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I purchased 2 bras....this one and the Bali Women's Smooth U Front Close Bra. I prefer T-back style bras because I absolutely hate when a bra strap falls down on your arms. I am 135 pounds, 5'1" and about a C cup. I used the measurement advice found on the descriptions, and it showed me to be a 36C. I am returning this bra for the following reasons: 1. The material is thin. No padding, just a stretchy fabric. I didn't realize this, so I guess I missed that in the description. I might have kept it had it fit. 2. I had "fall out" all around the cup. Not just a little, but a lot. The straps were tight, and it goes up high on the collar bone, so there was literally breast poking out all the way up to the shoulders and collar bones area. Have never had that experience before. I loosened the straps to the lowest/longest position, and it only lightened the "squish" a little bit. Still fall-out. 3. it was scratchy. And to top it off, it was an expensive bra. THe other one I ordered (Bali) was only $16...and it fit like a dream. Lots of support, comfortable, could sleep in it if i had to. I know that Wacoal is a good bra maker, but I was looking for features that this particular bra did not deliver. I don't know if a 38C or a 36D would have been the right choice with this bra, it definitely felt too small, but the 36C with the Bali was perfect.	negative	[ "I purchased 2 bras....", "this one and the Bali Women's Smooth U Front Close Bra.", "I prefer T-back style bras because I absolutely hate when a bra strap falls down on your arms.", "I am 135 pounds, 5'1\" and about a C cup.", "I used the measurement advice found on the descriptions, and it showed me to be a 36C.", "I am returning this bra for the following reasons: 1.", "The material is thin.", "No padding, just a stretchy fabric.", "I didn't realize this, so I guess I missed that in the description.", "I might have kept it had it fit.", "2.", "I had \"fall out\" all around the cup.", "Not just a little, but a lot.", "The straps were tight, and it goes up high on the collar bone, so there was literally breast poking out all the way up to the shoulders and collar bones area.", "Have never had that experience before.", "I loosened the straps to the lowest/longest position, and it only lightened the \"squish\" a little bit.", "Still fall-out.", "3.", "it was scratchy.", "And to top it off, it was an expensive bra.", "THe other one I ordered (Bali) was only $16...", "and it fit like a dream.", "Lots of support, comfortable, could sleep in it if i had to.", "I know that Wacoal is a good bra maker, but I was looking for features that this particular bra did not deliver.", "I don't know if a 38C or a 36D would have been the right choice with this bra, it definitely felt too small, but the 36C with the Bali was perfect." ]
The premise of the story was an interesting one: a series of classmates being murdered several years after they graduated. Unfortunately, the overall plot and the price (free) are about the only good things I can say about this novel. Sorry, Mr. Moats! The book was riddled with run-on sentences and spelling errors, and the author's sentence structure was much too choppy for my taste. As a former English teacher, I can honestly say I've seen 8th grade essays that were much more beautifully written than this. And while the premise of the story is a good one, I just didn't think Mr. Moats did it any justice. Many, many points in the story were completely unbelievable. I realize that it must be difficult to write a mystery, but I found myself thinking many aspects of this story were just too convenient. There wasn't much thinking involved in this mystery; in fact, I think the only brain power I used while reading this novel was just to correct the grammatical errors!	negative	[ "The premise of the story was an interesting one: a series of classmates being murdered several years after they graduated.", "Unfortunately, the overall plot and the price (free) are about the only good things I can say about this novel.", "Sorry, Mr.", "Moats!", "The book was riddled with run-on sentences and spelling errors, and the author's sentence structure was much too choppy for my taste.", "As a former English teacher, I can honestly say I've seen 8th grade essays that were much more beautifully written than this.", "And while the premise of the story is a good one, I just didn't think Mr.", "Moats did it any justice.", "Many, many points in the story were completely unbelievable.", "I realize that it must be difficult to write a mystery, but I found myself thinking many aspects of this story were just too convenient.", "There wasn't much thinking involved in this mystery; in fact, I think the only brain power I used while reading this novel was just to correct the grammatical errors!" ]
I should have read more of the negative reviews given to the book itself rather than the positive reviews about this starter set. As a beginner this book weighed in on too much psychology of viewpoint and not very much on drawing techniques. I know that lots of people seem to love this book, but I guess I just don't get it. Almost 80% of the book is pure text telling me over and over to shutoff the left side of my brain. The rest of the book contains a lot of "before instruction, after instruction" drawings, which is nice, but not what a beginner normally expects... at least this beginner. I wasn't expecting a line by line, "this is how to draw a..." but other books I've looked at do have a lot more descriptions of "techniques" for beginners. Maybe this works better as a text and workbook in a classroom setting, but it's just me, my pencils and some sketch pads here at the house. So, I'll keep looking and return this to Amazon.	negative	[ "I should have read more of the negative reviews given to the book itself rather than the positive reviews about this starter set.", "As a beginner this book weighed in on too much psychology of viewpoint and not very much on drawing techniques.", "I know that lots of people seem to love this book, but I guess I just don't get it.", "Almost 80% of the book is pure text telling me over and over to shutoff the left side of my brain.", "The rest of the book contains a lot of \"before instruction, after instruction\" drawings, which is nice, but not what a beginner normally expects...", "at least this beginner.", "I wasn't expecting a line by line, \"this is how to draw a...", "\" but other books I've looked at do have a lot more descriptions of \"techniques\" for beginners.", "Maybe this works better as a text and workbook in a classroom setting, but it's just me, my pencils and some sketch pads here at the house.", "So, I'll keep looking and return this to Amazon." ]
I had just finished reading "The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes By His Fool, Will Somers" by Margaret George and was interested in learning more about about that time. A group of acquaintances heartily & gushingly recommended "The Other Boleyn Girl". Fortunately, my copy came from a thrift store, because I cannot finish it. I'm not even at page 75 yet and I'm seriously hating it. The most eye-rolling passage for me was Mary's description of her stay at her family's country estate all by herself (with the exception of the servants), and her discussions with local farmers, plus the story about how she secured seed for a crop for some of them. Please. If Ms. Gregory is the feminist she claims to be, she would do well to write more accurately about history and and less sensationally. The truth is usually much more interesting anyway. I'll be combing these 1 and 2 star reviews for recommendations of better accounts of the time and of Anne Boleyn.	negative	[ "I had just finished reading \"The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes By His Fool, Will Somers\" by Margaret George and was interested in learning more about about that time.", "A group of acquaintances heartily & gushingly recommended \"The Other Boleyn Girl\".", "Fortunately, my copy came from a thrift store, because I cannot finish it.", "I'm not even at page 75 yet and I'm seriously hating it.", "The most eye-rolling passage for me was Mary's description of her stay at her family's country estate all by herself (with the exception of the servants), and her discussions with local farmers, plus the story about how she secured seed for a crop for some of them.", "Please.", "If Ms.", "Gregory is the feminist she claims to be, she would do well to write more accurately about history and and less sensationally.", "The truth is usually much more interesting anyway.", "I'll be combing these 1 and 2 star reviews for recommendations of better accounts of the time and of Anne Boleyn." ]
Form factor, rubber pads, screen, size, weight... all perfect for a handheld. The OS drove me to drink, then back to Palm. Why on earth you would release something so buggy and problem ridden is beyond me. Any Palm I have ever used has never missed alarms, appointments, or clock events... This beauty never would work. Task alarms - failed, Event alarms - failed, even soft resets, set an alarm on the stupid clock (never starting any apps) would fail. Get a Palm powered device if you want reliability... get a PocketPC if you want a game gadget that you can sell for a lot less than you paid! (same experience with iPaq 1910)	negative	[ "Form factor, rubber pads, screen, size, weight...", "all perfect for a handheld.", "The OS drove me to drink, then back to Palm.", "Why on earth you would release something so buggy and problem ridden is beyond me.", "Any Palm I have ever used has never missed alarms, appointments, or clock events...", "This beauty never would work.", "Task alarms - failed, Event alarms - failed, even soft resets, set an alarm on the stupid clock (never starting any apps) would fail.", "Get a Palm powered device if you want reliability...", "get a PocketPC if you want a game gadget that you can sell for a lot less than you paid!", "(same experience with iPaq 1910)" ]
I hate these. I don't know if it is a brand issue or an alcohol fuel issue. I bought these thinking I was saving money on the Appalachian Trail. I ended up in a hotel contemplating murdering these tabs, live, on camera. If you wish to know what it is like cooking by alcohol fuel stove (and tabs) the below is from a post I made while on the AT. The stove struggle is real. It's also 'fine' if you your meal timeline is 'sometime later' without specifying which day. Ugh. After burning a thumb (and yes, thumbnails smell when on fire) trying to light the Esbit, wait. Wait. Wait Still there? Wait. Teensy bubbles. SIKE! Fire out. Light again. Wait. Wait. Real tiny bubbles. Hope. Progress. Buahahaha Light 2nd cube. Have a child threaten to walk back to Texas. Hope. Wait. There it is. Add rice/pasta etc. Curse three made up words. Noooooowwwwww eat. At a later date I may or may not be willing to admit slight user error for using a lighter and not waterproof matches, but not today. If this post makes you claw your eyeballs then wrinkle your nose and snarl at this stove section as you skip with glee to canisters and JetBoil. If it doesn't make you want to do that, then my patience was allotted to you	negative	[ "I hate these.", "I don't know if it is a brand issue or an alcohol fuel issue.", "I bought these thinking I was saving money on the Appalachian Trail.", "I ended up in a hotel contemplating murdering these tabs, live, on camera.", "If you wish to know what it is like cooking by alcohol fuel stove (and tabs) the below is from a post I made while on the AT.", "The stove struggle is real.", "It's also 'fine' if you your meal timeline is 'sometime later' without specifying which day.", "Ugh.", "After burning a thumb (and yes, thumbnails smell when on fire) trying to light the Esbit, wait.", "Wait.", "Wait\n\nStill there?", "Wait.", "Teensy bubbles.", "SIKE!", "Fire out.", "Light again.", "Wait.", "Wait.", "Real tiny bubbles.", "Hope.", "Progress.", "Buahahaha\n\nLight 2nd cube.", "Have a child threaten to walk back to Texas.", "Hope.", "Wait.", "There it is.", "Add rice/pasta etc.", "Curse three made up words.", "Noooooowwwwww eat.", "At a later date I may or may not be willing to admit slight user error for using a lighter and not waterproof matches, but not today.", "If this post makes you claw your eyeballs then wrinkle your nose and snarl at this stove section as you skip with glee to canisters and JetBoil.", "If it doesn't make you want to do that, then my patience was allotted to you" ]
I will preface this by saying I own 3 Bradley smokers. 2 of the original Bradleys and most recently a BTDS76P digital 4 rack smoker. Save your money and stick with the original basic models. I've had nothing but issues with this unit. From failure to power up, to error codes multiple time. Several times I've had to open up the smoke unit and take every connector off and place back on to ensure a connection. Most recently, it appears I need a new power supply. The warranty is only one year on these and then you are on your own. In contrast, both my original Bradley's are going strong despite being years older. Bradley's are nice units, but limited on temps. Without modifications it's hard to hot smoke.	negative	[ "I will preface this by saying I own 3 Bradley smokers.", "2 of the original Bradleys and most recently a BTDS76P digital\n4 rack smoker.", "Save your money and stick with the original basic models.", "I've had nothing but issues with this unit.", "From failure to power up,\nto error codes multiple time.", "Several times I've had to open up the smoke unit and take every connector off and place back on\nto ensure a connection.", "Most recently, it appears I need a new power supply.", "The warranty is only one year on these and then\nyou are on your own.", "In contrast, both my original Bradley's are going strong despite being years older.", "Bradley's are nice units, but limited on temps.", "Without modifications it's hard to hot smoke." ]
