",
"And finally, when you \"Respawn\", you always have your back towards the enemy.",
"I got killed quite a few times just trying to turn around to face the enemy.",
"Still a game to check out when the price goes down.",
"To add to updates 6/12/05: Jedi can only be killed by pushing him into The Pit of Sarlec with you in a vehicle (Tatooine) or grenading him off a cliff or ledge in Bespin Rhen Var battle scenes.",
"The Jedi will respawn.",
"There are minor bugs in the game eg: Droideka spawning inside a mountain and firing at will in Geonosis with no way to get to him creating an infinite loop."
] |
I think so. Not only that, I think this may be Rollin's best novel PERIOD. That's saying a lot considering his litany of well written page turners.
When the president's daughter is kidnapped off the coast of Africa, Sigma Force is called in to rescue her. It's not just that Amanda Gant is the president's daughter though. She's carrying precious cargo: her unborn son. Questions are raised. Why is a nearly full term mother on a boat off the coast of Africa? Who would want to kidnap her? The answers to those questions are expertly revealed over the course of this tightly plotted and addictive page turner of a thriller. And those answers lead to a plot that goes much deeper than what it seems on the surface.
As is usual with the Sigma Force novels (and any Rollins book for that matter), the reader is lead on a continent spanning, technological thrill ride. From the coast of Africa, to Dubai, back to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rollins writes a riveting and frighteningly factual based techno thriller filled with fantastic characterization, well researched facts and edge-of-your-seat action. Quite simply, NOBODY does this type of book better. Rollins is good, scary good, and this latest offering is just another testament to that fact, another feather in the cap of a thriller master that's second to none. One that I'm happy to say I'm a fan of and have been a fan of ever since I picked up that copy of Subterranean in a used book store more than ten years ago.
All the usuals are back, plus a few welcomed additions AND some old friends fans of Rollins should recognize. One of my favorite aspects of the book, as well as in the series as a whole as of late, is the character development of Seichan. Rollins has taken large steps into making her more than just the cold as ice assassin and unlikely compatriot of Gray Peirce and his Sigma team. She's becoming more human and as a result, more interesting. Two newcomers, Tucker and Kane are welcomed additions to the series and I hope to see more of them in the future. Painter Crowe, Lisa Cummings, Kat Bryant, Monk and the ever fun Kowalski are all back with their true to character voices and personalities and as usual, are just plain great to read.
Kudos to Mr. Rollins for writing another riveting action/thriller/mystery. I can't even imagine the hours that went into just researching the varying types of tech and lore and myth that went into writing Bloodlines. It's staggering just to think about.
FANTASTIC! For fans of the series, you won't want to miss this one. And for newcomers? Go back to the beginning and read 'em all! You'll likely be as addicted to them in short fashion! | 2 | positive | [
"I think so.",
"Not only that, I think this may be Rollin's best novel PERIOD.",
"That's saying a lot considering his litany of well written page turners.",
"When the president's daughter is kidnapped off the coast of Africa, Sigma Force is called in to rescue her.",
"It's not just that Amanda Gant is the president's daughter though.",
"She's carrying precious cargo: her unborn son.",
"Questions are raised.",
"Why is a nearly full term mother on a boat off the coast of Africa?",
"Who would want to kidnap her?",
"The answers to those questions are expertly revealed over the course of this tightly plotted and addictive page turner of a thriller.",
"And those answers lead to a plot that goes much deeper than what it seems on the surface.",
"As is usual with the Sigma Force novels (and any Rollins book for that matter), the reader is lead on a continent spanning, technological thrill ride.",
"From the coast of Africa, to Dubai, back to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rollins writes a riveting and frighteningly factual based techno thriller filled with fantastic characterization, well researched facts and edge-of-your-seat action.",
"Quite simply, NOBODY does this type of book better.",
"Rollins is good, scary good, and this latest offering is just another testament to that fact, another feather in the cap of a thriller master that's second to none.",
"One that I'm happy to say I'm a fan of and have been a fan of ever since I picked up that copy of Subterranean in a used book store more than ten years ago.",
"All the usuals are back, plus a few welcomed additions AND some old friends fans of Rollins should recognize.",
"One of my favorite aspects of the book, as well as in the series as a whole as of late, is the character development of Seichan.",
"Rollins has taken large steps into making her more than just the cold as ice assassin and unlikely compatriot of Gray Peirce and his Sigma team.",
"She's becoming more human and as a result, more interesting.",
"Two newcomers, Tucker and Kane are welcomed additions to the series and I hope to see more of them in the future.",
"Painter Crowe, Lisa Cummings, Kat Bryant, Monk and the ever fun Kowalski are all back with their true to character voices and personalities and as usual, are just plain great to read.",
"Kudos to Mr.",
"Rollins for writing another riveting action/thriller/mystery.",
"I can't even imagine the hours that went into just researching the varying types of tech and lore and myth that went into writing Bloodlines.",
"It's staggering just to think about.",
"FANTASTIC!",
"For fans of the series, you won't want to miss this one.",
"And for newcomers?",
"Go back to the beginning and read 'em all!",
"You'll likely be as addicted to them in short fashion!"
] |
Separated by a thirty year stretch, the two Saint-Saens piano trios, coupled here together by Naxos for the first time on CD (to my knowledge), are beautiful, enduring, melodic works in the tradition of Schumann and Mendelssohn. It's incomprehensively mystifying to me that these trios have never entered "the standard repertoire." They certainly should have before this. Well, so it goes. Better late than never. Lucky us!
The Op. 18, written in 1863, is an immediately and thoroughly attractive work, every movement memorable. Particularly haunting is the lyrical Andante. The Op. 92, written in 1892, is every bit as moving and irresistable as its younger sister--- but, perhaps, a touch wiser and more ruminative; yet, again, each movement is a gem (and Camille, that sly French devil, has given us five, rather than the usual four, to treasure). As with the Op. 18, special mention should be made of the enchanting Andante.
The Joachim Trio, playing splendidly, receive a fine realistic and warm sound.
[Running time: 65:28] | 2 | positive | [
"Separated by a thirty year stretch, the two Saint-Saens piano trios, coupled here together by Naxos for the first time on CD (to my knowledge), are beautiful, enduring, melodic works in the tradition of Schumann and Mendelssohn.",
"It's incomprehensively mystifying to me that these trios have never entered \"the standard repertoire.",
"\" They certainly should have before this.",
"Well, so it goes.",
"Better late than never.",
"Lucky us!",
"The Op.",
"18, written in 1863, is an immediately and thoroughly attractive work, every movement memorable.",
"Particularly haunting is the lyrical Andante.",
"The Op.",
"92, written in 1892, is every bit as moving and irresistable as its younger sister--- but, perhaps, a touch wiser and more ruminative; yet, again, each movement is a gem (and Camille, that sly French devil, has given us five, rather than the usual four, to treasure).",
"As with the Op.",
"18, special mention should be made of the enchanting Andante.",
"The Joachim Trio, playing splendidly, receive a fine realistic and warm sound.",
"[Running time: 65:28]"
] |
Eric Clapton has made many songs, with many bands. But if you want a good taste of what he's done this is the CD for you. "Laya" in my opinion is the highlight of this CD just because I can't ever listen to that song enough. Cocaine is great too. But there's a lot behind "Layla". During that time Eric was in love with Pattie Boyd, his friend, George Harrison's wife. That song is a Rock and Roll love song. It doesn't have many lyrics but only because it doesn't need them.
Along with this great song you get some good cover songs including "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". Both of those beautifully done. "Let it Grow" is a feel-good tune. A nice little acoustic clapton song. Every sing on here is worth whatever amount of money you have to pay. Every Clapton fan needs this. Unless you have all the CD's that have these songs on them. | 2 | positive | [
"Eric Clapton has made many songs, with many bands.",
"But if you want a good taste of what he's done this is the CD for you.",
"\"Laya\" in my opinion is the highlight of this CD just because I can't ever listen to that song enough.",
"Cocaine is great too.",
"But there's a lot behind \"Layla\".",
"During that time Eric was in love with Pattie Boyd, his friend, George Harrison's wife.",
"That song is a Rock and Roll love song.",
"It doesn't have many lyrics but only because it doesn't need them.",
"Along with this great song you get some good cover songs including \"I Shot the Sheriff\" and \"Knockin' on Heaven's Door\".",
"Both of those beautifully done.",
"\"Let it Grow\" is a feel-good tune.",
"A nice little acoustic clapton song.",
"Every sing on here is worth whatever amount of money you have to pay.",
"Every Clapton fan needs this.",
"Unless you have all the CD's that have these songs on them."
] |
The wire mesh cage is domed at the top, rather than flat as in the product pictured. Unlike some other reviewers, on the feeder shipped to me the filler cap at the top is metal, and comes with two sliding metal clamps that do a good job of holding the cap on. I suspect it is a sturdy enough design to keep out squirrels. My feeder is on a pole with a squirrel baffle, so squirrels are not my problem. Grackles are my problem. They dominate the feeders, and can empty one of seed in 3 or 4 hours. This feeder does a pretty good job of keeping them out. The most ambitious grackle can strain enough to grab a seed or two, but they are no longer able to just gorge.
Even though I didn't receive the feeder pictured, the one I did receive seems worth the price, so I kept it. I have pictured the shipped product above. | 2 | positive | [
"The wire mesh cage is domed at the top, rather than flat as in the product pictured.",
"Unlike some other reviewers, on the feeder shipped to me the filler cap at the top is metal, and comes with two sliding metal clamps that do a good job of holding the cap on.",
"I suspect it is a sturdy enough design to keep out squirrels.",
"My feeder is on a pole with a squirrel baffle, so squirrels are not my problem.",
"Grackles are my problem.",
"They dominate the feeders, and can empty one of seed in 3 or 4 hours.",
"This feeder does a pretty good job of keeping them out.",
"The most ambitious grackle can strain enough to grab a seed or two, but they are no longer able to just gorge.",
"Even though I didn't receive the feeder pictured, the one I did receive seems worth the price, so I kept it.",
"I have pictured the shipped product above."
] |
Champions of Norrath is a standard hack'n slash action RPG similar to the Baulder's Gate series. Nonetheless, the fun that it brings to the player is far ahead of Baulder's Gate.
Basically Champions is created with the idea of being a fun multiplayer game. It is a great game to play with when you have up to four players. The single player mode is not bad for you would be able to get the standard satisfaction from an action RPG. You still level up and solve very basic puzzles but when being ambushed by enemies, you would regret coming on to the adventure alone. Some of the boss fights are tremendously difficult when you are in the single player mode. Luckily you could save and reload your adventure at any point to go through the level again and again for a speedy level up. That could help you a bit at the beginning of the adventure.
In terms of battle system, it is basic hack'n slash with the support of a quick spell book menu where you assign your different spells to your convenience. However, since all the other buttons on the controller are already occupied, you would only be able to assing two quick spell or ability at one time. So in case things go bad in a battle, that means your strategy is not working out. Once the quick spell book is full you have to change it from the menu screen. Certain abilities and spell consumes mana, and mana is the only thing that you can use to cast spell, so for magic users, carrying a lot of mana is a must, but this at the same time reduce your load capacity, which in return limits your the number of items that you can carry and sell (for all the hard earning gold). So some strategy is needed if you want to go through the battles and adventure more easily. Also replenishing life by usuing potion takes time too. So if you try to heal in the middle of an ambush, there would be a good chance that you die during the healing.
Different classes - Dark Elf, High Elf Cleric, Wood Elf Ranger, Babarian and Wizards - have their own abilities and spells that you could upgrade throughout your hard earned level up experience. Further, you need to open up certain abilities or reach certain levels before you could open up other abilities or spells in the line. So you have to really plan what you want so that you won't be wasting the ability points that you earned through the levelling up. The maximum level of each ability and spell is 20 and there are quite a number of them for you to master, which keeps the game replayabel in this aspect. Also at the beginning of the game, you can assign a basic 20 upgrade points for your character to customise the style and ability that you want to start the game off with. You can also customise the look of your character and every time you assign or equip new items to the character, it will be shown in the menu screen, which adds to the fun as some of the equipment make them look very silly indeed. :)
You can also assign gems and stones to your weapon and armours to increase certain stats or add certain status effects to your attack. Nonetheless, gems are hard to find and in case you are in a four player game, that could be one of the things to compete for and start arguments. However, not all the gems are useful for they may benefit more to certain classes but this is also the interesting part as throughout the course of the game you could even change a magic user into a striker.
The levels are well design and each area have their own type of enemies. The enemies once got killed will lie on the ground so you know that you have visited this area before. That is something really good as the whole environment in a level looks a like, it is a good indication of showing that you have been here. Also the dungeons are randomly generated, so every time you revisit a place it could be different, which adds the replay value of the game. In terms of puzzles, there aren't a lot and most of them you know what to do through the storyline. It is just that some of the puzzles and missions could be pretty annoying if you just fast forward the conversation when you play it for the first time.
Storywise, the story is quite basic with some twist and turns but the fun you gain from the game is from the customisation and gameplay, which makes the story less important which could be a down side in a way that this is after all a RPG. You couldn't not expect an epic story like the Final Fantasy or Tales of Symphonia, but it offers a different type of enjoyment. Also the way the character communicates with you when his/her load capacity is full is very funny too.
For gamers, this is a definite good choice as a multiplayer RPG and it is great fun going alongside with your commrades to kill orcs and zombies. Nonetheless, there are quite a number of bugs in the game, including frame rate and also the most annoying freezing when you are in 4 player mode (usually happens when you try to get into your inventory. So save before opening inventory when you are in 4 player mode). Once froze you have to restart and all the hard work are gone. Hopefully Ubisoft will pay attention to this in the sequel release. Othe than that it is one of the more promising multiplayer RPG in the market. | 2 | positive | [
"Champions of Norrath is a standard hack'n slash action RPG similar to the Baulder's Gate series.",
"Nonetheless, the fun that it brings to the player is far ahead of Baulder's Gate.",
"Basically Champions is created with the idea of being a fun multiplayer game.",
"It is a great game to play with when you have up to four players.",
"The single player mode is not bad for you would be able to get the standard satisfaction from an action RPG.",
"You still level up and solve very basic puzzles but when being ambushed by enemies, you would regret coming on to the adventure alone.",
"Some of the boss fights are tremendously difficult when you are in the single player mode.",
"Luckily you could save and reload your adventure at any point to go through the level again and again for a speedy level up.",
"That could help you a bit at the beginning of the adventure.",
"In terms of battle system, it is basic hack'n slash with the support of a quick spell book menu where you assign your different spells to your convenience.",
"However, since all the other buttons on the controller are already occupied, you would only be able to assing two quick spell or ability at one time.",
"So in case things go bad in a battle, that means your strategy is not working out.",
"Once the quick spell book is full you have to change it from the menu screen.",
"Certain abilities and spell consumes mana, and mana is the only thing that you can use to cast spell, so for magic users, carrying a lot of mana is a must, but this at the same time reduce your load capacity, which in return limits your the number of items that you can carry and sell (for all the hard earning gold).",
"So some strategy is needed if you want to go through the battles and adventure more easily.",
"Also replenishing life by usuing potion takes time too.",
"So if you try to heal in the middle of an ambush, there would be a good chance that you die during the healing.",
"Different classes - Dark Elf, High Elf Cleric, Wood Elf Ranger, Babarian and Wizards - have their own abilities and spells that you could upgrade throughout your hard earned level up experience.",
"Further, you need to open up certain abilities or reach certain levels before you could open up other abilities or spells in the line.",
"So you have to really plan what you want so that you won't be wasting the ability points that you earned through the levelling up.",
"The maximum level of each ability and spell is 20 and there are quite a number of them for you to master, which keeps the game replayabel in this aspect.",
"Also at the beginning of the game, you can assign a basic 20 upgrade points for your character to customise the style and ability that you want to start the game off with.",
"You can also customise the look of your character and every time you assign or equip new items to the character, it will be shown in the menu screen, which adds to the fun as some of the equipment make them look very silly indeed.",
":)\n\nYou can also assign gems and stones to your weapon and armours to increase certain stats or add certain status effects to your attack.",
"Nonetheless, gems are hard to find and in case you are in a four player game, that could be one of the things to compete for and start arguments.",
"However, not all the gems are useful for they may benefit more to certain classes but this is also the interesting part as throughout the course of the game you could even change a magic user into a striker.",
"The levels are well design and each area have their own type of enemies.",
"The enemies once got killed will lie on the ground so you know that you have visited this area before.",
"That is something really good as the whole environment in a level looks a like, it is a good indication of showing that you have been here.",
"Also the dungeons are randomly generated, so every time you revisit a place it could be different, which adds the replay value of the game.",
"In terms of puzzles, there aren't a lot and most of them you know what to do through the storyline.",
"It is just that some of the puzzles and missions could be pretty annoying if you just fast forward the conversation when you play it for the first time.",
"Storywise, the story is quite basic with some twist and turns but the fun you gain from the game is from the customisation and gameplay, which makes the story less important which could be a down side in a way that this is after all a RPG.",
"You couldn't not expect an epic story like the Final Fantasy or Tales of Symphonia, but it offers a different type of enjoyment.",
"Also the way the character communicates with you when his/her load capacity is full is very funny too.",
"For gamers, this is a definite good choice as a multiplayer RPG and it is great fun going alongside with your commrades to kill orcs and zombies.",
"Nonetheless, there are quite a number of bugs in the game, including frame rate and also the most annoying freezing when you are in 4 player mode (usually happens when you try to get into your inventory.",
"So save before opening inventory when you are in 4 player mode).",
"Once froze you have to restart and all the hard work are gone.",
"Hopefully Ubisoft will pay attention to this in the sequel release.",
"Othe than that it is one of the more promising multiplayer RPG in the market."
] |
I bought this product after reading so many good reviews of it. I was a little bit nervous using it at first, simply because I'd read a few reviews which stated it was very hard to buff off. However, much to my surprise, this product was extremely easy to use.
It has a light odor, but it isn't a bad odor. It's milky in color and has a similar consistency. It comes out of the bottle extremely fast and it's a bit tricky to pour it out on your cloth without it spilling because of the little pour nozzle on the top. Once you get it on the cloth, you have to work pretty quickly, making sure to spread the glaze fast and thin. I found that a quarter size squirt of the glaze would cover about 2 square feet if you moved fast enough. I applied multiple coats on the horizontal surfaces, and only one coat on the vertical surfaces. I noticed if I got the product on a little too heavy, it took a little bit of effort to remove it. Overall, it was much easier to buff out than a regular paste wax. I made sure to have my car in the shade and cool to the touch before I started and it made for a very easy job. I used it on the glass, plastic, mirrors and paint with nothing but stellar results. It literally looks like you could take your finger and dip it into the paint. If I can figure out how to post images I will upload some because this is one of the best products I've used. I highly recommend it for its ease of use and outstanding results. | 2 | positive | [
"I bought this product after reading so many good reviews of it.",
"I was a little bit nervous using it at first, simply because I'd read a few reviews which stated it was very hard to buff off.",
"However, much to my surprise, this product was extremely easy to use.",
"It has a light odor, but it isn't a bad odor.",
"It's milky in color and has a similar consistency.",
"It comes out of the bottle extremely fast and it's a bit tricky to pour it out on your cloth without it spilling because of the little pour nozzle on the top.",
"Once you get it on the cloth, you have to work pretty quickly, making sure to spread the glaze fast and thin.",
"I found that a quarter size squirt of the glaze would cover about 2 square feet if you moved fast enough.",
"I applied multiple coats on the horizontal surfaces, and only one coat on the vertical surfaces.",
"I noticed if I got the product on a little too heavy, it took a little bit of effort to remove it.",
"Overall, it was much easier to buff out than a regular paste wax.",
"I made sure to have my car in the shade and cool to the touch before I started and it made for a very easy job.",
"I used it on the glass, plastic, mirrors and paint with nothing but stellar results.",
"It literally looks like you could take your finger and dip it into the paint.",
"If I can figure out how to post images I will upload some because this is one of the best products I've used.",
"I highly recommend it for its ease of use and outstanding results."
] |
Hi I have been flight siming for quite sometime and recently made the Jump to real world piloting both fixed wing and rotary aircraft. The fellas I fly fixed wing with and my instructor for rotary aircraft all agree that my use of flight programs with this equipment has translated into a more fluid, focused training experience. The only thing one does not quite experience is the actual mechanical tactile elements and forces of "G" associated with real world flying. Otherwise When in X-Plane, FX or 2004 Microsoft programs you are real as you program it. This is also true of older Ubisoft titles which fly well and much more acurately than with Logitech controller Sticks. Logitech has just come out with controllers like Ch-Products and Saitek. The Jury is not in on these yet. Try landing on the pitching deck of a carrier in Lomac IL2 or Pacific fighters. You`ll get a real thrill/chill and a sense of accomplishment. Especially when battle dam-aged I love CH-Products READ what you can do W/CMS Software. We have Joy Lt Scott St. John | 2 | positive | [
"Hi I have been flight siming for quite sometime and recently made the Jump to real world piloting both fixed wing and rotary aircraft.",
"The fellas I fly fixed wing with and my instructor for rotary aircraft all agree that my use of flight programs with this equipment has translated into a more fluid, focused training experience.",
"The only thing one does not quite experience is the actual mechanical tactile elements and forces of \"G\" associated with real world flying.",
"Otherwise When in X-Plane, FX or 2004 Microsoft programs you are real as you program it.",
"This is also true of older Ubisoft titles which fly well and much more acurately than with Logitech controller Sticks.",
"Logitech has just come out with controllers like Ch-Products and Saitek.",
"The Jury is not in on these yet.",
"Try landing on the pitching deck of a carrier in Lomac IL2 or Pacific fighters.",
"You`ll get a real thrill/chill and a sense of accomplishment.",
"Especially when battle dam-aged I love CH-Products READ what you can do W/CMS Software.",
"We have Joy Lt Scott St.",
"John"
] |
"Murder By Decree" is a 1979 film that posits the theory that the Ripper killings was a conspiracy. This is also the movie that predated "From Hell", another Ripper movie starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham. Both are well-made movies, though I felt that the script and acting in "Murder By Decree" was far superior than "From Hell".
In "Murder By Decree", Sherlock Holmes, the gentleman sleuth is called upon by some Whitechapel merchants to solve the Ripper murders. Here Holmes is played impeccably by a dashing Christopher Plummer, who also makes Holmes seem very much human and not just a cold investigator. His sidekick, Dr Watson is ably portrayed by James Mason, and the pair share good chemistry, bantering away naturally, and seem very much at ease in their roles.
As the pair follow each clue, they meet a host of interesting characters, and some really sinister ones as well - there's Inspector Foxborough [David Hemmings] who resents their intrusion, the medium Robert Lees [effectively played by a haunted-looking Donald Sutherland], the prostitute Mary Kelly [Susan Clark] who harbors a dangerous secret, the insane woman in the asylum , Annie Crook [Genevieve Bujold in a brief yet very emotional scene] who may hold the key to solving the mystery, Sir Charles Warren [Anthony Quayle], and even Sir John Gielgud [as Prime Minister Lord Salisbury].
The movie is rich in atmosphere - London looks overcast and gloomy, and the scenes of the murders in Whitechapel are pervaded by an atmosphere of menace. The movie as a whole effectively captures the darkness of the period and the score is well-done as well. Though the story itself is one of murder and evil, there are light moments that offset its grim tone - the camaraderie between Holmes and Watson, the funny situations that Watson finds himself in [he is obviously the comic relief here] are all credibly done and enhance the storytelling.
