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A friend tried to turn me on to Slayer (along with tons of other early speed metal) when Hell Awaits was their current album. It didn't take. I gave a it fair listen and gave it right back to him and had no desire to hear any more from Slayer. The following year, Slayer released Reign In Blood and the same friend tried it again. That was when I was successfully hooked. After listening to Reign In Blood a million times, I gave Hell Awaits another try. Now that I'd become a Slayer fan, I liked Hell Awaits a bit more than I had originally. The frustrating thing was, I could hear some of the Reign In Blood sound trying to come out... but it was hopelessly held down and flaggulated by Bill Metoyer's typical sludgey production, with WAY too much reverb in the mix. Reign In Blood was recorded so that it sounds like all four members of Slayer are playing right in front of you, three inches from your face. Hell Awaits sounds like they're playing inside a humongous mile long cavern, with them at one end and you at the other. The songs are great. I just don't like the overall sound. However I have to admit that every time I listen to it, I like it a little bit more... | 1 | neutral | [
"A friend tried to turn me on to Slayer (along with tons of other early speed metal) when Hell Awaits was their current album.",
"It didn't take.",
"I gave a it fair listen and gave it right back to him and had no desire to hear any more from Slayer.",
"The following year, Slayer released Reign In Blood and the same friend tried it again.",
"That was when I was successfully hooked.",
"After listening to Reign In Blood a million times, I gave Hell Awaits another try.",
"Now that I'd become a Slayer fan, I liked Hell Awaits a bit more than I had originally.",
"The frustrating thing was, I could hear some of the Reign In Blood sound trying to come out...",
"but it was hopelessly held down and flaggulated by Bill Metoyer's typical sludgey production, with WAY too much reverb in the mix.",
"Reign In Blood was recorded so that it sounds like all four members of Slayer are playing right in front of you, three inches from your face.",
"Hell Awaits sounds like they're playing inside a humongous mile long cavern, with them at one end and you at the other.",
"The songs are great.",
"I just don't like the overall sound.",
"However I have to admit that every time I listen to it, I like it a little bit more..."
]
|
The story starts out really slow. Then, this book goes really fast. This novel is compared by most reviewers to James Bond novels. In this book, James Bond is Johnny Fedora. Johnny fedora is tied to Marie Andree. The story occurs in 1950 shortly after World War II, so there are no gadgets. Johnny and Marie are disguised as honeymooners looking for diamonds.
I personally like mysteries; however this book seemed to have too many things going on at once. As soon as I figured out what was going on, a new plot was starting.
This was a good book. This book just wasn't my favorite book. I would recommend this book to people who like books that have a lot going on in them. The book also doesnt leave much closure. I would have liked to have found some of the other items. I know this is for a new book. | 1 | neutral | [
"The story starts out really slow.",
"Then, this book goes really fast.",
"This novel is compared by most reviewers to James Bond novels.",
"In this book, James Bond is Johnny Fedora.",
"Johnny fedora is tied to Marie Andree.",
"The story occurs in 1950 shortly after World War II, so there are no gadgets.",
"Johnny and Marie are disguised as honeymooners looking for diamonds.",
"I personally like mysteries; however this book seemed to have too many things going on at once.",
"As soon as I figured out what was going on, a new plot was starting.",
"This was a good book.",
"This book just wasn't my favorite book.",
"I would recommend this book to people who like books that have a lot going on in them.",
"The book also doesnt leave much closure.",
"I would have liked to have found some of the other items.",
"I know this is for a new book."
]
|
I do applaud Keith Richards for recording this solo album. After numerous years of showing what he could do as a Rolling Stone, I find it interesting hearing Keith keep his rock n roll roots while the late seventies and early to mid eighties Rolling Stones recordings were delving into the excesses of disco and punk. I Could Have Stood You Up is a nice bouncy rockabilly tune that features some neat solos from former Stone Mick Taylor. Make No Mistake features a nice duet between Keith and Sarah Dash with a nice mellow jazz/funk background. You Don't Move Me and Take It So Hard feature some classic Keith riffs even if the hooks are a little weak.
Probably what keeps this record from getting a higher grade is the overall lack of hooks. Many of the songs on the second half of the record just beat to deatht he same chord progression. Heck Rock A While sounds like a broken record all together. I guess that is why Mick Jagger was so essential to the Stones. He could write in a good change of pace chord sequence.
Anyway, this might be an interesting addition to most Stones fans collections. However, it rates more as interesting rather than spectacular. | 1 | neutral | [
"I do applaud Keith Richards for recording this solo album.",
"After numerous years of showing what he could do as a Rolling Stone, I find it interesting hearing Keith keep his rock n roll roots while the late seventies and early to mid eighties Rolling Stones recordings were delving into the excesses of disco and punk.",
"I Could Have Stood You Up is a nice bouncy rockabilly tune that features some neat solos from former Stone Mick Taylor.",
"Make No Mistake features a nice duet between Keith and Sarah Dash with a nice mellow jazz/funk background.",
"You Don't Move Me and Take It So Hard feature some classic Keith riffs even if the hooks are a little weak.",
"Probably what keeps this record from getting a higher grade is the overall lack of hooks.",
"Many of the songs on the second half of the record just beat to deatht he same chord progression.",
"Heck Rock A While sounds like a broken record all together.",
"I guess that is why Mick Jagger was so essential to the Stones.",
"He could write in a good change of pace chord sequence.",
"Anyway, this might be an interesting addition to most Stones fans collections.",
"However, it rates more as interesting rather than spectacular."
]
|
This game was pretty good..when you play it the first time.
This game is similar to The GTA franchise but with better graphics BUT NOT better gameplay. The driving seems realistic which is a good thing. I thought the Profanity was over the top..Every cutscene has the F word atleast 10-20 times. They use it alot! And the violence is pretty over the top...With blood I mean, But not as violent as GTA 3.
The gameplay is a little short. The cutscenes are long but Entertaining. The music is just awesome. I loved it. The part with Frank is great. It's the best part of the game. Frank is more fun then The other character.
I thought this game was amazing at one point but now I really thought this game was very dull for some reason. The game play is short. The missions are short eventhough there pretty frustraiting.
Overall this isn't a very good game
1* for graphics
2*for gameplay
3*for fun factor...whaaa it was fun...for awhile..
Overall You should rent not BUY...
Later... | 1 | neutral | [
"This game was pretty good..",
"when you play it the first time.",
"This game is similar to The GTA franchise but with better graphics BUT NOT better gameplay.",
"The driving seems realistic which is a good thing.",
"I thought the Profanity was over the top..",
"Every cutscene has the F word atleast 10-20 times.",
"They use it alot!",
"And the violence is pretty over the top...",
"With blood I mean, But not as violent as GTA 3.",
"The gameplay is a little short.",
"The cutscenes are long but Entertaining.",
"The music is just awesome.",
"I loved it.",
"The part with Frank is great.",
"It's the best part of the game.",
"Frank is more fun then The other character.",
"I thought this game was amazing at one point but now I really thought this game was very dull for some reason.",
"The game play is short.",
"The missions are short eventhough there pretty frustraiting.",
"Overall this isn't a very good game\n1* for graphics\n2*for gameplay\n3*for fun factor...",
"whaaa it was fun...",
"for awhile..",
"Overall You should rent not BUY...",
"Later..."
]
|
Originally I had purchased Supertooth II which had a powerful speaker but died within 3 weeks. Blueant customer service told me that they were aware of the problems with Supertooth II and had discontinued it and they replaced it with Supertooth Light, which I have used for about 4 months.
The voice quality of Blueant Supertooth Light is better than my factory installed Cadillac Bluetooth phone. Speakerphone is fairly powerful for such a small package but the sound is not always crystal clear. Listeners at the other end sometimes complain of muffled voice. Still, it is better than using the cell phone itself next to your ear.
Pairing with cell phone is very easy and the animated guides at Blueant's web site are very helpful. Battery life is amazingly long, sometimes lasting a month! It sticks very securely to the magnetic attachment for the visor. Customer service was fairly helpful, but not outstanding, took 3 weeks to replace my dead Supertooth II. Construction is a little bit like cheap like Chinese products but overall it is a product that functions decent most of the time. | 1 | neutral | [
"Originally I had purchased Supertooth II which had a powerful speaker but died within 3 weeks.",
"Blueant customer service told me that they were aware of the problems with Supertooth II and had discontinued it and they replaced it with Supertooth Light, which I have used for about 4 months.",
"The voice quality of Blueant Supertooth Light is better than my factory installed Cadillac Bluetooth phone.",
"Speakerphone is fairly powerful for such a small package but the sound is not always crystal clear.",
"Listeners at the other end sometimes complain of muffled voice.",
"Still, it is better than using the cell phone itself next to your ear.",
"Pairing with cell phone is very easy and the animated guides at Blueant's web site are very helpful.",
"Battery life is amazingly long, sometimes lasting a month!",
"It sticks very securely to the magnetic attachment for the visor.",
"Customer service was fairly helpful, but not outstanding, took 3 weeks to replace my dead Supertooth II.",
"Construction is a little bit like cheap like Chinese products but overall it is a product that functions decent most of the time."
]
|
First let me say the product itself is five star quality. However, the packaging can be suspect at best. This is my second order. The first order came in a nice box that made sense. This time, not so much. As you will see in the picture the entire top of the box is half open and the bottom is the same way. It was pouring rain when these arrived today. Lucky thing I had them sent to work where we have a dock. If they had left this on my porch at the house they would have been ruined from the rain. This is ridiculous. I am amazed they got here from New Jersey packed like that. I suppose that is a testament to FedEx. Will make a different choice next time. | 1 | neutral | [
"First let me say the product itself is five star quality.",
"However, the packaging can be suspect at best.",
"This is my second order.",
"The first order came in a nice box that made sense.",
"This time, not so much.",
"As you will see in the picture the entire top of the box is half open and the bottom is the same way.",
"It was pouring rain when these arrived today.",
"Lucky thing I had them sent to work where we have a dock.",
"If they had left this on my porch at the house they would have been ruined from the rain.",
"This is ridiculous.",
"I am amazed they got here from New Jersey packed like that.",
"I suppose that is a testament to FedEx.",
"Will make a different choice next time."
]
|
This product has a smooth feeling, and is absorbed quickly; in fact, my skin actually felt just a little dry (though it wasn't) after applying it. I am thrilled at the almost undetectable scent. I am also happy that it is free of preservatives. I haven't found a difference in the little lines on my skin, but will see what happens over time. I found that a small amount of the product is enough to moisturize. and smooth my skin. In addition to peptides and niacinamide, the ingredients include tea tree oil, vitamins C and E, selenium, and a host of other ingredients, with long names, one with ""polymer" as part of the name. Instructions say that for best results, this product should be used after the corresponding TiZO Foaming Cleanser, though that may be a financial challenge for some. My sensitive skin did not have a problem with this product.
I will continue to use this product and report back if and when I (I hope!) see greater improvements in my skin. Seems to be a good moisturizer for those not too fussy about getting organic ingredients. The price is a bit out of range for some of us, but I imagine the 1 fluid oz. package will last a good long time. Recommended to those who like a kind of dry texture and woh can handle the price. | 1 | neutral | [
"This product has a smooth feeling, and is absorbed quickly; in fact, my skin actually felt just a little dry (though it wasn't) after applying it.",
"I am thrilled at the almost undetectable scent.",
"I am also happy that it is free of preservatives.",
"I haven't found a difference in the little lines on my skin, but will see what happens over time.",
"I found that a small amount of the product is enough to moisturize.",
"and smooth my skin.",
"In addition to peptides and niacinamide, the ingredients include tea tree oil, vitamins C and E, selenium, and a host of other ingredients, with long names, one with \"\"polymer\" as part of the name.",
"Instructions say that for best results, this product should be used after the corresponding TiZO Foaming Cleanser, though that may be a financial challenge for some.",
"My sensitive skin did not have a problem with this product.",
"I will continue to use this product and report back if and when I (I hope!",
") see greater improvements in my skin.",
"Seems to be a good moisturizer for those not too fussy about getting organic ingredients.",
"The price is a bit out of range for some of us, but I imagine the 1 fluid oz.",
"package will last a good long time.",
"Recommended to those who like a kind of dry texture and woh can handle the price."
]
|
A Yes concert from the seventies. The Classic Yes line-up - Anderson, Squire, Howe, Wakeman, and White - performing in-the-round. It would seem like a can't miss concert any Yes fan would want to have for their DVD video library. However, neither the performance itself, or the video quality really do the band justice. Jon Anderson comes off best. He's in good voice with his signature style sounding exceptionally sincere and involved. Steve Howe is so often the creative propulsion that drives Yes to musical heights - as he showed on "Yessongs" - but here his playing -- though dynamic -- seems bereft of his usual musical inventiveness. Ditto for Rick Wakeman, whose performance here at times seem like self-parody. As for the musical numbers "Circus of Heaven," "The Ancient," and "Starship Trooper" come off the freshest. The video quality I found passable, but barely so, the sound quality leaves much to be desired. Had this DVD included any extras at all - concert stills, band member bios, band interviews - I'd rate it higher. But this is a bare bones effort that doesn't capture Yes at their best. Like many Yes fans, however, I'm adding one star out of nostalgia. Bottom line -- Die-hard Yes fans will likely find this concert DVD satisfactory, but nothing more, casual or new fans, however, should start elsewhere, say with "Yessongs," or "The House of Blues." | 1 | neutral | [
"A Yes concert from the seventies.",
"The Classic Yes line-up - Anderson, Squire, Howe, Wakeman, and White - performing in-the-round.",
"It would seem like a can't miss concert any Yes fan would want to have for their DVD video library.",
"However, neither the performance itself, or the video quality really do the band justice.",
"Jon Anderson comes off best.",
"He's in good voice with his signature style sounding exceptionally sincere and involved.",
"Steve Howe is so often the creative propulsion that drives Yes to musical heights - as he showed on \"Yessongs\" - but here his playing -- though dynamic -- seems bereft of his usual musical inventiveness.",
"Ditto for Rick Wakeman, whose performance here at times seem like self-parody.",
"As for the musical numbers \"Circus of Heaven,\" \"The Ancient,\" and \"Starship Trooper\" come off the freshest.",
"The video quality I found passable, but barely so, the sound quality leaves much to be desired.",
"Had this DVD included any extras at all - concert stills, band member bios, band interviews - I'd rate it higher.",
"But this is a bare bones effort that doesn't capture Yes at their best.",
"Like many Yes fans, however, I'm adding one star out of nostalgia.",
"Bottom line -- Die-hard Yes fans will likely find this concert DVD satisfactory, but nothing more, casual or new fans, however, should start elsewhere, say with \"Yessongs,\" or \"The House of Blues.",
"\""
]
|
Hi Y?**, Y? quote: âThe play wasn't a failure in that it wasn't allowed to open.â Which means what? It was a success? Who didnât allow this play to open? The US government? The US people? The CIA? Mossad? The Jewish space aliens controlling the world? Or maybe it was the financial backers who took a cold hearted look at advance ticket sales. Tell us âwhoâ didnât allow it to open? Warmest Regards, Smoker | 1 | neutral | [
"Hi Y?",
"**, Y?",
"quote: âThe play wasn't a failure in that it wasn't allowed to open.",
"â Which means what?",
"It was a success?",
"Who didnât allow this play to open?",
"The US government?",
"The US people?",
"The CIA?",
"Mossad?",
"The Jewish space aliens controlling the world?",
"Or maybe it was the financial backers who took a cold hearted look at advance ticket sales.",
"Tell us âwhoâ didnât allow it to open?",
"Warmest Regards, Smoker"
]
|
First, the quality of the effects are better with this unit than others in the below $300 price range. I've owned and used a great many budget effects units. Most of the cheap-o's are fine for live use but in the studio they really muddy up a mix, sound quite grainy, have a noise "floor" that could better be referred to as a desk halfway between the floor and the ceiling. You won't have those problems with this unit.
But, a few negatives. One, the VST plug-in to integrate this unit into your DAW is 32-bit only. It will not work in a 64-Bit DAW. I have PreSonus StudioOne 2 Professional (full) version, and it would not recognize the DLLs for this reason. Nowhere on the box, nor in the owner's manual, nor in the product description in any of the online sales listings I've seen do they mention this substantial limitation. When I contacted Lexicon, they did reply promptly and claimed that this "product page" serves as notice of the limitation: http://www.lexiconpro.com/en-US/softwares/mx-edit-mx400-v231-windows. I find that disingenuous, as this page is a page for the 32-bit version of the VST plug-in download and is buried accordingly. And, a brief, buried statement that the 32-bit driver only works on 32-bit systems does NOT convey that there exists no 64-bit driver and the entire selling point of using this device as a plug-in is limited to 32-bit systems. They should include that on the box, in the manual, and in the sales literature that promotes the plug-in feature.
Also, I bought the unit in January 2015 and the included CD-ROM would not install on my system, which is Windows 7. I got an error message from the installer that indicated my operating system is not compatible. It would not successfully install in compatibility mode either. Hard to believe they are shipping CDs in 2015 that only support Windows XP-era operating systems. No problem here, really, as you can download the latest from Lexicon's website. But, it just makes you go "hmmmm" and fosters some unflattering perceptions.
Second, the USB connection only controls the unit. It does not pass audio. Therefore, if you are going to integrate this with your DAW using the VST plug-in, you are going to have to pass audio from your computer, to the Lexicon unit, and back- either via analog or S/PDIF at a max of 48KHz. This will eat up inputs and outputs in your interface. As such, if you're currently using all of your I/O channels, you'll need to buy a bigger interface. So, this unit's plug-in feature is really not much different than using any external hardware processor with a DAW- only the fact that you can control the effects parameters from your computer instead of having to mess with the front panel of the device. And again, that is assuming that you have a behind-the-times 32-bit DAW.
Third, I'm not all that impressed with the reverbs. While they are better than other processors in their price range, you can hear the tail of the reverbs drop off in a very stair-stepped pattern. The decay is not smooth. They also sound a bit dark to me. To be fair, if this weren't a Lexicon I'd think it was quite good for the $ (and it is), but it's not what you used to get from the company's previous mid-tier products.
Another thing- none of the effects really blew me away. I much prefer the old LXP-15 II. That unit had a number of patches that would instantly add a WOW factor to a vocal or instrument track. With this model, I can get good results that sound professional and lack that "cheap reverb/amateur studio" sound, but I don't get the wow-factor.
Also, as is typical with higher-quality effects units, you don't have as much flexibility to combine multiple effects and fine-control the routing. For example, I have another manufacturer's budget reverb where I can feed into a de-esser effect, route that to an EQ effect that feeds a slapback delay, and in parallel route the output of the de-esser effect to a plate reverb, then sum the paralleled effects together into an exciter that feeds the output. You don't have as many effects or routing options with this one. BUT, that is typical on a unit in this category- your dollars are going toward increased sound quality.
Lastly, part of my decision to purchase was that I could use it as two MX200 units in dual stereo mode. Two discrete Lexicon effects boxes in one physical package. The drawback here, is that the two separate units are summed together internally and sent to one pair of outputs. So, you'll have to mix the levels between the two processors inside the Lexicon unit. That means you can't feed each effect unit's output into its own stereo pair on your console and apply channel strip EQ to each effect independently, which I always like to do.
On the plus side, the chorus effects are quite clean for a budget unit.
Overall, this device is serving a purpose- I needed decent verbs and choruses that won't muddy up a mix or sound cheap for my project studio. I would recommended if you need to fill that need.
I expected to love it, but due to some of the shortcomings I view it as a necessary tool in my arsenal like one of the wrenches in my garage as opposed to an object of affection. | 1 | neutral | [
"First, the quality of the effects are better with this unit than others in the below $300 price range.",
"I've owned and used a great many budget effects units.",
"Most of the cheap-o's are fine for live use but in the studio they really muddy up a mix, sound quite grainy, have a noise \"floor\" that could better be referred to as a desk halfway between the floor and the ceiling.",
"You won't have those problems with this unit.",
"But, a few negatives.",
"One, the VST plug-in to integrate this unit into your DAW is 32-bit only.",
"It will not work in a 64-Bit DAW.",
"I have PreSonus StudioOne 2 Professional (full) version, and it would not recognize the DLLs for this reason.",
"Nowhere on the box, nor in the owner's manual, nor in the product description in any of the online sales listings I've seen do they mention this substantial limitation.",
"When I contacted Lexicon, they did reply promptly and claimed that this \"product page\" serves as notice of the limitation: http://www.",
"lexiconpro.",
"com/en-US/softwares/mx-edit-mx400-v231-windows.",
"I find that disingenuous, as this page is a page for the 32-bit version of the VST plug-in download and is buried accordingly.",
"And, a brief, buried statement that the 32-bit driver only works on 32-bit systems does NOT convey that there exists no 64-bit driver and the entire selling point of using this device as a plug-in is limited to 32-bit systems.",
"They should include that on the box, in the manual, and in the sales literature that promotes the plug-in feature.",
"Also, I bought the unit in January 2015 and the included CD-ROM would not install on my system, which is Windows 7.",
"I got an error message from the installer that indicated my operating system is not compatible.",
"It would not successfully install in compatibility mode either.",
"Hard to believe they are shipping CDs in 2015 that only support Windows XP-era operating systems.",
"No problem here, really, as you can download the latest from Lexicon's website.",
"But, it just makes you go \"hmmmm\" and fosters some unflattering perceptions.",
"Second, the USB connection only controls the unit.",
"It does not pass audio.",
"Therefore, if you are going to integrate this with your DAW using the VST plug-in, you are going to have to pass audio from your computer, to the Lexicon unit, and back- either via analog or S/PDIF at a max of 48KHz.",
"This will eat up inputs and outputs in your interface.",
"As such, if you're currently using all of your I/O channels, you'll need to buy a bigger interface.",
"So, this unit's plug-in feature is really not much different than using any external hardware processor with a DAW- only the fact that you can control the effects parameters from your computer instead of having to mess with the front panel of the device.",
"And again, that is assuming that you have a behind-the-times 32-bit DAW.",
"Third, I'm not all that impressed with the reverbs.",
"While they are better than other processors in their price range, you can hear the tail of the reverbs drop off in a very stair-stepped pattern.",
"The decay is not smooth.",
"They also sound a bit dark to me.",
"To be fair, if this weren't a Lexicon I'd think it was quite good for the $ (and it is), but it's not what you used to get from the company's previous mid-tier products.",
"Another thing- none of the effects really blew me away.",
"I much prefer the old LXP-15 II.",
"That unit had a number of patches that would instantly add a WOW factor to a vocal or instrument track.",
"With this model, I can get good results that sound professional and lack that \"cheap reverb/amateur studio\" sound, but I don't get the wow-factor.",
"Also, as is typical with higher-quality effects units, you don't have as much flexibility to combine multiple effects and fine-control the routing.",
"For example, I have another manufacturer's budget reverb where I can feed into a de-esser effect, route that to an EQ effect that feeds a slapback delay, and in parallel route the output of the de-esser effect to a plate reverb, then sum the paralleled effects together into an exciter that feeds the output.",
"You don't have as many effects or routing options with this one.",
"BUT, that is typical on a unit in this category- your dollars are going toward increased sound quality.",
"Lastly, part of my decision to purchase was that I could use it as two MX200 units in dual stereo mode.",
"Two discrete Lexicon effects boxes in one physical package.",
"The drawback here, is that the two separate units are summed together internally and sent to one pair of outputs.",
"So, you'll have to mix the levels between the two processors inside the Lexicon unit.",
"That means you can't feed each effect unit's output into its own stereo pair on your console and apply channel strip EQ to each effect independently, which I always like to do.",
"On the plus side, the chorus effects are quite clean for a budget unit.",
"Overall, this device is serving a purpose- I needed decent verbs and choruses that won't muddy up a mix or sound cheap for my project studio.",
"I would recommended if you need to fill that need.",
"I expected to love it, but due to some of the shortcomings I view it as a necessary tool in my arsenal like one of the wrenches in my garage as opposed to an object of affection."
]
|
Its a nice pencil sharpener but I feel they're all a little over priced. I bought the four that I listed below and I think they're all pretty good. I suppose the things that might distinguish one from the other is the convenience of being able to throw it in your bag and take it with you. So for that reason Id say I like the Kum Long better, which is probably the reason its priced a little higher. The Maped Classic is small and nice but it doesnt contain the shavings.
I listed them according to my preference, from what I feel is the better one to the least favorite.
1) Kum Long Point Pencil Sharpener with Pointer ($7.25)
2) Staedtler Double-Hole Pencil Sharpener ($5.94)
3) Maped Classic 1-Hole Metal Pencil Sharpeners, Grey, 2-Pack ($5.56)
4) Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener ($6.00) | 1 | neutral | [
"Its a nice pencil sharpener but I feel they're all a little over priced.",
"I bought the four that I listed below and I think they're all pretty good.",
"I suppose the things that might distinguish one from the other is the convenience of being able to throw it in your bag and take it with you.",
"So for that reason Id say I like the Kum Long better, which is probably the reason its priced a little higher.",
"The Maped Classic is small and nice but it doesnt contain the shavings.",
"I listed them according to my preference, from what I feel is the better one to the least favorite.",
"1) Kum Long Point Pencil Sharpener with Pointer ($7.",
"25)\n\n2) Staedtler Double-Hole Pencil Sharpener ($5.",
"94)\n\n3) Maped Classic 1-Hole Metal Pencil Sharpeners, Grey, 2-Pack ($5.",
"56)\n\n4) Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener ($6.",
"00)"
]
|
I loved this when I first got it - it was just the right thing to put a tiny dab of oil on my cast iron frying pans before using them, and made oiling muffin pans a trivial spritz. We kept it clean with regular dishwashing soap cycles (a gummed up nozzle will stream, not spray), and it had an honored place next to the stove.
Then, the bottom of the plunger tube cracked off (not the whole tube, which pulls out of the cap for cleaning, just the flange around the bottom). So, we bought another one. Then the flange on that one cracked off. So, we gave up.
Maybe it wouldn't have happened if we'd used a lighter oil than olive oil, or maybe our local Lechters had a bad batch. But, more likely, the design of this toy is just not particularly good. If you want to buy a new one every six months, go for it. If not, stick to the paper towel method for lightly oiling pans. | 1 | neutral | [
"I loved this when I first got it - it was just the right thing to put a tiny dab of oil on my cast iron frying pans before using them, and made oiling muffin pans a trivial spritz.",
"We kept it clean with regular dishwashing soap cycles (a gummed up nozzle will stream, not spray), and it had an honored place next to the stove.",
"Then, the bottom of the plunger tube cracked off (not the whole tube, which pulls out of the cap for cleaning, just the flange around the bottom).",
"So, we bought another one.",
"Then the flange on that one cracked off.",
"So, we gave up.",
"Maybe it wouldn't have happened if we'd used a lighter oil than olive oil, or maybe our local Lechters had a bad batch.",
"But, more likely, the design of this toy is just not particularly good.",
"If you want to buy a new one every six months, go for it.",
"If not, stick to the paper towel method for lightly oiling pans."
]
|
Others have said it in their own amazon reviews -- Bruce does not approach the grandeur of the musical and lyrical feats of his younger days. So many classical composers got better, deeper, richer as they grew older. I do not understand why the same is rarely the case for pop musicians.
My best friend (a longtime Cockburn fan who went to some lengths to see him live last year, and was very pleased) told me it was an effort for him to get through this album. I did not find that to be so. I actually found it a pleasant listen. Track one is bouncy and witty, though not soaringly poetic. While not actually joyful, it is upbeat or happily ironic at least. It's as if Cockburn has learned to laugh again -- he seemed so dire there for a time. The second song does not impress me musically, and "It's not what I would have chose" sounds like rather clunky syntax, but at least there's a playfulness about it.
If the songs on Small Source Of Comfort really must be heard ten times to appreciate, then I'm afraid I will never know their full goodness. After nearly four decades of critical music listening, I think I can latch on to what is good and bad about most songs very quickly. Repeated listens merely remind me of those successes and flaws I heard the first time. I would love to report that Cockburn is back in full force here, but it doesn't seem that way to me. I'll go back to the old albums.
If you desperately need a fix of new Cockburn, this is it. His voice has held up extremely well, his guitar playing is as nimble as ever, he sings about the topics he's always been singing about. I'll just say that I prefer his material from six albums on either side of Dancing In the Dragons Jaws and leave it at that. | 1 | neutral | [
"Others have said it in their own amazon reviews -- Bruce does not approach the grandeur of the musical and lyrical feats of his younger days.",
"So many classical composers got better, deeper, richer as they grew older.",
"I do not understand why the same is rarely the case for pop musicians.",
"My best friend (a longtime Cockburn fan who went to some lengths to see him live last year, and was very pleased) told me it was an effort for him to get through this album.",
"I did not find that to be so.",
"I actually found it a pleasant listen.",
"Track one is bouncy and witty, though not soaringly poetic.",
"While not actually joyful, it is upbeat or happily ironic at least.",
"It's as if Cockburn has learned to laugh again -- he seemed so dire there for a time.",
"The second song does not impress me musically, and \"It's not what I would have chose\" sounds like rather clunky syntax, but at least there's a playfulness about it.",
"If the songs on Small Source Of Comfort really must be heard ten times to appreciate, then I'm afraid I will never know their full goodness.",
"After nearly four decades of critical music listening, I think I can latch on to what is good and bad about most songs very quickly.",
"Repeated listens merely remind me of those successes and flaws I heard the first time.",
"I would love to report that Cockburn is back in full force here, but it doesn't seem that way to me.",
"I'll go back to the old albums.",
"If you desperately need a fix of new Cockburn, this is it.",
"His voice has held up extremely well, his guitar playing is as nimble as ever, he sings about the topics he's always been singing about.",
"I'll just say that I prefer his material from six albums on either side of Dancing In the Dragons Jaws and leave it at that."
]
|
Amistad is a powerful movie about a real incident that had a bearing on history. Let's start with some of the many positives: Spielberg is one of our era's most talented filmmakers and his skills are certainly on display here. The film is well acted by the entire cast, especially Hopkins as former president Adams and Freeman as an abolitionist businessman. These 2 actors are always good and Amistad is no exception.
Where the film falters is when Spielberg takes "dramatic license". Putting it simply, when he lies. The real story should have been enough for a great movie so the truth shouldn't have to be stretched to overdramatize events. The slavetraders were lousy human beings without a doubt but they didn't dump half the slaves in the ocean. Adams never met any of the Africans he defended so well and their presence in a courtroom is not believable. The speeches made in the film do not reflect 1839-40 attitudes, they reflect current ones. This could have and probably should have been great. As it is, it is a well told story with too many half truths. Just filming the truth would have been better. 3.5 Stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"Amistad is a powerful movie about a real incident that had a bearing on history.",
"Let's start with some of the many positives: Spielberg is one of our era's most talented filmmakers and his skills are certainly on display here.",
"The film is well acted by the entire cast, especially Hopkins as former president Adams and Freeman as an abolitionist businessman.",
"These 2 actors are always good and Amistad is no exception.",
"Where the film falters is when Spielberg takes \"dramatic license\".",
"Putting it simply, when he lies.",
"The real story should have been enough for a great movie so the truth shouldn't have to be stretched to overdramatize events.",
"The slavetraders were lousy human beings without a doubt but they didn't dump half the slaves in the ocean.",
"Adams never met any of the Africans he defended so well and their presence in a courtroom is not believable.",
"The speeches made in the film do not reflect 1839-40 attitudes, they reflect current ones.",
"This could have and probably should have been great.",
"As it is, it is a well told story with too many half truths.",
"Just filming the truth would have been better.",
"3.",
"5 Stars."
]
|
When I purchased my SEGA Dreamcast not too long ago, the first game I had in mind was Jet Grind Radio. Word of mouth said it was a stylish, fun, innovative game and well worth the purchase.
Well, that's only partially true.
See, while this game is very cool and stylish (with nice cel-shaded graphics and interesting character design, as well as fitting music and sound of acceptable - though not exceptional - quality), and undeniably innovative (the spray paint mechanics are original), it's just not that fun. Here's why.
When I started playing, I was expecting something far more fast-paced. But your character moves at a disappointingly-slow speed. Also, the spray painting system, while fun at first, becomes boring and somewhat irritating. It's no fun to have to repeat the same actions over and over again, and nothing is worse than being shot at while your in the middle of tagging a building or sidewalk.
I would only recommend this game to someone who was interested in studying its cool and bold art style, or a die-hard SEGA fan, but to everybody else: borrow it if you have the chance (assuming you have a friend with a Dreamcast). If you can't borrow it, Just forget about it. | 1 | neutral | [
"When I purchased my SEGA Dreamcast not too long ago, the first game I had in mind was Jet Grind Radio.",
"Word of mouth said it was a stylish, fun, innovative game and well worth the purchase.",
"Well, that's only partially true.",
"See, while this game is very cool and stylish (with nice cel-shaded graphics and interesting character design, as well as fitting music and sound of acceptable - though not exceptional - quality), and undeniably innovative (the spray paint mechanics are original), it's just not that fun.",
"Here's why.",
"When I started playing, I was expecting something far more fast-paced.",
"But your character moves at a disappointingly-slow speed.",
"Also, the spray painting system, while fun at first, becomes boring and somewhat irritating.",
"It's no fun to have to repeat the same actions over and over again, and nothing is worse than being shot at while your in the middle of tagging a building or sidewalk.",
"I would only recommend this game to someone who was interested in studying its cool and bold art style, or a die-hard SEGA fan, but to everybody else: borrow it if you have the chance (assuming you have a friend with a Dreamcast).",
"If you can't borrow it, Just forget about it."
]
|
This game is pretty fun. The game modes include time trial, arcade race, world circuit, and multiplayer mode. You can choose from three cars (in beginner circuit) and up to seven cars to race from in the more advanced circuits. This may be a fun game, but the fun doesn't last long.
You race other drivers to unlock new things. But that is about the only objective. Also, beating the races are very easy. The only hard part about this game might be learning how to drift, turn, and powerslide, but that only takes about five minutes to learn.
Also, the races are barely any fun. You start out in last place and the car in front of you is always like 30 seconds ahead. There's no qualifying or practice, you always start last.
Also, gaining nitrous is hard and doesn't help much. You gain the nitrous by powersliding (which slows you down), and you only gain about 1/5 - 1/4 of a tank (depending on the turn and speed) After you get it, it lasts for about 5 seconds and you gain a little bit of speed, but then after that, you go back to the speed you were at before you ignited the nitrous.
And the last thing I have to say about this game that it is overrated. All the reviews I've seen say this is an awesome PSP launch game, but to me it an okay game. I would recommend buying Need For Speed Underground Rivals instead of this. But some people seem to love this game so I would recommend renting this game first at gamefly.com (that's what I did and I'm glad I did it because I didn't like it very much). (Please refer to me at gamefly.com). | 1 | neutral | [
"This game is pretty fun.",
"The game modes include time trial, arcade race, world circuit, and multiplayer mode.",
"You can choose from three cars (in beginner circuit) and up to seven cars to race from in the more advanced circuits.",
"This may be a fun game, but the fun doesn't last long.",
"You race other drivers to unlock new things.",
"But that is about the only objective.",
"Also, beating the races are very easy.",
"The only hard part about this game might be learning how to drift, turn, and powerslide, but that only takes about five minutes to learn.",
"Also, the races are barely any fun.",
"You start out in last place and the car in front of you is always like 30 seconds ahead.",
"There's no qualifying or practice, you always start last.",
"Also, gaining nitrous is hard and doesn't help much.",
"You gain the nitrous by powersliding (which slows you down), and you only gain about 1/5 - 1/4 of a tank (depending on the turn and speed) After you get it, it lasts for about 5 seconds and you gain a little bit of speed, but then after that, you go back to the speed you were at before you ignited the nitrous.",
"And the last thing I have to say about this game that it is overrated.",
"All the reviews I've seen say this is an awesome PSP launch game, but to me it an okay game.",
"I would recommend buying Need For Speed Underground Rivals instead of this.",
"But some people seem to love this game so I would recommend renting this game first at gamefly.",
"com (that's what I did and I'm glad I did it because I didn't like it very much).",
"(Please refer to me at gamefly.",
"com)."
