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My 1st biggest disappointment with this box set is that it needed about double the number of sheets. There's 10 sheets and they are double-sided, but most of the "other" side aren't very imaginative. In fact, most of them are plain cement tiles. There are some cool useful tiles, but only one of each. Such as a bookshelf that's 2x4 but there's only 1 tile like this. There should have been more doubles of these kind of tiles. There's a web that's 2x2 but only 1 again. Really disappointing. There definitely should have been twice this many sheets.
So if you've got nothing else to decorate your mat this is a good start but if you've already got plenty of decorative tiles you should pass on this. | 1 | neutral | [
"My 1st biggest disappointment with this box set is that it needed about double the number of sheets.",
"There's 10 sheets and they are double-sided, but most of the \"other\" side aren't very imaginative.",
"In fact, most of them are plain cement tiles.",
"There are some cool useful tiles, but only one of each.",
"Such as a bookshelf that's 2x4 but there's only 1 tile like this.",
"There should have been more doubles of these kind of tiles.",
"There's a web that's 2x2 but only 1 again.",
"Really disappointing.",
"There definitely should have been twice this many sheets.",
"So if you've got nothing else to decorate your mat this is a good start but if you've already got plenty of decorative tiles you should pass on this."
]
|
It does the job but has a couple of problem areas.
First, the seal between the pump and the container doesn't seal well. When pumped up there's a bit of "sizzle and bubble" around the edges. It's not a big enough leak to prevent building up pressure but it's just not right.
Second, other reviewers have said that this or that broke. There shouldn't be a problem if when pumping it up you don't come down hard on the plunger. The two little locking ears come in contact with the collar and if you bang and thrash they might break. I haven't had a problem but I can see where it could.
That said, it sprays just fine. The nozzle easily adjusts from a fine spray to a stream. I've been using it most of the summer to apply insecticide and fungicide.
I'd buy it again, and recommend it for light duty. | 1 | neutral | [
"It does the job but has a couple of problem areas.",
"First, the seal between the pump and the container doesn't seal well.",
"When pumped up there's a bit of \"sizzle and bubble\" around the edges.",
"It's not a big enough leak to prevent building up pressure but it's just not right.",
"Second, other reviewers have said that this or that broke.",
"There shouldn't be a problem if when pumping it up you don't come down hard on the plunger.",
"The two little locking ears come in contact with the collar and if you bang and thrash they might break.",
"I haven't had a problem but I can see where it could.",
"That said, it sprays just fine.",
"The nozzle easily adjusts from a fine spray to a stream.",
"I've been using it most of the summer to apply insecticide and fungicide.",
"I'd buy it again, and recommend it for light duty."
]
|
I feel sad for Geist, I really do. It's not that it's a bad game, it's actually pretty good. But it could have been so much MORE. Maybe it needed more time in development, maybe it needed a better team. For whatever reason, Geist's potential is clear to see, and while it remains satisfying, it just doesn't live up to it.
STORY: Not horrible. You're John Raimi, and you're having a really bad day. First you get sent in to rescue a friend from an evil corporation and maybe help save the world from its supposed bioweapon. Things go wrong, and you find yourself strapped to a huge machine that splits your spirit from your body. Apparently making ghosts by driving your victims into a frenzy of hate and killing them has gone out of fashion. Guided by a VERY CREEPY little girl ghost named Gigi, you have to figure out what in the world's going on and maybe, you know, get your body back and escape at some point.
Volks, the evil corporation, is pretty much your stereotypical evil corporation meddling with powers that none of them are smart enough to fully comprehend. If I were running a corporation which dealt with ghosts, even only occasionally, I would arm my guards with spirit-detecting equipment and effective weapons. You know how they detect ghosts at Volks?
With dogs.
Dogs that can be possessed.
GAMEPLAY: All right! Where to start?
Geist kind of feels like a quirky mixture between various FPS's. You've got the dorky scientist protagonist (Half-Life) who's friends with a seemingly unkillable black guy (Halo 2) and sneaks around a giant research facility trying to remain undetected (Metal Gear Solid. Yes, I know that's not an FPS) and fights evil soldiers and demons (Doom.)
Naturally, one of the most outstanding features of the game is the fact that you're a disembodied spirit. This means that you can't directly interact with the physical world most of the time. Most people can't see you (though you appear a rather vivid electric blue to yourself) and you can walk (er, float) right through them. What you can do is possess things. Objects are free for possession, and you can make them do unnatural things. You don't get a lot of choice as to what you make the object do, but it's still fun. My favorite one is messing with the cells under a microscope so they spell out DIE. Freaks scientists out like nothing else. Once you've used these abilities to scare the living daylights out of a creature, you can possess that creature. There's something very entertaining about frightening these poor virtual saps who have no idea what's going on.
Animal hosts can typically go places humans can't, while humans have one weapon (if any) and a special action (like running or crouching) apiece. Some hosts are expendable, you can let them die and move on to another, others must be kept from dying (fortunately, health packs are plentiful.) While each host has only a single weapon (sometimes with a secondary feature,) there's a fair amount of variety among hosts. Some weapons are the best you can find (ratchet gun,) other are ordinary (assault rifle.) More exotic guns do eventually appear: spirit-hunter guns and weapons made from materials most.... unorthodox.
The game has a noteable horror overtone (made ironic by the fact that the most prominent ghost is you, but I mean besides hauntings caused by the player.). The creepy old house you wander through at one point is spooky in a very classical way.
While there is a lot of stuff you can possess, I think the game would have been vastly improved if it gave greater freedom over what is possessable and allowed you to improvise your own ways to scare things.
One point of major lameness: When fighting a boss monster, the life-bar at the top of the screen almost invariably reads "Creature" or "Boss" rather than giving it a name. When you do find out the names of creatures, they're always something trite like "imp" or "hydra," or worst of all "tentacle monster." The names don't even fit the monsters particularly well (Geist's hydras have only one head each.)
VIOLENCE: Mild
While you will end up wiping out a significant percentage of Volks Corps. Employees, the violence in this game is not particularly harsh or graphic (with one exception towards the beginning.) Enemies just die, sometimes with an amusing line like "Aw, crap!" There's a lot of focus on sneaking around and remaining undetected, either as an invisible ghost or making your host body act "natural". You CAN usually wipe out everybody you see, but it's generally not a good idea. It's still not a game I'd give to an eight-year-old.
The "partial nudity" mentioned on the box is deserved; you do sneak into the womens' shower at one point, though towels and convenient bubbles guard the occupants from ethereal voyeurism. Not that the women are especially attractive polygons, see below.
GRAPHICS: Eww! The graphics would have been impressive maybe two or three years ago. It's just sad that they couldn't do better than these flat-faced avatars whose mouths don't move except in cutscenes. The most impressive images in the game are likely the final boss (very pretty) and Raimi himself, who's really very blue for being invisible.
MUSIC: Eh. Whatever.
MULTIPLAYER: Weird. That can be good or bad. They're a bit slower paced than most other FPS multiplayer modes. You've got Host Deathmatch (where you swap bodies instead of getting new guns,) Capture the Host (steal a host and take it to base) and Sprit Hunting (Ghost Vs. Host, the host shoots the ghost with a special and extremely slow gun while the ghost tries to lead the host into a trap.) Some will like it, but I don't think most folks will.
VERDICT: Geist is all right. It could seriously use a makeover, touch up the graphics, better the music, focus the gameplay more on possession and doing strange things with objects (even if they're useless.) If you can find it fairly cheap and are willing to try something new, give it a shot. If you want another cookie-cutter style just-kill-everything shooter, look someplace else. | 1 | neutral | [
"I feel sad for Geist, I really do.",
"It's not that it's a bad game, it's actually pretty good.",
"But it could have been so much MORE.",
"Maybe it needed more time in development, maybe it needed a better team.",
"For whatever reason, Geist's potential is clear to see, and while it remains satisfying, it just doesn't live up to it.",
"STORY: Not horrible.",
"You're John Raimi, and you're having a really bad day.",
"First you get sent in to rescue a friend from an evil corporation and maybe help save the world from its supposed bioweapon.",
"Things go wrong, and you find yourself strapped to a huge machine that splits your spirit from your body.",
"Apparently making ghosts by driving your victims into a frenzy of hate and killing them has gone out of fashion.",
"Guided by a VERY CREEPY little girl ghost named Gigi, you have to figure out what in the world's going on and maybe, you know, get your body back and escape at some point.",
"Volks, the evil corporation, is pretty much your stereotypical evil corporation meddling with powers that none of them are smart enough to fully comprehend.",
"If I were running a corporation which dealt with ghosts, even only occasionally, I would arm my guards with spirit-detecting equipment and effective weapons.",
"You know how they detect ghosts at Volks?",
"With dogs.",
"Dogs that can be possessed.",
"GAMEPLAY: All right!",
"Where to start?",
"Geist kind of feels like a quirky mixture between various FPS's.",
"You've got the dorky scientist protagonist (Half-Life) who's friends with a seemingly unkillable black guy (Halo 2) and sneaks around a giant research facility trying to remain undetected (Metal Gear Solid.",
"Yes, I know that's not an FPS) and fights evil soldiers and demons (Doom.",
")\n\nNaturally, one of the most outstanding features of the game is the fact that you're a disembodied spirit.",
"This means that you can't directly interact with the physical world most of the time.",
"Most people can't see you (though you appear a rather vivid electric blue to yourself) and you can walk (er, float) right through them.",
"What you can do is possess things.",
"Objects are free for possession, and you can make them do unnatural things.",
"You don't get a lot of choice as to what you make the object do, but it's still fun.",
"My favorite one is messing with the cells under a microscope so they spell out DIE.",
"Freaks scientists out like nothing else.",
"Once you've used these abilities to scare the living daylights out of a creature, you can possess that creature.",
"There's something very entertaining about frightening these poor virtual saps who have no idea what's going on.",
"Animal hosts can typically go places humans can't, while humans have one weapon (if any) and a special action (like running or crouching) apiece.",
"Some hosts are expendable, you can let them die and move on to another, others must be kept from dying (fortunately, health packs are plentiful.",
") While each host has only a single weapon (sometimes with a secondary feature,) there's a fair amount of variety among hosts.",
"Some weapons are the best you can find (ratchet gun,) other are ordinary (assault rifle.",
") More exotic guns do eventually appear: spirit-hunter guns and weapons made from materials most....",
"unorthodox.",
"The game has a noteable horror overtone (made ironic by the fact that the most prominent ghost is you, but I mean besides hauntings caused by the player.",
").",
"The creepy old house you wander through at one point is spooky in a very classical way.",
"While there is a lot of stuff you can possess, I think the game would have been vastly improved if it gave greater freedom over what is possessable and allowed you to improvise your own ways to scare things.",
"One point of major lameness: When fighting a boss monster, the life-bar at the top of the screen almost invariably reads \"Creature\" or \"Boss\" rather than giving it a name.",
"When you do find out the names of creatures, they're always something trite like \"imp\" or \"hydra,\" or worst of all \"tentacle monster.",
"\" The names don't even fit the monsters particularly well (Geist's hydras have only one head each.",
")\n\nVIOLENCE: Mild\n\nWhile you will end up wiping out a significant percentage of Volks Corps.",
"Employees, the violence in this game is not particularly harsh or graphic (with one exception towards the beginning.",
") Enemies just die, sometimes with an amusing line like \"Aw, crap!",
"\" There's a lot of focus on sneaking around and remaining undetected, either as an invisible ghost or making your host body act \"natural\".",
"You CAN usually wipe out everybody you see, but it's generally not a good idea.",
"It's still not a game I'd give to an eight-year-old.",
"The \"partial nudity\" mentioned on the box is deserved; you do sneak into the womens' shower at one point, though towels and convenient bubbles guard the occupants from ethereal voyeurism.",
"Not that the women are especially attractive polygons, see below.",
"GRAPHICS: Eww!",
"The graphics would have been impressive maybe two or three years ago.",
"It's just sad that they couldn't do better than these flat-faced avatars whose mouths don't move except in cutscenes.",
"The most impressive images in the game are likely the final boss (very pretty) and Raimi himself, who's really very blue for being invisible.",
"MUSIC: Eh.",
"Whatever.",
"MULTIPLAYER: Weird.",
"That can be good or bad.",
"They're a bit slower paced than most other FPS multiplayer modes.",
"You've got Host Deathmatch (where you swap bodies instead of getting new guns,) Capture the Host (steal a host and take it to base) and Sprit Hunting (Ghost Vs.",
"Host, the host shoots the ghost with a special and extremely slow gun while the ghost tries to lead the host into a trap.",
") Some will like it, but I don't think most folks will.",
"VERDICT: Geist is all right.",
"It could seriously use a makeover, touch up the graphics, better the music, focus the gameplay more on possession and doing strange things with objects (even if they're useless.",
") If you can find it fairly cheap and are willing to try something new, give it a shot.",
"If you want another cookie-cutter style just-kill-everything shooter, look someplace else."
]
|
I think it's safe to say that people looking at this product may be confused into thinking this is Norton's 360 Multi-Device product but it isn't. That said, there are some things to consider about this product.
1) It's main claim to fame is the convenience it offers in protecting multiple devices in a relatively painless manor.
2) This is really a product for multiple WINDOWS devices, although you can add iOS and Android devices, but I wouldn't recommend it, especially on iOS devices. iPhones, iPads, etc., really have their own set of protection services that makes Norton unnecessary. The only advantage to using this on a iOS device is you can wipe, locate, or lock an iPhone or iPad remotely from one central web interface, but you can already do that via Apple anyway, so it's a bit redundant.
3) Protection is not created equal across all devices. There's no browser support for safe web surfing or phishing protection for Google Chrome on Mac.
4) Only Norton Internet Security is installed on Windows, and not the full suite offered in Norton 360, which costs less. Not sure why I should pay more for less.
If you're a small business or organization with Windows devices, Norton Small Business will provide you with a bit more protection and security than you can hobble together on your own, but not much. | 1 | neutral | [
"I think it's safe to say that people looking at this product may be confused into thinking this is Norton's 360 Multi-Device product but it isn't.",
"That said, there are some things to consider about this product.",
"1) It's main claim to fame is the convenience it offers in protecting multiple devices in a relatively painless manor.",
"2) This is really a product for multiple WINDOWS devices, although you can add iOS and Android devices, but I wouldn't recommend it, especially on iOS devices.",
"iPhones, iPads, etc.",
", really have their own set of protection services that makes Norton unnecessary.",
"The only advantage to using this on a iOS device is you can wipe, locate, or lock an iPhone or iPad remotely from one central web interface, but you can already do that via Apple anyway, so it's a bit redundant.",
"3) Protection is not created equal across all devices.",
"There's no browser support for safe web surfing or phishing protection for Google Chrome on Mac.",
"4) Only Norton Internet Security is installed on Windows, and not the full suite offered in Norton 360, which costs less.",
"Not sure why I should pay more for less.",
"If you're a small business or organization with Windows devices, Norton Small Business will provide you with a bit more protection and security than you can hobble together on your own, but not much."
]
|
Overpriced, especially to have the tip of one break off!
I have had these bits for about a year now, and use them pretty regularly. If you're anything like me, you mostly use the #6 bit, as that is what most closely fits the average screws that are under say 2.5" or so. I never even adjusted the stop collar much on this, but recently, the tip of the bit broke off in wood while I was drilling! This was just standard plywood, with no side pressure being put on the drill. I pulled it out of the material only to find that the last 1/4" of the tip was missing!
I will not be purchasing these again. I bought a Ryobi set for half the price, and it is working just great. At least then, if it breaks, I don't have a much invested. | 1 | neutral | [
"Overpriced, especially to have the tip of one break off!",
"I have had these bits for about a year now, and use them pretty regularly.",
"If you're anything like me, you mostly use the #6 bit, as that is what most closely fits the average screws that are under say 2.",
"5\" or so.",
"I never even adjusted the stop collar much on this, but recently, the tip of the bit broke off in wood while I was drilling!",
"This was just standard plywood, with no side pressure being put on the drill.",
"I pulled it out of the material only to find that the last 1/4\" of the tip was missing!",
"I will not be purchasing these again.",
"I bought a Ryobi set for half the price, and it is working just great.",
"At least then, if it breaks, I don't have a much invested."
]
|
I purchased this phone system as a package from a local retailer; it contained the base unit model 2420 and two of the handsets, model 2400.
Things I like: sound quality and design appearance. The phones are crystal clear all the way from my basement office to the second floor bedrooms. The base unit and handsets are sleek and stylish, and the handsets are unobtrusive in their handset cradles. I also like the ability to route fax calls through the unit automatically. The speakerphone is the best I've ever heard, loud and clear without the cheap tinniness of most speakerphones.
Things I don't like are the complexity of the caller ID and answering machine menus, and the kludginess of the handset menus especially when transferring calls to another location. Additionally, the handset keys are not backlit (although the display itself is backlit,) making dark-dialing impossible. Similarly, the base unit display is not backlit. Combine this omission with the slanted arrangement of the base unit display, and it is very hard to read unless you have a light shining directly on it and you are at just the right angle.