All in all, I found myself riveted throughout the unfolding of this story and would highly recommend it to fans of period thrillers & Sherlock Holmes. | 2 | positive | [
"\"Murder By Decree\" is a 1979 film that posits the theory that the Ripper killings was a conspiracy.",
"This is also the movie that predated \"From Hell\", another Ripper movie starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham.",
"Both are well-made movies, though I felt that the script and acting in \"Murder By Decree\" was far superior than \"From Hell\".",
"In \"Murder By Decree\", Sherlock Holmes, the gentleman sleuth is called upon by some Whitechapel merchants to solve the Ripper murders.",
"Here Holmes is played impeccably by a dashing Christopher Plummer, who also makes Holmes seem very much human and not just a cold investigator.",
"His sidekick, Dr Watson is ably portrayed by James Mason, and the pair share good chemistry, bantering away naturally, and seem very much at ease in their roles.",
"As the pair follow each clue, they meet a host of interesting characters, and some really sinister ones as well - there's Inspector Foxborough [David Hemmings] who resents their intrusion, the medium Robert Lees [effectively played by a haunted-looking Donald Sutherland], the prostitute Mary Kelly [Susan Clark] who harbors a dangerous secret, the insane woman in the asylum , Annie Crook [Genevieve Bujold in a brief yet very emotional scene] who may hold the key to solving the mystery, Sir Charles Warren [Anthony Quayle], and even Sir John Gielgud [as Prime Minister Lord Salisbury].",
"The movie is rich in atmosphere - London looks overcast and gloomy, and the scenes of the murders in Whitechapel are pervaded by an atmosphere of menace.",
"The movie as a whole effectively captures the darkness of the period and the score is well-done as well.",
"Though the story itself is one of murder and evil, there are light moments that offset its grim tone - the camaraderie between Holmes and Watson, the funny situations that Watson finds himself in [he is obviously the comic relief here] are all credibly done and enhance the storytelling.",
"All in all, I found myself riveted throughout the unfolding of this story and would highly recommend it to fans of period thrillers & Sherlock Holmes."
] |
(This first section is copy and paste from another Zagg review I did, for my Acer Iconia a500)
First off, let me rebutt some of the so called "expert" reviews who say that they would never dream of putting any kind of installation solution on their electronics:
I work at a cell phone retailer, and I have personally installed more Zaggs then I can count. We have NEVER, EVER had a phone damaged due to the installation fluid. If you use common sense when reading the handful of stories about it causing a device to fail, it is because of installer error, not solely because of the fluid. Use common sense and don't soak your phone, and you'll have no issues.
I purchased my Zagg for my Droid Charge after slacking off on it for a while. As I had some credit, and prices had dropped a bit, I decided to replace my ruggedized case (Trident Cyclops) for something a bit more practical for daily use. I chose this Zagg, and then the standard Verizon brand clip on case with holster. Total price on Amazon for both was about $16.
Installation was a breeze (especially after my tablet, yeesh) and took 5 minutes from the time I washed my hands to the time I sat back and admired my work. It looks great, and has no bubbles now, and I know it'll look even better tomorrow.
You can't go wrong with these protectors, and they're worth the extra money. The cheap plastic sticker style is just about worthless. | 2 | positive | [
"(This first section is copy and paste from another Zagg review I did, for my Acer Iconia a500)\n\nFirst off, let me rebutt some of the so called \"expert\" reviews who say that they would never dream of putting any kind of installation solution on their electronics:\n\nI work at a cell phone retailer, and I have personally installed more Zaggs then I can count.",
"We have NEVER, EVER had a phone damaged due to the installation fluid.",
"If you use common sense when reading the handful of stories about it causing a device to fail, it is because of installer error, not solely because of the fluid.",
"Use common sense and don't soak your phone, and you'll have no issues.",
"I purchased my Zagg for my Droid Charge after slacking off on it for a while.",
"As I had some credit, and prices had dropped a bit, I decided to replace my ruggedized case (Trident Cyclops) for something a bit more practical for daily use.",
"I chose this Zagg, and then the standard Verizon brand clip on case with holster.",
"Total price on Amazon for both was about $16.",
"Installation was a breeze (especially after my tablet, yeesh) and took 5 minutes from the time I washed my hands to the time I sat back and admired my work.",
"It looks great, and has no bubbles now, and I know it'll look even better tomorrow.",
"You can't go wrong with these protectors, and they're worth the extra money.",
"The cheap plastic sticker style is just about worthless."
] |
You're probably wondering why I rated this four stars yet am calling it a great collection. Well, the screen is only available in either 4:3 aspect ratio, or STRETCHED widescreen. Stretched looks bad, and it irritates the heck out of me, so that's why I give this game 4 stars.
I didn't get into the Gradius games until Super Gradius for the SNES. I saw this collection, and thought it'd be a nice addition. The first three games were on the NES, and you can definately tell. The last 2 games on this collection are newer, but I haven't seen them on any other system before. They're the ones I find myself playing. Its a fun collection, however I have the feeling I would have rather had an all new Gradius for the PSP instead of this collection. But since we can't have a new portable Gradius, this one will definately do! | 2 | positive | [
"You're probably wondering why I rated this four stars yet am calling it a great collection.",
"Well, the screen is only available in either 4:3 aspect ratio, or STRETCHED widescreen.",
"Stretched looks bad, and it irritates the heck out of me, so that's why I give this game 4 stars.",
"I didn't get into the Gradius games until Super Gradius for the SNES.",
"I saw this collection, and thought it'd be a nice addition.",
"The first three games were on the NES, and you can definately tell.",
"The last 2 games on this collection are newer, but I haven't seen them on any other system before.",
"They're the ones I find myself playing.",
"Its a fun collection, however I have the feeling I would have rather had an all new Gradius for the PSP instead of this collection.",
"But since we can't have a new portable Gradius, this one will definately do!"
] |
Back when this film first came out back in 1997 I had to choose between this and Event Horizon. I chose the latter. I think I made the wrong choice. Grosse Pointe Blank had the perfect mix of violence and comedy. Neither overwhelmed the other and John Cusack seemed to handle it well too.
The thing I like best about this film is the photography. There are some really cool shots that are not the norm for action or comedy movies. I could have been a little longer. A long film does not always guarantee a good film but this film was so good the running time just seemed to fly by.
There should have been more of Jeremy Piven though. I like him and his role in this movie was quite funny. But unfortunately he was just a supporting player.
Rent this film whenever you feel on catch it on TV. I really do think that you'll like it.
The DVD is in Dolby 5.0 and is letterboxed at 1.82:1. | 2 | positive | [
"Back when this film first came out back in 1997 I had to choose between this and Event Horizon.",
"I chose the latter.",
"I think I made the wrong choice.",
"Grosse Pointe Blank had the perfect mix of violence and comedy.",
"Neither overwhelmed the other and John Cusack seemed to handle it well too.",
"The thing I like best about this film is the photography.",
"There are some really cool shots that are not the norm for action or comedy movies.",
"I could have been a little longer.",
"A long film does not always guarantee a good film but this film was so good the running time just seemed to fly by.",
"There should have been more of Jeremy Piven though.",
"I like him and his role in this movie was quite funny.",
"But unfortunately he was just a supporting player.",
"Rent this film whenever you feel on catch it on TV.",
"I really do think that you'll like it.",
"The DVD is in Dolby 5.",
"0 and is letterboxed at 1.",
"82:1."
] |
Outlaw Golf provides the perfect mix of golf and hilarity. As many others have pointed out, the controls are excellent. The characters are awesome.....everything from a wannabe rapper to a stripper to a dominatrix! Especially interesting is the composure aspect of the game. The better you play, the easier it gets. The worse you play, the harder it gets. But not to worry....they provide the perfect way out of that vicious cycle, and this is one of the best things about the game and which sets it apart from other golf games.....beating the snot out of your caddy!!! And the better job you do of cracking your caddy's skull, the better you'll play. Pure genius! I hope they come out with an Outlaw Golf 2! | 2 | positive | [
"Outlaw Golf provides the perfect mix of golf and hilarity.",
"As many others have pointed out, the controls are excellent.",
"The characters are awesome....",
".",
"everything from a wannabe rapper to a stripper to a dominatrix!",
"Especially interesting is the composure aspect of the game.",
"The better you play, the easier it gets.",
"The worse you play, the harder it gets.",
"But not to worry....",
"they provide the perfect way out of that vicious cycle, and this is one of the best things about the game and which sets it apart from other golf games....",
".",
"beating the snot out of your caddy!!!",
"And the better job you do of cracking your caddy's skull, the better you'll play.",
"Pure genius!",
"I hope they come out with an Outlaw Golf 2!"
] |
Purchased this from Holley directly maybe 10 days ago (It's a few dollars cheaper here on Amazon).
Great carb, fired right up and gave my truck new life. My ball style bolt didn't fit for the throttle linkage on my 1970 Jeep Gladiator (8 cyl, 5.7L Buick 350 engine). I had to use the transdapt 2040 adapter to use on my stock intake manifold (bought from Amazon, also great). All I did was use my drimel to cut the hole a bit larger then bam, could use all of my existing stock throttle linkage.
Overall great product. The instructions that came in mine from holley were lacking but it was easy enough to figure out. A lot of extra kickdown parts for auto transmission, but I didn't need with my manual trans so left it alone. You don't need the throttle linkage adapters, just drill out the small hole that is just to the right of the largest top hole on the carb linkage (you'll know from looking at it) and throw on your stock return spring (I hooked it on the bottom left small hole) and you're good to go. Holley tech recommended a $50 conversion kit and some other springs...2 minutes with my drimel took care of it. I prefer the ball type anyway.
500 CFM versus somewhere between 200-300 on my stock rochester setup, makes a huge difference. The limiting factor is my intake manifold, so if you're running stock and your intake will only run say 400 cfm and you put on a 500 cfm carb, it'll max the 400, but hey, it's not a bad thing to have too mich airflow here, it will self-limit, but it's nice to know that if you upgrade intake manifolds later that you've already got enough cfm from your carb. | 2 | positive | [
"Purchased this from Holley directly maybe 10 days ago (It's a few dollars cheaper here on Amazon).",
"Great carb, fired right up and gave my truck new life.",
"My ball style bolt didn't fit for the throttle linkage on my 1970 Jeep Gladiator (8 cyl, 5.",
"7L Buick 350 engine).",
"I had to use the transdapt 2040 adapter to use on my stock intake manifold (bought from Amazon, also great).",
"All I did was use my drimel to cut the hole a bit larger then bam, could use all of my existing stock throttle linkage.",
"Overall great product.",
"The instructions that came in mine from holley were lacking but it was easy enough to figure out.",
"A lot of extra kickdown parts for auto transmission, but I didn't need with my manual trans so left it alone.",
"You don't need the throttle linkage adapters, just drill out the small hole that is just to the right of the largest top hole on the carb linkage (you'll know from looking at it) and throw on your stock return spring (I hooked it on the bottom left small hole) and you're good to go.",
"Holley tech recommended a $50 conversion kit and some other springs...",
"2 minutes with my drimel took care of it.",
"I prefer the ball type anyway.",
"500 CFM versus somewhere between 200-300 on my stock rochester setup, makes a huge difference.",
"The limiting factor is my intake manifold, so if you're running stock and your intake will only run say 400 cfm and you put on a 500 cfm carb, it'll max the 400, but hey, it's not a bad thing to have too mich airflow here, it will self-limit, but it's nice to know that if you upgrade intake manifolds later that you've already got enough cfm from your carb."
] |
It seems like the majority of reviewers don't know what a "pomade" actually is, so my first point is to clear this up. A pomade is generally designed to give hair a slick look, and just enough hold to ensure a style is maintained. A pomade is not a spiking gel or an aerosol designed to hold outrageous hairstyles in place. Generally, if the hairstyle you're going for could conceivably be termed "dapper", you're looking for a pomade or other cream product (see: Brylcreeme). George Clooney's character in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" used styling creme. Compared to that slick, old-fashioned look the Baxter Hard Cream Pomade has less of a sheen but a good bit more hold. It is ideal for most mens' hair styles.
As a pomade, this product is pitch-perfect. My hair is thick to the point it surprises even seasoned barbers, and I maintain a pretty simple parted style. The pomade applies easily, with wet hair just wet your hands and dab two fingers in the creme. Rub your hands vigorously, and finger-style your hair. I did my 'do in seconds, and had a hold good enough to survive winter weather for the bulk of the day without requiring a single adjustment- even being out in some decent wind. Five stars, zero qualms.
Again, a pomade is *not* meant to hold spiky hair, or lift a mohawk, or hold a Conan-O'Brien-style bouffant. A pomade *is* designed to enhance a wide variety of relatively short, masculine styles. To touch on a couple of other prominent points, this particular pomade does have a pink color in the jar, but it's not going to stain your hair with ribbons, so deal with it. The overall finish isn't greasy or slick, it's just that nice healthy shampoo commercial finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their manly style. Baxter makes fantastic products, and I am consistently including more of their products in my repertoire. | 2 | positive | [
"It seems like the majority of reviewers don't know what a \"pomade\" actually is, so my first point is to clear this up.",
"A pomade is generally designed to give hair a slick look, and just enough hold to ensure a style is maintained.",
"A pomade is not a spiking gel or an aerosol designed to hold outrageous hairstyles in place.",
"Generally, if the hairstyle you're going for could conceivably be termed \"dapper\", you're looking for a pomade or other cream product (see: Brylcreeme).",
"George Clooney's character in \"Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?",
"\" used styling creme.",
"Compared to that slick, old-fashioned look the Baxter Hard Cream Pomade has less of a sheen but a good bit more hold.",
"It is ideal for most mens' hair styles.",
"As a pomade, this product is pitch-perfect.",
"My hair is thick to the point it surprises even seasoned barbers, and I maintain a pretty simple parted style.",
"The pomade applies easily, with wet hair just wet your hands and dab two fingers in the creme.",
"Rub your hands vigorously, and finger-style your hair.",
"I did my 'do in seconds, and had a hold good enough to survive winter weather for the bulk of the day without requiring a single adjustment- even being out in some decent wind.",
"Five stars, zero qualms.",
"Again, a pomade is *not* meant to hold spiky hair, or lift a mohawk, or hold a Conan-O'Brien-style bouffant.",
"A pomade *is* designed to enhance a wide variety of relatively short, masculine styles.",
"To touch on a couple of other prominent points, this particular pomade does have a pink color in the jar, but it's not going to stain your hair with ribbons, so deal with it.",
"The overall finish isn't greasy or slick, it's just that nice healthy shampoo commercial finish.",
"Highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their manly style.",
"Baxter makes fantastic products, and I am consistently including more of their products in my repertoire."
] |
The hair out of the pack is very soft & silky. Hair has a slight smell to it (hopefully it will wash out). The bundle are very thin. Im going to buy a scale because there is no way these bundles are 100 grams. I will be updating after wash then another after install! Update: I was able to wear this hair from mid July to early September. The photos show the hair from initial install to last week on use in order. Hair comes back to life after each wash but starts to get more and more tangles. The hair sheds like crazy the hair wasn't as full as I like but was well worth the price. I will buy again | 2 | positive | [
"The hair out of the pack is very soft & silky.",
"Hair has a slight smell to it (hopefully it will wash out).",
"The bundle are very thin.",
"Im going to buy a scale because there is no way these bundles are 100 grams.",
"I will be updating after wash then another after install!",
"Update: I was able to wear this hair from mid July to early September.",
"The photos show the hair from initial install to last week on use in order.",
"Hair comes back to life after each wash but starts to get more and more tangles.",
"The hair sheds like crazy the hair wasn't as full as I like but was well worth the price.",
"I will buy again"
] |
We found a mat at PetSmart for almost $40. Told hubby, let's look on Amazon; found this one for about $15. Yay! Problem solved, right? This one had the best reviews out of a whole slew of mid-to-cruddy products.
When the box arrived I opened it; wow it sure is smaller than I expected. Even knowing the dimensions. And ... it looked so familiar. Yes, I've seen this material before: they sell it as door mats at home improvement stores! We have these SAME MATS in our store in fact. Only you get HUGE ones..you could get a floor mat and cut it up, and have several mats.
I will say that this material is good for catching litter, it has grooves. But I have to use the attachment on my vacuum to get out the litter, not just the vacuum itself. It will eat the edges of the mat (not finished well) and just not do a good job unless you have a nice attachment to suck up the debris from between the ridges. | 2 | positive | [
"We found a mat at PetSmart for almost $40.",
"Told hubby, let's look on Amazon; found this one for about $15.",
"Yay!",
"Problem solved, right?",
"This one had the best reviews out of a whole slew of mid-to-cruddy products.",
"When the box arrived I opened it; wow it sure is smaller than I expected.",
"Even knowing the dimensions.",
"And...",
"it looked so familiar.",
"Yes, I've seen this material before: they sell it as door mats at home improvement stores!",
"We have these SAME MATS in our store in fact.",
"Only you get HUGE ones..",
"you could get a floor mat and cut it up, and have several mats.",
"I will say that this material is good for catching litter, it has grooves.",
"But I have to use the attachment on my vacuum to get out the litter, not just the vacuum itself.",
"It will eat the edges of the mat (not finished well) and just not do a good job unless you have a nice attachment to suck up the debris from between the ridges."
] |
When "Rare Masters" was first issued in 1992, CDs had solidified their place in pop culture, but the concept of bonus tracks on re-releases of re-releases of remasters of albums we'd already bought four times previously hadn't taken off quite yet. So, when this set, jammed with what were at the time hard-to-find singles and other obscure releases from Elton John, hit record stores, it was time to party! Elton fans had pretty nice CD versions of some great b-sides, rarities and, for the first (and still the only) time on CD, "Friends," previously only available on vinyl.
Cut to 15 or so years later and the set has lost some of its intrinsic value. All the tracks on Disc 2, for example, have since reappeared on the various updates of Elton's albums from his purple period as bonus tracks and so on. So has part of Disc 1, but what continues to make the set of any value at all are the first two tracks on Disc 1: "I've Been Loving You" and "Here's To The Next Time" have yet to surface on CD in any other form, and of course there's the "Friends" soundtrack, still only available cleaned up and on CD here and here alone.
Eventually even those appearances may be supplanted by other versions, but for now, if you don't have many of the songs on any other recordings, or just want to have all the Elton you can get your hands on (don't we all?), then pick up a copy. It does have a nice booklet as well, with notes from Taupin on the various recordings. That and the "Friends" set alone are easily worth it. | 2 | positive | [
"When \"Rare Masters\" was first issued in 1992, CDs had solidified their place in pop culture, but the concept of bonus tracks on re-releases of re-releases of remasters of albums we'd already bought four times previously hadn't taken off quite yet.",
"So, when this set, jammed with what were at the time hard-to-find singles and other obscure releases from Elton John, hit record stores, it was time to party!",
"Elton fans had pretty nice CD versions of some great b-sides, rarities and, for the first (and still the only) time on CD, \"Friends,\" previously only available on vinyl.",
"Cut to 15 or so years later and the set has lost some of its intrinsic value.",
"All the tracks on Disc 2, for example, have since reappeared on the various updates of Elton's albums from his purple period as bonus tracks and so on.",
"So has part of Disc 1, but what continues to make the set of any value at all are the first two tracks on Disc 1: \"I've Been Loving You\" and \"Here's To The Next Time\" have yet to surface on CD in any other form, and of course there's the \"Friends\" soundtrack, still only available cleaned up and on CD here and here alone.",
"Eventually even those appearances may be supplanted by other versions, but for now, if you don't have many of the songs on any other recordings, or just want to have all the Elton you can get your hands on (don't we all?",
"), then pick up a copy.",
"It does have a nice booklet as well, with notes from Taupin on the various recordings.",
"That and the \"Friends\" set alone are easily worth it."
] |
Though many of the most "Helpful" reviews had low ratings, I enjoyed this movie. It has a lot of implied sensual content. You have to go pretty far to assume sexual content. I didn't notice any bad language. Some brief costumes and one naked back scene. The story was good. It is a teen nerdy coming of age story showing that just because someone is nerdy doesn't mean they aren't worth considering. It is pretty funny in some places and pretty serious in others. Like risky business and the fairy godmother from Cinderella - but created by "weird science" all rolled into one. Ok for teens. These two young men are obviously nerds because they create a woman on their computer; but they act different, shy, an lacking in social acceptance, living on their day-dreams of being socially accepted by the girls at school. They don't act nerdy; just socially inept. By the end of their "training" they learn social skills and prove they are really nice young men. The result is not the fun, the getting there is. | 2 | positive | [
"Though many of the most \"Helpful\" reviews had low ratings, I enjoyed this movie.",
"It has a lot of implied sensual content.",
"You have to go pretty far to assume sexual content.",
"I didn't notice any bad language.",
"Some brief costumes and one naked back scene.",
"The story was good.",
"It is a teen nerdy coming of age story showing that just because someone is nerdy doesn't mean they aren't worth considering.",
"It is pretty funny in some places and pretty serious in others.",
"Like risky business and the fairy godmother from Cinderella - but created by \"weird science\" all rolled into one.",
"Ok for teens.",
"These two young men are obviously nerds because they create a woman on their computer; but they act different, shy, an lacking in social acceptance, living on their day-dreams of being socially accepted by the girls at school.",
"They don't act nerdy; just socially inept.",
"By the end of their \"training\" they learn social skills and prove they are really nice young men.",
"The result is not the fun, the getting there is."
] |
My intial reaction of American Beauty was not really. It took me a long while to think this movie over, and I must say that American Beauty is a movie that will deliver again and again. It's not as realistic as people make it out to be, but American Beauty easily transcends these petty complaints with acting, themes, film making.
The acting is top notch, and a joy to watch. Kevin Spacey is brilliant, this is the one that made me always keep my eyes out for any movies that he is in (of course, not all of them are good, but that's not the point). Just watch the facial expressions, the anger, and the bite that these people put into their lines. Few movies include such stirring performances, which is just one reason why I can never stop watching this movie. The fantastic acting is further driven by a script crammed to the brim with top notch dialogue to boot. Oh sure, it's not Quentin Tarantino, it's better (well maybe not, but it's brilliant). It's not as rich as his dialogue, but pretty much every line on this is biting, sad, angry, and emotional. Of course, there's plenty of lines thrown in, to well, you know, add a sense of realism, lines necessary to communicate.(come on, there is no such thing as a person who speaks in non-mundane his whole life). Thank god, thank god.
American Beauty is not a visually striking film in the vein of Fight Club or Eraserhead (especially on first viewing), but once you study the movie a bit and listen to the INSIGHTFUL commentary, the film making aspect will impress. The camera angles, the lighting effects, the use of all of these is a testament to the expansive pallet of film-making.
Another extremely strong point that adds to the movies emotional effects is the absolutely fantastic soundtrack. I'm not talking about the soundtrack of other artists, which doesn't exactly feature a soundtrack on the par with Quentin Tarantino's mix tapes (though it features some good songs). I'm talking about Thomas Newman's brilliantly exotic, maudlin, and sentimental score. It's rife with exotic percussion instruments, and it transcends the movie into a somewhat mystical aura that's utterly jaw-dropping at it's best. If there's anything that makes the pretentious paper bag scene stike a chord in the firm believers (it's a nice tune to listen to on my own without the paper bag scene _______ up everything).
American Beauty really a movie that, despite it's out-there protagonist and psycholigcal leanings, delivers again and again, thanks to fantastic direction and entertainment. The film can be critized, but it's hard to ignore the many assets this movie has. And of course, the bonus features only add to the movie, especially that commentary. It's one of the best movies of the ninties, especially coming from a decade with such movies as Pulp Fiction and Silence of the Lambs. Absolutely worth watching.
Also, the Boston Celtics logo rip-off is probably the worst thing I have ever seen in my life. Give me a break. Can you at least rip the logo off of the Sacramento Kings or the Los Angeles Clippers, or even the Utah Jazz (Lakers will be NBA champions!!!!!)? Celtics deserve more respect than that (Being a Lakers fan, I respect and even like the franchise and it's players. Some of the fans are a different story).