]
|
This isn't going to be another "suck up to the prestigious game and company" review so let me admit this to you off the bat. I don't like Electronic Arts. I have been getting very angry at the folks at EA over the past years. Angry at the shoddy software they continue to pile into the Xbox without the features that make it shine on the PS2 (Do I even have to say it) and also by the inaccurate gameplay it produces in its sports games! (NHL is becoming a joke-on-ice, NBA Live is looking more and more like a Jam imitado, NASCAR is potential gone to waste, and MLB is still lightyears behind the other games) the only game from EA sports I applaud is NCAA. Which is so good, that Sega pulled out of that race. So there is NO competition in that area and in NASCAR!
Even once I could say that EA put out a below average game in Madden but just stuck on the Madden Trademark and it turned junk into gold! But now, with the rise of ESPN, Madden is getting a run for it's money. I am going to love the 2005 wars!
Pros: 1. Owner Mode enhances the Madden experience for hours and hours of gameplay!
2. The addition of training camp will also enhance the Franchise Experience.
3. Custom Soundtracks!
Cons: 1. The EA Trax are poorly picked (in other terms, they stink except for a few)
2. Many Features still unimproved (playbooks, graphics, Madden Cards, etc.)
3. The Commentary is terrible! Whoever writes the dialogue for these guys should be run of of the country! (Unacceptable for a game that is named for a color commentator!)
4. The Secondary plays like the Steelers! (too many times there have been one-on-ones and the reciever has caught long gains, no matter how good the secondary!) bad secondary = FRUSTRATION!
5. The O-Line plays like the Texans! (see how hard it is to run up holes, then well talk!)
6. Still no online Play?! (I have heard that PS2 users have to pay another 10 dollars a month just for online play for Madden!)
Final Verdict: It depends on what you think about the Madden franchise, if you love the EA franchise, I say go ahead and buy it. but if you are unsure about EA, just rent it and then decide | 1 | neutral | [
"This isn't going to be another \"suck up to the prestigious game and company\" review so let me admit this to you off the bat.",
"I don't like Electronic Arts.",
"I have been getting very angry at the folks at EA over the past years.",
"Angry at the shoddy software they continue to pile into the Xbox without the features that make it shine on the PS2 (Do I even have to say it) and also by the inaccurate gameplay it produces in its sports games!",
"(NHL is becoming a joke-on-ice, NBA Live is looking more and more like a Jam imitado, NASCAR is potential gone to waste, and MLB is still lightyears behind the other games) the only game from EA sports I applaud is NCAA.",
"Which is so good, that Sega pulled out of that race.",
"So there is NO competition in that area and in NASCAR!",
"Even once I could say that EA put out a below average game in Madden but just stuck on the Madden Trademark and it turned junk into gold!",
"But now, with the rise of ESPN, Madden is getting a run for it's money.",
"I am going to love the 2005 wars!",
"Pros: 1.",
"Owner Mode enhances the Madden experience for hours and hours of gameplay!",
"2.",
"The addition of training camp will also enhance the Franchise Experience.",
"3.",
"Custom Soundtracks!",
"Cons: 1.",
"The EA Trax are poorly picked (in other terms, they stink except for a few)\n2.",
"Many Features still unimproved (playbooks, graphics, Madden Cards, etc.",
")\n3.",
"The Commentary is terrible!",
"Whoever writes the dialogue for these guys should be run of of the country!",
"(Unacceptable for a game that is named for a color commentator!",
")\n4.",
"The Secondary plays like the Steelers!",
"(too many times there have been one-on-ones and the reciever has caught long gains, no matter how good the secondary!",
") bad secondary = FRUSTRATION!",
"5.",
"The O-Line plays like the Texans!",
"(see how hard it is to run up holes, then well talk!",
")\n6.",
"Still no online Play?!",
"(I have heard that PS2 users have to pay another 10 dollars a month just for online play for Madden!",
")\nFinal Verdict: It depends on what you think about the Madden franchise, if you love the EA franchise, I say go ahead and buy it.",
"but if you are unsure about EA, just rent it and then decide"
]
|
Update to my Review: Have great luck with 3 rolls, while my 4th roll works fine, it was shipped with no box in a already opened vaccumm packed bag, and the roll had already been used. Weighing the roll, i only got about 0.75kg worth of filament. For the price is still a great deal for even .75kg of a roll, but its not what i ordered. And poor quality/returns control on the shippers part.
Ive gone through 3 rolls of the black PLA, and for the price, its really good stuff. Extrudes fine, diameter is fairly consistent (within .05mm as advertised) Other reviewers seem to have gotten ABS, but every roll ive ordered has been PLA. its usually 17.00 but goes on sale for 13-14 dollars very often. Stock up when it hits that sale price :) | 1 | neutral | [
"Update to my Review: Have great luck with 3 rolls, while my 4th roll works fine, it was shipped with no box in a already opened vaccumm packed bag, and the roll had already been used.",
"Weighing the roll, i only got about 0.",
"75kg worth of filament.",
"For the price is still a great deal for even.",
"75kg of a roll, but its not what i ordered.",
"And poor quality/returns control on the shippers part.",
"Ive gone through 3 rolls of the black PLA, and for the price, its really good stuff.",
"Extrudes fine, diameter is fairly consistent (within.",
"05mm as advertised) Other reviewers seem to have gotten ABS, but every roll ive ordered has been PLA.",
"its usually 17.",
"00 but goes on sale for 13-14 dollars very often.",
"Stock up when it hits that sale price :)"
]
|
State Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence in Klaas Case
Davis challenged his conviction and sentence on the grounds that his confession was illegally obtained and that his trial in San Clara County Calif. was tainted by pretrial publicity.
Marc Klaas Polly's father expressed frustration Monday that Davis' appeals were taking too long. He noted that Polly would be 28 now had she lived.
Davis' appeals were taking too long. He noted that Polly would be 28 now had she lived.
"I have no doubt that this guy is going to outlive me " said Klaas 60.
Davis has a constitutional challenge pending before the state high court. Once that is resolved he can challenge his conviction and sentence in federal court.
Assistant California Attorney General Ronald Matthias who successfully opposed DavisDavis' appeal said federal appeals could take 10 to 15 years.
In writing for the court Justice Joyce L. Kennard recounted DavisDavis' reaction when a jury found him guilty of Polly's murder.
Davis "turned toward the television cameras in the courtroom and made an obscene gesture with both hands by extending his middle fingers " Kennard wrote. "He then winked his eye and blew a kiss."
Davis kidnapped Polly from her bedroom at her home in Petaluma Calif. where she was having a slumber party with two other girls. Her mother and a younger half-sister were sleeping down the hall.
Davis had a long and violent criminal record and his history helped fuel voter support for a 1994 three-strikes initiative in California that required sentences of 25 years to life in prison for a third felony after two violent felonies. | 1 | neutral | [
"State Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence in Klaas Case\nDavis challenged his conviction and sentence on the grounds that his confession was illegally obtained and that his trial in San Clara County Calif.",
"was tainted by pretrial publicity.",
"Marc Klaas Polly's father expressed frustration Monday that Davis' appeals were taking too long.",
"He noted that Polly would be 28 now had she lived.",
"Davis' appeals were taking too long.",
"He noted that Polly would be 28 now had she lived.",
"\"I have no doubt that this guy is going to outlive me \" said Klaas 60.",
"Davis has a constitutional challenge pending before the state high court.",
"Once that is resolved he can challenge his conviction and sentence in federal court.",
"Assistant California Attorney General Ronald Matthias who successfully opposed DavisDavis' appeal said federal appeals could take 10 to 15 years.",
"In writing for the court Justice Joyce L.",
"Kennard recounted DavisDavis' reaction when a jury found him guilty of Polly's murder.",
"Davis \"turned toward the television cameras in the courtroom and made an obscene gesture with both hands by extending his middle fingers \" Kennard wrote.",
"\"He then winked his eye and blew a kiss.",
"\"\n Davis kidnapped Polly from her bedroom at her home in Petaluma Calif.",
"where she was having a slumber party with two other girls.",
"Her mother and a younger half-sister were sleeping down the hall.",
"Davis had a long and violent criminal record and his history helped fuel voter support for a 1994 three-strikes initiative in California that required sentences of 25 years to life in prison for a third felony after two violent felonies."
]
|
returned for leather ended one in same pattern. did not fit my cherry SG, or my Fender Jaguar because the pin is on the heel of the neck. Would not go on the jaguar at all, and turned the strap halfway inside out on the SG because the strap can only attach on one side but not the other. the hard plastic ends acted like a lever when I leaned the wrong way when it was on my <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Godin-XTSA/dp/B001QCXS8W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Godin XTSA</a> and actually pried the pin out of the top of the guitar (supposed to be solid wood I thought). Should fit on strat type guitars or anything with the neck-side pin on the outside of the upper bout like on the Godin, but I sent it back and am going to try <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/rubber-washers/dp/B00IAVJB38/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">rubber washers</a>. Grolsch Beer bottle washers will also work, but I don't drink and wanted black, not red. ;^). We'll see how that goes. | 1 | neutral | [
"returned for leather ended one in same pattern.",
"did not fit my cherry SG, or my Fender Jaguar because the pin is on the heel of the neck.",
"Would not go on the jaguar at all, and turned the strap halfway inside out on the SG because the strap can only attach on one side but not the other.",
"the hard plastic ends acted like a lever when I leaned the wrong way when it was on my <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Godin-XTSA/dp/B001QCXS8W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Godin XTSA</a> and actually pried the pin out of the top of the guitar (supposed to be solid wood I thought).",
"Should fit on strat type guitars or anything with the neck-side pin on the outside of the upper bout like on the Godin, but I sent it back and am going to try <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/rubber-washers/dp/B00IAVJB38/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">rubber washers</a>.",
"Grolsch Beer bottle washers will also work, but I don't drink and wanted black, not red.",
";^).",
"We'll see how that goes."
]
|
Here's a radical suggestion: what if GRRM revived the serial tradition? A monthly deadline would be a boon to us all; his doorstoppers are now both late AND disappointing.
That rising howl you hear is the fan reaction to what may be charitably called "cliffhangers," though perhaps "graceless plot interruptions" would be more apt. Martin does the equivalent of chopping off A GAME OF THRONES right when Dany walks into the pyre instead of closing grandly on the morning after. I'd recommend waiting 2 years for a library copy or waiting 10.5 years until the next installment. In terms of long-term damage, the cliffhangers will force the next book to pick up the story just minutes after this one abruptly broke off. Martin used to say that he wanted a 5-year gap so that the kids could grow older, but I don't see a clear path forward.
In DANCE, we get plentiful descriptions of history, geography, and nipples (both color and size, quite reliably), but where's the actual story? As a disappointingly apt analogy, FEAST:Brienne :: DANCE:Jon/Dany/Tyrion.
--- SPOILER-FREE ---
Jon's interrupted arc => very CEO-like (reminiscent of Tyrion as Hand) with an illuminating POV chapter from Melisandre.
Dany's bloated arc => a mess of fail on so many levels. You only need to read her first and last chapters; the middle will only make you angry, confused, and inexplicably sleepy.
Tyrion's meandering line => an unfinished fistful of novella that must have been lying around GRRM's desk.
Theon's actual arc => the unexpected star of the show.
Other people => a bare whisper of where Rickon is hiding, 11 lines on Brienne, 3 sad but beautiful Bran chapters, interesting looks at Jaime and Cersei, some unresolved Iron Islanders, and assorted useless Dornishmen (whose house words should be "The sun always fails"). | 1 | neutral | [
"Here's a radical suggestion: what if GRRM revived the serial tradition?",
"A monthly deadline would be a boon to us all; his doorstoppers are now both late AND disappointing.",
"That rising howl you hear is the fan reaction to what may be charitably called \"cliffhangers,\" though perhaps \"graceless plot interruptions\" would be more apt.",
"Martin does the equivalent of chopping off A GAME OF THRONES right when Dany walks into the pyre instead of closing grandly on the morning after.",
"I'd recommend waiting 2 years for a library copy or waiting 10.",
"5 years until the next installment.",
"In terms of long-term damage, the cliffhangers will force the next book to pick up the story just minutes after this one abruptly broke off.",
"Martin used to say that he wanted a 5-year gap so that the kids could grow older, but I don't see a clear path forward.",
"In DANCE, we get plentiful descriptions of history, geography, and nipples (both color and size, quite reliably), but where's the actual story?",
"As a disappointingly apt analogy, FEAST:Brienne :: DANCE:Jon/Dany/Tyrion.",
"--- SPOILER-FREE ---\nJon's interrupted arc => very CEO-like (reminiscent of Tyrion as Hand) with an illuminating POV chapter from Melisandre.",
"Dany's bloated arc => a mess of fail on so many levels.",
"You only need to read her first and last chapters; the middle will only make you angry, confused, and inexplicably sleepy.",
"Tyrion's meandering line => an unfinished fistful of novella that must have been lying around GRRM's desk.",
"Theon's actual arc => the unexpected star of the show.",
"Other people => a bare whisper of where Rickon is hiding, 11 lines on Brienne, 3 sad but beautiful Bran chapters, interesting looks at Jaime and Cersei, some unresolved Iron Islanders, and assorted useless Dornishmen (whose house words should be \"The sun always fails\")."
]
|
Overall, I was very impressed with this production focusing on a single and important event in a long, hard war.
In this movie, none of Washington's men were lost. In "Washington the Warrior", 6 of his men were lost. Which is correct? I think the latter. Despite the creative licence taken by the producers and writers, there is still much about this that is factual and the performances were impressive. I bought this as part of the History Channel Founding of America box set and I'm still working my way through the DVDs.
This and Washington the Warrior were very well done, but do not waste your time on the "founding fathers" and "founding brothers" History Channel DVDs. I don't think the Karl Marx fan club could have made a worse presentation of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. It was a ridiculous assault disguised in the form of a historical production. Seriously biased against small government Jefferson and Madison and drooooling over big government, American Monarchy advocating Hamilton. Garbage. | 1 | neutral | [
"Overall, I was very impressed with this production focusing on a single and important event in a long, hard war.",
"In this movie, none of Washington's men were lost.",
"In \"Washington the Warrior\", 6 of his men were lost.",
"Which is correct?",
"I think the latter.",
"Despite the creative licence taken by the producers and writers, there is still much about this that is factual and the performances were impressive.",
"I bought this as part of the History Channel Founding of America box set and I'm still working my way through the DVDs.",
"This and Washington the Warrior were very well done, but do not waste your time on the \"founding fathers\" and \"founding brothers\" History Channel DVDs.",
"I don't think the Karl Marx fan club could have made a worse presentation of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.",
"It was a ridiculous assault disguised in the form of a historical production.",
"Seriously biased against small government Jefferson and Madison and drooooling over big government, American Monarchy advocating Hamilton.",
"Garbage."
]
|
Chinese rights lawyer jailed two years for inciting subversion
FILE PHOTO: Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up portraits of Chinese disbarred lawyer Jiang Tianyong demanding his release during a demonstration outside the Chinese liaison office in Hong Kong China December 23 2016. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
In a verdict posted on its official Weibo microblog on Tuesday morning the Changsha Intermediate Peopleâs Court said the lawyer Jiang Tianyong developed notions of overthrowing Chinaâs political system after being influenced by training workshops held by âanti-China foreign forcesâ overseas.
Jiang âs wife Jin Bianling who lives in the United States told Reuters on Tuesday that the verdict was âunacceptableâ and that she believed her husband was being made an example to âdeter or repressâ other rights lawyers.
âI do not acknowledge or accept this verdict â she said in a telephone interview. âJiang Tianyong is innocentâ.
The verdict was handed down exactly one year after Jiang first disappeared last November while visiting the family of another detained rights lawyer. He was held incommunicado for six months before being formally charged.
The facts in the courtâs ruling were broadly similar to those in a confession made by Jiang during his trial in August. Video footage of Jiang reading parts of a written statement were released by the court via social media at the time.
But rights groups said the trial was a show trial designed to discredit him and that Jiang was caught up in a sweeping campaign directed against lawyers and activists.
Jin said Jiangâs family was unable to appoint their own lawyers and that she had not been able to contact Jiang since his detention.
âWe donât know what his conditions are inside or what kind of torture of mistreatment he has suffered â she said. | 1 | neutral | [
"Chinese rights lawyer jailed two years for inciting subversion\nFILE PHOTO: Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up portraits of Chinese disbarred lawyer Jiang Tianyong demanding his release during a demonstration outside the Chinese liaison office in Hong Kong China December 23 2016.",
"REUTERS/Tyrone Siu\nIn a verdict posted on its official Weibo microblog on Tuesday morning the Changsha Intermediate Peopleâs Court said the lawyer Jiang Tianyong developed notions of overthrowing Chinaâs political system after being influenced by training workshops held by âanti-China foreign forcesâ overseas.",
"Jiang âs wife Jin Bianling who lives in the United States told Reuters on Tuesday that the verdict was âunacceptableâ and that she believed her husband was being made an example to âdeter or repressâ other rights lawyers.",
"âI do not acknowledge or accept this verdict â she said in a telephone interview.",
"âJiang Tianyong is innocentâ.",
"The verdict was handed down exactly one year after Jiang first disappeared last November while visiting the family of another detained rights lawyer.",
"He was held incommunicado for six months before being formally charged.",
"The facts in the courtâs ruling were broadly similar to those in a confession made by Jiang during his trial in August.",
"Video footage of Jiang reading parts of a written statement were released by the court via social media at the time.",
"But rights groups said the trial was a show trial designed to discredit him and that Jiang was caught up in a sweeping campaign directed against lawyers and activists.",
"Jin said Jiangâs family was unable to appoint their own lawyers and that she had not been able to contact Jiang since his detention.",
"âWe donât know what his conditions are inside or what kind of torture of mistreatment he has suffered â she said."
]
|
"The Convenient Marriage" is set in the Georgian period as opposed to the Regency period, a time when people were still powdering their hair, attaching patches to their faces and men were prancing around in high heeled shoes with fancy buckles.
As the title so aptly states, this book is about a marriage of convenience. When the Winwood family decides that their eldest daughter, Lizzie, must needs sacrifice herself in marriage to the handsome, wealthy, rakeful Lord Rule, she cries and cries because her heart has already been given to another man. Since the next sister, Charlotte, will not under any circumstances marry, it falls upon little Horatia (Horry) to offer herself up to Rule. She surprises him at his home a few days later and asks if he would be willing to marry her instead of Lizzie, explaining why Lizzie doesn't want him. Horry is a small, cutesby with a stutter and Lord Rule is captivated by her with his only qualm being that she is 17 years of age to his 34 years. Horry assures him she will not interfere in his life in any way.
Two people aren't happy about the upcoming marriage - one is Rule's fussbudget heir and the other is Rule's current mistress. Then, there is another man - Lord Lethbridge, who has a grudge against Rule related to issues in their respective pasts. There is also Pelham, Horry's wastrel brother, who shows up to get his pay-off once he finds out his sister is marrying into money. All in all, we have an abundance of characters to make us laugh, cause difficulties for our H/h and so on.
I didn't particularly care for this story, although - again, I could have loved the characters. But... Horatia turned out to be such an airhead, gambling too much, spending too much money on clothes and so on. Also, Lord Rule obviously continues to see his mistress - the Widow Massey - after he is married to Horatia. That never cuts it with me even though he and Horatia had obviously not consummated their marriage - at least, one assumes they haven't. Ms. Heyer is very vague about the sexual aspects, but the reader is certain that his relationship with Mrs. Massey continued on after the marriage.
At some point, just when you think Rule and Horry might actually make a real marriage, all sorts of problems arise and then the minor characters take over the storyline. I honestly just skimmed through those pages. Just when one would like to see some romance take place, we are treated to "The Three Stooges." Not my favorite way to make the story pick up. I can't see my way through to give this book more than three stars even though Lord Rule finally began to wake up to what he and Horry might have and from then on, he was awesome. Too little - too late for my enjoyment. | 1 | neutral | [
"\"The Convenient Marriage\" is set in the Georgian period as opposed to the Regency period, a time when people were still powdering their hair, attaching patches to their faces and men were prancing around in high heeled shoes with fancy buckles.",
"As the title so aptly states, this book is about a marriage of convenience.",
"When the Winwood family decides that their eldest daughter, Lizzie, must needs sacrifice herself in marriage to the handsome, wealthy, rakeful Lord Rule, she cries and cries because her heart has already been given to another man.",
"Since the next sister, Charlotte, will not under any circumstances marry, it falls upon little Horatia (Horry) to offer herself up to Rule.",
"She surprises him at his home a few days later and asks if he would be willing to marry her instead of Lizzie, explaining why Lizzie doesn't want him.",
"Horry is a small, cutesby with a stutter and Lord Rule is captivated by her with his only qualm being that she is 17 years of age to his 34 years.",
"Horry assures him she will not interfere in his life in any way.",
"Two people aren't happy about the upcoming marriage - one is Rule's fussbudget heir and the other is Rule's current mistress.",
"Then, there is another man - Lord Lethbridge, who has a grudge against Rule related to issues in their respective pasts.",
"There is also Pelham, Horry's wastrel brother, who shows up to get his pay-off once he finds out his sister is marrying into money.",
"All in all, we have an abundance of characters to make us laugh, cause difficulties for our H/h and so on.",
"I didn't particularly care for this story, although - again, I could have loved the characters.",
"But...",
"Horatia turned out to be such an airhead, gambling too much, spending too much money on clothes and so on.",
"Also, Lord Rule obviously continues to see his mistress - the Widow Massey - after he is married to Horatia.",
"That never cuts it with me even though he and Horatia had obviously not consummated their marriage - at least, one assumes they haven't.",
"Ms.",
"Heyer is very vague about the sexual aspects, but the reader is certain that his relationship with Mrs.",
"Massey continued on after the marriage.",
"At some point, just when you think Rule and Horry might actually make a real marriage, all sorts of problems arise and then the minor characters take over the storyline.",
"I honestly just skimmed through those pages.",
"Just when one would like to see some romance take place, we are treated to \"The Three Stooges.",
"\" Not my favorite way to make the story pick up.",
"I can't see my way through to give this book more than three stars even though Lord Rule finally began to wake up to what he and Horry might have and from then on, he was awesome.",
"Too little - too late for my enjoyment."
]
|
I have now gotten 8 of these sets - when they are on sale for $2.50 (every few months) they are a /very/ good deal. But the sets vary quite a bit on quality. All have a few findings and a necklace cord. Most of the ones I got had at least one pendant stone, some very nice and worth a dollar in themselves. But other sets didn't. Some of the sets had a few really nice beads, though mostly the beads are just OK. Most of them are clearly seconds, not perfect. There is a significant amount of plastic and metallic beads. But I like that they include both glass and stone beads, and not just in round/oval shapes. The beads are as small as 4mm, though the majority are larger. There are, all in all, very few beads that come broken or that don't have holes. The glass beads are usually all different, it's hard to find matches even when you get several sets. But if you get several sets, you'll be able to get enough identical plastic beads and same size pearl beads to make a necklace. But don't count on being able to make a high quality necklace. And, as I said, while you can get a very nice assortment of beads, you are not guaranteed that.
In all, I do enjoy these sets when they are $2.50 and I'll definitely buy more in a couple of months when they go down in price and I've used up what I have. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have now gotten 8 of these sets - when they are on sale for $2.",
"50 (every few months) they are a /very/ good deal.",
"But the sets vary quite a bit on quality.",
"All have a few findings and a necklace cord.",
"Most of the ones I got had at least one pendant stone, some very nice and worth a dollar in themselves.",
"But other sets didn't.",
"Some of the sets had a few really nice beads, though mostly the beads are just OK.",
"Most of them are clearly seconds, not perfect.",
"There is a significant amount of plastic and metallic beads.",
"But I like that they include both glass and stone beads, and not just in round/oval shapes.",
"The beads are as small as 4mm, though the majority are larger.",
"There are, all in all, very few beads that come broken or that don't have holes.",
"The glass beads are usually all different, it's hard to find matches even when you get several sets.",
"But if you get several sets, you'll be able to get enough identical plastic beads and same size pearl beads to make a necklace.",
"But don't count on being able to make a high quality necklace.",
"And, as I said, while you can get a very nice assortment of beads, you are not guaranteed that.",
"In all, I do enjoy these sets when they are $2.",
"50 and I'll definitely buy more in a couple of months when they go down in price and I've used up what I have."
]
|
As a huge fan of the Aliens vs. Predator franchise, I was eagerly awaiting the expansion pack to last year's hit Aliens vs. Predator 2. I must say...I was very disappointed.
There are a few changes from the main game, namely that you now play as a 'Predalien'(Alien birthed from a Predator), the Corporate Mercenary Dunya, and an ancient Predator. The Predalien has been given a new 'headbite' attack, to balance it out with the other Alien species. The Corporate Mercenary Dunya has a 360 degree motion tracker(which doesn't work very well) and new dual pistols. The Predator has an 'Energy Flechette', which is basically a wrist mounted laser, and the highly demanded 'Self Destruct', which is far less grand than it sounds and is only available in Multi-player.
And that's about it for the changes. The gameplay is simply more of the same, just harder. A few new indigenous creatures have been added to the planet, which are more of an annoying distraction than anything else...and they are rather poorly conceived, looking like something out of a cartoon.
The level designs are pretty interesting, but so many of the interesting aspects of the original AvP2 have been left out. For example, you will not fight a Predator throughout the entire game. One of the most challenging aspects of the original singleplayer experience was trying to survive and defeat a Predator. The game is basically you against endless tides of Aliens, or marines if you play from the Alien persepctive.
The story is a little weird, full of holes and dull. The events occur immediately before the events of the original AvP2, making this a prequel of sorts. It revolves around an ancient artifact that has the ability to control the Aliens, and all 3 sides want to get their hands(or claws) on it.
Overall, if you just want more AvP2, then you may enjoy this game...just don't expect much out of it. It's simply more of the same, with very little extra thrown in for a 'new' experience. And it is quite short...you could easily blow through it in 4-6 hours if you wanted to. | 1 | neutral | [
"As a huge fan of the Aliens vs.",
"Predator franchise, I was eagerly awaiting the expansion pack to last year's hit Aliens vs.",
"Predator 2.",
"I must say...",
"I was very disappointed.",
"There are a few changes from the main game, namely that you now play as a 'Predalien'(Alien birthed from a Predator), the Corporate Mercenary Dunya, and an ancient Predator.",
"The Predalien has been given a new 'headbite' attack, to balance it out with the other Alien species.",
"The Corporate Mercenary Dunya has a 360 degree motion tracker(which doesn't work very well) and new dual pistols.",
"The Predator has an 'Energy Flechette', which is basically a wrist mounted laser, and the highly demanded 'Self Destruct', which is far less grand than it sounds and is only available in Multi-player.",
"And that's about it for the changes.",
"The gameplay is simply more of the same, just harder.",
"A few new indigenous creatures have been added to the planet, which are more of an annoying distraction than anything else...",
"and they are rather poorly conceived, looking like something out of a cartoon.",
"The level designs are pretty interesting, but so many of the interesting aspects of the original AvP2 have been left out.",
"For example, you will not fight a Predator throughout the entire game.",
"One of the most challenging aspects of the original singleplayer experience was trying to survive and defeat a Predator.",
"The game is basically you against endless tides of Aliens, or marines if you play from the Alien persepctive.",
"The story is a little weird, full of holes and dull.",
"The events occur immediately before the events of the original AvP2, making this a prequel of sorts.",
"It revolves around an ancient artifact that has the ability to control the Aliens, and all 3 sides want to get their hands(or claws) on it.",
"Overall, if you just want more AvP2, then you may enjoy this game...",
"just don't expect much out of it.",
"It's simply more of the same, with very little extra thrown in for a 'new' experience.",
"And it is quite short...",
"you could easily blow through it in 4-6 hours if you wanted to."
]
|
I bought the Pets expansion pack in December of last year and I was really excited to try it out. Unfortunately it has been a huge disappointment - it isn't much fun at all. You can't control your Pets and if you have even a medium sized family - such as husband, wife, one or two kids - having to feed the pet, wash the pet (if you have a dog), play with the pet, teach the pet tricks, etc gets to be a bit much. I find that my families inadvertantly ignore thier animals because there are more immediate things to do, like build skills for work or network to make more friends or help the kids with their homework. The one thing I do like about having a pet is you can get them a job and they can bring in decent money. Some pet jobs make $800+ simoleans per day, which is a nice chunk of change to add to the family funds.
Besides cats and dogs, you can also buy a bird cage and put an exotic bird in it. You can teach the birds to talk, which also fills your Sims' social meter and builds the charisma skill. I'm not so great at taking care of the birds though, because I've had so many of them die on me when I forget to have someone feed them.
You can also buy a womrat, which looks alot like a ferret - womrats don't really do much and you don't gain anything by having one. They're cute, that's about it. I've had a few womrats die on me too.
When the cats or dogs die the Grim Reaper comes for them just like he does when a Sim dies - I can't say I've been sad to see any of my Pets go. I recommend this expansion pack to animal lovers who would enjoy adding a dog or a cat to their game. Otherwise I really don't feel that Pets adds enough to the game to justity buying it - save your RAM for something fun like Seasons or Nightlife. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought the Pets expansion pack in December of last year and I was really excited to try it out.",
"Unfortunately it has been a huge disappointment - it isn't much fun at all.",
"You can't control your Pets and if you have even a medium sized family - such as husband, wife, one or two kids - having to feed the pet, wash the pet (if you have a dog), play with the pet, teach the pet tricks, etc gets to be a bit much.",
"I find that my families inadvertantly ignore thier animals because there are more immediate things to do, like build skills for work or network to make more friends or help the kids with their homework.",
"The one thing I do like about having a pet is you can get them a job and they can bring in decent money.",
"Some pet jobs make $800+ simoleans per day, which is a nice chunk of change to add to the family funds.",
"Besides cats and dogs, you can also buy a bird cage and put an exotic bird in it.",
"You can teach the birds to talk, which also fills your Sims' social meter and builds the charisma skill.",
"I'm not so great at taking care of the birds though, because I've had so many of them die on me when I forget to have someone feed them.",
"You can also buy a womrat, which looks alot like a ferret - womrats don't really do much and you don't gain anything by having one.",
"They're cute, that's about it.",
"I've had a few womrats die on me too.",
"When the cats or dogs die the Grim Reaper comes for them just like he does when a Sim dies - I can't say I've been sad to see any of my Pets go.",
"I recommend this expansion pack to animal lovers who would enjoy adding a dog or a cat to their game.",
"Otherwise I really don't feel that Pets adds enough to the game to justity buying it - save your RAM for something fun like Seasons or Nightlife."
]
|
In general, Seiji Ozawa is a fine Tchaikovsky conductor. His Berlin recording of the Fifth Symphony is very good. I also have heard him in a 1970's broadcast from Saratoga conduct the Philadelphia in a stunning Fourth Symphony. He also did a telecast with Boston from Carnegie Hall of the Pathetique that was highly worthwhile. So I'm really puzzled by this Swan Lake. The orchestra plays well in the big moments, tempos throughout are reasonable, and the sound engineering is very good. But the whole thing is never moving. Instrumental solos, while certainly neat enough, are never well characterized--with the exception of Concertmaster Joseph Silverstein's. Phrases pass us by in a four square manner. Ozawa never seems to have an opinion about the score, let alone any passion for it. It's quite possible, given what BSO players have said about him, that he may not have even known the score very well. This was the first set of CDs of Swan Lake that I added to my collection. Since then, I have bought complete recordings by Dorati, Svetlanov, and Ondrej Lenard, and all of them are considerably more satisfying than Ozawa's, despite his advantage of having the Boston Symphony. I have to think of somebody I don't like very much to give Ozawa's to. | 1 | neutral | [
"In general, Seiji Ozawa is a fine Tchaikovsky conductor.",
"His Berlin recording of the Fifth Symphony is very good.",
"I also have heard him in a 1970's broadcast from Saratoga conduct the Philadelphia in a stunning Fourth Symphony.",
"He also did a telecast with Boston from Carnegie Hall of the Pathetique that was highly worthwhile.",
"So I'm really puzzled by this Swan Lake.",
"The orchestra plays well in the big moments, tempos throughout are reasonable, and the sound engineering is very good.",
"But the whole thing is never moving.",
"Instrumental solos, while certainly neat enough, are never well characterized--with the exception of Concertmaster Joseph Silverstein's.",
"Phrases pass us by in a four square manner.",
"Ozawa never seems to have an opinion about the score, let alone any passion for it.",
"It's quite possible, given what BSO players have said about him, that he may not have even known the score very well.",
"This was the first set of CDs of Swan Lake that I added to my collection.",
"Since then, I have bought complete recordings by Dorati, Svetlanov, and Ondrej Lenard, and all of them are considerably more satisfying than Ozawa's, despite his advantage of having the Boston Symphony.",
"I have to think of somebody I don't like very much to give Ozawa's to."
]
|
I was extremely disappointed when I tried Toast 10. I thought there would be some improvements, but it's just completely useless!
Of all the Toast versions, Toast 7 STILL gets the highest ratings on Amazon. Here is why I still use it every time after all these years...
1. Toast 10 just starts Exporting ALL THE SONGS (to fill up your hard drive with songs you don't want), and way too fast for good quality. With Toast 7 you just: Insert a CD, drag it to the Toast window, and then CHOOSE THE SONGS you want to Export, and then choose High Quality.
2. The reason I tried Toast 10 was that I needed to Export from one Super CD at 24/96, but there are NO options for quality or bitrates on Toast 10 AT ALL!! The Toast 10 User Manual does not mention Exporting either. With Toast 7 you can Export music from a CD at any bit or rate you chose, up to 64 kHz/64 Bits.
3. Toast 7 makes perfect CDs every time. I literally have NOT ended up with a "coaster" since about three computers ago, over 10 years ago. I do use good blanks, but every blank I have tried has burned perfectly.
4. With Toast 7 you can EASILY change the space between tracks from 0 to 8 seconds. Zero seconds between tracks is essential for concept albums... Everything from Pink Floyd's the Wall to Disney's Alice In Wonderland Soundtrack, plus Classical Symphonies and Piano Concertos, and a few Tomita CDs, etc...
5. Toast 7 still works perfectly with Snow Leopard 10.6.8 which is the BEST Mac OS ever... Snow Leopard is Lean and Powerful and able to run many older programs that the newer Mac Operating Systems cannot run. When I am required to install Mavericks to sync my new iPhone 5, I am going to partition a new hard drive to boot from both Snow Leopard AND Mavericks. There's just too many things about Mavericks that are not cool, and too many things about Snow Leopard that are still essential!!
6. Toast 7 worked perfectly on my iMac G5 running Tiger. And it works perfectly on my 2008 Mac Pro running Snow Leopard. | 1 | neutral | [
"I was extremely disappointed when I tried Toast 10.",
"I thought there would be some improvements, but it's just completely useless!",
"Of all the Toast versions, Toast 7 STILL gets the highest ratings on Amazon.",
"Here is why I still use it every time after all these years...",
"1.",
"Toast 10 just starts Exporting ALL THE SONGS (to fill up your hard drive with songs you don't want), and way too fast for good quality.",
"With Toast 7 you just: Insert a CD, drag it to the Toast window, and then CHOOSE THE SONGS you want to Export, and then choose High Quality.",
"2.",
"The reason I tried Toast 10 was that I needed to Export from one Super CD at 24/96, but there are NO options for quality or bitrates on Toast 10 AT ALL!!",
"The Toast 10 User Manual does not mention Exporting either.",
"With Toast 7 you can Export music from a CD at any bit or rate you chose, up to 64 kHz/64 Bits.",
"3.",
"Toast 7 makes perfect CDs every time.",
"I literally have NOT ended up with a \"coaster\" since about three computers ago, over 10 years ago.",
"I do use good blanks, but every blank I have tried has burned perfectly.",
"4.",
"With Toast 7 you can EASILY change the space between tracks from 0 to 8 seconds.",
"Zero seconds between tracks is essential for concept albums...",
"Everything from Pink Floyd's the Wall to Disney's Alice In Wonderland Soundtrack, plus Classical Symphonies and Piano Concertos, and a few Tomita CDs, etc...",
"5.",
"Toast 7 still works perfectly with Snow Leopard 10.",
"6.8 which is the BEST Mac OS ever...",
"Snow Leopard is Lean and Powerful and able to run many older programs that the newer Mac Operating Systems cannot run.",
"When I am required to install Mavericks to sync my new iPhone 5, I am going to partition a new hard drive to boot from both Snow Leopard AND Mavericks.",
"There's just too many things about Mavericks that are not cool, and too many things about Snow Leopard that are still essential!!",
"6.",
"Toast 7 worked perfectly on my iMac G5 running Tiger.",
"And it works perfectly on my 2008 Mac Pro running Snow Leopard."