All this being said, I think I'd still buy the phones because their overall functional quality is excellent. If Siemens will just tidy up the user interface and remember those of us who get and make lots of phone calls while half asleep in the middle of the night, they will have a real winner. | 1 | neutral | [
"I purchased this phone system as a package from a local retailer; it contained the base unit model 2420 and two of the handsets, model 2400.",
"Things I like: sound quality and design appearance.",
"The phones are crystal clear all the way from my basement office to the second floor bedrooms.",
"The base unit and handsets are sleek and stylish, and the handsets are unobtrusive in their handset cradles.",
"I also like the ability to route fax calls through the unit automatically.",
"The speakerphone is the best I've ever heard, loud and clear without the cheap tinniness of most speakerphones.",
"Things I don't like are the complexity of the caller ID and answering machine menus, and the kludginess of the handset menus especially when transferring calls to another location.",
"Additionally, the handset keys are not backlit (although the display itself is backlit,) making dark-dialing impossible.",
"Similarly, the base unit display is not backlit.",
"Combine this omission with the slanted arrangement of the base unit display, and it is very hard to read unless you have a light shining directly on it and you are at just the right angle.",
"All this being said, I think I'd still buy the phones because their overall functional quality is excellent.",
"If Siemens will just tidy up the user interface and remember those of us who get and make lots of phone calls while half asleep in the middle of the night, they will have a real winner."
]
|
This seems to be a decent product. Definitely light weight and soft. I underestimated the size I would need. I bought this prior to doing enough research. Remember, BACKER ROD NEEDS TO FIT TIGHT. So, if there are any gaps larger than 1/2", you should get a larger size.
For my project, I actually ended up using a stronger 2" backer, and then cut it in half, and even in quarters, for most of the length. Choose your backer rod according to the largest part of the gap. Depending on your needs, this may be the width or the depth at the largest point. While it might work to double it up for a small area for a deep crevice, Do not try to double it up for an area that is too wide. You will be disappointed. | 1 | neutral | [
"This seems to be a decent product.",
"Definitely light weight and soft.",
"I underestimated the size I would need.",
"I bought this prior to doing enough research.",
"Remember, BACKER ROD NEEDS TO FIT TIGHT.",
"So, if there are any gaps larger than 1/2\", you should get a larger size.",
"For my project, I actually ended up using a stronger 2\" backer, and then cut it in half, and even in quarters, for most of the length.",
"Choose your backer rod according to the largest part of the gap.",
"Depending on your needs, this may be the width or the depth at the largest point.",
"While it might work to double it up for a small area for a deep crevice, Do not try to double it up for an area that is too wide.",
"You will be disappointed."
]
|
Brandy's last album, Afrodisiac--while not a commercial success--was a masterpiece in my eyes. Her voice was full of pure soul and grit that only comes from heartbreak and the dark Timbaland productions were a perfect canvas for the woman's chilling, eerie, and euphoric harmonies. Not only was it one of the best albums of the year, but it remains on my list of favorite R&B albums of all time. Foolishly, I expected Human to be a catastrophic release that rivaled her previous effort. It could never compare. It is not a bad album by any means, but it's a generally simple album. It is clear that Brandy has decided to veer in the more "pop" direction after her "urban" album did not fare well on Billboard. This creates some great songs, but the album tends to get a bit formulaic at times; I can only handle so many overly joyous synth-pop songs with a suffocating amount of layers ("The Definition," "Warm It Up (With Love)," etc.) Quite a few of the songs simply sound the same, frankly. "Human" is a cliché "I'm-just-like-you" type of song that should've been left off and replaced in favor of better songs that were irresponsibly left off of this set ("After the Flood," among others) and "Long Distance" feels like the writers were just trying too hard to write a universal super-hit. Still, Human has plenty of satisfying songs, including the grand first single, "Right Here (Departed)." "Shattered Heart" is a beautifully ominous track with a gentle broken-hearted chorus. "True" is a breath of relief from some of the overly complicated material here: a simple and genuine ballad saturated with heartbreak. "A Capella (Something's Missing)" is the song I've always wanted Brandy to record. Her harmonies are pretty much unrivaled by anyone in the R&B industry and I'm glad they are shown in their naked form. Co-written by Brandy and Natasha Bedingfield, "Fall" is a dramatic, piano-laden mid-tempo full of energy. The best track here, though, is the sweet "1st and Love" with its stomping and waling chorus. While this is not the album I was expecting--and it does have several weak moments of overly glossy pop--it is still a nice album from Brandy. | 1 | neutral | [
"Brandy's last album, Afrodisiac--while not a commercial success--was a masterpiece in my eyes.",
"Her voice was full of pure soul and grit that only comes from heartbreak and the dark Timbaland productions were a perfect canvas for the woman's chilling, eerie, and euphoric harmonies.",
"Not only was it one of the best albums of the year, but it remains on my list of favorite R&B albums of all time.",
"Foolishly, I expected Human to be a catastrophic release that rivaled her previous effort.",
"It could never compare.",
"It is not a bad album by any means, but it's a generally simple album.",
"It is clear that Brandy has decided to veer in the more \"pop\" direction after her \"urban\" album did not fare well on Billboard.",
"This creates some great songs, but the album tends to get a bit formulaic at times; I can only handle so many overly joyous synth-pop songs with a suffocating amount of layers (\"The Definition,\" \"Warm It Up (With Love),\" etc.",
") Quite a few of the songs simply sound the same, frankly.",
"\"Human\" is a cliché \"I'm-just-like-you\" type of song that should've been left off and replaced in favor of better songs that were irresponsibly left off of this set (\"After the Flood,\" among others) and \"Long Distance\" feels like the writers were just trying too hard to write a universal super-hit.",
"Still, Human has plenty of satisfying songs, including the grand first single, \"Right Here (Departed).",
"\" \"Shattered Heart\" is a beautifully ominous track with a gentle broken-hearted chorus.",
"\"True\" is a breath of relief from some of the overly complicated material here: a simple and genuine ballad saturated with heartbreak.",
"\"A Capella (Something's Missing)\" is the song I've always wanted Brandy to record.",
"Her harmonies are pretty much unrivaled by anyone in the R&B industry and I'm glad they are shown in their naked form.",
"Co-written by Brandy and Natasha Bedingfield, \"Fall\" is a dramatic, piano-laden mid-tempo full of energy.",
"The best track here, though, is the sweet \"1st and Love\" with its stomping and waling chorus.",
"While this is not the album I was expecting--and it does have several weak moments of overly glossy pop--it is still a nice album from Brandy."
]
|
I actually bought this game shortly after it was released. In fact it was one of the first games I bought for the PS3, but stopped playing once Metal Gear 4 came out and never actually finished it until a few minutes ago. I liked the game overall, but it does have some problems.
The only reason I bought this game is because of the Glaive, because who hasn't wished they had a giant ninja star you can control. I mean, that's the only thing Krull had going for it (really showing my age with that reference). Yeah, the Glaive is a one trick pony, what with the slicing, but you can add fire, lighting, and ice elements on certain stages of the game. You can also control it with motion control or the right stick. Besides the Glaive, you'll unlock a few additional powers like a shield, armor, etc. Really liked the look of the armor on the Nemesis, one of the last bosses.
Unfortunately the controls are a bit sluggish. Moving from cover to cover is not as smooth as it could have been. Even though you can find different weapons, or purchase them, you'll most likely stick to the gun you have from the beginning. I sure did, after some minor upgrades to it.
The game is entertaining, but forgettable. I mean, I can't really remember the story and I just finished it. Something about an infection creating monsters. But really, for less than $10 you can't go wrong. | 1 | neutral | [
"I actually bought this game shortly after it was released.",
"In fact it was one of the first games I bought for the PS3, but stopped playing once Metal Gear 4 came out and never actually finished it until a few minutes ago.",
"I liked the game overall, but it does have some problems.",
"The only reason I bought this game is because of the Glaive, because who hasn't wished they had a giant ninja star you can control.",
"I mean, that's the only thing Krull had going for it (really showing my age with that reference).",
"Yeah, the Glaive is a one trick pony, what with the slicing, but you can add fire, lighting, and ice elements on certain stages of the game.",
"You can also control it with motion control or the right stick.",
"Besides the Glaive, you'll unlock a few additional powers like a shield, armor, etc.",
"Really liked the look of the armor on the Nemesis, one of the last bosses.",
"Unfortunately the controls are a bit sluggish.",
"Moving from cover to cover is not as smooth as it could have been.",
"Even though you can find different weapons, or purchase them, you'll most likely stick to the gun you have from the beginning.",
"I sure did, after some minor upgrades to it.",
"The game is entertaining, but forgettable.",
"I mean, I can't really remember the story and I just finished it.",
"Something about an infection creating monsters.",
"But really, for less than $10 you can't go wrong."
]
|
Well, folks, we seem to have passed some great cultural milestone. Because when the rabid Bill Donahue appeared on Fox News yesterday, he seemed to debut a new approach or tactic on his part in how to deal with gay people in general, and gay artists particularly. Donahue clearly was aiming to appear very relaxed and with-it. And though he was there to complain about some statement by the artist about Catholicism, and particularly because it came during Holy Week, his general strategy was clearly a new one.. His complaints are hardly news, since that is what he does. But the fact that he spent a large chunk of the interview opining about Lady Gaga's obvious talent surely is news. Apparently the tech people on the Fox News Channel are Lady Gaga fans, because Donahue emphasized that he had been talking of the singer's talent in the green room with them, so bubbling over with appreciation for cutting edge gay singer stylings that it takes over his small talk no less apparently. So, I am not sure what this milestone means, but it means something. Perhaps a clue might be found in the fact that he further explained that Catholics just want to be "left alone". Well given that the Roman Catholic Church is decidedly not into leaving others alone in society by their various campaign, one wonders at the man's logic. But the rather fawning praise for the singer's talent tells us, phenomenologically, that the Church apparently feels that they now must make some sort of use of the gay artiste vibe. That is the real news. They have glommed on to every other fad in past in an effort to make their rigidity current and more palatable, and jettisoned their own glorious traditions, and apparently now we will soon be treated to parish minstrels in holy drag, with tech songs about the Virgin Mary or Jesus. I have a suggestion where they might start to find performers, and it is with a little Papist, as he calls himself, at the rabidly right-wing Catholic Vote Action. With that connection the little circle of reaction meeting with Bill Donahue's efforts will be complete. | 1 | neutral | [
"Well, folks, we seem to have passed some great cultural milestone.",
"Because when the rabid Bill Donahue appeared on Fox News yesterday, he seemed to debut a new approach or tactic on his part in how to deal with gay people in general, and gay artists particularly.",
"Donahue clearly was aiming to appear very relaxed and with-it.",
"And though he was there to complain about some statement by the artist about Catholicism, and particularly because it came during Holy Week, his general strategy was clearly a new one..",
"His complaints are hardly news, since that is what he does.",
"But the fact that he spent a large chunk of the interview opining about Lady Gaga's obvious talent surely is news.",
"Apparently the tech people on the Fox News Channel are Lady Gaga fans, because Donahue emphasized that he had been talking of the singer's talent in the green room with them, so bubbling over with appreciation for cutting edge gay singer stylings that it takes over his small talk no less apparently.",
"So, I am not sure what this milestone means, but it means something.",
"Perhaps a clue might be found in the fact that he further explained that Catholics just want to be \"left alone\".",
"Well given that the Roman Catholic Church is decidedly not into leaving others alone in society by their various campaign, one wonders at the man's logic.",
"But the rather fawning praise for the singer's talent tells us, phenomenologically, that the Church apparently feels that they now must make some sort of use of the gay artiste vibe.",
"That is the real news.",
"They have glommed on to every other fad in past in an effort to make their rigidity current and more palatable, and jettisoned their own glorious traditions, and apparently now we will soon be treated to parish minstrels in holy drag, with tech songs about the Virgin Mary or Jesus.",
"I have a suggestion where they might start to find performers, and it is with a little Papist, as he calls himself, at the rabidly right-wing Catholic Vote Action.",
"With that connection the little circle of reaction meeting with Bill Donahue's efforts will be complete."
]
|
So many responses from Demo and E3 observers. Strange indeed that an unreleased title already as 4.5 stars and 79 reviews.
But, I digress. I have to inform all that Trent Reznor did NOT do the music, nor the sound effects for this game. See here: [...] He started to and then stopped, quite a while ago. It was done by others, and the title music (the only "music" in the game) was done by Chris Vrenna.
Amazon is simply misinformed or lying. NIN fans have known this for over a year, how Amazon got it wrong is beyond us.
Good luck. | 1 | neutral | [
"So many responses from Demo and E3 observers.",
"Strange indeed that an unreleased title already as 4.",
"5 stars and 79 reviews.",
"But, I digress.",
"I have to inform all that Trent Reznor did NOT do the music, nor the sound effects for this game.",
"See here: [...",
"] He started to and then stopped, quite a while ago.",
"It was done by others, and the title music (the only \"music\" in the game) was done by Chris Vrenna.",
"Amazon is simply misinformed or lying.",
"NIN fans have known this for over a year, how Amazon got it wrong is beyond us.",
"Good luck."
]
|
UPDATE July 2016: for the last two years I've been using a $20 Refractometer. Simple, easy to use. I threw the swing arm Hydrometer away. You can find may with reviews on Amazon.
To be accurate you need to be sure that all the air bubbles are off the swing arm. I've been unable to find a good way to do that, so have not been able to get repeatable measurements. A lot of bubbles makes the arm go to the max end of scale. That's OK, you can see the nubmer is bad right off. The trouble comes with just a few tiny air bubbles -- they give you a reasonable reading, but not an accurate one.
I'll probably replace with a floating glass hydrometer. | 1 | neutral | [
"UPDATE July 2016: for the last two years I've been using a $20 Refractometer.",
"Simple, easy to use.",
"I threw the swing arm Hydrometer away.",
"You can find may with reviews on Amazon.",
"To be accurate you need to be sure that all the air bubbles are off the swing arm.",
"I've been unable to find a good way to do that, so have not been able to get repeatable measurements.",
"A lot of bubbles makes the arm go to the max end of scale.",
"That's OK, you can see the nubmer is bad right off.",
"The trouble comes with just a few tiny air bubbles -- they give you a reasonable reading, but not an accurate one.",
"I'll probably replace with a floating glass hydrometer."
]
|
I got all excited and bought this game the moment it was released at wal-mart. This game has been delayed over and over again. It was allot of fun to play, very short though. It seems to me that the designers have been taking all this time ti improve the online play-which is the best on any game yet. But, the offline play is virtually unimproved and shorter than the original. You still have to use a first person shooter, which the option of third person should be made available. If you are an online gaming fanatatic, then this is the game for you. If you like the offline campaign and things like that-then this game is a huge waste of money. Buy the first Halo for $15 instead. Though the levels are different, it is fundamentally the same game, and should of been released two years ago. | 1 | neutral | [
"I got all excited and bought this game the moment it was released at wal-mart.",
"This game has been delayed over and over again.",
"It was allot of fun to play, very short though.",
"It seems to me that the designers have been taking all this time ti improve the online play-which is the best on any game yet.",
"But, the offline play is virtually unimproved and shorter than the original.",
"You still have to use a first person shooter, which the option of third person should be made available.",
"If you are an online gaming fanatatic, then this is the game for you.",
"If you like the offline campaign and things like that-then this game is a huge waste of money.",
"Buy the first Halo for $15 instead.",
"Though the levels are different, it is fundamentally the same game, and should of been released two years ago."
]
|
Seducing and Heiress was a pretty fun read. It's well written and has pretty steamy love scenes. I liked Dakota a lot. She was a strong character who finally got free from her father and decided to live her life her own way. Her father is a despicable man who only sees her as a commodity. Trey is his employee and has been sent to find her and bring her back. I liked their attraction. The peripheral characters really made the book. The town residents who come to Dakota's aid were a lot of fun. I wish that Chelsea would get her own story! | 1 | neutral | [
"Seducing and Heiress was a pretty fun read.",
"It's well written and has pretty steamy love scenes.",
"I liked Dakota a lot.",
"She was a strong character who finally got free from her father and decided to live her life her own way.",
"Her father is a despicable man who only sees her as a commodity.",
"Trey is his employee and has been sent to find her and bring her back.",
"I liked their attraction.",
"The peripheral characters really made the book.",
"The town residents who come to Dakota's aid were a lot of fun.",
"I wish that Chelsea would get her own story!"
]
|
These hangers work, but I will not buy them again. They don't come with a wall hanger, not a deal breaker but inconvenient. I don't like how the four holders are attached to the springs. It's hard to explain but a zoom-in on the photo should explain it. They seem flimsy and don't cooperate if you need to make adjustments. What I dislike most is the vinyl covering on the hooks. They don't all reach to the end of the holder, exposing some of the metal on some of the ends, not on others. Try as I would, I could not pull them down to cover the hooks to the very tip. What's more, the color is not quite transparent. It looks a little too white and doesn't match the hangers I have on other plates. Those hangers work and look so much better than these. | 1 | neutral | [
"These hangers work, but I will not buy them again.",
"They don't come with a wall hanger, not a deal breaker but inconvenient.",
"I don't like how the four holders are attached to the springs.",
"It's hard to explain but a zoom-in on the photo should explain it.",
"They seem flimsy and don't cooperate if you need to make adjustments.",
"What I dislike most is the vinyl covering on the hooks.",
"They don't all reach to the end of the holder, exposing some of the metal on some of the ends, not on others.",
"Try as I would, I could not pull them down to cover the hooks to the very tip.",
"What's more, the color is not quite transparent.",
"It looks a little too white and doesn't match the hangers I have on other plates.",
"Those hangers work and look so much better than these."
]
|
Elmopalooza is a 1998 TV/CD special celebrating the legacy of Sesame Street. The name, referencing Lolopalooza, references the then newest rising star in the Sesame Street pantheon, Elmo! The DVD is basically a musical video, and the album contains the audio performances from the TV special. Like so many other preschool projected headed by Sesamee Street, the producers enlisted famed musicians to help bring some versatility to the project and also to appeal to adults as well as children (which they succeed, thankfully).