B+ | 2 | positive | [
"My intial reaction of American Beauty was not really.",
"It took me a long while to think this movie over, and I must say that American Beauty is a movie that will deliver again and again.",
"It's not as realistic as people make it out to be, but American Beauty easily transcends these petty complaints with acting, themes, film making.",
"The acting is top notch, and a joy to watch.",
"Kevin Spacey is brilliant, this is the one that made me always keep my eyes out for any movies that he is in (of course, not all of them are good, but that's not the point).",
"Just watch the facial expressions, the anger, and the bite that these people put into their lines.",
"Few movies include such stirring performances, which is just one reason why I can never stop watching this movie.",
"The fantastic acting is further driven by a script crammed to the brim with top notch dialogue to boot.",
"Oh sure, it's not Quentin Tarantino, it's better (well maybe not, but it's brilliant).",
"It's not as rich as his dialogue, but pretty much every line on this is biting, sad, angry, and emotional.",
"Of course, there's plenty of lines thrown in, to well, you know, add a sense of realism, lines necessary to communicate.",
"(come on, there is no such thing as a person who speaks in non-mundane his whole life).",
"Thank god, thank god.",
"American Beauty is not a visually striking film in the vein of Fight Club or Eraserhead (especially on first viewing), but once you study the movie a bit and listen to the INSIGHTFUL commentary, the film making aspect will impress.",
"The camera angles, the lighting effects, the use of all of these is a testament to the expansive pallet of film-making.",
"Another extremely strong point that adds to the movies emotional effects is the absolutely fantastic soundtrack.",
"I'm not talking about the soundtrack of other artists, which doesn't exactly feature a soundtrack on the par with Quentin Tarantino's mix tapes (though it features some good songs).",
"I'm talking about Thomas Newman's brilliantly exotic, maudlin, and sentimental score.",
"It's rife with exotic percussion instruments, and it transcends the movie into a somewhat mystical aura that's utterly jaw-dropping at it's best.",
"If there's anything that makes the pretentious paper bag scene stike a chord in the firm believers (it's a nice tune to listen to on my own without the paper bag scene _______ up everything).",
"American Beauty really a movie that, despite it's out-there protagonist and psycholigcal leanings, delivers again and again, thanks to fantastic direction and entertainment.",
"The film can be critized, but it's hard to ignore the many assets this movie has.",
"And of course, the bonus features only add to the movie, especially that commentary.",
"It's one of the best movies of the ninties, especially coming from a decade with such movies as Pulp Fiction and Silence of the Lambs.",
"Absolutely worth watching.",
"Also, the Boston Celtics logo rip-off is probably the worst thing I have ever seen in my life.",
"Give me a break.",
"Can you at least rip the logo off of the Sacramento Kings or the Los Angeles Clippers, or even the Utah Jazz (Lakers will be NBA champions!!!!",
"!",
")?",
"Celtics deserve more respect than that (Being a Lakers fan, I respect and even like the franchise and it's players.",
"Some of the fans are a different story).",
"B+"
] |
This is one of the books by the ancient order of the Pythagorean Illuminati. The Illuminati also have a massive website, amageddonconspiracy.co.uk and a facebook page Ancient Order of The Illuminati that you can link to directly from their website. The three authors of this kindle book series and the website take some difficult subjects and make them understandable to the normal person. The authors write in a humorous and easy to read style that I appreciate immensely.
Now, how to review this book. All I can say is I feel this book is one of the most important books I have ever read. The whole point of existence is for a dimensionless soul to obtain complete knowledge of the dimensional and dimensionless aspects of existence through many incarnations into the dimensional realm. Having that complete knowledge is literally becoming a goddess or a god. It is Gnosis. It is what the eastern religions call Enlightenment. It is actualizing your full potential. It is nothing less then the purpose of existence.
We have been running around for years with no idea why we are alive on this planet, with nothing grander to do with our lives then work at an unsatisfying job, then when we get some time off we waste it by watching the latest television reality shows, going shopping, watching sports, playing video games, screwing around on social networking sites, and sitting in ridiculous churches, mosques, and synagogues praying to a tyrant who wants us on our knees in fear. In my opinion this pointless way of living and not having a purpose in life is a major cause of the many psychological disorders that are so prevalent in the world today. People are searching everywhere for answers except the one place they will be able to find them, inside themselves. Pythagoras, the first grand master of the Illuminati said "know thyself" and here the Illuminati are centuries later saying the same thing.
All I can say about this book is that it shows us how to become divine using the ideas of some of the greatest minds in history such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Joseph Campbell, Plotinus, and especially Carl Jung. Now it is up to us. | 2 | positive | [
"This is one of the books by the ancient order of the Pythagorean Illuminati.",
"The Illuminati also have a massive website, amageddonconspiracy.",
"co.",
"uk and a facebook page Ancient Order of The Illuminati that you can link to directly from their website.",
"The three authors of this kindle book series and the website take some difficult subjects and make them understandable to the normal person.",
"The authors write in a humorous and easy to read style that I appreciate immensely.",
"Now, how to review this book.",
"All I can say is I feel this book is one of the most important books I have ever read.",
"The whole point of existence is for a dimensionless soul to obtain complete knowledge of the dimensional and dimensionless aspects of existence through many incarnations into the dimensional realm.",
"Having that complete knowledge is literally becoming a goddess or a god.",
"It is Gnosis.",
"It is what the eastern religions call Enlightenment.",
"It is actualizing your full potential.",
"It is nothing less then the purpose of existence.",
"We have been running around for years with no idea why we are alive on this planet, with nothing grander to do with our lives then work at an unsatisfying job, then when we get some time off we waste it by watching the latest television reality shows, going shopping, watching sports, playing video games, screwing around on social networking sites, and sitting in ridiculous churches, mosques, and synagogues praying to a tyrant who wants us on our knees in fear.",
"In my opinion this pointless way of living and not having a purpose in life is a major cause of the many psychological disorders that are so prevalent in the world today.",
"People are searching everywhere for answers except the one place they will be able to find them, inside themselves.",
"Pythagoras, the first grand master of the Illuminati said \"know thyself\" and here the Illuminati are centuries later saying the same thing.",
"All I can say about this book is that it shows us how to become divine using the ideas of some of the greatest minds in history such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Joseph Campbell, Plotinus, and especially Carl Jung.",
"Now it is up to us."
] |
Tony! Toni!Tone! were an exceptional R&B group. Their songs Lets Get Down, Feels Good and If I Had No Loot are completely party and dance worthy. On the flip side songs like Anniversary, Whatever You Want and Lay Your Head On My Pillow are so romantic and great to chill to. Over all this cd is a great greatest hits cd for a group that won't be forgotten. Tony! Toni!Tone! still can get down! | 2 | positive | [
"Tony!",
"Toni!",
"Tone!",
"were an exceptional R&B group.",
"Their songs Lets Get Down, Feels Good and If I Had No Loot are completely party and dance worthy.",
"On the flip side songs like Anniversary, Whatever You Want and Lay Your Head On My Pillow are so romantic and great to chill to.",
"Over all this cd is a great greatest hits cd for a group that won't be forgotten.",
"Tony!",
"Toni!",
"Tone!",
"still can get down!"
] |
I had to return this because it didn't fit my Rigid saw, which is apparently a new design.
But... I must say that release is extremely well designed and built. Wow. It's sleek and anodized. The gear box is tight and clearly manufactured to last. Installation is not difficult, as you simply drill holes into the saw. The handle is strong and long for good leverage.
This was a splurge purchase, for sure and I'm sorry that I couldn't use it. I really dislike working that tension knob. | 2 | positive | [
"I had to return this because it didn't fit my Rigid saw, which is apparently a new design.",
"But...",
"I must say that release is extremely well designed and built.",
"Wow.",
"It's sleek and anodized.",
"The gear box is tight and clearly manufactured to last.",
"Installation is not difficult, as you simply drill holes into the saw.",
"The handle is strong and long for good leverage.",
"This was a splurge purchase, for sure and I'm sorry that I couldn't use it.",
"I really dislike working that tension knob."
] |
Amazing, simply amazing. That describes this new xbox game. I am not a gamer by heart, and give most games a brisk 10 mins to prove themselves worthy of joing my video cabinet. Within the few minutes it took to navigate the start up screen, and get a handle on the controls. I was completely hooked!!
I have logged about 15 hours on the game, and HAVE BARELY SCRATCHED THE SURFACE!!! The story is amazingly deep for a video game, and as others have said the score is very cool. I cannot stop playing. I must know what secrets lie just beyond the next door. I have never been so completely hooked on a video game as I have been with KOTOR. You must buy this game! For the die hard RPG'er, or if you are like me, and are just sticking your big toe in the water to see what it's like.
The controls are easy to master, the graphics are very nice, but as EGM said in their latest issue, they could use one more coat of polish, but i will not let that deter me from an otherwise flawless game. The story is just amazing, and seems to be well written with the player's future at the center. The other characters interact with your chosen character flawlessly, and realistically. I cannot say enough good things about this game, and hope that it becomes the next "Must Own" game for the Xbox.
Enjoy it, and May the Force Be With You!!!
Well 53 hours later, and I have beaten the game. WOW!!!! A true Star Wars ending. I must see what the downloadable content is going to look like that Biogames, and Lucasarts have promised. In my opinion with the sweet soundtrack, great visuals, and truly immersive stoeyline. KOTOR is a Must Buy for the Xbox. | 2 | positive | [
"Amazing, simply amazing.",
"That describes this new xbox game.",
"I am not a gamer by heart, and give most games a brisk 10 mins to prove themselves worthy of joing my video cabinet.",
"Within the few minutes it took to navigate the start up screen, and get a handle on the controls.",
"I was completely hooked!!",
"I have logged about 15 hours on the game, and HAVE BARELY SCRATCHED THE SURFACE!!!",
"The story is amazingly deep for a video game, and as others have said the score is very cool.",
"I cannot stop playing.",
"I must know what secrets lie just beyond the next door.",
"I have never been so completely hooked on a video game as I have been with KOTOR.",
"You must buy this game!",
"For the die hard RPG'er, or if you are like me, and are just sticking your big toe in the water to see what it's like.",
"The controls are easy to master, the graphics are very nice, but as EGM said in their latest issue, they could use one more coat of polish, but i will not let that deter me from an otherwise flawless game.",
"The story is just amazing, and seems to be well written with the player's future at the center.",
"The other characters interact with your chosen character flawlessly, and realistically.",
"I cannot say enough good things about this game, and hope that it becomes the next \"Must Own\" game for the Xbox.",
"Enjoy it, and May the Force Be With You!!!",
"Well 53 hours later, and I have beaten the game.",
"WOW!!!!",
"A true Star Wars ending.",
"I must see what the downloadable content is going to look like that Biogames, and Lucasarts have promised.",
"In my opinion with the sweet soundtrack, great visuals, and truly immersive stoeyline.",
"KOTOR is a Must Buy for the Xbox."
] |
Released on September 29, 1996, it seems like only yesterday I was spending countless amount of hours at my brother's house playing <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Goldeneye/dp/B00000DMAT/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Goldeneye</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/WWF-War-Zone/dp/B000034DEB/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">WWF War Zone</a> and <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Killer-Instinct/dp/B00002SVFM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Killer Instinct</a>. Being the only 3 games we owned at the time, we played them until our fingers almost had blisters. Of course I was a PS1 fan boy at the time and wasn't able to fully enjoy other titles until I got much older and was able to purchase the N64 and other titles with my own money.
The only quarrel I have with the N64 is Nintendo coming to the conclusion that it should go cart based instead of disc. Carts couldn't hold as much information as the disc based PS1, so often cut-scenes or intro videos were cut out to save room. Not a complete deal breaker but not the smartest move. This also equaled games being highly compressed and looking blurry or washed out. Nintendo has always been a step behind the pack, but I believe had they chosen to go the disc route they may have won that gens console war.
Still a great console for its time and tons of great multiplayer titles and of course the Mario & Zelda games. Would be an awesome first console for younger kids. It's still cheap and most games can be had from $5-40. | 2 | positive | [
"Released on September 29, 1996, it seems like only yesterday I was spending countless amount of hours at my brother's house playing <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Goldeneye/dp/B00000DMAT/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Goldeneye</a>,<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/WWF-War-Zone/dp/B000034DEB/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">WWF War Zone</a> and <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Killer-Instinct/dp/B00002SVFM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Killer Instinct</a>.",
"Being the only 3 games we owned at the time, we played them until our fingers almost had blisters.",
"Of course I was a PS1 fan boy at the time and wasn't able to fully enjoy other titles until I got much older and was able to purchase the N64 and other titles with my own money.",
"The only quarrel I have with the N64 is Nintendo coming to the conclusion that it should go cart based instead of disc.",
"Carts couldn't hold as much information as the disc based PS1, so often cut-scenes or intro videos were cut out to save room.",
"Not a complete deal breaker but not the smartest move.",
"This also equaled games being highly compressed and looking blurry or washed out.",
"Nintendo has always been a step behind the pack, but I believe had they chosen to go the disc route they may have won that gens console war.",
"Still a great console for its time and tons of great multiplayer titles and of course the Mario & Zelda games.",
"Would be an awesome first console for younger kids.",
"It's still cheap and most games can be had from $5-40."
] |
I got the Tria Beauty Hair Remover Laser 4X for my wife, since I have no unwanted hair. Here are her observations after the first use:
"The directions are lengthy and very thorough. Sometimes a little repetitive, but its really important to read all of it to prevent injury. There were several things I didn't know, such as, its unsafe for ears, eyebrows, nipples or genitals. Directions say you can do the bikini area, but that must mean high on your thighs. I am disappointed about the eyebrows.
"But my daughter and I found it quite easy to use on our upper lips and chins and expect good results, as we are fair skinned with dark hair. We will update this post as we continue the three-month treatment period. Men cant use it on their beard and mustache areas because their hair is too dense. (I know that from reading the booklet.) But womens facial hair is fair game. Not on moles or areas with dark pigment, though.
"Using the machine was quicker than reading about it. Operation is intuitive. The device beeps to let you know when to move it. And it was relatively pain free. You get to choose the level of intensity and control the pain. The directions say it may feel like a rubber band snap, which I was not keen to feel on my upper lip. We didn't experience that, but we did both experience a little bit of heat here and there. You can always decrease the intensity level. The instructions tell you how to start low and work your way up to avoid pain.
"It won't work for white, red or blonde hair. And it may burn people with dark skin. If you have dark skin, research carefully before you buy. The machine won't unlock until you let it check your skin tone to determine if you can use it safely.
"Instructions say the battery may run down with use, but we did two upper lips, necks and chins without disruption. There is a fast-charge mode if you do run out in the middle of a job.
"The packaging looks like a spa in a box."
Obviously, this device is not for everyone because of limitations imposed by hair and skin color and hair density and the dangers of using a laser around the eyes. These are things you need to be aware of before spending a substantial amount of money on a hair removal laser device. | 2 | positive | [
"I got the Tria Beauty Hair Remover Laser 4X for my wife, since I have no unwanted hair.",
"Here are her observations after the first use:\n\"The directions are lengthy and very thorough.",
"Sometimes a little repetitive, but its really important to read all of it to prevent injury.",
"There were several things I didn't know, such as, its unsafe for ears, eyebrows, nipples or genitals.",
"Directions say you can do the bikini area, but that must mean high on your thighs.",
"I am disappointed about the eyebrows.",
"\"But my daughter and I found it quite easy to use on our upper lips and chins and expect good results, as we are fair skinned with dark hair.",
"We will update this post as we continue the three-month treatment period.",
"Men cant use it on their beard and mustache areas because their hair is too dense.",
"(I know that from reading the booklet.",
") But womens facial hair is fair game.",
"Not on moles or areas with dark pigment, though.",
"\"Using the machine was quicker than reading about it.",
"Operation is intuitive.",
"The device beeps to let you know when to move it.",
"And it was relatively pain free.",
"You get to choose the level of intensity and control the pain.",
"The directions say it may feel like a rubber band snap, which I was not keen to feel on my upper lip.",
"We didn't experience that, but we did both experience a little bit of heat here and there.",
"You can always decrease the intensity level.",
"The instructions tell you how to start low and work your way up to avoid pain.",
"\"It won't work for white, red or blonde hair.",
"And it may burn people with dark skin.",
"If you have dark skin, research carefully before you buy.",
"The machine won't unlock until you let it check your skin tone to determine if you can use it safely.",
"\"Instructions say the battery may run down with use, but we did two upper lips, necks and chins without disruption.",
"There is a fast-charge mode if you do run out in the middle of a job.",
"\"The packaging looks like a spa in a box.",
"\"\nObviously, this device is not for everyone because of limitations imposed by hair and skin color and hair density and the dangers of using a laser around the eyes.",
"These are things you need to be aware of before spending a substantial amount of money on a hair removal laser device."
] |
People, Gothic 3 is not a bad game! It isn't. In fact it is actually a pretty good open-ended RPG. I have never before played any of the previous Gothic games, but the game does have more than its share of flaws.
Graphics. Really, is there anything to be said? The environmental graphics are very well done. Character models are pretty good too. But unfortunately, the animation is very choppy. This can be quite frustrating when you are trying to be emersed into the world of Gothic. The game actually runs quite well if you have new graphics cards, or even old ones.
Gameplay. Unfortunately, the combat is quite uninspired, it boils down to clicking on the right mouse button repeatedly until all threats have been dispatched. Of course magic is pretty fun to use, if a little shallow. There are a fair amount of spells that can be unlocked. For most of them, the longer you charge them up, the more damage you will cause, or you will trigger a special effect. For example, the ice rod projectile, when charged up, will freeze enemies on the spot (for a long time). Then there are the original spells like time bubble and animal form. Your character can also be customized with abilities, for example, the dark mage ability will allow your mana to regenerate. etc. Oh yeah, and you can dual weild!!!
Sound. The music is excellent and is probably the best in 2006 and possibly 2007. The voicing is usually good. Some sound effects are mediocre, but its all paid off by the amazing musical score.
Design. The world is huge, HUGE!!! I haven't even explored half of it yet, there are three regions in the game, a desert-like region, a temperate grassy region with lots of trees and mountains, and finally a snowy region. The transitions between these regions are done remarkably well and are breathtaking. The whole story focuses on the middle region of Myrtana (I think that's how it's spelled), where the orcs from the snowy region take over and force most of humanity into slavery. You can side with any faction and each will produce a different ending to the story. One problem though is that there are so many side quests everywhere that the main quest is broken up into sections, and gigantic gaps in between are the side quests. The game forces you to take on these side quests to build up reputation in a town, but this breaks the flow of the main quest and can make you forget about it altogether. With that said; there are enormous amounts of side quests, but most of them boil down to getting object "x" from place "y" and killing creature "z". But that is not exactly true for all of them, most of them are like that. Oh and the back of the box lies, it says that there are no loading times, but you often experience a period of time when your game suddenly freezes, those are loading times.
Story. A good story but as I said it is broken up so many times that it lacks urgency.
Stability. Some problems especially if you have an old processor (Pentium 4 or lower).
Graphics 8/10
Gameplay 7/10
Sound 10/10
Design 8/10
Story 7/10
Stability: Some problems
Overall: 7/10 - Good
Comments: If you like Open-ended RPGs you should buy this game. | 2 | positive | [
"People, Gothic 3 is not a bad game!",
"It isn't.",
"In fact it is actually a pretty good open-ended RPG.",
"I have never before played any of the previous Gothic games, but the game does have more than its share of flaws.",
"Graphics.",
"Really, is there anything to be said?",
"The environmental graphics are very well done.",
"Character models are pretty good too.",
"But unfortunately, the animation is very choppy.",
"This can be quite frustrating when you are trying to be emersed into the world of Gothic.",
"The game actually runs quite well if you have new graphics cards, or even old ones.",
"Gameplay.",
"Unfortunately, the combat is quite uninspired, it boils down to clicking on the right mouse button repeatedly until all threats have been dispatched.",
"Of course magic is pretty fun to use, if a little shallow.",
"There are a fair amount of spells that can be unlocked.",
"For most of them, the longer you charge them up, the more damage you will cause, or you will trigger a special effect.",
"For example, the ice rod projectile, when charged up, will freeze enemies on the spot (for a long time).",
"Then there are the original spells like time bubble and animal form.",
"Your character can also be customized with abilities, for example, the dark mage ability will allow your mana to regenerate.",
"etc.",
"Oh yeah, and you can dual weild!!!",
"Sound.",
"The music is excellent and is probably the best in 2006 and possibly 2007.",
"The voicing is usually good.",
"Some sound effects are mediocre, but its all paid off by the amazing musical score.",
"Design.",
"The world is huge, HUGE!!!",
"I haven't even explored half of it yet, there are three regions in the game, a desert-like region, a temperate grassy region with lots of trees and mountains, and finally a snowy region.",
"The transitions between these regions are done remarkably well and are breathtaking.",
"The whole story focuses on the middle region of Myrtana (I think that's how it's spelled), where the orcs from the snowy region take over and force most of humanity into slavery.",
"You can side with any faction and each will produce a different ending to the story.",
"One problem though is that there are so many side quests everywhere that the main quest is broken up into sections, and gigantic gaps in between are the side quests.",
"The game forces you to take on these side quests to build up reputation in a town, but this breaks the flow of the main quest and can make you forget about it altogether.",
"With that said; there are enormous amounts of side quests, but most of them boil down to getting object \"x\" from place \"y\" and killing creature \"z\".",
"But that is not exactly true for all of them, most of them are like that.",
"Oh and the back of the box lies, it says that there are no loading times, but you often experience a period of time when your game suddenly freezes, those are loading times.",
"Story.",
"A good story but as I said it is broken up so many times that it lacks urgency.",
"Stability.",
"Some problems especially if you have an old processor (Pentium 4 or lower).",
"Graphics 8/10\nGameplay 7/10\nSound 10/10\nDesign 8/10\nStory 7/10\nStability: Some problems\n\nOverall: 7/10 - Good\n\nComments: If you like Open-ended RPGs you should buy this game."
] |
A perfect fashion fantasy combining the daring photographs of Vogue's original bad boy imagist, Helmut Newton, the lusty, excessive energy of studio 54 era manhattan, the stiletto heeled chic of Faye Dunaway and the violently raw sexiness of Tommy Lee Jones ( to say nothing of the red hot disco soundtrack). The story spins around the controversially provocative high-fashion photographs shot by the infamous Laura Mars ( Dunaway looking as hot as the models) and her murderous preminitions. Casting the actual vogue models (and hair and makeup people) who actually participated in those racy fashion photos at that time makes it wonderfully authentic. A sensational thriller that captures that spirit of wild erotic abandon which the high fashion world was totally lost in at that time . To witness the outrageous photo-shoot sequences , gorgeous half naked lingerie-clad models cat -fighting in front of burning cars, models in evening glamour posing with pistols and dead male models- is worth it alone.
And we can all thank mr. Tom Ford for tapping back into that special time for his work at gucci....and later at saint laurent. A very modern film noir showcasing the glam-fantasy of disco- drama- murder mad manhattan.......pre- disney-fication! | 2 | positive | [
"A perfect fashion fantasy combining the daring photographs of Vogue's original bad boy imagist, Helmut Newton, the lusty, excessive energy of studio 54 era manhattan, the stiletto heeled chic of Faye Dunaway and the violently raw sexiness of Tommy Lee Jones ( to say nothing of the red hot disco soundtrack).",
"The story spins around the controversially provocative high-fashion photographs shot by the infamous Laura Mars ( Dunaway looking as hot as the models) and her murderous preminitions.",
"Casting the actual vogue models (and hair and makeup people) who actually participated in those racy fashion photos at that time makes it wonderfully authentic.",
"A sensational thriller that captures that spirit of wild erotic abandon which the high fashion world was totally lost in at that time.",
"To witness the outrageous photo-shoot sequences , gorgeous half naked lingerie-clad models cat -fighting in front of burning cars, models in evening glamour posing with pistols and dead male models- is worth it alone.",
"And we can all thank mr.",
"Tom Ford for tapping back into that special time for his work at gucci....",
"and later at saint laurent.",
"A very modern film noir showcasing the glam-fantasy of disco- drama- murder mad manhattan....",
"...",
"pre- disney-fication!"