Waste of money. Using a USB amp/volt meter bought here on Amazon shows this has lower voltage than the factory LG, Samsung and Apple wall chargers. Great, it rotates, but only 90 degrees. Big whoop. Also large and clunky. Literally the size of 4 (FOUR) Apple charges. Should have sent it back Not worth the money. UPDATE: After I posted my review, Belkin contacted me. So I wanted to repeat my experiment with 3 devices to be sure there was not something particular with my LG phone. In all cases the OEM charger charged faster with more amperage and voltage than the Belkin charger. All were with the OEM "fast charge" cables. I have uploaded photos of each. On the LG phone (with the Samsung charger, but the LG charger has the same rate as the Samsung) you will see I'm running Ampere (a charging rate monitor app) and you can see the effective rate at the phone is much larger with the Samsung (and LG) oem chargers (660mA) compared to just 520mA on the Belkin. There was very little difference on the Apple Iphone 6, but there was another big difference on the Samsung Tablet. The photos speak for themselves. Maybe the "lightening cable" that Belkin sells for another $10 would be better, however I don't think so because all of these are already "fast" cables. (in excess of the 500mA rating for standard USB charging cables.) And all tests where done with the same cable, and a cable is not going to change the voltage (amperage yes in theory, but not the voltage.) So I stand by my review. Sorry Belkin, this was a wiff.	negative	[ "Waste of money.", "Using a USB amp/volt meter bought here on Amazon shows this has lower voltage than the factory LG, Samsung and Apple wall chargers.", "Great, it rotates, but only 90 degrees.", "Big whoop.", "Also large and clunky.", "Literally the size of 4 (FOUR) Apple charges.", "Should have sent it back Not worth the money.", "UPDATE: After I posted my review, Belkin contacted me.", "So I wanted to repeat my experiment with 3 devices to be sure there was not something particular with my LG phone.", "In all cases the OEM charger charged faster with more amperage and voltage than the Belkin charger.", "All were with the OEM \"fast charge\" cables.", "I have uploaded photos of each.", "On the LG phone (with the Samsung charger, but the LG charger has the same rate as the Samsung) you will see I'm running Ampere (a charging rate monitor app) and you can see the effective rate at the phone is much larger with the Samsung (and LG) oem chargers (660mA) compared to just 520mA on the Belkin.", "There was very little difference on the Apple Iphone 6, but there was another big difference on the Samsung Tablet.", "The photos speak for themselves.", "Maybe the \"lightening cable\" that Belkin sells for another $10 would be better, however I don't think so because all of these are already \"fast\" cables.", "(in excess of the 500mA rating for standard USB charging cables.", ") And all tests where done with the same cable, and a cable is not going to change the voltage (amperage yes in theory, but not the voltage.", ")\n\nSo I stand by my review.", "Sorry Belkin, this was a wiff." ]
I loved this machine. stores very easily, works well. Tested it out for a few minutes when it first arrived. Worked well so I was happy. Also read the researched the company & was very impressed. Then I went to use it on a real project. The unit turns on comes up to pressure & then the motor goes quiet, just as its supposed to. Only if not in use and turned on the motor continuously turns on & off....endlessly. So I have to keep switching it off manually when using it. It will drive you insane!!!!! Maybe I got a defective machine. Guess if the company cares they will replace it.	negative	[ "I loved this machine.", "stores very easily, works well.", "Tested it out for a few minutes when it first arrived.", "Worked well so I was happy.", "Also read the researched the company & was very impressed.", "Then I went to use it on a real project.", "The unit turns on comes up to pressure & then the motor goes quiet, just as its supposed to.", "Only if not in use and turned on the motor continuously turns on & off....", "endlessly.", "So I have to keep switching it off manually when using it.", "It will drive you insane!!!!", "!", "Maybe I got a defective machine.", "Guess if the company cares they will replace it." ]
Although I'm not too impressed of the cover art of this title, but what I found to be much unimpressive is the horrific gameplay. For those that don't know, the famous Italian actor name Fabio Lanzoni is the model posing with the sword on the game's cover like a bad-ass and its a common marketing tool to get kids' parents (including a horny middle aged housewife or single mother - lol) to waste their hard earned money on a mediocre game for their kids. For starters, the character's (Kuros) sword attack is very short range and awkward (you don't stand a chance against any melees when neccessary). There are other alternative attacks like projectile spells, but they deplete your magic very quickly and they must be conserved for the elemental boss battles of which swifter than lightning strategies are mandatory. Weapon upgrades don't help as much and you can't perform a jump attack which is neccessary for those multiple airborne creatures that must be warded off. The jump configurations are useless and I thought it was me, but its hard to steer while in the air. The game's music is pleasing and so are the graphics and color schemes. The game's objectives are simple and to the point - defeating all four elemental guardians who stand in your way to obtain the iron sword you must use to defeat the evil Malkil in the Icefire Mountain. To progress through each level, Kuros must find a golden artifact for each Animal King for each elemental domain and they will help you advance toward the domain so he can find the neccessary magic spells and armor/weapon upgrades (range of the weapon still sucks) needed to defeat each Guardians. As I said before the controls are very flawed and adding on the the difficulty is the absent "after hit" invisiblity, fast depleting life bar, difficulty in seeing whats ahead before its too late due to the screen's influent pace, and limited continues. Iron Sword looks like it could've been a very good game, but due to the mild success of the previous game and the cover art of the game, it misleaded many gamers and kids wasted their money and time on this mediocre title. The game designers are laughing their heads off and collecting their money while many frustrated gamers like myself are biting the controls as early as level 1 because we die from multiple enemy attacks due to the cumbersome controls. The game designers didn't want to repeat the same formula as simular themed great games like The Legend of Zelda, Gauntlet, and Castlevania, but I think they took three steps back by trying to emulate an average game like Capcom's Ghosts & Goblins, but they failed. I wasted a good $5 on this title and I can't take it back.	negative	[ "Although I'm not too impressed of the cover art of this title, but what I found to be much unimpressive is the horrific gameplay.", "For those that don't know, the famous Italian actor name Fabio Lanzoni is the model posing with the sword on the game's cover like a bad-ass and its a common marketing tool to get kids' parents (including a horny middle aged housewife or single mother - lol) to waste their hard earned money on a mediocre game for their kids.", "For starters, the character's (Kuros) sword attack is very short range and awkward (you don't stand a chance against any melees when neccessary).", "There are other alternative attacks like projectile spells, but they deplete your magic very quickly and they must be conserved for the elemental boss battles of which swifter than lightning strategies are mandatory.", "Weapon upgrades don't help as much and you can't perform a jump attack which is neccessary for those multiple airborne creatures that must be warded off.", "The jump configurations are useless and I thought it was me, but its hard to steer while in the air.", "The game's music is pleasing and so are the graphics and color schemes.", "The game's objectives are simple and to the point - defeating all four elemental guardians who stand in your way to obtain the iron sword you must use to defeat the evil Malkil in the Icefire Mountain.", "To progress through each level, Kuros must find a golden artifact for each Animal King for each elemental domain and they will help you advance toward the domain so he can find the neccessary magic spells and armor/weapon upgrades (range of the weapon still sucks) needed to defeat each Guardians.", "As I said before the controls are very flawed and adding on the the difficulty is the absent \"after hit\" invisiblity, fast depleting life bar, difficulty in seeing whats ahead before its too late due to the screen's influent pace, and limited continues.", "Iron Sword looks like it could've been a very good game, but due to the mild success of the previous game and the cover art of the game, it misleaded many gamers and kids wasted their money and time on this mediocre title.", "The game designers are laughing their heads off and collecting their money while many frustrated gamers like myself are biting the controls as early as level 1 because we die from multiple enemy attacks due to the cumbersome controls.", "The game designers didn't want to repeat the same formula as simular themed great games like The Legend of Zelda, Gauntlet, and Castlevania, but I think they took three steps back by trying to emulate an average game like Capcom's Ghosts & Goblins, but they failed.", "I wasted a good $5 on this title and I can't take it back." ]
I liked parts of the movie especially the action scenes in the last half, but I didn't like the characters very much. If the two main characters were different and a different storyline to them was given, it might have been better. The charcter setup just seemed to easy for a movie supposed to be this big. I don't think that the scenes follwed history well either. Lets just say it should have been rated R. It wasn't up to all the hype either. Leonardo DiCaprio definitely wasn't the right actor for the role either. He was mainly just there to attract to under 20 girls. I would rather have a good movie with a good cast and have a lower gross than to know the movie wasn't that great with these characters but know it made $600 million. Definitely didn't deserve an Academy Award. Maybe for effects. Send this movie back to the ocean. the best thing about it was Celine Dion's song...which got on a lot of nerves after a while too. One star for the end of the movie. One star for the only interesting characters played by Billy Zane and Kathy Bates. Oh well. Besides the fact that it is the #1 grosser, it is pretty forgettable to me. Skip this one.	negative	[ "I liked parts of the movie especially the action scenes in the last half, but I didn't like the characters very much.", "If the two main characters were different and a different storyline to them was given, it might have been better.", "The charcter setup just seemed to easy for a movie supposed to be this big.", "I don't think that the scenes follwed history well either.", "Lets just say it should have been rated R.", "It wasn't up to all the hype either.", "Leonardo DiCaprio definitely wasn't the right actor for the role either.", "He was mainly just there to attract to under 20 girls.", "I would rather have a good movie with a good cast and have a lower gross than to know the movie wasn't that great with these characters but know it made $600 million.", "Definitely didn't deserve an Academy Award.", "Maybe for effects.", "Send this movie back to the ocean.", "the best thing about it was Celine Dion's song...", "which got on a lot of nerves after a while too.", "One star for the end of the movie.", "One star for the only interesting characters played by Billy Zane and Kathy Bates.", "Oh well.", "Besides the fact that it is the #1 grosser, it is pretty forgettable to me.", "Skip this one." ]
Lets face it, everytime a videogame incorporates a female leading character, the game turn into ruins....examples??? red ninja (sucked),nightshade (sucked) tomb raider ( sucks), aeon flux (sucks),like that there are many.....bulletwitch is no exemption, SHE SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! shes a gungrave, devil may cry wanna be, thats all she is..the game is pretty boring, feels just like gungrave, its for sure a gungrave rip-off...but then again, atari does not make great games either.....this game is a rental at most...its not worth your 49.99....buy a real mens game, BUY GOD OF WAR 2 INSTEAD!!!!!!!!	negative	[ "Lets face it, everytime a videogame incorporates a female leading character, the game turn into ruins....", "examples???", "red ninja (sucked),nightshade (sucked) tomb raider ( sucks), aeon flux (sucks),like that there are many....", ".", "bulletwitch is no exemption, SHE SUCKS!!!!", "!!!!", "!!!", "shes a gungrave, devil may cry wanna be, thats all she is..", "the game is pretty boring, feels just like gungrave, its for sure a gungrave rip-off...", "but then again, atari does not make great games either....", ".", "this game is a rental at most...", "its not worth your 49.", "99....", "buy a real mens game, BUY GOD OF WAR 2 INSTEAD!!!!", "!!!!" ]
At my office, for years, I have used the <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Plantronics-CS70-HL10-DECT-6-0-Bundle-Wireless-Headset-System-with-Lifter/dp/B000FPKOV0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Plantronics CS70/HL10 DECT 6.0 Bundle Wireless Headset System with Lifter</a> and love it. It fits perfectly, is full of volume and microphone adjustments and I don't notice it is on me. I have also used the <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Plantronics-Voyager-510-Bluetooth-Headset-Retail-Packaging/dp/B0009B0IX4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset [Retail Packaging</a>] as my primary headset with my previous Motorola RAZR and loved it. However, when I switched to the iPhone 3GS, people couldn't hear me well anymore. Upon first using the Voyager Pro, the other person sounded more digitized than the 510. Also, my biggest problem with this headset -- the other person sounds quiet, tinny and distant. I tried the various earpieces with and without the felt cover, but it was all the same. In comparing the 510 with this model, the 510's earpiece goes much deeper into the ear canal, getting the speaker deeper in, creating a better sound and sealing out other sounds. Even when pushing in the Voyager Pro, the earpiece collapses instead of going deeper in. I had these hearing issues with the volume all the way up with the windows up in the car. If I had the windows down, it would be impossible to hear. I wasn't impressed with the controls of the Voyager Pro compared with the 510 either. The power button is difficult to find and push compared to the 510. The volume button are difficult to distinguish from one another. On the 510, each has a different slope, making it easy to know which is which. The answer/hang up/voice dial button forces you to smash the whole headset into your ear canal to activate and it is difficult to know whether you are pressing it. On the 510, you could hear the button being pushed or let off and you could easily counteract the force with your thumb behind, keeping the earpiece from crushing your ear. This is just not usable for me, I will be returning it. Now back to the drawing board.	