Once concern about the album/TV special, however, is its lack of Elmo. [As far as Elmo fans go, however, pretty much get the shaft.] For a TV special/soundtrack celebrating Sesame Street with a seeming focus on Elmo and even titled Elmapoloza, there is VERY LITTLE Elmo on the record or the video that was released in conjuction with the soundtrack. He only appears as a major contributor to on three of the eleven songs. The project was actually a 30 year celebration of Sesame Street, and not really focused on Elmo at all, which is quite misleading, to say the least. In the late 1990s is when Elmo first rose to prominence, and the title feels more like a marketing ploy to lure people and also reference Lolopalooza (then a popular musical festive) in that an actual focus on Elmo himself, although to be fair I don't know what else you would call it and still attract the same amount of attention.
It is because of my status as a Parrothead that I even know about this record. In my quest to hear all the commercially available Jimmy Buffett, I discovered this little curio of an album. This is actually the second time Buffett has "collaborated" with The Muppetts (the firest being the Gonzo/Ritzo the Rat "Hey Mr. Space Man" song from 1995 "Kermit Unplugged" record). Sadly this song was not used on "Muppets from Space", where it would have fit in perfectly.
Like so many other famous musicians/one off projects, the album features several current (at least, in 1998 anyway) acts doing material that you would never otherwise hear on any of their own mainstream releases.
Appropriately enough, obviously, the material on the album will obviously be mostly for preschoolers, but will also appeal to parents and care-givers, etc, largely due to the musicians selected. The album is fairly uneven in tone. The album can get quite raucous at times, especially the hilarious Steve Tyler rendition of "I Love Trash", and then other times go in a more mellow direction. The album is also very short, at just over 31 minutes in length.
The album featuers Gloria Estefan, En Vogue (famous for their early 1990s hits), The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (another act whose principal success was in the 1990s), The Fugees, Rosie O'Donnell (!), Jimmy Buffett, Celione Dion, and Kenny Logins. Notably, only The Fugees wrote their contribution.
For fans of these respective musicians, the compilation is only really worth seeking out for Buffett and Steve Tyler/Aerosmith. The other material will hold little interested to any but the most dedicated of each respective musical act, with the possible exception of Gloria Estefan, who is quite exuberant in her opening "Mambo I, I, I" recording.
However, with Buffett and Steve Tyler, listening to their songs are definitely worth seeking out if you're a fan. "Carribean Amphibian", Buffett's duet with Kermit the Frog, sounds tailor-made for Buffett, with that perfect Island steel-drum sound and flare that has made Buffett millions. I'm rather surprised he didn't write the song actually. The track is not that far off from his own novelty/silly tunes that he does on his own mainstreams releases (which range from the obviously not pre-school friendly 1970s "Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw" to again adult themed "Simply Complicated" and ridiculous "Math Sux").
Likewise, Tyler's cover of "I Love Trash" will be a delight to the Aerosmith fan who wants to see the more playful side of the famed lead singer. I can imagine if such a title appeared on an actual Aerosmith album, the lyrics would be MUCH MORE adult oriented.
Unless you are a fan of Buffett/Aerosmith/Sesamee Street in general (and possibly Kenny Logins, whose contribution is pretty good too), I'd give this a pass as now the record is probably out of print.
1. "Mambo I, I, I" 2:37
Sesame Street feat: Gloria Estefan
Written by Fernando M. Rivas / Nancy Sans
2. "I Want a Monster to Be My Friend" 3:59
Sesame Street feat: En Vogue
Written by Robert Pierce / Sam Pottle
3. "Zig Zag Dance" 1:40
Sesame Street feat: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones / The Count / Jerry Nelson
Written by Christopher Cerf / Luis Santerio
4. "Nearly Missed" 2:35
Sesame Street feat: Clifford Kevin Clash / Elmo / Rosie O'Donnell
Written by Joe Raposo
5. "Just Happy to Be Me" 2:31
Sesame Street feat: Fugees
Written by Fugees / Gail King / Sky King
6. "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" 2:24
Sesame Street feat: Shawn Colvin / Ernie / Steve Whitmire
Written by Jeffrey Moss
7. "I Love Trash" 3:34
Sesame Street feat: Steven Tyler
Written by Jeffrey Moss
8. "Caribbean Amphibian" 2:45
Sesame Street feat: Kermit the Frog & the All-Amphibian Band / The All-Amphibian Band / Jimmy Buffett / Kevin Clash / Stephanie D'Abruzzo / Kermit the Frog / Noel MacNeal / Joey Mazzarino / Steve Whitmire
Written by Mark Salzman
9. "Happy to Meet You" 2:34
Sesame Street feat: Big Bird / Clifford Kevin Clash / Celine Dion / Elmo / Herry Monster / Jerry Nelson / Carroll Spinney
Written by Jeffrey Moss
10. "One Small Voice" 3:29
Sesame Street feat: The Kids / Kenny Loggins
Written by Jeffrey Moss
11 "Songs" 3:15
Sesame Street feat: Elmo / The Kids
Written by Dennis Scott | 1 | neutral | [
"Elmopalooza is a 1998 TV/CD special celebrating the legacy of Sesame Street.",
"The name, referencing Lolopalooza, references the then newest rising star in the Sesame Street pantheon, Elmo!",
"The DVD is basically a musical video, and the album contains the audio performances from the TV special.",
"Like so many other preschool projected headed by Sesamee Street, the producers enlisted famed musicians to help bring some versatility to the project and also to appeal to adults as well as children (which they succeed, thankfully).",
"Once concern about the album/TV special, however, is its lack of Elmo.",
"[As far as Elmo fans go, however, pretty much get the shaft.",
"] For a TV special/soundtrack celebrating Sesame Street with a seeming focus on Elmo and even titled Elmapoloza, there is VERY LITTLE Elmo on the record or the video that was released in conjuction with the soundtrack.",
"He only appears as a major contributor to on three of the eleven songs.",
"The project was actually a 30 year celebration of Sesame Street, and not really focused on Elmo at all, which is quite misleading, to say the least.",
"In the late 1990s is when Elmo first rose to prominence, and the title feels more like a marketing ploy to lure people and also reference Lolopalooza (then a popular musical festive) in that an actual focus on Elmo himself, although to be fair I don't know what else you would call it and still attract the same amount of attention.",
"It is because of my status as a Parrothead that I even know about this record.",
"In my quest to hear all the commercially available Jimmy Buffett, I discovered this little curio of an album.",
"This is actually the second time Buffett has \"collaborated\" with The Muppetts (the firest being the Gonzo/Ritzo the Rat \"Hey Mr.",
"Space Man\" song from 1995 \"Kermit Unplugged\" record).",
"Sadly this song was not used on \"Muppets from Space\", where it would have fit in perfectly.",
"Like so many other famous musicians/one off projects, the album features several current (at least, in 1998 anyway) acts doing material that you would never otherwise hear on any of their own mainstream releases.",
"Appropriately enough, obviously, the material on the album will obviously be mostly for preschoolers, but will also appeal to parents and care-givers, etc, largely due to the musicians selected.",
"The album is fairly uneven in tone.",
"The album can get quite raucous at times, especially the hilarious Steve Tyler rendition of \"I Love Trash\", and then other times go in a more mellow direction.",
"The album is also very short, at just over 31 minutes in length.",
"The album featuers Gloria Estefan, En Vogue (famous for their early 1990s hits), The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (another act whose principal success was in the 1990s), The Fugees, Rosie O'Donnell (!",
"), Jimmy Buffett, Celione Dion, and Kenny Logins.",
"Notably, only The Fugees wrote their contribution.",
"For fans of these respective musicians, the compilation is only really worth seeking out for Buffett and Steve Tyler/Aerosmith.",
"The other material will hold little interested to any but the most dedicated of each respective musical act, with the possible exception of Gloria Estefan, who is quite exuberant in her opening \"Mambo I, I, I\" recording.",
"However, with Buffett and Steve Tyler, listening to their songs are definitely worth seeking out if you're a fan.",
"\"Carribean Amphibian\", Buffett's duet with Kermit the Frog, sounds tailor-made for Buffett, with that perfect Island steel-drum sound and flare that has made Buffett millions.",
"I'm rather surprised he didn't write the song actually.",
"The track is not that far off from his own novelty/silly tunes that he does on his own mainstreams releases (which range from the obviously not pre-school friendly 1970s \"Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw\" to again adult themed \"Simply Complicated\" and ridiculous \"Math Sux\").",
"Likewise, Tyler's cover of \"I Love Trash\" will be a delight to the Aerosmith fan who wants to see the more playful side of the famed lead singer.",
"I can imagine if such a title appeared on an actual Aerosmith album, the lyrics would be MUCH MORE adult oriented.",
"Unless you are a fan of Buffett/Aerosmith/Sesamee Street in general (and possibly Kenny Logins, whose contribution is pretty good too), I'd give this a pass as now the record is probably out of print.",
"1.",
"\"Mambo I, I, I\" 2:37\nSesame Street feat: Gloria Estefan\nWritten by Fernando M.",
"Rivas / Nancy Sans\n\n2.",
"\"I Want a Monster to Be My Friend\" 3:59\nSesame Street feat: En Vogue\nWritten by Robert Pierce / Sam Pottle\n\n3.",
"\"Zig Zag Dance\" 1:40\nSesame Street feat: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones / The Count / Jerry Nelson\nWritten by Christopher Cerf / Luis Santerio\n\n4.",
"\"Nearly Missed\" 2:35\nSesame Street feat: Clifford Kevin Clash / Elmo / Rosie O'Donnell\nWritten by Joe Raposo\n\n5.",
"\"Just Happy to Be Me\" 2:31\nSesame Street feat: Fugees\nWritten by Fugees / Gail King / Sky King\n\n6.",
"\"I Don't Want to Live on the Moon\" 2:24\nSesame Street feat: Shawn Colvin / Ernie / Steve Whitmire\nWritten by Jeffrey Moss\n\n7.",
"\"I Love Trash\" 3:34\nSesame Street feat: Steven Tyler\nWritten by Jeffrey Moss\n\n8.",
"\"Caribbean Amphibian\" 2:45\nSesame Street feat: Kermit the Frog & the All-Amphibian Band / The All-Amphibian Band / Jimmy Buffett / Kevin Clash / Stephanie D'Abruzzo / Kermit the Frog / Noel MacNeal / Joey Mazzarino / Steve Whitmire\nWritten by Mark Salzman\n\n9.",
"\"Happy to Meet You\" 2:34\nSesame Street feat: Big Bird / Clifford Kevin Clash / Celine Dion / Elmo / Herry Monster / Jerry Nelson / Carroll Spinney\nWritten by Jeffrey Moss\n\n10.",
"\"One Small Voice\" 3:29\nSesame Street feat: The Kids / Kenny Loggins\nWritten by Jeffrey Moss\n\n11 \"Songs\" 3:15\nSesame Street feat: Elmo / The Kids\nWritten by Dennis Scott"
]
|
This recording makes me think of Boulez' recording of Also Sprach Zarathustra. Boulez is an excellent Mahler conductor, but fails to get much sense out of Richard Strauss. Karajan, on the other hand, is an excellent Strauss conductor, but does not convince me when it comes to Mahler.
In very broad terms, one can perhaps make a distinction between "kaleidoscopic" and "emotional" Mahler interpretations. I associate the former perspective with conductors such as Walter, Boulez, Chailly and Karajan. These guys treasure Mahler for his unsurpassed skills in creating sound. I associate the latter perspective with conductors such as Barbirolli, Horenstein, Mitropoulos, Bernstein and Tennstedt. These guys see a deeper vision in Mahler's music, and sincerely embrace Mahler's idea that the symphony must be the world.
So what is the 5th really about? It is obviously inspired by Beethoven's 5th. On the most superficial level it describes a similar journey from darkness to light. But there is more to it than that. Tony Duggan describes the 5th as "the musical equivalent of a split personality". Others have argued that among Mahler's instrumental symphonies, it is actually the 5th and not the 6th which is the fundamentally tragic symphony.
My main objection against Karajan is that he misses these tragic elements. The initial trumpet solo is not a statement of power such as Strauss' introduction to Also Sprach Zarathustra. It is a statement of courage and of defiance. As for the Finale, everyone did not live happily ever after. Instead we are witnessing a battle between rigidity and spontaneity, which in the final bars is threatening to blow up everything. It is a musical depiction of the fragility of modern civilization. I hear these things in the recordings by Barshai, Boulez and Bernstein, but I do not hear any of this in Karajan's M5. | 1 | neutral | [
"This recording makes me think of Boulez' recording of Also Sprach Zarathustra.",
"Boulez is an excellent Mahler conductor, but fails to get much sense out of Richard Strauss.",
"Karajan, on the other hand, is an excellent Strauss conductor, but does not convince me when it comes to Mahler.",
"In very broad terms, one can perhaps make a distinction between \"kaleidoscopic\" and \"emotional\" Mahler interpretations.",
"I associate the former perspective with conductors such as Walter, Boulez, Chailly and Karajan.",
"These guys treasure Mahler for his unsurpassed skills in creating sound.",
"I associate the latter perspective with conductors such as Barbirolli, Horenstein, Mitropoulos, Bernstein and Tennstedt.",
"These guys see a deeper vision in Mahler's music, and sincerely embrace Mahler's idea that the symphony must be the world.",
"So what is the 5th really about?",
"It is obviously inspired by Beethoven's 5th.",
"On the most superficial level it describes a similar journey from darkness to light.",
"But there is more to it than that.",
"Tony Duggan describes the 5th as \"the musical equivalent of a split personality\".",
"Others have argued that among Mahler's instrumental symphonies, it is actually the 5th and not the 6th which is the fundamentally tragic symphony.",
"My main objection against Karajan is that he misses these tragic elements.",
"The initial trumpet solo is not a statement of power such as Strauss' introduction to Also Sprach Zarathustra.",
"It is a statement of courage and of defiance.",
"As for the Finale, everyone did not live happily ever after.",
"Instead we are witnessing a battle between rigidity and spontaneity, which in the final bars is threatening to blow up everything.",
"It is a musical depiction of the fragility of modern civilization.",
"I hear these things in the recordings by Barshai, Boulez and Bernstein, but I do not hear any of this in Karajan's M5."
]
|
UPDATE: 9/8/16: After using the mallet for the first time, it broke. I was on the 3rd stake of the 5 needed for my tent and the rubber head fell off and rolled away. Lowered rating the 3 stars.
This is a great deal. I was looking for mainly a little broom and the extra stakes are high quality. However the mesh bag is finicky. The dust pan barely fits and the corners catch constantly. The mallet weighs 1.5 pounds, which is a little heavy for backpacking.
If the bag was slightly more spacious or a different material that caught less, I would give 5 stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"UPDATE: 9/8/16: After using the mallet for the first time, it broke.",
"I was on the 3rd stake of the 5 needed for my tent and the rubber head fell off and rolled away.",
"Lowered rating the 3 stars.",
"This is a great deal.",
"I was looking for mainly a little broom and the extra stakes are high quality.",
"However the mesh bag is finicky.",
"The dust pan barely fits and the corners catch constantly.",
"The mallet weighs 1.",
"5 pounds, which is a little heavy for backpacking.",
"If the bag was slightly more spacious or a different material that caught less, I would give 5 stars."
]
|
I bought 4 colors of nail polish and 1 bottle of the topcoat, each for about $11.
While I know that's not the most expensive nail polish out there--it is a lot more than I usually pay.
I have used the polish three times and have been less than blown-away by it. I have used the Serene Green on my toes and it has held up pretty well. However, the Electric Orange I have used twice on my fingernails has two problems: the color is sheer enough that I don't feel two coats gives enough coverage (you still see streaks through to my nail) and it has chipped or worn off the end of the nail within a couple of days. So the 5-7 days touted has just not been my experience. The polish seems to chip or wear off much less than normal polish but, still. My expectations were higher for this product.
One thing I did find out is that the first 2 coats of color seem to stay a bit sticky--I tried letting them dry for several minutes to an hour--but as soon as I put the topcoat on, it dried pretty hard after about 10 minutes. So the topcoat is important and it seems to "dry" the first coats very well. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought 4 colors of nail polish and 1 bottle of the topcoat, each for about $11.",
"While I know that's not the most expensive nail polish out there--it is a lot more than I usually pay.",
"I have used the polish three times and have been less than blown-away by it.",
"I have used the Serene Green on my toes and it has held up pretty well.",
"However, the Electric Orange I have used twice on my fingernails has two problems: the color is sheer enough that I don't feel two coats gives enough coverage (you still see streaks through to my nail) and it has chipped or worn off the end of the nail within a couple of days.",
"So the 5-7 days touted has just not been my experience.",
"The polish seems to chip or wear off much less than normal polish but, still.",
"My expectations were higher for this product.",
"One thing I did find out is that the first 2 coats of color seem to stay a bit sticky--I tried letting them dry for several minutes to an hour--but as soon as I put the topcoat on, it dried pretty hard after about 10 minutes.",
"So the topcoat is important and it seems to \"dry\" the first coats very well."
]
|
This review is for Amazon.com on 2010-10-06 and is based on first impressions and a few uses. Long term reliability is still unknown to me. This is an expensive product compared to some of the competition.
I bought this to replace an old B&D model, and my comments are based somewhat on a comparison with that device.
The blower has a metal impeller, which is only of value if you plan to use as a vacuum. If you only plan to use this as a blower, there's no sense in paying more for this feature.