] |
Even though this Hohner 38C Mini Harmonica, Major C is very small and very cute, and has limited value for playing any music, I still like it. It comes with a plastic casing in order to protect it and keep it clean. I have two standard size harmonicas which I play every day but I also worked a little with this mini model but it is more of a novelty than a serious musical instrument. Nevertheless, I found it to be a unique and interesting mini-harmonica.
I personally enjoyed fooling with this tiny harmonica and was able to make a little music with it. If you are into harmonicas you might want to check out this Hohner Mini-Harmonica. Just keep in mind that this is not a standard harmonica with 10 holes. This Mini-Harmonica only has 4 holes very close together.
Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Heart: An old warrior's poetic tribute). | 2 | positive | [
"Even though this Hohner 38C Mini Harmonica, Major C is very small and very cute, and has limited value for playing any music, I still like it.",
"It comes with a plastic casing in order to protect it and keep it clean.",
"I have two standard size harmonicas which I play every day but I also worked a little with this mini model but it is more of a novelty than a serious musical instrument.",
"Nevertheless, I found it to be a unique and interesting mini-harmonica.",
"I personally enjoyed fooling with this tiny harmonica and was able to make a little music with it.",
"If you are into harmonicas you might want to check out this Hohner Mini-Harmonica.",
"Just keep in mind that this is not a standard harmonica with 10 holes.",
"This Mini-Harmonica only has 4 holes very close together.",
"Rating: 4 Stars.",
"Joseph J.",
"Truncale (Author: The Samurai Heart: An old warrior's poetic tribute)."
] |
Backpacking on the cheap, that's how I roll. No, really I am basically a beginner on a tight budget so I'm on the prowl for deals. I scoured Amazon and I settled for this Coleman Crescent bag, because well, Coleman is a name I've trusted for years, I'd never heard of the other brands, and I really didn't know exactly what I was looking for. Not long after I ordered the bag I realized it was supposedly for "tall" people, which I certainly am not. Then after talking to my Uncle who has been backpacking for 20+ years, I started to worry about the 5.2 pound listed weight of the bag. All my fears were for naught though because when the bag arrived I immediately saw that it wasn't the same bag. Yes, it was a Coleman Crescent, but it was blue with a completely different design on the front, it was normal sized, and it weighed less then 2.5 pounds. It easily fit into the stuff sack and fit perfectly into my 35.00$ Cuscus Backpack. I will warn you however that this bag looks like it will only fit into bigger packs, as in 85 litres and higher...Needless to say I spent the entire month of August humping this bag into the mountains up here in the great white north of Washington State.. It probably only dipped into the low 40's or high 30's at the lowest, but I was so hot some nights I had to strip off thermals in the middle of the night. As a matter of fact, every single time ive used this bag I had to partially unzip it because I woke up in the night too hot.
So to recap... (1)The bag isn't too expensive. (2)The bag they send you is better then the bag described. (3) It is fairly lightweight, and should fit into or under your large pack, or easily strap onto an external frame (I've done both with it). (4)It keeps you warm at night.
Winter is around the corner so I should test the 15 degree rating as I backpack deep into fall, but I'm guessing it will do alright. The only knock I have is that there isn't any room to move your legs. I know it's a mummy bag and all, but dang, the legs are a little too snug. Up next, get rid of my 40.00$ 4-man dome tent that I'm packing in everywhere. | 2 | positive | [
"Backpacking on the cheap, that's how I roll.",
"No, really I am basically a beginner on a tight budget so I'm on the prowl for deals.",
"I scoured Amazon and I settled for this Coleman Crescent bag, because well, Coleman is a name I've trusted for years, I'd never heard of the other brands, and I really didn't know exactly what I was looking for.",
"Not long after I ordered the bag I realized it was supposedly for \"tall\" people, which I certainly am not.",
"Then after talking to my Uncle who has been backpacking for 20+ years, I started to worry about the 5.",
"2 pound listed weight of the bag.",
"All my fears were for naught though because when the bag arrived I immediately saw that it wasn't the same bag.",
"Yes, it was a Coleman Crescent, but it was blue with a completely different design on the front, it was normal sized, and it weighed less then 2.",
"5 pounds.",
"It easily fit into the stuff sack and fit perfectly into my 35.",
"00$ Cuscus Backpack.",
"I will warn you however that this bag looks like it will only fit into bigger packs, as in 85 litres and higher...",
"Needless to say I spent the entire month of August humping this bag into the mountains up here in the great white north of Washington State..",
"It probably only dipped into the low 40's or high 30's at the lowest, but I was so hot some nights I had to strip off thermals in the middle of the night.",
"As a matter of fact, every single time ive used this bag I had to partially unzip it because I woke up in the night too hot.",
"So to recap...",
"(1)The bag isn't too expensive.",
"(2)The bag they send you is better then the bag described.",
"(3) It is fairly lightweight, and should fit into or under your large pack, or easily strap onto an external frame (I've done both with it).",
"(4)It keeps you warm at night.",
"Winter is around the corner so I should test the 15 degree rating as I backpack deep into fall, but I'm guessing it will do alright.",
"The only knock I have is that there isn't any room to move your legs.",
"I know it's a mummy bag and all, but dang, the legs are a little too snug.",
"Up next, get rid of my 40.",
"00$ 4-man dome tent that I'm packing in everywhere."
] |
UPDATE: I gave a short review of this 2 years ago, so here's the update: I still use this case on a regular bassis (pun unfortunately intended), it still looks great, no major issues. This easily fits J-basses and P-Basses with very little wiggle room, but for a 5-string J-bass close, I found that the case is a big snug (read: I wouldn't use the case on a regular basis with this particular style of bass since the body bulges the case), but it does fit my cheap Fernandez 5-string.
Only two minor issues are that the mesh front pocket is worthless. I caught it on something when sliding it into the van, and it tore. No reason to have the mesh front pocket. Second, the velcro on the handstrap doesn't work very well. It's like they needed to make the flap a little longer, but even if it doesn't hold, it doesn't affect how I carry the bass.
I've never used the shoulder strap, there were a couple of times I wished for backpack straps.
Using a stencil, I painted my logo on the case with acrylic paints, and the material takes to the acrylics very well. Overall, I like this case a lot, and it tends to get used a lot because it's so light and it protects the bass.
----BEGIN ORIGINAL REVIEW----
I love this new wave of soft/hard cases. This is for a bass I built that has a larger than normal head on it, and there's plenty of room for the oversized head in this case.
Comes with a shoulder strap but not backpack straps. Well put together and should last a good amount of time. | 2 | positive | [
"UPDATE: I gave a short review of this 2 years ago, so here's the update: I still use this case on a regular bassis (pun unfortunately intended), it still looks great, no major issues.",
"This easily fits J-basses and P-Basses with very little wiggle room, but for a 5-string J-bass close, I found that the case is a big snug (read: I wouldn't use the case on a regular basis with this particular style of bass since the body bulges the case), but it does fit my cheap Fernandez 5-string.",
"Only two minor issues are that the mesh front pocket is worthless.",
"I caught it on something when sliding it into the van, and it tore.",
"No reason to have the mesh front pocket.",
"Second, the velcro on the handstrap doesn't work very well.",
"It's like they needed to make the flap a little longer, but even if it doesn't hold, it doesn't affect how I carry the bass.",
"I've never used the shoulder strap, there were a couple of times I wished for backpack straps.",
"Using a stencil, I painted my logo on the case with acrylic paints, and the material takes to the acrylics very well.",
"Overall, I like this case a lot, and it tends to get used a lot because it's so light and it protects the bass.",
"----BEGIN ORIGINAL REVIEW----\nI love this new wave of soft/hard cases.",
"This is for a bass I built that has a larger than normal head on it, and there's plenty of room for the oversized head in this case.",
"Comes with a shoulder strap but not backpack straps.",
"Well put together and should last a good amount of time."
] |
I got this lens some time ago, after several shots I can conclude somethings on this lens. It's sharp at 70mm, not so sharp from 90 to 200mm, and soft from any focal lenght farther than 200mm. The build quality is good, a bit heavy but ok to my taste. The only ED element included in this lens is not enough for avoiding chromatic aberrations, I've heard and read that either the G or D version delivery pretty the same results. The macro performance is poor, you can not go closer than 5ft. The lens is good for shooting birds, as u should know, the lens mounted on a camera with APCs sensor goes to 450mm at long end. Focus speed is also one of its weakest points, mostly from 200 to 300mm. I have some sample images on my pbase gallery (see link below) images posted on that galley have been edited and resized to a lower resolution, and most of them were taken at 300mm. The bokeh is good although you wouldnt like to see the orignal pictures since the softness and the lack of contrast is clear when u see images at full res. [...] Im leaning towards the buy of the newest version, the nikon 70-300mm VR. Hope I could get one soon, in order to post a brief opinion. | 2 | positive | [
"I got this lens some time ago, after several shots I can conclude somethings on this lens.",
"It's sharp at 70mm, not so sharp from 90 to 200mm, and soft from any focal lenght farther than 200mm.",
"The build quality is good, a bit heavy but ok to my taste.",
"The only ED element included in this lens is not enough for avoiding chromatic aberrations, I've heard and read that either the G or D version delivery pretty the same results.",
"The macro performance is poor, you can not go closer than 5ft.",
"The lens is good for shooting birds, as u should know, the lens mounted on a camera with APCs sensor goes to 450mm at long end.",
"Focus speed is also one of its weakest points, mostly from 200 to 300mm.",
"I have some sample images on my pbase gallery (see link below) images posted on that galley have been edited and resized to a lower resolution, and most of them were taken at 300mm.",
"The bokeh is good although you wouldnt like to see the orignal pictures since the softness and the lack of contrast is clear when u see images at full res.",
"[...",
"] Im leaning towards the buy of the newest version, the nikon 70-300mm VR.",
"Hope I could get one soon, in order to post a brief opinion."
] |
Bought this to help manage my BP. I can't believe it, but it seems to be working. I went from an average of 136/86, to 122/76! I have one cup in the morning, save the tea bag and use the rest for another cup in the late afternoon. The flavor is mild and very good. I like to add a bit of honey to mine.
Update: I have been on this tea for ten days now. One full cup in the morning and one full cup around 4 pm. I have been achieving BP readings of 115/78, and 108/78. No side effects thus far. Wonderful tea! | 2 | positive | [
"Bought this to help manage my BP.",
"I can't believe it, but it seems to be working.",
"I went from an average of 136/86, to 122/76!",
"I have one cup in the morning, save the tea bag and use the rest for another cup in the late afternoon.",
"The flavor is mild and very good.",
"I like to add a bit of honey to mine.",
"Update: I have been on this tea for ten days now.",
"One full cup in the morning and one full cup around 4 pm.",
"I have been achieving BP readings of 115/78, and 108/78.",
"No side effects thus far.",
"Wonderful tea!"
] |
"Halloween Party" is one of the later Agatha Christie mysteries, first published in 1969, and is perhaps (to my reckoning at least) one of the last great mysteries that she wrote before time began to take its toll. Although there are a few cracks in the plot, "Halloween Party" is still a riveting murder mystery, with all the false leads, red herrings, plot twists and all-important "psychology" that are the hallmarks of a Poirot mystery.
Ariadne Oliver - a reoccurring character who closely resembles Christie herself - is reluctantly helping out at a children's Halloween party. Ariadne is the center of attention on this particular night considering her career as a writer of murder mysteries, and halfway through the festivities a young girl pipes up with an extraordinary statement: that she once witnessed a murder, though it wasn't until years later that she realized it *was* a murder. Since the girl is a renowned storyteller, the rest of the party dismisses her claims.
But by the end of the night, Joyce Reynolds has been drowned in the bobbing-for-apples bucket. A near-hysterical Ariadne calls up Hercule Poirot for help, and our favorite Belgian detective soon finds himself embroiled in another mystery. Poirot decides to take Joyce's claim that she once witnessed a murder seriously, and so asks his police contacts to dredge up any unsolved murder cases in the area that Joyce may have seen. There are four possible murders that Joyce might have witnessed, but as Poirot digs deeper into each one, he finds that things are more complex than he could have ever imagined.
What's striking about "Halloween Party" is its eerie, spooky atmosphere. Though it's set in the typical English village, there is a fairytale quality about it, particularly when Poirot explores a sunken garden in an old quarry that puts him in mind of Eden even as it puts him instinctively on edge. Frequented by a strange, unworldly little girl and rumored to be the site of a hidden well, Poirot can't help but feel that it holds the key to the most recent murder.
The suspects are more lightly sketched than usual (and the discerning reader will notice that Christie calls attention to the killers by exploring them in more detail), which means that there is less human interest than in her very best work, but "Halloween Party" still manages to impress with its winding plot and creepy ambiance. Because of the age of the murder victims, there is a genuinely chilling air to the story, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for the killer to be revealed before another innocent life was lost.
Also telling is the time period in which this was written. In many of her later books Christie expresses her bafflement with the youth culture of the 1960s, with a definite air of "back in my day..." griping. In this case she casts a stern glance on parenting standards, police procedure, fashion styles, and long hair. I actually blinked when the word "lesbian" came up. Suffice to say, Christie's later publications have lost a little bit of their charm, being written too recently for most readers to enjoy the nostalgic quality that was apparent in those set further back in the 1920s - 1940s.
But Poirot is in good form here and Ariadne is a hoot, particularly since her partiality for apples is severely put to the test. I'm far from completing Christie's entire canon of novels, but I wouldn't be surprised if "Halloween Party" ends up being in my top ten favorites. | 2 | positive | [
"\"Halloween Party\" is one of the later Agatha Christie mysteries, first published in 1969, and is perhaps (to my reckoning at least) one of the last great mysteries that she wrote before time began to take its toll.",
"Although there are a few cracks in the plot, \"Halloween Party\" is still a riveting murder mystery, with all the false leads, red herrings, plot twists and all-important \"psychology\" that are the hallmarks of a Poirot mystery.",
"Ariadne Oliver - a reoccurring character who closely resembles Christie herself - is reluctantly helping out at a children's Halloween party.",
"Ariadne is the center of attention on this particular night considering her career as a writer of murder mysteries, and halfway through the festivities a young girl pipes up with an extraordinary statement: that she once witnessed a murder, though it wasn't until years later that she realized it *was* a murder.",
"Since the girl is a renowned storyteller, the rest of the party dismisses her claims.",
"But by the end of the night, Joyce Reynolds has been drowned in the bobbing-for-apples bucket.",
"A near-hysterical Ariadne calls up Hercule Poirot for help, and our favorite Belgian detective soon finds himself embroiled in another mystery.",
"Poirot decides to take Joyce's claim that she once witnessed a murder seriously, and so asks his police contacts to dredge up any unsolved murder cases in the area that Joyce may have seen.",
"There are four possible murders that Joyce might have witnessed, but as Poirot digs deeper into each one, he finds that things are more complex than he could have ever imagined.",
"What's striking about \"Halloween Party\" is its eerie, spooky atmosphere.",
"Though it's set in the typical English village, there is a fairytale quality about it, particularly when Poirot explores a sunken garden in an old quarry that puts him in mind of Eden even as it puts him instinctively on edge.",
"Frequented by a strange, unworldly little girl and rumored to be the site of a hidden well, Poirot can't help but feel that it holds the key to the most recent murder.",
"The suspects are more lightly sketched than usual (and the discerning reader will notice that Christie calls attention to the killers by exploring them in more detail), which means that there is less human interest than in her very best work, but \"Halloween Party\" still manages to impress with its winding plot and creepy ambiance.",
"Because of the age of the murder victims, there is a genuinely chilling air to the story, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for the killer to be revealed before another innocent life was lost.",
"Also telling is the time period in which this was written.",
"In many of her later books Christie expresses her bafflement with the youth culture of the 1960s, with a definite air of \"back in my day...",
"\" griping.",
"In this case she casts a stern glance on parenting standards, police procedure, fashion styles, and long hair.",
"I actually blinked when the word \"lesbian\" came up.",
"Suffice to say, Christie's later publications have lost a little bit of their charm, being written too recently for most readers to enjoy the nostalgic quality that was apparent in those set further back in the 1920s - 1940s.",
"But Poirot is in good form here and Ariadne is a hoot, particularly since her partiality for apples is severely put to the test.",
"I'm far from completing Christie's entire canon of novels, but I wouldn't be surprised if \"Halloween Party\" ends up being in my top ten favorites."
] |
I love this game. I've owned it since it's release. I first played it at the arcade, and when I found it was being ported to the Xbox, exclusively, I was overjoyed. It was 30 bucks when it came out and can be had for less than half of that nowadays. The game is underrated. People seem to forget about it, but not me. I'll always enjoy it. The graphics are great. SNK developed the game, so they have their own sprites that they use for the characters. There are a great selection of characters as well. On the character select screen, if you hold down the right trigger, you can select a bunch of new characters from both companies. The stages are great, the music is memorable, and each fighter talks to each other before a match. There are lots of modes, but I like the classic Arcade mode the most. I played a bunch of matches on Xbox Live before it was shut down, and had a blast. I would resort to choosing Hugo and being as cheap as possible when I would fight those hardcore players in Asia. But needless to say, this is an awesome game and it's worth buying an original Xbox for this. Pick it up! | 2 | positive | [
"I love this game.",
"I've owned it since it's release.",
"I first played it at the arcade, and when I found it was being ported to the Xbox, exclusively, I was overjoyed.",
"It was 30 bucks when it came out and can be had for less than half of that nowadays.",
"The game is underrated.",
"People seem to forget about it, but not me.",
"I'll always enjoy it.",
"The graphics are great.",
"SNK developed the game, so they have their own sprites that they use for the characters.",
"There are a great selection of characters as well.",
"On the character select screen, if you hold down the right trigger, you can select a bunch of new characters from both companies.",
"The stages are great, the music is memorable, and each fighter talks to each other before a match.",
"There are lots of modes, but I like the classic Arcade mode the most.",
"I played a bunch of matches on Xbox Live before it was shut down, and had a blast.",
"I would resort to choosing Hugo and being as cheap as possible when I would fight those hardcore players in Asia.",
"But needless to say, this is an awesome game and it's worth buying an original Xbox for this.",
"Pick it up!"
] |
This is my third Brew 'N Go, and I wish I had never given away the first one. The switch broke on the second one after 3.5 years. I love this coffee maker. I don't need filters or have to spend a ton on 'K-cups' like other 1 cup brewers. I tried a 4 cup machine, but could not get the coffee to taste the same using the same amount of grounds. I had to use double and it still wasn't as good. That is now in the cabinet and I went back to the Black and Decker. I'm so happy I found it on Amazon and hope they continue to carry it in case this one breaks. I do wish the switch wouldn't have broke. Not looking forward to buying a new coffee maker every few years if that is the case. If this one breaks I might just buy a percolator. | 2 | positive | [
"This is my third Brew 'N Go, and I wish I had never given away the first one.",
"The switch broke on the second one after 3.",
"5 years.",
"I love this coffee maker.",
"I don't need filters or have to spend a ton on 'K-cups' like other 1 cup brewers.",
"I tried a 4 cup machine, but could not get the coffee to taste the same using the same amount of grounds.",
"I had to use double and it still wasn't as good.",
"That is now in the cabinet and I went back to the Black and Decker.",
"I'm so happy I found it on Amazon and hope they continue to carry it in case this one breaks.",
"I do wish the switch wouldn't have broke.",
"Not looking forward to buying a new coffee maker every few years if that is the case.",
"If this one breaks I might just buy a percolator."
] |
Jethro Tull Fans & consumers BEWARE!! There have been several misleading "Reviews" offered up about this album. BE CAREFUL about which version you are trying to buy.
I've been a Tull fan since about 1972 (when I was in High School); my first Tull LP purchases were "Thick as a Brick" and then "Living in the Past".
When the Tull CD's first came out, I bought almost all of them (naturally), and am now in the process of replacing my earlier versions with the newer "Remixed/Remastered" versions. However, I had bought the U.S. version of "Living in the Past", and chose not to buy the much more expensive "Gold CD"/"Mobile Fidelity" versions; these versions are, however, more "complete" in that they do include all of the tracks from the original 1972 vinyl release.
Many have noted that the one-CD versions of "Living in the Past" have deleted various tracks from the original '72 vinyl release due to "time constrictions", to keep things to one CD. These versions generally do add a track not found in the original ("Inside", from BENEFIT).
However, I recently purchased the UK Import version of "Living in the Past", after reading one of the reviews WHICH SHOULD ONLY HAVE APPLIED TO THE "GOLD CD"/MOBILE FIDELITY version, as it stated that "this is the only complete version available", etc.
Instead, *there are differences in the tracks* between the UK Import version and the apparently now-out-of-print US version (which I already had).
Here are the differences: BOTH one-CD versions (US & UK) omit "Bouree" and "Teacher"; this is not a terribly great loss to most Tull fans, as any Tull fan will probably have these previously-released tracks on another CD--although these are two of Tull's best songs!
BOTH one-CD versions (US & UK) add "Inside" (also previously-released), but which was NOT on the original 1972 vinyl LP.
However, here's the important distinction between the US & UK version: The US version DOES include "Alive and Well and Living In", and also includes "Hymn 43" (another excellent song), but does NOT have "Locomotive Breath" (which can also be found on AQUALUNG).
The UK version DOES NOT have "Hymn 43", but does include "Locomotive Breath" . . .! And again, it does not have "Alive and Well and Living In" (nor "Bouree" or "Teacher").
In a "side-by-side" comparison, and a close examination of the liner notes, etc., it appears that the US and UK one-CD versions are otherwise identical, and have the same recordings/mixes, but you'll get one more track in the US version than in the UK Import; unfortunately the US version now appears to be out-of-print . . .!
What we really need is a new, repackaged (orignial packaging, etc.) two-CD remixed/remastered version of this old favorite, with ALL of the original tracks included on the '72 LP, and which would have "room" for interviews, bonus tracks, or whatnot.
By the way, we need this because this is one terrific album!! A "complete" version would rate 5 stars. | 2 | positive | [
"Jethro Tull Fans & consumers BEWARE!!",
"There have been several misleading \"Reviews\" offered up about this album.",
"BE CAREFUL about which version you are trying to buy.",
"I've been a Tull fan since about 1972 (when I was in High School); my first Tull LP purchases were \"Thick as a Brick\" and then \"Living in the Past\".",
"When the Tull CD's first came out, I bought almost all of them (naturally), and am now in the process of replacing my earlier versions with the newer \"Remixed/Remastered\" versions.",
"However, I had bought the U.",
"S. version of \"Living in the Past\", and chose not to buy the much more expensive \"Gold CD\"/\"Mobile Fidelity\" versions; these versions are, however, more \"complete\" in that they do include all of the tracks from the original 1972 vinyl release.",
"Many have noted that the one-CD versions of \"Living in the Past\" have deleted various tracks from the original '72 vinyl release due to \"time constrictions\", to keep things to one CD.",
"These versions generally do add a track not found in the original (\"Inside\", from BENEFIT).",
"However, I recently purchased the UK Import version of \"Living in the Past\", after reading one of the reviews WHICH SHOULD ONLY HAVE APPLIED TO THE \"GOLD CD\"/MOBILE FIDELITY version, as it stated that \"this is the only complete version available\", etc.",
"Instead, *there are differences in the tracks* between the UK Import version and the apparently now-out-of-print US version (which I already had).",
"Here are the differences: BOTH one-CD versions (US & UK) omit \"Bouree\" and \"Teacher\"; this is not a terribly great loss to most Tull fans, as any Tull fan will probably have these previously-released tracks on another CD--although these are two of Tull's best songs!",
"BOTH one-CD versions (US & UK) add \"Inside\" (also previously-released), but which was NOT on the original 1972 vinyl LP.",
"However, here's the important distinction between the US & UK version: The US version DOES include \"Alive and Well and Living In\", and also includes \"Hymn 43\" (another excellent song), but does NOT have \"Locomotive Breath\" (which can also be found on AQUALUNG).",
"The UK version DOES NOT have \"Hymn 43\", but does include \"Locomotive Breath\".",
".",
".!",
"And again, it does not have \"Alive and Well and Living In\" (nor \"Bouree\" or \"Teacher\").",
"In a \"side-by-side\" comparison, and a close examination of the liner notes, etc.",
", it appears that the US and UK one-CD versions are otherwise identical, and have the same recordings/mixes, but you'll get one more track in the US version than in the UK Import; unfortunately the US version now appears to be out-of-print.",
".",
".!",
"What we really need is a new, repackaged (orignial packaging, etc.",
") two-CD remixed/remastered version of this old favorite, with ALL of the original tracks included on the '72 LP, and which would have \"room\" for interviews, bonus tracks, or whatnot.",
"By the way, we need this because this is one terrific album!!",
"A \"complete\" version would rate 5 stars."