]
|
This is an OK game. The games it has on it are Pac-Man, Pac-Man Arrangment, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Galaga Arrangment, Galaxian, Pole Position, and Pole Position 2. The Graphics aren't very good because they're old games. The sound is fine. If you're looking for a serious game don't get this. Some games are hard, and some are easy. If you are a fan of the Atari I highly recomend this game. If you get enough points on Pac-Man You can on unlock Pac-Attack, and Pac-Mania. This an ok game. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is an OK game.",
"The games it has on it are Pac-Man, Pac-Man Arrangment, Ms.",
"Pac-Man, Galaga, Galaga Arrangment, Galaxian, Pole Position, and Pole Position 2.",
"The Graphics aren't very good because they're old games.",
"The sound is fine.",
"If you're looking for a serious game don't get this.",
"Some games are hard, and some are easy.",
"If you are a fan of the Atari I highly recomend this game.",
"If you get enough points on Pac-Man You can on unlock Pac-Attack, and Pac-Mania.",
"This an ok game."
]
|
I really do want to love the, optically they are beautiful... crystal clear (with the grids obviously) and very well made... the problem comes when you actually want to use them for stamping. They simply are not thick enough, I have longer nails and if I'm not extremely careful I can easily get my finger tips into the ink pads. They are ungodly uncomfortable... those gorgeous cut blocks, yeah... those edges/corners are SHARP. I have a favorite grid stamping block and I was hoping these would be the same, but it's much thicker & has rounded/smoothed edges which are nice and comfortable. These threaten to draw blood they are so sharp... I'm going to actually take them to some fine sandpaper and risk making them ugly so they don't hurt as much.
I would not recommend these unless knowing these faults you are really set on them. | 1 | neutral | [
"I really do want to love the, optically they are beautiful...",
"crystal clear (with the grids obviously) and very well made...",
"the problem comes when you actually want to use them for stamping.",
"They simply are not thick enough, I have longer nails and if I'm not extremely careful I can easily get my finger tips into the ink pads.",
"They are ungodly uncomfortable...",
"those gorgeous cut blocks, yeah...",
"those edges/corners are SHARP.",
"I have a favorite grid stamping block and I was hoping these would be the same, but it's much thicker & has rounded/smoothed edges which are nice and comfortable.",
"These threaten to draw blood they are so sharp...",
"I'm going to actually take them to some fine sandpaper and risk making them ugly so they don't hurt as much.",
"I would not recommend these unless knowing these faults you are really set on them."
]
|
Most paid critics have hailed this as Elton's finest album. They say it has more HOOKS, as if that were really all a great album needed. I can't place Honky Chateau in his pantheon of greats--and I'll explain why Tumbleweed Connection is a better choice. First, the good news: the best song here is "Rocket Man". Our ears may not hear it anymore, but this song shows how clever Elton was at infusing pop with classical elements (non-pop verse lengthening, chords you'll never hear from anyone else on the radio), but makes them sound totally organic. What a gift! "Honky Cat" is one of his most assured vocal/piano performances; after this and "Mellow", Elton would never again sing with such wild-yet-true abandon (maybe due to the ensuing production glitz). And, speaking of production, we gladly can't hear much of Paul Buckmaster's hand--he ruined many a great Elton song before and after with overreaching orchestrations. This may be the most tasteful Elton album as far as instrumentation/arrangements goes--wish they all had this as the model. It's a trade off with second-rate songs.
A word here about Mr. Taupin's words: those who revere "Honky Cat" and it's wry self-exposure need to hear about a dozen songs Mr. Ray Davies wrote on the subject (nearly all better than this lyric). The rustic/urban battle had been done before. I continue to smile and scratch the head at all the Taupin adulation out there. Elton was great IN SPITE OF HIM!
Critics also say that Elton's albums usually have a unifying "groove" to them. I agree, as Chateau has a Boogie-Woogie/Ragtime/Nawlins vibe. Soon he would tack on Bubblegum to that list for the Don't Shoot Me... album. So the critics like the wry wink of it all, I guess, but I much prefer the vibe of Tumbleweed Connection, which is Gospel/Delta Blues/Appalachian-American Roots. Tumbleweed also had a better band (even though they're a grab bag of sessionmen, but still better than Johnstone/Murray/Olsson). And, aside from the lovely "Mona Lisa...", much of the second half of Chateau is second-rate. "Hercules" was to become a better tune when heard as "Teacher I Need You" on Don't Shoot Me... And am I the only one who hears "Amy" as basically the same song as "Honky Cat?" Some of the piano licks are lifted note-for-note. Written in 5 days, a reviewer here says--well, when you start repeating yourself within the same album, it's time to work longer and come up with something new. This just can't be the finest album of Elton's, but Tumbleweed just may be. | 1 | neutral | [
"Most paid critics have hailed this as Elton's finest album.",
"They say it has more HOOKS, as if that were really all a great album needed.",
"I can't place Honky Chateau in his pantheon of greats--and I'll explain why Tumbleweed Connection is a better choice.",
"First, the good news: the best song here is \"Rocket Man\".",
"Our ears may not hear it anymore, but this song shows how clever Elton was at infusing pop with classical elements (non-pop verse lengthening, chords you'll never hear from anyone else on the radio), but makes them sound totally organic.",
"What a gift!",
"\"Honky Cat\" is one of his most assured vocal/piano performances; after this and \"Mellow\", Elton would never again sing with such wild-yet-true abandon (maybe due to the ensuing production glitz).",
"And, speaking of production, we gladly can't hear much of Paul Buckmaster's hand--he ruined many a great Elton song before and after with overreaching orchestrations.",
"This may be the most tasteful Elton album as far as instrumentation/arrangements goes--wish they all had this as the model.",
"It's a trade off with second-rate songs.",
"A word here about Mr.",
"Taupin's words: those who revere \"Honky Cat\" and it's wry self-exposure need to hear about a dozen songs Mr.",
"Ray Davies wrote on the subject (nearly all better than this lyric).",
"The rustic/urban battle had been done before.",
"I continue to smile and scratch the head at all the Taupin adulation out there.",
"Elton was great IN SPITE OF HIM!",
"Critics also say that Elton's albums usually have a unifying \"groove\" to them.",
"I agree, as Chateau has a Boogie-Woogie/Ragtime/Nawlins vibe.",
"Soon he would tack on Bubblegum to that list for the Don't Shoot Me...",
"album.",
"So the critics like the wry wink of it all, I guess, but I much prefer the vibe of Tumbleweed Connection, which is Gospel/Delta Blues/Appalachian-American Roots.",
"Tumbleweed also had a better band (even though they're a grab bag of sessionmen, but still better than Johnstone/Murray/Olsson).",
"And, aside from the lovely \"Mona Lisa...",
"\", much of the second half of Chateau is second-rate.",
"\"Hercules\" was to become a better tune when heard as \"Teacher I Need You\" on Don't Shoot Me...",
"And am I the only one who hears \"Amy\" as basically the same song as \"Honky Cat?",
"\" Some of the piano licks are lifted note-for-note.",
"Written in 5 days, a reviewer here says--well, when you start repeating yourself within the same album, it's time to work longer and come up with something new.",
"This just can't be the finest album of Elton's, but Tumbleweed just may be."
]
|
<div id="video-block-R1U75JY438H38S" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1WXbclemGS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91zqEXPWFdS.png" class="video-slate-img-url"> this has a nice feel feel but the power hole is not big enough. I plugged my power cord in and it kept popping out. I had to shave it with an xacto knife and that fixed the problem. Shave the bottom and top. The charger I am useing comes with the unit. I am using a samsung galaxy precident II m828c. | 1 | neutral | [
"<div id=\"video-block-R1U75JY438H38S\" class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block\"></div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/A1WXbclemGS.",
"mp4\" class=\"video-url\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/91zqEXPWFdS.",
"png\" class=\"video-slate-img-url\"> this has a nice feel feel but the power hole is not big enough.",
"I plugged my power cord in and it kept popping out.",
"I had to shave it with an xacto knife and that fixed the problem.",
"Shave the bottom and top.",
"The charger I am useing comes with the unit.",
"I am using a samsung galaxy precident II m828c."
]
|
Everything you need is here. Haven't used it enough to speak to the qualty. I hope it holds up. I wish these tools came with a case. I usually keep caseless things in the original packaging but these things are hermetically sealed. What a pain to try and open without destroying the packaging. I should deduct a star, but that would be a bit too anal.
I have used these items since I posted that review. I have gone with brass chucks and couplers. They are far superior to this product. It may be a cliche but it's true: you get what you pay for. | 1 | neutral | [
"Everything you need is here.",
"Haven't used it enough to speak to the qualty.",
"I hope it holds up.",
"I wish these tools came with a case.",
"I usually keep caseless things in the original packaging but these things are hermetically sealed.",
"What a pain to try and open without destroying the packaging.",
"I should deduct a star, but that would be a bit too anal.",
"I have used these items since I posted that review.",
"I have gone with brass chucks and couplers.",
"They are far superior to this product.",
"It may be a cliche but it's true: you get what you pay for."
]
|
I decided to rent this game because of the praise that I had received from numerous magazines about the original Red Faction. Now, let me tell you, this is nothing compared to the original Red Faction. For some reason, THQ had put it on cruise control for this version and instead of making it better, they had made it much worse. This game is a Run and Gunner, which I said on the title. If you are not into this genre, don't rent it.
Pros: 1. Walls can be blown up, dented, fragged, etc. (original, I think)
2. Solid Multiplayer Mode (up to 4 players with bots.... but can only have 6 playing though.)
Cons: 1. Plot is very stale (don't really get a background on Sopot (supposed "bad guy") or any of the main characters. And the plot twist in the middle of the game does little to make it interesting)
2. Cutscenes redefine the definition of "bare bones" (some take less than 5 seconds!)
3. "Multiple endings" is a joke (no real change in ending of game, just a change in the AFTERMATH of the game which is not affected by decisions, but by only friendly fire!)
4. Graphics leave much to be desired.
5. Grenade throwing is iffy.
6. music and sound aren't that good either.
Final Verdict: My belief is that this game is not worthy of being bought. Unless you don't have Halo and need a multiplayer game. But rent it if you wish to experience it. | 1 | neutral | [
"I decided to rent this game because of the praise that I had received from numerous magazines about the original Red Faction.",
"Now, let me tell you, this is nothing compared to the original Red Faction.",
"For some reason, THQ had put it on cruise control for this version and instead of making it better, they had made it much worse.",
"This game is a Run and Gunner, which I said on the title.",
"If you are not into this genre, don't rent it.",
"Pros: 1.",
"Walls can be blown up, dented, fragged, etc.",
"(original, I think)\n\n2.",
"Solid Multiplayer Mode (up to 4 players with bots....",
"but can only have 6 playing though.",
")\n\nCons: 1.",
"Plot is very stale (don't really get a background on Sopot (supposed \"bad guy\") or any of the main characters.",
"And the plot twist in the middle of the game does little to make it interesting)\n\n2.",
"Cutscenes redefine the definition of \"bare bones\" (some take less than 5 seconds!",
")\n\n3.",
"\"Multiple endings\" is a joke (no real change in ending of game, just a change in the AFTERMATH of the game which is not affected by decisions, but by only friendly fire!",
")\n\n4.",
"Graphics leave much to be desired.",
"5.",
"Grenade throwing is iffy.",
"6.",
"music and sound aren't that good either.",
"Final Verdict: My belief is that this game is not worthy of being bought.",
"Unless you don't have Halo and need a multiplayer game.",
"But rent it if you wish to experience it."
]
|
I admit reading some of the articles in this book were laughable and that all of them were meant to be taken with a grain of salt. That being said I had a very hard time completing this book. It was like trying to watch Dane Cook perform. Yes, a few laughs at the beginning and then you become distracted by the bizarre prancing, and wild-eyed looks punctuated with angry hand-on-hip stances.
I understand that this brand of humor has its place in society, and I applaud the author for finding a way to vent his frustration legally. It's strange to me that women are entertained by this material. I would have thought that men would have been the bigger audience.
I rated this work three stars because while the writing was crass, it was intelligible, well put together, and I managed to think of an audience who could benefit from reading it.
I would recommend this book for those that are thoroughly disenchanted with dating and above a certain age. It would be a great addition to a divorce gift basket along with crushed candy hearts, cut up pictures, and a note written in a drunken stupor. | 1 | neutral | [
"I admit reading some of the articles in this book were laughable and that all of them were meant to be taken with a grain of salt.",
"That being said I had a very hard time completing this book.",
"It was like trying to watch Dane Cook perform.",
"Yes, a few laughs at the beginning and then you become distracted by the bizarre prancing, and wild-eyed looks punctuated with angry hand-on-hip stances.",
"I understand that this brand of humor has its place in society, and I applaud the author for finding a way to vent his frustration legally.",
"It's strange to me that women are entertained by this material.",
"I would have thought that men would have been the bigger audience.",
"I rated this work three stars because while the writing was crass, it was intelligible, well put together, and I managed to think of an audience who could benefit from reading it.",
"I would recommend this book for those that are thoroughly disenchanted with dating and above a certain age.",
"It would be a great addition to a divorce gift basket along with crushed candy hearts, cut up pictures, and a note written in a drunken stupor."
]
|
Before buying the kite I knew that there would be some training that went with flying it. I'd say I spent a total of 2 hours over two days learning how to fly it before being somewhat successful at keeping it afloat. The first day I never kept it in the air more than two seconds.
Four things I learned from experimenting was:
1.) You have to unravel the strings completely before flight unlike other kites in which you let the string unravel while in flight. Upon retrospect, it was the only way to do it because there are two handles and there is almost no way to simultaneously unwind both handles so that you don't tug on one side more than the other. The string is only about 50' long so there's not a whole lot of space required.
2.) You need more wind than your ordinary kite. This thing hardly gets off the ground, let alone stay in flight without some good wind. I'm estimating it requires between 10-15 mph wind.
3.) It's a lot easier with two people. I flew this kite with my daughter as we both learned together. It was fun learning but still a lot of work. The instructions say that you can yank the kite to get it in flight. That is partially true, but we also had to continually walk backwards to keep steady tension on the line for the kite to get really airborne. We found it easier for one person to hold the kite in the desired position while the other person yanked it to get it going. We also found that the second person was good for retrieving the kite after a crash which cut down on the non-flying time. Because of the way the kite has to be positioned to start and because of how much a beginner will be crashing the kite, it would be a lot of running back and forth with just one person.
4.) Don't fly it around small children. The kite can go into a nose dive rather easily, and when it does, it comes down fast and hard. If an adult were to be hit by it, he/she would be in pain let alone a child. While you're learning and getting the hold positions right there will be a lot of crashing the kite. We flew the kite on grass so not much damage was done, plus the kite is very durable.
I think it's a worthwhile purchase for those looking to take kite flying to the next level and are ready to be committed to it. | 1 | neutral | [
"Before buying the kite I knew that there would be some training that went with flying it.",
"I'd say I spent a total of 2 hours over two days learning how to fly it before being somewhat successful at keeping it afloat.",
"The first day I never kept it in the air more than two seconds.",
"Four things I learned from experimenting was:\n\n1.",
") You have to unravel the strings completely before flight unlike other kites in which you let the string unravel while in flight.",
"Upon retrospect, it was the only way to do it because there are two handles and there is almost no way to simultaneously unwind both handles so that you don't tug on one side more than the other.",
"The string is only about 50' long so there's not a whole lot of space required.",
"2.",
") You need more wind than your ordinary kite.",
"This thing hardly gets off the ground, let alone stay in flight without some good wind.",
"I'm estimating it requires between 10-15 mph wind.",
"3.",
") It's a lot easier with two people.",
"I flew this kite with my daughter as we both learned together.",
"It was fun learning but still a lot of work.",
"The instructions say that you can yank the kite to get it in flight.",
"That is partially true, but we also had to continually walk backwards to keep steady tension on the line for the kite to get really airborne.",
"We found it easier for one person to hold the kite in the desired position while the other person yanked it to get it going.",
"We also found that the second person was good for retrieving the kite after a crash which cut down on the non-flying time.",
"Because of the way the kite has to be positioned to start and because of how much a beginner will be crashing the kite, it would be a lot of running back and forth with just one person.",
"4.",
") Don't fly it around small children.",
"The kite can go into a nose dive rather easily, and when it does, it comes down fast and hard.",
"If an adult were to be hit by it, he/she would be in pain let alone a child.",
"While you're learning and getting the hold positions right there will be a lot of crashing the kite.",
"We flew the kite on grass so not much damage was done, plus the kite is very durable.",
"I think it's a worthwhile purchase for those looking to take kite flying to the next level and are ready to be committed to it."
]
|
I have a real love-hate relationship with this album. First, the songs here are for the most part very good. I especially like "The Big Money" (which is one of my all-time favorite Rush songs), "Mystic Rhythms," "Marathon," and "Grand Designs." The other songs are fine as well, if not quite as memorable.
What I don't like so much about this album is the way that the songs are presented. "The Big Money" would be flawless if not for the silly synthesizer fanfare at the beginning that gets repeated at the end. It sounds too much like Rush is trying to cater to the Breakfast Club crowd (sounds a lot like Simple Minds). Other than that it is the perfect Rush song. The rhythm section (especially Lee) is outstanding, the song is catchy, and it has a middle break that is a pure adrenaline rush (with that extremely cool riff that brings us back to the chorus - WOW!). But, it's just WAY too over-produced, and I have never been a fan of electronic percussion. The rest of the record suffers from the same thing, good songs being weighed down by fussy out-dated production.
Still, I think that the positives generally outweigh the negatives here. If you're a Rush fan you likely already have this and have made up your own mind regarding its merits. If you are new to Rush and are interested in the 80s-period stuff, this would be worth-while to get. But if you like AFTK and HEMISPHERES but don't like SIGNALS or GRACE UNDER PRESSURE so much, then you probably won't fall head-over-heels for this one either. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have a real love-hate relationship with this album.",
"First, the songs here are for the most part very good.",
"I especially like \"The Big Money\" (which is one of my all-time favorite Rush songs), \"Mystic Rhythms,\" \"Marathon,\" and \"Grand Designs.",
"\" The other songs are fine as well, if not quite as memorable.",
"What I don't like so much about this album is the way that the songs are presented.",
"\"The Big Money\" would be flawless if not for the silly synthesizer fanfare at the beginning that gets repeated at the end.",
"It sounds too much like Rush is trying to cater to the Breakfast Club crowd (sounds a lot like Simple Minds).",
"Other than that it is the perfect Rush song.",
"The rhythm section (especially Lee) is outstanding, the song is catchy, and it has a middle break that is a pure adrenaline rush (with that extremely cool riff that brings us back to the chorus - WOW!",
").",
"But, it's just WAY too over-produced, and I have never been a fan of electronic percussion.",
"The rest of the record suffers from the same thing, good songs being weighed down by fussy out-dated production.",
"Still, I think that the positives generally outweigh the negatives here.",
"If you're a Rush fan you likely already have this and have made up your own mind regarding its merits.",
"If you are new to Rush and are interested in the 80s-period stuff, this would be worth-while to get.",
"But if you like AFTK and HEMISPHERES but don't like SIGNALS or GRACE UNDER PRESSURE so much, then you probably won't fall head-over-heels for this one either."
]
|
Woman who pleaded guilty in fiance's kayak death: 'I have to let it go'
Angelika Graswald was facing the possibility of a life sentence nearly three years ago. But four days before Christmas 2017 she walked out of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in New York state focusing on rebuilding her life.
Graswald made headlines when she was charged with murder in the second degree and manslaughter in the second degree in the drowning of her fiancé Vincent Viafore. She pleaded not guilty.
The then 35-year-old was living with Viafore in Poughkeepsie New York. Both had been married before. They planned to tie the knot on a beach on the Baltic Sea in her home country Latvia.
Courtesy Angelika Graswald
On their return back across the river several hours later Graswald said Viafore who wasnât wearing a life jacket capsized in the rough waves and drowned. Prosecutors claimed Graswald was responsible for his death because she had removed a connector ring from his paddle and the drain plug from the kayak.
After an 11-hour police interrogation Graswald was arrested. She was officially indicted for second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in May 2015 after Viaforeâs body was recovered from the river and pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Weeks before the case was set to go to trial Graswald reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to the lesser felony charge of criminally negligent homicide in July 2017 in which she admitted she should have perceived the risks associated with being out on the water that day.
On Nov. 8 2017 Graswald was sentenced to one and a half to four years in state prison the maximum allowed for criminally negligent homicide in Vincent Viafore's death. She was released from Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women the following month after serving just over two and a half years behind bars.
Graswald has always maintained she never intended to kill Viafore.
Her defense attorney Richard Portale says Viafore was also responsible. Portale told 20/20 âI'm not here to blame Mr. Viafore for his own death but the truth is he wasn't wearing a life vest. He wasn't wearing a wet suit. He didn't have a spray skirt which would've kept the water out of that cockpit. | 1 | neutral | [
"Woman who pleaded guilty in fiance's kayak death: 'I have to let it go'\nAngelika Graswald was facing the possibility of a life sentence nearly three years ago.",
"But four days before Christmas 2017 she walked out of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in New York state focusing on rebuilding her life.",
"Graswald made headlines when she was charged with murder in the second degree and manslaughter in the second degree in the drowning of her fiancé Vincent Viafore.",
"She pleaded not guilty.",
"The then 35-year-old was living with Viafore in Poughkeepsie New York.",
"Both had been married before.",
"They planned to tie the knot on a beach on the Baltic Sea in her home country Latvia.",
"Courtesy Angelika Graswald\nOn their return back across the river several hours later Graswald said Viafore who wasnât wearing a life jacket capsized in the rough waves and drowned.",
"Prosecutors claimed Graswald was responsible for his death because she had removed a connector ring from his paddle and the drain plug from the kayak.",
"After an 11-hour police interrogation Graswald was arrested.",
"She was officially indicted for second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in May 2015 after Viaforeâs body was recovered from the river and pleaded not guilty to both charges.",
"Weeks before the case was set to go to trial Graswald reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to the lesser felony charge of criminally negligent homicide in July 2017 in which she admitted she should have perceived the risks associated with being out on the water that day.",
"On Nov.",
"8 2017 Graswald was sentenced to one and a half to four years in state prison the maximum allowed for criminally negligent homicide in Vincent Viafore's death.",
"She was released from Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women the following month after serving just over two and a half years behind bars.",
"Graswald has always maintained she never intended to kill Viafore.",
"Her defense attorney Richard Portale says Viafore was also responsible.",
"Portale told 20/20 âI'm not here to blame Mr.",
"Viafore for his own death but the truth is he wasn't wearing a life vest.",
"He wasn't wearing a wet suit.",
"He didn't have a spray skirt which would've kept the water out of that cockpit."
]
|
With Mont Blanc I expect luxury and the packaging of Star Walker Eau de Toilette announces this. The square glass bottle projects high quality as one thinks about a solid piece of heavy glass with what highly resembles a machined metal cap with the Mont Blanc snow cap on top. It/s not a stretch to say expectations are high as one of my all time favorite scents is Mont Blanc's Legend Intense. By this admission you can guess I prefer bold scents just as long as they're refined and complex enough to warrant being so. But, this is a review for Star Walker, I went in to some of the former to make a point, however, and that point is the differences between Legend Intense and Starwalker.
Star walker a mixture of bergamot, tangerine, bamboo, ginger, sandalwood, white musk, amber, and nutmeg according to the manufacturer. It's much more light and sweet than one would imagine by the ingredients. In fact it was so light and sweet minutes after you put it on you won't be able to personally smell it - as this mixture is one of those your nose will acclimate to, and null out, within a short period. However, others will still be able to pick up on Star Walker and this is where it gets mixed reviews from me. While it was a pleasant primarily sweet smell when I applied it to both neck and undershirt, my wife thought it was way feminine smelling. Bingo, she got it in a nutshell! While not necessarily bad, my penchant for bold fragrances does not in any fashion include what I will bottom line as: airy, sweet, and feminine - my take away on Star Walker. This fragrance fits into what I call UNI-SEX FRAGRANCES. In this realm its appeals to the few women I've asked if they'd wear it. If you're interested in Star Walker it seems to be available at attractive prices at present. This may be a result of Mont Blanc no longer showing it on their website. One last thing, while I couldn't smell it almost immediately I asked my wife if she could at the end of the day when we both came home. She could still smell it within a reasonable close proximity she said. I would have not thought this possible since right after putting Star Walker on my nose was immune. Mont Blanc's Legend Intense is still their best fragrance IMHO. This could be considered their answer to a warmer weather scent. | 1 | neutral | [
"With Mont Blanc I expect luxury and the packaging of Star Walker Eau de Toilette announces this.",
"The square glass bottle projects high quality as one thinks about a solid piece of heavy glass with what highly resembles a machined metal cap with the Mont Blanc snow cap on top.",
"It/s not a stretch to say expectations are high as one of my all time favorite scents is Mont Blanc's Legend Intense.",
"By this admission you can guess I prefer bold scents just as long as they're refined and complex enough to warrant being so.",
"But, this is a review for Star Walker, I went in to some of the former to make a point, however, and that point is the differences between Legend Intense and Starwalker.",
"Star walker a mixture of bergamot, tangerine, bamboo, ginger, sandalwood, white musk, amber, and nutmeg according to the manufacturer.",
"It's much more light and sweet than one would imagine by the ingredients.",
"In fact it was so light and sweet minutes after you put it on you won't be able to personally smell it - as this mixture is one of those your nose will acclimate to, and null out, within a short period.",
"However, others will still be able to pick up on Star Walker and this is where it gets mixed reviews from me.",
"While it was a pleasant primarily sweet smell when I applied it to both neck and undershirt, my wife thought it was way feminine smelling.",
"Bingo, she got it in a nutshell!",
"While not necessarily bad, my penchant for bold fragrances does not in any fashion include what I will bottom line as: airy, sweet, and feminine - my take away on Star Walker.",
"This fragrance fits into what I call UNI-SEX FRAGRANCES.",
"In this realm its appeals to the few women I've asked if they'd wear it.",
"If you're interested in Star Walker it seems to be available at attractive prices at present.",
"This may be a result of Mont Blanc no longer showing it on their website.",
"One last thing, while I couldn't smell it almost immediately I asked my wife if she could at the end of the day when we both came home.",
"She could still smell it within a reasonable close proximity she said.",
"I would have not thought this possible since right after putting Star Walker on my nose was immune.",
"Mont Blanc's Legend Intense is still their best fragrance IMHO.",
"This could be considered their answer to a warmer weather scent."
]
|
Oh where shall I start? This performance has certain really good points, and some that are just plain horrible. It really comes down to a game of boys vs. girls, and believe me, the boys whipped those girls into oblivion.
It's really a shame that a performance can have such wonderful forces like Fritz Wunderlich, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Franz Crass (all three of whom are considered by many to be the greatest interpreters of these parts ever), and yet the consistency is broken by poor performances by the strained squeals of Evelyn Lear's Pamina and the entirely bland and uninvolved Queen of Roberta Peters. The three ladies aren't that great either.
Roberta Peters' delivery of "Der Holle Rache" is kind of a joke. If you are familiar with Steven Wright, imagine casting him as the Queen of the Night (well, give him a swift quick between the legs first). Yeah, that's about it. Peters actually sounds bored in her delivery of her two arias. However, her voice and technique are good for the most part (with the exception of some rather breathy F's).
Evelyn Lear, on the other hand, is very musical and expressive, but sounds like a dying cat. The sounds of her high range remind me of that time I stubbed my toe on a pile of rusty nails. What a shame.
And you know what the worst part is? This performance would have been perfect if some better sopranos were cast. Wunderlich can be relied upon to emit beautiful sounds and absolutely heartbreaking expression. Fischer-Dieskau's acting (which is the central part of Papageno's character) is wonderful--proving that he is indeed one of the greatest baritones in recent memory. And of course Franz Crass's classic interpretation of Sarastro. If I had my way, I would superimpose sopranos such as Edda Moser and Sumi Jo into this recording, and then it would indeed be perfect.
But until then, my advice is to buy this recording for half of the arias, and buy another recording for the other half. That would be cool. | 1 | neutral | [
"Oh where shall I start?",
"This performance has certain really good points, and some that are just plain horrible.",
"It really comes down to a game of boys vs.",
"girls, and believe me, the boys whipped those girls into oblivion.",
"It's really a shame that a performance can have such wonderful forces like Fritz Wunderlich, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Franz Crass (all three of whom are considered by many to be the greatest interpreters of these parts ever), and yet the consistency is broken by poor performances by the strained squeals of Evelyn Lear's Pamina and the entirely bland and uninvolved Queen of Roberta Peters.",
"The three ladies aren't that great either.",
"Roberta Peters' delivery of \"Der Holle Rache\" is kind of a joke.",
"If you are familiar with Steven Wright, imagine casting him as the Queen of the Night (well, give him a swift quick between the legs first).",
"Yeah, that's about it.",
"Peters actually sounds bored in her delivery of her two arias.",
"However, her voice and technique are good for the most part (with the exception of some rather breathy F's).",
"Evelyn Lear, on the other hand, is very musical and expressive, but sounds like a dying cat.",
"The sounds of her high range remind me of that time I stubbed my toe on a pile of rusty nails.",
"What a shame.",
"And you know what the worst part is?",
"This performance would have been perfect if some better sopranos were cast.",
"Wunderlich can be relied upon to emit beautiful sounds and absolutely heartbreaking expression.",
"Fischer-Dieskau's acting (which is the central part of Papageno's character) is wonderful--proving that he is indeed one of the greatest baritones in recent memory.",
"And of course Franz Crass's classic interpretation of Sarastro.",
"If I had my way, I would superimpose sopranos such as Edda Moser and Sumi Jo into this recording, and then it would indeed be perfect.",
"But until then, my advice is to buy this recording for half of the arias, and buy another recording for the other half.",
"That would be cool."
]
|
I love most of Jim Steinman's compositions... it's Jim Steinman's singing voice that does injustice to his work. This album is tolerable, yet I am constantly thinking of howmuch better they would (and have) sounded in the hands of more competent vocalists. "Left In the Dark" was stunningly performed by Barbra Streisand on her "Emotion" album. The song really rocks and she is backed up by members of Bruce Springsteen's "E Street Band".
I would love to see a Jim Steinman tribute album that would include:
1) Left in the Dark (Streisand)
2) Read Em & Weep (the newly hot again Barry Manilow)
3) Total Exclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler)
4) Total Exclipse of the Heart (Nikki French dance version)
5) Making Love Out of Nothing At All (Air Supply)
6) Paradise by the Dashboard Lights (Meatloaf)
7) Holding Out For A Hero (Bonnie Tyler)
8) Loving You's a Dirty Job... (Bonnie TYler & Todd Rundgren)
9) Two Out of Three Aint Bad (Meatloaf)
10) I Would Do Anythng For Love... (Meatloaf)
As well as almost anything from "Pandora's Box".
I always felt that Jim Steinman's best work was on Bonnie Tyler's grossly underated "Secret Dreams & Forbidden Fire", one of my all time favorite albums that is now back in print!
Great work on the songs Jim... I'd love to see you do more work for other artists... like Melissa Etheridge. You work seems best showcased with artists who have "raspy" type voices. Something for Laura Branigan might be VERY interesting... | 1 | neutral | [
"I love most of Jim Steinman's compositions...",
"it's Jim Steinman's singing voice that does injustice to his work.",
"This album is tolerable, yet I am constantly thinking of howmuch better they would (and have) sounded in the hands of more competent vocalists.",
"\"Left In the Dark\" was stunningly performed by Barbra Streisand on her \"Emotion\" album.",
"The song really rocks and she is backed up by members of Bruce Springsteen's \"E Street Band\".",
"I would love to see a Jim Steinman tribute album that would include:\n1) Left in the Dark (Streisand)\n2) Read Em & Weep (the newly hot again Barry Manilow)\n3) Total Exclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler)\n4) Total Exclipse of the Heart (Nikki French dance version)\n5) Making Love Out of Nothing At All (Air Supply)\n6) Paradise by the Dashboard Lights (Meatloaf)\n7) Holding Out For A Hero (Bonnie Tyler)\n8) Loving You's a Dirty Job...",
"(Bonnie TYler & Todd Rundgren)\n9) Two Out of Three Aint Bad (Meatloaf)\n10) I Would Do Anythng For Love...",
"(Meatloaf)\nAs well as almost anything from \"Pandora's Box\".",
"I always felt that Jim Steinman's best work was on Bonnie Tyler's grossly underated \"Secret Dreams & Forbidden Fire\", one of my all time favorite albums that is now back in print!",
"Great work on the songs Jim...",
"I'd love to see you do more work for other artists...",
"like Melissa Etheridge.",
"You work seems best showcased with artists who have \"raspy\" type voices.",
"Something for Laura Branigan might be VERY interesting..."
]
|
Capcoms take on an all Capcom Brawler. While the idea sounded great on paper, the overall product left a lot to be desired unless you're a die hard Capcom or 2D fighting game fan.
Graphics
For the most part, recycled from previous Capcom titles. This is not a huge complaint as graphics do not make a good game; however, a lot of the character sprites do clash with one another and the static backgrounds aren't all that appealing to look at. The other thing a little disappointing is that all the characters that SHOULD have been included in the fighting roster are in the backgrounds spectating fights.
Music and Sound
The original soundtracks used for the game are very uninspired at best. I don't think Capcom tried. The music is definitely forgettable. Once you unlock the feature; however, it is possible to listen to each characters' original stage themes from their respective games. The sounds and voices are recycled from the previous games each character existed in.
Gameplay
The game takes a hit in this department. The game is seriously unbalanced. I go further into gameplay below with the listing of each series.
Characters
The line up consists of a less popular cast. Aside from the characters being far from a dream-match line up, they are poorly balanced.
Red Earth
Surely not having played Red Earth prior to Capcom Fighting Evolution's release, its hard to say how accurate this game's gameplay was to the original. It is easy to say that the Red Earth fighters really are out of place. They are over-powered and VERY slow...slow to the point where they can be beaten easily with a Darkstalker's character in seconds. They are not much fun to use. Visually, they are out of place as well. Three of these four warriors tower over the competiton...literally.
Street Fighter Alpha
The only real balanced fighters (as well as Ingrid). They play as they did in Street Fighter Alpha; however, they retain their V-ism bar from Alpha 3 (the bar maxes out at 100%, but becomes active at 50%. It can be considered a 2-level super meter.) They picked a not so great cast consisting of Guy, Rose, Karin, and Sakura.
Street Fighter III
Butchered...out is the one super art selection per selection; they are given all of their super arts within a match. They do retain the original Street Fighter III gameplay mechanics such as parrying, Super Jumps, and special to super art cancels. They retain their same speed as well. The cast consists of Urien, Chun Li, Yun, and Alex.
Street Fighter II
Unbalanced. They play as they did in the original Street Fighter II game with a one level super meter; this allows them to decimate their opponents quite easily. They are over-powered and move at the same speed of all the Street Fighter characters in the game. Roster includes Guile, Ryu, Zangief, and M. Bison.
Dark Stalkers
This group further unbalance the game (they are great fighters in their own right). They move the quickest--quicker than the Street Fighter characters. To "balance" the game, they were made to deal less damage; however, the ability to hit a man while they're down (try throwing in an EX Move--a powered up version of their normal attacks) still makes for an easy win for them...especially the very cheap Jedah, Demitri, and Pyron (the over-powered, very fast, and teleport happy boss). With a skilled player (human or computer), the Red Earth characters are hardly even a challenge. The playable characters include Felicia, Jedah, Anakaris, Demitri, and Pyron (the boss of the game and one of the unlockable characters in the game).
Ingrid
Introduced to this game--she is balanced as the Street Fighter Alpha characters are; however, she has a three level super meter.
Shin Akuma
High speed like the Darkstalker warriors; however, he is weaker than the Darkstalkers characters.
Extras
There are two unlockable characters. Once you beat the game with every character, it is possible to play the game set to where you hear each characters' original BGM theme.