In blower mode, the unit is well balanced, with the standard nozzle exit from the bottom of the unit (compared to the top in my old B&D model which resulted in extra stress on the hand and non-optimal angle for blowing). The variable speed control is not as nice as it sounds. Far from being "infinite", the lowest speed is approximately 60% of full speed, still too fast for me to slow the fan down enough for gathering driveway leaves into a pile - out comes the manual rake and broom to do that. As with all blowers, hearing protection is required due to the high speed and extremely loud motor.
The shiny red trademark Toro color is a very thin coating. I set the unit on its side on my driveway gently, and that was enough to scrape off the red paint.
Converting from blower to vacuum is a bit awkward. In the B&D model, one easy push-button did the trick, replacing blower nozzle with vacuum nozzle. On the Toro, I have to press hard on an awkward plastic piece, which is not really a button but just some stiff molded yet still flexible piece of the blower body. Then, with a second hand a bottom plate is removed. Next, the blower nozzle is removed. Then, the vacuum nozzle is attached.
Clearing a clog from the Toro is not easy. First, the same awkward plastic button is pushed and the vacuum nozzle removed. This only exposes a hole where the impeller is located. On my old B&D, the vacuum nozzle also comprised the fan housing, so upon removal, the debris just fell out or could be removed from the nozzle easily. On the Toro, the debris must be removed by inserting a stick and poking around in the fan housing area.
I'm skeptical who actually makes this product, since the design seems identical to a few other units from different brands in the store. The Toro does have a two year warranty, and given the comments on the Internet about early motor failure due to skimpy motor brushes that are not replaceable, it might be prudent to keep the receipt in anticipation of warranty repair. | 1 | neutral | [
"This review is for Amazon.",
"com on 2010-10-06 and is based on first impressions and a few uses.",
"Long term reliability is still unknown to me.",
"This is an expensive product compared to some of the competition.",
"I bought this to replace an old B&D model, and my comments are based somewhat on a comparison with that device.",
"The blower has a metal impeller, which is only of value if you plan to use as a vacuum.",
"If you only plan to use this as a blower, there's no sense in paying more for this feature.",
"In blower mode, the unit is well balanced, with the standard nozzle exit from the bottom of the unit (compared to the top in my old B&D model which resulted in extra stress on the hand and non-optimal angle for blowing).",
"The variable speed control is not as nice as it sounds.",
"Far from being \"infinite\", the lowest speed is approximately 60% of full speed, still too fast for me to slow the fan down enough for gathering driveway leaves into a pile - out comes the manual rake and broom to do that.",
"As with all blowers, hearing protection is required due to the high speed and extremely loud motor.",
"The shiny red trademark Toro color is a very thin coating.",
"I set the unit on its side on my driveway gently, and that was enough to scrape off the red paint.",
"Converting from blower to vacuum is a bit awkward.",
"In the B&D model, one easy push-button did the trick, replacing blower nozzle with vacuum nozzle.",
"On the Toro, I have to press hard on an awkward plastic piece, which is not really a button but just some stiff molded yet still flexible piece of the blower body.",
"Then, with a second hand a bottom plate is removed.",
"Next, the blower nozzle is removed.",
"Then, the vacuum nozzle is attached.",
"Clearing a clog from the Toro is not easy.",
"First, the same awkward plastic button is pushed and the vacuum nozzle removed.",
"This only exposes a hole where the impeller is located.",
"On my old B&D, the vacuum nozzle also comprised the fan housing, so upon removal, the debris just fell out or could be removed from the nozzle easily.",
"On the Toro, the debris must be removed by inserting a stick and poking around in the fan housing area.",
"I'm skeptical who actually makes this product, since the design seems identical to a few other units from different brands in the store.",
"The Toro does have a two year warranty, and given the comments on the Internet about early motor failure due to skimpy motor brushes that are not replaceable, it might be prudent to keep the receipt in anticipation of warranty repair."
]
|
This is a great short start to "I think" will be a wonderful series! The concept of this book is delightful. After 100 pressured reviews to write, it is so nice to actually be able to read something short, fast and easy! Yet still offer a great story line.
The great thing about this series, I was looking and you can actually get them very cheap. In this book, you meet Chloe and get introduced to her new life. She is pushed into a world she never knew existed, after her mother was murder in front of her. Now not only does she learn she has a grandfather, but she also learns her family history. She now knows that she is one of the most _________ wait did you really think I was going to tell you???
So go grab this book, it is FREE!! I do not think you will be disappointed at all!!!!
Off to book 2!!!!! | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a great short start to \"I think\" will be a wonderful series!",
"The concept of this book is delightful.",
"After 100 pressured reviews to write, it is so nice to actually be able to read something short, fast and easy!",
"Yet still offer a great story line.",
"The great thing about this series, I was looking and you can actually get them very cheap.",
"In this book, you meet Chloe and get introduced to her new life.",
"She is pushed into a world she never knew existed, after her mother was murder in front of her.",
"Now not only does she learn she has a grandfather, but she also learns her family history.",
"She now knows that she is one of the most _________ wait did you really think I was going to tell you???",
"So go grab this book, it is FREE!!",
"I do not think you will be disappointed at all!!!!",
"Off to book 2!!!!",
"!"
]
|
It's biggest of the three I have, an Olight mini, a Thrunite mini and then this. This is the only one I will say with an adjustable focal lens. Comes with a keychain strap. It's just lacking on brightness, does come with an extra bulb in base though. Lacking in brightness might not be a bad thing, it means your battery will last a lot longer than these higher output lights. I don't have stats "sorry". I grew up with mag lights and this was my late night comic reader on or one close to it. For those purposes / Maps it's great. But for walking a trail you might be let down. I like the quality of it and it is a nice blast from the past for my collection of today. Seven bucks or so with battery and strap, not bad for a small child, like I said you should get hours instead of a half hour my other ones put out in battery life. | 1 | neutral | [
"It's biggest of the three I have, an Olight mini, a Thrunite mini and then this.",
"This is the only one I will say with an adjustable focal lens.",
"Comes with a keychain strap.",
"It's just lacking on brightness, does come with an extra bulb in base though.",
"Lacking in brightness might not be a bad thing, it means your battery will last a lot longer than these higher output lights.",
"I don't have stats \"sorry\".",
"I grew up with mag lights and this was my late night comic reader on or one close to it.",
"For those purposes / Maps it's great.",
"But for walking a trail you might be let down.",
"I like the quality of it and it is a nice blast from the past for my collection of today.",
"Seven bucks or so with battery and strap, not bad for a small child, like I said you should get hours instead of a half hour my other ones put out in battery life."
]
|
You would think with the name 'Rubbermaid' and a $120 price tag that this thing would be amazing! Well, it's not. The directions stink. No actual directions - just pictures that you need a magnifying glass to see (at least if you're over 40). Never did figure out how to put the straps on for the lid. No indication of where the stupid microscopic screws belonged. But the real kicker was, once it was all 'snapped' together, the minute anyone touched it, it fell apart again. The sides just popped loose and the whole thing opened up like a flower and fell to the ground. I am VERY glad no one tried to actually sit on it - me in particular since I already have a herniated disk and that would have crippled me. Unfortunately, I bought this for my copious bags of animal food and had already discarded my VERY old and VERY broken one. It simply never occurred to me that I would have a problem with a Rubbermaid product. Consequently, I had to keep this one because I can't just leave the bags out on the ground. Soooooo I got some flat metal brackets and screwed them across the joints with some 1 1/2 " wood screws and it's working fine. So, buyer beware. Don't try and use it the way its stated in the ad. But, with a little shoring up, it's working fine. Now I just need to find some spray paint that matches so I can camouflage the brackets. | 1 | neutral | [
"You would think with the name 'Rubbermaid' and a $120 price tag that this thing would be amazing!",
"Well, it's not.",
"The directions stink.",
"No actual directions - just pictures that you need a magnifying glass to see (at least if you're over 40).",
"Never did figure out how to put the straps on for the lid.",
"No indication of where the stupid microscopic screws belonged.",
"But the real kicker was, once it was all 'snapped' together, the minute anyone touched it, it fell apart again.",
"The sides just popped loose and the whole thing opened up like a flower and fell to the ground.",
"I am VERY glad no one tried to actually sit on it - me in particular since I already have a herniated disk and that would have crippled me.",
"Unfortunately, I bought this for my copious bags of animal food and had already discarded my VERY old and VERY broken one.",
"It simply never occurred to me that I would have a problem with a Rubbermaid product.",
"Consequently, I had to keep this one because I can't just leave the bags out on the ground.",
"Soooooo I got some flat metal brackets and screwed them across the joints with some 1 1/2 \" wood screws and it's working fine.",
"So, buyer beware.",
"Don't try and use it the way its stated in the ad.",
"But, with a little shoring up, it's working fine.",
"Now I just need to find some spray paint that matches so I can camouflage the brackets."
]
|
The camera comes with an easy set up extra instruction sheet. Easy? Sounds good. First the Olympus batteries wouldn't fit. Wife says "Take it back" Finally a VERY hard push got them in. Second the SmartMedia memory card wouldn't connect. Wife says "Take it back" Finally a hard push got it in. Third was setting the time. This was a major production due to the very complex menu. "Wife says "Take it back" Finally it's time, maybe, to take a picture. Turned camera on. No picture on the back screen. Hmmmm, this is not good. Re-read the easy set up extra instruction sheet word for word. Wife says "Take it back, it doesn't work" Finally in very tiny print we find that there is a "monitor" button. Take some snaps. So far this was the easy part. Installed the Camedia software on PC which comes with virtually zero documentation. Plugged in the USB cable and camera. Win98SE sees camera but doesn't find a driver. Easy set up instruction says nothing about software or drivers. The thick, mostly foreign language instruction book says see driver instructions on the Camedia disk. I look and look and look. No driver instructions could be found on the disk. Based on previous PC experience I point Win98SE to the Camedia disk sub sub directory for drivers. Win98SE finds driver. Whew. All is good, so I think. Boot up Camedia and attempt to transfer pictures from camera to Camedia. NO GO. Camedia can't find camera. Call a friend for help. Friend tells me actually the camera is now just another hard drive. Shut down the worthless Camedia and let Windows98SE go find the new Olympus hard drive. FINALLY I find the snaps on the Olympus drive and insert the snaps into some family email. Time to call it a very long night. | 1 | neutral | [
"The camera comes with an easy set up extra instruction sheet.",
"Easy?",
"Sounds good.",
"First the Olympus batteries wouldn't fit.",
"Wife says \"Take it back\" Finally a VERY hard push got them in.",
"Second the SmartMedia memory card wouldn't connect.",
"Wife says \"Take it back\" Finally a hard push got it in.",
"Third was setting the time.",
"This was a major production due to the very complex menu.",
"\"Wife says \"Take it back\" Finally it's time, maybe, to take a picture.",
"Turned camera on.",
"No picture on the back screen.",
"Hmmmm, this is not good.",
"Re-read the easy set up extra instruction sheet word for word.",
"Wife says \"Take it back, it doesn't work\" Finally in very tiny print we find that there is a \"monitor\" button.",
"Take some snaps.",
"So far this was the easy part.",
"Installed the Camedia software on PC which comes with virtually zero documentation.",
"Plugged in the USB cable and camera.",
"Win98SE sees camera but doesn't find a driver.",
"Easy set up instruction says nothing about software or drivers.",
"The thick, mostly foreign language instruction book says see driver instructions on the Camedia disk.",
"I look and look and look.",
"No driver instructions could be found on the disk.",
"Based on previous PC experience I point Win98SE to the Camedia disk sub sub directory for drivers.",
"Win98SE finds driver.",
"Whew.",
"All is good, so I think.",
"Boot up Camedia and attempt to transfer pictures from camera to Camedia.",
"NO GO.",
"Camedia can't find camera.",
"Call a friend for help.",
"Friend tells me actually the camera is now just another hard drive.",
"Shut down the worthless Camedia and let Windows98SE go find the new Olympus hard drive.",
"FINALLY I find the snaps on the Olympus drive and insert the snaps into some family email.",
"Time to call it a very long night."
]
|
I bought this rake at Home Depot a few weeks ago. I then spent 2 to 4 hrs a session every couple of days for about 2.5 weeks and dethatched a hybrid bermuda lawn that had a moderate thatch buildup. I estimate I did an area of about 1800 - 2,000sq ft. (it's a free form design so computing area is difficult). It's a job, even if you are in shape which I am. Took out nine large 32gal trash bags full of thatch.
I found there are two problems with the rake. The first is that while very sturdy, the wooden handle is heavy, it should have been made of fiber glass to reduce weight and still maintain strength. The second design problem is that the outer tines have a way to getting bent inward. Once you straighten them out they become easier to bend inward later if you clip a sidewalk or bender board edge. After awhile even the 2nd and 3rd tines get bent inward reducing the effective rake length on each stroke. The tines are made of some kind of aluminum are sharp but too malleable (bendable). Toward the end of my project the outer tines became real easy to bend inward just doing the thatching and not hitting anything, probably metal fatigue made the metal easier to bend. The outer tines should have been made of steel.
If you have more than a 1,000 sq ft of lawn to dethatch forget the rake and rent a dethatcher machine unless you want a real workout.
I'll give this rake 3 stars, but a 2.5 star rating would be more accurate. | 1 | neutral | [
"I bought this rake at Home Depot a few weeks ago.",
"I then spent 2 to 4 hrs a session every couple of days for about 2.",
"5 weeks and dethatched a hybrid bermuda lawn that had a moderate thatch buildup.",
"I estimate I did an area of about 1800 - 2,000sq ft.",
"(it's a free form design so computing area is difficult).",
"It's a job, even if you are in shape which I am.",
"Took out nine large 32gal trash bags full of thatch.",
"I found there are two problems with the rake.",
"The first is that while very sturdy, the wooden handle is heavy, it should have been made of fiber glass to reduce weight and still maintain strength.",
"The second design problem is that the outer tines have a way to getting bent inward.",
"Once you straighten them out they become easier to bend inward later if you clip a sidewalk or bender board edge.",
"After awhile even the 2nd and 3rd tines get bent inward reducing the effective rake length on each stroke.",
"The tines are made of some kind of aluminum are sharp but too malleable (bendable).",
"Toward the end of my project the outer tines became real easy to bend inward just doing the thatching and not hitting anything, probably metal fatigue made the metal easier to bend.",
"The outer tines should have been made of steel.",
"If you have more than a 1,000 sq ft of lawn to dethatch forget the rake and rent a dethatcher machine unless you want a real workout.",
"I'll give this rake 3 stars, but a 2.",
"5 star rating would be more accurate."
]
|
Technically, and acting-wise this is a great movie. The performances, especially by Gene Hackman, Richard Harris and Eastwood, are superlative. Hackman's "Little Bill" is easily his most memorable character since Popeye Doyle in "French Connection" (Too bad he had to do a caricature of it a couple years later in "The Quick and the Dead"). Cinematography, editing and most of the dialogue are also excellent.
My problem is with the plot. So Eastwood's Bill Munny, after arriving in Big Whiskey, has a dark epiphany of sorts in which he sees the harsh reality of death and the terrible consequnces of his murderous past. Yet he then almost casually goes through with the contract killings, even though he now knows that the account of the mutilation of the prostitute that he is supposedly exacting revenge for was exaggerated. To me, this makes all his dark visions and revelations meaningless; they had no effect. Despite all the pretensions of the script, in the end this becomes just another conventional western, with the "good guy" shooting all the bad guys. Despite all his character falws and all the nuances, in the end Eastwood is presented as just another avenging hero like his mid-seventies characters. | 1 | neutral | [
"Technically, and acting-wise this is a great movie.",
"The performances, especially by Gene Hackman, Richard Harris and Eastwood, are superlative.",
"Hackman's \"Little Bill\" is easily his most memorable character since Popeye Doyle in \"French Connection\" (Too bad he had to do a caricature of it a couple years later in \"The Quick and the Dead\").",
"Cinematography, editing and most of the dialogue are also excellent.",
"My problem is with the plot.",
"So Eastwood's Bill Munny, after arriving in Big Whiskey, has a dark epiphany of sorts in which he sees the harsh reality of death and the terrible consequnces of his murderous past.",
"Yet he then almost casually goes through with the contract killings, even though he now knows that the account of the mutilation of the prostitute that he is supposedly exacting revenge for was exaggerated.",
"To me, this makes all his dark visions and revelations meaningless; they had no effect.",
"Despite all the pretensions of the script, in the end this becomes just another conventional western, with the \"good guy\" shooting all the bad guys.",
"Despite all his character falws and all the nuances, in the end Eastwood is presented as just another avenging hero like his mid-seventies characters."
]
|
Obviously from the cover this is a self published short story. I always like to read stories by amateur writers as you find some really great undiscovered talent. This is not one of those times, it wasn't a poorly written short story it just wasn't anything great either. The first part goes for too long, I imagine a lot of readers would have stopped reading before the better part of the story starts (when the robots meet the human kids on the way to school). Starts of using alien specific technical jargon a lot, although they are made up words you sort of have the feeling you do when someone uses insider technical jargon including acronyms for their workplace when trying to justify their actions and you are on the phone to them or something. Bizarrely in a scenario where the aliens don't know much about humans, (hence why they need to send two information gathering robots to Earth) they have just had a war with Saturn where they battled the Uranians, so somehow they call the planets the same thing we do. Then we have a pretty boring getting ready for school scene. Even though this is a short story, the boring introduction scenes needed to be much shorter. Possibly a few more scenes involving the confused robots at school before meeting "Mom" would have been good too. I also didn't buy that the kids would let the robots do what they do, surely they'd know that's wrong and they'd get in trouble for that.