negative	[ "At my office, for years, I have used the <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Plantronics-CS70-HL10-DECT-6-0-Bundle-Wireless-Headset-System-with-Lifter/dp/B000FPKOV0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?", "ie=UTF8\">Plantronics CS70/HL10 DECT 6.", "0 Bundle Wireless Headset System with Lifter</a> and love it.", "It fits perfectly, is full of volume and microphone adjustments and I don't notice it is on me.", "I have also used the <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Plantronics-Voyager-510-Bluetooth-Headset-Retail-Packaging/dp/B0009B0IX4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?", "ie=UTF8\">Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset [Retail Packaging</a>] as my primary headset with my previous Motorola RAZR and loved it.", "However, when I switched to the iPhone 3GS, people couldn't hear me well anymore.", "Upon first using the Voyager Pro, the other person sounded more digitized than the 510.", "Also, my biggest problem with this headset -- the other person sounds quiet, tinny and distant.", "I tried the various earpieces with and without the felt cover, but it was all the same.", "In comparing the 510 with this model, the 510's earpiece goes much deeper into the ear canal, getting the speaker deeper in, creating a better sound and sealing out other sounds.", "Even when pushing in the Voyager Pro, the earpiece collapses instead of going deeper in.", "I had these hearing issues with the volume all the way up with the windows up in the car.", "If I had the windows down, it would be impossible to hear.", "I wasn't impressed with the controls of the Voyager Pro compared with the 510 either.", "The power button is difficult to find and push compared to the 510.", "The volume button are difficult to distinguish from one another.", "On the 510, each has a different slope, making it easy to know which is which.", "The answer/hang up/voice dial button forces you to smash the whole headset into your ear canal to activate and it is difficult to know whether you are pressing it.", "On the 510, you could hear the button being pushed or let off and you could easily counteract the force with your thumb behind, keeping the earpiece from crushing your ear.", "This is just not usable for me, I will be returning it.", "Now back to the drawing board." ]
I will agree with several other reviewers who say that the main character, Tully Makker, is not very likeable, and the book is way too long. It was a chore to get through it. The main problem with this book is that it is sorely in need of editing. First of all, the dialogue is not very authentic. I was a senior in 1979 too, and all I kept thinking, while reading this, 'NOBODY talked like that!' No, not even in Kansas. The factual and spelling errors are so frequent and distracting that I found myself pencilling notes in the margins. The author doesn't know STRAIT from STRAIGHT, or AISLE from ISLE. A few more (and some quite amusing) examples: "Remember what Tolstoy said? All that doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Nope, NOT Tolstoy. Nietzsche. If you're going to use the phrase, why not research it first? A character is referred to as "Martha Louise Lamber nee Bowman"-- but Lamber is her maiden name and Bowman is her married name. The author does not understand "nee", meaning "born". And the medical stuff...this is where is gets REALLY silly: "Tully was AB positive, the universal receiver. Robin was O positive, the universal donor." Ehhmm....NO. O NEGATIVE is the universal donor. "She looked like she was sleeping, despite the IV tube going into her nose..." An IV?? In her NOSE? "He grabbed her, tubes and all, and started shaking her and screaming. A feeding tube fell out of Tully's nose." FELL out? He'd have to do a fair amount of yanking to get THAT to happen, feeding tubes go all the way down the throat to the stomach! "Tully saw the glass bottle of Lucosade connected to her arm." Lucozade is like Gatorade. You don't put it in an IV, you put it in the fridge, then pour it into a glass to drink! And if you can get past THAT sort of thing there's another big distraction. Aparently the author thinks she has come up with a really fabulous name, Tully Makker. And needs to hit us over the head with it. You know how nearly everyone in Peanuts cartoons calls Charlie Brown by his full name? is this a Kansas thing? Is there a reason ALL the characters have the SAME speech quirk? HEDDA says "Shut up, Tully Maker, shut up!" JENNIFER says "That's where you're wrong, Tully Makker." and "Have it your way, Tully Makker." JEREMY says "So, do you live with your folks, Tully Makker?" and "You've got plenty, Tully Makker." ROBIN says "Oh that's great, Tully Makker, just great." and "Don't say it, Tully Makker." and "Well, Tully Makker, you're not God..." JULIE says "Well I'll just hate to see what happens to you, Tully Makker, when you have your cataclysm." and "Tully Makker, please don't tell me you fell asleep in the---" and "You did the right thing, Tully Makker." and "You are the sister I never had, Tully Makker." JACK says "I know a little bit about you, Tully Makker." and "well, Tully Makker, you're actually at your desk." and "I really don't think I should, Tully Makker." and "Nobody dances like you, Tully Makker." and "I wasn't good enough for you, Tully Makker." and "And what would you have me do, Tully Makker?" and "Who else did you leave that to, Tully Makker?" Fed up with readng my examples yet? Just think how fed up you'd get reading this (594-page) book!	negative	[ "I will agree with several other reviewers who say that the main character, Tully Makker, is not very likeable, and the book is way too long.", "It was a chore to get through it.", "The main problem with this book is that it is sorely in need of editing.", "First of all, the dialogue is not very authentic.", "I was a senior in 1979 too, and all I kept thinking, while reading this, 'NOBODY talked like that!", "' No, not even in Kansas.", "The factual and spelling errors are so frequent and distracting that I found myself pencilling notes in the margins.", "The author doesn't know STRAIT from STRAIGHT, or AISLE from ISLE.", "A few more (and some quite amusing) examples:\n\n\"Remember what Tolstoy said?", "All that doesn't kill you makes you stronger.", "\" Nope, NOT Tolstoy.", "Nietzsche.", "If you're going to use the phrase, why not research it first?", "A character is referred to as \"Martha Louise Lamber nee Bowman\"-- but Lamber is her maiden name and Bowman is her married name.", "The author does not understand \"nee\", meaning \"born\".", "And the medical stuff...", "this is where is gets REALLY silly:\n\n\"Tully was AB positive, the universal receiver.", "Robin was O positive, the universal donor.", "\" Ehhmm....", "NO.", "O NEGATIVE is the universal donor.", "\"She looked like she was sleeping, despite the IV tube going into her nose...", "\" An IV??", "In her NOSE?", "\"He grabbed her, tubes and all, and started shaking her and screaming.", "A feeding tube fell out of Tully's nose.", "\" FELL out?", "He'd have to do a fair amount of yanking to get THAT to happen, feeding tubes go all the way down the throat to the stomach!", "\"Tully saw the glass bottle of Lucosade connected to her arm.", "\" Lucozade is like Gatorade.", "You don't put it in an IV, you put it in the fridge, then pour it into a glass to drink!", "And if you can get past THAT sort of thing there's another big distraction.", "Aparently the author thinks she has come up with a really fabulous name, Tully Makker.", "And needs to hit us over the head with it.", "You know how nearly everyone in Peanuts cartoons calls Charlie Brown by his full name?", "is this a Kansas thing?", "Is there a reason ALL the characters have the SAME speech quirk?", "HEDDA says \"Shut up, Tully Maker, shut up!", "\"\nJENNIFER says \"That's where you're wrong, Tully Makker.", "\"\n and \"Have it your way, Tully Makker.", "\"\nJEREMY says \"So, do you live with your folks, Tully Makker?", "\"\n and \"You've got plenty, Tully Makker.", "\"\nROBIN says \"Oh that's great, Tully Makker, just great.", "\"\n and \"Don't say it, Tully Makker.", "\"\nand \"Well, Tully Makker, you're not God...", "\"\nJULIE says \"Well I'll just hate to see what happens to you, Tully\n Makker, when you have your cataclysm.", "\"\n and \"Tully Makker, please don't tell me you fell\n asleep in the---\"\n and \"You did the right thing, Tully Makker.", "\"\n and \"You are the sister I never had, Tully Makker.", "\"\nJACK says \"I know a little bit about you, Tully Makker.", "\"\n and \"well, Tully Makker, you're actually at your desk.", "\"\n and \"I really don't think I should, Tully Makker.", "\"\n and \"Nobody dances like you, Tully Makker.", "\"\n and \"I wasn't good enough for you, Tully Makker.", "\"\n and \"And what would you have me do, Tully Makker?", "\"\n and \"Who else did you leave that to, Tully Makker?", "\"\n\nFed up with readng my examples yet?", "Just think how fed up you'd get reading this (594-page) book!" ]
I bought this wondering what the hype was all about. The weapons were all lame. This game is nothing compared to its similar games like Counter-Strike or Quake 2. Cons: 1)Multiplayer offers tremendous lag even on a T3 line and DSL line. I have a Pentium 4 with geforce 2 and great connection and plenty of RAM to burn. This game was so lagged it was no fun to play. Just like Q3 it was unplayable because it lagged so much. It even lagged when I played single player against the computer. 2)The game has super lame weapons. 3)No thought or original game play. Pros: 1)Great graphics 2)Beautiful maps	negative	[ "I bought this wondering what the hype was all about.", "The weapons were all lame.", "This game is nothing compared to its similar games like Counter-Strike or Quake 2.", "Cons:\n1)Multiplayer offers tremendous lag even on a T3 line and DSL line.", "I have a Pentium 4 with geforce 2 and great connection and plenty of RAM to burn.", "This game was so lagged it was no fun to play.", "Just like Q3 it was unplayable because it lagged so much.", "It even lagged when I played single player against the computer.", "2)The game has super lame weapons.", "3)No thought or original game play.", "Pros:\n1)Great graphics\n2)Beautiful maps" ]
My daughter and I have been using Ancestry.com for awhile now. When the opportunity arose to try Family Tree Maker for Mac and have a free 3-month subscription as stated we were tickled pink. We had tons of printed data we have been entering into Ancestry.com that she has been receiving from family members. We installed the program on a iMac and after the program installed we actually had a bit of a problem locating it. Finally we found it by going to the Macintosh HD icon on the desktop. We followed the directions to sign up for our 3-month free subscription but that did not exist. I had to enter a credit card number and got a 6-moth free trial and after the 6 months if I do not cancel it with in the trial subscription I will be charged $99 for another 6 months of service. So I guess I got a better deal but I made sure to give myself a reminder in case I don't want it to renew itself after the 6-month trial is over. All I can say about the program it it is worthless. It constantly signs us out and I don't understand why. We enjoyed using the services on Ancestry.com more after signing up for the free trial subscription through the program. My daughter and I spent hours going viewing documents, pictures and hints of possible family members then trying to figure out why the program would not import our information. Overall all I can say is the program is not very user-friendly and the menu interface confusing to say the least. However, we did order our DNA kits for the special price offered after signing up for the trial subscription - so that was a bonus!	negative	[ "My daughter and I have been using Ancestry.", "com for awhile now.", "When the opportunity arose to try Family Tree Maker for Mac and have a free 3-month subscription as stated we were tickled pink.", "We had tons of printed data we have been entering into Ancestry.", "com that she has been receiving from family members.", "We installed the program on a iMac and after the program installed we actually had a bit of a problem locating it.", "Finally we found it by going to the Macintosh HD icon on the desktop.", "We followed the directions to sign up for our 3-month free subscription but that did not exist.", "I had to enter a credit card number and got a 6-moth free trial and after the 6 months if I do not cancel it with in the trial subscription I will be charged $99 for another 6 months of service.", "So I guess I got a better deal but I made sure to give myself a reminder in case I don't want it to renew itself after the 6-month trial is over.", "All I can say about the program it it is worthless.", "It constantly signs us out and I don't understand why.", "We enjoyed using the services on Ancestry.", "com more after signing up for the free trial subscription through the program.", "My daughter and I spent hours going viewing documents, pictures and hints of possible family members then trying to figure out why the program would not import our information.", "Overall all I can say is the program is not very user-friendly and the menu interface confusing to say the least.", "However, we did order our DNA kits for the special price offered after signing up for the trial subscription - so that was a bonus!" ]
it is ... it is indeed ... aha ... and ... a ... yeah , i'm just taking on a new job too obadiah ... n it is gon na be an awful lot of work and a ... real big change ... n i went to see my new room yesterday n it is ... i have to move rooms twice before i can get into my proper new room . and the first one i'm goin into is really ... aww it really quite depressing looking . went in yesterday n there was a ... a ... there is nothing on the walls , it is got a wee tiny attic window , which looks out into ... kinda like just a big brick building and a ... all that there was in the room was a big big table ... n a big huge ... black chair that just looked like an excecush ... executioners chair , it was horrible looking . really horrible . so am gon na have to spend 3 months in that place before i can move to a nicer room	negative	[ "it is...", "it is indeed...", "aha...", "and...", "a...", "yeah , i'm just taking on a new job too obadiah...", "n it is gon na be an awful lot of work and a...", "real big change...", "n i went to see my new room yesterday n it is...", "i have to move rooms twice before i can get into my proper new room.", "and the first one i'm goin into is really...", "aww it really quite depressing looking.", "went in yesterday n there was a...", "a...", "there is nothing on the walls , it is got a wee tiny attic window , which looks out into...", "kinda like just a big brick building and a...", "all that there was in the room was a big big table...", "n a big huge...", "black chair that just looked like an excecush...", "executioners chair , it was horrible looking.", "really horrible.", "so am gon na have to spend 3 months in that place before i can move to a nicer room" ]