] |
UPDATE, 4/18/2009: After nearly two years, my DeathAdder has been experiencing problems. The finish is starting to come off of the top of the mouse, and the left mouse button is intermittently cutting in and out such that if I try to click and drag anything, it stops halfway through. Thankfully, the warranty is two years and I will most likely be getting a replacement. However, before you read the glowing review below, keep in mind that you may suffer issues in the long term.
ANOTHER UPDATE, 2/25/2014: Nearly five years later, my DeathAdder replacement is still going strong. Either Razer has improved their mouse manufacturing processes or I just got unlucky last time. Either way, kudos to them. They've also updated their software several times since I first wrote this review, so my gripes about the install are no longer valid and I've deleted them. The Razer software v2.0 works great on PC and Mac (though if you want to get the forward and back buttons to work on Mac, it's much easier to use a free third-party program like BetterTouchTool than it is to try to use macros, which are still hilariously broken).
I'm a gamer, but loathe PC-based first-person shooters. So one might think this mouse overkill for someone like me. However, I splurged on this mouse anyhow thinking it might come in handy elsewhere, be it in Warcraft 3 or just a web browser.
The first thing you notice right after you plug it in is that it looks cool. The scroll wheel is a bright blue, and the Razer logo gives off a soft blue pulsing glow. However, you can turn the lights off in software if this isn't your thing, which is a nice plus.
I've found the mouse extremely comfortable (though unfortunately it's ever-so-slightly curved to one side, which means southpaws need not apply) and very, VERY responsive. It never skips, jumps, or glitches. The buttons are easy to click but not so easy as to cause mis-clicks, especially the two buttons on the left side, which are a bit sturdier. The mouse comes with a decently long cord with a gold-plated USB connection too; having used wireless mice I must say I prefer this setup to changing batteries, rechargeable or no.
When I first considered buying, I was stuck between this and the Microsoft Habu, mostly because the latter has two additional buttons and a left-to-right tilt wheel. I've tried both, and I must say this is clearly superior, not just in price point but comfort as well. You don't really need the two extra buttons unless you plan on switching the DPI a lot, and according to ESReality's Mousescore 2007 the mouse performs far better in 1800 DPI than 900 or 450, so it's probably better to stick to the highest DPI and change the sensitivity instead. I can't say I miss the left-right tilt wheel either, since the scroll button's click function is a universal scroll in web browsers, and that's just as good if not better.
$45 seems a bit expensive for a mouse, but even for non-gamers, consider how much you use it - it's probably 99% of all user input to your computer, so why not splurge a little on an excellent mouse? Razer is also apparently moving into mice/keyboards/etc. with a general computer usage focus, so those non-gamers out there should check out other Razer products as well. | 2 | positive | [
"UPDATE, 4/18/2009: After nearly two years, my DeathAdder has been experiencing problems.",
"The finish is starting to come off of the top of the mouse, and the left mouse button is intermittently cutting in and out such that if I try to click and drag anything, it stops halfway through.",
"Thankfully, the warranty is two years and I will most likely be getting a replacement.",
"However, before you read the glowing review below, keep in mind that you may suffer issues in the long term.",
"ANOTHER UPDATE, 2/25/2014: Nearly five years later, my DeathAdder replacement is still going strong.",
"Either Razer has improved their mouse manufacturing processes or I just got unlucky last time.",
"Either way, kudos to them.",
"They've also updated their software several times since I first wrote this review, so my gripes about the install are no longer valid and I've deleted them.",
"The Razer software v2.",
"0 works great on PC and Mac (though if you want to get the forward and back buttons to work on Mac, it's much easier to use a free third-party program like BetterTouchTool than it is to try to use macros, which are still hilariously broken).",
"I'm a gamer, but loathe PC-based first-person shooters.",
"So one might think this mouse overkill for someone like me.",
"However, I splurged on this mouse anyhow thinking it might come in handy elsewhere, be it in Warcraft 3 or just a web browser.",
"The first thing you notice right after you plug it in is that it looks cool.",
"The scroll wheel is a bright blue, and the Razer logo gives off a soft blue pulsing glow.",
"However, you can turn the lights off in software if this isn't your thing, which is a nice plus.",
"I've found the mouse extremely comfortable (though unfortunately it's ever-so-slightly curved to one side, which means southpaws need not apply) and very, VERY responsive.",
"It never skips, jumps, or glitches.",
"The buttons are easy to click but not so easy as to cause mis-clicks, especially the two buttons on the left side, which are a bit sturdier.",
"The mouse comes with a decently long cord with a gold-plated USB connection too; having used wireless mice I must say I prefer this setup to changing batteries, rechargeable or no.",
"When I first considered buying, I was stuck between this and the Microsoft Habu, mostly because the latter has two additional buttons and a left-to-right tilt wheel.",
"I've tried both, and I must say this is clearly superior, not just in price point but comfort as well.",
"You don't really need the two extra buttons unless you plan on switching the DPI a lot, and according to ESReality's Mousescore 2007 the mouse performs far better in 1800 DPI than 900 or 450, so it's probably better to stick to the highest DPI and change the sensitivity instead.",
"I can't say I miss the left-right tilt wheel either, since the scroll button's click function is a universal scroll in web browsers, and that's just as good if not better.",
"$45 seems a bit expensive for a mouse, but even for non-gamers, consider how much you use it - it's probably 99% of all user input to your computer, so why not splurge a little on an excellent mouse?",
"Razer is also apparently moving into mice/keyboards/etc.",
"with a general computer usage focus, so those non-gamers out there should check out other Razer products as well."
] |
The classics are here. This is where it all began to be sure. "Strutter," "Deuce," "Cold Gin," "Black Diamond." These are the songs upon which the Army originally stood. They're GREAT songs, still vital and viable after all these years. BUT, the quality of this recording is absymal. KISS had no money and this record proves that point. As great as these songs are, there are better versions out there. This album is certainly an important piece of rock history (or KISStory) but I'm afraid it isn't something you'll actually play a lot. If you want to hear vibrant versions of these songs, pick up "Alive." That's when these songs truly came to life. | 2 | positive | [
"The classics are here.",
"This is where it all began to be sure.",
"\"Strutter,\" \"Deuce,\" \"Cold Gin,\" \"Black Diamond.",
"\" These are the songs upon which the Army originally stood.",
"They're GREAT songs, still vital and viable after all these years.",
"BUT, the quality of this recording is absymal.",
"KISS had no money and this record proves that point.",
"As great as these songs are, there are better versions out there.",
"This album is certainly an important piece of rock history (or KISStory) but I'm afraid it isn't something you'll actually play a lot.",
"If you want to hear vibrant versions of these songs, pick up \"Alive.",
"\" That's when these songs truly came to life."
] |
Indeed, this is one of the two best live albums of all time, along with "It's Alive" by the Ramones. And it also sports one of the great cover photos as well. Could it be that the Ramones lifted the idea for their first cover from this one? ... Nah!
The original LP had tremendous sound quality, when Capricorn was still being distributed by Atlantic. It's odd indeed that the Fillmore East cuts that showed up later on "Eat a Peach" sounded so much muddier when Capricorn moved over to Warners for distribution purposes.
Anyway, I digress. Listen to this work and marvel at the level of musicianship on display.
A few years after this came out, I had pretty much ODed on Southern boogie rock, and can't stand to admit that I was into it so much in the early 1970s.
But "Fillmore East" is a work that transcends mere genre and is a timeless classic.
Back in the day, many bands that built a loyal following by endlessly gigging around the country were never quite able to translate their appeal to vinyl. This, then, is the biggest case in point.
But who cares anyway? This is the only ABB CD your ever need to own. | 2 | positive | [
"Indeed, this is one of the two best live albums of all time, along with \"It's Alive\" by the Ramones.",
"And it also sports one of the great cover photos as well.",
"Could it be that the Ramones lifted the idea for their first cover from this one?",
"...",
"Nah!",
"The original LP had tremendous sound quality, when Capricorn was still being distributed by Atlantic.",
"It's odd indeed that the Fillmore East cuts that showed up later on \"Eat a Peach\" sounded so much muddier when Capricorn moved over to Warners for distribution purposes.",
"Anyway, I digress.",
"Listen to this work and marvel at the level of musicianship on display.",
"A few years after this came out, I had pretty much ODed on Southern boogie rock, and can't stand to admit that I was into it so much in the early 1970s.",
"But \"Fillmore East\" is a work that transcends mere genre and is a timeless classic.",
"Back in the day, many bands that built a loyal following by endlessly gigging around the country were never quite able to translate their appeal to vinyl.",
"This, then, is the biggest case in point.",
"But who cares anyway?",
"This is the only ABB CD your ever need to own."
] |
Given the low price, this bumper is pretty good quality. The red part is a hard plastic while the black is a rubberized plastic. It already helped my iPhone survive a fall when my son dropped it.
It went on easily and stays on very well. All the buttons work fine, the dock connector is accessible and the headphone jack has enough clearance for the ones I use.
The power button actually gets pressed if you push on the corner or middle of that end of the case. It'll also trigger the power button if you pull the sides of the bumper outward. Not a big deal, though for me, but causes an occasionally accidental power-off.
The parts where the red meets the black have some edges that can be felt, but they're not overly sharp. The volume buttons are ok, but I can see a little bit of the chrome paint coming off.
I like this bumper since it keeps the glass off of surfaces when you put it down. It also is more comfortable to talk on the phone since your ear hits the rubber bumper instead of the metal/glass seam of the iPhone.
Not something I'd want to pay more than $5 for, but definitely worth it at or below that price. It's a great alternative to the more pricey name brand ones, especially if you don't want a full case.
Since there's so many sellers, I'll also mention that I bought mine through xFish online here on Amazon and was pleased with their shipping speed. | 2 | positive | [
"Given the low price, this bumper is pretty good quality.",
"The red part is a hard plastic while the black is a rubberized plastic.",
"It already helped my iPhone survive a fall when my son dropped it.",
"It went on easily and stays on very well.",
"All the buttons work fine, the dock connector is accessible and the headphone jack has enough clearance for the ones I use.",
"The power button actually gets pressed if you push on the corner or middle of that end of the case.",
"It'll also trigger the power button if you pull the sides of the bumper outward.",
"Not a big deal, though for me, but causes an occasionally accidental power-off.",
"The parts where the red meets the black have some edges that can be felt, but they're not overly sharp.",
"The volume buttons are ok, but I can see a little bit of the chrome paint coming off.",
"I like this bumper since it keeps the glass off of surfaces when you put it down.",
"It also is more comfortable to talk on the phone since your ear hits the rubber bumper instead of the metal/glass seam of the iPhone.",
"Not something I'd want to pay more than $5 for, but definitely worth it at or below that price.",
"It's a great alternative to the more pricey name brand ones, especially if you don't want a full case.",
"Since there's so many sellers, I'll also mention that I bought mine through xFish online here on Amazon and was pleased with their shipping speed."
] |
Bought a pair of these 15 years ago and they lasted all this time. Actually, until my husband got too rough with them and pulled the delicate wires. This pair is much more delicate in feel which worries me, but it makes them super lightweight, which I love.
The old earbuds were bigger, and in my opinion not made for the human ear. They really hurt my ears after a minute or two of listening. This pair has smaller, super soft earbuds that are shaped to fit a human ear! Without the sound you wouldn't even know they're on.
The price is reasonable, but the sound could be louder/clearer. There is no static, just not enough volume. Maybe I need to remove the cushion on the buds? Lastly, my old pair folded, which made it easy to fit into a pocket. I really miss this feature!
All in all, these are a great little pair of lightweight, comfortable earphones, with a decent sound. The foldability is the only missing feature stopping them from being a 5 stars rating for what I need. | 2 | positive | [
"Bought a pair of these 15 years ago and they lasted all this time.",
"Actually, until my husband got too rough with them and pulled the delicate wires.",
"This pair is much more delicate in feel which worries me, but it makes them super lightweight, which I love.",
"The old earbuds were bigger, and in my opinion not made for the human ear.",
"They really hurt my ears after a minute or two of listening.",
"This pair has smaller, super soft earbuds that are shaped to fit a human ear!",
"Without the sound you wouldn't even know they're on.",
"The price is reasonable, but the sound could be louder/clearer.",
"There is no static, just not enough volume.",
"Maybe I need to remove the cushion on the buds?",
"Lastly, my old pair folded, which made it easy to fit into a pocket.",
"I really miss this feature!",
"All in all, these are a great little pair of lightweight, comfortable earphones, with a decent sound.",
"The foldability is the only missing feature stopping them from being a 5 stars rating for what I need."
] |
This is a stylish, classic looking French press coffee brewer. I absolutely love the Bodum Chambord style brewers, and the 8 cup is a great option. Keep in mind that the cup measure is actually for 6 oz. for coffee, and so you never get quite so much coffee as you think you will - especially if you drink it black.
Key to French press coffee is ensuring the grind is large enough that the coffee grinds will be held down by the metal screen, thus avoiding finding them in your coffee. A nub of coffee here or there is normal and won't hurt anything.
The French press method is so simple that is deceptive. Put in an appropriate amount of ground coffee to taste, fill with water (just off boil is great), and let it steep. It helps to stir it before putting the cover back on with a non-metallic stirrer, and the grounds should foam up a little bit. When you have steeped enough, a single consistent press of the handle will force the grounds to the bottom and let you pour out excellent coffee. You don't want to pump the handle in any way.
For an alternate coffee experience, try Cold Press coffee - done with cold water, overnight, you will find a milder, smoother flavor to your coffee. This process is equally well suited to the French Press. | 2 | positive | [
"This is a stylish, classic looking French press coffee brewer.",
"I absolutely love the Bodum Chambord style brewers, and the 8 cup is a great option.",
"Keep in mind that the cup measure is actually for 6 oz.",
"for coffee, and so you never get quite so much coffee as you think you will - especially if you drink it black.",
"Key to French press coffee is ensuring the grind is large enough that the coffee grinds will be held down by the metal screen, thus avoiding finding them in your coffee.",
"A nub of coffee here or there is normal and won't hurt anything.",
"The French press method is so simple that is deceptive.",
"Put in an appropriate amount of ground coffee to taste, fill with water (just off boil is great), and let it steep.",
"It helps to stir it before putting the cover back on with a non-metallic stirrer, and the grounds should foam up a little bit.",
"When you have steeped enough, a single consistent press of the handle will force the grounds to the bottom and let you pour out excellent coffee.",
"You don't want to pump the handle in any way.",
"For an alternate coffee experience, try Cold Press coffee - done with cold water, overnight, you will find a milder, smoother flavor to your coffee.",
"This process is equally well suited to the French Press."
] |
After his self-titled debut album, Dylan stunned 1963 listeners with his second disc, which opens with three Dylan classics in a row: "Blowin' in the Wind" is a timeless classic which has been covered countless times by countless artists. 40 years later, its power to convey what's wrong with the world has not diminished one bit. "Girl From the North Country" remains one of Dylan's classic love songs. "Masters of War" is a song that will be topical as long as war is waged in any portion of the planet. Two other tunes, "Hard Rain" and "Don't Think Twice" are among the best songs Dylan ever wrote. Dylan still performs these tunes in concert nearly four decades later. It's really quite amazing how well these songs hold up after all the years since their initial release. Great songs will always be great.
The Dylan of 1963 sought to tell us about the world and what was happening in it as he saw it, but he also wanted us to have a couple of laughs. "Talking World War III Blues" and "I Shall Be Free," though dated only by the characters named, are still great examples of Dylan's sharp wit (which, by the way, has not decreased at all in 2002).
'Freewheelin'' marks the first time Dylan wrote or co-wrote nearly all of the songs on the album. ("Corinna, Corinna" is the lone exception.) The disc is finally being recognized as one of Dylan's best, alongside 'Blonde on Blonde' and 'Blood on the Tracks.' It's about time.
Disc Time - 50:06 | 2 | positive | [
"After his self-titled debut album, Dylan stunned 1963 listeners with his second disc, which opens with three Dylan classics in a row: \"Blowin' in the Wind\" is a timeless classic which has been covered countless times by countless artists.",
"40 years later, its power to convey what's wrong with the world has not diminished one bit.",
"\"Girl From the North Country\" remains one of Dylan's classic love songs.",
"\"Masters of War\" is a song that will be topical as long as war is waged in any portion of the planet.",
"Two other tunes, \"Hard Rain\" and \"Don't Think Twice\" are among the best songs Dylan ever wrote.",
"Dylan still performs these tunes in concert nearly four decades later.",
"It's really quite amazing how well these songs hold up after all the years since their initial release.",
"Great songs will always be great.",
"The Dylan of 1963 sought to tell us about the world and what was happening in it as he saw it, but he also wanted us to have a couple of laughs.",
"\"Talking World War III Blues\" and \"I Shall Be Free,\" though dated only by the characters named, are still great examples of Dylan's sharp wit (which, by the way, has not decreased at all in 2002).",
"'Freewheelin'' marks the first time Dylan wrote or co-wrote nearly all of the songs on the album.",
"(\"Corinna, Corinna\" is the lone exception.",
") The disc is finally being recognized as one of Dylan's best, alongside 'Blonde on Blonde' and 'Blood on the Tracks.",
"' It's about time.",
"Disc Time - 50:06"
] |
This is an interesting item because it can function as a gift item (where you put the gift inside) and an actual piggy bank with a slot on top.
I bought it for the former, as an inexpensive $6ish way to give a gift card (and yes, an Amazon gift card fits inside).
As a gift giver, it is decent. The maze is not really complex, so if you are giving to a kid (which I am) then it is fine. If you are an adult, it is pretty simple. There are not a lot of "bad routes" you can take. Essentially if you go the wrong way you get blocked off pretty quickly so you never have to backtrack very much.
The ball is very close to the exit when you get it which is good, so you can basically just open it and put the gift in.
The latch seems pretty cheap. I don't expect it to last long, but for the price I can't complain.
I will state a tip, when you open the maze and are ready to close it, make sure the ball is on the correct side of the latch.
To me it seems easier to have it on the opening side, then back track the ball until it meets the difficulty I think is appropriate.
If you don't, then you will need to take the ball all the way around, which is essentially the hardest the puzzle could be. Again, not too difficult, but I didn't want that for who I was giving to. | 2 | positive | [
"This is an interesting item because it can function as a gift item (where you put the gift inside) and an actual piggy bank with a slot on top.",
"I bought it for the former, as an inexpensive $6ish way to give a gift card (and yes, an Amazon gift card fits inside).",
"As a gift giver, it is decent.",
"The maze is not really complex, so if you are giving to a kid (which I am) then it is fine.",
"If you are an adult, it is pretty simple.",
"There are not a lot of \"bad routes\" you can take.",
"Essentially if you go the wrong way you get blocked off pretty quickly so you never have to backtrack very much.",
"The ball is very close to the exit when you get it which is good, so you can basically just open it and put the gift in.",
"The latch seems pretty cheap.",
"I don't expect it to last long, but for the price I can't complain.",
"I will state a tip, when you open the maze and are ready to close it, make sure the ball is on the correct side of the latch.",
"To me it seems easier to have it on the opening side, then back track the ball until it meets the difficulty I think is appropriate.",
"If you don't, then you will need to take the ball all the way around, which is essentially the hardest the puzzle could be.",
"Again, not too difficult, but I didn't want that for who I was giving to."
] |
I am mourning the slow death of the Adventure Genre. I remember when Sierra was pumping out incredible adventure games at a very impressive rate...............seemingly successful ones too. However Sierra is for all practical purposes dead in the Adventure world(see KQ:mask of eternity). Sadly Gabriel Knight(the best series ever in my opinion), Quest for Glory(second best series) and the rest of their catalogue will probably never get to see the light of day again(unless they get worked into a quake installment somehow lol).
This lack of productivity in the genre left me searching for older games in the field that I had never played. I found Sanitarium online for relatively cheap and ordered it........I was not dissapointed........It is by far one of the most imaginative storylines I've come across. The gameplay is perhaps too easy for the most part, though there are some moderately tough puzzles to figure out. And while the voice acting ranges from horrible(unfortunately the lead is the horrible part of it) to slightly above average(the children of chapter two were extremely creepy), it makes up for its other deficiencies with an incredible story . | 2 | positive | [
"I am mourning the slow death of the Adventure Genre.",
"I remember when Sierra was pumping out incredible adventure games at a very impressive rate....",
"....",
"....",
"...",
"seemingly successful ones too.",
"However Sierra is for all practical purposes dead in the Adventure world(see KQ:mask of eternity).",
"Sadly Gabriel Knight(the best series ever in my opinion), Quest for Glory(second best series) and the rest of their catalogue will probably never get to see the light of day again(unless they get worked into a quake installment somehow lol).",
"This lack of productivity in the genre left me searching for older games in the field that I had never played.",
"I found Sanitarium online for relatively cheap and ordered it....",
"....",
"I was not dissapointed....",
"....",
"It is by far one of the most imaginative storylines I've come across.",
"The gameplay is perhaps too easy for the most part, though there are some moderately tough puzzles to figure out.",
"And while the voice acting ranges from horrible(unfortunately the lead is the horrible part of it) to slightly above average(the children of chapter two were extremely creepy), it makes up for its other deficiencies with an incredible story."
] |
I don't like Seven. All who recommend it say it's a good film and that it is well made. But did they like it? Oh, no. This is not a remake of Frank Capra's "It's a wonderful Life" but a film that is designed to depress. The first time you see it is the worst. You are subjected to events of nastiness that go far beyond gritty realism and just as you begin to hope there will be something resembling a happy ending it delivers the ultimate slap in the face. This film is about sin, about how it corrupts the world around us and about how inescapable it is.
Brad Pitt has never been better and is well suited to character of Mills. Morgan Freeman is great as always and Kevin Spacey also makes a brief but memorable appearance. It is a film that also has a unique visual quality to it but it is the sound that really makes the atmosphere. Using the sound to generate an atmosphere is a shrewd move because many won't notice it unless it's pointed out. Barking dogs, car sirens, continual rain, there is no peace in this film and at times the ambient sounds drown out the dialogue. (It's okay; the DVD has subtitles). Compare Seven with most other films and you'll notice that sound is rarely used in such an artistic way.
The DVD itself is very nice indeed. The first disk has the film itself and four commentaries. Everyone featured on the commentaries is honest about their experiences and when listening to them you begin to learn all kinds of things about the person speaking and the movie process. David Fincher's contributions are the real price for me as Alien3 is one of favourite films and I found out a great deal more about him. On the first commentary you'll find out more about Brad Pitt here than a years subscription to any gossip magazine. Perhaps maybe two. Morgan Freeman is also a pleasure to listen too. It is remarkable to learn about what makes these people tick and what makes them laugh. The commentaries also feature Richard Dyer; author of the BFI critique of Seven, and most of the material featured in the book is in the various commentaries. Of course, four commentaries means you have to watch the film four times over. A summary documentary would have been nice.
The second disc disappoints. There isn't a great deal of material on it, only a few detailed scenes and other stuff.