The whole thing isn't that long, it will take you maybe twelve to fifteen minutes at most to read. Once you push through the boring first half it is somewhat interesting, but overall is nothing brilliant. | 1 | neutral | [
"Obviously from the cover this is a self published short story.",
"I always like to read stories by amateur writers as you find some really great undiscovered talent.",
"This is not one of those times, it wasn't a poorly written short story it just wasn't anything great either.",
"The first part goes for too long, I imagine a lot of readers would have stopped reading before the better part of the story starts (when the robots meet the human kids on the way to school).",
"Starts of using alien specific technical jargon a lot, although they are made up words you sort of have the feeling you do when someone uses insider technical jargon including acronyms for their workplace when trying to justify their actions and you are on the phone to them or something.",
"Bizarrely in a scenario where the aliens don't know much about humans, (hence why they need to send two information gathering robots to Earth) they have just had a war with Saturn where they battled the Uranians, so somehow they call the planets the same thing we do.",
"Then we have a pretty boring getting ready for school scene.",
"Even though this is a short story, the boring introduction scenes needed to be much shorter.",
"Possibly a few more scenes involving the confused robots at school before meeting \"Mom\" would have been good too.",
"I also didn't buy that the kids would let the robots do what they do, surely they'd know that's wrong and they'd get in trouble for that.",
"The whole thing isn't that long, it will take you maybe twelve to fifteen minutes at most to read.",
"Once you push through the boring first half it is somewhat interesting, but overall is nothing brilliant."
]
|
I have owned a Cricut Personal & still own a Cricut Expression. The machine can & does cut, but you are very limited to what you can cut. I was one of the lucky ones who got in just under the wire & purchased Sure Cuts A Lot, which made the machine much better! I loved being able to use any font off of my computer!!
When all of the lawsuits came about, I was extremely turned off by Provo Craft. This was definitely a bad decision as far as I'm concerned! OK, I get that maybe by using SCAL, I wouldn't have bought any cartridges, BUT, I would still buy blades, mats & miscellaneous other accessories... But not anymore! I have now switched to another machine & PC will not get any money from me again! Also, not only have they banned 3rd party software, they've also quit updating their own software & it is now being discontinued! The only option to design from a computer now is by using the Cricut Craftroom. I cannot comment on this because I've never tried it out, I personally don't like the concept. So, now, if I were to keep my Cricut & use Design Studio software, any new cartridges (from this month on) I bought would not be usable with the software!
Anyway, after getting tired of PCs tactics, I decided to look for something different. I purchased a Silhouette Cameo & love, love, love it! Granted, it is not a stand-alone machine, it does have to be hooked up to a computer, but I do most of my crafting at my computer anyway & don't attend crops, so this isn't an issue for me. I now have the freedom to cut anything I can imagine & then some. Now Silhouette America will be getting my measly $10-$15 for mats & replacement blades & $0.99 for a file from their online store & apparently they're content with that... I know I am!
If you are in the market for an e-cutter, I STRONGLY recommend you at least look at your other options first. There are better ones out there with way more flexibility than the Cricut will ever have! | 1 | neutral | [
"I have owned a Cricut Personal & still own a Cricut Expression.",
"The machine can & does cut, but you are very limited to what you can cut.",
"I was one of the lucky ones who got in just under the wire & purchased Sure Cuts A Lot, which made the machine much better!",
"I loved being able to use any font off of my computer!!",
"When all of the lawsuits came about, I was extremely turned off by Provo Craft.",
"This was definitely a bad decision as far as I'm concerned!",
"OK, I get that maybe by using SCAL, I wouldn't have bought any cartridges, BUT, I would still buy blades, mats & miscellaneous other accessories...",
"But not anymore!",
"I have now switched to another machine & PC will not get any money from me again!",
"Also, not only have they banned 3rd party software, they've also quit updating their own software & it is now being discontinued!",
"The only option to design from a computer now is by using the Cricut Craftroom.",
"I cannot comment on this because I've never tried it out, I personally don't like the concept.",
"So, now, if I were to keep my Cricut & use Design Studio software, any new cartridges (from this month on) I bought would not be usable with the software!",
"Anyway, after getting tired of PCs tactics, I decided to look for something different.",
"I purchased a Silhouette Cameo & love, love, love it!",
"Granted, it is not a stand-alone machine, it does have to be hooked up to a computer, but I do most of my crafting at my computer anyway & don't attend crops, so this isn't an issue for me.",
"I now have the freedom to cut anything I can imagine & then some.",
"Now Silhouette America will be getting my measly $10-$15 for mats & replacement blades & $0.",
"99 for a file from their online store & apparently they're content with that...",
"I know I am!",
"If you are in the market for an e-cutter, I STRONGLY recommend you at least look at your other options first.",
"There are better ones out there with way more flexibility than the Cricut will ever have!"
]
|
Okay, I'm a HUGE fan of the PC version of Sims 2, so maybe I was expecting too much. I realize you can't pack the same amount of game depth into a much smaller memory space, so of course the game will be different. I recognize that, I just wish it were a little bit more fun.
At first I really liked the mission aspect, which is a big departure from the PC version. I liked having to earn enough money to improve the hotel, though I did most of that in the casino playing the super fun/addictive pirate card game. I like having to keep the place clean and the guests happy; that's all part of the challenge and the fun. And of course, you can find treasures in your vaccuum sometimes too!
Two big departures from the PC game that I really don't like:
1) The personal interactions are very limited and in many cases, annoying. Maybe I just can't figure out the patterns, but it still seems very random and I hate that you lose all "sanity" points after a few interactions and have to quit for a while. Maybe I'm just too impatient to see the patterns, but this is frustrating too me.
2) The "sanity" meter and how unspecific it is about what you need. When your sanity is low, you can raise it by using the toilet, taking a shower, having a snack, or taking a nap. This is true whether you need any of those things or not. For example, if your sanity meter is low, you can raise it up to the maximum by using the toilet. But, you might get just a few feet into the hotel before your character starts acting tired and wanting to take a nap. So you have to go back and take a nap, even though your sanity meter is full. There was no way to tell in the first place that she needed a nap and not a potty break. And what is up with recharging your "sanity" after a fight with a hotel guest by using the toilet? This really doesn't ruin the game, it's just sort of stupid.
There are some other things that aren't great, like the fact that gameplay really isn't that open-ended and you can't customize your character as much. No biggies, but repeat gameplay is limited.
On the other hand, one of the things that is REALLY cute about this version is the art gallery. The DS touchpad makes it possible to draw your own pictures and sell them in the gallery, which is not only a good moneymaker but really sort of fun. That's a very unique touch for this platform and I think it's quite cool. The pirate card game is also fun, and even most of the missions are a good way to waste time.
Overall, I'm not bashing the game completely but I am disappointed. It's worth a shot if you enjoy the Sims 2 franchise, but keep an open mind and be willing to be done with it forever it a week or two.
I hope they resolve some of these issues with the release of Sims 2 Pets for DS in the fall! I can't wait for that! | 1 | neutral | [
"Okay, I'm a HUGE fan of the PC version of Sims 2, so maybe I was expecting too much.",
"I realize you can't pack the same amount of game depth into a much smaller memory space, so of course the game will be different.",
"I recognize that, I just wish it were a little bit more fun.",
"At first I really liked the mission aspect, which is a big departure from the PC version.",
"I liked having to earn enough money to improve the hotel, though I did most of that in the casino playing the super fun/addictive pirate card game.",
"I like having to keep the place clean and the guests happy; that's all part of the challenge and the fun.",
"And of course, you can find treasures in your vaccuum sometimes too!",
"Two big departures from the PC game that I really don't like:\n\n1) The personal interactions are very limited and in many cases, annoying.",
"Maybe I just can't figure out the patterns, but it still seems very random and I hate that you lose all \"sanity\" points after a few interactions and have to quit for a while.",
"Maybe I'm just too impatient to see the patterns, but this is frustrating too me.",
"2) The \"sanity\" meter and how unspecific it is about what you need.",
"When your sanity is low, you can raise it by using the toilet, taking a shower, having a snack, or taking a nap.",
"This is true whether you need any of those things or not.",
"For example, if your sanity meter is low, you can raise it up to the maximum by using the toilet.",
"But, you might get just a few feet into the hotel before your character starts acting tired and wanting to take a nap.",
"So you have to go back and take a nap, even though your sanity meter is full.",
"There was no way to tell in the first place that she needed a nap and not a potty break.",
"And what is up with recharging your \"sanity\" after a fight with a hotel guest by using the toilet?",
"This really doesn't ruin the game, it's just sort of stupid.",
"There are some other things that aren't great, like the fact that gameplay really isn't that open-ended and you can't customize your character as much.",
"No biggies, but repeat gameplay is limited.",
"On the other hand, one of the things that is REALLY cute about this version is the art gallery.",
"The DS touchpad makes it possible to draw your own pictures and sell them in the gallery, which is not only a good moneymaker but really sort of fun.",
"That's a very unique touch for this platform and I think it's quite cool.",
"The pirate card game is also fun, and even most of the missions are a good way to waste time.",
"Overall, I'm not bashing the game completely but I am disappointed.",
"It's worth a shot if you enjoy the Sims 2 franchise, but keep an open mind and be willing to be done with it forever it a week or two.",
"I hope they resolve some of these issues with the release of Sims 2 Pets for DS in the fall!",
"I can't wait for that!"
]
|
BOC is supposed to be the intellectual HM-band of all times. Well, I guess I'm just not that clever, since I find them bordering on boring for long stretches of their production. Granted, they did write some rather strong songs, but they hit them quite well between hours of mediocre compositions. This record has 3 or possibly even 4 good songs on it which is way above average for a BOC-album. "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" is by far their best song ever rivalled only by Godzilla - yeah right ... some monster eats Tokyo - thats clever?! And while "Burnin' for You" is not exactly what you might normally classifie as HM it's certainly worth a spin below the laser-beam. So is "Joan Crawford" (Up from the grave ... very clever, very intellectual). A couple of songs won't exactly send you off to sleep if you're reasonably fresh and for the rest of the record ... sweet dreams! And this is their best ... oh dear! If you insist on buying more BOC-records you shold go for the live-releases - especially "Some Enchanted Evening" ... but really ... try out something less clever but slightly more energetic from the same period ... like f.i. Aerosmith or better yet: Judas Priest. The BOC-covers are quite clever though! | 1 | neutral | [
"BOC is supposed to be the intellectual HM-band of all times.",
"Well, I guess I'm just not that clever, since I find them bordering on boring for long stretches of their production.",
"Granted, they did write some rather strong songs, but they hit them quite well between hours of mediocre compositions.",
"This record has 3 or possibly even 4 good songs on it which is way above average for a BOC-album.",
"\"Veteran of the Psychic Wars\" is by far their best song ever rivalled only by Godzilla - yeah right...",
"some monster eats Tokyo - thats clever?!",
"And while \"Burnin' for You\" is not exactly what you might normally classifie as HM it's certainly worth a spin below the laser-beam.",
"So is \"Joan Crawford\" (Up from the grave...",
"very clever, very intellectual).",
"A couple of songs won't exactly send you off to sleep if you're reasonably fresh and for the rest of the record...",
"sweet dreams!",
"And this is their best...",
"oh dear!",
"If you insist on buying more BOC-records you shold go for the live-releases - especially \"Some Enchanted Evening\"...",
"but really...",
"try out something less clever but slightly more energetic from the same period...",
"like f.",
"i. Aerosmith or better yet: Judas Priest.",
"The BOC-covers are quite clever though!"
]
|
UPDATE: 2 weeks after getting this, each class was given a new School Pro. It really is so much better. Like, I sharpened 25 pencils in one minute. Yet, since our former one broke (as did the pro in another class), I do know that they aren't durable.
I work at a school with three classrooms, and two of them had Exacto Sharpeners (one school pro, the other XLR). I figured I'd continue the tradition in my room by purchasing yet another Exacto brand sharpener. (Formerly, we had a school pro in it but it broke).
The first one sent to me didn't power on, but this one does...and boy does it. It's audibly powerful. Like, noisy as heck, in part because it rattles on the wooden bookshelf it sits on. I'm thinking of placing it on a mouse pad to see if it dampens the sound.
Even after the pencil is pulled from the unit, you can hear the grinder spinning.
But, hey, it produced a mighty fine pointed pencil tip...after a bit of finessing. You have to insert it just enough (but not too much) in order to sharpen, and you have to rotate it in order to get all sides. | 1 | neutral | [
"UPDATE: 2 weeks after getting this, each class was given a new School Pro.",
"It really is so much better.",
"Like, I sharpened 25 pencils in one minute.",
"Yet, since our former one broke (as did the pro in another class), I do know that they aren't durable.",
"I work at a school with three classrooms, and two of them had Exacto Sharpeners (one school pro, the other XLR).",
"I figured I'd continue the tradition in my room by purchasing yet another Exacto brand sharpener.",
"(Formerly, we had a school pro in it but it broke).",
"The first one sent to me didn't power on, but this one does...",
"and boy does it.",
"It's audibly powerful.",
"Like, noisy as heck, in part because it rattles on the wooden bookshelf it sits on.",
"I'm thinking of placing it on a mouse pad to see if it dampens the sound.",
"Even after the pencil is pulled from the unit, you can hear the grinder spinning.",
"But, hey, it produced a mighty fine pointed pencil tip...",
"after a bit of finessing.",
"You have to insert it just enough (but not too much) in order to sharpen, and you have to rotate it in order to get all sides."
]
|
This gum is okay. The flavor dissipates fairly quickly (after 1 minute), and then it quickly becomes harder to chew. If you put two pieces of gum in your mouth, you are really having to bite down on this after a couple minutes. My jaw gets tired and I end up spitting it out. What I did like about this gum is the Xylitol. Xylitol is great for cavity protection. There studies showing that xylitol reduces cavity bacteria. If you are interested in the studies, just email or comment. I have actual journal articles of studies done on this. These weren't so bad I didn't use them, but I was a bit wasteful with chewing them for two minutes, then spitting it out to put a new piece in. So long as it is helping the teeth, I will deal with it. | 1 | neutral | [
"This gum is okay.",
"The flavor dissipates fairly quickly (after 1 minute), and then it quickly becomes harder to chew.",
"If you put two pieces of gum in your mouth, you are really having to bite down on this after a couple minutes.",
"My jaw gets tired and I end up spitting it out.",
"What I did like about this gum is the Xylitol.",
"Xylitol is great for cavity protection.",
"There studies showing that xylitol reduces cavity bacteria.",
"If you are interested in the studies, just email or comment.",
"I have actual journal articles of studies done on this.",
"These weren't so bad I didn't use them, but I was a bit wasteful with chewing them for two minutes, then spitting it out to put a new piece in.",
"So long as it is helping the teeth, I will deal with it."
]
|
We've used two of these feeders for about 5 years now, to help tame our two cats annoyingness around feeding. We set them to rotate twice a day, giving each cat their allotted 1/4 cup per meal. This, in theory, keeps them from eating too much, annoying us at 4am, and fighting over food. It also means that we can stay out late, or head off for a weekend trip without worry. This is all great, when these things work. In reality, they are not super duper reliable machines. They will work fine for months at a time, and then one will just stop rotating, or rotate two compartments, or just keep rotating until the battery runs out. They take D batteries, and they burn through them pretty quickly. They also get out of sync with eachother, even though we carefully set them to start at the same time. It's also really dumb that you can't "program" them to go at a specific time; rather, you have to be right there at the exact time you want them to rotate to hit the switch to on!
I can't complain too much, I suppose, since they have served us for several years - if not perfectly, for all that time. Recently, one of them died, this time seemingly for good. I don't "want" to buy another of this brand, but reading reviews here on Amazon, there seems to be no "good" options at a reasonable price for automatic cat feeders. I'm kind of flabbergasted that no one has been able to invent a reliable, pet-proof multi-day feeder that lasts and is reasonably priced!!! Not sure yet what my next move is, but I've gotten used to the convenience of an automatic feeder, so will eventually pull the trigger on a new one - just maybe not this same brand. | 1 | neutral | [
"We've used two of these feeders for about 5 years now, to help tame our two cats annoyingness around feeding.",
"We set them to rotate twice a day, giving each cat their allotted 1/4 cup per meal.",
"This, in theory, keeps them from eating too much, annoying us at 4am, and fighting over food.",
"It also means that we can stay out late, or head off for a weekend trip without worry.",
"This is all great, when these things work.",
"In reality, they are not super duper reliable machines.",
"They will work fine for months at a time, and then one will just stop rotating, or rotate two compartments, or just keep rotating until the battery runs out.",
"They take D batteries, and they burn through them pretty quickly.",
"They also get out of sync with eachother, even though we carefully set them to start at the same time.",
"It's also really dumb that you can't \"program\" them to go at a specific time; rather, you have to be right there at the exact time you want them to rotate to hit the switch to on!",
"I can't complain too much, I suppose, since they have served us for several years - if not perfectly, for all that time.",
"Recently, one of them died, this time seemingly for good.",
"I don't \"want\" to buy another of this brand, but reading reviews here on Amazon, there seems to be no \"good\" options at a reasonable price for automatic cat feeders.",
"I'm kind of flabbergasted that no one has been able to invent a reliable, pet-proof multi-day feeder that lasts and is reasonably priced!!!",
"Not sure yet what my next move is, but I've gotten used to the convenience of an automatic feeder, so will eventually pull the trigger on a new one - just maybe not this same brand."
]
|
The beginning storyline when Grey & Natalya are trying to escape into England could have been a bit more interesting. Instead it was rushed and rather skimmed over. Especially when Ms Wright has a tendency to go into great detail about clothes, hair, rooms, gardens, and just about everything else.