Replay Value
Considering what was done with Capcom vs SNK 2, this title is very disappointing. They took a lesser known series, some of the less popular characters, none of the really popular or liked characters (maybe Felicia, Shin Akuma, Guile, and Chun li being exceptions), characters with gameplay elements that didn't mesh well making the game unbalanced, and called it a game. Gameplay is what matters, but the gameplay is kind of broken. It was a great idea and attempt, but a terrible or less than average execution.
Breakdown-
Good:
-The idea
-The inclusion of the Darkstalkers warriors
-Gameplay
-It was one of the newer 2D fighters for the time
Bad:
-Unbalanced!!!
-The Music
-The Stages
-The character Selection
Some Suggestions:
-Remove the Red Earth warriors
-Increase the roster to 40+ characters
-Fix the Balance issues
-Change the Final Boss | 1 | neutral | [
"Capcoms take on an all Capcom Brawler.",
"While the idea sounded great on paper, the overall product left a lot to be desired unless you're a die hard Capcom or 2D fighting game fan.",
"Graphics\nFor the most part, recycled from previous Capcom titles.",
"This is not a huge complaint as graphics do not make a good game; however, a lot of the character sprites do clash with one another and the static backgrounds aren't all that appealing to look at.",
"The other thing a little disappointing is that all the characters that SHOULD have been included in the fighting roster are in the backgrounds spectating fights.",
"Music and Sound\nThe original soundtracks used for the game are very uninspired at best.",
"I don't think Capcom tried.",
"The music is definitely forgettable.",
"Once you unlock the feature; however, it is possible to listen to each characters' original stage themes from their respective games.",
"The sounds and voices are recycled from the previous games each character existed in.",
"Gameplay\nThe game takes a hit in this department.",
"The game is seriously unbalanced.",
"I go further into gameplay below with the listing of each series.",
"Characters\nThe line up consists of a less popular cast.",
"Aside from the characters being far from a dream-match line up, they are poorly balanced.",
"Red Earth\nSurely not having played Red Earth prior to Capcom Fighting Evolution's release, its hard to say how accurate this game's gameplay was to the original.",
"It is easy to say that the Red Earth fighters really are out of place.",
"They are over-powered and VERY slow...",
"slow to the point where they can be beaten easily with a Darkstalker's character in seconds.",
"They are not much fun to use.",
"Visually, they are out of place as well.",
"Three of these four warriors tower over the competiton...",
"literally.",
"Street Fighter Alpha\nThe only real balanced fighters (as well as Ingrid).",
"They play as they did in Street Fighter Alpha; however, they retain their V-ism bar from Alpha 3 (the bar maxes out at 100%, but becomes active at 50%.",
"It can be considered a 2-level super meter.",
") They picked a not so great cast consisting of Guy, Rose, Karin, and Sakura.",
"Street Fighter III\nButchered...",
"out is the one super art selection per selection; they are given all of their super arts within a match.",
"They do retain the original Street Fighter III gameplay mechanics such as parrying, Super Jumps, and special to super art cancels.",
"They retain their same speed as well.",
"The cast consists of Urien, Chun Li, Yun, and Alex.",
"Street Fighter II\nUnbalanced.",
"They play as they did in the original Street Fighter II game with a one level super meter; this allows them to decimate their opponents quite easily.",
"They are over-powered and move at the same speed of all the Street Fighter characters in the game.",
"Roster includes Guile, Ryu, Zangief, and M.",
"Bison.",
"Dark Stalkers\nThis group further unbalance the game (they are great fighters in their own right).",
"They move the quickest--quicker than the Street Fighter characters.",
"To \"balance\" the game, they were made to deal less damage; however, the ability to hit a man while they're down (try throwing in an EX Move--a powered up version of their normal attacks) still makes for an easy win for them...",
"especially the very cheap Jedah, Demitri, and Pyron (the over-powered, very fast, and teleport happy boss).",
"With a skilled player (human or computer), the Red Earth characters are hardly even a challenge.",
"The playable characters include Felicia, Jedah, Anakaris, Demitri, and Pyron (the boss of the game and one of the unlockable characters in the game).",
"Ingrid\nIntroduced to this game--she is balanced as the Street Fighter Alpha characters are; however, she has a three level super meter.",
"Shin Akuma\nHigh speed like the Darkstalker warriors; however, he is weaker than the Darkstalkers characters.",
"Extras\nThere are two unlockable characters.",
"Once you beat the game with every character, it is possible to play the game set to where you hear each characters' original BGM theme.",
"Replay Value\nConsidering what was done with Capcom vs SNK 2, this title is very disappointing.",
"They took a lesser known series, some of the less popular characters, none of the really popular or liked characters (maybe Felicia, Shin Akuma, Guile, and Chun li being exceptions), characters with gameplay elements that didn't mesh well making the game unbalanced, and called it a game.",
"Gameplay is what matters, but the gameplay is kind of broken.",
"It was a great idea and attempt, but a terrible or less than average execution.",
"Breakdown-\n\nGood:\n-The idea\n-The inclusion of the Darkstalkers warriors\n-Gameplay\n-It was one of the newer 2D fighters for the time\n\nBad:\n-Unbalanced!!!",
"-The Music\n-The Stages\n-The character Selection\n\nSome Suggestions:\n-Remove the Red Earth warriors\n-Increase the roster to 40+ characters\n-Fix the Balance issues\n-Change the Final Boss"
]
|
This book started out a very, very slow read..."ennui" as my high school English teacher would say. I often found myself reading the same passages twice to understand the plot. I almost gave up to reread a David Gemmell novel. I stuck with Donaldson; and the book does gather steam about half way through. Donaldson's writing kept improving with each turned page. Whether or not this was intentional, I do not know. Plus, after reading and seeing the Lord Of The Rings, you can't help but see how many ideas from Tolkien's work are lifted for this story. The main problem with this book is there is really no character to "root" & "cheer" for. The "anti-hero", Thomas Covenant is portrayed as a whiney, uncompassionate @ss who actually rapes a girl in the first 100 pages...some "hero". There were times during this book I wished Covenant would just jump off the cliff or just get blown away. Anyway, I just finished the second book of the chronicle and it is much better than this one. I am starting the third and so far it is even better! Unfortunately you need to plow through this one to appreciate the follow-up book, "The Illearth War". Haven't reviewed it yet, but it's worthy of at least four stars.
Too bad there's no "Cliff Notes" for this one. | 1 | neutral | [
"This book started out a very, very slow read...",
"\"ennui\" as my high school English teacher would say.",
"I often found myself reading the same passages twice to understand the plot.",
"I almost gave up to reread a David Gemmell novel.",
"I stuck with Donaldson; and the book does gather steam about half way through.",
"Donaldson's writing kept improving with each turned page.",
"Whether or not this was intentional, I do not know.",
"Plus, after reading and seeing the Lord Of The Rings, you can't help but see how many ideas from Tolkien's work are lifted for this story.",
"The main problem with this book is there is really no character to \"root\" & \"cheer\" for.",
"The \"anti-hero\", Thomas Covenant is portrayed as a whiney, uncompassionate @ss who actually rapes a girl in the first 100 pages...",
"some \"hero\".",
"There were times during this book I wished Covenant would just jump off the cliff or just get blown away.",
"Anyway, I just finished the second book of the chronicle and it is much better than this one.",
"I am starting the third and so far it is even better!",
"Unfortunately you need to plow through this one to appreciate the follow-up book, \"The Illearth War\".",
"Haven't reviewed it yet, but it's worthy of at least four stars.",
"Too bad there's no \"Cliff Notes\" for this one."
]
|
I read this book years ago, and it gripped me all the way through. I read it again recently, and it doesn't really seem anywhere near as good as when I read it the first time. It is still worth a read, though, but I am comparing it to two other similar books, WWIII by Ian Slater, and WWIII by Sir John Hackett.
Firstly, the trigger for the war is pretty unconvincing. WWIII by Sir John Hackkett and it was far more convincing. In Sir John's book, it is a large number of seperate incidents that create a momentum of events which bring the two sides to war, much like the start of WWI.
Second, there is a bit of military hardware overload. It is very interesting to learn about various systems and equipment, but you just get flooded with it. You need a Jane's manual next to you to imagine whole sections of the book. The absolute worst part is the anti-sub warfare element, which was so boring that I ended up skipping whole paragraphs just to get through it.
Third - and I don't think Tom Clancy is the only author guilty of this assumption - Nato wins easily against the Warsaw Pact. I'm sorry, but though the West has an edge in technology, it isn't that great, and even less when you consider how outnumbered NATO forces are in Europe. Clancy is aware of this, and creates a number of handy 'coincidences' which allow NATO forces to prevent potentially devastating attacks. The Warsaw Pact does not get similar 'coincidences' in the book. With only one or two, they would roll right over the thinly stretched NATO forces. There is a book by Ian Slater about WWIII, which feels far more realistic about NATO's chances. In his book, the Warsaw Pact gets lucky on occasion, as much as NATO does.
Fourth, the ending is a bit sudden, and unlikely. In the two books I mentioned above, Sir John Hackett's makes the same mistake. Ian Slater's finishes with the war still raging, which is better than trying to fudge an ending to the book.
But there is a lot to enjoy. I was glad of the inclusion of the action in Iceland, which was a welcome distraction from the anti-sub related boredom. And you can see why the Warsaw Pact would invade Iceland, so they could ravage the Atlantic convoys. It's a smart bit of stragic thinking out of the box, and far more interesting than the slog in Europe. The love-story is a bit contrived, but forgiveably. And British soldiers do not speak with plummy, 1930's Noel Coward-esque accents. Other than that, well worth a read. With a copy of Jane's next to you. | 1 | neutral | [
"I read this book years ago, and it gripped me all the way through.",
"I read it again recently, and it doesn't really seem anywhere near as good as when I read it the first time.",
"It is still worth a read, though, but I am comparing it to two other similar books, WWIII by Ian Slater, and WWIII by Sir John Hackett.",
"Firstly, the trigger for the war is pretty unconvincing.",
"WWIII by Sir John Hackkett and it was far more convincing.",
"In Sir John's book, it is a large number of seperate incidents that create a momentum of events which bring the two sides to war, much like the start of WWI.",
"Second, there is a bit of military hardware overload.",
"It is very interesting to learn about various systems and equipment, but you just get flooded with it.",
"You need a Jane's manual next to you to imagine whole sections of the book.",
"The absolute worst part is the anti-sub warfare element, which was so boring that I ended up skipping whole paragraphs just to get through it.",
"Third - and I don't think Tom Clancy is the only author guilty of this assumption - Nato wins easily against the Warsaw Pact.",
"I'm sorry, but though the West has an edge in technology, it isn't that great, and even less when you consider how outnumbered NATO forces are in Europe.",
"Clancy is aware of this, and creates a number of handy 'coincidences' which allow NATO forces to prevent potentially devastating attacks.",
"The Warsaw Pact does not get similar 'coincidences' in the book.",
"With only one or two, they would roll right over the thinly stretched NATO forces.",
"There is a book by Ian Slater about WWIII, which feels far more realistic about NATO's chances.",
"In his book, the Warsaw Pact gets lucky on occasion, as much as NATO does.",
"Fourth, the ending is a bit sudden, and unlikely.",
"In the two books I mentioned above, Sir John Hackett's makes the same mistake.",
"Ian Slater's finishes with the war still raging, which is better than trying to fudge an ending to the book.",
"But there is a lot to enjoy.",
"I was glad of the inclusion of the action in Iceland, which was a welcome distraction from the anti-sub related boredom.",
"And you can see why the Warsaw Pact would invade Iceland, so they could ravage the Atlantic convoys.",
"It's a smart bit of stragic thinking out of the box, and far more interesting than the slog in Europe.",
"The love-story is a bit contrived, but forgiveably.",
"And British soldiers do not speak with plummy, 1930's Noel Coward-esque accents.",
"Other than that, well worth a read.",
"With a copy of Jane's next to you."
]
|
While I will concur with the sentiment that Tao Feng is a pretty average game on the whole its just as far from being horrible as it is from being exceptional.
The limb damage system seems like an idea that was either tacked on at the last second or quickly reworked in a more simple context than originally intended. I've yet to see anything besides arms be broken and the conditions that cause damage seem to be simply "punishing mid-section attacks" rather than "targeted shots" as eluded to in the game's description. If nothing else, it gimps people who like to block too much and is funny to watch when a fighter is hobbling around with limp arms.
Amusement factor is definitely where this game shines. A decent stereo system combined with the fluid and downright punishing graphic effects makes for a rather giggle-infested ride. Anyone with an appreciation for excessive violence will likely cackle in glee to the tune of bouncing an opponent off walls and into floors while plaster, glass and other assorted building materials are thrown up in chunks.
The ability to actually use the evironment in fights is probably the most notable aspect of the game and certainly something unique to typical fighting games.
In my experience the game's pace moves fairly quickly contrary to some other reviews. Given that your fighters are pretty quick on their feet and feature a number of moves that cover alot of ground really quick.
The graphics and sound are quite nice overall with a few low points to be had in the former category. Notably the times when an opponent is "popped up" into the air or when one of the fighters execute a "corkscrew" manuver really look very cheesy and out of place in a game that otherwise boasts very nice fluid graphics.
Not a bad buy if you're looking for something to kick around with friends since the fighting system is admitedly not as technically-inclined as some others. Just good old-fashioned beatdown fun. | 1 | neutral | [
"While I will concur with the sentiment that Tao Feng is a pretty average game on the whole its just as far from being horrible as it is from being exceptional.",
"The limb damage system seems like an idea that was either tacked on at the last second or quickly reworked in a more simple context than originally intended.",
"I've yet to see anything besides arms be broken and the conditions that cause damage seem to be simply \"punishing mid-section attacks\" rather than \"targeted shots\" as eluded to in the game's description.",
"If nothing else, it gimps people who like to block too much and is funny to watch when a fighter is hobbling around with limp arms.",
"Amusement factor is definitely where this game shines.",
"A decent stereo system combined with the fluid and downright punishing graphic effects makes for a rather giggle-infested ride.",
"Anyone with an appreciation for excessive violence will likely cackle in glee to the tune of bouncing an opponent off walls and into floors while plaster, glass and other assorted building materials are thrown up in chunks.",
"The ability to actually use the evironment in fights is probably the most notable aspect of the game and certainly something unique to typical fighting games.",
"In my experience the game's pace moves fairly quickly contrary to some other reviews.",
"Given that your fighters are pretty quick on their feet and feature a number of moves that cover alot of ground really quick.",
"The graphics and sound are quite nice overall with a few low points to be had in the former category.",
"Notably the times when an opponent is \"popped up\" into the air or when one of the fighters execute a \"corkscrew\" manuver really look very cheesy and out of place in a game that otherwise boasts very nice fluid graphics.",
"Not a bad buy if you're looking for something to kick around with friends since the fighting system is admitedly not as technically-inclined as some others.",
"Just good old-fashioned beatdown fun."
]
|
This rice mix is convenient, delicious, somewhat nutritious, and it makes great fried rice when you add egg to it. Unfortunately, this product contains corn syrup, which provides unhealthy, sugary calories, and various other unhealthy chemicals and preservatives. The worst ingredient is the "flavor enhancer," MSG, which is a neurotoxin.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon and author of <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Excitotoxins-The-Taste-That-Kills/dp/0929173252/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills</a>, states that MSG overexcites cells, often to the point of damaging or outright destroying them. The worst case of this is harm to brain cells, which can potentially worsen or even cause learning disabilities such as ADD, and more serious diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
For what it's worth, it is possible to create a close approximation of this type of rice dish by employing the ingredients in this product that are healthy and ignoring the unhealthy chemicals that massed produced foods like this contain. The good ingredients include:
Rice
Pineapple
Coconut (or coconut milk)
Onion
Bell Pepper
Garlic
Molasses
Turmeric
Curry Powder
Parsley
Cayenne
Example of a recipe using these ingredients:
Prepare 1 cup of rice (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/brown/dp/B005763JMI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">brown</a> or <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/wild/dp/B006R1SQMK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">wild</a> rice) using 2 cups of liquid. Instead of water use a combination of the pineapple juice drained from a 15-ounce can of <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/crushed-pineapple/dp/B000F4EU1Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">crushed pineapple</a> and make up the remainder of the 2 cups with <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/coconut-milk/dp/B001HTJ2BQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">coconut milk</a>, and a tablespoon of <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/molasses/dp/B00CGHV5MM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">molasses</a>. Bring the liquid to a low boil before adding the rice. Then add the rice along with these spices: 1 teaspoon each of turmeric, curry, parsley, salt (I use potassium salt such as <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Nu-Salt/dp/B000H1558E/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Nu-Salt</a>, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir well to blend the spices. Cover the mixture and lower the heat to simmer. Cook until the liquid has been completely absorbed by the rice, about 20 minutes for white rice, up to 45 minutes for brown rice.
When the rice is done, sauté 1/2 cup each of chopped onion and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/coconut-oil/dp/B003B3OOPA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">coconut oil</a> (OR butter OR olive oil OR spray the pan with <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/cooking-spray/dp/B001BIXKLQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">cooking spray</a> if you don't mind canola oil). Add in the cooked rice, 1/2 cup of the drained pineapple, 3 eggs and/or 1 cup of pre-cooked chicken pieces. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients in the rice, especially the eggs. Cook stirring constantly until the eggs are done, all liquid is evaporated, and the rice is slightly browned.
Once you have the basic flavors of a box mix like this, it's easy and fun to create a close approximation of its flavors by experimenting with its healthy ingredients and avoiding all the chemicals and additives it contains that are bad for one's health. | 1 | neutral | [
"This rice mix is convenient, delicious, somewhat nutritious, and it makes great fried rice when you add egg to it.",
"Unfortunately, this product contains corn syrup, which provides unhealthy, sugary calories, and various other unhealthy chemicals and preservatives.",
"The worst ingredient is the \"flavor enhancer,\" MSG, which is a neurotoxin.",
"Dr.",
"Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon and author of <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Excitotoxins-The-Taste-That-Kills/dp/0929173252/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills</a>, states that MSG overexcites cells, often to the point of damaging or outright destroying them.",
"The worst case of this is harm to brain cells, which can potentially worsen or even cause learning disabilities such as ADD, and more serious diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).",
"For what it's worth, it is possible to create a close approximation of this type of rice dish by employing the ingredients in this product that are healthy and ignoring the unhealthy chemicals that massed produced foods like this contain.",
"The good ingredients include:\n\nRice\nPineapple\nCoconut (or coconut milk)\nOnion\nBell Pepper\nGarlic\nMolasses\nTurmeric\nCurry Powder\nParsley\nCayenne\n\nExample of a recipe using these ingredients:\n\nPrepare 1 cup of rice (<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/brown/dp/B005763JMI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">brown</a> or <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/wild/dp/B006R1SQMK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">wild</a> rice) using 2 cups of liquid.",
"Instead of water use a combination of the pineapple juice drained from a 15-ounce can of <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/crushed-pineapple/dp/B000F4EU1Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">crushed pineapple</a> and make up the remainder of the 2 cups with <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/coconut-milk/dp/B001HTJ2BQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">coconut milk</a>, and a tablespoon of <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/molasses/dp/B00CGHV5MM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">molasses</a>.",
"Bring the liquid to a low boil before adding the rice.",
"Then add the rice along with these spices: 1 teaspoon each of turmeric, curry, parsley, salt (I use potassium salt such as <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Nu-Salt/dp/B000H1558E/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Nu-Salt</a>, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.",
"Stir well to blend the spices.",
"Cover the mixture and lower the heat to simmer.",
"Cook until the liquid has been completely absorbed by the rice, about 20 minutes for white rice, up to 45 minutes for brown rice.",
"When the rice is done, sauté 1/2 cup each of chopped onion and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/coconut-oil/dp/B003B3OOPA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">coconut oil</a> (OR butter OR olive oil OR spray the pan with <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/cooking-spray/dp/B001BIXKLQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">cooking spray</a> if you don't mind canola oil).",
"Add in the cooked rice, 1/2 cup of the drained pineapple, 3 eggs and/or 1 cup of pre-cooked chicken pieces.",
"Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients in the rice, especially the eggs.",
"Cook stirring constantly until the eggs are done, all liquid is evaporated, and the rice is slightly browned.",
"Once you have the basic flavors of a box mix like this, it's easy and fun to create a close approximation of its flavors by experimenting with its healthy ingredients and avoiding all the chemicals and additives it contains that are bad for one's health."
]
|
With all the glowing 5-star reviews, how could this be a bad book?
It's dated and doesn't hold up to modern day issues. (Homophobia and misogyny.) When the original talks were given, it was World War II and there was a clear good/evil aspect to the war. And that's sort of the premise to a good chunk of the book. Good/evil, black/white, etc. The beginning of the book is based on the concept of a "Law of Nature" or law of morality. Except that morals vary from culture to culture and from era to era.
The first 1/3 of the book is rife with logical fallacies, false dilemmas, and other erroneous presuppositions. This section is also strongly about evangelizing and is rather divisive.
The second 1/3 of the book is a bit better and I found it to be more in line with "mainline" Christianity.
The last 1/3 of the book goes back to the evangelism, but finishes strong.
The truth is that C.S. Lewis might have been a great fantasy writer ("Chronicles of Narnia"), but he should have stayed far away from Theology. I had originally given this book 1-star, but after reading it fully, it definitely deserves at least 2 stars because it has some solid merit to it and really got me to think differently about some aspects of Christianity. I'm giving it 3-stars because it's OK, but not great.
Personally, I found Paul Tillich's "The Courage To Be" a much better read. A very difficult read, mind you, but one that addresses our faith from a logically sound perspective. | 1 | neutral | [
"With all the glowing 5-star reviews, how could this be a bad book?",
"It's dated and doesn't hold up to modern day issues.",
"(Homophobia and misogyny.",
") When the original talks were given, it was World War II and there was a clear good/evil aspect to the war.",
"And that's sort of the premise to a good chunk of the book.",
"Good/evil, black/white, etc.",
"The beginning of the book is based on the concept of a \"Law of Nature\" or law of morality.",
"Except that morals vary from culture to culture and from era to era.",
"The first 1/3 of the book is rife with logical fallacies, false dilemmas, and other erroneous presuppositions.",
"This section is also strongly about evangelizing and is rather divisive.",
"The second 1/3 of the book is a bit better and I found it to be more in line with \"mainline\" Christianity.",
"The last 1/3 of the book goes back to the evangelism, but finishes strong.",
"The truth is that C.",
"S. Lewis might have been a great fantasy writer (\"Chronicles of Narnia\"), but he should have stayed far away from Theology.",
"I had originally given this book 1-star, but after reading it fully, it definitely deserves at least 2 stars because it has some solid merit to it and really got me to think differently about some aspects of Christianity.",
"I'm giving it 3-stars because it's OK, but not great.",
"Personally, I found Paul Tillich's \"The Courage To Be\" a much better read.",
"A very difficult read, mind you, but one that addresses our faith from a logically sound perspective."
]
|
Hillary Clinton calls for gun control after Las Vegas shooting
Days after at least 58 people were killed in a Las Vegas mass shooting Hillary Clinton called for better gun control.
âI canât believe that one whole political party in the greatest country on earth is totally sold to the gun lobby â she told host Jimmy Fallon.
Clinton on her book tour for âWhat Happened â called her memoir âa story of resilience.â
âIt is my best effort to pull the curtain back invite people in to see what happened from my perspective and to talk about the things that I didnât get right and what was happening at the same time â she said of the book.
As for election night Clinton said she was disappointed both that she lost and that President Trump won.
âI was so worried about what it meant to have my opponent win â she told Fallon.
Clinton also had some words for President Trump particularly of his handling of Hurricane Maria and the devastation in Puerto Rico.
âAs Miley would say we canât stop and we wonât stop â the former presidential candidate wrote in a thank you note to her fans. (NBC/Andrew Lipovsky/NBC)
âItâs hard to figure out what are the priorities â she said.
Fallon also had female staff writers write thank you notes to Clinton .
âThank you Miley tonightâs show writers and all of the women and young girls out there who are smart strong and deserving of every opportunity â Clinton said. | 1 | neutral | [
"Hillary Clinton calls for gun control after Las Vegas shooting\nDays after at least 58 people were killed in a Las Vegas mass shooting Hillary Clinton called for better gun control.",
"âI canât believe that one whole political party in the greatest country on earth is totally sold to the gun lobby â she told host Jimmy Fallon.",
"Clinton on her book tour for âWhat Happened â called her memoir âa story of resilience.",
"â\nâIt is my best effort to pull the curtain back invite people in to see what happened from my perspective and to talk about the things that I didnât get right and what was happening at the same time â she said of the book.",
"As for election night Clinton said she was disappointed both that she lost and that President Trump won.",
"âI was so worried about what it meant to have my opponent win â she told Fallon.",
"Clinton also had some words for President Trump particularly of his handling of Hurricane Maria and the devastation in Puerto Rico.",
"âAs Miley would say we canât stop and we wonât stop â the former presidential candidate wrote in a thank you note to her fans.",
"(NBC/Andrew Lipovsky/NBC)\nâItâs hard to figure out what are the priorities â she said.",
"Fallon also had female staff writers write thank you notes to Clinton.",
"âThank you Miley tonightâs show writers and all of the women and young girls out there who are smart strong and deserving of every opportunity â Clinton said."
]
|
In this second installment of The Grail Quest, Thomas of Hookton is back in England, facing a horde of murderous Scots, a fanatic priest and some truths about his father. He goes back to his ruined village to find an old clay cup, which he immediately discards as unimportant (wink wink) and a book written by his father, containing stories about the Grail. Some of the writings are in old Hebrew, but luckily Thomas has a Jewish friend from his time in France. So to France he goes - not for the Grail, offcourse, but to help Sir Guillaume, who is besieged by his own lord in his castle.
In his quest for the Grail but especially for revenge on the priest who's ruined his life Thomas enlist the help of Robbie Douglas, one of the captive murderous Scots, who also has a score to settle with the priest.
I may have liked this book a bit better. There was a lot scheming and intrigue and the Catholic church was presented in all its "glory". Jeanette, Sir Guillaume and Mordechai, my favourites, are back.
'Did you know,' he went on, 'that Flemish sailors claim that you can calm a storm by throwing a Jew overboard?'
'Do they really?'
'So I'm told,' Mordecai said....... 'Do you think the Flemings carry Jews aboard their ships as a precaution? It would seem a sensible, if cruel, thing to do. Why die when a Jew can die?'
The coolest character this time was Robbie, who is completely awesome and utterly Scottish. He's the Scottish Patrick Harper, just like Jeanette is the French Teresa Moreno.
I've decided I don't mind that Cornwell is a one-trick pony. It's like this toy I had - a cartboard cutout of a man and a woman and you have different sets of paper clothes to put on them. Cornwells characters are like that - a set of prototypes he puts different clothes on according to an historical period he writes about at that moment. It was my favourite pass time in childhood and I've decided to enjoy it this time, too - I'll read on the series with pleasure. | 1 | neutral | [
"In this second installment of The Grail Quest, Thomas of Hookton is back in England, facing a horde of murderous Scots, a fanatic priest and some truths about his father.",
"He goes back to his ruined village to find an old clay cup, which he immediately discards as unimportant (wink wink) and a book written by his father, containing stories about the Grail.",
"Some of the writings are in old Hebrew, but luckily Thomas has a Jewish friend from his time in France.",
"So to France he goes - not for the Grail, offcourse, but to help Sir Guillaume, who is besieged by his own lord in his castle.",
"In his quest for the Grail but especially for revenge on the priest who's ruined his life Thomas enlist the help of Robbie Douglas, one of the captive murderous Scots, who also has a score to settle with the priest.",
"I may have liked this book a bit better.",
"There was a lot scheming and intrigue and the Catholic church was presented in all its \"glory\".",
"Jeanette, Sir Guillaume and Mordechai, my favourites, are back.",
"'Did you know,' he went on, 'that Flemish sailors claim that you can calm a storm by throwing a Jew overboard?",
"'\n'Do they really?",
"'\n'So I'm told,' Mordecai said....",
"...",
"'Do you think the Flemings carry Jews aboard their ships as a precaution?",
"It would seem a sensible, if cruel, thing to do.",
"Why die when a Jew can die?",
"'\n\nThe coolest character this time was Robbie, who is completely awesome and utterly Scottish.",
"He's the Scottish Patrick Harper, just like Jeanette is the French Teresa Moreno.",
"I've decided I don't mind that Cornwell is a one-trick pony.",
"It's like this toy I had - a cartboard cutout of a man and a woman and you have different sets of paper clothes to put on them.",
"Cornwells characters are like that - a set of prototypes he puts different clothes on according to an historical period he writes about at that moment.",
"It was my favourite pass time in childhood and I've decided to enjoy it this time, too - I'll read on the series with pleasure."
]
|
My husband received this as a birthday present. We loved how it worked when it worked. We used it to make protein shakes after our long runs. I also used it to make soups. It was great for the protein shakes because we could just blend them up in the cup provided. For soup, it did an o.k. job. My upright Oster blender does a better job, though, as far as getting it smooth, but that is to be expected. Overall, we were happy with the performance of this blender, though it is the first one we have owned, so we have nothing to compare it to. Unfortunately, after only 4 months of very little use, the blade disconnected from the shaft and now spins freely, so it is non-functional. Though the manual states that you can send it back to them with $5 and get a replacement, when I called them, they said it would cost $10 plus we'd have to ship the old one back to them OR we could return it to the store we bought it at. Well, we received it as a gift, and it was probably bought on amazon, so taking it back to the store isn't really an option. When it costs less than $30 new, it seems like such a hassle to spend $10 plus the cost of shipping and the hassle of boxing it up, etc... to get a new one.
After reading some other reviews, I think we may try the Waring Pro or the Kitchenaid. Both are available at Target, and they both have a better warranty than Cuisinart's. We own several Cuisinart appliances that we love (coffee maker, coffee grinder, food processor, etc...), but this one disappointed us. I gave it 3 stars because it does perform well, but it just doesn't last long. It looks like others have had the same issue, so we didn't just get a bad apple. If it had lasted a year, we would have gotten our money's worth, but 4 months isn't long for the amount we used it. We used it MAYBE twice week. | 1 | neutral | [
"My husband received this as a birthday present.",
"We loved how it worked when it worked.",
"We used it to make protein shakes after our long runs.",
"I also used it to make soups.",
"It was great for the protein shakes because we could just blend them up in the cup provided.",
"For soup, it did an o.",
"k. job.",
"My upright Oster blender does a better job, though, as far as getting it smooth, but that is to be expected.",
"Overall, we were happy with the performance of this blender, though it is the first one we have owned, so we have nothing to compare it to.",
"Unfortunately, after only 4 months of very little use, the blade disconnected from the shaft and now spins freely, so it is non-functional.",
"Though the manual states that you can send it back to them with $5 and get a replacement, when I called them, they said it would cost $10 plus we'd have to ship the old one back to them OR we could return it to the store we bought it at.",
"Well, we received it as a gift, and it was probably bought on amazon, so taking it back to the store isn't really an option.",
"When it costs less than $30 new, it seems like such a hassle to spend $10 plus the cost of shipping and the hassle of boxing it up, etc...",
"to get a new one.",
"After reading some other reviews, I think we may try the Waring Pro or the Kitchenaid.",
"Both are available at Target, and they both have a better warranty than Cuisinart's.",
"We own several Cuisinart appliances that we love (coffee maker, coffee grinder, food processor, etc...",
"), but this one disappointed us.",
"I gave it 3 stars because it does perform well, but it just doesn't last long.",
"It looks like others have had the same issue, so we didn't just get a bad apple.",
"If it had lasted a year, we would have gotten our money's worth, but 4 months isn't long for the amount we used it.",
"We used it MAYBE twice week."
]
|
Freedom at Midnight is an epic 726 page historical tome. At midnight on 14 August 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru announced Indias independence from British rule. It marked the beginning of the birth of the second most populous nation of 400 million people, and the Partition the split that created India and Pakistan (East and West) with East Pakistan eventually becoming Bangladesh in 1971. But it was no easy road to independence.
The book commences with the authors interviewing Lord Louis Mountbatten, Admiral of the Fleet, Earl of Burma, and the last Viceroy of India, in 1970 in England, the last living protagonist of this classical tragedy and nine years before he was assassinated in Ireland. The authors explain how they prepared their research so that they could commence writing from June 1974.
There are four main protagonists in this tragedy: Englands Lord Louis Mountbatten, the leader of the All-India Muslim League and lawyer Muhammad Ali Jinnah, president of the Indian National Congress and barrister Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indian Hindu Mohandas Karamchand Mahatma (Geat Soul) Gandhi.
The real beginning of the book commences on January 1, 1947, in London at a time of the British Empire and the British Raj. Prime Minister Winston Churchill was no longer in power. PM Clement Attlee of the ruling Labour Party met with 46-year-old Mountbatten to discuss India. There had been much debate about Indias independence and no one was in agreeance. At the same time in India, Gandhi was fighting for independence through non-violent means and in discussions with Nehru. Had Mountbatten known that Jinnah was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and had six months to live, history may have been very different. But no one knew. And Jinnah wanted consideration for Indias 100 million Muslims.
On June 3, 1947, the four leaders met in the New Delhi studio of the All India Radio and formally announced their agreement to divide the sub-continent into two separate, sovereign nations. Mountbatten placed a 34-page single-spaced document in front of them, called The Administrative Consequences of Partition (referred to as the Mountbatten Plan). It outlined the consequences of cash, assets, social services, railways, infrastructure, prisoners, and places of significance such as the Taj Mahal. All three non-British leaders had reservations about the plan: Nehru was reticent, Jinnah nodded begrudgingly, and Gandhi was silent. Jinnah would become the first Governor-General of Pakistan and Nehru would become the first Prime Minister of India. Mountbatten became known as the man who divided India.
Mountbatten announced the date of implementation, without consultation: the last strike of midnight that heralds the commencement of August 15,1947. When astrologers read their charts, they proclaimed the date so inauspicious that India would be better advised to tolerate the British one day longer rather than risk eternal damnation. What followed was the most complex divorce in history. Some of the bitterest arguments came over the books in Indias libraries Dictionaries were ripped in half with A to K going to India, the rest to Pakistan Some of those supposedly intelligent men actually came to blows arguing over which dominion had a greater natural interest in Alice in Wonderland and Wuthering Heights.
No one could foresee the magnitude of the decisions. No one could foresee the magnitude of the slaughter after Partition and the hundreds of thousands of lives lost. What followed next was the greatest migration in history. Individuals could choose to stay in India or to migrate to the Punjab and Bengal regions now known as West and East Pakistan. The decision was not easy. Even brothers went their different ways.
By October 1947, the war for Kashmir had begun. Kashmirs Hindu Maharaja Hara Singh wanted independence, and Mountbatten said that it was not an option. Hara Singh had to choose to accede his principality to India or to Pakistan. Kashmiris have not, to this day, had their decision officially sanctified. Pakistan and Indian soldiers converged on the region in 1947 and have remained there ever since.
The book concludes with Gandhi. The 78-year-old Gandhi commenced a hunger strike in January 1948 to demand that India make the payment of 550 million rupees to Pakistan as part of the Partition agreement for unitys sake. India was withholding the fund in a bid for Kashmir. His ailing health saved Pakistan from bankruptcy. For this Gandhi was assassinated which ended the insensate communal killing of neighbour by neighbour which had followed Partition.