Overall this is an excellent DVD for an excellent, but depressing, film. | 2 | positive | [
"I don't like Seven.",
"All who recommend it say it's a good film and that it is well made.",
"But did they like it?",
"Oh, no.",
"This is not a remake of Frank Capra's \"It's a wonderful Life\" but a film that is designed to depress.",
"The first time you see it is the worst.",
"You are subjected to events of nastiness that go far beyond gritty realism and just as you begin to hope there will be something resembling a happy ending it delivers the ultimate slap in the face.",
"This film is about sin, about how it corrupts the world around us and about how inescapable it is.",
"Brad Pitt has never been better and is well suited to character of Mills.",
"Morgan Freeman is great as always and Kevin Spacey also makes a brief but memorable appearance.",
"It is a film that also has a unique visual quality to it but it is the sound that really makes the atmosphere.",
"Using the sound to generate an atmosphere is a shrewd move because many won't notice it unless it's pointed out.",
"Barking dogs, car sirens, continual rain, there is no peace in this film and at times the ambient sounds drown out the dialogue.",
"(It's okay; the DVD has subtitles).",
"Compare Seven with most other films and you'll notice that sound is rarely used in such an artistic way.",
"The DVD itself is very nice indeed.",
"The first disk has the film itself and four commentaries.",
"Everyone featured on the commentaries is honest about their experiences and when listening to them you begin to learn all kinds of things about the person speaking and the movie process.",
"David Fincher's contributions are the real price for me as Alien3 is one of favourite films and I found out a great deal more about him.",
"On the first commentary you'll find out more about Brad Pitt here than a years subscription to any gossip magazine.",
"Perhaps maybe two.",
"Morgan Freeman is also a pleasure to listen too.",
"It is remarkable to learn about what makes these people tick and what makes them laugh.",
"The commentaries also feature Richard Dyer; author of the BFI critique of Seven, and most of the material featured in the book is in the various commentaries.",
"Of course, four commentaries means you have to watch the film four times over.",
"A summary documentary would have been nice.",
"The second disc disappoints.",
"There isn't a great deal of material on it, only a few detailed scenes and other stuff.",
"Overall this is an excellent DVD for an excellent, but depressing, film."
] |
This is an album for grown ups released over 20 years after he burst on the scene. The re-mastered version especially shines where you can clearly hear all the production further back in the mix. It's very 80s but at the same time it has a bit of 60's rock in it. The up front super-reactive drum production annoys some and I was one of those a few years back but I've come round to enjoying this album all the way through now. Lyrically there is a loose theme of 'Man' or 'Mankind' the flipside of the more overtly God oriented albums preceding. "Now he worships at an altar of a stagnant pool, And when he sees his reflection, he's fulfilled...." - that line pretty much sums up the album for me. His albums from 62 - 83 are of consistently astonishing quality showcasing wide ranging vocal abilities the like of which we may not hear again in our lifetimes. I for one absolutely want to hear every track here although it took me a while to get to that point. Where are 'Lord Protect My Child', 'Tell Me' 'Foot Of Pride' and 'Blind Willie McTell'? They were all recorded during the Infidels sessions so a wonderful third side can be found on the bootleg series album - vol 3. My theory is Dylan didn't want 'God' mentioned at the point he put the album out but God is still here in spades between the lines throughout this album. Perhaps that theory is daft. Needless to say, those four tracks are flat out great as well. The album as released though is great and has grown on me more than any other Dylan album and i think is generally speaking very underated by the Dylan fan base although it's each to their own of course. The guy can sing. What can you say?
ps. good to know Bob get's his belt buckles at this site | 2 | positive | [
"This is an album for grown ups released over 20 years after he burst on the scene.",
"The re-mastered version especially shines where you can clearly hear all the production further back in the mix.",
"It's very 80s but at the same time it has a bit of 60's rock in it.",
"The up front super-reactive drum production annoys some and I was one of those a few years back but I've come round to enjoying this album all the way through now.",
"Lyrically there is a loose theme of 'Man' or 'Mankind' the flipside of the more overtly God oriented albums preceding.",
"\"Now he worships at an altar of a stagnant pool, And when he sees his reflection, he's fulfilled....",
"\" - that line pretty much sums up the album for me.",
"His albums from 62 - 83 are of consistently astonishing quality showcasing wide ranging vocal abilities the like of which we may not hear again in our lifetimes.",
"I for one absolutely want to hear every track here although it took me a while to get to that point.",
"Where are 'Lord Protect My Child', 'Tell Me' 'Foot Of Pride' and 'Blind Willie McTell'?",
"They were all recorded during the Infidels sessions so a wonderful third side can be found on the bootleg series album - vol 3.",
"My theory is Dylan didn't want 'God' mentioned at the point he put the album out but God is still here in spades between the lines throughout this album.",
"Perhaps that theory is daft.",
"Needless to say, those four tracks are flat out great as well.",
"The album as released though is great and has grown on me more than any other Dylan album and i think is generally speaking very underated by the Dylan fan base although it's each to their own of course.",
"The guy can sing.",
"What can you say?",
"ps.",
"good to know Bob get's his belt buckles at this site"
] |
For a long time, I didn't really understand this movie. The plot is pretty straightforward: a mad Air Force general orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, and the two countries have to stop the attack before it sets off the dreaded Doomsday Machine. Just as it looks as though the day has been won, suddenly...ah, but we can't reveal the ending for those of you who haven't seen it.
And yet, buried underneath this Cold War suspense plot, there is one of the darkest, sexually tinged black comedies ever made. It was the "buried underneath" part that confused me. But my curiosity about the film led me to the public library, where I checked out a book that would open my eyes to the "meaning" of Kubrick's works, and help me to "understand" movies in general: "Stanley Kubrick Directs" by Alexander Walker. I read the essays presented in this fascinating book, and I puzzled over the author's discovery of sexual metaphors buried within nearly every frame of Dr. Strangelove. "Sex! Sex! Sex!" the movie screams -- according to the book. Sex in the form of the mad general who is impotent, and strikes back against the world, finally killing himself when he cannot achieve his orgasm. Sex in the form of Dr. Strangelove himself, who is so excited with the idea that his mad plan is going to be implemented that he loses control of his own body, starts jerking his arm in phallic "Seig Heil" motions, and gets out of his own chair and walks "erect!" And sex all over the place, from Buck Turgidson's secretary to Colonel Bat Guano and his obsession with "deviated preverts" and nuclear bombs with "Hi There!" and "Dear John" written on them.
Reading this interpretation of the movie encouraged me to turn opn the VCR and watch Dr. Strangelove once again...and the movie did indeed begin to fall into place. I could see where the author was coming from, though much of it seemed confusing to me...until one crucial moment, when the nuclear attack has been called off (or so everyone thinks), and General Turgidson calls out for everyone to bow their heads and utter a (kypocritical) prayer of thanks. Suddenly, as the heads of state are saying their prayers, we see Dr. Strangelove sitting far away, in a corner, shrouded in light from the screens so that his image is little more than a silhouette. But despite the fact that we can barely see him, we can practically *feel* his emotions: disappointment, or possibly even anger. This man had actually WANTED the world to end, and when it did not occur he was disappointed, or frustrated, or even furious.
And with that single shot, that single moment, the meaning of Dr. Strangelove suddenly clicked into place for me.
Ever since then, I've looked upon Stanley Kubrick's films with a different eye -- and, I hope, upon movies in general...or indeed, upon our society in general. For I now believe that there is indeed a hidden, subliminal "language" of interpretation that exists, if we know where to look for it. And I have Stanley Kubrick and DR. STRANGELOVE to thank for opening my eyes. This unforgettable nightmare comedy of nuclear Armegeddon, hysteria, and sexual innuendoes seems to get better with each passing year. The Cold War may be over, but the nightmare of nuclear holocaust hasn't ended, and indeed the slow collapse of the military-industrial complex only seems to make nuclear disaster of some sort more inevitable over time. (The possibility of nuclear terrorism, environmental disaster of some sort, or nuclear war between unstable powers such as India and Pakistan is currently growing at a frightening rate.) Kubrick had the audacity to show us what a sick joke the whole prospect of the arms race is, and even today a frightening number of people fail to get the punchline. I find myself returning to this movie time and again, when I'm despondent and feel like laughing at what a sick joke the world can be. | 2 | positive | [
"For a long time, I didn't really understand this movie.",
"The plot is pretty straightforward: a mad Air Force general orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, and the two countries have to stop the attack before it sets off the dreaded Doomsday Machine.",
"Just as it looks as though the day has been won, suddenly...",
"ah, but we can't reveal the ending for those of you who haven't seen it.",
"And yet, buried underneath this Cold War suspense plot, there is one of the darkest, sexually tinged black comedies ever made.",
"It was the \"buried underneath\" part that confused me.",
"But my curiosity about the film led me to the public library, where I checked out a book that would open my eyes to the \"meaning\" of Kubrick's works, and help me to \"understand\" movies in general: \"Stanley Kubrick Directs\" by Alexander Walker.",
"I read the essays presented in this fascinating book, and I puzzled over the author's discovery of sexual metaphors buried within nearly every frame of Dr.",
"Strangelove.",
"\"Sex!",
"Sex!",
"Sex!",
"\" the movie screams -- according to the book.",
"Sex in the form of the mad general who is impotent, and strikes back against the world, finally killing himself when he cannot achieve his orgasm.",
"Sex in the form of Dr.",
"Strangelove himself, who is so excited with the idea that his mad plan is going to be implemented that he loses control of his own body, starts jerking his arm in phallic \"Seig Heil\" motions, and gets out of his own chair and walks \"erect!",
"\" And sex all over the place, from Buck Turgidson's secretary to Colonel Bat Guano and his obsession with \"deviated preverts\" and nuclear bombs with \"Hi There!",
"\" and \"Dear John\" written on them.",
"Reading this interpretation of the movie encouraged me to turn opn the VCR and watch Dr.",
"Strangelove once again...",
"and the movie did indeed begin to fall into place.",
"I could see where the author was coming from, though much of it seemed confusing to me...",
"until one crucial moment, when the nuclear attack has been called off (or so everyone thinks), and General Turgidson calls out for everyone to bow their heads and utter a (kypocritical) prayer of thanks.",
"Suddenly, as the heads of state are saying their prayers, we see Dr.",
"Strangelove sitting far away, in a corner, shrouded in light from the screens so that his image is little more than a silhouette.",
"But despite the fact that we can barely see him, we can practically *feel* his emotions: disappointment, or possibly even anger.",
"This man had actually WANTED the world to end, and when it did not occur he was disappointed, or frustrated, or even furious.",
"And with that single shot, that single moment, the meaning of Dr.",
"Strangelove suddenly clicked into place for me.",
"Ever since then, I've looked upon Stanley Kubrick's films with a different eye -- and, I hope, upon movies in general...",
"or indeed, upon our society in general.",
"For I now believe that there is indeed a hidden, subliminal \"language\" of interpretation that exists, if we know where to look for it.",
"And I have Stanley Kubrick and DR.",
"STRANGELOVE to thank for opening my eyes.",
"This unforgettable nightmare comedy of nuclear Armegeddon, hysteria, and sexual innuendoes seems to get better with each passing year.",
"The Cold War may be over, but the nightmare of nuclear holocaust hasn't ended, and indeed the slow collapse of the military-industrial complex only seems to make nuclear disaster of some sort more inevitable over time.",
"(The possibility of nuclear terrorism, environmental disaster of some sort, or nuclear war between unstable powers such as India and Pakistan is currently growing at a frightening rate.",
") Kubrick had the audacity to show us what a sick joke the whole prospect of the arms race is, and even today a frightening number of people fail to get the punchline.",
"I find myself returning to this movie time and again, when I'm despondent and feel like laughing at what a sick joke the world can be."
] |
A couple of disclaimers before I begin. I did buy this at a retail store and not from Amazon. I was able to find what appears to be a rarity, and that is this mower with a grass catcher included. That was my primary reason for getting it at a retail store - amazon didn't carry it. Second, I have some nastaglia for this product. My grandmother had one of these and I used to mow her lawn when I was about 7-8 years old. It was so much fun! The first day I was using it I had a huge grin on my face. My wife took a video from the kitchen window without me knowing it - I was having so much fun.
Finally at 43 I have a postage stamped sized yard in Southern California. I really did not need the noise and overkill of a gas mower, so I searched this product out. It cuts quite well, and the grass catcher that came included is somewhat useful.
First the mower. Assembly was easy despite the poor instructions - basically a picture with arrows and no words. But if you have ever assembled anything, this should take you about 15 minutes. It is really just assembling and attaching the handle. I did not have to adjust the blades at all, but after reading some other reviews I might adjust them slightly to the looser side. One gripe I have had is that the initial "push" required to get it spinning is tough. Once it is moving pushing is easy, but then you stop and turn, and back to pushing hard again for a split second. That might be why some people have written bad reviews about the handle breaking(?).
Nonetheless, it cuts really well. What I like is that the grass still looks natural when I'm done cutting. Meaning, it doesn;t look like I just cut it. Sort of like when you get a haricut and everyone can tell because it is so neat? I actually like it better when it grows out a bit and looks more natural.
As others have noted, it does not cut really tall grass or weeds well. I use a trimmer for the weeds and tight boundaries around the yard anyway, so that isn't important to me. Adjusting the height is very easy.
Now the grass catcher. Amazon sells a second party grass catcher that can attach to the mower and it gets horrible reviews. I am not sure if that is what was packaged in mine or not. I'll admit it isn't perfect, but I do prefer to use it. It attaches easily and catches about 75% of the grass. I leave the 25% mixed into the lawn as mulch. But if I don't use the grass catcher, so much is left behind I'd have to rake and I hate raking. It does drag on the ground a bit. I tried to adjust it so it was level and just about 1" above the ground while pushing, but then the grass slides forward and out. So I just let it drag.
My front yard is about 20' by 10', and back yard is 40' by 20'. All told it take me about 20 minutes to mow the lawn and I have to empty the grass catcher about 5 times. The catcher doesn't hold a lot, but again, I don't have to rake.
I would recommend this to anyone who meets one or more of these criteria:
- Small yeard
- Doesn't want the noise or stink of a gas mower
- Wants to be more environmentally friendly
I had also debated getting a cordless electric mower, but those were 2.5 times the price of this. In the end I am very happy with this purchase. | 2 | positive | [
"A couple of disclaimers before I begin.",
"I did buy this at a retail store and not from Amazon.",
"I was able to find what appears to be a rarity, and that is this mower with a grass catcher included.",
"That was my primary reason for getting it at a retail store - amazon didn't carry it.",
"Second, I have some nastaglia for this product.",
"My grandmother had one of these and I used to mow her lawn when I was about 7-8 years old.",
"It was so much fun!",
"The first day I was using it I had a huge grin on my face.",
"My wife took a video from the kitchen window without me knowing it - I was having so much fun.",
"Finally at 43 I have a postage stamped sized yard in Southern California.",
"I really did not need the noise and overkill of a gas mower, so I searched this product out.",
"It cuts quite well, and the grass catcher that came included is somewhat useful.",
"First the mower.",
"Assembly was easy despite the poor instructions - basically a picture with arrows and no words.",
"But if you have ever assembled anything, this should take you about 15 minutes.",
"It is really just assembling and attaching the handle.",
"I did not have to adjust the blades at all, but after reading some other reviews I might adjust them slightly to the looser side.",
"One gripe I have had is that the initial \"push\" required to get it spinning is tough.",
"Once it is moving pushing is easy, but then you stop and turn, and back to pushing hard again for a split second.",
"That might be why some people have written bad reviews about the handle breaking(?",
").",
"Nonetheless, it cuts really well.",
"What I like is that the grass still looks natural when I'm done cutting.",
"Meaning, it doesn;t look like I just cut it.",
"Sort of like when you get a haricut and everyone can tell because it is so neat?",
"I actually like it better when it grows out a bit and looks more natural.",
"As others have noted, it does not cut really tall grass or weeds well.",
"I use a trimmer for the weeds and tight boundaries around the yard anyway, so that isn't important to me.",
"Adjusting the height is very easy.",
"Now the grass catcher.",
"Amazon sells a second party grass catcher that can attach to the mower and it gets horrible reviews.",
"I am not sure if that is what was packaged in mine or not.",
"I'll admit it isn't perfect, but I do prefer to use it.",
"It attaches easily and catches about 75% of the grass.",
"I leave the 25% mixed into the lawn as mulch.",
"But if I don't use the grass catcher, so much is left behind I'd have to rake and I hate raking.",
"It does drag on the ground a bit.",
"I tried to adjust it so it was level and just about 1\" above the ground while pushing, but then the grass slides forward and out.",
"So I just let it drag.",
"My front yard is about 20' by 10', and back yard is 40' by 20'.",
"All told it take me about 20 minutes to mow the lawn and I have to empty the grass catcher about 5 times.",
"The catcher doesn't hold a lot, but again, I don't have to rake.",
"I would recommend this to anyone who meets one or more of these criteria:\n- Small yeard\n- Doesn't want the noise or stink of a gas mower\n- Wants to be more environmentally friendly\n\nI had also debated getting a cordless electric mower, but those were 2.",
"5 times the price of this.",
"In the end I am very happy with this purchase."
] |
Le Creuset makes amazing enamelware. This product meets the expectation one should have of Le Creuset, for the price of their products.
Pros: Lifetime warranty (as with all Le Creuset Enamelware); large enough to make a family sized side dish in; pretty.
Cons: I'll probably replace the nob with a metal one (available from Le Creuset) because though these nobs withstand high heat, the metal nobs are preferred for oven cooking at higher temperatures; the price of Le Creuset is higher than most, and; since the enameled product is cast iron, it's heavier than other brands.
Recommend: This product is for anyone who wants to add a fun casserole dish to their collection. It's size lends itself well to a side dish cooked for a family of 5. If you don't mind paying 3x-5x the cost of most newer brands of enamelware, it's a one time purchase and you won't be disappointed. If ANYTHING goes wrong with this enamelware under normal use, the manufacturer will replace it entirely, like they promise with all of their enamelware. Le Creuset is the only company that uses the type of multiple-enameling process over cast iron that it is known for. Rather than using crummy cookware and having to fight to find cookware that cooks evenly, spend a little extra if you can and slowly collect this brand. You will not regret it. We have found that their casserole dishes, when used on the stovetop and covered with their lid, can cut cooking time of stews and soups by 1/3-1/2. I would not recommend Le Creuset's larger enameled pots or pans to those with significant Arthritis in their hands or wrists, because of the weight of the iron and the strength it takes to maneuver the cookware. | 2 | positive | [
"Le Creuset makes amazing enamelware.",
"This product meets the expectation one should have of Le Creuset, for the price of their products.",
"Pros: Lifetime warranty (as with all Le Creuset Enamelware); large enough to make a family sized side dish in; pretty.",
"Cons: I'll probably replace the nob with a metal one (available from Le Creuset) because though these nobs withstand high heat, the metal nobs are preferred for oven cooking at higher temperatures; the price of Le Creuset is higher than most, and; since the enameled product is cast iron, it's heavier than other brands.",
"Recommend: This product is for anyone who wants to add a fun casserole dish to their collection.",
"It's size lends itself well to a side dish cooked for a family of 5.",
"If you don't mind paying 3x-5x the cost of most newer brands of enamelware, it's a one time purchase and you won't be disappointed.",
"If ANYTHING goes wrong with this enamelware under normal use, the manufacturer will replace it entirely, like they promise with all of their enamelware.",
"Le Creuset is the only company that uses the type of multiple-enameling process over cast iron that it is known for.",
"Rather than using crummy cookware and having to fight to find cookware that cooks evenly, spend a little extra if you can and slowly collect this brand.",
"You will not regret it.",
"We have found that their casserole dishes, when used on the stovetop and covered with their lid, can cut cooking time of stews and soups by 1/3-1/2.",
"I would not recommend Le Creuset's larger enameled pots or pans to those with significant Arthritis in their hands or wrists, because of the weight of the iron and the strength it takes to maneuver the cookware."
] |
This game is a must have for fans of the Back To The Future series or any card enthusiast.
The gameplay is fast paced and unique, providing a unique layout that sets it apart from any of the games I've played before. It definitely has the feature that defines any great gaming experience: "Easy to learn, difficult to master!"
If you are a fan of Back To The Future or have a friend who is, this is a great way to introduce them to the world of card games. My friend and I read through the rules once and were off and playing within five minutes of opening the box. After one play through we had grasped how the game was played and started developing our own strategies. The layout of the game might make it seem intimidating (you must layout a series of 24 events detailing the story line), but this is deceptively simple and not at all hard to grasp. If you're familiar with the story, your actions and goals will naturally make sense. If you're into card games, this is a different approach that sets the products apart from games like Fluxx or Munchkin. If you're not familiar with the movie or the game, you've found an easy way to take your first step into each world!
The only complaint I have with the game is that playing with two people is a tad oversimplified. There is room for strategy, but for the most part there is an ideal play at any given time and you don't have to think too much about your cards. With three or more people, there is suddenly way more strategy involved. I've seen others complain about this, but I would argue that they are not picking up on the nuances of the game (remembering which items are linked with each "Double Back" can be a huge advantage, and understanding the role of Ripple Poins with multiple corresponding Linchpins is crucial....but you'll figure that out later).
The *only* complaint I might have with the game is that I wish there was more of it. The deck is relatively small and a lot of the cards have similar effects. However, as I said, this is really only an issue when playing with two people. Even that small problem goes away once both players have become intimately familiar with the game and can exploit the subtleties. All in all, this is an excellent product and an easy way to have a great time with friends and family. Show Looney Labs they've made a great product and order your copy today! | 2 | positive | [
"This game is a must have for fans of the Back To The Future series or any card enthusiast.",
"The gameplay is fast paced and unique, providing a unique layout that sets it apart from any of the games I've played before.",
"It definitely has the feature that defines any great gaming experience: \"Easy to learn, difficult to master!",
"\"\n\nIf you are a fan of Back To The Future or have a friend who is, this is a great way to introduce them to the world of card games.",
"My friend and I read through the rules once and were off and playing within five minutes of opening the box.",
"After one play through we had grasped how the game was played and started developing our own strategies.",
"The layout of the game might make it seem intimidating (you must layout a series of 24 events detailing the story line), but this is deceptively simple and not at all hard to grasp.",
"If you're familiar with the story, your actions and goals will naturally make sense.",
"If you're into card games, this is a different approach that sets the products apart from games like Fluxx or Munchkin.",
"If you're not familiar with the movie or the game, you've found an easy way to take your first step into each world!",
"The only complaint I have with the game is that playing with two people is a tad oversimplified.",
"There is room for strategy, but for the most part there is an ideal play at any given time and you don't have to think too much about your cards.",
"With three or more people, there is suddenly way more strategy involved.",
"I've seen others complain about this, but I would argue that they are not picking up on the nuances of the game (remembering which items are linked with each \"Double Back\" can be a huge advantage, and understanding the role of Ripple Poins with multiple corresponding Linchpins is crucial....",
"but you'll figure that out later).",
"The *only* complaint I might have with the game is that I wish there was more of it.",
"The deck is relatively small and a lot of the cards have similar effects.",
"However, as I said, this is really only an issue when playing with two people.",
"Even that small problem goes away once both players have become intimately familiar with the game and can exploit the subtleties.",
"All in all, this is an excellent product and an easy way to have a great time with friends and family.",
"Show Looney Labs they've made a great product and order your copy today!"