I felt like Natalya was written like a 21st century woman. I found it hard to believe a beautiful woman from a wealth family preferred to be a spinster in 1814. To only marry for true love and to have a profession such as teacher, governess or to own maybe a shop such as a dress shop in hopes of the right man coming along I can believe. But to say my desire is to be a spinster?? I just didn't think sounded like a woman of that era.
I think Natalya could have been more hurt or angry when she found out Grey was married and didn't tell her. Not that she couldn't understand and forgive, but to act like it was no big deal was not realistic.
I thought when they confessed their love was rushed and to think they were having sex for 5-6 months and she had no pregnancy concerns before the wedding ?
It's an interesting, light read I just think all the characters could have been more realistic. | 1 | neutral | [
"The beginning storyline when Grey & Natalya are trying to escape into England could have been a bit more interesting.",
"Instead it was rushed and rather skimmed over.",
"Especially when Ms Wright has a tendency to go into great detail about clothes, hair, rooms, gardens, and just about everything else.",
"I felt like Natalya was written like a 21st century woman.",
"I found it hard to believe a beautiful woman from a wealth family preferred to be a spinster in 1814.",
"To only marry for true love and to have a profession such as teacher, governess or to own maybe a shop such as a dress shop in hopes of the right man coming along I can believe.",
"But to say my desire is to be a spinster??",
"I just didn't think sounded like a woman of that era.",
"I think Natalya could have been more hurt or angry when she found out Grey was married and didn't tell her.",
"Not that she couldn't understand and forgive, but to act like it was no big deal was not realistic.",
"I thought when they confessed their love was rushed and to think they were having sex for 5-6 months and she had no pregnancy concerns before the wedding?",
"It's an interesting, light read I just think all the characters could have been more realistic."
]
|
A few months ago I picked up a copy of Donkey Kong Land III at a local game store and had a pretty enjoyable time making my way through the game. Because the titles that make up the GameBoy Land trilogy are so inexpensive these days - and given that I'm much more taken with retro games than current ones - I wanted to make an effort to try out the other games in the series. Long story short this is another solid game to add to any GameBoy collection... but unlike Land III the original game isn't quite as smooth in what it offers.
One of Donkey Kong Land's greatest strengths is while it contains the same gameplay as the Super Nintendo games, the level design is not directly ripped from those titles. This might seem like an odd thing to champion (and you really need to play the rather disappointing Donkey Kong Land 2 as a point of comparison to know why I'm stating this) but this makes the proceedings feel fresher than they would otherwise be. The importance of this comes into play late in the game when the player enters the final world (the city levels) which is unlike anything in the SNES trilogy. Ironically this is where the game almost falls apart. These levels are home to a rather significant difficulty spike and while it's kind of welcome (since the Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo is ridiculously easy) it puts an obvious strain on the experience. Additionally, the controls and character physics in Donkey Kong Land take some time to get use to. Donkey Kong and Diddy don't handle exactly like they do on the Super Nintendo. Jumps are much more "floaty" in this version and the Kongs move through the water with much less resistance. This will definitely throw players off at first but thankfully they will adjust and be able to compensate very quickly.
However, beyond that there really isn't anything else that holds Donkey Kong Land back. The game is an inexpensive and is easy to come by since the Land series games were produced in a pretty robust quantity and become part of Nintendo's Player Choice line-up. The only thing that really hurts Donkey Kong Land (and its sequels) is the fact the original SNES games were ported the GameBoy Advance a few years later which most players will probably opt for over these. Still, I think the Land trilogy is worth picking up despite the issues that hold it back. | 1 | neutral | [
"A few months ago I picked up a copy of Donkey Kong Land III at a local game store and had a pretty enjoyable time making my way through the game.",
"Because the titles that make up the GameBoy Land trilogy are so inexpensive these days - and given that I'm much more taken with retro games than current ones - I wanted to make an effort to try out the other games in the series.",
"Long story short this is another solid game to add to any GameBoy collection...",
"but unlike Land III the original game isn't quite as smooth in what it offers.",
"One of Donkey Kong Land's greatest strengths is while it contains the same gameplay as the Super Nintendo games, the level design is not directly ripped from those titles.",
"This might seem like an odd thing to champion (and you really need to play the rather disappointing Donkey Kong Land 2 as a point of comparison to know why I'm stating this) but this makes the proceedings feel fresher than they would otherwise be.",
"The importance of this comes into play late in the game when the player enters the final world (the city levels) which is unlike anything in the SNES trilogy.",
"Ironically this is where the game almost falls apart.",
"These levels are home to a rather significant difficulty spike and while it's kind of welcome (since the Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo is ridiculously easy) it puts an obvious strain on the experience.",
"Additionally, the controls and character physics in Donkey Kong Land take some time to get use to.",
"Donkey Kong and Diddy don't handle exactly like they do on the Super Nintendo.",
"Jumps are much more \"floaty\" in this version and the Kongs move through the water with much less resistance.",
"This will definitely throw players off at first but thankfully they will adjust and be able to compensate very quickly.",
"However, beyond that there really isn't anything else that holds Donkey Kong Land back.",
"The game is an inexpensive and is easy to come by since the Land series games were produced in a pretty robust quantity and become part of Nintendo's Player Choice line-up.",
"The only thing that really hurts Donkey Kong Land (and its sequels) is the fact the original SNES games were ported the GameBoy Advance a few years later which most players will probably opt for over these.",
"Still, I think the Land trilogy is worth picking up despite the issues that hold it back."
]
|
Recently turned Zara (she was human, now she's a Pixie) wants nothing more than to rescue her boyfriend/were Nick from Valhalla. Apparently he was taken to Valhalla, the Land of the Gods, following a battle that left her a pixie and her step-father dead at the hand of an evil Pixie, Frank. Willing to risk everything, although she is not sure that Nick will still love her (he apparently detests Pixies and wants nothing more than to see them dead), she sets out to locate this mythical land and bring her beloved Nick home, to help protect the humans that she has vowed to protect (especially those at her school, Sumner High School). While fighting at every turn to learn the location of Valhalla, she must also fight evil pixies (apparently they are blue with sharp pointed teeth and have the ability to glamour themselves); go to the dance without her boyfriend; learn to navigate her growing relationship with her King (who turned her) Astley; learn to rule her people; and try to solve the mystery of who is killing the youths of Bedford, Maine. With the love, acceptance (her grandmother and mother hate pixies) and understanding of her friends (they aren't wild about pixies either) and family, Zara is determined to locate and rescue Nick and be the best Pixie Queen ever.
The Pros: This was the first novel that I have read where the main supernatural creature is a pixie. Similar to fairies, pixies seem to have the ability to glamour themselves (meaning look human), and fly around (well all of them can't fly) leaving gold dust in their wake. And there are of course good ones and bad who constantly battle throughout the story. So I think reading about a supernatural creature (or even centering a series around one) that is not well known is a plus.
The Cons: I would not consider this a stand alone novel. For those who are not familiar with the series, like me, some of the things discussed were confusing, because I was not privy to the background of some of the characters. For example I didn't understand the mother's or some of the other characters anger towards pixies because there are good and bad in every species, and it is after all her child. I guess I just didn't get some of the nuances of the story. So I was at a disadvantage because this novel literally seems to pick up where the last book left off. And this book abruptly ends so I am sure that Jones will begin the next book immediately following the celebration of Nick's homecoming.
Con 2: I also thought that the "missing teens in a small town with some supernatural beings behind it" storyline or the "love triangle" were not terribly original. And for those who try to compare this to Twilight (which I would not do...they were totally different) the love triangle was the only thing remotely similar. It was all just a little cliché. I mean we know that although Zara is totally in love with Nick, she obviously has feelings for her King Astley. And this tension will set the stage for a showdown of sorts, and you know someone is going to be hurt.
Con 3: I was expecting the journey to Valhalla to be more eventful. I mean after 6 discs to set the stage, the eventual showdown was very uneventful. I mean after fighting so hard to get there (including grieving for the death of some of her family and friends who were killed while on her quest to locate Nick), being injured and having her father sacrifice himself, it was pretty routine and boring. I expected way more fighting.
Neither a positive or negative: And finally while I enjoy audio books, there were times when the narrator of this book lapsed into a Sookie Stackhouse like country accent. The first few times I thought, maybe I am hearing things (since there were times when Zara kind of seemed simple like Sookie...always getting hurt and stumbling onto deaths), but after a few times I was sure that it was a slightly affected voice, only to drop half way thru the story. I suppose the narrator was trying to give Zara a southern accent, since I think she came from Charleston), but it dropped. Don't get me wrong, I didn't mind the accent I just wanted it to be consistent, not sporadic.
Overall this was an average read with an interesting protagonist. I thought that a young adult story about pixies was refreshing and would give this story 3. | 1 | neutral | [
"Recently turned Zara (she was human, now she's a Pixie) wants nothing more than to rescue her boyfriend/were Nick from Valhalla.",
"Apparently he was taken to Valhalla, the Land of the Gods, following a battle that left her a pixie and her step-father dead at the hand of an evil Pixie, Frank.",
"Willing to risk everything, although she is not sure that Nick will still love her (he apparently detests Pixies and wants nothing more than to see them dead), she sets out to locate this mythical land and bring her beloved Nick home, to help protect the humans that she has vowed to protect (especially those at her school, Sumner High School).",
"While fighting at every turn to learn the location of Valhalla, she must also fight evil pixies (apparently they are blue with sharp pointed teeth and have the ability to glamour themselves); go to the dance without her boyfriend; learn to navigate her growing relationship with her King (who turned her) Astley; learn to rule her people; and try to solve the mystery of who is killing the youths of Bedford, Maine.",
"With the love, acceptance (her grandmother and mother hate pixies) and understanding of her friends (they aren't wild about pixies either) and family, Zara is determined to locate and rescue Nick and be the best Pixie Queen ever.",
"The Pros: This was the first novel that I have read where the main supernatural creature is a pixie.",
"Similar to fairies, pixies seem to have the ability to glamour themselves (meaning look human), and fly around (well all of them can't fly) leaving gold dust in their wake.",
"And there are of course good ones and bad who constantly battle throughout the story.",
"So I think reading about a supernatural creature (or even centering a series around one) that is not well known is a plus.",
"The Cons: I would not consider this a stand alone novel.",
"For those who are not familiar with the series, like me, some of the things discussed were confusing, because I was not privy to the background of some of the characters.",
"For example I didn't understand the mother's or some of the other characters anger towards pixies because there are good and bad in every species, and it is after all her child.",
"I guess I just didn't get some of the nuances of the story.",
"So I was at a disadvantage because this novel literally seems to pick up where the last book left off.",
"And this book abruptly ends so I am sure that Jones will begin the next book immediately following the celebration of Nick's homecoming.",
"Con 2: I also thought that the \"missing teens in a small town with some supernatural beings behind it\" storyline or the \"love triangle\" were not terribly original.",
"And for those who try to compare this to Twilight (which I would not do...",
"they were totally different) the love triangle was the only thing remotely similar.",
"It was all just a little cliché.",
"I mean we know that although Zara is totally in love with Nick, she obviously has feelings for her King Astley.",
"And this tension will set the stage for a showdown of sorts, and you know someone is going to be hurt.",
"Con 3: I was expecting the journey to Valhalla to be more eventful.",
"I mean after 6 discs to set the stage, the eventual showdown was very uneventful.",
"I mean after fighting so hard to get there (including grieving for the death of some of her family and friends who were killed while on her quest to locate Nick), being injured and having her father sacrifice himself, it was pretty routine and boring.",
"I expected way more fighting.",
"Neither a positive or negative: And finally while I enjoy audio books, there were times when the narrator of this book lapsed into a Sookie Stackhouse like country accent.",
"The first few times I thought, maybe I am hearing things (since there were times when Zara kind of seemed simple like Sookie...",
"always getting hurt and stumbling onto deaths), but after a few times I was sure that it was a slightly affected voice, only to drop half way thru the story.",
"I suppose the narrator was trying to give Zara a southern accent, since I think she came from Charleston), but it dropped.",
"Don't get me wrong, I didn't mind the accent I just wanted it to be consistent, not sporadic.",
"Overall this was an average read with an interesting protagonist.",
"I thought that a young adult story about pixies was refreshing and would give this story 3."
]
|
ASSEMBLY: I just love it when a product says "semi-assembled" don't you? Its another way of saying, "were lying to you, you pretty much have to assemble the whole thing." The only thing which is already assembled, is the gearbox unit. You have to attach the hopper to the frame, controller to the frame, and the wheels. Though most of it was easy to assemble, I do take issue with the hopper fastening design. Specifically the part where you have to insert the carriage bolts to fasten the hopper to the frame.
After tightening down the nuts on these bolts, I noticed the bolt heads were wanting to pull through the holes in the plastic hopper! I just knew that it was not going to last more then one use. So I installed a couple of washers and that seemed to fix the issue. Though they do provide you with instructions, they are poorly written and require you to do more thinking then you generally want to do for something so simple.
GEARBOX & WARNING; Incase you didn't know, the Earthway 2050TP is a low end model, this is why it costs around $160.00, now is $92.00. Despite what is mentioned in the SPECS, the gearbox is far from commercial! The insides of the gearbox are all plastic, which means, if you abuse this spreader, the gearbox will fail. The manual states a warning to all operators. DO NOT EXCEED 3-MPH WITH YOUR TRACTOR WHILE TOWING THIS ATTACHMENT! As long as you adhere by this warning, you should not have any problems with the gearbox.
HOPPER CAPACITY: The hopper has a 1900 cubic inch, or 80-pound capacity. What this means is, when your hopper is fully filled to its rated capacity, you must use the proper setting on the controller to spread the fertilizer around. If you are unsure about what setting to use, don't worry. On the back of every bag of fertilizer, they provide instructions for all the major brands of spreaders and which settings to use per yard sise.
OPERATING: Again, please make sure while operating this lawn spreader to move no faster then 3MPH with your tractor, I use 2MPH as a golden rule. Make sure the lever on the controller is in the off position till you get onto your lawn. Then, move the lever to the proper setting that you are recommended to use. As you start moving, you will notice the deflection wheel rotating, this is what throws your fertilizer around.
Using fertilizer, I found that this spreader did a pretty good job, it did spread evenly for the most part. I just moved slowly and made wide turns with it and I never dumped the hopper. As the hopper got low, I had to get off my tractor to shake the hopper to get the rest of the fertilizer to fall downward. I was mostly happy about the performance of the spreader.
Using Insect Killer, If you read my "lawn roller" review, you may recall me telling you that the best weapon against the moles is a insect killer. Kill the insects, and the moles leave! You can also buy insect killer for lawn spreaders, it is also a dry based product but with one difference. I find that the insect killer is made up of larger granules then that of the more powder based Weed & Feed.
Because of this, even when I used the proper setting as written on the back of the bag, the insect killer did not want to flow right. This is because the granules are just too big to get through the tiny hole and get stuck. When I adjusted the controller setting at a higher number to compensate for this, it began to flow out way to quickly and I went through it all before I even got to the back yard!
CONCLUSION: I think that this is a pretty good spreader for the money, its not really that expensive. It spreads fertilizer pretty evenly for the most part, and I am over all happy with the product. However, the spreader not being able to handle an insect killer despite being rated to do so, is very disappointing. I am also very weary of the plastic gearbox. Despite the product having the word "Estate" in the title, I highly suggest you do not use it on your estate as it won't hold up. If you really have a 3 to 6 acre estate, buy the best spreader you can buy. | 1 | neutral | [
"ASSEMBLY: I just love it when a product says \"semi-assembled\" don't you?",
"Its another way of saying, \"were lying to you, you pretty much have to assemble the whole thing.",
"\" The only thing which is already assembled, is the gearbox unit.",
"You have to attach the hopper to the frame, controller to the frame, and the wheels.",
"Though most of it was easy to assemble, I do take issue with the hopper fastening design.",
"Specifically the part where you have to insert the carriage bolts to fasten the hopper to the frame.",
"After tightening down the nuts on these bolts, I noticed the bolt heads were wanting to pull through the holes in the plastic hopper!",
"I just knew that it was not going to last more then one use.",
"So I installed a couple of washers and that seemed to fix the issue.",
"Though they do provide you with instructions, they are poorly written and require you to do more thinking then you generally want to do for something so simple.",
"GEARBOX & WARNING; Incase you didn't know, the Earthway 2050TP is a low end model, this is why it costs around $160.",
"00, now is $92.",
"00.",
"Despite what is mentioned in the SPECS, the gearbox is far from commercial!",
"The insides of the gearbox are all plastic, which means, if you abuse this spreader, the gearbox will fail.",
"The manual states a warning to all operators.",
"DO NOT EXCEED 3-MPH WITH YOUR TRACTOR WHILE TOWING THIS ATTACHMENT!",
"As long as you adhere by this warning, you should not have any problems with the gearbox.",
"HOPPER CAPACITY: The hopper has a 1900 cubic inch, or 80-pound capacity.",
"What this means is, when your hopper is fully filled to its rated capacity, you must use the proper setting on the controller to spread the fertilizer around.",
"If you are unsure about what setting to use, don't worry.",
"On the back of every bag of fertilizer, they provide instructions for all the major brands of spreaders and which settings to use per yard sise.",
"OPERATING: Again, please make sure while operating this lawn spreader to move no faster then 3MPH with your tractor, I use 2MPH as a golden rule.",
"Make sure the lever on the controller is in the off position till you get onto your lawn.",
"Then, move the lever to the proper setting that you are recommended to use.",
"As you start moving, you will notice the deflection wheel rotating, this is what throws your fertilizer around.",
"Using fertilizer, I found that this spreader did a pretty good job, it did spread evenly for the most part.",
"I just moved slowly and made wide turns with it and I never dumped the hopper.",
"As the hopper got low, I had to get off my tractor to shake the hopper to get the rest of the fertilizer to fall downward.",
"I was mostly happy about the performance of the spreader.",
"Using Insect Killer, If you read my \"lawn roller\" review, you may recall me telling you that the best weapon against the moles is a insect killer.",
"Kill the insects, and the moles leave!",
"You can also buy insect killer for lawn spreaders, it is also a dry based product but with one difference.",
"I find that the insect killer is made up of larger granules then that of the more powder based Weed & Feed.",
"Because of this, even when I used the proper setting as written on the back of the bag, the insect killer did not want to flow right.",
"This is because the granules are just too big to get through the tiny hole and get stuck.",
"When I adjusted the controller setting at a higher number to compensate for this, it began to flow out way to quickly and I went through it all before I even got to the back yard!",
"CONCLUSION: I think that this is a pretty good spreader for the money, its not really that expensive.",
"It spreads fertilizer pretty evenly for the most part, and I am over all happy with the product.",
"However, the spreader not being able to handle an insect killer despite being rated to do so, is very disappointing.",
"I am also very weary of the plastic gearbox.",
"Despite the product having the word \"Estate\" in the title, I highly suggest you do not use it on your estate as it won't hold up.",
"If you really have a 3 to 6 acre estate, buy the best spreader you can buy."