Well this is an interesting design choice. They make a solid metal, well made, beautiful Chevy "bow-tie." Then they give you a two piece, flimsy plastic insert. Yes two pieces. So I super glued the two pieces together and screwed the bow-tie on. Looks great. Problem. If you use a non-locking hitch pin to secure this, you might make two trips to any parking lot anywhere USA and it will be gone in sixty seconds. If someone kicks it thats the game, it will easily break off. Or...if you have a locking hitch pin all anyone needs to do is twist the bow-tie and it will break away from the flimsy plastic insert. Your only solace will be the offender will have to adapt this to something to re-use it. Now if no one rips it off, you don't accidently kick it then it may stay on your truck for about 3 to 6 months. Here is why....the plastic insert is so flimsy that with normal driving I am certain the screw holes in the plastic will begin to crack and one day you will hear a clinking sound, look in your rear view mirror and your bow-tie will be bouncing down the road. So spend an extra 15 to 20 bucks and buy an all metal piece. Now if you don't plan to drive your vehicle it looks great. If you own a dealership and want to dress up a display vehicle this would be OK. My only solace in this purchase is I had a 30 dollar credit coming so the cover and a locking hitch pin cost me only 14 bucks and some change. So when the cover gets ripped off or falls off the truck the money I paid was less then what the locking hitch pin cost. When that happens Ill get an all metal cover. Looks great, not practical and certainly not durable. (i.e. a waste of time and money) Even an aluminum insert would improve this piece. I cant imagine what the manufacturer of this piece was thinking. Its made in Taiwan I believe so I suspect everytime they sell one they laugh and say silly Americans. If it were not for the 30 dollar credit I had coming I would have been pissed and returned this or thrown it in the trash to avoid the hassle of returning this piece of crap.	negative	[ "Well this is an interesting design choice.", "They make a solid metal, well made, beautiful Chevy \"bow-tie.", "\" Then they give you a two piece, flimsy plastic insert.", "Yes two pieces.", "So I super glued the two pieces together and screwed the bow-tie on.", "Looks great.", "Problem.", "If you use a non-locking hitch pin to secure this, you might make two trips to any parking lot anywhere USA and it will be gone in sixty seconds.", "If someone kicks it thats the game, it will easily break off.", "Or...", "if you have a locking hitch pin all anyone needs to do is twist the bow-tie and it will break away from the flimsy plastic insert.", "Your only solace will be the offender will have to adapt this to something to re-use it.", "Now if no one rips it off, you don't accidently kick it then it may stay on your truck for about 3 to 6 months.", "Here is why....", "the plastic insert is so flimsy that with normal driving I am certain the screw holes in the plastic will begin to crack and one day you will hear a clinking sound, look in your rear view mirror and your bow-tie will be bouncing down the road.", "So spend an extra 15 to 20 bucks and buy an all metal piece.", "Now if you don't plan to drive your vehicle it looks great.", "If you own a dealership and want to dress up a display vehicle this would be OK.", "My only solace in this purchase is I had a 30 dollar credit coming so the cover and a locking hitch pin cost me only 14 bucks and some change.", "So when the cover gets ripped off or falls off the truck the money I paid was less then what the locking hitch pin cost.", "When that happens Ill get an all metal cover.", "Looks great, not practical and certainly not durable.", "(i.", "e. a waste of time and money)\n\nEven an aluminum insert would improve this piece.", "I cant imagine what the manufacturer of this piece was thinking.", "Its made in Taiwan I believe so I suspect everytime they sell one they laugh and say silly Americans.", "If it were not for the 30 dollar credit I had coming I would have been pissed and returned this or thrown it in the trash to avoid the hassle of returning this piece of crap." ]
The screens are absolute trash. (1) they sell at Home Depot for $7.98 not $19.98 (2) apparently the screen material is not attached well because taking the label off literally will tear the screen out of the frame. (3) since the metal part of the frame is really thin and bendable, removing and inserting the screen will probably result in damage over time. (4) the depth of the frame is only around 1/4 inch. Trying to pin the screen between a window and its frame is a trial and error practice. (5) the edges of the fram always leaves gap at the top of the frame unless you use a foam insert. Otherwise, it is a doormat to bugs. Folks, this isn't even close to the quality of the products that were made in the 50s thru the 70s when the entire frame was wood and at least a half inch depth that gave you a decent seal. I certainly would not pay over twice what Home Depot charges. Not Recommended	negative	[ "The screens are absolute trash.", "(1) they sell at Home Depot for $7.", "98 not $19.", "98\n(2) apparently the screen material is not attached well because taking the label off literally will tear the screen out of the frame.", "(3) since the metal part of the frame is really thin and bendable, removing and inserting the screen will probably result in damage over time.", "(4) the depth of the frame is only around 1/4 inch.", "Trying to pin the screen between a window and its frame is a trial and error practice.", "(5) the edges of the fram always leaves gap at the top of the frame unless you use a foam insert.", "Otherwise, it is a doormat to bugs.", "Folks, this isn't even close to the quality of the products that were made in the 50s thru the 70s when the entire frame was wood and at least a half inch depth that gave you a decent seal.", "I certainly would not pay over twice what Home Depot charges.", "Not Recommended" ]
You watch an Ed Wood film, it's bad, but it's fun. It's fun because the director cared, and despite the fact that Ed Wood wasn't a good director, his personality and care is evident in his films. Resident Evil is made by Paul Anderson, and he quite obviously doesn't care. Forget what all of you are saying about 'It's another silly zombie movie' or 'It's from a game so I suppose it was always going to be bad'. The reality is, the games are extremely well executed, as are George A Romero films (G.A.R being the original guy who was to direct this.) A great story is in the telling, this story was not told well. It could not have been told worse. This guy, quite obviously, has no idea of how to tell a story or direct a film. I trusted him due to Mortal Kombat and Event Horizon, but after Resident Evil and the appauling AVP, it would appear that those first two films are only as good as they are due to good producers and scripts. Stay away, stay well away. An absolute travesty in every sense. To think of the millions of lives you could save with the money that was wasted on this garbage.	negative	[ "You watch an Ed Wood film, it's bad, but it's fun.", "It's fun because the director cared, and despite the fact that Ed Wood wasn't a good director, his personality and care is evident in his films.", "Resident Evil is made by Paul Anderson, and he quite obviously doesn't care.", "Forget what all of you are saying about 'It's another silly zombie movie' or 'It's from a game so I suppose it was always going to be bad'.", "The reality is, the games are extremely well executed, as are George A Romero films (G.", "A.R being the original guy who was to direct this.", ")\n\nA great story is in the telling, this story was not told well.", "It could not have been told worse.", "This guy, quite obviously, has no idea of how to tell a story or direct a film.", "I trusted him due to Mortal Kombat and Event Horizon, but after Resident Evil and the appauling AVP, it would appear that those first two films are only as good as they are due to good producers and scripts.", "Stay away, stay well away.", "An absolute travesty in every sense.", "To think of the millions of lives you could save with the money that was wasted on this garbage." ]
Being a stubborn Taurean, I almost never give up on a book, no matter how it may fail to match my mood or expectations. So, it is a rare thing for me to report that I couldn't finish Kim Stanley Robinson's THE YEARS OF RICE AND SALT. Why not? Although premised on the fascinating possibilities of alternative history -- a world in which "the West" quite simply doesn't exist, having been wiped out by the Black Death of the 14th century -- the novel is ultimately predictable and boring. I love historical fiction -- or rather, the idea of historical fiction. Few writers can pull it off. My favorites in the genre are Robert Graves's Claudius books and Marguerite Yourcenar's MEMOIRS OF HADRIAN. Keeping in mind that this is mass-market fiction, my expectations were low. It's not that I can't appreciate a little pulp fiction (I've been known to curl up warmly with the likes of Anne Rice, who has a great historical imagination), or that Robinson hasn't done his research (the novel is quite impressive in historical detail). The problem is that Robinson lacks the imagination to create a truly "other" world. It for this reason that the earliest chapters of the book are the most successful. Here, Robinson doesn't have to imagine, he can simply insert his characters into the more or less fully developed worlds of medieval China and the dar-al-Islam (comprising Turkey, the Middle East, and central and southeast Asia -- plus the fictional Muslim Europe, which is never fully developed). One can even bear with the predictable way he handles the near simultaneous discovery of the Americas from the "East" and the "West", which draws on recent notorious claims that the Chinese might have visited the Pacific coast of North and South America during the Middle Ages and possibly have influenced the cultures there. The novel really loses steam, however, when key historical figures and events from actual Western history turn up in not-so-subtle Eastern guises. The Scientific Revolution is transplanted to Samarkand and the Industrial Revolution to India. I quit reading when World War I, complete with trench warfare, broke out between China and the Islamic nations. I do have one soft spot for this novel: Robinson's use of the Buddhist concept of the Bardo. The main characters meet in limbo here after death and are reborn in the same "Jati", meaning that they touch each others' lives in incarnation after incarnation. Also, Robinson's Sufi characters are quite well developed and interesting, and they may serve to introduce some readers to another, less familiar face of Islam.	negative	[ "Being a stubborn Taurean, I almost never give up on a book, no matter how it may fail to match my mood or expectations.", "So, it is a rare thing for me to report that I couldn't finish Kim Stanley Robinson's THE YEARS OF RICE AND SALT.", "Why not?", "Although premised on the fascinating possibilities of alternative history -- a world in which \"the West\" quite simply doesn't exist, having been wiped out by the Black Death of the 14th century -- the novel is ultimately predictable and boring.", "I love historical fiction -- or rather, the idea of historical fiction.", "Few writers can pull it off.", "My favorites in the genre are Robert Graves's Claudius books and Marguerite Yourcenar's MEMOIRS OF HADRIAN.", "Keeping in mind that this is mass-market fiction, my expectations were low.", "It's not that I can't appreciate a little pulp fiction (I've been known to curl up warmly with the likes of Anne Rice, who has a great historical imagination), or that Robinson hasn't done his research (the novel is quite impressive in historical detail).", "The problem is that Robinson lacks the imagination to create a truly \"other\" world.", "It for this reason that the earliest chapters of the book are the most successful.", "Here, Robinson doesn't have to imagine, he can simply insert his characters into the more or less fully developed worlds of medieval China and the dar-al-Islam (comprising Turkey, the Middle East, and central and southeast Asia -- plus the fictional Muslim Europe, which is never fully developed).", "One can even bear with the predictable way he handles the near simultaneous discovery of the Americas from the \"East\" and the \"West\", which draws on recent notorious claims that the Chinese might have visited the Pacific coast of North and South America during the Middle Ages and possibly have influenced the cultures there.", "The novel really loses steam, however, when key historical figures and events from actual Western history turn up in not-so-subtle Eastern guises.", "The Scientific Revolution is transplanted to Samarkand and the Industrial Revolution to India.", "I quit reading when World War I, complete with trench warfare, broke out between China and the Islamic nations.", "I do have one soft spot for this novel: Robinson's use of the Buddhist concept of the Bardo.", "The main characters meet in limbo here after death and are reborn in the same \"Jati\", meaning that they touch each others' lives in incarnation after incarnation.", "Also, Robinson's Sufi characters are quite well developed and interesting, and they may serve to introduce some readers to another, less familiar face of Islam." ]