] |
My shih tzu,SASHA, has dry itchy skin, she bites/chews & scratches itchys non stop...I give her flaxseed oil and fish oil and feed solid gold just a wee bit dry food, But still she would scratch.. After her last recent hair clipping I could see her skin and it was dry and flaky, despite my using other moisturizing shampoos /conditioners and skin sprays...I ordered this based on another reviewers review of how it worked on her Shih Tzus. When it arrived I immediately applied it to her skin and really rubbed it in, and NO MORE SCRATCHING!! Not at all!!! AMAZING!! I was at my wits end trying to end her scratching suffering...now she is at peace..This stuff is AWESOME...I am order more and the shampoo...Thanx AMAZON! | 2 | positive | [
"My shih tzu,SASHA, has dry itchy skin, she bites/chews & scratches itchys non stop...",
"I give her flaxseed oil and fish oil and feed solid gold just a wee bit dry food, But still she would scratch..",
"After her last recent hair clipping I could see her skin and it was dry and flaky, despite my using other moisturizing shampoos /conditioners and skin sprays...",
"I ordered this based on another reviewers review of how it worked on her Shih Tzus.",
"When it arrived I immediately applied it to her skin and really rubbed it in, and NO MORE SCRATCHING!!",
"Not at all!!!",
"AMAZING!!",
"I was at my wits end trying to end her scratching suffering...",
"now she is at peace..",
"This stuff is AWESOME...",
"I am order more and the shampoo...",
"Thanx AMAZON!"
] |
I am really happy that I bought this program as a plug-in for Pro-Tools. The sounds are really great. Most are perfect. My nephew who plays bassoon at Julliard thought the low woodwind samples were extremely accurate.
I am not as thrilled with the piano samples as I am with those I use in Reason, and there are no saxaphones. The combination of Reason and Miroslav give you an incredible package for classical and jazz work.
I use a GR-33 guitar synth and keybd as controllers. The GR-33 tracks beautifully with the synth engine. Not all programs can say that.
Buy it. You will not regret. If I could give it 4.9 stars, I would. | 2 | positive | [
"I am really happy that I bought this program as a plug-in for Pro-Tools.",
"The sounds are really great.",
"Most are perfect.",
"My nephew who plays bassoon at Julliard thought the low woodwind samples were extremely accurate.",
"I am not as thrilled with the piano samples as I am with those I use in Reason, and there are no saxaphones.",
"The combination of Reason and Miroslav give you an incredible package for classical and jazz work.",
"I use a GR-33 guitar synth and keybd as controllers.",
"The GR-33 tracks beautifully with the synth engine.",
"Not all programs can say that.",
"Buy it.",
"You will not regret.",
"If I could give it 4.",
"9 stars, I would."
] |
I have about every sharpener type made - including powered leather belts and the "wet-or-dry" glued to plate glass types (AKA "Scary Sharp"). Have a bunch of complaints with all of 'em, chiefly involving the learning curve. This style of sharpener is usually very fragile - either the ceramic rods will snap or spin uselessly. Not so the AccuSharp. It has two reversible plates inside which are almost bullet proof. It will also throw a very sharp edge on even the cheapest knives with only a few strokes. Not made for serrated blades, but I've sharpened some with it. Also probably not good for Asian or ceramic knives (never tried). I keep one in the kitchen and one in the gun room (for bayonets, of course.) I'll bet that you won't find a better sharpener for 5 times the money. | 2 | positive | [
"I have about every sharpener type made - including powered leather belts and the \"wet-or-dry\" glued to plate glass types (AKA \"Scary Sharp\").",
"Have a bunch of complaints with all of 'em, chiefly involving the learning curve.",
"This style of sharpener is usually very fragile - either the ceramic rods will snap or spin uselessly.",
"Not so the AccuSharp.",
"It has two reversible plates inside which are almost bullet proof.",
"It will also throw a very sharp edge on even the cheapest knives with only a few strokes.",
"Not made for serrated blades, but I've sharpened some with it.",
"Also probably not good for Asian or ceramic knives (never tried).",
"I keep one in the kitchen and one in the gun room (for bayonets, of course.",
") I'll bet that you won't find a better sharpener for 5 times the money."
] |
CorelDraw Graphics Suite X4 is a very solid program. It does most of what Adobe Illustrator does (vector-based graphic design) and much of what Adobe InDesign does (desktop publishing) in one handy application.
CorelDraw would be an ideal solution for a small business or organization that does a fair amount of advertising-creation and publication design in-house. With one application (well-priced when compared to buying both Illustrator and InDesign), the content creator can achieve very professional results.
The app is also friendly to first-time users. It offers more than 80 customizable document templates that will be useful to newbies. While there is still a learning curve for new users, the app has an intuitive interface that will help get the user up and running relatively quickly.
The problem for CorelDraw is that Illustrator has become the default vector app in the design/pre-press community. Professionals should still start with Illustrator and Quark and/or InDesign -- they're the industry standards. While CorelDraw is very good, it would need to be awesome to unseat Illustrator, and that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
CorelDraw has new file formats that enable docs to be shared between CorelDraw and Adobe apps. This is handy, but also shows which format and apps are the most common -- Adobe's. If you're in a design situation where you're going to have to worry about your files working in Adobe formats, you should just go ahead and use Adobe products.
Another thing: Because the Adobe products are the standard, there are numerous training DVDs and books to purchase that can help you get the most out of your apps. With CorelDraw, not so much.
I feel bad for good apps like CorelDraw. I wish I could talk just about the app itself and not bring in a discussion about Adobe's competitive products, but given the way the design industry works -- or any technology-based industry, for that matter -- you always have to bring the front-running application into the mix.
That being said, if you're not a graphic designer or a pre-press operator but are instead a multitasking, Windows-based employee at a company or organization who has been put in charge of creating brochures, pamphlets and the like, CorelDraw will answer your needs very well. If you're someone who doesn't need to share files often with design colleagues, publishing clients or service bureaus (who are most likely using Adobe apps almost exclusively), then you have no worries.
BTW, if you're already using CoreDraw, it's worth the upgrade. The font-identifying tool alone makes it worth it, at least for me. | 2 | positive | [
"CorelDraw Graphics Suite X4 is a very solid program.",
"It does most of what Adobe Illustrator does (vector-based graphic design) and much of what Adobe InDesign does (desktop publishing) in one handy application.",
"CorelDraw would be an ideal solution for a small business or organization that does a fair amount of advertising-creation and publication design in-house.",
"With one application (well-priced when compared to buying both Illustrator and InDesign), the content creator can achieve very professional results.",
"The app is also friendly to first-time users.",
"It offers more than 80 customizable document templates that will be useful to newbies.",
"While there is still a learning curve for new users, the app has an intuitive interface that will help get the user up and running relatively quickly.",
"The problem for CorelDraw is that Illustrator has become the default vector app in the design/pre-press community.",
"Professionals should still start with Illustrator and Quark and/or InDesign -- they're the industry standards.",
"While CorelDraw is very good, it would need to be awesome to unseat Illustrator, and that isn't going to happen anytime soon.",
"CorelDraw has new file formats that enable docs to be shared between CorelDraw and Adobe apps.",
"This is handy, but also shows which format and apps are the most common -- Adobe's.",
"If you're in a design situation where you're going to have to worry about your files working in Adobe formats, you should just go ahead and use Adobe products.",
"Another thing: Because the Adobe products are the standard, there are numerous training DVDs and books to purchase that can help you get the most out of your apps.",
"With CorelDraw, not so much.",
"I feel bad for good apps like CorelDraw.",
"I wish I could talk just about the app itself and not bring in a discussion about Adobe's competitive products, but given the way the design industry works -- or any technology-based industry, for that matter -- you always have to bring the front-running application into the mix.",
"That being said, if you're not a graphic designer or a pre-press operator but are instead a multitasking, Windows-based employee at a company or organization who has been put in charge of creating brochures, pamphlets and the like, CorelDraw will answer your needs very well.",
"If you're someone who doesn't need to share files often with design colleagues, publishing clients or service bureaus (who are most likely using Adobe apps almost exclusively), then you have no worries.",
"BTW, if you're already using CoreDraw, it's worth the upgrade.",
"The font-identifying tool alone makes it worth it, at least for me."
] |
The reverential tone Steven Spielberg has taken lately with World War II as evident in "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" (in addition to the 1987 boys' adventure "Empire Of The Sun") is nowhere to be found in this largely panned yet outrageously entertaining screwball comedy that would have done Blake Edwards proud.
Based loosely on events that actually occurred stateside during World War II (specifically the sighting of a Japanese submarine off the coast of California and the infamous "zoot suit riots" among day-glo dressed street hoods and servicemen), this movie pays tribute to the paranoia that gripped the West Coast in the days following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Notoriously overbudget, this film was considered the "Waterworld" of its day, with the obvious difference being that it took itself not the least bit seriously. It was Spielberg's much-expected flop in the wake of "Jaws" and "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind"...but did it deserve to be?
An able cast of comedic talent headlined by the incomparable John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd with up-and-coming SCTV alumnus John Candy and recent "Animal House" veteran Tim Matheson supported ably by character actors Ned Beatty, Robert Stack, Treat Williams, and Lorraine Gary and all-time good ol' boy Slim Pickens on one side...and veteran Hammer Films horror star Christopher Lee slumming with Akira Kurosawa's number-one samurai Toshiro Mifune and the crew of a Japanese submarine with faulty navigational equipment on the other.
It is an all-star cast performing well up to its own high standard in what would be the most unusual twist on war since "Hogan's Heroes"...mainly the notion that this tragedy which brought so much pain and sorrow to the entire world could in fact be something that, in the right hands, could be uproariously funny. Spielberg's fingerprints are of course ubiquitous; the use of children, the collaboration with John Williams, breakaway stuntwork, special effects and well-designed set pieces...but it is the actors that make this movie work, particularly John Belushi who, like Brad Pitt in movies like "Thelma & Louise", "True Romance", and "Snatch" manages to steal completely a movie in which he actually has very little face time. All the actors are encouraged to play to their strengths, and the ability to "pay no attention to that man behind the curtain" (i.e., remember than none of this ever happened and that this is a comedy, not a documentary...Michael Moore, are you listening?) will enable the viewer some deep bellylaughs and some time well-spent viewing the bonus features which attempt to explain just WHY this is one of Spielberg's least understood or appreciated films. | 2 | positive | [
"The reverential tone Steven Spielberg has taken lately with World War II as evident in \"Schindler's List\" and \"Saving Private Ryan\" (in addition to the 1987 boys' adventure \"Empire Of The Sun\") is nowhere to be found in this largely panned yet outrageously entertaining screwball comedy that would have done Blake Edwards proud.",
"Based loosely on events that actually occurred stateside during World War II (specifically the sighting of a Japanese submarine off the coast of California and the infamous \"zoot suit riots\" among day-glo dressed street hoods and servicemen), this movie pays tribute to the paranoia that gripped the West Coast in the days following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.",
"Notoriously overbudget, this film was considered the \"Waterworld\" of its day, with the obvious difference being that it took itself not the least bit seriously.",
"It was Spielberg's much-expected flop in the wake of \"Jaws\" and \"Close Encounters Of The Third Kind\"...",
"but did it deserve to be?",
"An able cast of comedic talent headlined by the incomparable John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd with up-and-coming SCTV alumnus John Candy and recent \"Animal House\" veteran Tim Matheson supported ably by character actors Ned Beatty, Robert Stack, Treat Williams, and Lorraine Gary and all-time good ol' boy Slim Pickens on one side...",
"and veteran Hammer Films horror star Christopher Lee slumming with Akira Kurosawa's number-one samurai Toshiro Mifune and the crew of a Japanese submarine with faulty navigational equipment on the other.",
"It is an all-star cast performing well up to its own high standard in what would be the most unusual twist on war since \"Hogan's Heroes\"...",
"mainly the notion that this tragedy which brought so much pain and sorrow to the entire world could in fact be something that, in the right hands, could be uproariously funny.",
"Spielberg's fingerprints are of course ubiquitous; the use of children, the collaboration with John Williams, breakaway stuntwork, special effects and well-designed set pieces...",
"but it is the actors that make this movie work, particularly John Belushi who, like Brad Pitt in movies like \"Thelma & Louise\", \"True Romance\", and \"Snatch\" manages to steal completely a movie in which he actually has very little face time.",
"All the actors are encouraged to play to their strengths, and the ability to \"pay no attention to that man behind the curtain\" (i.",
"e., remember than none of this ever happened and that this is a comedy, not a documentary...",
"Michael Moore, are you listening?",
") will enable the viewer some deep bellylaughs and some time well-spent viewing the bonus features which attempt to explain just WHY this is one of Spielberg's least understood or appreciated films."
] |
This being the first Sci-Fi romance I have ever read, I was a little iffy going into this book, but I ended up loving it! It has a realistic enough vibe to it, that you can relate to the characters, care about them, and find them damn hot!
The Earth Commission thinks they have sent away all paranormal beings to another planet. Along the way, several transports crashed - - Earth writes them off as dead, but really, they are now living on Lorelie's planet! And no, they definitely are NOT the good guys.
Sevan is a captain in the Commission. For the last 6 months he has been having erotic dreams of his perfect lover and mate. No way is she real! Sevan's ship becomes heavily damaged and calls to Lorelie's planet for help and permission to land. Lorelie receives that call, and despite her better judgment allows him to land.
Lorelie has also been having these erotic dreams....and once she and Sevan set eyes on each other the sparks fly even hotter than before. The problem though, are "the others" on the planet. The ones banished from earth. They want to keep Sevan and Lorelie from mating, even if it means killing them! | 2 | positive | [
"This being the first Sci-Fi romance I have ever read, I was a little iffy going into this book, but I ended up loving it!",
"It has a realistic enough vibe to it, that you can relate to the characters, care about them, and find them damn hot!",
"The Earth Commission thinks they have sent away all paranormal beings to another planet.",
"Along the way, several transports crashed - - Earth writes them off as dead, but really, they are now living on Lorelie's planet!",
"And no, they definitely are NOT the good guys.",
"Sevan is a captain in the Commission.",
"For the last 6 months he has been having erotic dreams of his perfect lover and mate.",
"No way is she real!",
"Sevan's ship becomes heavily damaged and calls to Lorelie's planet for help and permission to land.",
"Lorelie receives that call, and despite her better judgment allows him to land.",
"Lorelie has also been having these erotic dreams....",
"and once she and Sevan set eyes on each other the sparks fly even hotter than before.",
"The problem though, are \"the others\" on the planet.",
"The ones banished from earth.",
"They want to keep Sevan and Lorelie from mating, even if it means killing them!"
] |
"Is There Anybody Out There" is a excellent Floyd recording. At first, I was skeptical if this live release could do justice to the mythical reputation that the original live "Wall" shows have gained over the years. The first listen didn't strike me as anything special, but then I cranked up my stereo for the second listen, and that's when I realized that this recording is meant to be played LOUD, as loud as you can get it. The studio version of the "The Wall" was such a detailed, meticulous recording; trying to totally duplicate that sound in a live setting would have been impossible. Instead, the band turns up the volume and the bombast.
The power of songs like "In the Flesh" and "Run like Hell" is increased ten-fold in this concert setting. "Mother" becomes a stirring, emotional epic, reaching heights that were only hinted at on the studio album. The "Another Brick in the Wall Part 1/ Happiest Days of Our Lives " and "Empty Spaces/What Shall We Do Now" medleys achieve new levels of creepiness. And Roger Waters' maniacal spoken introduction to "Run Like Hell" is at once both hilarious and scary.
Much has been made of Roger Water's dominance in the writing and recording of "The Wall." He has even said that it is probably his greatest accomplishment, to which I agree. But, "The Wall" performances would not have been the same without the other members of Pink Floyd. Even with other musicians backing them up, these performances are tight and unified-all four band members, regardless of what they contributed in the studio, shine brightly.
The sound quality is excellent, considering the age of the tapes. The sound isn't as crystal clear as "Pulse," and there are some flaws (many have picked up on the buzzing noise during Mother), but they are insignificant. The limited edition is the definitive version; the book that accompanies the CDs is gorgeous- definitely worth the extra dough.
Despite all the positive qualities of "ITAOT," it should be said that this live recording doesn't replace the studio version. A budding Floyd fanatic should start with the original to get their first taste of "The Wall." For the rest of us, "ITAOT" will do nicely for now. BUT...if Pink Floyd isn't going to release new albums with any regularity (nothing against them...I mean, who can blame them for being a little lazy at this point), perhaps they can dig up some more live recordings from the vaults. The "Animals" tour, a full performance of "Dark Side" from the early '70s, a live version of "Atom Heart Mother"...maybe even an official live release from the Syd Barrett days! I'm sure they have them lying aroung somewhere...will they ever see the light of day? | 2 | positive | [
"\"Is There Anybody Out There\" is a excellent Floyd recording.",
"At first, I was skeptical if this live release could do justice to the mythical reputation that the original live \"Wall\" shows have gained over the years.",
"The first listen didn't strike me as anything special, but then I cranked up my stereo for the second listen, and that's when I realized that this recording is meant to be played LOUD, as loud as you can get it.",
"The studio version of the \"The Wall\" was such a detailed, meticulous recording; trying to totally duplicate that sound in a live setting would have been impossible.",
"Instead, the band turns up the volume and the bombast.",
"The power of songs like \"In the Flesh\" and \"Run like Hell\" is increased ten-fold in this concert setting.",
"\"Mother\" becomes a stirring, emotional epic, reaching heights that were only hinted at on the studio album.",
"The \"Another Brick in the Wall Part 1/ Happiest Days of Our Lives \" and \"Empty Spaces/What Shall We Do Now\" medleys achieve new levels of creepiness.",
"And Roger Waters' maniacal spoken introduction to \"Run Like Hell\" is at once both hilarious and scary.",
"Much has been made of Roger Water's dominance in the writing and recording of \"The Wall.",
"\" He has even said that it is probably his greatest accomplishment, to which I agree.",
"But, \"The Wall\" performances would not have been the same without the other members of Pink Floyd.",
"Even with other musicians backing them up, these performances are tight and unified-all four band members, regardless of what they contributed in the studio, shine brightly.",
"The sound quality is excellent, considering the age of the tapes.",
"The sound isn't as crystal clear as \"Pulse,\" and there are some flaws (many have picked up on the buzzing noise during Mother), but they are insignificant.",
"The limited edition is the definitive version; the book that accompanies the CDs is gorgeous- definitely worth the extra dough.",
"Despite all the positive qualities of \"ITAOT,\" it should be said that this live recording doesn't replace the studio version.",
"A budding Floyd fanatic should start with the original to get their first taste of \"The Wall.",
"\" For the rest of us, \"ITAOT\" will do nicely for now.",
"BUT...",
"if Pink Floyd isn't going to release new albums with any regularity (nothing against them...",
"I mean, who can blame them for being a little lazy at this point), perhaps they can dig up some more live recordings from the vaults.",
"The \"Animals\" tour, a full performance of \"Dark Side\" from the early '70s, a live version of \"Atom Heart Mother\"...",
"maybe even an official live release from the Syd Barrett days!",
"I'm sure they have them lying aroung somewhere...",
"will they ever see the light of day?"
] |
English rockers Queen released their third album Sheer Heart Attack in October of 1974.
Sheer Heart Attack was the album that saw Queen find the sound and directionthey would go in. After the progressive rock leanings of Queen II (my least favorite 1970s Queen album and many Queen fans will probably disagree with me on that but "Fairy Feller" and "Funny How Love Is" I detest), Queen decided to experiment with more sounds and so forth that would set the pace for them experimenting with different sounds into the future and with brilliant results (as I found out when I first got the CD in May of 1992).
Sheer Heart Attack kicks off with guitarist Brian May's epic "Brighton Rock", which had the innovative use of a delay machine during the guitar solo to make it sound like there were two guitarists playing the middle solo and would be his solo showcase for the next three years and then again on the 1978/79 tour (on the '78-'79 tour it was more of an improv with John Deacon's bass and Roger Taylor's drums although Roger had a tympani solo spot and Brian with a guitar solo on his own). Next is lead singer Freddie Mercury classic tune "Killer Queen" which became the band's first UK Top 5 hit in late 1974 and their US Top 20 hit rightfully peaking at #12 in the spring of 1975. Next is drummer Roger Taylor's rocker "Tenement Funster" which rocks and includes Roger on lead vocal. Then brilliant piano from Freddie segues into the rocker "Flick of the Wrist" which is a great song. Then we segue into the short but brilliant ballad "Lily of the Valley" (the aforementioned two were written by Mercury). The first half of the album ends with Brian May's penned rocker "Now I'm Here" which saw some great use of the delay machine, this time with Freddie Mercury's voice on this rocker which would be a staple in Queen concerts, US FM rock radio and was the band's third UK Top 20 hit.
The second side of Sheer Heart Attack kicks off with some unearthly screams from Roger Taylor into the Mercury ballad "In the Lap of the Gods" which has one of Freddie's excellent vocal performances and sounded like a broken record but with great results. Then we stop cold and go into the rocker "Stone Cold Crazy", which was the first song the band wrote together as a band. That track would be in the setlist for the next few tours and predated the punk and speed metal genres. The tune would be covered by Metallica in 1990. James Hetfield of Metallica also did that track with the surviving members of Queen at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in April of 1992. Next is Brian's ballad with Brian on piano and Freddie on vocals called "Dear Friends". Next is bass player John Deacon's first track penned for the band (and not his last) "Misfire" and featured John on almost all guitars. Next is Freddie's ragtime sounding "Bring Back That Leroy Brown" which sees John adding double bass and Brian on banjo ukulele. Speaking of Brian, he steps out on lead vocal for the excellent "She Makes Me (Stormtroopers in Stilettos)". We close the album (that Roger Taylor calls his favorite) with Freddie's masterpiece "In the Lap of the Gods...Revisited".
Sheer Heart Attack was Queen's first hit album here in the US as it peaked at #11 and attained Gold status (the first Queen album to do so) and was the first taste of things to come for the band.
In May of 2011, Queen re-releases this classic masterpiece as well as the other first few albums (Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack's followup A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races) as all newly remastered as 2-CD Deluxe Editions painstakingly remastered by Bob Ludwig (who did a remaster of A Night at the Opera for its 30th Anniversary in 2005) and these new remasters buries any previous CD version of the back catalog.
The bonus CD for Sheer Heart Attack contains a brilliant live recording of "Now I'm Here" at The Hammersmith Odeon in London during their famed Christmas Eve 1975 concert (bring the whole show out please). Then you get BBC versions of "Flick Of the Wrist" and "Tenement Funster" done before Sheer Heart Attack's release. Then you get an acapella vocal remix of "Bring Back That Leroy Brown". Then the Live at Wembley version of "In the Lap Of the Gods...Revisited" (why I don't know, should have used Hammersmith 1975 or Earls Court 1977 but nevermind). The booklet that comes with this has just about everything that came with the original LP artwork, lyrics and credits plus extra photos of the band.
Some will say why buy again but I say go for it because of the remastering!