]
|
Got this at HEB for $15. My opinion about it is mixed. It seems to work well when you do medium-fine to fine grinding but when you try to do more course grinds the results is half of the beans are in chunks and the other half is medium. So the grinding is very inconsistent and tricky with the larger grinds. I think I would have rather bought a hand grinder or something that produces an even result. Using bread to clean the unit works well. (Smarty pants whoever thought of doing that.) I've forgetten to unplug it before when flipping the unit over to put the grinds into the cup. It will scare you if you hit the power button. The unit is small so it can sit on your counter top not taking up too much space. If you are on the edge about this unit, i'd say look elsewhere, for something that you can set a dial to produce a texture and get that texture. I use this to grind beans for drip coffee. | 1 | neutral | [
"Got this at HEB for $15.",
"My opinion about it is mixed.",
"It seems to work well when you do medium-fine to fine grinding but when you try to do more course grinds the results is half of the beans are in chunks and the other half is medium.",
"So the grinding is very inconsistent and tricky with the larger grinds.",
"I think I would have rather bought a hand grinder or something that produces an even result.",
"Using bread to clean the unit works well.",
"(Smarty pants whoever thought of doing that.",
") I've forgetten to unplug it before when flipping the unit over to put the grinds into the cup.",
"It will scare you if you hit the power button.",
"The unit is small so it can sit on your counter top not taking up too much space.",
"If you are on the edge about this unit, i'd say look elsewhere, for something that you can set a dial to produce a texture and get that texture.",
"I use this to grind beans for drip coffee."
]
|
While the story was somewhat predictable (aren't most romances?), I did find it enjoyable and a fast read. However, the author's writing style seems unrefined and disjointed. The omniscient narrator's voice is very straight-forward, simple, American prose but the dialog suddenly jumps into Scottish or Old English vernacular. It's a little jarring and it's also inconsistent. Also, this is a full length story, not a novella and yet the main characters go from disliking each other and treating each other poorly (although they are attracted to each other) to declaring their love without any clear explanation for how that transition occured. Indeed, Blaise had been avoiding Elizabeth so it seems odd that he would suddenly declare his jealousy as love. But since this story is free, I can't complain all that much. It's an enjoyable read, but rather forgettable. If it ever costs money to buy this e-book, I wouldn't recommend it. | 1 | neutral | [
"While the story was somewhat predictable (aren't most romances?",
"), I did find it enjoyable and a fast read.",
"However, the author's writing style seems unrefined and disjointed.",
"The omniscient narrator's voice is very straight-forward, simple, American prose but the dialog suddenly jumps into Scottish or Old English vernacular.",
"It's a little jarring and it's also inconsistent.",
"Also, this is a full length story, not a novella and yet the main characters go from disliking each other and treating each other poorly (although they are attracted to each other) to declaring their love without any clear explanation for how that transition occured.",
"Indeed, Blaise had been avoiding Elizabeth so it seems odd that he would suddenly declare his jealousy as love.",
"But since this story is free, I can't complain all that much.",
"It's an enjoyable read, but rather forgettable.",
"If it ever costs money to buy this e-book, I wouldn't recommend it."
]
|
This was my first Jack McDevitt book.
It will not be my last.
I truly enjoyed reading this novel. McDevitt's style is smooth and his imagery is vivid. The environment in which he has placed his characters is very well realized. Loved the character of Avila.
But ultimately, this book was a grave disappointment. I don't think that I'm spoiling anything to say that the heroes find what they were looking for, but the end of their quest just failed to satisfy me. I don't know if it was my fault for expecting too much, being a sloppy reader, or what, but my building expectations were not met. I suppose I was expecting a major epiphany, a revelation of some import or even an O'Henry twist, but instead was greeted by the same feeling as receiving socks for Christmas...
Definitely an author I will try again, but with lowered expectations. | 1 | neutral | [
"This was my first Jack McDevitt book.",
"It will not be my last.",
"I truly enjoyed reading this novel.",
"McDevitt's style is smooth and his imagery is vivid.",
"The environment in which he has placed his characters is very well realized.",
"Loved the character of Avila.",
"But ultimately, this book was a grave disappointment.",
"I don't think that I'm spoiling anything to say that the heroes find what they were looking for, but the end of their quest just failed to satisfy me.",
"I don't know if it was my fault for expecting too much, being a sloppy reader, or what, but my building expectations were not met.",
"I suppose I was expecting a major epiphany, a revelation of some import or even an O'Henry twist, but instead was greeted by the same feeling as receiving socks for Christmas...",
"Definitely an author I will try again, but with lowered expectations."
]
|
Carly's second full album of Pop standards and pre-Rock show tunes pays homage to songwriters and composers that she loved as a child. Her devotion to and affection for this music is obvious, and entirely commendable. Where "Torch" (her previous foray into this genre) added contemporary production techniques and jazzy flourishes to classic songs, "My Romance" has the feel of a period recording, complete with orchestra. There is little or no overdubbing in this recording, and that "live" sound has the feel of an intimate club performance.
Given the quality of the material and the directness of the sound, it's hard to point out flaws in "My Romance" without taking issue with Carly's vocal performance. As a singer, Carly has always had a very warm, inviting vocal tone, and that charm generally "carries" her when her material isn't up to snuff. But as an interpreter, the dynamics of her voice fall short, particularly when the material calls for delicate phrasing or emotional subtlety.
Carly's fans go back and forth on the merits of her singing, and which album presents her in "prime" voice. But to say that she offers "rich" vocal interpretations of these songs is little more than wishful thinking. Carly's strongest musical gift has always been her ability to write memorable and affecting (modern) Pop music...and her "best" performances as a vocalist have usually been on songs that she wrote herself.
Though there are personal touches embedded in "My Romance," Carly never really comes close to "stealing" these songs from any of the legendary singers who made them great. Bear in mind that this is not a condemnation or put-down, simply a matter of putting this album in perspective. As musical entertainment, "My Romance" is a sincere pleasure, particularly for listeners who are unfamiliar with previous versions of the songs contained in it. There is passion, pathos, and simple devotion in Carly's performance, and these qualities should not be dismissed in light of her vocal technique.
Listeners who enjoy this album would do well to search out the home video version of "My Romance" in Concert, which includes some wonderful spoken introductions from Carly, as well as a couple of duets with guest Harry Connick Jr. If her love of these songs isn't readily apparent to you by listening to the CD, her joyful and heartfelt performances on video will convince you.
-Mic | 1 | neutral | [
"Carly's second full album of Pop standards and pre-Rock show tunes pays homage to songwriters and composers that she loved as a child.",
"Her devotion to and affection for this music is obvious, and entirely commendable.",
"Where \"Torch\" (her previous foray into this genre) added contemporary production techniques and jazzy flourishes to classic songs, \"My Romance\" has the feel of a period recording, complete with orchestra.",
"There is little or no overdubbing in this recording, and that \"live\" sound has the feel of an intimate club performance.",
"Given the quality of the material and the directness of the sound, it's hard to point out flaws in \"My Romance\" without taking issue with Carly's vocal performance.",
"As a singer, Carly has always had a very warm, inviting vocal tone, and that charm generally \"carries\" her when her material isn't up to snuff.",
"But as an interpreter, the dynamics of her voice fall short, particularly when the material calls for delicate phrasing or emotional subtlety.",
"Carly's fans go back and forth on the merits of her singing, and which album presents her in \"prime\" voice.",
"But to say that she offers \"rich\" vocal interpretations of these songs is little more than wishful thinking.",
"Carly's strongest musical gift has always been her ability to write memorable and affecting (modern) Pop music...",
"and her \"best\" performances as a vocalist have usually been on songs that she wrote herself.",
"Though there are personal touches embedded in \"My Romance,\" Carly never really comes close to \"stealing\" these songs from any of the legendary singers who made them great.",
"Bear in mind that this is not a condemnation or put-down, simply a matter of putting this album in perspective.",
"As musical entertainment, \"My Romance\" is a sincere pleasure, particularly for listeners who are unfamiliar with previous versions of the songs contained in it.",
"There is passion, pathos, and simple devotion in Carly's performance, and these qualities should not be dismissed in light of her vocal technique.",
"Listeners who enjoy this album would do well to search out the home video version of \"My Romance\" in Concert, which includes some wonderful spoken introductions from Carly, as well as a couple of duets with guest Harry Connick Jr.",
"If her love of these songs isn't readily apparent to you by listening to the CD, her joyful and heartfelt performances on video will convince you.",
"-Mic"
]
|
this is the missing link between the harder rocking early chicago and the more lightweight hit machine, by the time of 5 , (actually before this period) the group was among the biggest acts in the world and would only get bigger this was the 1st of 5 straight! #1 albums, quite an accomplishment. i think success may have gone to their heads after this album. the album features 2 great album tracks, a hit by varese and while the city sleeps. the role of terry kath was declining which is too bad since he was a top notch guitarist. the hits are ok but i think dialogue is the worst chicago single from the 1st 5 records and saturday in the park is overplayed as someone suggested. now that you've gone is a pretty good track with good drumming by the underrated danny seraphine. some of the rest of the album is merely so-so , and there is even some fluffy 'mom-rock' in this, i.e. stuff your mother would like, sappy overly commercial stuff that cetera unfortunately specialized in. this is an ok disc, but nowhere near the first three albums. rock music was changing by the time of this album, complacency and boredom was setting in. chicago featured a ton of talent instrumentally and vocally, but something wrong happened after 3. i'm not just knocking chicago-this affected a lot of their contemporaries like jethro tull, the moody blues etc. many of the bands of that period, though far better than today's groups (gag), essentially had little to nothing left by say 1973 or 1974. i'm not saying don't buy chicago 5, it has a few gems. just make sure you get 1, 2, or 3 first. | 1 | neutral | [
"this is the missing link between the harder rocking early chicago and the more lightweight hit machine, by the time of 5 , (actually before this period) the group was among the biggest acts in the world and would only get bigger this was the 1st of 5 straight!",
"#1 albums, quite an accomplishment.",
"i think success may have gone to their heads after this album.",
"the album features 2 great album tracks, a hit by varese and while the city sleeps.",
"the role of terry kath was declining which is too bad since he was a top notch guitarist.",
"the hits are ok but i think dialogue is the worst chicago single from the 1st 5 records and saturday in the park is overplayed as someone suggested.",
"now that you've gone is a pretty good track with good drumming by the underrated danny seraphine.",
"some of the rest of the album is merely so-so , and there is even some fluffy 'mom-rock' in this, i.",
"e. stuff your mother would like, sappy overly commercial stuff that cetera unfortunately specialized in.",
"this is an ok disc, but nowhere near the first three albums.",
"rock music was changing by the time of this album, complacency and boredom was setting in.",
"chicago featured a ton of talent instrumentally and vocally, but something wrong happened after 3.",
"i'm not just knocking chicago-this affected a lot of their contemporaries like jethro tull, the moody blues etc.",
"many of the bands of that period, though far better than today's groups (gag), essentially had little to nothing left by say 1973 or 1974.",
"i'm not saying don't buy chicago 5, it has a few gems.",
"just make sure you get 1, 2, or 3 first."
]
|
After playing the demo for `Mechwarrior 3' I was less than inspired, and unlike the venerable `Mechwarrior 2', saw no reason to buying it. Well, boredom and impulsiveness lured me into finally purchasing the game, mainly because it was on special. Considering there is four years of development and technology in `Mechwarrior 3' over Activision's older title, `Mechwarrior 2' is the better. Sure the graphics are inferior and there are play touches evident in the newer game, but there is a much grander feel to wherein you have to combat Jade Falcon Clan across several worlds, whereas in MW3 you take the role as a mechwarrior with Eridani Light Horse tackling Clan Smoke Jaguar on only one world. This lack of scope hampers the game tremendously, plus the game also lacks the connectivity that MW2 had to the entire Battletech universe.
Game setup is simple and once installed the user is treated a rather nice opening segue of Light Horse forces fighting a desperate battle against superior Clan forces and eventually luring them into a trap. From there the player is given the option of Campaign, Training, Instant Action, Multiplayer, Options & Credits from the main screen. Training is tedious and drawn out, so I suggest using the Instant Action option and scaling battles up as you become more and more familiar with mech controls and systems. I haven't tried multi-player yet simply because I know there are going to be way too many cowards cheating for me to enjoy battling against other players. Campaign Mode deals with an invasion of the Smoke Jaguar home world and using it as a stepping stone to Strana Mechty in 3058. Yawn.
Not much of a story here, I'm afraid, and that's only half of the troubles for this game. It's buggy! While my system exceeds system requirements by light years, the game routinely dumps me back out to my Windows desktop, once after my `mech overheated and shut down. Worse, the game's sound effects get so messed up that pressing an on screen selector to move LRM-5's to your mech results in a burst of auto-cannon fire issuing from your speakers instead of a beep! This happens mainly in the arming & load out menus with sound effects overriding what was originally there. It also happens in-game when your MFB's encircle your mech unit to repair it, repair sounds are replaced by explosions, weapons fire, `Mission Successful', `Mech power-up detected', etc. It gets annoying fast. My jump jets on mech units have never once worked properly.
The graphics are a mixed bag of some very nice designs in buildings and other structures that give a nice sense of scale while in your mech. Terrain is quite good, but very limited in variety. The battlemech's themselves are well designed, by surface bitmaps are very busy, giving the mechs an extremely cluttered look. Mech animations have a very nice look to them, conveying a sense of weight in motion. Microprose, for some reason, changed the damage model, and suddenly `time on target' becomes a necessity in order to deliver any appreciable damage you your target. If your Med Pulse Laser does 5 points of damage and you do not concentrate it on a single location, such as a limb, it gets spread around to the rest of the mech. Very quickly does the player learn the value of twin UB-AC 10's! Or, god help you, twin Gauss Cannons! Whoohoo! I actually made a Daishi in the Instant Action section that mounted 4 Gauss, it had limited ammo, but anything I shot stopped shooting back.
Microsoft will be doing Mechwarrior 4, and given they are also making the X-Box, (sounds like something Charles Xavier might make to battle Magneto or something), I am not sure if PC gamers will see it. However, it is also looking that the X-Box will be based on PC architecture which means the games might be cross compatible. For now, however, `Mechwarrior 3' is a mixed bag of some very good things, but perhaps, at least in my case, too many bad things to make it very much fun. Maybe I'll try the Multiplayer option and see if it gets any better. Until then I still have my old copy of Mechwarrior 2 kicking around, and there's a 3Dfx version of Mercenaries available as well. This game could have been so much better, but too many problems drag it back into the realm of mediocrity. | 1 | neutral | [
"After playing the demo for `Mechwarrior 3' I was less than inspired, and unlike the venerable `Mechwarrior 2', saw no reason to buying it.",
"Well, boredom and impulsiveness lured me into finally purchasing the game, mainly because it was on special.",
"Considering there is four years of development and technology in `Mechwarrior 3' over Activision's older title, `Mechwarrior 2' is the better.",
"Sure the graphics are inferior and there are play touches evident in the newer game, but there is a much grander feel to wherein you have to combat Jade Falcon Clan across several worlds, whereas in MW3 you take the role as a mechwarrior with Eridani Light Horse tackling Clan Smoke Jaguar on only one world.",
"This lack of scope hampers the game tremendously, plus the game also lacks the connectivity that MW2 had to the entire Battletech universe.",
"Game setup is simple and once installed the user is treated a rather nice opening segue of Light Horse forces fighting a desperate battle against superior Clan forces and eventually luring them into a trap.",
"From there the player is given the option of Campaign, Training, Instant Action, Multiplayer, Options & Credits from the main screen.",
"Training is tedious and drawn out, so I suggest using the Instant Action option and scaling battles up as you become more and more familiar with mech controls and systems.",
"I haven't tried multi-player yet simply because I know there are going to be way too many cowards cheating for me to enjoy battling against other players.",
"Campaign Mode deals with an invasion of the Smoke Jaguar home world and using it as a stepping stone to Strana Mechty in 3058.",
"Yawn.",
"Not much of a story here, I'm afraid, and that's only half of the troubles for this game.",
"It's buggy!",
"While my system exceeds system requirements by light years, the game routinely dumps me back out to my Windows desktop, once after my `mech overheated and shut down.",
"Worse, the game's sound effects get so messed up that pressing an on screen selector to move LRM-5's to your mech results in a burst of auto-cannon fire issuing from your speakers instead of a beep!",
"This happens mainly in the arming & load out menus with sound effects overriding what was originally there.",
"It also happens in-game when your MFB's encircle your mech unit to repair it, repair sounds are replaced by explosions, weapons fire, `Mission Successful', `Mech power-up detected', etc.",
"It gets annoying fast.",
"My jump jets on mech units have never once worked properly.",
"The graphics are a mixed bag of some very nice designs in buildings and other structures that give a nice sense of scale while in your mech.",
"Terrain is quite good, but very limited in variety.",
"The battlemech's themselves are well designed, by surface bitmaps are very busy, giving the mechs an extremely cluttered look.",
"Mech animations have a very nice look to them, conveying a sense of weight in motion.",
"Microprose, for some reason, changed the damage model, and suddenly `time on target' becomes a necessity in order to deliver any appreciable damage you your target.",
"If your Med Pulse Laser does 5 points of damage and you do not concentrate it on a single location, such as a limb, it gets spread around to the rest of the mech.",
"Very quickly does the player learn the value of twin UB-AC 10's!",
"Or, god help you, twin Gauss Cannons!",
"Whoohoo!",
"I actually made a Daishi in the Instant Action section that mounted 4 Gauss, it had limited ammo, but anything I shot stopped shooting back.",
"Microsoft will be doing Mechwarrior 4, and given they are also making the X-Box, (sounds like something Charles Xavier might make to battle Magneto or something), I am not sure if PC gamers will see it.",
"However, it is also looking that the X-Box will be based on PC architecture which means the games might be cross compatible.",
"For now, however, `Mechwarrior 3' is a mixed bag of some very good things, but perhaps, at least in my case, too many bad things to make it very much fun.",
"Maybe I'll try the Multiplayer option and see if it gets any better.",
"Until then I still have my old copy of Mechwarrior 2 kicking around, and there's a 3Dfx version of Mercenaries available as well.",
"This game could have been so much better, but too many problems drag it back into the realm of mediocrity."