The authors have made an epic attempt to recount the lead-up to the historic Partition and its consequences the decisions of the separation of land and assets, where people were on the eve of Partition and what they were doing and thinking (not just the key leaders, but accounts of everyday Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, as well as British expatriates) and how to keep order after midnight. The authors state the failure of leaders to keep order and mitigate the slaughter would baffle historians and focus a wave of criticism on Indias last Viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten. | 1 | neutral | [
"Freedom at Midnight is an epic 726 page historical tome.",
"At midnight on 14 August 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru announced Indias independence from British rule.",
"It marked the beginning of the birth of the second most populous nation of 400 million people, and the Partition the split that created India and Pakistan (East and West) with East Pakistan eventually becoming Bangladesh in 1971.",
"But it was no easy road to independence.",
"The book commences with the authors interviewing Lord Louis Mountbatten, Admiral of the Fleet, Earl of Burma, and the last Viceroy of India, in 1970 in England, the last living protagonist of this classical tragedy and nine years before he was assassinated in Ireland.",
"The authors explain how they prepared their research so that they could commence writing from June 1974.",
"There are four main protagonists in this tragedy: Englands Lord Louis Mountbatten, the leader of the All-India Muslim League and lawyer Muhammad Ali Jinnah, president of the Indian National Congress and barrister Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indian Hindu Mohandas Karamchand Mahatma (Geat Soul) Gandhi.",
"The real beginning of the book commences on January 1, 1947, in London at a time of the British Empire and the British Raj.",
"Prime Minister Winston Churchill was no longer in power.",
"PM Clement Attlee of the ruling Labour Party met with 46-year-old Mountbatten to discuss India.",
"There had been much debate about Indias independence and no one was in agreeance.",
"At the same time in India, Gandhi was fighting for independence through non-violent means and in discussions with Nehru.",
"Had Mountbatten known that Jinnah was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and had six months to live, history may have been very different.",
"But no one knew.",
"And Jinnah wanted consideration for Indias 100 million Muslims.",
"On June 3, 1947, the four leaders met in the New Delhi studio of the All India Radio and formally announced their agreement to divide the sub-continent into two separate, sovereign nations.",
"Mountbatten placed a 34-page single-spaced document in front of them, called The Administrative Consequences of Partition (referred to as the Mountbatten Plan).",
"It outlined the consequences of cash, assets, social services, railways, infrastructure, prisoners, and places of significance such as the Taj Mahal.",
"All three non-British leaders had reservations about the plan: Nehru was reticent, Jinnah nodded begrudgingly, and Gandhi was silent.",
"Jinnah would become the first Governor-General of Pakistan and Nehru would become the first Prime Minister of India.",
"Mountbatten became known as the man who divided India.",
"Mountbatten announced the date of implementation, without consultation: the last strike of midnight that heralds the commencement of August 15,1947.",
"When astrologers read their charts, they proclaimed the date so inauspicious that India would be better advised to tolerate the British one day longer rather than risk eternal damnation.",
"What followed was the most complex divorce in history.",
"Some of the bitterest arguments came over the books in Indias libraries Dictionaries were ripped in half with A to K going to India, the rest to Pakistan Some of those supposedly intelligent men actually came to blows arguing over which dominion had a greater natural interest in Alice in Wonderland and Wuthering Heights.",
"No one could foresee the magnitude of the decisions.",
"No one could foresee the magnitude of the slaughter after Partition and the hundreds of thousands of lives lost.",
"What followed next was the greatest migration in history.",
"Individuals could choose to stay in India or to migrate to the Punjab and Bengal regions now known as West and East Pakistan.",
"The decision was not easy.",
"Even brothers went their different ways.",
"By October 1947, the war for Kashmir had begun.",
"Kashmirs Hindu Maharaja Hara Singh wanted independence, and Mountbatten said that it was not an option.",
"Hara Singh had to choose to accede his principality to India or to Pakistan.",
"Kashmiris have not, to this day, had their decision officially sanctified.",
"Pakistan and Indian soldiers converged on the region in 1947 and have remained there ever since.",
"The book concludes with Gandhi.",
"The 78-year-old Gandhi commenced a hunger strike in January 1948 to demand that India make the payment of 550 million rupees to Pakistan as part of the Partition agreement for unitys sake.",
"India was withholding the fund in a bid for Kashmir.",
"His ailing health saved Pakistan from bankruptcy.",
"For this Gandhi was assassinated which ended the insensate communal killing of neighbour by neighbour which had followed Partition.",
"The authors have made an epic attempt to recount the lead-up to the historic Partition and its consequences the decisions of the separation of land and assets, where people were on the eve of Partition and what they were doing and thinking (not just the key leaders, but accounts of everyday Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, as well as British expatriates) and how to keep order after midnight.",
"The authors state the failure of leaders to keep order and mitigate the slaughter would baffle historians and focus a wave of criticism on Indias last Viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten."
]
|
Looked real good on the write up and even after I had unwrapped it I still thought it I'd made a good buy.
It wasn't until I started to assemble and attach it to my fence post that I found the problem.
Others might disagree depending on their geographic location but I was putting the birdbath up in the mountains around 7500 feet. It can get very strong winds up there on a regular basis.
I needed to have it fastened to the post very securely so that it wouldn't blow off or cause the bowl to tilt spilling out the water.
After tightening it fairly tightly I found that the bowl would not lock into place as tightly as it did before attaching it to the post.
In fact it would barely catch at all. I ran a length of wire across the top of the bowl and tied it off underneath to prevent it from blowing up.
For a few dollars more this could have been a very good product useable at any location. All that was needed was to increase the sheet metal thickness a couple of sizes and make the two sides longer so that it would fit better on posts or rails that have slightly rounded tops or edges and allow the bolts to get a better bite.
I realize that the description says it is a Deck Rail Mounting Bracket but the same principal applies whether it is fastened to different sized rails or fence posts. | 1 | neutral | [
"Looked real good on the write up and even after I had unwrapped it I still thought it I'd made a good buy.",
"It wasn't until I started to assemble and attach it to my fence post that I found the problem.",
"Others might disagree depending on their geographic location but I was putting the birdbath up in the mountains around 7500 feet.",
"It can get very strong winds up there on a regular basis.",
"I needed to have it fastened to the post very securely so that it wouldn't blow off or cause the bowl to tilt spilling out the water.",
"After tightening it fairly tightly I found that the bowl would not lock into place as tightly as it did before attaching it to the post.",
"In fact it would barely catch at all.",
"I ran a length of wire across the top of the bowl and tied it off underneath to prevent it from blowing up.",
"For a few dollars more this could have been a very good product useable at any location.",
"All that was needed was to increase the sheet metal thickness a couple of sizes and make the two sides longer so that it would fit better on posts or rails that have slightly rounded tops or edges and allow the bolts to get a better bite.",
"I realize that the description says it is a Deck Rail Mounting Bracket but the same principal applies whether it is fastened to different sized rails or fence posts."
]
|
The flavor lasts about 10 seconds, no joke. After that, you're chewing a piece of rubber. Probably only one step above a pencil eraser or a tennis shoe sole. Actually, maybe more like silly putty.
This is truly a one star chewing gum, but I'll keep buying it. Why? Because my co-workers gave me a Sharper Image candy dispenser for Christmas. They filled it with 4 pounds of Jelly Bellies, which I devoured on my own in about 3 days. Oh boy did I feel like crap. Since I couldn't toss the dispenser, nor leave it empty, I was on a quest to find a candy I wasn't tempted to much all day long. I bought these, and I've managed to only eat a few each week when I wasn't really paying attention. Hopefully, you can understand why I gave them three stars. Enjoy! | 1 | neutral | [
"The flavor lasts about 10 seconds, no joke.",
"After that, you're chewing a piece of rubber.",
"Probably only one step above a pencil eraser or a tennis shoe sole.",
"Actually, maybe more like silly putty.",
"This is truly a one star chewing gum, but I'll keep buying it.",
"Why?",
"Because my co-workers gave me a Sharper Image candy dispenser for Christmas.",
"They filled it with 4 pounds of Jelly Bellies, which I devoured on my own in about 3 days.",
"Oh boy did I feel like crap.",
"Since I couldn't toss the dispenser, nor leave it empty, I was on a quest to find a candy I wasn't tempted to much all day long.",
"I bought these, and I've managed to only eat a few each week when I wasn't really paying attention.",
"Hopefully, you can understand why I gave them three stars.",
"Enjoy!"
]
|
There have always been guidelines to follow when a company designs games -- ideals that designers most definitely should keep in mind while creating a video game. One of these is to make sure that a game, no matter how much it stands out from all other games, must still appeal to a general audience, and to keep their substance while still standing out from games of a similar genre. Most games have no problem following this (quite obvious) rule, but a few games, no matter how respected they may be or how hyped-up they were, fall short of this rule -- and even worse, many other rules. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King -- the latest installment of Square-Enix's marvelous role-playing game series -- is one of those unfortunate games that fail to keep up with these ideals.
In itself, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King does not seem to be a bad game at first sight. Any casual player would look in, see pretty things, and then walk away with a new Draque, thinking the game would be remarkably awesome. And at first glance, it is -- but going under the pretty details (which are good, don't get me wrong), DQVIII falls flat on its face.
The ambiance of the entire game is remarkable, and there are very few times that I can recall ever playing a game with such aesthetic value as DQVIII's (the exceptions being The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Tales of Symphonia). In fact, I can safely say that character designer Akira Toriyama has outdone himself on this one -- all characters seem to be complete duplicates of Toriyama's impeccable artwork, as opposed to sprites, and animation itself is very well done, completed both smoothly and crisply. One really gets pulled into a game when the environment is created so vividly that it practically jumps out of the television -- and with DQVIII, the graphics are truly deserving of praise.
However, a successful environment is never well done without a good music score. Master composer Koichi Sugiyama returns to DQVIII with an amazing orchestrated, ultimately emotional score, with music that stands out completely from the rest of the role-playing game crowd. The Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, who plays all of DQVIII's tearjerking tracks, creates an effect so incredible that it seems impossible to create any type of music -- orchestrated or otherwise -- that surpasses this amazing, amazing score. Literally overwhelming tides of emotion swept over me when my ears first heard the majestic sound of the Overture March, and the Battle! Theme quickly put my heart into a nonstop superbeat mode. There is no doubt about it here -- the newest Dragon Quest has the most powerful score of them all, and sets the standard for all role-playing games to come. There's no going back after this.
Actually, that last statement might have come a bit too soon -- because there is still a lot more to come. For instance, there is one amazing thing that has come at last for the first time in literally ages -- and believe me, the Dragon Quest series has had it coming. For seven games -- not including spinoffs -- Dragon Quest has had one recurring battle concept. A monster appears, the player kills it, the player gains experience. But before Dragon Quest VIII, the player never could see the party itself -- something that was always irritating to me, but something that grew on me nevertheless. With the advent of the newest entry into the series comes an extremely remarkable thing (for Dragon Quest) in a sea of intriguing concepts -- the fact that one can see one's party members in combat. Gone is the concept of only seeing the effects of your skills on monsters! Gone is the incessant elimination of monsters without seeing how they were obliterated! Now, one can actually see the might of one's party members in full, glorious view, and, oh, how mighty this is.
But not everything is all well and good in the land of Dragon Quest. With the elimination of an old battle visualization comes a whopping blow to the original Draque system, and it comes like an eternally stinging slap in the face to Draque fans -- for alas, the Jobs of Dragon Quest are no more. The Skill system -- a concept consisting of having characters learn remarkably useless, not to mention redundant, skills, and skills that are the worst in the Draque batch, at that -- is awful, and a huge imperfection in such a promising game. Out of all the skills that the Dragon Quest series had, Square-Enix has axed at least half, with almost none of the remaining skills being any good at all, or even being nonrepetitive (for instance, four of the skills in Dragon Quest VIII have the same effect of "Majin-Giri", from Dragon Quest VI and VII). Some skills require one to wield a certain type of weapon, and others require one to not wield any at all (those skills, even when maxed out at the highest level, will not deal much damage at all, so they are completely useless). The concept that was the very cornerstone of the entire Dragon Quest series has finally been pummeled down by Square-Enix, with the interesting skills eliminated and remarkably lame ones thrown in for a similarly lame attempt at variety that only results in redundancy.
Unfortunately, this new Skill system is a lot more disorganized than just having skills eliminated from the game. Because Job Classes are gone, characters now take on "unique" skills, attaining each new skill with Skill Points that they receive when they level up. Now, by itself this doesn't sound bad at all. However, coupled with the fact that half of the remaining skills are completely useless -- as well as the fact that the rate of skill progression is excruciatingly slow -- the Skill System is horrible. In a nutshell, no matter what one does, one will be stuck using the exact same skills for the entire game, time and time again, because of one single reason: those skills are the only SEMI-useful ones in the entire game.
One would think that gameplay would be similarly hindered by this setup -- in which case one would be correct -- but there are a few times that the once-glorious nature of Dragon Quest shines through. Dungeons are cleverly created, with the traditional postgame dungeon actually contributing something to the plot of the game, and the nifty "Alchemy Jar" system (a system that allows you to -- in a way -- cook items into new items) is very cool. Dragon Quest Monsters returns in a sort of minigame that allows you to capture monsters and use them to fight in an arena, and a new bonus called the "Battle Record" that allows you to finally keep track of all the things that you've ever done on the game.
Overall, though, one wonders why, with all the effort Square-Enix put into with the aesthetic and aural value of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, Square-Enix would leave fans out in the cold with the destruction of the Job Class System, as well as the inclusion of only four playable party members. Square-Enix sacrificed substance for shine, and this is a sin that one can never forgive, even for such a revered series as Dragon Quest VIII. As a certain guideline of game developers says, designers should not make their game so different from others of its ilk so that it will become alien to gamers, and ultimately distasteful to fans of its genre.
With such a respected series as Dragon Quest VIII, this idea should not only be in designers' minds, but burnt and branded into their heads, as well as flowing in their very bloodstream. It is a shame how Square-Enix failed to realize that gamers have never wished for more than just a good game -- ulterior things like graphics have always come after the gameplay in a role-playing game. Aside from graphics and music, Dragon Quest VIII does not live up to the standard that its own series has set up -- and unfortunately for fans, that fact makes all the difference. | 1 | neutral | [
"There have always been guidelines to follow when a company designs games -- ideals that designers most definitely should keep in mind while creating a video game.",
"One of these is to make sure that a game, no matter how much it stands out from all other games, must still appeal to a general audience, and to keep their substance while still standing out from games of a similar genre.",
"Most games have no problem following this (quite obvious) rule, but a few games, no matter how respected they may be or how hyped-up they were, fall short of this rule -- and even worse, many other rules.",
"Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King -- the latest installment of Square-Enix's marvelous role-playing game series -- is one of those unfortunate games that fail to keep up with these ideals.",
"In itself, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King does not seem to be a bad game at first sight.",
"Any casual player would look in, see pretty things, and then walk away with a new Draque, thinking the game would be remarkably awesome.",
"And at first glance, it is -- but going under the pretty details (which are good, don't get me wrong), DQVIII falls flat on its face.",
"The ambiance of the entire game is remarkable, and there are very few times that I can recall ever playing a game with such aesthetic value as DQVIII's (the exceptions being The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Tales of Symphonia).",
"In fact, I can safely say that character designer Akira Toriyama has outdone himself on this one -- all characters seem to be complete duplicates of Toriyama's impeccable artwork, as opposed to sprites, and animation itself is very well done, completed both smoothly and crisply.",
"One really gets pulled into a game when the environment is created so vividly that it practically jumps out of the television -- and with DQVIII, the graphics are truly deserving of praise.",
"However, a successful environment is never well done without a good music score.",
"Master composer Koichi Sugiyama returns to DQVIII with an amazing orchestrated, ultimately emotional score, with music that stands out completely from the rest of the role-playing game crowd.",
"The Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, who plays all of DQVIII's tearjerking tracks, creates an effect so incredible that it seems impossible to create any type of music -- orchestrated or otherwise -- that surpasses this amazing, amazing score.",
"Literally overwhelming tides of emotion swept over me when my ears first heard the majestic sound of the Overture March, and the Battle!",
"Theme quickly put my heart into a nonstop superbeat mode.",
"There is no doubt about it here -- the newest Dragon Quest has the most powerful score of them all, and sets the standard for all role-playing games to come.",
"There's no going back after this.",
"Actually, that last statement might have come a bit too soon -- because there is still a lot more to come.",
"For instance, there is one amazing thing that has come at last for the first time in literally ages -- and believe me, the Dragon Quest series has had it coming.",
"For seven games -- not including spinoffs -- Dragon Quest has had one recurring battle concept.",
"A monster appears, the player kills it, the player gains experience.",
"But before Dragon Quest VIII, the player never could see the party itself -- something that was always irritating to me, but something that grew on me nevertheless.",
"With the advent of the newest entry into the series comes an extremely remarkable thing (for Dragon Quest) in a sea of intriguing concepts -- the fact that one can see one's party members in combat.",
"Gone is the concept of only seeing the effects of your skills on monsters!",
"Gone is the incessant elimination of monsters without seeing how they were obliterated!",
"Now, one can actually see the might of one's party members in full, glorious view, and, oh, how mighty this is.",
"But not everything is all well and good in the land of Dragon Quest.",
"With the elimination of an old battle visualization comes a whopping blow to the original Draque system, and it comes like an eternally stinging slap in the face to Draque fans -- for alas, the Jobs of Dragon Quest are no more.",
"The Skill system -- a concept consisting of having characters learn remarkably useless, not to mention redundant, skills, and skills that are the worst in the Draque batch, at that -- is awful, and a huge imperfection in such a promising game.",
"Out of all the skills that the Dragon Quest series had, Square-Enix has axed at least half, with almost none of the remaining skills being any good at all, or even being nonrepetitive (for instance, four of the skills in Dragon Quest VIII have the same effect of \"Majin-Giri\", from Dragon Quest VI and VII).",
"Some skills require one to wield a certain type of weapon, and others require one to not wield any at all (those skills, even when maxed out at the highest level, will not deal much damage at all, so they are completely useless).",
"The concept that was the very cornerstone of the entire Dragon Quest series has finally been pummeled down by Square-Enix, with the interesting skills eliminated and remarkably lame ones thrown in for a similarly lame attempt at variety that only results in redundancy.",
"Unfortunately, this new Skill system is a lot more disorganized than just having skills eliminated from the game.",
"Because Job Classes are gone, characters now take on \"unique\" skills, attaining each new skill with Skill Points that they receive when they level up.",
"Now, by itself this doesn't sound bad at all.",
"However, coupled with the fact that half of the remaining skills are completely useless -- as well as the fact that the rate of skill progression is excruciatingly slow -- the Skill System is horrible.",
"In a nutshell, no matter what one does, one will be stuck using the exact same skills for the entire game, time and time again, because of one single reason: those skills are the only SEMI-useful ones in the entire game.",
"One would think that gameplay would be similarly hindered by this setup -- in which case one would be correct -- but there are a few times that the once-glorious nature of Dragon Quest shines through.",
"Dungeons are cleverly created, with the traditional postgame dungeon actually contributing something to the plot of the game, and the nifty \"Alchemy Jar\" system (a system that allows you to -- in a way -- cook items into new items) is very cool.",
"Dragon Quest Monsters returns in a sort of minigame that allows you to capture monsters and use them to fight in an arena, and a new bonus called the \"Battle Record\" that allows you to finally keep track of all the things that you've ever done on the game.",
"Overall, though, one wonders why, with all the effort Square-Enix put into with the aesthetic and aural value of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, Square-Enix would leave fans out in the cold with the destruction of the Job Class System, as well as the inclusion of only four playable party members.",
"Square-Enix sacrificed substance for shine, and this is a sin that one can never forgive, even for such a revered series as Dragon Quest VIII.",
"As a certain guideline of game developers says, designers should not make their game so different from others of its ilk so that it will become alien to gamers, and ultimately distasteful to fans of its genre.",
"With such a respected series as Dragon Quest VIII, this idea should not only be in designers' minds, but burnt and branded into their heads, as well as flowing in their very bloodstream.",
"It is a shame how Square-Enix failed to realize that gamers have never wished for more than just a good game -- ulterior things like graphics have always come after the gameplay in a role-playing game.",
"Aside from graphics and music, Dragon Quest VIII does not live up to the standard that its own series has set up -- and unfortunately for fans, that fact makes all the difference."
]
|
This is one of my favorites in my collection although I have very rarely listened to it from beginning to end all the way through. That's because for every, truly classic recording, there is a song after it that does nothing for me. I almost always have the skip button ready. The best tracks therein: 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, and 10. Bittersweet Symphony is so magnificently cinematic; Every time I hear it, my cinematographic sensibilities are heightened to the nth degree. As marvelous as the accompanying promo vid clip for this song is, I could add to its majesty with certain visuals I could only frame using a large-format, like IMAX. The other tracks posess such warmth and amazing arrangement. Every time I hear them my hair stands on end. Their production quality is nonpareil and I could listen to them forever. But as I said, the other songs do come off as filler. As an EP, it would get a flawless 5 star rating. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is one of my favorites in my collection although I have very rarely listened to it from beginning to end all the way through.",
"That's because for every, truly classic recording, there is a song after it that does nothing for me.",
"I almost always have the skip button ready.",
"The best tracks therein: 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, and 10.",
"Bittersweet Symphony is so magnificently cinematic; Every time I hear it, my cinematographic sensibilities are heightened to the nth degree.",
"As marvelous as the accompanying promo vid clip for this song is, I could add to its majesty with certain visuals I could only frame using a large-format, like IMAX.",
"The other tracks posess such warmth and amazing arrangement.",
"Every time I hear them my hair stands on end.",
"Their production quality is nonpareil and I could listen to them forever.",
"But as I said, the other songs do come off as filler.",
"As an EP, it would get a flawless 5 star rating."
]
|
12V 20W bulbs with a G6.35 base are difficult to find in our area so I ordered these from CorsLighting. I received Plusrite tungsten halogen lamps...not the CBConcept brand. Wattage & voltage are stamped on the bulb, unfortunately, the base size, G6.35, isn't...so family members might not remember which base to purchase when a bulb needs replaced.
Each bulb was packaged in a tiny bubble wrap pouch inside its own tiny box. None were broken even though they were were shipped in a padded envelope. The two rectangular metal pieces inside the bulb are not parallel to each other, some lean in or are angled...I don't know if this will affect the bulb's performance.
We installed these in landscape tulip lights.
When installing these bulbs, avoid touching the actual glass capsule portion of the bulb. Your hands will leave oil on the glass, which heats up when the bulb is turned on. This heating causes the glass to become fragile and to break, thus ruining the bulb.
3 stars because I did not receive the brand advertised.
I will update my review if necessary. | 1 | neutral | [
"12V 20W bulbs with a G6.",
"35 base are difficult to find in our area so I ordered these from CorsLighting.",
"I received Plusrite tungsten halogen lamps...",
"not the CBConcept brand.",
"Wattage & voltage are stamped on the bulb, unfortunately, the base size, G6.",
"35, isn't...",
"so family members might not remember which base to purchase when a bulb needs replaced.",
"Each bulb was packaged in a tiny bubble wrap pouch inside its own tiny box.",
"None were broken even though they were were shipped in a padded envelope.",
"The two rectangular metal pieces inside the bulb are not parallel to each other, some lean in or are angled...",
"I don't know if this will affect the bulb's performance.",
"We installed these in landscape tulip lights.",
"When installing these bulbs, avoid touching the actual glass capsule portion of the bulb.",
"Your hands will leave oil on the glass, which heats up when the bulb is turned on.",
"This heating causes the glass to become fragile and to break, thus ruining the bulb.",
"3 stars because I did not receive the brand advertised.",
"I will update my review if necessary."
]
|
The writing is good with few errors and realizing it was a non-American setting I found the reading easy and pleasant enough. That said, it's too bad this book was not all I hoped for.
The two main characters, both have "significant other", a spouse and a girlfriend, who are killed. In both cases, the partners are painted so unflatteringly, their deaths were a blessing to Anita and SeaBee. Sorry, the failings were so over the top it left me feeling both were saps for staying with them to begin with.
The mystery was interesting in concept and some of the Internet chatroom banter was brisk and realistic. Again, characters like Rambo, showed up to be so heavy handed that it left me suspending believeability and anxious for them to move on.
There are some logic flaws that jump out and make Anita and SeaBee situation less believeable. One minute they are crying destitute, the next they run back and forth visiting between England and France...hmmm. Yet, in both cases, they give up substancial assets to conniving sisters of the deceased with barely a whimper.
Sorry, no one is coming in my house and cleaning it out after a few threats if I were in such financial straights.
All in all, if the book had not been free I would have felt cheated. Sorry. | 1 | neutral | [
"The writing is good with few errors and realizing it was a non-American setting I found the reading easy and pleasant enough.",
"That said, it's too bad this book was not all I hoped for.",
"The two main characters, both have \"significant other\", a spouse and a girlfriend, who are killed.",
"In both cases, the partners are painted so unflatteringly, their deaths were a blessing to Anita and SeaBee.",
"Sorry, the failings were so over the top it left me feeling both were saps for staying with them to begin with.",
"The mystery was interesting in concept and some of the Internet chatroom banter was brisk and realistic.",
"Again, characters like Rambo, showed up to be so heavy handed that it left me suspending believeability and anxious for them to move on.",
"There are some logic flaws that jump out and make Anita and SeaBee situation less believeable.",
"One minute they are crying destitute, the next they run back and forth visiting between England and France...",
"hmmm.",
"Yet, in both cases, they give up substancial assets to conniving sisters of the deceased with barely a whimper.",
"Sorry, no one is coming in my house and cleaning it out after a few threats if I were in such financial straights.",
"All in all, if the book had not been free I would have felt cheated.",
"Sorry."
]
|
I was a big fan of the Ghost Recon games many years ago. This game is at best a slight evolution, really several years behind the curve. The graphics are decent, with bushes and leaves to try to conceal onself in. But there are no open fields or large hills and long distances or other nice terrain features that GR1 had. The maps here are ok, but there could be more.
The single player mission is passable; but the AI has near perfect aim. Not at all like what terrorists in Mexico would likely have in a real battle with US SF troops.
In multiplayer mode, most servers prohibit grenade launchers, which makes sense; but the soldier is only allowed one grenade. Worse, there is nothing else really in terms of tools or arms except the rifle, a worthless backup gun (except if you are a sniper you need your handgun sometimes), and a smoke grenade. There is otherwise nothing modern about this game - in fact it is more like WW1 with automatic rifles. No mines, sensors, overhead intelligence, communication.... you can type messages, but no automatic messages like in BF (by pressing the function keys, to say need reinforcement, enemy sighted, etc.). No indirect fire either. There is voice communication - if you pay (as far as I could figure out).
This is a fun game, in part because it is a much more deliberate and paced than the BF games and other FPS. Only a few bullets kill, and there is no health to get. But other than some nicer graphics and a few effects, like cars blowing up if hit by grenades, there really is nothing new about this game compared to GR1 from 1999 or whatever.
It's worth five or ten dollars, but not much more. | 1 | neutral | [
"I was a big fan of the Ghost Recon games many years ago.",
"This game is at best a slight evolution, really several years behind the curve.",
"The graphics are decent, with bushes and leaves to try to conceal onself in.",
"But there are no open fields or large hills and long distances or other nice terrain features that GR1 had.",
"The maps here are ok, but there could be more.",
"The single player mission is passable; but the AI has near perfect aim.",
"Not at all like what terrorists in Mexico would likely have in a real battle with US SF troops.",
"In multiplayer mode, most servers prohibit grenade launchers, which makes sense; but the soldier is only allowed one grenade.",
"Worse, there is nothing else really in terms of tools or arms except the rifle, a worthless backup gun (except if you are a sniper you need your handgun sometimes), and a smoke grenade.",
"There is otherwise nothing modern about this game - in fact it is more like WW1 with automatic rifles.",
"No mines, sensors, overhead intelligence, communication....",
"you can type messages, but no automatic messages like in BF (by pressing the function keys, to say need reinforcement, enemy sighted, etc.",
").",
"No indirect fire either.",
"There is voice communication - if you pay (as far as I could figure out).",
"This is a fun game, in part because it is a much more deliberate and paced than the BF games and other FPS.",
"Only a few bullets kill, and there is no health to get.",
"But other than some nicer graphics and a few effects, like cars blowing up if hit by grenades, there really is nothing new about this game compared to GR1 from 1999 or whatever.",
"It's worth five or ten dollars, but not much more."
]
|
"The film set the precedent for future works like Natural Born Killers and Kalifornia. The film inspired a wave of indie film fans and people to appreciate the enigmatic work of Terrence Malick. The film notoriously was rated PG despite having very controversial situations and graphic violence which it should have been rated R back in 1973.
Badlands, Malick's feature debut, is one of allsorts as it manages to be an existential drama (especially considering the xylophone/glockenspiel soundtrack at parts), a gritty action-thriller, a romance, and a take on both the James Dean school of attitude and Charles Starkweather's vicious killings. Martin Sheen (as Kitt) gives a particularly good performance here but it is Sissy Spacek as Sheen's companion character (Holly) in the film that is more intriguing because she offers the audience a perspective of what just occurred, her emotions, and the complexities of being a teenager aching for a little spice in her life. Unfortunately, things turn for the worst when she starts seeing her boyfriend being trigger-happy.
The story comes across as a bit simple but the element of two outlaws is reminiscent pretty much of the crime-gangster genre and Badlands is pretty much reflective of that. The ending scenes which involve (SPOILER ALERT) Kitt on the run from the law (SPOILER ALERT) are alarming, scene-stealing, and surprisingly funny in a dark way. In addition, a scene where Kitt confesses (SPOILER ALERT) the murder of Holly's father (SPOILER ALERT) on a voice-recording phonograph is just amazing and it almost made me want to buy one of those at an auction Aside from that, the film remains more of a testament to independent film (being done on a budget at the time for about $300,000) and a piece of Americana in its darkest turn than a particularly enjoyable or involving film for me personally.
I can understand why this film was included in so many books but if I were to watch a James Dean kicking about and raising hell, I would rather watch Rebel Without a Cause. In addition, the film's PG rating (without nagging like a parent) is very problematic (at least in Britain it is 18 certificate but now it has a 15 cert.). It's not even remotely PG-13 too." | 1 | neutral | [
"\"The film set the precedent for future works like Natural Born Killers and Kalifornia.",
"The film inspired a wave of indie film fans and people to appreciate the enigmatic work of Terrence Malick.",
"The film notoriously was rated PG despite having very controversial situations and graphic violence which it should have been rated R back in 1973.",
"Badlands, Malick's feature debut, is one of allsorts as it manages to be an existential drama (especially considering the xylophone/glockenspiel soundtrack at parts), a gritty action-thriller, a romance, and a take on both the James Dean school of attitude and Charles Starkweather's vicious killings.",
"Martin Sheen (as Kitt) gives a particularly good performance here but it is Sissy Spacek as Sheen's companion character (Holly) in the film that is more intriguing because she offers the audience a perspective of what just occurred, her emotions, and the complexities of being a teenager aching for a little spice in her life.",
"Unfortunately, things turn for the worst when she starts seeing her boyfriend being trigger-happy.",
"The story comes across as a bit simple but the element of two outlaws is reminiscent pretty much of the crime-gangster genre and Badlands is pretty much reflective of that.",
"The ending scenes which involve (SPOILER ALERT) Kitt on the run from the law (SPOILER ALERT) are alarming, scene-stealing, and surprisingly funny in a dark way.",
"In addition, a scene where Kitt confesses (SPOILER ALERT) the murder of Holly's father (SPOILER ALERT) on a voice-recording phonograph is just amazing and it almost made me want to buy one of those at an auction Aside from that, the film remains more of a testament to independent film (being done on a budget at the time for about $300,000) and a piece of Americana in its darkest turn than a particularly enjoyable or involving film for me personally.",
"I can understand why this film was included in so many books but if I were to watch a James Dean kicking about and raising hell, I would rather watch Rebel Without a Cause.",
"In addition, the film's PG rating (without nagging like a parent) is very problematic (at least in Britain it is 18 certificate but now it has a 15 cert.",
").",
"It's not even remotely PG-13 too.",
"\""
]
|
Trump and senators talk immigration after government shutdown deal
President Donald Trump started fresh immigration talks with senators on Monday as bipartisan lawmakers struck a deal to end the U.S. government shutdown that hinged largely on their ability to reach an immigration compromise.
The Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals which shielded certain immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children and allowed them to work will start to phase out on March 5. Trump announced his decision to end the program in September.
Earlier this month Trump told bipartisan lawmakers to strike an immigration deal that he would subsequently sign. Two days later Sens. Lindsey Graham R-S.C. and Dick Durbin D-Ill. presented him a deal they brokered but he rejected it.
On Friday Schumer attempted to negotiate an immigration deal with Trump to no avail. Kelly called the New York Democrat to tell him his terms were too liberal for the GOP.
Schumer later said he put funding for Trump 's proposed border wall on the table. It was previously a dealbreaker for many Democrats but they have warmed to the proposal as the prospects of an immigration deal became dimmer.
The Republican attendees of Trump 's lunch meeting are notable. Cotton has publicly ripped the terms of the Durbin-Graham deal.
Both Cotton and Perdue Trump allies in the Senate also stood up for the president after Durbin said he called African nations "s---hole" countries during one of the immigration meetings earlier this month. Graham on the other hand did not dispute Durbin's account.
The South Carolina Republican spoke up when Trump made the comments according to Durbin.
Graham has in recent days torn into White House officials for what he calls Trump 's shifting stance on immigration terms. | 1 | neutral | [
"Trump and senators talk immigration after government shutdown deal\nPresident Donald Trump started fresh immigration talks with senators on Monday as bipartisan lawmakers struck a deal to end the U.",
"S. government shutdown that hinged largely on their ability to reach an immigration compromise.",
"The Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals which shielded certain immigrants brought to the U.",
"S. illegally as children and allowed them to work will start to phase out on March 5.",
"Trump announced his decision to end the program in September.",
"Earlier this month Trump told bipartisan lawmakers to strike an immigration deal that he would subsequently sign.",
"Two days later Sens.",
"Lindsey Graham R-S.",
"C. and Dick Durbin D-Ill.",
"presented him a deal they brokered but he rejected it.",
"On Friday Schumer attempted to negotiate an immigration deal with Trump to no avail.",
"Kelly called the New York Democrat to tell him his terms were too liberal for the GOP.",
"Schumer later said he put funding for Trump 's proposed border wall on the table.",
"It was previously a dealbreaker for many Democrats but they have warmed to the proposal as the prospects of an immigration deal became dimmer.",
"The Republican attendees of Trump 's lunch meeting are notable.",
"Cotton has publicly ripped the terms of the Durbin-Graham deal.",
"Both Cotton and Perdue Trump allies in the Senate also stood up for the president after Durbin said he called African nations \"s---hole\" countries during one of the immigration meetings earlier this month.",
"Graham on the other hand did not dispute Durbin's account.",
"The South Carolina Republican spoke up when Trump made the comments according to Durbin.",
"Graham has in recent days torn into White House officials for what he calls Trump 's shifting stance on immigration terms."
]
|
Schiff lays out Republican efforts to block access in Russia probe
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) said that committee Republicans had blocked Democrats’ efforts to subpoena Deutsche Bank for financial records related to President Trump’s family on the suspicion that Russians “may have laundered money through Trump properties.” Democrats also were stymied in their effort to subpoena executives at Twitter Schiff said to secure the direct messages that members of Trump’s inner circle exchanged with representatives of WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange who Democrats believe acted as Russian intermediaries during the 2016 presidential campaign.
“If there’s credible information that Ivanka Trump had contact with any participants in that meeting at the time of that meeting . . . I think it would be valuable to have her come and testify before the committee ” Schiff said.
He added that he believes the committee should invite former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon to testify saying “it’s my expectation that he will be doing so.”
Schiff said Thursday that the committee has interviewed 56 witnesses — half the number of people that have appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee Schiff said meaning there are “dozens” of witnesses they have yet to bring in.
A spokesman for Nunes declined to comment.
Schiff also said that he would hold Ryan responsible if the House probe “is prematurely curtailed for political reasons.”
Ryan responded in a statement: “While Mr. Schiff tries to distract from the serious bipartisan review that’s been underway for nearly a year we will stay focused on following the facts and working to safeguard the upcoming election.” | 1 | neutral | [
"Schiff lays out Republican efforts to block access in Russia probe\nRep.",
"Adam B.",
"Schiff (D-Calif.",
") said that committee Republicans had blocked Democrats’ efforts to subpoena Deutsche Bank for financial records related to President Trump’s family on the suspicion that Russians “may have laundered money through Trump properties.",
"” Democrats also were stymied in their effort to subpoena executives at Twitter Schiff said to secure the direct messages that members of Trump’s inner circle exchanged with representatives of WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange who Democrats believe acted as Russian intermediaries during the 2016 presidential campaign.",
"“If there’s credible information that Ivanka Trump had contact with any participants in that meeting at the time of that meeting.",
".",
".",
"I think it would be valuable to have her come and testify before the committee ” Schiff said.",
"He added that he believes the committee should invite former White House chief strategist Stephen K.",
"Bannon to testify saying “it’s my expectation that he will be doing so.",
"”\n Schiff said Thursday that the committee has interviewed 56 witnesses — half the number of people that have appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee Schiff said meaning there are “dozens” of witnesses they have yet to bring in.",
"A spokesman for Nunes declined to comment.",
"Schiff also said that he would hold Ryan responsible if the House probe “is prematurely curtailed for political reasons.",
"”\nRyan responded in a statement: “While Mr.",
"Schiff tries to distract from the serious bipartisan review that’s been underway for nearly a year we will stay focused on following the facts and working to safeguard the upcoming election.",
"”"
]
|
It's just Ok. Not a real production cart. It's much smaller than expected, kinda what I was hoping for- for easy access through elevators with light kit/cable boxes. But it's just a little too rickety for the price. There is no lateral stability when set up in 'shelf' mode -without modification.