Let me begin by stating that I am a huge fan of Bernard Cornwell's works of historical fiction. His imaginative characters, terrific story telling ability, and narrative style are always very entertaining. I also appreciate the care he takes in wrestling with the real-world historical details that are the backdrop for all of his writing. That said, unfortunately, this work of non-fiction lacks this almost magical combination of features that ordinarily keep me spell-bound. While this book does offer a modestly comprehensive start-to-finish perspective on the battle, it has a rambling, tedious style. It often needlessly repeats information, including anecdotes and annoying time-worn expressions like 'rock, paper, scissors.' He assumes the reader knows nothing about the military organization, tactics, etc. so there are a lot of tiresome digressions sprinkled throughout the text. While there is a lot of action taking place in each chapter, it's not really clear why Cornwell chooses to focus on some aspects while leaving out other elements. One thing is clear, he's a huge fan of Allied generals like Wellington, Picton and Blucher, while he holds all of the French generals in low esteem. It's pretty clear that the publisher never intended to offer us a serious work of historical research that engages the reader in the controversies surrounding the battle. But does the world really need another superficial introduction to Waterloo that mimics a two-hour television documentary in its presentation and shallow depth? I fault the editors for allowing what really appears to be a first draft to sail through into publication (no doubt in an effort to release the book in time with the 200th anniversary of the battle). At best, this book is a somewhat entertaining introduction to Waterloo for those who know nothing about the battle. For everyone else, I would recommend a host of far more thorough and well-researched books on the market today.	negative	[ "Let me begin by stating that I am a huge fan of Bernard Cornwell's works of historical fiction.", "His imaginative characters, terrific story telling ability, and narrative style are always very entertaining.", "I also appreciate the care he takes in wrestling with the real-world historical details that are the backdrop for all of his writing.", "That said, unfortunately, this work of non-fiction lacks this almost magical combination of features that ordinarily keep me spell-bound.", "While this book does offer a modestly comprehensive start-to-finish perspective on the battle, it has a rambling, tedious style.", "It often needlessly repeats information, including anecdotes and annoying time-worn expressions like 'rock, paper, scissors.", "' He assumes the reader knows nothing about the military organization, tactics, etc.", "so there are a lot of tiresome digressions sprinkled throughout the text.", "While there is a lot of action taking place in each chapter, it's not really clear why Cornwell chooses to focus on some aspects while leaving out other elements.", "One thing is clear, he's a huge fan of Allied generals like Wellington, Picton and Blucher, while he holds all of the French generals in low esteem.", "It's pretty clear that the publisher never intended to offer us a serious work of historical research that engages the reader in the controversies surrounding the battle.", "But does the world really need another superficial introduction to Waterloo that mimics a two-hour television documentary in its presentation and shallow depth?", "I fault the editors for allowing what really appears to be a first draft to sail through into publication (no doubt in an effort to release the book in time with the 200th anniversary of the battle).", "At best, this book is a somewhat entertaining introduction to Waterloo for those who know nothing about the battle.", "For everyone else, I would recommend a host of far more thorough and well-researched books on the market today." ]
Okay, I admit that I probably shouldn't even be reviewing this book, I'm not in the target audience. For those who are in the book's target audience, I'm sure it is a wonderful book. If the description "enjoys Christian allegory" fits you, ignore my bad review and read the other reviews. All I'm saying is that for me, it was so boring I couldn't hardly finish it. I only read it because a Christian friend gave it to me. Just a few other small comments. In his introduction, Lewis finds it necessary to remind the reader that it is allegory, and he is not trying in any way to factually describe the afterlife. In fact he says, "encouraging factual curiosity of the afterlife is the last thing I want to do". Well, um, then what's the point? Though I maintain being agnostic, but I have to admit I lean more towards atheism. One of the reasons being that no one has presented, to my mind anyway, a plausible scenerio for what the afterlife is really like. An infinite life where there is presumably no pain or evil, would have to be inherently very different from our mortal existence. So different if such does exist, then it seems difficult to imagine any purpose to this very limited existence we have here. After all, a billion years from now, are you going to be sitting around heaven talking about the time your aunt died or something? I'm wondering if the reason Lewis doesn't want to "encourage factual curiosity" about the afterlife is because that when one tries to ponder it factually, it seems rather implausible. I think that a Christian would say that a quote late in the book more or less sums up what Lewis is trying to say. Lewis says that "there are two kinds of people, those that say to God 'thy will be done' and those that God says to them, 'thy will be done.'" Well, don't take the following statement as "bashing" Christians, I am fully aware that by and large, Christians are fine people. But of course there are those that claim to be Christians that don't seem like such fine people. My only point in this is that I basically reject that there is some intrinsic difference between those that choose to be Christians and those that don't. The point of the book is to try to show this supposed intrinsic difference, an intrisic difference would would last for eternity, which I reject exists. I reject Lewis' premise. I'm just in general not a big fan of allegory. And even Lewis himself says it says nothing about the real form of heaven and hell. So for me, it was a boring, useless waste of time. But if you are a Christian and like allegory, well, ignore me, I'm sure you'll like the book. NOTE: At the time of this edit of my review, I've got 0 out of 4 helpful votes. I guess I shouldn't be surprised as I'm giving a negative review of a popular book. But the point is - is my review actually helpful? And I think it is. I freely admit that those in the target audience will like it and I explain why I don't like it. That's what's called a GOOD review folks - don't say it is a bad review just because you don't like my opinion!	negative	[ "Okay, I admit that I probably shouldn't even be reviewing this book, I'm not in the target audience.", "For those who are in the book's target audience, I'm sure it is a wonderful book.", "If the description \"enjoys Christian allegory\" fits you, ignore my bad review and read the other reviews.", "All I'm saying is that for me, it was so boring I couldn't hardly finish it.", "I only read it because a Christian friend gave it to me.", "Just a few other small comments.", "In his introduction, Lewis finds it necessary to remind the reader that it is allegory, and he is not trying in any way to factually describe the afterlife.", "In fact he says, \"encouraging factual curiosity of the afterlife is the last thing I want to do\".", "Well, um, then what's the point?", "Though I maintain being agnostic, but I have to admit I lean more towards atheism.", "One of the reasons being that no one has presented, to my mind anyway, a plausible scenerio for what the afterlife is really like.", "An infinite life where there is presumably no pain or evil, would have to be inherently very different from our mortal existence.", "So different if such does exist, then it seems difficult to imagine any purpose to this very limited existence we have here.", "After all, a billion years from now, are you going to be sitting around heaven talking about the time your aunt died or something?", "I'm wondering if the reason Lewis doesn't want to \"encourage factual curiosity\" about the afterlife is because that when one tries to ponder it factually, it seems rather implausible.", "I think that a Christian would say that a quote late in the book more or less sums up what Lewis is trying to say.", "Lewis says that \"there are two kinds of people, those that say to God 'thy will be done' and those that God says to them, 'thy will be done.", "'\" Well, don't take the following statement as \"bashing\" Christians, I am fully aware that by and large, Christians are fine people.", "But of course there are those that claim to be Christians that don't seem like such fine people.", "My only point in this is that I basically reject that there is some intrinsic difference between those that choose to be Christians and those that don't.", "The point of the book is to try to show this supposed intrinsic difference, an intrisic difference would would last for eternity, which I reject exists.", "I reject Lewis' premise.", "I'm just in general not a big fan of allegory.", "And even Lewis himself says it says nothing about the real form of heaven and hell.", "So for me, it was a boring, useless waste of time.", "But if you are a Christian and like allegory, well, ignore me, I'm sure you'll like the book.", "NOTE: At the time of this edit of my review, I've got 0 out of 4 helpful votes.", "I guess I shouldn't be surprised as I'm giving a negative review of a popular book.", "But the point is - is my review actually helpful?", "And I think it is.", "I freely admit that those in the target audience will like it and I explain why I don't like it.", "That's what's called a GOOD review folks - don't say it is a bad review just because you don't like my opinion!" ]
I'm confused by the rave reviews this book got. I had to really trudge through this book to even finish it, and hated every minute of it. As some of the other reviewers correctly noted, this book was in serious need of editing and proofreading. Generally speaking, a good story will help me overlook editing issues, but this story was not good. The characters were so one dimensional and unbelievable. Sinclaire's mother was past bad. She was simply a cartoonish stereotype of a classic unloving mother type. Was there anything negative she didn't say to Sinclaire? Honestly I kept thinking that this author was trying to recreate their own version of the book "Push" that was the basis for the "Precious" movie. Classic hateful mother, self destructive daughter? Additionally there were too many plot twists and things going on, so much so that it became quite distracting to keep track of who was who and what they were doing. I would not recommend this book to anyone. Sorry.	negative	[ "I'm confused by the rave reviews this book got.", "I had to really trudge through this book to even finish it, and hated every minute of it.", "As some of the other reviewers correctly noted, this book was in serious need of editing and proofreading.", "Generally speaking, a good story will help me overlook editing issues, but this story was not good.", "The characters were so one dimensional and unbelievable.", "Sinclaire's mother was past bad.", "She was simply a cartoonish stereotype of a classic unloving mother type.", "Was there anything negative she didn't say to Sinclaire?", "Honestly I kept thinking that this author was trying to recreate their own version of the book \"Push\" that was the basis for the \"Precious\" movie.", "Classic hateful mother, self destructive daughter?", "Additionally there were too many plot twists and things going on, so much so that it became quite distracting to keep track of who was who and what they were doing.", "I would not recommend this book to anyone.", "Sorry." ]
I had this game as a child. Yes I found it odd that there were far more men than women, but I don't remember it being a horrid thing nor do I remember thinking "oh, women must not be as valuable". I think that's taking it a bit far, it's just a game with cartoon faces. I liked the silly beards, hats, faces etc. When we were a bit older 7+ or so we banned the gender question all together because it made the game last longer and we had to ask more specific questions, such as "does your person have long eyelashes?" or "does your person have rosey cheeks?". It was a fun game, one I remember very fondly, so of course I was excited to see this on the shelf at my local toy store. I purchased the latest version of Guess Who? for my kids. I was extremely disappointed with the quality of this game. Flimsy paper pictures of the characters, cheap plastic tiles for the game board, the game board itself where all the small plastic tile with pictures go was crappy low quality plastic. The plastic tile pieces just snap on, but do NOT stay on. They pop off constantly in the middle of the game, which screws up the game if you try and put it on then three other faces fall or pop off in the process, OR they go on crooked. even when you flip the tiles down there is an issue. The row in front is too close to the row behind so when you flip a tile down from the back rows they land on or get stuck on the row in front of them...meaning you have to move the front tile up so the back tile will go down. That causes, of course, the tiles in front to pop off sometimes. I don't know why or when they changed the style of this game but it's a complete RIP OFF. The game I played as a child was well made with a thick plastic base, and tiles that were hooked WELL into the base, the tiles never bumped each other as you flipped them down, and the pictures rested securely and flat inside each tile, not bowed out and folded (after much use) in the tiles. This game is SUCH a waste of money. I will now begin what I'm sure is a long search for an original game from 1989-1995 through collectors, eBay and other places where I might find an original. I'm so disgusted that this is the way things have gone w/toys and games these days. Cheap materials, crappy workmanship, POOR execution in design and a jacked up price-tag!	negative	[ "I had this game as a child.", "Yes I found it odd that there were far more men than women, but I don't remember it being a horrid thing nor do I remember thinking \"oh, women must not be as valuable\".", "I think that's taking it a bit far, it's just a game with cartoon faces.", "I liked the silly beards, hats, faces etc.", "When we were a bit older 7+ or so we banned the gender question all together because it made the game last longer and we had to ask more specific questions, such as \"does your person have long eyelashes?", "\" or \"does your person have rosey cheeks?", "\".", "It was a fun game, one I remember very fondly, so of course I was excited to see this on the shelf at my local toy store.", "I purchased the latest version of Guess Who?", "for my kids.", "I was extremely disappointed with the quality of this game.", "Flimsy paper pictures of the characters, cheap plastic tiles for the game board, the game board itself where all the small plastic tile with pictures go was crappy low quality plastic.", "The plastic tile pieces just snap on, but do NOT stay on.", "They pop off constantly in the middle of the game, which screws up the game if you try and put it on then three other faces fall or pop off in the process, OR they go on crooked.", "even when you flip the tiles down there is an issue.", "The row in front is too close to the row behind so when you flip a tile down from the back rows they land on or get stuck on the row in front of them...", "meaning you have to move the front tile up so the back tile will go down.", "That causes, of course, the tiles in front to pop off sometimes.", "I don't know why or when they changed the style of this game but it's a complete RIP OFF.", "The game I played as a child was well made with a thick plastic base, and tiles that were hooked WELL into the base, the tiles never bumped each other as you flipped them down, and the pictures rested securely and flat inside each tile, not bowed out and folded (after much use) in the tiles.", "This game is SUCH a waste of money.", "I will now begin what I'm sure is a long search for an original game from 1989-1995 through collectors, eBay and other places where I might find an original.", "I'm so disgusted that this is the way things have gone w/toys and games these days.", "Cheap materials, crappy workmanship, POOR execution in design and a jacked up price-tag!" ]