Highly recommended! | 2 | positive | [
"English rockers Queen released their third album Sheer Heart Attack in October of 1974.",
"Sheer Heart Attack was the album that saw Queen find the sound and directionthey would go in.",
"After the progressive rock leanings of Queen II (my least favorite 1970s Queen album and many Queen fans will probably disagree with me on that but \"Fairy Feller\" and \"Funny How Love Is\" I detest), Queen decided to experiment with more sounds and so forth that would set the pace for them experimenting with different sounds into the future and with brilliant results (as I found out when I first got the CD in May of 1992).",
"Sheer Heart Attack kicks off with guitarist Brian May's epic \"Brighton Rock\", which had the innovative use of a delay machine during the guitar solo to make it sound like there were two guitarists playing the middle solo and would be his solo showcase for the next three years and then again on the 1978/79 tour (on the '78-'79 tour it was more of an improv with John Deacon's bass and Roger Taylor's drums although Roger had a tympani solo spot and Brian with a guitar solo on his own).",
"Next is lead singer Freddie Mercury classic tune \"Killer Queen\" which became the band's first UK Top 5 hit in late 1974 and their US Top 20 hit rightfully peaking at #12 in the spring of 1975.",
"Next is drummer Roger Taylor's rocker \"Tenement Funster\" which rocks and includes Roger on lead vocal.",
"Then brilliant piano from Freddie segues into the rocker \"Flick of the Wrist\" which is a great song.",
"Then we segue into the short but brilliant ballad \"Lily of the Valley\" (the aforementioned two were written by Mercury).",
"The first half of the album ends with Brian May's penned rocker \"Now I'm Here\" which saw some great use of the delay machine, this time with Freddie Mercury's voice on this rocker which would be a staple in Queen concerts, US FM rock radio and was the band's third UK Top 20 hit.",
"The second side of Sheer Heart Attack kicks off with some unearthly screams from Roger Taylor into the Mercury ballad \"In the Lap of the Gods\" which has one of Freddie's excellent vocal performances and sounded like a broken record but with great results.",
"Then we stop cold and go into the rocker \"Stone Cold Crazy\", which was the first song the band wrote together as a band.",
"That track would be in the setlist for the next few tours and predated the punk and speed metal genres.",
"The tune would be covered by Metallica in 1990.",
"James Hetfield of Metallica also did that track with the surviving members of Queen at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in April of 1992.",
"Next is Brian's ballad with Brian on piano and Freddie on vocals called \"Dear Friends\".",
"Next is bass player John Deacon's first track penned for the band (and not his last) \"Misfire\" and featured John on almost all guitars.",
"Next is Freddie's ragtime sounding \"Bring Back That Leroy Brown\" which sees John adding double bass and Brian on banjo ukulele.",
"Speaking of Brian, he steps out on lead vocal for the excellent \"She Makes Me (Stormtroopers in Stilettos)\".",
"We close the album (that Roger Taylor calls his favorite) with Freddie's masterpiece \"In the Lap of the Gods...",
"Revisited\".",
"Sheer Heart Attack was Queen's first hit album here in the US as it peaked at #11 and attained Gold status (the first Queen album to do so) and was the first taste of things to come for the band.",
"In May of 2011, Queen re-releases this classic masterpiece as well as the other first few albums (Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack's followup A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races) as all newly remastered as 2-CD Deluxe Editions painstakingly remastered by Bob Ludwig (who did a remaster of A Night at the Opera for its 30th Anniversary in 2005) and these new remasters buries any previous CD version of the back catalog.",
"The bonus CD for Sheer Heart Attack contains a brilliant live recording of \"Now I'm Here\" at The Hammersmith Odeon in London during their famed Christmas Eve 1975 concert (bring the whole show out please).",
"Then you get BBC versions of \"Flick Of the Wrist\" and \"Tenement Funster\" done before Sheer Heart Attack's release.",
"Then you get an acapella vocal remix of \"Bring Back That Leroy Brown\".",
"Then the Live at Wembley version of \"In the Lap Of the Gods...",
"Revisited\" (why I don't know, should have used Hammersmith 1975 or Earls Court 1977 but nevermind).",
"The booklet that comes with this has just about everything that came with the original LP artwork, lyrics and credits plus extra photos of the band.",
"Some will say why buy again but I say go for it because of the remastering!",
"Highly recommended!"
] |
This is one fun movie. As musicals go, it is also a very unusual movie in that the cast is 100% Asian. It's the story of an arranged marriage gone awry. Jack Soo's traditional Chinese mother arranged it and he doesn't want it. So he tries to unload the sweet little, illegal stowaway from China off on Benson Fong as a potential wife for his son, played by James Shigeta. Myoshi Umeki as the stowaway is as cute as ever. Benson Fong is hilarious as the "square" old Chinese father who is out of touch with his Chinese American kids. The songs area lot of fun. Though the song "Chop Suey" is touted as a classic, I personally don't get why. Other songs in the movie, Flower Drum Song, I Enjoy Being a Girl, The Other Generation, Don't Marry Me... are much better. This film also has the typical, obligatory nightclub number (Fan Tan Fanny, in this case) that seemed to be a standard in musicals of this time period. Overall this is a really fun movie and I highly recommend it. | 2 | positive | [
"This is one fun movie.",
"As musicals go, it is also a very unusual movie in that the cast is 100% Asian.",
"It's the story of an arranged marriage gone awry.",
"Jack Soo's traditional Chinese mother arranged it and he doesn't want it.",
"So he tries to unload the sweet little, illegal stowaway from China off on Benson Fong as a potential wife for his son, played by James Shigeta.",
"Myoshi Umeki as the stowaway is as cute as ever.",
"Benson Fong is hilarious as the \"square\" old Chinese father who is out of touch with his Chinese American kids.",
"The songs area lot of fun.",
"Though the song \"Chop Suey\" is touted as a classic, I personally don't get why.",
"Other songs in the movie, Flower Drum Song, I Enjoy Being a Girl, The Other Generation, Don't Marry Me...",
"are much better.",
"This film also has the typical, obligatory nightclub number (Fan Tan Fanny, in this case) that seemed to be a standard in musicals of this time period.",
"Overall this is a really fun movie and I highly recommend it."
] |
To start, those features other people might not like are actually something I do appreciate. More specifically, the lack of there being a sunscreen in this product. My face gets greasy film on it whenever I use any moisturizer that contains a sun screen. Even if it doesn't start out that way, within a few hours I end up with this dirty greasy film on my skin. No attractive. So I prefer face creams without any sun screen, just like this one.
The glass jar container is attractive and luxurious looking. The face cream itself feels wonderful on my skin. The skin brightening is not something that happens over night. I've been using this for a few weeks and my skin is just starting to show the effects of it.
With that said, this product is an investment. Not at all cheap, you'll need to keep up with it and reorder more when you get to the end of your jar. I do like the way it works on my skin, however I don't find it works any better than my regular go-to face cream, SKIN&CO Roma Truffle Therapy Cream. And the SKIN&CO cream is about half as much (still not cheap), however it does not have a skin brightener in it. So it's really has to with which features are most important to you in a face cream. | 2 | positive | [
"To start, those features other people might not like are actually something I do appreciate.",
"More specifically, the lack of there being a sunscreen in this product.",
"My face gets greasy film on it whenever I use any moisturizer that contains a sun screen.",
"Even if it doesn't start out that way, within a few hours I end up with this dirty greasy film on my skin.",
"No attractive.",
"So I prefer face creams without any sun screen, just like this one.",
"The glass jar container is attractive and luxurious looking.",
"The face cream itself feels wonderful on my skin.",
"The skin brightening is not something that happens over night.",
"I've been using this for a few weeks and my skin is just starting to show the effects of it.",
"With that said, this product is an investment.",
"Not at all cheap, you'll need to keep up with it and reorder more when you get to the end of your jar.",
"I do like the way it works on my skin, however I don't find it works any better than my regular go-to face cream, SKIN&CO Roma Truffle Therapy Cream.",
"And the SKIN&CO cream is about half as much (still not cheap), however it does not have a skin brightener in it.",
"So it's really has to with which features are most important to you in a face cream."
] |
1933 finds Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is in China attempting to get paid for his latest find. When his employer double crosses him, Indy barely escapes with his life, dragging singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and young Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan) along with him.
Well, Indy almost escapes. Yet another attempt at double crossing him leaves the trio stranded in India. There, they find a remote village that is willing to lead them back to civilization, but only after Indy has returned their sacred stone and their children from a nearby temple.
This mission turns out to have plenty of danger. Can Indy accomplish his mission and keep his companions safe from a very evil villain?
I had heard rumors about this movie, but just now finally got a chance to watch it. Many people complain about some scenes in the middle that are pretty disturbing. In an attempt to make this movie darker then the original, the filmmakers upped the squirm factor. Frankly, I felt those scenes were out of place and over the top, especially in a PG film.
Having said that, those scenes are surrounded by plenty to like. The action is phenomenal. Not necessarily believable, but phenomenal. I loved watching those scenes and will definitely revisit them in the future. And there were some great comedic moments as well. The acting was top notch when it might have gone over the top, which keeps things entertaining for the viewer.
This has a well deserved reputation for being dark and disturbing. As a result, you might want to view with caution. But if you can ignore those scenes, there's still an entertaining film here. | 2 | positive | [
"1933 finds Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is in China attempting to get paid for his latest find.",
"When his employer double crosses him, Indy barely escapes with his life, dragging singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and young Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan) along with him.",
"Well, Indy almost escapes.",
"Yet another attempt at double crossing him leaves the trio stranded in India.",
"There, they find a remote village that is willing to lead them back to civilization, but only after Indy has returned their sacred stone and their children from a nearby temple.",
"This mission turns out to have plenty of danger.",
"Can Indy accomplish his mission and keep his companions safe from a very evil villain?",
"I had heard rumors about this movie, but just now finally got a chance to watch it.",
"Many people complain about some scenes in the middle that are pretty disturbing.",
"In an attempt to make this movie darker then the original, the filmmakers upped the squirm factor.",
"Frankly, I felt those scenes were out of place and over the top, especially in a PG film.",
"Having said that, those scenes are surrounded by plenty to like.",
"The action is phenomenal.",
"Not necessarily believable, but phenomenal.",
"I loved watching those scenes and will definitely revisit them in the future.",
"And there were some great comedic moments as well.",
"The acting was top notch when it might have gone over the top, which keeps things entertaining for the viewer.",
"This has a well deserved reputation for being dark and disturbing.",
"As a result, you might want to view with caution.",
"But if you can ignore those scenes, there's still an entertaining film here."
] |
Please describe the audio and video quality of any Blu-Ray you review. Thanks to those who do this.
I must have a different Blu-Ray version than others, because I thought the video quality was excellent. Only one short, dark scene was bad. The rest of it was great. Some of the faces looked like plastic though, but that could have been the makeup. Most of the movie looked very high-def.
The audio soundtracks were a little outdated. I had the choice of "English 6.1 DTS ES" (High Resolution), and "English Dolby Digital 5.1 EX". I selected the DTS, and it was very good, although the movie didn't have a whole lot of surround sound. | 2 | positive | [
"Please describe the audio and video quality of any Blu-Ray you review.",
"Thanks to those who do this.",
"I must have a different Blu-Ray version than others, because I thought the video quality was excellent.",
"Only one short, dark scene was bad.",
"The rest of it was great.",
"Some of the faces looked like plastic though, but that could have been the makeup.",
"Most of the movie looked very high-def.",
"The audio soundtracks were a little outdated.",
"I had the choice of \"English 6.",
"1 DTS ES\" (High Resolution), and \"English Dolby Digital 5.",
"1 EX\".",
"I selected the DTS, and it was very good, although the movie didn't have a whole lot of surround sound."
] |
[I FALL INTO THE UNUSUAL CATEGORY... LOVE VII, LOVE IX, BUT DON'T CARE FOR VIII]
I really liked Final Fantasy VII, and I was greatly disappointed with VIII. When IX came out, I had never even HEARD of its existence (strange how the previous two were raved everywhere) and I bought it the moment I saw it.
This game, as EGM put it, brings the best of the old and molds it with the new into one extremely enthralling game. The story is very OldSkool-ish (albeit the crystal pops up at the very end without explanation, but oh well) with characters that are totally three-dimensional in their personality. While the Trance system is sketchy compared to the limit breaks in previous games, the battle system is overall basic like the old Final Fantasies. The music is also very good.
While this game is not nearly as challenging as its previous outings, this game is still a fun experience and worthy of the Final Fantasy series. It tends to be my favorite, although VII and some of the older ones are also good. I really think that a lot of fans were put off by its uniqueness (not every character is human, for example), but if you are a die hard Final Fantasy fan, this WON'T disappoint. | 2 | positive | [
"[I FALL INTO THE UNUSUAL CATEGORY...",
"LOVE VII, LOVE IX, BUT DON'T CARE FOR VIII]\nI really liked Final Fantasy VII, and I was greatly disappointed with VIII.",
"When IX came out, I had never even HEARD of its existence (strange how the previous two were raved everywhere) and I bought it the moment I saw it.",
"This game, as EGM put it, brings the best of the old and molds it with the new into one extremely enthralling game.",
"The story is very OldSkool-ish (albeit the crystal pops up at the very end without explanation, but oh well) with characters that are totally three-dimensional in their personality.",
"While the Trance system is sketchy compared to the limit breaks in previous games, the battle system is overall basic like the old Final Fantasies.",
"The music is also very good.",
"While this game is not nearly as challenging as its previous outings, this game is still a fun experience and worthy of the Final Fantasy series.",
"It tends to be my favorite, although VII and some of the older ones are also good.",
"I really think that a lot of fans were put off by its uniqueness (not every character is human, for example), but if you are a die hard Final Fantasy fan, this WON'T disappoint."
] |
My husband and I love this software. It is not a resource hog and you don't even notice it's there. That's what I want in an anti-virus, in addition to having no issues that get through the software. His Trend Micro expired last month and we decided to just go with the free company that our cable provider offers but quickly regretted that. It seems to slow down the computer and I actually got some kind of malware with it last year. The year prior to that my husband had the other big company antivirus and he actually had a ransomware attack. I was so excited to get offered this and we are switching back to the Trend Micro. It's safe and easy to use. It doesn't stick a lot of extras on your computer either. I installed it easily. You just go to their website, download the software and then put in the code that is mailed to you. They do not send you a disk. When you get to the download page for this software, you will see different ones for the same - the difference is the 32 bit and 64 bit. I made the mistake of doing the 32 and it informed me I needed the 64 so I had to change to the correct one. It all took just a few minutes and I was up and running. Highly recommend this brand over all the others. | 2 | positive | [
"My husband and I love this software.",
"It is not a resource hog and you don't even notice it's there.",
"That's what I want in an anti-virus, in addition to having no issues that get through the software.",
"His Trend Micro expired last month and we decided to just go with the free company that our cable provider offers but quickly regretted that.",
"It seems to slow down the computer and I actually got some kind of malware with it last year.",
"The year prior to that my husband had the other big company antivirus and he actually had a ransomware attack.",
"I was so excited to get offered this and we are switching back to the Trend Micro.",
"It's safe and easy to use.",
"It doesn't stick a lot of extras on your computer either.",
"I installed it easily.",
"You just go to their website, download the software and then put in the code that is mailed to you.",
"They do not send you a disk.",
"When you get to the download page for this software, you will see different ones for the same - the difference is the 32 bit and 64 bit.",
"I made the mistake of doing the 32 and it informed me I needed the 64 so I had to change to the correct one.",
"It all took just a few minutes and I was up and running.",
"Highly recommend this brand over all the others."
] |
This vacuum is perfect for my needs. I don't have pets, and my children are grown, so we're talking human hair and basic grime here. It is lightweight, has a lot of suction, does a great job on my small bedroom wall-to-wall carpeting as well as area rugs elsewhere. Will still use Swiffer dry mops on my wood floor from time to time; the "floor" setting does a great job getting up bits of dust and grit that the Swiffer sometimes misses. I don't like scraping the gunk off the dust cup filter - ever so gently - but that's a small thing. Don't shake it, as the instructions say, unless you are fond of inhaling dust and want another mess to clean up. Dust gets in the air even when shaking it out inside a large garbage bag. So far, the charge holds long enough for me to do the rugs, the wood floor and the tiles in the kitchen and bathroom - but my apartment is fairly small. The controls work easily, and I love being able to turn it into a hand-held tool. I agree with other reviewers that the handle could be longer. I'm 5'5" and have to bend a little, but it's not that uncomfortable. A very minor complaint. A good buy, I'd say. | 2 | positive | [
"This vacuum is perfect for my needs.",
"I don't have pets, and my children are grown, so we're talking human hair and basic grime here.",
"It is lightweight, has a lot of suction, does a great job on my small bedroom wall-to-wall carpeting as well as area rugs elsewhere.",
"Will still use Swiffer dry mops on my wood floor from time to time; the \"floor\" setting does a great job getting up bits of dust and grit that the Swiffer sometimes misses.",
"I don't like scraping the gunk off the dust cup filter - ever so gently - but that's a small thing.",
"Don't shake it, as the instructions say, unless you are fond of inhaling dust and want another mess to clean up.",
"Dust gets in the air even when shaking it out inside a large garbage bag.",
"So far, the charge holds long enough for me to do the rugs, the wood floor and the tiles in the kitchen and bathroom - but my apartment is fairly small.",
"The controls work easily, and I love being able to turn it into a hand-held tool.",
"I agree with other reviewers that the handle could be longer.",
"I'm 5'5\" and have to bend a little, but it's not that uncomfortable.",
"A very minor complaint.",
"A good buy, I'd say."
] |
Because if the price...I almost wanted to hate these shoes. I was like...if these aren't PERFECT and better than Tevas..back to Amazon. Period. Well... Great fit. Excellent arch support. Will protect your feet when stepping on rocky shores. Comfy to walk in. Ample sole thickness. Darn. Gonna have to keep em! | 2 | positive | [
"Because if the price...",
"I almost wanted to hate these shoes.",
"I was like...",
"if these aren't PERFECT and better than Tevas..",
"back to Amazon.",
"Period.",
"Well...",
"Great fit.",
"Excellent arch support.",
"Will protect your feet when stepping on rocky shores.",
"Comfy to walk in.",
"Ample sole thickness.",
"Darn.",
"Gonna have to keep em!"
] |
I've been struggling with my tank for months, spent so much money on chemicals....this product does the job better than anything else I've tried and for sooooo much less money! It really is wonderful. My nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia levels are FINALLY under control, and this product actually got rid of the chloramine that other products had left behind (even though other products I was using said it removed chloramine, I'd test my water after a water change-no chlorine, then a few days after my water changes I'd end up with high levels of chlorine in my water!!!) I haven't had that problem once after using this. It helped FINALLY get my nitrite/nitrate problem under control!!
The best part? Besides the fact that it actually works, 1/2 of a teaspoon of this stuff treats my entire 125 gallon tank. That took me about half a bottle when I was using a liquid. One bottle of this can easily last me a couple of years!!!! | 2 | positive | [
"I've been struggling with my tank for months, spent so much money on chemicals....",
"this product does the job better than anything else I've tried and for sooooo much less money!",
"It really is wonderful.",
"My nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia levels are FINALLY under control, and this product actually got rid of the chloramine that other products had left behind (even though other products I was using said it removed chloramine, I'd test my water after a water change-no chlorine, then a few days after my water changes I'd end up with high levels of chlorine in my water!!!",
") I haven't had that problem once after using this.",
"It helped FINALLY get my nitrite/nitrate problem under control!!",
"The best part?",
"Besides the fact that it actually works, 1/2 of a teaspoon of this stuff treats my entire 125 gallon tank.",
"That took me about half a bottle when I was using a liquid.",
"One bottle of this can easily last me a couple of years!!!!"
] |
Gizli Teskilat / North by Northwest, 1958 film
The film starts in late 1950s Manhattan, showing an "advertising executive" Roger Thornhill who is skilled in lying to the public as part of his employment by corporations. Roger attends a meeting, calls for a pageboy, and winds up being abducted in plain view of the public! (Danger in public is a common theme in thrillers, as is mistaken identification.) Roger cannot tell his captors what they want to hear (even if they used torture), so they fill him with bourbon and take him for a ride. This provides an entertaining interlude until Roger stops for the police and is arrested by Sgt. Emil Klinger. The Judge orders an investigation, but they find nothing amiss at the borrowed estate. [No check with the local police?] Roger discovers that no one has actually seen George Kaplan. The abductors show up at the hotel, but Roger escapes one again. [No back-up?] When Roger meets Lester Townsend at the UN, a knife silences Townsend permanently, and Roger is blamed for it.
The "Professor" discusses this at the Agency in Washington, where we learn what is really going on - decoy spy. Roger must become his own detective to solve this mystery. The film shows travel on the famous New York Central railroad to Chicago, a bit of history long gone. Roger meets a woman, Eve Kendall, who helps and befriends him. [Was this a theme in the old E. Philip Oppenheim stories?] But we soon learn she is working for Van Dam! Roger arrives in Chicago, then travels to a spot in a flat prairie, and waits. Could there be any danger in the wide open spaces? A crop duster appears to answer this question; there seems to be no escape. The plane crashes (!) and Roger escapes once again. [Wily Coyote could take lessons from him.]
Roger meets Eve but is told to go away and never return. There is something mysterious about Eve. Note how Hitchcock was able to create suspense and tension from ordinary life. Roger follows Eve, meets Van Dam and his flunky Leonard, but escapes again. Now the "Professor" meets Roger and takes him to Rapid City SD. There is yet another meeting with Van Dam, Leonard, and Eve. Eve shoots Roger, who is carried away by the "Professor". More events follow as the details of the spy ring are brought out. Eve and Roger make a getaway by climbing down the sculptures of Mount Rushmore. They escape from their pursuers who are caught by the authorities. And so the film has a happy ending, if forced.
This was a top film in its day, but now it seems terribly out of date. Films such as "From Russia With Love" or "Goldfinger" are better and less dated than what was Hitchcock's best film. Roger complains against the "Professor" for sacrificing people like pawns, although we learned more in future years. [The "Professor" was a fictionalized version of Allen Dulles, some say.] This film is an updated version of "The Thirty-Nine Steps".
One of the problems in this film is the crop-duster plane. It would be more probable to send out a car with two men to take Roger for a ride, but less spectacular. This comment also applies to the helicopter in "From Russia With Love". Do they copy each other's mistakes? | 2 | positive | [
"Gizli Teskilat / North by Northwest, 1958 film\n\nThe film starts in late 1950s Manhattan, showing an \"advertising executive\" Roger Thornhill who is skilled in lying to the public as part of his employment by corporations.",
"Roger attends a meeting, calls for a pageboy, and winds up being abducted in plain view of the public!",
"(Danger in public is a common theme in thrillers, as is mistaken identification.",
") Roger cannot tell his captors what they want to hear (even if they used torture), so they fill him with bourbon and take him for a ride.",
"This provides an entertaining interlude until Roger stops for the police and is arrested by Sgt.",
"Emil Klinger.",
"The Judge orders an investigation, but they find nothing amiss at the borrowed estate.",
"[No check with the local police?",
"] Roger discovers that no one has actually seen George Kaplan.",
"The abductors show up at the hotel, but Roger escapes one again.",
"[No back-up?",
"] When Roger meets Lester Townsend at the UN, a knife silences Townsend permanently, and Roger is blamed for it.",
"The \"Professor\" discusses this at the Agency in Washington, where we learn what is really going on - decoy spy.",
"Roger must become his own detective to solve this mystery.",
"The film shows travel on the famous New York Central railroad to Chicago, a bit of history long gone.",
"Roger meets a woman, Eve Kendall, who helps and befriends him.",
"[Was this a theme in the old E.",
"Philip Oppenheim stories?",
"] But we soon learn she is working for Van Dam!",
"Roger arrives in Chicago, then travels to a spot in a flat prairie, and waits.",
"Could there be any danger in the wide open spaces?",
"A crop duster appears to answer this question; there seems to be no escape.",
"The plane crashes (!",
") and Roger escapes once again.",
"[Wily Coyote could take lessons from him.",
"]\n\nRoger meets Eve but is told to go away and never return.",
"There is something mysterious about Eve.",
"Note how Hitchcock was able to create suspense and tension from ordinary life.",
"Roger follows Eve, meets Van Dam and his flunky Leonard, but escapes again.",
"Now the \"Professor\" meets Roger and takes him to Rapid City SD.",
"There is yet another meeting with Van Dam, Leonard, and Eve.",
"Eve shoots Roger, who is carried away by the \"Professor\".",
"More events follow as the details of the spy ring are brought out.",
"Eve and Roger make a getaway by climbing down the sculptures of Mount Rushmore.",
"They escape from their pursuers who are caught by the authorities.",
"And so the film has a happy ending, if forced.",
"This was a top film in its day, but now it seems terribly out of date.",
"Films such as \"From Russia With Love\" or \"Goldfinger\" are better and less dated than what was Hitchcock's best film.",
"Roger complains against the \"Professor\" for sacrificing people like pawns, although we learned more in future years.",
"[The \"Professor\" was a fictionalized version of Allen Dulles, some say.",
"] This film is an updated version of \"The Thirty-Nine Steps\".",
"One of the problems in this film is the crop-duster plane.",
"It would be more probable to send out a car with two men to take Roger for a ride, but less spectacular.",
"This comment also applies to the helicopter in \"From Russia With Love\".",
"Do they copy each other's mistakes?"
] |
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