If you have the shelf on the top or even the 2nd from top level, it rocks side to side by about 3".
In hand truck mode, it doesn't have much support on the toe, feeling awkward putting much weight on it. And where do you grip in hand-truck mode? nowhere! As a flat cart, it's ok. But so is a $5 furniture dolly.
The shelves? not worth it. I'd make my own next time. (bought as a kit with the 2 shelves). Still need some sort of additional X-bracing if you want to really use them with confidence.
This maybe ok for carting a couple of boxes to the storage unit, but not really for something serious. | 1 | neutral | [
"It's just Ok.",
"Not a real production cart.",
"It's much smaller than expected, kinda what I was hoping for- for easy access through elevators with light kit/cable boxes.",
"But it's just a little too rickety for the price.",
"There is no lateral stability when set up in 'shelf' mode -without modification.",
"If you have the shelf on the top or even the 2nd from top level, it rocks side to side by about 3\".",
"In hand truck mode, it doesn't have much support on the toe, feeling awkward putting much weight on it.",
"And where do you grip in hand-truck mode?",
"nowhere!",
"As a flat cart, it's ok.",
"But so is a $5 furniture dolly.",
"The shelves?",
"not worth it.",
"I'd make my own next time.",
"(bought as a kit with the 2 shelves).",
"Still need some sort of additional X-bracing if you want to really use them with confidence.",
"This maybe ok for carting a couple of boxes to the storage unit, but not really for something serious."
]
|
This beef stroganoff mix is not bad--just bland, not a particularly tasty use of a pound of ground beef and a container of fresh mushrooms. I thought it was worth trying because it's cheap and it's available in my local grocery stores. The stroganoff mix I'm comparing it to, Annie's Homegrown Organic, is less convenient for me; I have to order in bulk from Amazon or stock up when out of town. And the Annie's mix is a bit more than twice as expensive. Whether a box meal is organic isn't important to me, so I'm not taking that into account. But considering flavor vs. convenience and cost, I think that the Annie's mix is the better value. Of course, taste is a personal thing--this is just my view. Here is the link for the Annie's mix: <a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Annie-s-Homegrown-Organic-Beef-Stroganoff-Skillet-Meal-6-5-Ounce-Boxes-Pack-of-6/dp/B000Y2CI9U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Annie's Homegrown Organic Beef Stroganoff Skillet Meal, 6.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)</a> | 1 | neutral | [
"This beef stroganoff mix is not bad--just bland, not a particularly tasty use of a pound of ground beef and a container of fresh mushrooms.",
"I thought it was worth trying because it's cheap and it's available in my local grocery stores.",
"The stroganoff mix I'm comparing it to, Annie's Homegrown Organic, is less convenient for me; I have to order in bulk from Amazon or stock up when out of town.",
"And the Annie's mix is a bit more than twice as expensive.",
"Whether a box meal is organic isn't important to me, so I'm not taking that into account.",
"But considering flavor vs.",
"convenience and cost, I think that the Annie's mix is the better value.",
"Of course, taste is a personal thing--this is just my view.",
"Here is the link for the Annie's mix: <a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Annie-s-Homegrown-Organic-Beef-Stroganoff-Skillet-Meal-6-5-Ounce-Boxes-Pack-of-6/dp/B000Y2CI9U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Annie's Homegrown Organic Beef Stroganoff Skillet Meal, 6.",
"5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)</a>"
]
|
Wag The Dog is a brilliant political satire that is more relevant today than ever before. The film is based aroudn the precept of a president who is up for reelection and suddenly hit by (would ya believe it) a sex scandal in the oval office. In an effort to draw public attention away from the sex scandal it is decided to "fake" a war with Albania. Take into account this movie was made BEFORE the monica lewinsky drama - in fact it was released just a few weeks before the whole clinton sex scandal broke. Prophetic?
The movie actually had nothing to do with clinton. it was based on a book, which argued that the gulf war never really happened and was filmed and produced by hollywood producers hired by the first Bush administration to boost an otherwise failing presidency. However Wag The Dog doesnt focus on any specific president, but more on the concept of a precidency faking a war and manipulating public perception.
The issues brought up by Wag The Dog invite a welcome debate in america. It Criticizes the heavy use of spin doctors in political campagnes and how the president in our times is a "product" that we are "sold". It raises questions as to where the limits of this power to decieve the public could end and prompts one to contemplate the relationships between the public, the media, and the goverment. The fact is the media now-a-days cares more about ratings than truth and feels more like entertainment than information. The impact of sound bytes and headlines and those pictures and stories that capture the public mind on our democracy cannot be underestimated.
The problem? The problem is that while Wag The Dog is a great topic of discussion for after you watch it, and is VERY politically relevant... it just isn't a very good movie. It's not very funny for a comedy, and is many times disengaging and unbelievable in thier specific story-line. Robert Dinero and the rest of the cast deliver good performances but to a fairly bland script. This movie definatley looks a lot better on paper than on screen.
The bottom line is that Wag The Dog makes an excellent movie to watch in a classroom to instigate a thoughtful debate about politics and the media. Wag The Dog is probably a movie every american should force themselves to sit through at least once and then really think about. And Wag The Dog is a movie that trancends hollywood to an extent that the term "wag the dog" is a commonly known term now in politics and in the media (IE 'you think the president is pulling a wag the dog?). It is and SHOULD REMAIN a heavily discussed film. However, all in all, the movie in and of itself offers little to the audience and is not likely to be enjoyed or remembered by many by anything EXCEPT it's underlying theme. | 1 | neutral | [
"Wag The Dog is a brilliant political satire that is more relevant today than ever before.",
"The film is based aroudn the precept of a president who is up for reelection and suddenly hit by (would ya believe it) a sex scandal in the oval office.",
"In an effort to draw public attention away from the sex scandal it is decided to \"fake\" a war with Albania.",
"Take into account this movie was made BEFORE the monica lewinsky drama - in fact it was released just a few weeks before the whole clinton sex scandal broke.",
"Prophetic?",
"The movie actually had nothing to do with clinton.",
"it was based on a book, which argued that the gulf war never really happened and was filmed and produced by hollywood producers hired by the first Bush administration to boost an otherwise failing presidency.",
"However Wag The Dog doesnt focus on any specific president, but more on the concept of a precidency faking a war and manipulating public perception.",
"The issues brought up by Wag The Dog invite a welcome debate in america.",
"It Criticizes the heavy use of spin doctors in political campagnes and how the president in our times is a \"product\" that we are \"sold\".",
"It raises questions as to where the limits of this power to decieve the public could end and prompts one to contemplate the relationships between the public, the media, and the goverment.",
"The fact is the media now-a-days cares more about ratings than truth and feels more like entertainment than information.",
"The impact of sound bytes and headlines and those pictures and stories that capture the public mind on our democracy cannot be underestimated.",
"The problem?",
"The problem is that while Wag The Dog is a great topic of discussion for after you watch it, and is VERY politically relevant...",
"it just isn't a very good movie.",
"It's not very funny for a comedy, and is many times disengaging and unbelievable in thier specific story-line.",
"Robert Dinero and the rest of the cast deliver good performances but to a fairly bland script.",
"This movie definatley looks a lot better on paper than on screen.",
"The bottom line is that Wag The Dog makes an excellent movie to watch in a classroom to instigate a thoughtful debate about politics and the media.",
"Wag The Dog is probably a movie every american should force themselves to sit through at least once and then really think about.",
"And Wag The Dog is a movie that trancends hollywood to an extent that the term \"wag the dog\" is a commonly known term now in politics and in the media (IE 'you think the president is pulling a wag the dog?",
").",
"It is and SHOULD REMAIN a heavily discussed film.",
"However, all in all, the movie in and of itself offers little to the audience and is not likely to be enjoyed or remembered by many by anything EXCEPT it's underlying theme."
]
|
Are you unsure about which recording to buy? Please, let my track-by-track analysis assist you in making the right decision for you.
1. Overture: TIE. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the two overtures, at least none that I can tell. They're both fine recordings.
2. Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats: LONDON. Unquestionably, the London recording is the better of the two. The Broadway recording is weak and not as precise as the London recording.
3. The Naming of Cats: TIE. This track is completely spoken. If, other than accents, there is any noticeable difference between the two recordings, it has eluded me.
4. The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball: LONDON. Both casts are fine during the chorus efforts. However, the London Munkstrap sounds much more keen in his solos, as opposed to the Broadway Munkstrap who just sounds indifferent.
5. The Old Gumbie Cat: LONDON. This is no contest. The London version contains lines that were deleted from the Broadway version. To me, the Broadway recording always seems incomplete.
6. The Rum Tug Tugger: LONDON. The London Tugger is much more subdued. While it is understood that this is supposed to be a fun piece, and the Broadway Tugger is certainly fun, his constant squealing and weird timing are something I still haven't gotten used to.
7. Grizabella: LONDON. I don't know how else to say this. The Broadway version is puny. The London version isn't.
8. Bustopher Jones: BROADWAY. While the British recording is fine, and probably more technically precise, I find the voice of the Broadway Bustopher to be absolutely charming.
9. Mungojerrie and Rumpletezer: LONDON. The London and Broadway recordings of this track differ immensely. I prefer the London version, which is sung by the characters Mungojerrie and Rumpletezer, themselves, as opposed to the Broadway version, which is sung solely by the character Munkstrap. Also, the London recording just has this sly aura about it that the Broadway recording, in its differing style, fails to capture.
10. Old Deuteronomy: BROADWAY. I can't explain it; the Broadway version is just more emotionally uplifting and magical.
11. The Jellicle Ball: TIE
12. Grizabella, the Glamour Cat: TIE. This piece is really too short to gage either way.
13. Memory: LONDON. What we've all been waiting for. While there's nothing wrong with the Broadway version of this track. `Memory' is never sung more dutifully and emotionally charged then when sung by Elaine Paige. At least that's what my chorus instructor thinks.
14. The Moments of Happiness: BROADWAY. Truthfully, I don't care for either of the recordings very much. However, I've always felt that Ken Page, Broadway's Deuteronomy, had the better singing voice.
15. Gus: the Theater Cat: LONDON. I feel very passionately about this one. The London version of `Gus' is very humble, and for that I shall reward it. However, the Broadway version borders on disrespectful, given the subject matter, and that I cannot forgive.
16. Growltigers Last Stand: NO COMMENT
17. Skimbleshanks: the Railway Cat: LONDON. London is better for tons of reasons: more solos, better sounding Skimbleshanks, and jazzier opening chords. The Broadway versions habit of having the company sing all the verses together grows tiring very quickly.
18. Macavity: the Mystery Cat: TIE. One version can't be better than the other; they're both too dull.
19. Mr. Mistoffoleese: LONDON. I think the chorus of this song is best sung by the company, as in London, rather than by an individual, as in the Broadway recording.
20. Journey to the Heavyside Layer: TIE. There's no noticeable difference.
21. The Ad-Dressing of Cats: BROADWAY. It's all about Ken Page as Old Deuteronomy.
Personally, I found the London recording more satisfying as a whole. I hope you will, too. | 1 | neutral | [
"Are you unsure about which recording to buy?",
"Please, let my track-by-track analysis assist you in making the right decision for you.",
"1.",
"Overture: TIE.",
"There isn't a whole lot of difference between the two overtures, at least none that I can tell.",
"They're both fine recordings.",
"2.",
"Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats: LONDON.",
"Unquestionably, the London recording is the better of the two.",
"The Broadway recording is weak and not as precise as the London recording.",
"3.",
"The Naming of Cats: TIE.",
"This track is completely spoken.",
"If, other than accents, there is any noticeable difference between the two recordings, it has eluded me.",
"4.",
"The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball: LONDON.",
"Both casts are fine during the chorus efforts.",
"However, the London Munkstrap sounds much more keen in his solos, as opposed to the Broadway Munkstrap who just sounds indifferent.",
"5.",
"The Old Gumbie Cat: LONDON.",
"This is no contest.",
"The London version contains lines that were deleted from the Broadway version.",
"To me, the Broadway recording always seems incomplete.",
"6.",
"The Rum Tug Tugger: LONDON.",
"The London Tugger is much more subdued.",
"While it is understood that this is supposed to be a fun piece, and the Broadway Tugger is certainly fun, his constant squealing and weird timing are something I still haven't gotten used to.",
"7.",
"Grizabella: LONDON.",
"I don't know how else to say this.",
"The Broadway version is puny.",
"The London version isn't.",
"8.",
"Bustopher Jones: BROADWAY.",
"While the British recording is fine, and probably more technically precise, I find the voice of the Broadway Bustopher to be absolutely charming.",
"9.",
"Mungojerrie and Rumpletezer: LONDON.",
"The London and Broadway recordings of this track differ immensely.",
"I prefer the London version, which is sung by the characters Mungojerrie and Rumpletezer, themselves, as opposed to the Broadway version, which is sung solely by the character Munkstrap.",
"Also, the London recording just has this sly aura about it that the Broadway recording, in its differing style, fails to capture.",
"10.",
"Old Deuteronomy: BROADWAY.",
"I can't explain it; the Broadway version is just more emotionally uplifting and magical.",
"11.",
"The Jellicle Ball: TIE\n12.",
"Grizabella, the Glamour Cat: TIE.",
"This piece is really too short to gage either way.",
"13.",
"Memory: LONDON.",
"What we've all been waiting for.",
"While there's nothing wrong with the Broadway version of this track.",
"`Memory' is never sung more dutifully and emotionally charged then when sung by Elaine Paige.",
"At least that's what my chorus instructor thinks.",
"14.",
"The Moments of Happiness: BROADWAY.",
"Truthfully, I don't care for either of the recordings very much.",
"However, I've always felt that Ken Page, Broadway's Deuteronomy, had the better singing voice.",
"15.",
"Gus: the Theater Cat: LONDON.",
"I feel very passionately about this one.",
"The London version of `Gus' is very humble, and for that I shall reward it.",
"However, the Broadway version borders on disrespectful, given the subject matter, and that I cannot forgive.",
"16.",
"Growltigers Last Stand: NO COMMENT\n17.",
"Skimbleshanks: the Railway Cat: LONDON.",
"London is better for tons of reasons: more solos, better sounding Skimbleshanks, and jazzier opening chords.",
"The Broadway versions habit of having the company sing all the verses together grows tiring very quickly.",
"18.",
"Macavity: the Mystery Cat: TIE.",
"One version can't be better than the other; they're both too dull.",
"19.",
"Mr.",
"Mistoffoleese: LONDON.",
"I think the chorus of this song is best sung by the company, as in London, rather than by an individual, as in the Broadway recording.",
"20.",
"Journey to the Heavyside Layer: TIE.",
"There's no noticeable difference.",
"21.",
"The Ad-Dressing of Cats: BROADWAY.",
"It's all about Ken Page as Old Deuteronomy.",
"Personally, I found the London recording more satisfying as a whole.",
"I hope you will, too."
]
|
For a few years I have been with verizon .My last phone was the Motorola e815 .Recently I retired and didn't need all the mins I got on the $39 plan(with taxes came to $44) pro: I bought the razr v3 on ebay and transfered over to T-Mobile prepaid.the phone works just great and through my Parrot 3200ls handsfree sounds just great.
con:When I went to program speed dialing .Boy was I disappointed .First it would only allow 20 voice tags .Then I had to record each individual tag for voice recognition My e815 allowed me to use unlimited voicetags and I didn't have to record my voice on each number,anyones voice would work using any name in my phone book .The Razr is supposed to be an improvement ,which it's not .The Motorola e815 was the best phone I ever owned ,and now Motorola screwed it up .Whats the point of using bluetooth handsfree dialing when you have to scroll down to a name to dial,taking your hands off the wheel .Wake up Motorola ,Thats stupid . | 1 | neutral | [
"For a few years I have been with verizon.",
"My last phone was the Motorola e815.",
"Recently I retired and didn't need all the mins I got on the $39 plan(with taxes came to $44) pro: I bought the razr v3 on ebay and transfered over to T-Mobile prepaid.",
"the phone works just great and through my Parrot 3200ls handsfree sounds just great.",
"con:When I went to program speed dialing.",
"Boy was I disappointed.",
"First it would only allow 20 voice tags.",
"Then I had to record each individual tag for voice recognition My e815 allowed me to use unlimited voicetags and I didn't have to record my voice on each number,anyones voice would work using any name in my phone book.",
"The Razr is supposed to be an improvement ,which it's not.",
"The Motorola e815 was the best phone I ever owned ,and now Motorola screwed it up.",
"Whats the point of using bluetooth handsfree dialing when you have to scroll down to a name to dial,taking your hands off the wheel.",
"Wake up Motorola ,Thats stupid."
]
|
This mill is quite nice for detail work on small items. I bought it to mill some small off the shelf parts that always need to be modified for our use. It handles these mild steel parts without complaint and is more than accurate enough for our needs. I would have given this product 5 stars, except that it is shipped in a very low quality wooden crate and the electrical box on the mill is made from a brittle plastic. When I received the mill the box was heavily damaged in shipping and the electrical box was destroyed, with most of the wiring pulled out. I contacted Amazon and they sent out a replacement. The replacement arrived a couple days later, with no damage to the sides of the crate, but the mill was loose inside of it. When I pulled the top off of the crate I discovered that the electrical box was again damaged, but not as badly as the first time, and the wiring was ok. I contacted Amazon again and this time was given the option of returning the mill for a refund, or accepting the damage and receiving a partial refund. I chose the partial refund.
The manufacturer could easily prevent this damage by using a metal or higher quality plastic electrical box, or providing some padding inside of the crate to protect the electrical box from damage. I'm sure either one would be far less expensive than all the warrantee returns I'm sure they are seeing now. | 1 | neutral | [
"This mill is quite nice for detail work on small items.",
"I bought it to mill some small off the shelf parts that always need to be modified for our use.",
"It handles these mild steel parts without complaint and is more than accurate enough for our needs.",
"I would have given this product 5 stars, except that it is shipped in a very low quality wooden crate and the electrical box on the mill is made from a brittle plastic.",
"When I received the mill the box was heavily damaged in shipping and the electrical box was destroyed, with most of the wiring pulled out.",
"I contacted Amazon and they sent out a replacement.",
"The replacement arrived a couple days later, with no damage to the sides of the crate, but the mill was loose inside of it.",
"When I pulled the top off of the crate I discovered that the electrical box was again damaged, but not as badly as the first time, and the wiring was ok.",
"I contacted Amazon again and this time was given the option of returning the mill for a refund, or accepting the damage and receiving a partial refund.",
"I chose the partial refund.",
"The manufacturer could easily prevent this damage by using a metal or higher quality plastic electrical box, or providing some padding inside of the crate to protect the electrical box from damage.",
"I'm sure either one would be far less expensive than all the warrantee returns I'm sure they are seeing now."
]
|
Kenya says 'swearing
NAIROBI Kenya ( AP ) — Kenya ' s attorney general warned Thursday that the opposition ' s move to " inaugurate " its leader Raila Odinga next week to protest the recent presidential election would amount to treason . Attorney General Githu Muigai ' s comments came a day after the United States urged Odinga ' s supporters to call off the mock " swearing - in " on Dec . 12 the country ' s independence day . The opposition objects to President Uhuru Kenyatta ' s re - election after months of political turmoil that included a nullified August election and a repeat vote in October saying that electoral reforms have not been made . The attorney general warned that institutions created by Odinga ' s group such as " the People ' s Assembly " are unconstitutional and illegal and " may be visited by the full force of the law ." FILE - In this Tuesday Oct . 31 2017 file photo Kenya ' s opposition leader Raila Odinga leaves after making a statement to the media in Nairobi Kenya . Kenya ' s attorney general warned Thursday Dec . 7 2017 that the opposition ' s move to " inaugurate " its leader Raila Odinga next week to protest the recent presidential election would amount to treason . ( AP Photo / Ben Curtis File ) Odinga on Thursday rejected the U . S . advice to cancel next week ' s event saying he doesn ' t recognize the legitimacy of Kenyatta as president . Odinga also repeated his accusations against Kenya security forces saying dozens of people have been killed in the months of election unrest and " nobody is talking about it . Yet they have the audacity to come and advise us to forget and move on ." The opposition leader spoke outside a morgue in the capital Nairobi while accompanying families collecting bodies of alleged victims . FILE - In this Wednesday Oct . 18 2017 file photo Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga left dances after arriving at a rally attended by thousands of supporters in the Shauri Moyo area of Nairobi Kenya . Kenya ' s attorney general warned Thursday Dec . 7 2017 that the opposition ' s move to " inaugurate " its leader Raila Odinga next week to protest the recent presidential election would amount to treason . ( AP Photo / Ben Curtis File ) The U . S . Embassy statement on Wednesday called Odinga ' s planned inauguration " extra - constitutional ." It came as the top U . S . official for African affairs Donald Yamamoto visited the East African economic hub and met with government officials and opposition leaders . Odinga ' s National Super Alliance has said it will proceed with the event . Odinga successfully challenged Kenyatta ' s August re - election but then boycotted the new vote in October demanding electoral reforms . Kenyatta won with over 98 percent of the votes and was inaugurated last week . | 1 | neutral | [
"Kenya says 'swearing\nNAIROBI Kenya ( AP ) — Kenya ' s attorney general warned Thursday that the opposition ' s move to \" inaugurate \" its leader Raila Odinga next week to protest the recent presidential election would amount to treason.",
"Attorney General Githu Muigai ' s comments came a day after the United States urged Odinga ' s supporters to call off the mock \" swearing - in \" on Dec.",
"12 the country ' s independence day.",
"The opposition objects to President Uhuru Kenyatta ' s re - election after months of political turmoil that included a nullified August election and a repeat vote in October saying that electoral reforms have not been made.",
"The attorney general warned that institutions created by Odinga ' s group such as \" the People ' s Assembly \" are unconstitutional and illegal and \" may be visited by the full force of the law.",
"\" FILE - In this Tuesday Oct.",
"31 2017 file photo Kenya ' s opposition leader Raila Odinga leaves after making a statement to the media in Nairobi Kenya.",
"Kenya ' s attorney general warned Thursday Dec.",
"7 2017 that the opposition ' s move to \" inaugurate \" its leader Raila Odinga next week to protest the recent presidential election would amount to treason.",
"( AP Photo / Ben Curtis File ) Odinga on Thursday rejected the U.",
"S.",
"advice to cancel next week ' s event saying he doesn ' t recognize the legitimacy of Kenyatta as president.",
"Odinga also repeated his accusations against Kenya security forces saying dozens of people have been killed in the months of election unrest and \" nobody is talking about it.",
"Yet they have the audacity to come and advise us to forget and move on.",
"\" The opposition leader spoke outside a morgue in the capital Nairobi while accompanying families collecting bodies of alleged victims.",
"FILE - In this Wednesday Oct.",
"18 2017 file photo Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga left dances after arriving at a rally attended by thousands of supporters in the Shauri Moyo area of Nairobi Kenya.",
"Kenya ' s attorney general warned Thursday Dec.",
"7 2017 that the opposition ' s move to \" inaugurate \" its leader Raila Odinga next week to protest the recent presidential election would amount to treason.",
"( AP Photo / Ben Curtis File ) The U.",
"S.",
"Embassy statement on Wednesday called Odinga ' s planned inauguration \" extra - constitutional.",
"\" It came as the top U.",
"S.",
"official for African affairs Donald Yamamoto visited the East African economic hub and met with government officials and opposition leaders.",
"Odinga ' s National Super Alliance has said it will proceed with the event.",
"Odinga successfully challenged Kenyatta ' s August re - election but then boycotted the new vote in October demanding electoral reforms.",
"Kenyatta won with over 98 percent of the votes and was inaugurated last week."
]
|
It is really annoying and you should be aware that the CORRECT data/charging cable to use is different than generic micro USB. Most people are unaware it is supposed to use a genuine HTC DC-T500 extMicro USB cable for proper fitment and to prevent damage to the data/charging port. From personal experience on this subject, (having bought a brand new Incredible in a sealed Verizon branded box that contained a generic micro USB cable) I can tell you that a standard generic micro USB will fit (sort of) and will probably charge, but even according to HTC, will over time will make the socket loose causing the cable to keep falling out or may damage the port. Depending on where and how you buy, the DC-T500 cable may or may not be included. I find it "incredible" (in a bad way) that HTC decided to do this on this phone and some others such as the Amaze 4G (which I bought used and has the same issue) and Jetstream tablet devices. It is very strange as this cable only fits a few of their products and does not fit standard micro USB ports. The good news is that the DC-T500 cable fits tightly and perfectly, is (as of this writing) available for purchase, in white or black, here at Amazon (search: DC-T500). You should do research for information about this issue, ask questions about the cable before ordering an Incredible, and decide for yourself if it's worth bothering with. If you can get past this issue, it's an affordable decent 3G phone overall. It's just not amazing, sensational, astonishing (?) nor is it, well, incredible. | 1 | neutral | [
"It is really annoying and you should be aware that the CORRECT data/charging cable to use is different than generic micro USB.",
"Most people are unaware it is supposed to use a genuine HTC DC-T500 extMicro USB cable for proper fitment and to prevent damage to the data/charging port.",
"From personal experience on this subject, (having bought a brand new Incredible in a sealed Verizon branded box that contained a generic micro USB cable) I can tell you that a standard generic micro USB will fit (sort of) and will probably charge, but even according to HTC, will over time will make the socket loose causing the cable to keep falling out or may damage the port.",
"Depending on where and how you buy, the DC-T500 cable may or may not be included.",
"I find it \"incredible\" (in a bad way) that HTC decided to do this on this phone and some others such as the Amaze 4G (which I bought used and has the same issue) and Jetstream tablet devices.",
"It is very strange as this cable only fits a few of their products and does not fit standard micro USB ports.",
"The good news is that the DC-T500 cable fits tightly and perfectly, is (as of this writing) available for purchase, in white or black, here at Amazon (search: DC-T500).",
"You should do research for information about this issue, ask questions about the cable before ordering an Incredible, and decide for yourself if it's worth bothering with.",
"If you can get past this issue, it's an affordable decent 3G phone overall.",
"It's just not amazing, sensational, astonishing (?",
") nor is it, well, incredible."
]
|
This is a cool enough little toy if you will. Still, it isn't really useful outside of being a novelty item IMO. Yes, you can play with the stylus, but not so well that you are likely to be enamored of it for long. I don't find the pitch bend to be useful at all. The three different tones are a nice feature and the thing does get surprisingly loud when cranked all the way up. It also definitely looks very cool. Ultimately, this one has ended up being more of a toy for my daughter than any sort of practical or even necessarily fun instrument for me. I will pick it up here and there when I am bored though, so I defintiely have gotten my moneys worth out of t, and for the low price, it's almost worth it simply for the novelty of the instrument.
I did however find one practical use for it I suppose. It can be used as essentially the same thing as a tuning fork if you are so inclined, and if it is in tune. However, in the age of >$15 digital tuners, this is really just a feature of note that you probably won't use. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a cool enough little toy if you will.",
"Still, it isn't really useful outside of being a novelty item IMO.",
"Yes, you can play with the stylus, but not so well that you are likely to be enamored of it for long.",
"I don't find the pitch bend to be useful at all.",
"The three different tones are a nice feature and the thing does get surprisingly loud when cranked all the way up.",
"It also definitely looks very cool.",
"Ultimately, this one has ended up being more of a toy for my daughter than any sort of practical or even necessarily fun instrument for me.",
"I will pick it up here and there when I am bored though, so I defintiely have gotten my moneys worth out of t, and for the low price, it's almost worth it simply for the novelty of the instrument.",
"I did however find one practical use for it I suppose.",
"It can be used as essentially the same thing as a tuning fork if you are so inclined, and if it is in tune.",
"However, in the age of >$15 digital tuners, this is really just a feature of note that you probably won't use."
]
|
I have reviewed almost every other swing out sister album, as they are one of my favorite bands, so i decided to review this one too. This one is probably one of my least favorites of all the swing out sister tracks, just because there are a lack of too many great songs on the album. While I enjoyed the irresistable laid-back groove of "Better Make it Better", or "Ordinary People", i found there were also some fillers on the album, like "Mama didn't raise no fool", or "La La (means i love you"). its also a little bland. its just not the typical swing out sister we are used to. Their next album, Shapes and Patterns, is a little more jazz influenced, and sounds a little more urban. Get in touch with yourself gets in touch with the 70's, while Kaliedescope world is just great in itself. This album is essential if you are a big fan, or have a more easy listening taste. But if you are looking for their more upbeat stuff, stay away and get their previous two albums. hope i helped, and check out the other swing out sister reviews i have. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have reviewed almost every other swing out sister album, as they are one of my favorite bands, so i decided to review this one too.",
"This one is probably one of my least favorites of all the swing out sister tracks, just because there are a lack of too many great songs on the album.",
"While I enjoyed the irresistable laid-back groove of \"Better Make it Better\", or \"Ordinary People\", i found there were also some fillers on the album, like \"Mama didn't raise no fool\", or \"La La (means i love you\").",
"its also a little bland.",
"its just not the typical swing out sister we are used to.",
"Their next album, Shapes and Patterns, is a little more jazz influenced, and sounds a little more urban.",
"Get in touch with yourself gets in touch with the 70's, while Kaliedescope world is just great in itself.",
"This album is essential if you are a big fan, or have a more easy listening taste.",
"But if you are looking for their more upbeat stuff, stay away and get their previous two albums.",
"hope i helped, and check out the other swing out sister reviews i have."
]
|
first off, the "thrones and patriots" expansion pack has noticeably better graphics.
anyway, i had enough of this game even before finishing scenarios... it just doesn't live up to age of empires. here's why. first of all, things simply move too fast. you research ages at lightning-fast speed, to where you don't even know what you're doing. you're clicking on build military units not even knowing what exactly they are, just so you can put up a fair fight. basically you're doing a bunch of things really fast that you don't appreciate because the game moves too fast. in age of empires 2, probably the best RTS game ever, you had to take your time and make sure not to run out of resources. here, it's all about EXPANSION. you have to keep expanding and expanding and expanding at lightning pace.. instead of having one city and working on it, you're supposed to create as many cities as possible!!! the idea is almost laughable. it takes so much trouble to build one city with the appropriate buildings etc., and here you're supposed to build multiple cities as fast as possible. hmm... not exactly like history, at all. not that realism is always a good thing in gaming, but it would be nice to have a sense of time and feel like your discoveries and accomplishments actually mean something, instead of just clicking "research civics," "research military" over and over.
that said, there are amazing things about rise of nations. the combat is a dream because you create and control military units as a unit... in other words you don't control just one soldier, you click and it selects all 3 archers you just created. the one thing i LOVE about rise of nations is that you can drag a box around ONLY military characters without selecting your citizens, too. obviously you don't want to send them into battle. this will surely become the standard control for RTS games from here on out.
citizens are easy to manage because they go to work at an appropriate place as soon as they're created. farms aren't a hassle like in AOE, because they're an unlimited food supply and don't go bad. with so many great things going for RON, it's a shame they didn't SIMPLIFY IT to be easier and more addictive like AOE. you have all these issues with tributes and truces and blah blah blah. oh yeah, and figure them all out while your battles are raging instead of getting to pause first. i really WANT to like this game, a lot... but it makes my head spin playing it. | 1 | neutral | [
"first off, the \"thrones and patriots\" expansion pack has noticeably better graphics.",
"anyway, i had enough of this game even before finishing scenarios...",
"it just doesn't live up to age of empires.",
"here's why.",
"first of all, things simply move too fast.",
"you research ages at lightning-fast speed, to where you don't even know what you're doing.",
"you're clicking on build military units not even knowing what exactly they are, just so you can put up a fair fight.",
"basically you're doing a bunch of things really fast that you don't appreciate because the game moves too fast.",
"in age of empires 2, probably the best RTS game ever, you had to take your time and make sure not to run out of resources.",
"here, it's all about EXPANSION.",
"you have to keep expanding and expanding and expanding at lightning pace..",
"instead of having one city and working on it, you're supposed to create as many cities as possible!!!",
"the idea is almost laughable.",
"it takes so much trouble to build one city with the appropriate buildings etc.",
", and here you're supposed to build multiple cities as fast as possible.",
"hmm...",
"not exactly like history, at all.",
"not that realism is always a good thing in gaming, but it would be nice to have a sense of time and feel like your discoveries and accomplishments actually mean something, instead of just clicking \"research civics,\" \"research military\" over and over.",
"that said, there are amazing things about rise of nations.",
"the combat is a dream because you create and control military units as a unit...",
"in other words you don't control just one soldier, you click and it selects all 3 archers you just created.",
"the one thing i LOVE about rise of nations is that you can drag a box around ONLY military characters without selecting your citizens, too.",
"obviously you don't want to send them into battle.",
"this will surely become the standard control for RTS games from here on out.",
"citizens are easy to manage because they go to work at an appropriate place as soon as they're created.",
"farms aren't a hassle like in AOE, because they're an unlimited food supply and don't go bad.",
"with so many great things going for RON, it's a shame they didn't SIMPLIFY IT to be easier and more addictive like AOE.",
"you have all these issues with tributes and truces and blah blah blah.",
"oh yeah, and figure them all out while your battles are raging instead of getting to pause first.",
"i really WANT to like this game, a lot...",
"but it makes my head spin playing it."
]
|
Do you like Grace?
Do you like Pressure?
Do you like Under Inflated?
Hmmmmmmmmm p/g.
What to make of this?
When it was first released I refused to buy it. Why? Because it was BIG GIRLS PANTS. Rush were trying to be a Poplitereggaefilthsynthpop band, and that was just a PANTS thing to be. Two Stars. And that was for not being able to play it.
Late on though, because there was a gap in my Rush collection, I relented. I bought it. I played it. Wow. Away from its time it wasn't that bad an album maybe pushing four stars.
But then I live with it some more and well, it's not that good is it? Very samey. Highlight Kid Gloves 50-1 bar.
Avoid. Or Buy.
Oh what sort of loser buys stuff on the basis of Amazon Customer reviews anyway. They're all attention seeking losers wanting to impose their worthless views on others. AVOID. | 1 | neutral | [
"Do you like Grace?",
"Do you like Pressure?",
"Do you like Under Inflated?",
"Hmmmmmmmmm p/g.",
"What to make of this?",
"When it was first released I refused to buy it.",
"Why?",
"Because it was BIG GIRLS PANTS.",
"Rush were trying to be a Poplitereggaefilthsynthpop band, and that was just a PANTS thing to be.",
"Two Stars.",
"And that was for not being able to play it.",
"Late on though, because there was a gap in my Rush collection, I relented.",
"I bought it.",
"I played it.",
"Wow.",
"Away from its time it wasn't that bad an album maybe pushing four stars.",
"But then I live with it some more and well, it's not that good is it?",
"Very samey.",
"Highlight Kid Gloves 50-1 bar.",
"Avoid.",
"Or Buy.",
"Oh what sort of loser buys stuff on the basis of Amazon Customer reviews anyway.",
"They're all attention seeking losers wanting to impose their worthless views on others.",
"AVOID."
]
|
The Ultima Collection include what could possibly be the best RPG games of all time. UC includes all of the Ultima titles from Akalabeth (the game the Ultima series was based on) to Ultima VIII.
In order to run these games, you literally have to be a computer expert. You have to run these games from the DOS prompt. Before you get to play any of these games, you have to fix a lot of settings which an average computer user would have no idea how to set them up, or even what they mean (I'm still trying to find out what an "IRQ" is.) Also, many of the new computers do not have a PC Speaker, which all of the games require to play any sound effects and music.
By the way, do not expect Ultima I: Exodus to look anything like its NES counterpart. In Ultima I through IV, graphics are very poorly defined; everything consists of plain colored squares.