I weigh just about 100 lb., and am 5'1". These hose are much too big for me. Since there are no smaller sizes, I can't get the help from them that I get from Legs Everyday support hose, three pair for around $6.00. I checked them side by side and the stretch is just as strong on the cheapies, and they are half as big before you put them on, length and inches across. Very disappointed. If you are heavier or have more leg, they are silky feeling or appearing and you would probably think they are okay. I think they are way too expensive for what you get. I thought they would take me to the next level of more intense support, without resorting to compression hose. Barb H.	negative	[ "I weigh just about 100 lb.", ", and am 5'1\".", "These hose are much too big for me.", "Since there are no smaller sizes, I can't get the help from them that I get from Legs Everyday support hose, three pair for around $6.", "00.", "I checked them side by side and the stretch is just as strong on the cheapies, and they are half as big before you put them on, length and inches across.", "Very disappointed.", "If you are heavier or have more leg, they are silky feeling or appearing and you would probably think they are okay.", "I think they are way too expensive for what you get.", "I thought they would take me to the next level of more intense support, without resorting to compression hose.", "Barb H." ]
I really enjoyed the original Half-Life game, and was very excited about the sequel. I recently upgraded my PC, got a top of the line video card, and couldn't wait to try out the new engine. Luckily, I waited till the demo came out, and ran that first. There are two chapters in the demo. The first is chapter one, where you (as Gordon Freeman) arrive at City 17 on a train. You wander around a nearly deserted train station, and see some very impressive graphics and digital actors. They still look pretty polygonal, but they are a lot more realistic than anything else out there. Facial expressions, the whole bit. They ain't Gollum, but still, very impressive. There's a very eerie feeling in the train station. The emotional impact is quite strong. Something horribly wrong has happened, and you are in some kind of relocation station. A PR film runs over and over telling you that this is one of the few remaining cities... Remaining after what? you wonder. As a big science fiction fan, I was immediately drawn in. After encountering a bud from the first HL, I manage to escape the station, and find myself in an open plaza. This plaza was just amazing in its photorealism. You can almost tell what time it is just from the lighting and atmosphere--it is that real. Soon, though, the chapter ends as you enter a building. The other chapter in the demo is chapter 6. Now you are much further in to the story, you've got a gun, and it's dark. There are some very impressive crows in a yard, flapping and cawing. Wow. (Sounds dull, but you have to see it. So real!) But there are also...lots of body parts and blood strewn around. Corpses of people who seem to have died in extreme agony. Skin ripped off their bones. A torso cut in half, hanging from a tree. At this point, I lost interest in the game. This video world I have entered has convinced me quite solidly of its reality, and now I am presented with some very realistic, believable, stomach-turning horror. I had no wish to be here any longer. I could not feel anything but pity for the poor souls lying dead around me. I did not feel that killing anything that moved was going to help anyone. I shut down the game and deleted it off my system. If you've gotten this far in my review, you may be surprised to know I like shooters. I just completed Thief 3. Wonderful game. You rely on your cunning and skill. However, it did bother me a bit that it's "me against the world" in Thief. Can't trust anybody, and there's no remorse when you have to kill somebody to achieve a goal. What I liked about Thief more was its "adventure" side, more than its shooter side. I'm intrigued by the MMOG phenomenon, though I haven't tried any of them. But I'm intrigued by the idea that people (strangers, no less) get together in these games and cooperate to accomplish a goal. And they enjoy exploring vast video worlds. I think eventually we'll see an adventure game (like Myst) that is as highly rendered as HL2, allowing the interaction Myst currently lacks. It will be gorgeous to look at, convincing in its reality, and it will have an interactive storyline (with you as the protagonist) that involves more than simply making your way through a maze (such as a building complex, yawn) filled with zombies and monsters. You can see the interest in such a game based on the success of "The Longest Journey", the Sims, and the Myst series and its clones. When I want to play, I want to pretend I can save the world, sure. But not by shooting everything in sight. The encouraging thing about playing this demo was that it showed the potential video games have now. I'm looking forward to the day a developer with imagination takes this technology the next step forward.	negative	[ "I really enjoyed the original Half-Life game, and was very excited about the sequel.", "I recently upgraded my PC, got a top of the line video card, and couldn't wait to try out the new engine.", "Luckily, I waited till the demo came out, and ran that first.", "There are two chapters in the demo.", "The first is chapter one, where you (as Gordon Freeman) arrive at City 17 on a train.", "You wander around a nearly deserted train station, and see some very impressive graphics and digital actors.", "They still look pretty polygonal, but they are a lot more realistic than anything else out there.", "Facial expressions, the whole bit.", "They ain't Gollum, but still, very impressive.", "There's a very eerie feeling in the train station.", "The emotional impact is quite strong.", "Something horribly wrong has happened, and you are in some kind of relocation station.", "A PR film runs over and over telling you that this is one of the few remaining cities...", "Remaining after what?", "you wonder.", "As a big science fiction fan, I was immediately drawn in.", "After encountering a bud from the first HL, I manage to escape the station, and find myself in an open plaza.", "This plaza was just amazing in its photorealism.", "You can almost tell what time it is just from the lighting and atmosphere--it is that real.", "Soon, though, the chapter ends as you enter a building.", "The other chapter in the demo is chapter 6.", "Now you are much further in to the story, you've got a gun, and it's dark.", "There are some very impressive crows in a yard, flapping and cawing.", "Wow.", "(Sounds dull, but you have to see it.", "So real!", ") But there are also...", "lots of body parts and blood strewn around.", "Corpses of people who seem to have died in extreme agony.", "Skin ripped off their bones.", "A torso cut in half, hanging from a tree.", "At this point, I lost interest in the game.", "This video world I have entered has convinced me quite solidly of its reality, and now I am presented with some very realistic, believable, stomach-turning horror.", "I had no wish to be here any longer.", "I could not feel anything but pity for the poor souls lying dead around me.", "I did not feel that killing anything that moved was going to help anyone.", "I shut down the game and deleted it off my system.", "If you've gotten this far in my review, you may be surprised to know I like shooters.", "I just completed Thief 3.", "Wonderful game.", "You rely on your cunning and skill.", "However, it did bother me a bit that it's \"me against the world\" in Thief.", "Can't trust anybody, and there's no remorse when you have to kill somebody to achieve a goal.", "What I liked about Thief more was its \"adventure\" side, more than its shooter side.", "I'm intrigued by the MMOG phenomenon, though I haven't tried any of them.", "But I'm intrigued by the idea that people (strangers, no less) get together in these games and cooperate to accomplish a goal.", "And they enjoy exploring vast video worlds.", "I think eventually we'll see an adventure game (like Myst) that is as highly rendered as HL2, allowing the interaction Myst currently lacks.", "It will be gorgeous to look at, convincing in its reality, and it will have an interactive storyline (with you as the protagonist) that involves more than simply making your way through a maze (such as a building complex, yawn) filled with zombies and monsters.", "You can see the interest in such a game based on the success of \"The Longest Journey\", the Sims, and the Myst series and its clones.", "When I want to play, I want to pretend I can save the world, sure.", "But not by shooting everything in sight.", "The encouraging thing about playing this demo was that it showed the potential video games have now.", "I'm looking forward to the day a developer with imagination takes this technology the next step forward." ]
This test is fairly easy to use and understand. You pee into a cup and dip the end of the strip in it for 10 seconds. After you wait 5 minutes you check the test. The line that tells you the test worked always showed up very dark. The line that tells you if your positive or negative is not. I don't like that the line for positive or negative was either invisible or barely visible. I took the tests every week for months and could not see any difference in the positive or negative line. The first 6 weeks I saw nothing. After that I started to see a bit of red on the right side of the line. According to the test anything means you are negative, but this test is not very reassuring. This test should have a better and more visible reading. If you have a test that will decide your employment or your freedom I would not trust this test. Not using for months is the only way that I know I am clean and this test did not help me at all. The main reason I bought this test was to have some idea of when I would be clean to find new employment. It told me nothing and I still had to wait it out and let time take it's course. Overall I would consider this test a waste of money and if you need to pass a test the best thing to do is quit smoking.	negative	[ "This test is fairly easy to use and understand.", "You pee into a cup and dip the end of the strip in it for 10 seconds.", "After you wait 5 minutes you check the test.", "The line that tells you the test worked always showed up very dark.", "The line that tells you if your positive or negative is not.", "I don't like that the line for positive or negative was either invisible or barely visible.", "I took the tests every week for months and could not see any difference in the positive or negative line.", "The first 6 weeks I saw nothing.", "After that I started to see a bit of red on the right side of the line.", "According to the test anything means you are negative, but this test is not very reassuring.", "This test should have a better and more visible reading.", "If you have a test that will decide your employment or your freedom I would not trust this test.", "Not using for months is the only way that I know I am clean and this test did not help me at all.", "The main reason I bought this test was to have some idea of when I would be clean to find new employment.", "It told me nothing and I still had to wait it out and let time take it's course.", "Overall I would consider this test a waste of money and if you need to pass a test the best thing to do is quit smoking." ]
The lens is an entry level lens and would be well served to have IS built in. But even in ideal conditions (good lighting, fast shutter speed, tripod mounted), it is still a subpar performer. The images aren't crisp and sharp and the colors are a little flat. It does allow for a nice enough bokeh (background blurring) when taking photos of someone 15 feet away or so. Generally that isn't easily accomplished by the 18-55 kit lens. Good photos can be taken with this lens... but more photos will be lost due to blurring or simply not being crisp enough. If you are on the fence as to whether you will use your DSLR, then this may be a good option. If it turns out you really like it, then invest in the 55-250mm. If you are starting out and you KNOW you will like it, then invest in a 55-250mm from the start.	negative	[ "The lens is an entry level lens and would be well served to have IS built in.", "But even in ideal conditions (good lighting, fast shutter speed, tripod mounted), it is still a subpar performer.", "The images aren't crisp and sharp and the colors are a little flat.", "It does allow for a nice enough bokeh (background blurring) when taking photos of someone 15 feet away or so.", "Generally that isn't easily accomplished by the 18-55 kit lens.", "Good photos can be taken with this lens...", "but more photos will be lost due to blurring or simply not being crisp enough.", "If you are on the fence as to whether you will use your DSLR, then this may be a good option.", "If it turns out you really like it, then invest in the 55-250mm.", "If you are starting out and you KNOW you will like it, then invest in a 55-250mm from the start." ]
Def Jam Icon is one of the shallowest games I've played in years and is highly repetitive and boring. You get to create what your character looks like but you have to be male and you must be some shade of black/mixed. This character then goes through the trials and tribulations of becoming a big-shot music producer and you fight your way through all the confrontations in between. Sounds like it might make a good game but it's VERY linear and pretty much every decision you make in the management half of the game has little or no effect on anything. How good would it be to download your own tunes onto the PS3 and mix them into new tracks for the game? Tough, you can't. There are about 10 different environments to fight in but they all get rather tiresome after the millionth battle and there are never any really cool moments when you interact with the crumbling area. Def Jam Icon is all flash and no substance I'm afraid, I actually liked <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Def-Jam-Fight-for-NY/dp/B00020V5AM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Def Jam Fight for NY</a> a lot better. Graphics B Sound B Gameplay C Lasting Appeal D-	negative	[ "Def Jam Icon is one of the shallowest games I've played in years and is highly repetitive and boring.", "You get to create what your character looks like but you have to be male and you must be some shade of black/mixed.", "This character then goes through the trials and tribulations of becoming a big-shot music producer and you fight your way through all the confrontations in between.", "Sounds like it might make a good game but it's VERY linear and pretty much every decision you make in the management half of the game has little or no effect on anything.", "How good would it be to download your own tunes onto the PS3 and mix them into new tracks for the game?", "Tough, you can't.", "There are about 10 different environments to fight in but they all get rather tiresome after the millionth battle and there are never any really cool moments when you interact with the crumbling area.", "Def Jam Icon is all flash and no substance I'm afraid, I actually liked <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Def-Jam-Fight-for-NY/dp/B00020V5AM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?", "ie=UTF8\">Def Jam Fight for NY</a> a lot better.", "Graphics B\nSound B\nGameplay C\nLasting Appeal D-" ]
Like the jillion other reviewers here, I too am a major fan of the first books, love fantasy and have read it all. This book broke my heart. I waited to read the series until four books were released. I thought I'd be safe, alas, I felt the Jordan/Goodkind effect nonetheless. First of all, this book was just too nasty. I am no Anne McCaffrey reader, but do expect some balance in events between good and bad. This book just got ugly, and TO NO PURPOSE. Some of the dire events were just uncalled for... Second, the characters GRRM chose to use were the least interesting and least likable. I continuously wondered why he was telling things from those perspectives. Cersei and Brienne were both oversimplified in their extremes. I also often would forget what had happened because the story had gotten so disconnected. It meandered with no real plot craft. And I HATED hearing one sentence explanations of events that happened to characters that had been front and center in the first two books. That is a totally annoying and lazy writing device. Finally, and worst of all, the author had dozens of sub-plots set up that he just let disappear. Its like he forgot them or something. While that is fine when used in a limited way (keeps the reader guessing) it has been used so much in this series that it makes the writer appear unskilled, or distracted, or whatever... I really loved the first two books and was so excited to read them all. I can't say that I regret reading them, but I really hate this level of disappointment when I've invested time into a story and its characters.	negative	[ "Like the jillion other reviewers here, I too am a major fan of the first books, love fantasy and have read it all.", "This book broke my heart.", "I waited to read the series until four books were released.", "I thought I'd be safe, alas, I felt the Jordan/Goodkind effect nonetheless.", "First of all, this book was just too nasty.", "I am no Anne McCaffrey reader, but do expect some balance in events between good and bad.", "This book just got ugly, and TO NO PURPOSE.", "Some of the dire events were just uncalled for...", "Second, the characters GRRM chose to use were the least interesting and least likable.", "I continuously wondered why he was telling things from those perspectives.", "Cersei and Brienne were both oversimplified in their extremes.", "I also often would forget what had happened because the story had gotten so disconnected.", "It meandered with no real plot craft.", "And I HATED hearing one sentence explanations of events that happened to characters that had been front and center in the first two books.", "That is a totally annoying and lazy writing device.", "Finally, and worst of all, the author had dozens of sub-plots set up that he just let disappear.", "Its like he forgot them or something.", "While that is fine when used in a limited way (keeps the reader guessing) it has been used so much in this series that it makes the writer appear unskilled, or distracted, or whatever...", "I really loved the first two books and was so excited to read them all.", "I can't say that I regret reading them, but I really hate this level of disappointment when I've invested time into a story and its characters." ]
Men have a fascination with motor oil. We feel it has some mystical quality and we absolutely have to use the right oil or bad things happen. We can't see what it actually does so our imaginations run amok. Psychologist call it an obsession. And it is a bad thing. Modern automotive oils run at very high speeds for long periods of time and never fail. A small engine doesn't see anywhere near the pressure, loads and temperatures that a small engine will ever see. You probably put less than 20 hours on your lawn mower a year and about 100 hours on your automobile between oil changes. If automotive engine oil can take care of your engine don't you think it will handle your 5 hp lawn mower just fine? For 30 years I have use the cheapest 10w30 I can find in my rider lawn mower, edger, snow blower and limb and leaf shredder and have never had a problem. Get over it. Quit obsessing and pay the right price.	negative	[ "Men have a fascination with motor oil.", "We feel it has some mystical quality and we absolutely have to use the right oil or bad things happen.", "We can't see what it actually does so our imaginations run amok.", "Psychologist call it an obsession.", "And it is a bad thing.", "Modern automotive oils run at very high speeds for long periods of time and never fail.", "A small engine doesn't see anywhere near the pressure, loads and temperatures that a small engine will ever see.", "You probably put less than 20 hours on your lawn mower a year and about 100 hours on your automobile between oil changes.", "If automotive engine oil can take care of your engine don't you think it will handle your 5 hp lawn mower just fine?", "For 30 years I have use the cheapest 10w30 I can find in my rider lawn mower, edger, snow blower and limb and leaf shredder and have never had a problem.", "Get over it.", "Quit obsessing and pay the right price." ]
This arrived without any of the bait that is shown in the ads. Included was a small plastic bag with 4 small metal rods which apparently are intended for use with the misssing bait. Also included was a small piece of metal that is referred to as a "key". This is supposedly useful for opening the plastic box. After numerous unsuccessful thrusts at the plastic box with the "key" I was torn between using a sledge hammer or a pickaxe. However, I decided to go with a small pry bar which worked quite well. Not having received the pictured bait and having read the review that racoons can remove it from the plastic box I decided to use bait trays that are larger than the openings in the plastic box. A wise racoon, of course, although unable to remove the bait tray can still shake out the bait itself. So, I am left with a falsely advertised black plastic box, a non-workable "key" and a tray full of bait which can be shaken out. Wow! What a deal!	negative	[ "This arrived without any of the bait that is shown in the ads.", "Included was a small plastic bag with 4 small metal rods which apparently are intended for use with the misssing bait.", "Also included was a small piece of metal that is referred to as a \"key\".", "This is supposedly useful for opening the plastic box.", "After numerous unsuccessful thrusts at the plastic box with the \"key\" I was torn between using a sledge hammer or a pickaxe.", "However, I decided to go with a small pry bar which worked quite well.", "Not having received the pictured bait and having read the review that racoons can remove it from the plastic box I decided to use bait trays that are larger than the openings in the plastic box.", "A wise racoon, of course, although unable to remove the bait tray can still shake out the bait itself.", "So, I am left with a falsely advertised black plastic box, a non-workable \"key\" and a tray full of bait which can be shaken out.", "Wow!", "What a deal!" ]
When I first bought my PS2, I got FF10, FF9, and FF7. That was back in 2002. FF10 & FF9 I liked. Good stories & loveable characters. But FF7 was a drag. Then I saw all the positive reviews ("best game ever"), so I decided to give FF7 a second playing in 2004, to impress me. But I still did not like it. IMHO the major flaw is that FF7 has too many "dry" sections where you fight-fight-fight and almost nothing happens storywise (example - climbing the 100-floor building of your enemy -or- the dumb section where you waste an hour finding a dress). In some sections, literally hours pass by with no story... it feels like a step backwards to the near-nonexistent stories of the original nintendo. . Also the Battle Engine - totally unbalanced. A good RPG will provide balance between physical & magical attacks, so they are near-equal. A good RPG will make each character unique with specific skills & weaknesses (like real people-some are fighters; others are healers). Not so FF7: - it's all magic... physical attacks are worthless (about 1/4 the damage) - and the characters are completely interchangeable. You can equip Fire3 to your man & Heal3 to your girl. And then the next battle, completely flip it around, so the man is the healer & the girl is the killer. And then flip it again! No individuality. Each character is identical. Plus instant learning and instant forgetting... not realistic at all. . Also, the story, while good, is poorly executed. It basically boils down to a meteor poisoning the planet's "health" - very simple concept - but the writer dances around & adds un-necessary complication. He takes 2+2 = 4 and turns it into 1-5+4-6+2-1+7-2 = 4. That's why so many gamers go, "Huh? What just happened?" It was a good story, but a lousy script. Overall, FF7 is one of the weakest games in the FF series (inferior to the other PS1 game-FF9, super nintendo games FF4, FF5, FF6, even inferior to FF10.	negative	[ "When I first bought my PS2, I got FF10, FF9, and FF7.", "That was back in 2002.", "FF10 & FF9 I liked.", "Good stories & loveable characters.", "But FF7 was a drag.", "Then I saw all the positive reviews (\"best game ever\"), so I decided to give FF7 a second playing in 2004, to impress me.", "But I still did not like it.", "IMHO the major flaw is that FF7 has too many \"dry\" sections where you fight-fight-fight and almost nothing happens storywise (example - climbing the 100-floor building of your enemy -or- the dumb section where you waste an hour finding a dress).", "In some sections, literally hours pass by with no story...", "it feels like a step backwards to the near-nonexistent stories of the original nintendo.", ".", "Also the Battle Engine - totally unbalanced.", "A good RPG will provide balance between physical & magical attacks, so they are near-equal.", "A good RPG will make each character unique with specific skills & weaknesses (like real people-some are fighters; others are healers).", "Not so FF7:\n\n- it's all magic...", "physical attacks are worthless (about 1/4 the damage)\n\n- and the characters are completely interchangeable.", "You can equip Fire3 to your man & Heal3 to your girl.", "And then the next battle, completely flip it around, so the man is the healer & the girl is the killer.", "And then flip it again!", "No individuality.", "Each character is identical.", "Plus instant learning and instant forgetting...", "not realistic at all.", ".", "Also, the story, while good, is poorly executed.", "It basically boils down to a meteor poisoning the planet's \"health\" - very simple concept - but the writer dances around & adds un-necessary complication.", "He takes 2+2 = 4 and turns it into 1-5+4-6+2-1+7-2 = 4.", "That's why so many gamers go, \"Huh?", "What just happened?", "\" It was a good story, but a lousy script.", "Overall, FF7 is one of the weakest games in the FF series (inferior to the other PS1 game-FF9, super nintendo games FF4, FF5, FF6, even inferior to FF10." ]