If you can actually manage to setup and execute the programs smoothly, then have at this game. Otherwise, I would recommend playing the NES and SNES Ultima titles. | 1 | neutral | [
"The Ultima Collection include what could possibly be the best RPG games of all time.",
"UC includes all of the Ultima titles from Akalabeth (the game the Ultima series was based on) to Ultima VIII.",
"In order to run these games, you literally have to be a computer expert.",
"You have to run these games from the DOS prompt.",
"Before you get to play any of these games, you have to fix a lot of settings which an average computer user would have no idea how to set them up, or even what they mean (I'm still trying to find out what an \"IRQ\" is.",
") Also, many of the new computers do not have a PC Speaker, which all of the games require to play any sound effects and music.",
"By the way, do not expect Ultima I: Exodus to look anything like its NES counterpart.",
"In Ultima I through IV, graphics are very poorly defined; everything consists of plain colored squares.",
"If you can actually manage to setup and execute the programs smoothly, then have at this game.",
"Otherwise, I would recommend playing the NES and SNES Ultima titles."
]
|
Feist is an author that manages to write readable books simply though sheer pleasantness. This characters in this series are striat out of a seventh heven episode. They take everything so seriously, and with such innocence. While this is not the formula for great literature (I find the number of five star ratings puzzling), it has a certian appeal. The world is well drawn out, especally for people who have read some of his earlier series (I haven't).
This story focuses around two... from a small town named Erik and Roo. They commit a crime and are forced to flee from their homes, which eventully leads them to become soldiers, set to fight a new threat to the world.
As I was alluding to before, how cute. These two characters will run around, fight many battles and meet a lot of people all of the while never quite losing their charming innocence. This series is not in the same league as Jordan, Hobb, or Martin, but that doesn't stop it from being fun. | 1 | neutral | [
"Feist is an author that manages to write readable books simply though sheer pleasantness.",
"This characters in this series are striat out of a seventh heven episode.",
"They take everything so seriously, and with such innocence.",
"While this is not the formula for great literature (I find the number of five star ratings puzzling), it has a certian appeal.",
"The world is well drawn out, especally for people who have read some of his earlier series (I haven't).",
"This story focuses around two...",
"from a small town named Erik and Roo.",
"They commit a crime and are forced to flee from their homes, which eventully leads them to become soldiers, set to fight a new threat to the world.",
"As I was alluding to before, how cute.",
"These two characters will run around, fight many battles and meet a lot of people all of the while never quite losing their charming innocence.",
"This series is not in the same league as Jordan, Hobb, or Martin, but that doesn't stop it from being fun."
]
|
I've avoided Kaspersky products at all costs after I tried it use the product for my desktop security needs. Coming from Norton and McCafee, Kaspersky sent my personal computer into chaos.
When i saw this product for Android through the Vine Program, I decided to try it. My flip-phone husband upgraded to a smart phone, not the best of ideas. I needed some type of protection on his phone because he does a lot that we techie geeks know you shouldn't do.
I installed it on my Samsung Galaxy and his Motorola Max. When I installed it on my smart phone, it corrupted my SD card, and eventually wiped it clean. I cannot 100% say that it was the installation of the software that actually did it. The jury is still out on that one. For now, I'll assume it has something to do with it and give this rating a 3.
Because our phones are Android, you have the option in your phone's settings to only accept installing apps that come from the Play store or unknown sources. Make sure unknown sources is unchecked for the sake of this download. Once you download, make sure you go back in to your security setting and uncheck it.
The software ran a scan and gave me suggestions on apps that might present a security risk and asks if you'd like it to delete those apps. So far, its going pretty good on both phones. I'll apply a new update if anything changes. | 1 | neutral | [
"I've avoided Kaspersky products at all costs after I tried it use the product for my desktop security needs.",
"Coming from Norton and McCafee, Kaspersky sent my personal computer into chaos.",
"When i saw this product for Android through the Vine Program, I decided to try it.",
"My flip-phone husband upgraded to a smart phone, not the best of ideas.",
"I needed some type of protection on his phone because he does a lot that we techie geeks know you shouldn't do.",
"I installed it on my Samsung Galaxy and his Motorola Max.",
"When I installed it on my smart phone, it corrupted my SD card, and eventually wiped it clean.",
"I cannot 100% say that it was the installation of the software that actually did it.",
"The jury is still out on that one.",
"For now, I'll assume it has something to do with it and give this rating a 3.",
"Because our phones are Android, you have the option in your phone's settings to only accept installing apps that come from the Play store or unknown sources.",
"Make sure unknown sources is unchecked for the sake of this download.",
"Once you download, make sure you go back in to your security setting and uncheck it.",
"The software ran a scan and gave me suggestions on apps that might present a security risk and asks if you'd like it to delete those apps.",
"So far, its going pretty good on both phones.",
"I'll apply a new update if anything changes."
]
|
My first impression of the Crabtree & Evelyn Relaxing Body Lotion is that it had a strange but good smell - I wasn't expecting it. After a minute or two, I did actually find it relaxing, but maybe too strong at first. After it drys the smell is quite soothing. The lotion itself isn't too greasy but didn't moisturize my legs quite as much as I had hoped, especially for the $28 price tag. It's winter, so I've got major dry skin. After a little while, I have to either suck it up or apply more. The presentation of the lotion, bottle and label, is great. Pump works well, and hasn't had any clumping/difficulty at all and I've been using this on my legs for weeks. I'm not too happy with the ingredients (lots of parabens) in the lotion, so probably won't be purchasing this when this bottle empties. Really can't get over how soothing the smell is though! | 1 | neutral | [
"My first impression of the Crabtree & Evelyn Relaxing Body Lotion is that it had a strange but good smell - I wasn't expecting it.",
"After a minute or two, I did actually find it relaxing, but maybe too strong at first.",
"After it drys the smell is quite soothing.",
"The lotion itself isn't too greasy but didn't moisturize my legs quite as much as I had hoped, especially for the $28 price tag.",
"It's winter, so I've got major dry skin.",
"After a little while, I have to either suck it up or apply more.",
"The presentation of the lotion, bottle and label, is great.",
"Pump works well, and hasn't had any clumping/difficulty at all and I've been using this on my legs for weeks.",
"I'm not too happy with the ingredients (lots of parabens) in the lotion, so probably won't be purchasing this when this bottle empties.",
"Really can't get over how soothing the smell is though!"
]
|
'The Bachelor': Becca Kufrin says shocking finale 'was like a slap in the face'
Weeks after proposing to Becca Kufrin Arie revealed that he missed Lauren Burnham the show's runner-up. His feelings led to the two calling off their engagement and Luyendyk looking to rekindle his romance with Burnham.
Kufrin then came on last night's after-show and revealed what it was like to be dumped in that way saying she "cried for probably four days straight."
She 's now opening up to People magazine about the heartbreak calling the split on national TV "a slap in the face."
"At the end of the day I donât think he thought through everything of how ending things with Lauren would be how being engaged to me would be and what breaking up with me and going back to her would be " she told the magazine. "I donât think he thought it through but I donât think he did it maliciously to break my heart."
Still while she doesn't have any ill will towards Arie she said "I never thought for a million years that once the going started to get tough that he would throw in the towel and jump ship and say 'Oh sorry I changed my mind.'"
She also didn't think the cameras needed to be involved in their breakup.
"There was a better and more tactful way to do it " she said. "A breakup is hard enough and to have it all filmed and have to re-watch it and know that people all across the country are watching you get your heart broken it is embarrassing ... It was like a slap in the face."
She continued "I wish he hadnât proposed. At that point I loved him and I wanted to be with him. Even if on that last day he said 'Iâm still uncertain this is a big move I donât want to get down on one knee unless Iâm 1 000 percent sure but I still want to be with you ' I would have been fine with that."
All in all she said she has no hard feelings for Burnham either and if the two work out she wants them to be happy.
"At the end of the day I do forgive him " she added.
"I think all of our hearts are breaking for Becca and you know Becca said it best she had to mourn the loss of this relationship " he added. | 1 | neutral | [
"'The Bachelor': Becca Kufrin says shocking finale 'was like a slap in the face'\nWeeks after proposing to Becca Kufrin Arie revealed that he missed Lauren Burnham the show's runner-up.",
"His feelings led to the two calling off their engagement and Luyendyk looking to rekindle his romance with Burnham.",
"Kufrin then came on last night's after-show and revealed what it was like to be dumped in that way saying she \"cried for probably four days straight.",
"\"\n She 's now opening up to People magazine about the heartbreak calling the split on national TV \"a slap in the face.",
"\"\n\"At the end of the day I donât think he thought through everything of how ending things with Lauren would be how being engaged to me would be and what breaking up with me and going back to her would be \" she told the magazine.",
"\"I donât think he thought it through but I donât think he did it maliciously to break my heart.",
"\"\nStill while she doesn't have any ill will towards Arie she said \"I never thought for a million years that once the going started to get tough that he would throw in the towel and jump ship and say 'Oh sorry I changed my mind.",
"'\"\n She also didn't think the cameras needed to be involved in their breakup.",
"\"There was a better and more tactful way to do it \" she said.",
"\"A breakup is hard enough and to have it all filmed and have to re-watch it and know that people all across the country are watching you get your heart broken it is embarrassing...",
"It was like a slap in the face.",
"\"\n She continued \"I wish he hadnât proposed.",
"At that point I loved him and I wanted to be with him.",
"Even if on that last day he said 'Iâm still uncertain this is a big move I donât want to get down on one knee unless Iâm 1 000 percent sure but I still want to be with you ' I would have been fine with that.",
"\"\nAll in all she said she has no hard feelings for Burnham either and if the two work out she wants them to be happy.",
"\"At the end of the day I do forgive him \" she added.",
"\"I think all of our hearts are breaking for Becca and you know Becca said it best she had to mourn the loss of this relationship \" he added."
]
|
Forget other clamps-
These clamps should be considered the INDUSTRY STANDARD.
Fits just about every truss & light stand out there.
Light weight limit however, does NOT scratch the finish off
of the pole.
UPDATE: Sometimes the camp has a tendency to slip on the pole after you have tightened the wing nut.
A small piece of gaffers tap applied to the inside grip area of the clamp will prevent this.
Try not to over tighten the clamps large wing nut. Over tightening just stresses out the clamp and cuts a groove in the seating surface. If it wants to slip, apply the gaffers tape (as above).
UPDATE No. 2: As of 4-2016 the price has increased to $10.50 per clamp! Really?? A $3.50 price increase? Are we running out of recycled plastic, or what??
UPDATE No 3: As of 9-16 the price has increased to $12.00+ per clamp! As these continue to rise in price, it may be cheaper to replace the 1" light stands so the 1" adapter is no longer needed. Aluminum clamps are WAY less expensive. Why is this clamp so expensive?? Hmmm.. | 1 | neutral | [
"Forget other clamps-\nThese clamps should be considered the INDUSTRY STANDARD.",
"Fits just about every truss & light stand out there.",
"Light weight limit however, does NOT scratch the finish off\nof the pole.",
"UPDATE: Sometimes the camp has a tendency to slip on the pole after you have tightened the wing nut.",
"A small piece of gaffers tap applied to the inside grip area of the clamp will prevent this.",
"Try not to over tighten the clamps large wing nut.",
"Over tightening just stresses out the clamp and cuts a groove in the seating surface.",
"If it wants to slip, apply the gaffers tape (as above).",
"UPDATE No.",
"2: As of 4-2016 the price has increased to $10.",
"50 per clamp!",
"Really??",
"A $3.",
"50 price increase?",
"Are we running out of recycled plastic, or what??",
"UPDATE No 3: As of 9-16 the price has increased to $12.",
"00+ per clamp!",
"As these continue to rise in price, it may be cheaper to replace the 1\" light stands so the 1\" adapter is no longer needed.",
"Aluminum clamps are WAY less expensive.",
"Why is this clamp so expensive??",
"Hmmm.."
]
|
After a very long wait for Mr. Martin's next novel I found myself forgetting most of what had occurred in the past books. I needed a refresher on the Feast of crows. The HBO series refreshed me for the beginning of his series.
The bottom line: I was very disappointed in Dance with Dragons. I felt like this book was simply a set up for his next novel. After hundreds of pages I found myself bored and longing for some of the action of his earlier works.
Way too much detail: I don't get the extensive details of characters that are not interesting and don't seem to be major players in the plot. I had nothing to hang this information on and the archaic names made it even more burdensome to try.
Masochism: The author seemed to dwell on certain characters getting above and beyond their share of abuse. After a book full of Reek being verbally, physically, emotionally...abused, I grew weary and disinterested. It seemed to me that the author could have conveyed this in fewer , much fewer pages. We get the picture.
Dragon Queen: This is not the same Queen we knew in earlier works. She is stuck in nowhere's ville and out of touch with her dragons. In keeping with the title this book would have been a chance for the author to make the dragons center stage and really bring them to life. Instead we are disconnected from them as they are left to languish in their dark, basement cell.
With more books to come I hope the author delivers. I am not willing to wait 5 years for the next book. I also expect some creative action and set all these characters in motion so that we get what we come to expect and deserve since we have stuck with Mr. Martin through two duds. | 1 | neutral | [
"After a very long wait for Mr.",
"Martin's next novel I found myself forgetting most of what had occurred in the past books.",
"I needed a refresher on the Feast of crows.",
"The HBO series refreshed me for the beginning of his series.",
"The bottom line: I was very disappointed in Dance with Dragons.",
"I felt like this book was simply a set up for his next novel.",
"After hundreds of pages I found myself bored and longing for some of the action of his earlier works.",
"Way too much detail: I don't get the extensive details of characters that are not interesting and don't seem to be major players in the plot.",
"I had nothing to hang this information on and the archaic names made it even more burdensome to try.",
"Masochism: The author seemed to dwell on certain characters getting above and beyond their share of abuse.",
"After a book full of Reek being verbally, physically, emotionally...",
"abused, I grew weary and disinterested.",
"It seemed to me that the author could have conveyed this in fewer , much fewer pages.",
"We get the picture.",
"Dragon Queen: This is not the same Queen we knew in earlier works.",
"She is stuck in nowhere's ville and out of touch with her dragons.",
"In keeping with the title this book would have been a chance for the author to make the dragons center stage and really bring them to life.",
"Instead we are disconnected from them as they are left to languish in their dark, basement cell.",
"With more books to come I hope the author delivers.",
"I am not willing to wait 5 years for the next book.",
"I also expect some creative action and set all these characters in motion so that we get what we come to expect and deserve since we have stuck with Mr.",
"Martin through two duds."
]
|
I was excited to receive this product, since it is in the "luxury beauty" section of Amazon. Well, my experience with this cream has been lackluster. For the price point I was hoping for some real, measurable results. I prefer to wear my workhorse moisturizers at night, since that is the optimal time for these products to work, but this has a spf 30 if you would prefer to wear it during the day instead. The cream is thick, with barely a fragrance, and it soaks into the skin pretty quickly. I also noticed that when worn under makeup, it gave my skin, especially the eye area, a sheen that looked as if I were wearing highlighter. So that was a nice added touch. As for performance, I really didn't notice a difference in my skin during or after wearing this. I was putting this on nearly 40 skin, but maybe it would have more of an effect on mature skin. As far as presentation goes, the container is fancy looking, and it comes with a little black spatula. This product might be better suited to someone 50+. | 1 | neutral | [
"I was excited to receive this product, since it is in the \"luxury beauty\" section of Amazon.",
"Well, my experience with this cream has been lackluster.",
"For the price point I was hoping for some real, measurable results.",
"I prefer to wear my workhorse moisturizers at night, since that is the optimal time for these products to work, but this has a spf 30 if you would prefer to wear it during the day instead.",
"The cream is thick, with barely a fragrance, and it soaks into the skin pretty quickly.",
"I also noticed that when worn under makeup, it gave my skin, especially the eye area, a sheen that looked as if I were wearing highlighter.",
"So that was a nice added touch.",
"As for performance, I really didn't notice a difference in my skin during or after wearing this.",
"I was putting this on nearly 40 skin, but maybe it would have more of an effect on mature skin.",
"As far as presentation goes, the container is fancy looking, and it comes with a little black spatula.",
"This product might be better suited to someone 50+."
]
|
I purchased windows Vista with a new computer only to find out that it didn't work with my office billing software. I then found out that Microsoft only wants to let you downgrade back to Windows XP if you have their business or premium version and buy another Windows XP. I wonder about the legality of voiding prior purchases.
Fortunately Dell let me send my Inspiron with Vista (didn't come any other way) computer back to them and I bought one of their small business systems (a Vostro 400) at a very reasonable price with XP on it in instead.
Vista is a full featured operating system and attractive. I had a little trouble with file handling and organizing as the files folder and file features that were in XP were taken away or changed significantly. Maybe for the better but a manual explaining the changes would have been nice.
On the downside Premium Vista is memory and processor heavy and can slow your system, so it is probably a mistake on older computers. The Home BASIC edition of Vista is fast on a newer powerful computer. Also half of your non-microsoft software will probably not run and you may not have drivers for your monitor and printer (go to their site and see if there are Vista drivers)
I strongly recommend all business owner to wait at least a year before getting Vista, not to load it on anything but a new computer, and if needing a computer, to get XP Pro on a powerful computer that can handle vista later (2 MB Ram, 2.33GHz duo core, 160MB+ Hard Drive) and wait until all compatability issues are resolved and verification that all of your software is compatible with Vista. You can always upgrade to Vista later with and it will likely be well woth the wait. | 1 | neutral | [
"I purchased windows Vista with a new computer only to find out that it didn't work with my office billing software.",
"I then found out that Microsoft only wants to let you downgrade back to Windows XP if you have their business or premium version and buy another Windows XP.",
"I wonder about the legality of voiding prior purchases.",
"Fortunately Dell let me send my Inspiron with Vista (didn't come any other way) computer back to them and I bought one of their small business systems (a Vostro 400) at a very reasonable price with XP on it in instead.",
"Vista is a full featured operating system and attractive.",
"I had a little trouble with file handling and organizing as the files folder and file features that were in XP were taken away or changed significantly.",
"Maybe for the better but a manual explaining the changes would have been nice.",
"On the downside Premium Vista is memory and processor heavy and can slow your system, so it is probably a mistake on older computers.",
"The Home BASIC edition of Vista is fast on a newer powerful computer.",
"Also half of your non-microsoft software will probably not run and you may not have drivers for your monitor and printer (go to their site and see if there are Vista drivers)\n\nI strongly recommend all business owner to wait at least a year before getting Vista, not to load it on anything but a new computer, and if needing a computer, to get XP Pro on a powerful computer that can handle vista later (2 MB Ram, 2.",
"33GHz duo core, 160MB+ Hard Drive) and wait until all compatability issues are resolved and verification that all of your software is compatible with Vista.",
"You can always upgrade to Vista later with and it will likely be well woth the wait."
]
|
My take on The Aristocrats (the joke itself, that is) is that it isn't really a joke at all, but an exercise for comedians to shed all of their inhibitions about good taste, PC and vulgarity. As such, it is probably useful --a clean comedian is usually a dull one. Once someone is able to tell this "joke," which is all about being as offensive as possible, it must be easy for them to tone it down a little and be merely vulgar to your average adult audience. It is stressed throughout this documentary that no one tells the Aristocrats to an audience; it is mainly told to other comedians. The stated reason is that it is too offensive, but I don't think this is exactly true. Many of the comedians featured in this film, such as George Carlin, are not exactly inhibited in their language and subject matter. The fact is, the joke is not really all that funny. Hearing it over and over, in countless versions, I chuckled once or twice at some especially bizarre scenarios, but there is no real punch line or twist that a real joke has. Of course, many of the comedians say this themselves, that it isn't really a joke. This, to me, makes the film a little hard to sit through for 90 minutes, and I have to confess I didn't watch the whole thing. I suppose it's interesting as a look at an aspect of the comic subculture, but for me it was simply too repetitive. Once you get the basic formula of the "joke," there is really nothing new after the first ten or fifteen minutes of the film. No doubt, dedicated fans of stand-up comedy and aspiring comics will enjoy this more than the merely casual fan. | 1 | neutral | [
"My take on The Aristocrats (the joke itself, that is) is that it isn't really a joke at all, but an exercise for comedians to shed all of their inhibitions about good taste, PC and vulgarity.",
"As such, it is probably useful --a clean comedian is usually a dull one.",
"Once someone is able to tell this \"joke,\" which is all about being as offensive as possible, it must be easy for them to tone it down a little and be merely vulgar to your average adult audience.",
"It is stressed throughout this documentary that no one tells the Aristocrats to an audience; it is mainly told to other comedians.",
"The stated reason is that it is too offensive, but I don't think this is exactly true.",
"Many of the comedians featured in this film, such as George Carlin, are not exactly inhibited in their language and subject matter.",
"The fact is, the joke is not really all that funny.",
"Hearing it over and over, in countless versions, I chuckled once or twice at some especially bizarre scenarios, but there is no real punch line or twist that a real joke has.",
"Of course, many of the comedians say this themselves, that it isn't really a joke.",
"This, to me, makes the film a little hard to sit through for 90 minutes, and I have to confess I didn't watch the whole thing.",
"I suppose it's interesting as a look at an aspect of the comic subculture, but for me it was simply too repetitive.",
"Once you get the basic formula of the \"joke,\" there is really nothing new after the first ten or fifteen minutes of the film.",
"No doubt, dedicated fans of stand-up comedy and aspiring comics will enjoy this more than the merely casual fan."
]
|
Two years after the explosively successful 'No Need To Argue', Irish sweethearts The Cranberries released 'To The Faithful Departed' True to its title, the album pays tribute to casualities of war, dead singers, and just about anybody dear to somebody who had departed. This takes up the theme of most of the album: sad, emotional, and bittersweet. 'I Just Shot John Lennon' takes its title straight out of the mouth of the person who said it right after killing former Beatle Lennon, Mark Chapman. This track, like many others, is a dark and haunting song but moves by at a quick pace ending with the sound of gun shots. Yet on the other side, we get 'Hollywood', a Zombie-ish tune, turning Hollywood into a character in a gothic tale. 'Salvation' presents the dangers and ugliness of drug abuse. The highlight on 'To The Faithful Departed' has got to be 'When You're Gone' which is the soundtrack of the album's theme. The song can be related to just about anybody. And when Dolores croons the line '...but i miss you when you're gone...that is what I do...yeah yeah yea', it somehow makes up for most of the missing gaps and dullness of some of the other tracks on the album. Yet out of all the misery the album has to offer, we get one feel-good treat 'Free To Decide', a very good but typical Cranberries tune.
Somehow most of the tracks here are mostly forgotten. Unlike 'No Need To Argue' which is a compilation of memorable tracks, 'To The Faithful Departed' is at best a mediocre offering with outstanding tracks; When You're Gone, Free To Decide, Salvation, songs that shouldn't be missed out on a greatest hits compilation.
Good
C+ | 1 | neutral | [
"Two years after the explosively successful 'No Need To Argue', Irish sweethearts The Cranberries released 'To The Faithful Departed' True to its title, the album pays tribute to casualities of war, dead singers, and just about anybody dear to somebody who had departed.",
"This takes up the theme of most of the album: sad, emotional, and bittersweet.",
"'I Just Shot John Lennon' takes its title straight out of the mouth of the person who said it right after killing former Beatle Lennon, Mark Chapman.",
"This track, like many others, is a dark and haunting song but moves by at a quick pace ending with the sound of gun shots.",
"Yet on the other side, we get 'Hollywood', a Zombie-ish tune, turning Hollywood into a character in a gothic tale.",
"'Salvation' presents the dangers and ugliness of drug abuse.",
"The highlight on 'To The Faithful Departed' has got to be 'When You're Gone' which is the soundtrack of the album's theme.",
"The song can be related to just about anybody.",
"And when Dolores croons the line '...",
"but i miss you when you're gone...",
"that is what I do...",
"yeah yeah yea', it somehow makes up for most of the missing gaps and dullness of some of the other tracks on the album.",
"Yet out of all the misery the album has to offer, we get one feel-good treat 'Free To Decide', a very good but typical Cranberries tune.",
"Somehow most of the tracks here are mostly forgotten.",
"Unlike 'No Need To Argue' which is a compilation of memorable tracks, 'To The Faithful Departed' is at best a mediocre offering with outstanding tracks; When You're Gone, Free To Decide, Salvation, songs that shouldn't be missed out on a greatest hits compilation.",
"Good\nC+"
]
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With respect to the positive aspects, the main one is that the bracket has two hot shoes at its end at such an angle that it can comfortably hold two items, particularly a light and external mic. Also, it is quite adjustable in terms of distance it can be set from angle and angle. The product is also well built. It is made of plastic but very durable and hard plastic so it is very difficult to break. Despite all these attributes why does it only deserve 3 stars instead of 4 or 5? Primarily because the tripod mounting stud is too small!! It barely fits, due to its diminutive size, into the tripod socket. Due to its small size, if you had it in the socket for a prolonged period of time and it was holding any item of more than the smallest of weights, it would probably damage the tripod socket. This is particularly the case if your camera's socket was plastic as opposed to metal. How much would it have cost Sima to have used a slightly larger stud? Another penny or two? What a shame to degrade such a product for that. | 1 | neutral | [
"With respect to the positive aspects, the main one is that the bracket has two hot shoes at its end at such an angle that it can comfortably hold two items, particularly a light and external mic.",
"Also, it is quite adjustable in terms of distance it can be set from angle and angle.",
"The product is also well built.",
"It is made of plastic but very durable and hard plastic so it is very difficult to break.",
"Despite all these attributes why does it only deserve 3 stars instead of 4 or 5?",
"Primarily because the tripod mounting stud is too small!!",
"It barely fits, due to its diminutive size, into the tripod socket.",
"Due to its small size, if you had it in the socket for a prolonged period of time and it was holding any item of more than the smallest of weights, it would probably damage the tripod socket.",
"This is particularly the case if your camera's socket was plastic as opposed to metal.",
"How much would it have cost Sima to have used a slightly larger stud?",
"Another penny or two?",
"What a shame to degrade such a product for that."
]
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My daughters and I read this book aloud together. I LOVE classics- and we've been reading a mix of classics and contemporary literature. We're reading Harry Potter and Pollyanna right now. We just finished another Lemony Snicket book, and we've read several of the Betsy, Tacy and Tibb books and Heidi. This one was just too long-winded and dragging. I know that's how people wrote once upon and time, and that this may be a revered classic. But, while I did like the idea and actions of the magical grandmother, The Princess and the Goblin was very, very slow. And the end of the book wasn't very satisfying. I still don't know if the grandmother has some goblin blood, and there's so much of the goblins history that was hinted at, but not explained. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever have the patience to read the sequel (especially since I don't know what will end up being resolved).
My recommendation is - if you think you might be interested in this one, you should just check it out of the library. | 1 | neutral | [
"My daughters and I read this book aloud together.",
"I LOVE classics- and we've been reading a mix of classics and contemporary literature.",
"We're reading Harry Potter and Pollyanna right now.",
"We just finished another Lemony Snicket book, and we've read several of the Betsy, Tacy and Tibb books and Heidi.",
"This one was just too long-winded and dragging.",
"I know that's how people wrote once upon and time, and that this may be a revered classic.",
"But, while I did like the idea and actions of the magical grandmother, The Princess and the Goblin was very, very slow.",
"And the end of the book wasn't very satisfying.",
"I still don't know if the grandmother has some goblin blood, and there's so much of the goblins history that was hinted at, but not explained.",
"Unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever have the patience to read the sequel (especially since I don't know what will end up being resolved).",
"My recommendation is - if you think you might be interested in this one, you should just check it out of the library."
]
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Whenever I hear of the most popular work by Richard Strauss, this recording comes to my mind. So, I went to check out the hype. When I heard the famed "Space Odyssey" theme the Einlentung, I was blown away. Definetely the best Einlentung out there. The rest of Also Sprach Zarathrustra is less tham impressive later on. Typical of Karajan, this Zarathustra is saturated with strings with little clarity for winds and brass. Quite puzzling, since my last Karajan experience, the Salome recording for EMI, was quite a contrast to this recording. There's more passion in Reiner's 1960 Zarathrustra remake (considered a just decent compared to Reiner's landmark 1954 recording).
I can think of some recordings better than this Zarathrustra. For clarity and bombast, Willaim Steinberg with Boston Symphony Orchestra is a must grab (along with a classic Holst's "The Planets"). It is one of the most fastest Zarathrustra, at 29 minutes, but Steinberg brings out multitude of details I hear compared to most famous Zarathrustra recordings, and you want the lushness of Karajan's Berliner strings? The Bostoners ain't lacking them either, plus the solo violinist is cheekier than Michel Schwalbe. Bohm's recording with the same orchestra is much better, with the his Dance-Song at the most Viennese. Back to this recording, the only decent account here is the Don Juan and Salome's Seven Veils Dance, with humor-less Till Eusphiegel. The Einlentung here is the only redeeming feature if you want to test your boombox. | 1 | neutral | [
"Whenever I hear of the most popular work by Richard Strauss, this recording comes to my mind.",
"So, I went to check out the hype.",
"When I heard the famed \"Space Odyssey\" theme the Einlentung, I was blown away.",
"Definetely the best Einlentung out there.",
"The rest of Also Sprach Zarathrustra is less tham impressive later on.",
"Typical of Karajan, this Zarathustra is saturated with strings with little clarity for winds and brass.",
"Quite puzzling, since my last Karajan experience, the Salome recording for EMI, was quite a contrast to this recording.",
"There's more passion in Reiner's 1960 Zarathrustra remake (considered a just decent compared to Reiner's landmark 1954 recording).",
"I can think of some recordings better than this Zarathrustra.",
"For clarity and bombast, Willaim Steinberg with Boston Symphony Orchestra is a must grab (along with a classic Holst's \"The Planets\").",
"It is one of the most fastest Zarathrustra, at 29 minutes, but Steinberg brings out multitude of details I hear compared to most famous Zarathrustra recordings, and you want the lushness of Karajan's Berliner strings?",
"The Bostoners ain't lacking them either, plus the solo violinist is cheekier than Michel Schwalbe.",
"Bohm's recording with the same orchestra is much better, with the his Dance-Song at the most Viennese.",
"Back to this recording, the only decent account here is the Don Juan and Salome's Seven Veils Dance, with humor-less Till Eusphiegel.",
"The Einlentung here is the only redeeming feature if you want to test your boombox."
]
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"Turok: Evolution" is supposed to be a prequel to the earlier Turok games, and the term 'prequel' seems to imply that there is actually some plot going on behind all that first-person action. However, if that is true, I am hard-pressed to detect much of a story at all. I consistently felt as if I was just being dumped into missions that were little mini-games all by themselves. One chapter of the game hardly segues well with the next, and the narrative is almost completely incoherent. Still, it's hard to bash a first-person shooter for a bad storyline since the genre began by completely forsaking this ingredient (see "Doom" and "Quake" for example), but "Evolution" doesn't deliver the best of the best in gameplay terms either.
You will encounter all kinds of dinosaurs and prehistoric critters in "Evolution," but your primary foe will be the reptillian armies of the Sleg. These guys behave very strangely. Sometimes they take cover and shoot at you from around a corner, and other times they stand in place and hope for the best even as you fire away at them with your weapon of choice. Sometimes they duck and roll out of range and proceed to attack from a different position, and sometimes they walk right over a cliff edge and fall to their deaths. The point here is that sometimes they behave impressively, but generally they just serve to remind you that you're playing a video game because, after all, nobody would be THAT stupid. To make matters worse, these half-dinosaur troops all resemble one another to a fault, and vary only in size. I suppose the texture artists just got lazy and said, "Well, we'll take this enemy model and make it bigger, and the programmers will make him tougher, and then we have a new enemy." So, aside from the occasional dinosaur attack, you will square off against the same guys over and over and over again.
The levels fair somewhat better, but even they are inconsistent in their design. It's as if two completely different developers worked on this game. For instance, one very memorable level puts you in the so-called Halls of Battle, where humanity is making a stand against the bestial armies of the Sleg. The good guys are entrenched behind rubble as the bad guys fire away at them. Then you come in and, well, save the day. It isn't quite as cool as those scripted moments in "Halo," but it's similar in its flavor. However, the majority of levels in the game are completely forgettable and uninspiring.
To top it off, aiming isn't nearly as efficient as it should be in "Evolution." Even with the autoaim turned on, you will often miss your target in the heat of battle, and, needless to say, that's not a good thing. To make matters worse, you will sometimes encounter packs of small dinosaurs or other animals that are just too tiny and agile to get the drop on. If they kill you, you have the added pleasure of starting the entire level from scratch, as "Evolution" makes the often-lamented mistake of preventing you from saving in the middle of a mission. Checkpoints would have helped, but these remain absent as well. Oops.
Worst of all, though, is the game's misguided flight mode. Sometimes you will be called upon to take flight astride a winged, gun-toting dino that can pretty much only go in one direction most of the time. I appreciate the idea - it should add some texture to the game and break the monotony of constantly running and gunning, but, in the end, it's far more frustrating than it is fun. You only have a limited amount of control in these instances, and too much trial and error is involved. Worse, if you fly too high or try to throw aside your chains by heading in an unauthorized direction, you will be forced to swing VIOLENTLY back into place, which will often send you whipping into a wall - which INSTANTLY kills you. This flight mode is the single worst part about "Evolution."
The game isn't a bust, though - particularly if you're a rabid fan of shooters. Every game in this series has offered a fine array of original and compelling weapons, and "Evolution" is no exception. Putting these weapons to work is bloody indeed. The damage modeling is pretty good, and enemies will react to the impact of projectiles depending upon the direction from which they were launched. Unfortunately, all that work seems in vain since dead opponents and all lingering gore fade from sight in a matter of seconds. It's a pity.
Despite a somewhat rickety engine, the designers also went to quite some trouble to bring the outdoor environments to life. Plants sway as you pass through them. Birds fly through the air and nest in the trees. Vicious crocs swim just beneath the surface of the water. The list goes on. It's very immersive stuff. The larger dinosaurs of the game are a treat as well, since they are so well-animated and believable.
Multiplayer "Evolution" is quite fun, though it still suffers from some of the single-player campaign's faults. The list of gameplay options, character models, and multiplayer levels is long indeed, and should provide a healthy dose of replay value. In fact, you could get your money's worth by having at the multiplayer stuff all by itself. It's arguable that it's better than the single-player game.
In the end, "Turok" is a pretty decent fps, but its flaws are glaring, especially on the Xbox console since it has to compete with "Halo." Everything "Evolution" does, "Halo" does better. It's that simple, really. If you love shooters and are all finished with "Halo," then give "Evolution" a chance. But don't let your expectations get too high.