Sadly disappointing experience. We bought Koss for our 'reading for the visually impaired' reading service because of Koss reliability and quality. We didn't pull this purchase out of the plastic packaging right away, as we were going to use them as we needed them for replacement for use by our volunteers. It never occurred to us that they wouldn't work- they're KOSS, ferpetesake! We have several audio engineers (we're affliated with an on-air radio station) who have some ancient Koss headphones - and they still sound/work great. However, this headphone/microphone didn't work right out of the packaging - even had professional radio audio engineers try to make them work and the product never worked. NEVER EVER WORKED. Unfortunately, we discovered this just one day out of the Amazon return/exchange window. ONE DAY. Sure, we could return them for a reduced refund, etc. - but one might as well just send them back to Koss with $6 /postage for an exchange under the warranty in lieu of this deal offered by Amazon. Yes, we should have likely tested them on arrival- we get that! But these are KOSS, ferpetesake! It's not unreasonable to expect that they would likely work given Koss' track record for reliability, etc. Perhaps Koss is now farming things out overseas? (with sadly predictable results) Disappointing- our reading service have a total budget (which INCLUDES salary/fringe for one full time worker) of $30,000/year (so we're not exactly a luxe organization). A $15.xx purchase is not insignificant to us, and we're now looking at $15.xx + return postage + $6.00 for repair/replacement for something that NEVER worked AT ALL- EVER. Yeah, I know- not much $ to most folks, & we'll ultimately cope. It would be less of a deal on a personal level, but this is an organization that provides an honestly necessary service on a below-shoestring budget, & it's $$ we shouldn't reasonably have to spend. And I don't know that we'll try Koss again- "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice,...." Their products may have once been amazing, but now.....not so sure. Sadly disappointing.	negative	[ "Sadly disappointing experience.", "We bought Koss for our 'reading for the visually impaired' reading service because of Koss reliability and quality.", "We didn't pull this purchase out of the plastic packaging right away, as we were going to use them as we needed them for replacement for use by our volunteers.", "It never occurred to us that they wouldn't work- they're KOSS, ferpetesake!", "We have several audio engineers (we're affliated with an on-air radio station) who have some ancient Koss headphones - and they still sound/work great.", "However, this headphone/microphone didn't work right out of the packaging - even had professional radio audio engineers try to make them work and the product never worked.", "NEVER EVER WORKED.", "Unfortunately, we discovered this just one day out of the Amazon return/exchange window.", "ONE DAY.", "Sure, we could return them for a reduced refund, etc.", "- but one might as well just send them back to Koss with $6 /postage for an exchange under the warranty in lieu of this deal offered by Amazon.", "Yes, we should have likely tested them on arrival- we get that!", "But these are KOSS, ferpetesake!", "It's not unreasonable to expect that they would likely work given Koss' track record for reliability, etc.", "Perhaps Koss is now farming things out overseas?", "(with sadly predictable results)\n\nDisappointing- our reading service have a total budget (which INCLUDES salary/fringe for one full time worker) of $30,000/year (so we're not exactly a luxe organization).", "A $15.", "xx purchase is not insignificant to us, and we're now looking at $15.", "xx + return postage + $6.", "00 for repair/replacement for something that NEVER worked AT ALL- EVER.", "Yeah, I know- not much $ to most folks, & we'll ultimately cope.", "It would be less of a deal on a personal level, but this is an organization that provides an honestly necessary service on a below-shoestring budget, & it's $$ we shouldn't reasonably have to spend.", "And I don't know that we'll try Koss again- \"fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice,....", "\"\nTheir products may have once been amazing, but now....", ".", "not so sure.", "Sadly disappointing." ]
Just got this wood pole if you want to call it that. The wood is cheap almost balsa like. It is not one inch in diameter. It is smaller and does not fit into a one inch pole holder very well at all. It will pull right out the first wind storm. The wood is very light and has knots in it. Just taking it out of the package you can see that the wood is going to crack and break when the wind really gets ahold of the flag. I have a 3' by 5 ' foot flag. Also note the pole is not even straight. It has small bends in it. I have been waiting for the pole for a week and took it out of the package and attached the flag even though it was light wood and I saw the knots. I needed something to get my flag back out again so put it on. It is when I tried to put it into the 1 inch holder that I realized it was about 3/4 of an inch and is sloppy in the holder. Since I had already taken it out of the packaging, mounted the flag using one ring I purchased for the lower half of the flag and tried to mount it that I decided to take duct tape and tape the end so it fit snuggly into my 1 inch holder. I am going to keep this while looking in stores for a flag pole like I had that was 1 inch in size and made of hardwood that lasted me for 8 years. This one is going to be lucky to last the first big windstorm we have. Not satisfied at all with this flag pole but in to deep now to return it since I mounted the flag already. Do not buy this item it is junk and not even 1 inch in diameter.	negative	[ "Just got this wood pole if you want to call it that.", "The wood is cheap almost balsa like.", "It is not\none inch in diameter.", "It is smaller and does not fit into a one inch pole holder very well at all.", "It will pull right out the first wind storm.", "The wood is very light and has knots in it.", "Just taking\nit out of the package you can see that the wood is going to crack and break when the wind really\ngets ahold of the flag.", "I have a 3' by 5 ' foot flag.", "Also note the pole is not even straight.", "It has\nsmall bends in it.", "I have been waiting for the pole for a week and took it out of the package and\nattached the flag even though it was light wood and I saw the knots.", "I needed something to get\nmy flag back out again so put it on.", "It is when I tried to put it into the 1 inch holder that I realized\nit was about 3/4 of an inch and is sloppy in the holder.", "Since I had already taken it out of the\npackaging, mounted the flag using one ring I purchased for the lower half of the flag and tried\nto mount it that I decided to take duct tape and tape the end so it fit snuggly into my 1 inch holder.", "I am going to keep this while looking in stores for a flag pole like I had that was 1 inch in size\nand made of hardwood that lasted me for 8 years.", "This one is going to be lucky to last the first\nbig windstorm we have.", "Not satisfied at all with this flag pole but in to deep now to return it since I mounted the flag\nalready.", "Do not buy this item it is junk and not even 1 inch in diameter." ]
I ordered this bustier to go under my wedding dress. I am 5' 9" and 150 pounds. I'm not fat by any means, but I was looking for something to streamline my torso and give a little lift to the girls while being invisible under my dress. The price was also a plus. I ordered my usual size 36B and the sizing was completely skewed. It ended up being way too loose around my tummy area (where I wanted to suck it in a bit) and I couldn't even fasten the top 5 hooks where my bra would fasten normally. Not to mention the cups have no real padding and had room to spare. they were more designed for a C or D cup rather than a B. The boning in this would completely show under my dress as well. Ordering a size up wouldn't help seeing as there would be even less support around the stomach even at the tightest notch. I returned this, better luck next time.	negative	[ "I ordered this bustier to go under my wedding dress.", "I am 5' 9\" and 150 pounds.", "I'm not fat by any means, but I was looking for something to streamline my torso and give a little lift to the girls while being invisible under my dress.", "The price was also a plus.", "I ordered my usual size 36B and the sizing was completely skewed.", "It ended up being way too loose around my tummy area (where I wanted to suck it in a bit) and I couldn't even fasten the top 5 hooks where my bra would fasten normally.", "Not to mention the cups have no real padding and had room to spare.", "they were more designed for a C or D cup rather than a B.", "The boning in this would completely show under my dress as well.", "Ordering a size up wouldn't help seeing as there would be even less support around the stomach even at the tightest notch.", "I returned this, better luck next time." ]
Honestly, I expected much more from wireless headphones. These headphones disappointed me so much that I had to return the product back to the store the very next day. Static interference occuring every 20 seconds was the only reason why I didn't like them. Everything else was just ok. The headset itself fit perfectly and was very convenient. Overall - 1 star for bad reception. Would recommend Panasonic RPHT 355 headphones for their 16.4 ft (5 m.) long cord. That's what I use now. ASIN: B00004TZJI	negative	[ "Honestly, I expected much more from wireless headphones.", "These headphones disappointed me so much that I had to\nreturn the product back to the store the very next day.", "Static interference occuring every 20 seconds was the only reason\nwhy I didn't like them.", "Everything else was just ok.", "The headset itself fit perfectly and was very convenient.", "Overall - 1 star for bad reception.", "Would recommend Panasonic RPHT 355 headphones for their 16.", "4 ft (5 m.", ") long cord.", "That's what I use now.", "ASIN: B00004TZJI" ]
GOP Rep. Barton announces retirement after more lewd messages surface "I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection in 2018 â Rep. Joe Barton said in a Thursday statement. âTo the people of the 6th District thank you for your support and friendship." Before the messages were made public Barton had said he planned to run for an 18th term to the House. But this week another woman released online messages allegedly showing Barton steering the conversation toward sexual themes. Kelly Canon a Tea Party organizer in the Dallas suburb of Arlington released a series of Facebook Messenger conversations with Barton from 2012 in which he asked things like if she was wearing panties. First reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Wednesday the revelation comes a week after Barton apologized for a nude photo of him that circulated on social media. Canon later told The Associated Press that she and Barton exchanged online messages from around 2011 to 2015. They included Barton asking after midnight in June 2012 whether Canon was "wearing a tank top only ... and no panties." The congressman was married at the time to his second wife but is now twice divorced. Barton told The Dallas Morning News on Thursday that people âlost faithâ in him over the situation. "There are enough people who lost faith in me that itâs time to step aside and let there be a new voice for the 6th district in Washington so I am not going to run for re-election " Barton said. It began when an anonymous account on Twitter last week posted a censored photo of a nude man and suggested it was Barton . The account also tweeted a screenshot of a text message from "Joe B" using strongly sexual language. Barton apologized and suggested the photo was taken while he was separated from his wife and had consensual relationships with other women. "While separated from my second wife prior to the divorce I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women " Barton said. "Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended.â Some have defended Barton calling him a victim of ârevenge porn.â The congressman said last week the Capitol Police offered to launch an investigation into the release and he accepted the offer. Barton who was first elected to Congress in 1984 is the vice-chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.	negative	[ "GOP Rep.", "Barton announces retirement after more lewd messages surface\n\"I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection in 2018 â Rep.", "Joe Barton said in a Thursday statement.", "âTo the people of the 6th District thank you for your support and friendship.", "\"\nBefore the messages were made public Barton had said he planned to run for an 18th term to the House.", "But this week another woman released online messages allegedly showing Barton steering the conversation toward sexual themes.", "Kelly Canon a Tea Party organizer in the Dallas suburb of Arlington released a series of Facebook Messenger conversations with Barton from 2012 in which he asked things like if she was wearing panties.", "First reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Wednesday the revelation comes a week after Barton apologized for a nude photo of him that circulated on social media.", "Canon later told The Associated Press that she and Barton exchanged online messages from around 2011 to 2015.", "They included Barton asking after midnight in June 2012 whether Canon was \"wearing a tank top only...", "and no panties.", "\" The congressman was married at the time to his second wife but is now twice divorced.", "Barton told The Dallas Morning News on Thursday that people âlost faithâ in him over the situation.", "\"There are enough people who lost faith in me that itâs time to step aside and let there be a new voice for the 6th district in Washington so I am not going to run for re-election \" Barton said.", "It began when an anonymous account on Twitter last week posted a censored photo of a nude man and suggested it was Barton.", "The account also tweeted a screenshot of a text message from \"Joe B\" using strongly sexual language.", "Barton apologized and suggested the photo was taken while he was separated from his wife and had consensual relationships with other women.", "\"While separated from my second wife prior to the divorce I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women \" Barton said.", "\"Each was consensual.", "Those relationships have ended.", "â\nSome have defended Barton calling him a victim of ârevenge porn.", "â The congressman said last week the Capitol Police offered to launch an investigation into the release and he accepted the offer.", "Barton who was first elected to Congress in 1984 is the vice-chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee." ]
How many minutes will the "casual fan" take before realizing that "The Hits" has left off "Just the Way You Are" and "Uptown Girl"? Or "An Innocent Man" and "She's Always a Woman"? Or "Honesty" and "Modern Woman"...oh wait, EVERY BJ hits disc has left off "Modern Woman." There is one devious little drawing card here...this seems to be the first collection to include the live, hit version of "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" without the applause tracking into the next song as it does on "Songs in the Attic." I am also curious as to whether this version of "The Entertainer" is actually the 3:05 single edit still unavailable on CD...both because the lyrics actually (and cleverly) cite 3:05 as the timing of the song (kind of) and because the single leaves the (kind of) tacky lyric "I've laid all kinds of girls." I don't blame Billy Joel. I'm not even sure I blame Sony. But I can't say the world needs this odd, half-assed grouping of Joelsongs either. Wow.	negative	[ "How many minutes will the \"casual fan\" take before realizing that \"The Hits\" has left off \"Just the Way You Are\" and \"Uptown Girl\"?", "Or \"An Innocent Man\" and \"She's Always a Woman\"?", "Or \"Honesty\" and \"Modern Woman\"...", "oh wait, EVERY BJ hits disc has left off \"Modern Woman.", "\"\n\nThere is one devious little drawing card here...", "this seems to be the first collection to include the live, hit version of \"Say Goodbye To Hollywood\" without the applause tracking into the next song as it does on \"Songs in the Attic.", "\" I am also curious as to whether this version of \"The Entertainer\" is actually the 3:05 single edit still unavailable on CD...", "both because the lyrics actually (and cleverly) cite 3:05 as the timing of the song (kind of) and because the single leaves the (kind of) tacky lyric \"I've laid all kinds of girls.", "\"\n\nI don't blame Billy Joel.", "I'm not even sure I blame Sony.", "But I can't say the world needs this odd, half-assed grouping of Joelsongs either.", "Wow." ]