Final Score: C (Or 3 stars) | 1 | neutral | [
"\"Turok: Evolution\" is supposed to be a prequel to the earlier Turok games, and the term 'prequel' seems to imply that there is actually some plot going on behind all that first-person action.",
"However, if that is true, I am hard-pressed to detect much of a story at all.",
"I consistently felt as if I was just being dumped into missions that were little mini-games all by themselves.",
"One chapter of the game hardly segues well with the next, and the narrative is almost completely incoherent.",
"Still, it's hard to bash a first-person shooter for a bad storyline since the genre began by completely forsaking this ingredient (see \"Doom\" and \"Quake\" for example), but \"Evolution\" doesn't deliver the best of the best in gameplay terms either.",
"You will encounter all kinds of dinosaurs and prehistoric critters in \"Evolution,\" but your primary foe will be the reptillian armies of the Sleg.",
"These guys behave very strangely.",
"Sometimes they take cover and shoot at you from around a corner, and other times they stand in place and hope for the best even as you fire away at them with your weapon of choice.",
"Sometimes they duck and roll out of range and proceed to attack from a different position, and sometimes they walk right over a cliff edge and fall to their deaths.",
"The point here is that sometimes they behave impressively, but generally they just serve to remind you that you're playing a video game because, after all, nobody would be THAT stupid.",
"To make matters worse, these half-dinosaur troops all resemble one another to a fault, and vary only in size.",
"I suppose the texture artists just got lazy and said, \"Well, we'll take this enemy model and make it bigger, and the programmers will make him tougher, and then we have a new enemy.",
"\" So, aside from the occasional dinosaur attack, you will square off against the same guys over and over and over again.",
"The levels fair somewhat better, but even they are inconsistent in their design.",
"It's as if two completely different developers worked on this game.",
"For instance, one very memorable level puts you in the so-called Halls of Battle, where humanity is making a stand against the bestial armies of the Sleg.",
"The good guys are entrenched behind rubble as the bad guys fire away at them.",
"Then you come in and, well, save the day.",
"It isn't quite as cool as those scripted moments in \"Halo,\" but it's similar in its flavor.",
"However, the majority of levels in the game are completely forgettable and uninspiring.",
"To top it off, aiming isn't nearly as efficient as it should be in \"Evolution.",
"\" Even with the autoaim turned on, you will often miss your target in the heat of battle, and, needless to say, that's not a good thing.",
"To make matters worse, you will sometimes encounter packs of small dinosaurs or other animals that are just too tiny and agile to get the drop on.",
"If they kill you, you have the added pleasure of starting the entire level from scratch, as \"Evolution\" makes the often-lamented mistake of preventing you from saving in the middle of a mission.",
"Checkpoints would have helped, but these remain absent as well.",
"Oops.",
"Worst of all, though, is the game's misguided flight mode.",
"Sometimes you will be called upon to take flight astride a winged, gun-toting dino that can pretty much only go in one direction most of the time.",
"I appreciate the idea - it should add some texture to the game and break the monotony of constantly running and gunning, but, in the end, it's far more frustrating than it is fun.",
"You only have a limited amount of control in these instances, and too much trial and error is involved.",
"Worse, if you fly too high or try to throw aside your chains by heading in an unauthorized direction, you will be forced to swing VIOLENTLY back into place, which will often send you whipping into a wall - which INSTANTLY kills you.",
"This flight mode is the single worst part about \"Evolution.",
"\"\nThe game isn't a bust, though - particularly if you're a rabid fan of shooters.",
"Every game in this series has offered a fine array of original and compelling weapons, and \"Evolution\" is no exception.",
"Putting these weapons to work is bloody indeed.",
"The damage modeling is pretty good, and enemies will react to the impact of projectiles depending upon the direction from which they were launched.",
"Unfortunately, all that work seems in vain since dead opponents and all lingering gore fade from sight in a matter of seconds.",
"It's a pity.",
"Despite a somewhat rickety engine, the designers also went to quite some trouble to bring the outdoor environments to life.",
"Plants sway as you pass through them.",
"Birds fly through the air and nest in the trees.",
"Vicious crocs swim just beneath the surface of the water.",
"The list goes on.",
"It's very immersive stuff.",
"The larger dinosaurs of the game are a treat as well, since they are so well-animated and believable.",
"Multiplayer \"Evolution\" is quite fun, though it still suffers from some of the single-player campaign's faults.",
"The list of gameplay options, character models, and multiplayer levels is long indeed, and should provide a healthy dose of replay value.",
"In fact, you could get your money's worth by having at the multiplayer stuff all by itself.",
"It's arguable that it's better than the single-player game.",
"In the end, \"Turok\" is a pretty decent fps, but its flaws are glaring, especially on the Xbox console since it has to compete with \"Halo.",
"\" Everything \"Evolution\" does, \"Halo\" does better.",
"It's that simple, really.",
"If you love shooters and are all finished with \"Halo,\" then give \"Evolution\" a chance.",
"But don't let your expectations get too high.",
"Final Score: C (Or 3 stars)"
]
|
It's true that this software is not at all user-friendly. The interface is confusing and the help files are sparse. That being said, once you "master" it, it is well worth having. The maps contain excellent detail. You can use it to create custom routes that you can load onto your GPSr and get turn by turn directions. You can use Netlink to download even more detailed maps for $30/yr. It's probably the best value out there.
I guess what you need to decide is what is more important, map quality or a snazzy user interface. Ideally you should get both, and that is why I have only given this three stars. But if you are looking for high quality maps and software with a lot of functions, it is worth it to figure this software out. | 1 | neutral | [
"It's true that this software is not at all user-friendly.",
"The interface is confusing and the help files are sparse.",
"That being said, once you \"master\" it, it is well worth having.",
"The maps contain excellent detail.",
"You can use it to create custom routes that you can load onto your GPSr and get turn by turn directions.",
"You can use Netlink to download even more detailed maps for $30/yr.",
"It's probably the best value out there.",
"I guess what you need to decide is what is more important, map quality or a snazzy user interface.",
"Ideally you should get both, and that is why I have only given this three stars.",
"But if you are looking for high quality maps and software with a lot of functions, it is worth it to figure this software out."
]
|
Graphics: Arguably the most powerful graphics engine out; gorgeous. Very creative monster designs and special effects. Still, the potential of the engine is marred a bit- they may have mastered the "horrific lowlight industrial" look but almost every level is VERY similar looking. I was also dissapointed by the lack of gibbing and repetitive death animations. -5
Sound/Music: There is no music in the game, only excellent effects and ambient noises. Very immersive.-4
Gameplay: For a remake, it plays very well... reminiscent of the old games, in fact. They don't even upgrade enemy AI much, all their "tricks" for flashy surprise attacks are scripted events, but it's fun and balanced.
There's only one gameplay mechanic new and unique to the game, and it's a double-edged sword. The idea of making most rooms extremely dark, some pitch black, and only letting you carry a flashlight when no weapon is selected gets downright aggrivating. I could hardly enjoy the game until I downloaded a mod to change that; with the brightness setting turned all the way up, the darkness still hurt my eyes! Having enemies slip out of the darkness and surprise you can be fun, but this is like exploring a cave by candlelight. After I downloaded a flashlight mod, though, it was a fun game. -3
Story: It doesn't even try. Personally, bad stories in video games don't bother me as long as they play well, but in this game you'll kill for the sake of survival. If you need more inspiration than that to keep playing, you've only got a few real characters, they're walking stereotypes, and the story is thin, cliched and predictable. -1
Length/Replay Value: Pretty short game, but not terrible. The gameplay, like the most addictive of games, is simple and effective, so replay value would be excellent. Unfortunately, the levels are linear and mostly all look the same, and they use tons of scripted events, so replay is a bit repetitive. I played through the whole game a few times before I got bored, and I'd probably buy an expansion if they make one. -3
Haven't tried multiplayer; I tend to only play online FPS's designed specifically for online play. | 1 | neutral | [
"Graphics: Arguably the most powerful graphics engine out; gorgeous.",
"Very creative monster designs and special effects.",
"Still, the potential of the engine is marred a bit- they may have mastered the \"horrific lowlight industrial\" look but almost every level is VERY similar looking.",
"I was also dissapointed by the lack of gibbing and repetitive death animations.",
"-5\n\nSound/Music: There is no music in the game, only excellent effects and ambient noises.",
"Very immersive.",
"-4\n\nGameplay: For a remake, it plays very well...",
"reminiscent of the old games, in fact.",
"They don't even upgrade enemy AI much, all their \"tricks\" for flashy surprise attacks are scripted events, but it's fun and balanced.",
"There's only one gameplay mechanic new and unique to the game, and it's a double-edged sword.",
"The idea of making most rooms extremely dark, some pitch black, and only letting you carry a flashlight when no weapon is selected gets downright aggrivating.",
"I could hardly enjoy the game until I downloaded a mod to change that; with the brightness setting turned all the way up, the darkness still hurt my eyes!",
"Having enemies slip out of the darkness and surprise you can be fun, but this is like exploring a cave by candlelight.",
"After I downloaded a flashlight mod, though, it was a fun game.",
"-3\n\nStory: It doesn't even try.",
"Personally, bad stories in video games don't bother me as long as they play well, but in this game you'll kill for the sake of survival.",
"If you need more inspiration than that to keep playing, you've only got a few real characters, they're walking stereotypes, and the story is thin, cliched and predictable.",
"-1\n\nLength/Replay Value: Pretty short game, but not terrible.",
"The gameplay, like the most addictive of games, is simple and effective, so replay value would be excellent.",
"Unfortunately, the levels are linear and mostly all look the same, and they use tons of scripted events, so replay is a bit repetitive.",
"I played through the whole game a few times before I got bored, and I'd probably buy an expansion if they make one.",
"-3\n\nHaven't tried multiplayer; I tend to only play online FPS's designed specifically for online play."
]
|
I have never had a water flosser before. I have a couple of places on my gums that get really sore. Since I've been using this nightly, the sore gum problem has cleared. I really like that it is battery operated and I don't have to have it sitting on my counter. However, the placement of the button makes it easy to make a mistake and push the wrong button while in the process of using it. I have gotten water in my hair and on the ceiling and walls of my bathroom. I have learned to manage it by always keeping one finger on the off button at all times and all other fingers away from the other buttons. I also hold it where I cannot touch the other buttons. Never try to change anything unless you are looking at it. Have had it for months and it will still get away from me at times. I would give it 5 stars if not for this. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have never had a water flosser before.",
"I have a couple of places on my gums that get really sore.",
"Since I've been using this nightly, the sore gum problem has cleared.",
"I really like that it is battery operated and I don't have to have it sitting on my counter.",
"However, the placement of the button makes it easy to make a mistake and push the wrong button while in the process of using it.",
"I have gotten water in my hair and on the ceiling and walls of my bathroom.",
"I have learned to manage it by always keeping one finger on the off button at all times and all other fingers away from the other buttons.",
"I also hold it where I cannot touch the other buttons.",
"Never try to change anything unless you are looking at it.",
"Have had it for months and it will still get away from me at times.",
"I would give it 5 stars if not for this."
]
|
There is no question that Miley Cyrus has had a lot trying to improve and escape her way out of child fame after the mammoth success she had with Hannah Montana. It did work nicely at the beginning, but sadly it has had a lot more heartbreaks than imagined at the beginning. Her last record Can't Be Tamed honestly was not the best in her voice, or her spirit either. For her latest record Bangerz, she doesn't actually seem to have the chemistry either voice and song. Her second single from that album Wrecking Ball, tries to show a softer side with her ballads. Instead, she tries too hard to deliver the intimacy in a ballad she could. I found the song to be loss. Hopefully, there can be more than awreck here. She still has a lot of growing up to do.
Song: C- | 1 | neutral | [
"There is no question that Miley Cyrus has had a lot trying to improve and escape her way out of child fame after the mammoth success she had with Hannah Montana.",
"It did work nicely at the beginning, but sadly it has had a lot more heartbreaks than imagined at the beginning.",
"Her last record Can't Be Tamed honestly was not the best in her voice, or her spirit either.",
"For her latest record Bangerz, she doesn't actually seem to have the chemistry either voice and song.",
"Her second single from that album Wrecking Ball, tries to show a softer side with her ballads.",
"Instead, she tries too hard to deliver the intimacy in a ballad she could.",
"I found the song to be loss.",
"Hopefully, there can be more than awreck here.",
"She still has a lot of growing up to do.",
"Song: C-"
]
|
Revision:
I posted a mediocre review for this toaster oven after a short time of using it. There are things you learn the user's manual does not tell you.
Example. Toast sucks in it, unless you move the rack to the middle position. Then it is near perfect. Go figure. Logical, but it took a while to figure it out. :-o
Anyway, this thing gets used for EVERYTHING. We use it to cook in place of our oven whenever what we are cooking fits.
And the fan noise in convection mode I complained about died down after about three months to almost nothing. Quiet now. Go figure. Guess it needed breaking in.
Two complaints.
1. No auto shutoff. Just beeps when the food is done. But it doesn't shut off. I don't like that in a small oven. Don't think it is all that safe.
2. Would be OH SO MUCH EASIER to clean if the door was removable. It isn't.
Old Review:
I have had at least half a dozen toaster ovens. From the cheapest at $20. to this one at $149. Every one made LOUSY TOAST. So, you need a toaster. This one is no exception. Lousy uneven toast.
All the toaster ovens that I had were tough to clean. No exception here. The door gets greasy and cannot be removed. Little bits of food get stuck here and there, and, well, you have an interesting time extracting it.
The convection oven idea is cute. Sounds like a helicopter though. Really, extremely loud fan. Never heard anythign like it. I almost never use it because the noise is unbearable in my apartment.
Now, is it a great small oven. You bet. I think it works dandy and it is bigger than most of the cheaper units so it holds more. I have cooked everythign in this, but as with most toaster ovens its specialty is warming up yesterday's pizza.
The size of this oven, though, can be had at a lower price, around $40-$50. And the thing has no timer shutoff. Has an electronic timer that will beep at you to take the food out, but if you forget to turn it off, this thing will stay on until the cows come home, you discover it is on and shut it off or your house burns to the ground.
One of the best things about cheap toaster ovens is that when they get aggravating enough, too dirty or just plain stop working, chucking them is almost a pleasure. The cost of this one takes away that advantage of the cheap toaster oven with little to offer except size in return.
So, if you want a second mini-oven to bake things and reheat, this is a good oven for that, but there are better. As a convection oven, it makes too much noise, and as a toaster, well, it is abominable. | 1 | neutral | [
"Revision:\n\nI posted a mediocre review for this toaster oven after a short time of using it.",
"There are things you learn the user's manual does not tell you.",
"Example.",
"Toast sucks in it, unless you move the rack to the middle position.",
"Then it is near perfect.",
"Go figure.",
"Logical, but it took a while to figure it out.",
":-o\n\nAnyway, this thing gets used for EVERYTHING.",
"We use it to cook in place of our oven whenever what we are cooking fits.",
"And the fan noise in convection mode I complained about died down after about three months to almost nothing.",
"Quiet now.",
"Go figure.",
"Guess it needed breaking in.",
"Two complaints.",
"1.",
"No auto shutoff.",
"Just beeps when the food is done.",
"But it doesn't shut off.",
"I don't like that in a small oven.",
"Don't think it is all that safe.",
"2.",
"Would be OH SO MUCH EASIER to clean if the door was removable.",
"It isn't.",
"Old Review:\nI have had at least half a dozen toaster ovens.",
"From the cheapest at $20.",
"to this one at $149.",
"Every one made LOUSY TOAST.",
"So, you need a toaster.",
"This one is no exception.",
"Lousy uneven toast.",
"All the toaster ovens that I had were tough to clean.",
"No exception here.",
"The door gets greasy and cannot be removed.",
"Little bits of food get stuck here and there, and, well, you have an interesting time extracting it.",
"The convection oven idea is cute.",
"Sounds like a helicopter though.",
"Really, extremely loud fan.",
"Never heard anythign like it.",
"I almost never use it because the noise is unbearable in my apartment.",
"Now, is it a great small oven.",
"You bet.",
"I think it works dandy and it is bigger than most of the cheaper units so it holds more.",
"I have cooked everythign in this, but as with most toaster ovens its specialty is warming up yesterday's pizza.",
"The size of this oven, though, can be had at a lower price, around $40-$50.",
"And the thing has no timer shutoff.",
"Has an electronic timer that will beep at you to take the food out, but if you forget to turn it off, this thing will stay on until the cows come home, you discover it is on and shut it off or your house burns to the ground.",
"One of the best things about cheap toaster ovens is that when they get aggravating enough, too dirty or just plain stop working, chucking them is almost a pleasure.",
"The cost of this one takes away that advantage of the cheap toaster oven with little to offer except size in return.",
"So, if you want a second mini-oven to bake things and reheat, this is a good oven for that, but there are better.",
"As a convection oven, it makes too much noise, and as a toaster, well, it is abominable."
]
|
I know I won't get many "helpful" votes for this, but this piece of art (as it is not an actual game) isn't worth the current price as of 1/16/06. It's far too limited and option-less; unfortunately, that's probably the point.
In Electroplankton, there are ten different electroplanktons to toy with, all of which create nice, experiemental sounds that are vaguely musical. It's fun for about thirty minutes (not to mention breathtaking) but you'll turn it off with little reason to turn it back on again. When you do, it'll be for five to ten minutes tops, each time.
You won't have a problem with this. It's a program that's designed for minor play, as there's really not much to do.
Fortunately, it sounds amazing and looks really beautiful. Everything is 2D (of course) but it's done in such an artsy, colorful way. It's definitely something for both your eyes and ears.
There will be moments when you'll get a happy accident. Many moments. And every time, you'll wish you had a way to save it on the cartridge. And you simply can't. (Sure, you can save it via output to a computer or a tape/mp3 player, but this seems a bit unnecessary, as the average video gamer probably doesn't have said equipment. Not to mention that something would be "lost" without the visuals).
It's an open-ended experience, and while it's an interesting idea, something inside of me wishes there were simply *more* of it. Specifically, more electroplankton. After playing through all ten, you'll quickly get an understanding of which three or so are your favorite, and the couple that you don't like will probably never be played again. Twenty electroplankton would have been excellent.
But, it is what it is: art. It's futile to attach some ultimate score for something like this; art is subjective, therefore someone can think Electroplankton is absolutely brilliant and someone can think it's absolutely not. I happen to fall somewhere inbetween. It's good, but not good enough for the price. Personally, I think it'd be a good idea for you to wait until it's either cheaper or used copies are available. | 1 | neutral | [
"I know I won't get many \"helpful\" votes for this, but this piece of art (as it is not an actual game) isn't worth the current price as of 1/16/06.",
"It's far too limited and option-less; unfortunately, that's probably the point.",
"In Electroplankton, there are ten different electroplanktons to toy with, all of which create nice, experiemental sounds that are vaguely musical.",
"It's fun for about thirty minutes (not to mention breathtaking) but you'll turn it off with little reason to turn it back on again.",
"When you do, it'll be for five to ten minutes tops, each time.",
"You won't have a problem with this.",
"It's a program that's designed for minor play, as there's really not much to do.",
"Fortunately, it sounds amazing and looks really beautiful.",
"Everything is 2D (of course) but it's done in such an artsy, colorful way.",
"It's definitely something for both your eyes and ears.",
"There will be moments when you'll get a happy accident.",
"Many moments.",
"And every time, you'll wish you had a way to save it on the cartridge.",
"And you simply can't.",
"(Sure, you can save it via output to a computer or a tape/mp3 player, but this seems a bit unnecessary, as the average video gamer probably doesn't have said equipment.",
"Not to mention that something would be \"lost\" without the visuals).",
"It's an open-ended experience, and while it's an interesting idea, something inside of me wishes there were simply *more* of it.",
"Specifically, more electroplankton.",
"After playing through all ten, you'll quickly get an understanding of which three or so are your favorite, and the couple that you don't like will probably never be played again.",
"Twenty electroplankton would have been excellent.",
"But, it is what it is: art.",
"It's futile to attach some ultimate score for something like this; art is subjective, therefore someone can think Electroplankton is absolutely brilliant and someone can think it's absolutely not.",
"I happen to fall somewhere inbetween.",
"It's good, but not good enough for the price.",
"Personally, I think it'd be a good idea for you to wait until it's either cheaper or used copies are available."
]
|
Having just used both the Frost King and the 3M product in the same week, I feel qualified to tell you the difference. Frost King is cheaper and probably insulates as well as 3M but here is the difference. The Frost King had hard folds in the plastic sheeting and lots of them. Those fold lines did not come out when heated. The view is therefore not as clear through the window. The 3M product was folded with soft folds not hard creases. After heating with the hair dryer that window looks so clear it's hard to believe there is a plastic sheet covering it. Not so with the Frost King. If you are just covering basement or garage or attic windows go for it. Otherwise, spend the extra bucks for 3M. | 1 | neutral | [
"Having just used both the Frost King and the 3M product in the same week, I feel qualified to tell you the difference.",
"Frost King is cheaper and probably insulates as well as 3M but here is the difference.",
"The Frost King had hard folds in the plastic sheeting and lots of them.",
"Those fold lines did not come out when heated.",
"The view is therefore not as clear through the window.",
"The 3M product was folded with soft folds not hard creases.",
"After heating with the hair dryer that window looks so clear it's hard to believe there is a plastic sheet covering it.",
"Not so with the Frost King.",
"If you are just covering basement or garage or attic windows go for it.",
"Otherwise, spend the extra bucks for 3M."
]
|
A year after Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", in 1993, he followed up with the summer action film "Last Action Hero".
The film was directed by John McTiernan ("Die Hard: With a Vengeance", "The 13th Warrior", "The Thomas Crown Affair") and a screenplay by Shane Black ("Lethal Weapon" films, "The Monster Squad", "The Last Boy Scout") and David Arnot ("The Adventures of Ford Fairlane"). The film featured cinematography by Dean Semler ("Bruce Almighty", "The Alamo", "The Longest Yard", "2012') and music by Michael Kamen ("X-Men", "Band of Brothers", "Frequency)".
An expensive film which cost around $85 million, the film was literally a spoof on action films and would feature cameos from many stars around that time. From Sharon Stone, Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Ian McKellen, Tina Turner, Robert Patrick and many more.
The film revolves around a boy named Danny Madigan (played by Austin O'Brien) who is a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger action films, especially his character Jack Slater.
The problem with Danny is that he rarely goes to school and it's become a problem since he spends his time watching movies and his mother covers up for him.
With the release of "Jack Slater IV", his friend Nick (played by Robert Prosky) who runs a very old rundown movie theater that is not doing so well, Jack gives him a sneak preview to catch the movie. Nick also talks about how he was given a gold-ticket by Harry Houdini but never used it.
Nick tears the ticket in half and gives Danny the other half and as Danny is getting involved and enjoying the film, the ticket starts to magically work and next thing you know, Danny is inside the film for "Jack Slater IV" and in this world, things work like the movies and not real life.
As the film progresses and Danny sticks with Jack Slater and the two take on the bad guys which include the evil Englishman Benedict (played by Charles Dance). But somehow along the way, Benedict steals Danny's ticket and has now cross over to the real world where Danny has come from.
In the real world, Benedict starts to learn that bad guys can win and starts killing people and noticing that the police are not there to stop him. So, Benedict comes up with an idea to stop Jack Slater and that is by killing off the real actor that plays him...Arnold Schwarznegger.
Can Jack Slater and Danny stop Benedict in time?
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Last Action Hero" is featured in 1080p High Definition (2:40:1). Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has given this film a pretty good treatment as they have with "Cliffhanger" and "Air Force One" in which they kept the film as close to what we see on the big screen, including the fine layer of grain.
For a film that is 17-years-old, the film looks good for its age and because there is so much happening throughout the film. For example, in Danny's world, you can see how run down the theater is, old-style seats and everything is dark and there aren't any vibrant colors. Until he goes into Jack Slater's world, then colors are vibrant and much better visuals. Definitely a major improvement from the 2003 DVD of "Last Action Hero".
Now, where this film shines is with its lossless audio soundtrack. Featured in English, French, Portuguese 5.1 DTS-HD MA and Spanish 5.1, one thing that "Last Action Hero" had when it was first released in theaters was the fact it was the first film to utilize Sony's Dynamic Digital Sound. Granted, at that time, many theaters weren't equipped to play SDDS but there was concentration on the film's audio and that is where this Blu-ray shines.
The opening sequence alone shows you that the film is going to utilize all channels and thus bringing a more immersive soundscape as you hear gun shots, explosions, crashing metal, booms all through your front, surround and rear surround channels. Subwoofer utilizes the booms and for the most part, this is the best I have ever heard from this film. The lossless audio soundtrack for this 1993 film is very well-done!
Subtitles are presented in English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Last Action Hero" comes with no major special features but is BD-Live enabled with movieIQ which allows people to obtain real-time information of the cast, music, trivia while watching the film.
JUDGMENT CALL:
When "Last Action Hero" first came out and when I watched in the theaters, I figured a pairing with director John McTiernan and Arnold Schwarznegger (known for their action films) would be a wonderful pairing. But I can remember how impatient I was getting because the film seemed so long (especially at 131 minutes). I felt that the arc where Danny is in Jack Slater's world tend to drag quite a bit.
But I admit that I enjoyed how it was a satire of action films and also featured cameos by many celebrities. By the third and final arc, things started to get more interesting as Jack Slater is pulled out of his magical world and now having to deal with this new world that he is quite unaware of. For the most part, "Last Action Hero" was a good popcorn flick but I do remember that since it came right after "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", there was high expectations.
Needless to say, despite what the critics may have felt about the film, "Last Action Hero" did well in the worldwide box office and even some appreciating the film much more now than when it first came out in theaters back in 1993.
For those who purchased the 2003 DVD and are big fans of the film, you maybe wondering if the Blu-ray is worth buying. The bad news is that there are no special features on this Blu-ray unless you have BD-Live and you can take advantage of the movieIQ function. But other than that, I'm still amazed that for a film that was quite expensive, featured so many talent did not have any featurette created for it. No commentary, no theatrical trailer, there is no special features and to me, that's surprising. But the Blu-ray is a major step up in picture and audio quality and that is where fans of the film will appreciate its HD release on Blu-ray.
Overall, "Last Action Hero" on Blu-ray is literally a barebones Blu-ray release but for Schwarzenegger or McTiernan fans and those who truly enjoyed this film will definitely enjoy it much more with its video and audio upgrade. | 1 | neutral | [
"A year after Arnold Schwarzenegger's \"Terminator 2: Judgment Day\", in 1993, he followed up with the summer action film \"Last Action Hero\".",
"The film was directed by John McTiernan (\"Die Hard: With a Vengeance\", \"The 13th Warrior\", \"The Thomas Crown Affair\") and a screenplay by Shane Black (\"Lethal Weapon\" films, \"The Monster Squad\", \"The Last Boy Scout\") and David Arnot (\"The Adventures of Ford Fairlane\").",
"The film featured cinematography by Dean Semler (\"Bruce Almighty\", \"The Alamo\", \"The Longest Yard\", \"2012') and music by Michael Kamen (\"X-Men\", \"Band of Brothers\", \"Frequency)\".",
"An expensive film which cost around $85 million, the film was literally a spoof on action films and would feature cameos from many stars around that time.",
"From Sharon Stone, Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Ian McKellen, Tina Turner, Robert Patrick and many more.",
"The film revolves around a boy named Danny Madigan (played by Austin O'Brien) who is a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger action films, especially his character Jack Slater.",
"The problem with Danny is that he rarely goes to school and it's become a problem since he spends his time watching movies and his mother covers up for him.",
"With the release of \"Jack Slater IV\", his friend Nick (played by Robert Prosky) who runs a very old rundown movie theater that is not doing so well, Jack gives him a sneak preview to catch the movie.",
"Nick also talks about how he was given a gold-ticket by Harry Houdini but never used it.",
"Nick tears the ticket in half and gives Danny the other half and as Danny is getting involved and enjoying the film, the ticket starts to magically work and next thing you know, Danny is inside the film for \"Jack Slater IV\" and in this world, things work like the movies and not real life.",
"As the film progresses and Danny sticks with Jack Slater and the two take on the bad guys which include the evil Englishman Benedict (played by Charles Dance).",
"But somehow along the way, Benedict steals Danny's ticket and has now cross over to the real world where Danny has come from.",
"In the real world, Benedict starts to learn that bad guys can win and starts killing people and noticing that the police are not there to stop him.",
"So, Benedict comes up with an idea to stop Jack Slater and that is by killing off the real actor that plays him...",
"Arnold Schwarznegger.",
"Can Jack Slater and Danny stop Benedict in time?",
"VIDEO & AUDIO:\n\n\"Last Action Hero\" is featured in 1080p High Definition (2:40:1).",
"Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has given this film a pretty good treatment as they have with \"Cliffhanger\" and \"Air Force One\" in which they kept the film as close to what we see on the big screen, including the fine layer of grain.",
"For a film that is 17-years-old, the film looks good for its age and because there is so much happening throughout the film.",
"For example, in Danny's world, you can see how run down the theater is, old-style seats and everything is dark and there aren't any vibrant colors.",
"Until he goes into Jack Slater's world, then colors are vibrant and much better visuals.",
"Definitely a major improvement from the 2003 DVD of \"Last Action Hero\".",
"Now, where this film shines is with its lossless audio soundtrack.",
"Featured in English, French, Portuguese 5.",
"1 DTS-HD MA and Spanish 5.",
"1, one thing that \"Last Action Hero\" had when it was first released in theaters was the fact it was the first film to utilize Sony's Dynamic Digital Sound.",
"Granted, at that time, many theaters weren't equipped to play SDDS but there was concentration on the film's audio and that is where this Blu-ray shines.",
"The opening sequence alone shows you that the film is going to utilize all channels and thus bringing a more immersive soundscape as you hear gun shots, explosions, crashing metal, booms all through your front, surround and rear surround channels.",
"Subwoofer utilizes the booms and for the most part, this is the best I have ever heard from this film.",
"The lossless audio soundtrack for this 1993 film is very well-done!",
"Subtitles are presented in English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese.",
"SPECIAL FEATURES:\n\n\"Last Action Hero\" comes with no major special features but is BD-Live enabled with movieIQ which allows people to obtain real-time information of the cast, music, trivia while watching the film.",
"JUDGMENT CALL:\n\nWhen \"Last Action Hero\" first came out and when I watched in the theaters, I figured a pairing with director John McTiernan and Arnold Schwarznegger (known for their action films) would be a wonderful pairing.",
"But I can remember how impatient I was getting because the film seemed so long (especially at 131 minutes).",
"I felt that the arc where Danny is in Jack Slater's world tend to drag quite a bit.",
"But I admit that I enjoyed how it was a satire of action films and also featured cameos by many celebrities.",
"By the third and final arc, things started to get more interesting as Jack Slater is pulled out of his magical world and now having to deal with this new world that he is quite unaware of.",
"For the most part, \"Last Action Hero\" was a good popcorn flick but I do remember that since it came right after \"Terminator 2: Judgment Day\", there was high expectations.",
"Needless to say, despite what the critics may have felt about the film, \"Last Action Hero\" did well in the worldwide box office and even some appreciating the film much more now than when it first came out in theaters back in 1993.",
"For those who purchased the 2003 DVD and are big fans of the film, you maybe wondering if the Blu-ray is worth buying.",
"The bad news is that there are no special features on this Blu-ray unless you have BD-Live and you can take advantage of the movieIQ function.",
"But other than that, I'm still amazed that for a film that was quite expensive, featured so many talent did not have any featurette created for it.",
"No commentary, no theatrical trailer, there is no special features and to me, that's surprising.",
"But the Blu-ray is a major step up in picture and audio quality and that is where fans of the film will appreciate its HD release on Blu-ray.",
"Overall, \"Last Action Hero\" on Blu-ray is literally a barebones Blu-ray release but for Schwarzenegger or McTiernan fans and those who truly enjoyed this film will definitely enjoy it much more with its video and audio upgrade."
]
|
Wyatt Haines, a successful entrepreneur discovers his latest acquision for his booming country inn empire is haunted. Being a practical man he hires Karmic Consultants to do the ghost removal. Enter Jo Banks, Goth girl, the expert sent to rid him of his problem. But Jo seems to create more problems than she solves. While riding the property of ghosts she sends ghosts into Wyatt. Now he is possessed and Jo has to find a way to rid him of his extra spirits.
The story was somewhat interesting but the constant references to "the girls" being Pamela Anderson style, being distracting, being all he could think about or look at, or try not to look at left this reader a little disconcerted. Did we need a reference to them so many times? Yes, we got it, the protagonist has large boobs. She also has 1/4 inch of blond roots which somehow, after a haircut, end up spiky with just black tips. That sounds more like a buzz than a spike. Sometimes it is just the little things that keep an interesting plot idea from becoming a great story. In this case there are just too many little things that distract from the story and the character development.
As a romantic comedy it has some merits. Parts of it are funny. But it really needs a little tightening up and editing. The pace is slow and repetitive and the language could use a tune up. But if you are looking for something you don't have to think about or work at this is the book for you. No surprises in this one.
Karen Bryant Doering,
Parents' Little Black Book
[email protected] | 1 | neutral | [
"Wyatt Haines, a successful entrepreneur discovers his latest acquision for his booming country inn empire is haunted.",
"Being a practical man he hires Karmic Consultants to do the ghost removal.",
"Enter Jo Banks, Goth girl, the expert sent to rid him of his problem.",
"But Jo seems to create more problems than she solves.",
"While riding the property of ghosts she sends ghosts into Wyatt.",
"Now he is possessed and Jo has to find a way to rid him of his extra spirits.",
"The story was somewhat interesting but the constant references to \"the girls\" being Pamela Anderson style, being distracting, being all he could think about or look at, or try not to look at left this reader a little disconcerted.",
"Did we need a reference to them so many times?",
"Yes, we got it, the protagonist has large boobs.",
"She also has 1/4 inch of blond roots which somehow, after a haircut, end up spiky with just black tips.",
"That sounds more like a buzz than a spike.",
"Sometimes it is just the little things that keep an interesting plot idea from becoming a great story.",
"In this case there are just too many little things that distract from the story and the character development.",
"As a romantic comedy it has some merits.",
"Parts of it are funny.",
"But it really needs a little tightening up and editing.",
"The pace is slow and repetitive and the language could use a tune up.",
"But if you are looking for something you don't have to think about or work at this is the book for you.",
"No surprises in this one.",
"Karen Bryant Doering,\nParents' Little Black Book\nMistBlueEeyore@gmail.",
"com"
]
|
I waited over a year to write this review to make sure I gave the saw a good try. It worked great for about 11 months, so I thought I was one of the lucky ones, and then it started making a horrible banging noise. I took it to the shop, waited 3 weeks to get it back (3 weeks during my BUSIEST SEASON), and less than a month after I got it back, it died on me completely. I took it back to the shop, waited another 3 weeks to get it mailed back to me (since the shop is 40 miles away), and it was physically broken when I got it back. I sent it back to them, and they got the factory to send me a new saw. Horray! It worked like a dream for about a week, and then it started making an awful knocking noise and vibration. I had just about had it by now, so I just kept running it for the next month since it still actually cut, and finally today it quit on me.
$500 is A LOT of money to me. I've had a Ryobi scroll saw that I got for $30 at a yard sale, almost 4 years ago now, that I have never had a single problem with. It's really too small and the blade changes were too annoying, and that's why I shelled out all the money for a dewalt. Now I wish I had just saved up longer and bought a higher quality saw, but even then, who knows what the quality of that would be. I'm so disappointed with this saw, it makes me sick.
If it worked consistantly, it would be a great saw, but it doesn't. | 1 | neutral | [
"I waited over a year to write this review to make sure I gave the saw a good try.",
"It worked great for about 11 months, so I thought I was one of the lucky ones, and then it started making a horrible banging noise.",
"I took it to the shop, waited 3 weeks to get it back (3 weeks during my BUSIEST SEASON), and less than a month after I got it back, it died on me completely.",
"I took it back to the shop, waited another 3 weeks to get it mailed back to me (since the shop is 40 miles away), and it was physically broken when I got it back.",
"I sent it back to them, and they got the factory to send me a new saw.",
"Horray!",
"It worked like a dream for about a week, and then it started making an awful knocking noise and vibration.",
"I had just about had it by now, so I just kept running it for the next month since it still actually cut, and finally today it quit on me.",
"$500 is A LOT of money to me.",
"I've had a Ryobi scroll saw that I got for $30 at a yard sale, almost 4 years ago now, that I have never had a single problem with.",
"It's really too small and the blade changes were too annoying, and that's why I shelled out all the money for a dewalt.",
"Now I wish I had just saved up longer and bought a higher quality saw, but even then, who knows what the quality of that would be.",
"I'm so disappointed with this saw, it makes me sick.",
"If it worked consistantly, it would be a great saw, but it doesn't."
]
|
They have to be broken in. I like them but I ended up with a blister just above the back of my foot when I went on a beach trip. I had to buy some bandaids to get me through the weekend. When we got home my wife bought me some kind of silicone insert that I had to super glue into the shoe. They make a bit of noise when I walk as well. Not sneaking up on anyone with these.
They do breath nicely though. They feel great now that I have the silicone insert in the shoe. I bought these to replace an old pair of Docker Boat Shoes. I thought I was upgrading but the Dockers are still more comfortable. Dockers didn't give me blisters and the dockers are more stealthy. | 1 | neutral | [
"They have to be broken in.",
"I like them but I ended up with a blister just above the back of my foot when I went on a beach trip.",
"I had to buy some bandaids to get me through the weekend.",
"When we got home my wife bought me some kind of silicone insert that I had to super glue into the shoe.",
"They make a bit of noise when I walk as well.",
"Not sneaking up on anyone with these.",
"They do breath nicely though.",
"They feel great now that I have the silicone insert in the shoe.",
"I bought these to replace an old pair of Docker Boat Shoes.",
"I thought I was upgrading but the Dockers are still more comfortable.",
"Dockers didn't give me blisters and the dockers are more stealthy."
]
|
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