]
|
What the hell did I just read!?
The Tower's Alchemist is a complex story, with loads of new and not-so-new ideas being woven together into a completely unique blanket of magic, mystery and mayhem.
Set during World War 2, the story takes us on an espionage-filled spy thriller based in an alternate history where magic is a normal way of life. Secret agents have magical abilities and use them to do their spy business.
Isabella (a.k.a Emile, Noelle and a few other names) is our Protagonist and she's just a bag full of fun. She seemed to always be getting herself into trouble, oh yeah, that's coz conflict and trouble are both needed to progress the story. I did get a little sick of her internal dialogue and wished she'd shoosh and let me keep reading the action, but I know it was needed to give enough information to the reader. Sometimes it got annoying though.
There were a lot of competing themes throughout this story, outside of the immediate action of the espionage we had emotional distress and uncertainty, family disfunction and secrets, different spy agencies mixing, death, love and it was all wrangled and wrapped up rather neatly by Alesha.
I wasn't sure who to trust, much like Isabella herself, there was layer upon layer of lies and secrecy that had to be untangled to get to the truths, the issue of course is that this is only book one of a trilogy, so how many truths could really be uncovered?! Enough to keep me wanting to read book 2, that's for sure.
The vampires that are mentioned in the book blurb are interesting. There wasn't any of this sex on a stick vampire...instead we're left with these vicious, gruesome beings that are warped and somewhere beyond humanity. I liked this return to horrific villains even if they were accompanied by some other, not so horrific baddies. Ultimately you got the impression that these guys were truly evil and would stop at nothing to get what they wanted, yet they all had their own drivers for what they wanted and it seemed realistic.
I had issues (as some other reviews have said) with the multiple names for characters and how certain people called certain other people certain names while others called them something different. It was all a little confusing at times. I think this could have been a little clearer.
The story worked well, it was interesting and very different to a lot of other books I've read. This was a solid book, one I think anyone who enjoys a bit of magic and history (though not always in the same book) will probably enjoy. This meshing of alternate history and magic with a bit of espionage was an enjoyable read.
If I didn't get lost in a few places and Isabella didn't annoy me in a few places this would have easily been a 4-4.5 star book.
A couple of things I noticed:
Agate - does it need to be capitalised?! Other stones/elements mentioned aren't.
99% - 'I watched her go into the kitchen ,and I wanted...' fix comma spacing. | 1 | neutral | [
"What the hell did I just read!?",
"The Tower's Alchemist is a complex story, with loads of new and not-so-new ideas being woven together into a completely unique blanket of magic, mystery and mayhem.",
"Set during World War 2, the story takes us on an espionage-filled spy thriller based in an alternate history where magic is a normal way of life.",
"Secret agents have magical abilities and use them to do their spy business.",
"Isabella (a.",
"k.a Emile, Noelle and a few other names) is our Protagonist and she's just a bag full of fun.",
"She seemed to always be getting herself into trouble, oh yeah, that's coz conflict and trouble are both needed to progress the story.",
"I did get a little sick of her internal dialogue and wished she'd shoosh and let me keep reading the action, but I know it was needed to give enough information to the reader.",
"Sometimes it got annoying though.",
"There were a lot of competing themes throughout this story, outside of the immediate action of the espionage we had emotional distress and uncertainty, family disfunction and secrets, different spy agencies mixing, death, love and it was all wrangled and wrapped up rather neatly by Alesha.",
"I wasn't sure who to trust, much like Isabella herself, there was layer upon layer of lies and secrecy that had to be untangled to get to the truths, the issue of course is that this is only book one of a trilogy, so how many truths could really be uncovered?!",
"Enough to keep me wanting to read book 2, that's for sure.",
"The vampires that are mentioned in the book blurb are interesting.",
"There wasn't any of this sex on a stick vampire...",
"instead we're left with these vicious, gruesome beings that are warped and somewhere beyond humanity.",
"I liked this return to horrific villains even if they were accompanied by some other, not so horrific baddies.",
"Ultimately you got the impression that these guys were truly evil and would stop at nothing to get what they wanted, yet they all had their own drivers for what they wanted and it seemed realistic.",
"I had issues (as some other reviews have said) with the multiple names for characters and how certain people called certain other people certain names while others called them something different.",
"It was all a little confusing at times.",
"I think this could have been a little clearer.",
"The story worked well, it was interesting and very different to a lot of other books I've read.",
"This was a solid book, one I think anyone who enjoys a bit of magic and history (though not always in the same book) will probably enjoy.",
"This meshing of alternate history and magic with a bit of espionage was an enjoyable read.",
"If I didn't get lost in a few places and Isabella didn't annoy me in a few places this would have easily been a 4-4.",
"5 star book.",
"A couple of things I noticed:\n\nAgate - does it need to be capitalised?!",
"Other stones/elements mentioned aren't.",
"99% - 'I watched her go into the kitchen ,and I wanted...",
"' fix comma spacing."
]
|
I got this for my almost 7 yr old, artistic son. I have fond memories as a child being introduced to painting by these sorts of kits.
We got the kangaroo, as he is stufying marsupials in first grade right now. Seemed approps.
It came quick and packaged well, seemed a good value. Then i realized quickly how this is way too complicated for him. But this is not the company's fault, but mine. The faults i find with the product is that the paint needs 3 coats, the numbering is not the best and i cut myself under my nail (ouch) which subsequently got infected (of course, under our nails are filthy places no matter what) and then affected all my household activities for 3 days as I avoided dishes, cooking ect. Its nearly impossible to open the paint without it spraying all over.
You must mix this paint quite alot and the brush is crap.
Otherwise, for $8, what can you expect? | 1 | neutral | [
"I got this for my almost 7 yr old, artistic son.",
"I have fond memories as a child being introduced to painting by these sorts of kits.",
"We got the kangaroo, as he is stufying marsupials in first grade right now.",
"Seemed approps.",
"It came quick and packaged well, seemed a good value.",
"Then i realized quickly how this is way too complicated for him.",
"But this is not the company's fault, but mine.",
"The faults i find with the product is that the paint needs 3 coats, the numbering is not the best and i cut myself under my nail (ouch) which subsequently got infected (of course, under our nails are filthy places no matter what) and then affected all my household activities for 3 days as I avoided dishes, cooking ect.",
"Its nearly impossible to open the paint without it spraying all over.",
"You must mix this paint quite alot and the brush is crap.",
"Otherwise, for $8, what can you expect?"
]
|
All of the other reviewers good and bad have discussed The Harlequin at length, so I will only say this is not a great book, it is not a good book, this is an Okay book. It had moments of brilliance and moments of mediocrity. I think this series is like a T.V. show that has been on for years and it's time to end the series. I have read all the books in the series, and like so many others mourn the loss of the Anita Blake character as the tough and resilient Necromancer. My main problem with these later books is too much dialogue and not enough action. I wouldn't mind if a few of the characters were killed off. I have a hard time remembering them all from book to book. So, when a character was killed off I really didn't care. I really didn't remember that much about them. But, suffice it to say, I still read the books. They aren't what they use to be, but I still want to see what happens. Call me crazy! That's just the way it is. | 1 | neutral | [
"All of the other reviewers good and bad have discussed The Harlequin at length, so I will only say this is not a great book, it is not a good book, this is an Okay book.",
"It had moments of brilliance and moments of mediocrity.",
"I think this series is like a T.",
"V. show that has been on for years and it's time to end the series.",
"I have read all the books in the series, and like so many others mourn the loss of the Anita Blake character as the tough and resilient Necromancer.",
"My main problem with these later books is too much dialogue and not enough action.",
"I wouldn't mind if a few of the characters were killed off.",
"I have a hard time remembering them all from book to book.",
"So, when a character was killed off I really didn't care.",
"I really didn't remember that much about them.",
"But, suffice it to say, I still read the books.",
"They aren't what they use to be, but I still want to see what happens.",
"Call me crazy!",
"That's just the way it is."
]
|
"Sweet Baby", "I Just Want to Love You", "Touch and Go"- these were some of my favorite songs during the summer of '81. I didn't really purchase the album(or rather cassette) until the summer of '85. The three killer songs mentioned above were a staple of the Black AM radio station in my hometown. Before recording "Vol. 1", George Duke and Stanley Clarke were Jazz and Pop superstars in their own solo careers. This first pairing had strong songwriting and vocals. Amazingly, both Mr Clarke and Mr. Duke have very similar vocal timbres and styling. Musically, the album is very staightforward and simple. Since the duo wrote their own material and play most of the instruments, they no doubt knew exactly how each song should sound. The rest of the album has some okay material (althought some of it is truely embrassing), but the three pop singles mentioned above carry the set as a whole. | 1 | neutral | [
"\"Sweet Baby\", \"I Just Want to Love You\", \"Touch and Go\"- these were some of my favorite songs during the summer of '81.",
"I didn't really purchase the album(or rather cassette) until the summer of '85.",
"The three killer songs mentioned above were a staple of the Black AM radio station in my hometown.",
"Before recording \"Vol.",
"1\", George Duke and Stanley Clarke were Jazz and Pop superstars in their own solo careers.",
"This first pairing had strong songwriting and vocals.",
"Amazingly, both Mr Clarke and Mr.",
"Duke have very similar vocal timbres and styling.",
"Musically, the album is very staightforward and simple.",
"Since the duo wrote their own material and play most of the instruments, they no doubt knew exactly how each song should sound.",
"The rest of the album has some okay material (althought some of it is truely embrassing), but the three pop singles mentioned above carry the set as a whole."
]
|
Apparently this camera receives lots of user compliments ... But browse it carefully you will find that a great percentage of these positive comments are from first time digital camera buyers or users. I wonder whether their opinions will hold true after they have tried other digital cameras on the market. The truth is that there are better choices out there, even at similar prices.
First let's look at a myth floating around among first time digital camera buyers:
1. Mega Pixel is everything.
Since a 3MP camera delivers a higher resolution than a 2MP camera, the picture it takes should be sharper. Sounds right? Not necessarily so. The quality of the output mainly depends on the quality of the lens and grains. A grainy 3MP photo taken with a lower quality lens is not necessarily better sharper than a low noise 2MP photo taken with a high quality lens. It happens that the photo taken with DX3900 contains lots of noise, and the 7 element in 6 group lens might not be as sharp as lens on digital cameras from other vendors in the same class.
Ok, now let's talk about the camera:
Design and built:
DX3900 is very compact. It has a slim plastic body and is suprisingly light even with two AA batteries inserted. It has a sliding door style lens cover and you can only find a few buttons on the camera. (Everything is designed for simplicity).
However, this design also brings out the issue of quality of construction. The battery door hatch and compact flash door hatch are extremely fragile. The first time I accidently dropped my DX3900 it broke the battery hatch door and the bottom of the case became cracked. Kodak initially asked $150 for fixing the battery door saying this is a flat fee. After my complaint about the high cost of fixing Kodak suddenly said somehow they calculated it wrong and I was charged $36 instead. I have to admit that their service is pretty fast though. (Two days after the phone call I got the fixed camera back.)
The LCD is only 1.5 inch and it is not bright so you might have some problem reading it under bright sunlight. However I like the LCD menu very much, it is so easy to operate even a monkey can find all the options and settings and make the adjustment.
Because I like high contrast photo and saturated color I always prefer Kodak color. The DX3900 does take photo with good color. But when I start to compare these with pictures I took with Kodak DC280 and DC290 a while ago I was hugely disappointed:The color of the photos taken with DX3900 looked very plain and dull. And then comes the worst part, the photos also have more noise than those taken with DC280 and DC290s.
DC280 and DC290 are old generation 2MP kodak digital cameras. DX3900 is a 3MP digital camera of a new generation. But everyone who has seen my photos can tell that the 2MP photos I took with the DC280 and DC290 are better than those taken with DX3900. I don't know what Kodak has done to the DX series, they did fix the DC280 and DC290s'low shtter speed problem but they failed to produce a camera that could take better pictures than their old geneation of cameras. And the build quality of Kodak DX series is definately inferior to those "like a brick" feeling DC280 and DC290s. I think this is really sad.
Do I have anything to recommend with even lower price tag than the DX3900? Sure, Canon A40 and Fuji 2600Z. They are both 2MP, and I think they can compete well with DX3900.
Some suggestion for first time digital camera buyers: try and compare several digital camers before you make the final decision. What others are saying might not make sense to you. Try, compare and make decision for yourself. | 1 | neutral | [
"Apparently this camera receives lots of user compliments...",
"But browse it carefully you will find that a great percentage of these positive comments are from first time digital camera buyers or users.",
"I wonder whether their opinions will hold true after they have tried other digital cameras on the market.",
"The truth is that there are better choices out there, even at similar prices.",
"First let's look at a myth floating around among first time digital camera buyers:\n1.",
"Mega Pixel is everything.",
"Since a 3MP camera delivers a higher resolution than a 2MP camera, the picture it takes should be sharper.",
"Sounds right?",
"Not necessarily so.",
"The quality of the output mainly depends on the quality of the lens and grains.",
"A grainy 3MP photo taken with a lower quality lens is not necessarily better sharper than a low noise 2MP photo taken with a high quality lens.",
"It happens that the photo taken with DX3900 contains lots of noise, and the 7 element in 6 group lens might not be as sharp as lens on digital cameras from other vendors in the same class.",
"Ok, now let's talk about the camera:\nDesign and built:\nDX3900 is very compact.",
"It has a slim plastic body and is suprisingly light even with two AA batteries inserted.",
"It has a sliding door style lens cover and you can only find a few buttons on the camera.",
"(Everything is designed for simplicity).",
"However, this design also brings out the issue of quality of construction.",
"The battery door hatch and compact flash door hatch are extremely fragile.",
"The first time I accidently dropped my DX3900 it broke the battery hatch door and the bottom of the case became cracked.",
"Kodak initially asked $150 for fixing the battery door saying this is a flat fee.",
"After my complaint about the high cost of fixing Kodak suddenly said somehow they calculated it wrong and I was charged $36 instead.",
"I have to admit that their service is pretty fast though.",
"(Two days after the phone call I got the fixed camera back.",
")\n\nThe LCD is only 1.",
"5 inch and it is not bright so you might have some problem reading it under bright sunlight.",
"However I like the LCD menu very much, it is so easy to operate even a monkey can find all the options and settings and make the adjustment.",
"Because I like high contrast photo and saturated color I always prefer Kodak color.",
"The DX3900 does take photo with good color.",
"But when I start to compare these with pictures I took with Kodak DC280 and DC290 a while ago I was hugely disappointed:The color of the photos taken with DX3900 looked very plain and dull.",
"And then comes the worst part, the photos also have more noise than those taken with DC280 and DC290s.",
"DC280 and DC290 are old generation 2MP kodak digital cameras.",
"DX3900 is a 3MP digital camera of a new generation.",
"But everyone who has seen my photos can tell that the 2MP photos I took with the DC280 and DC290 are better than those taken with DX3900.",
"I don't know what Kodak has done to the DX series, they did fix the DC280 and DC290s'low shtter speed problem but they failed to produce a camera that could take better pictures than their old geneation of cameras.",
"And the build quality of Kodak DX series is definately inferior to those \"like a brick\" feeling DC280 and DC290s.",
"I think this is really sad.",
"Do I have anything to recommend with even lower price tag than the DX3900?",
"Sure, Canon A40 and Fuji 2600Z.",
"They are both 2MP, and I think they can compete well with DX3900.",
"Some suggestion for first time digital camera buyers: try and compare several digital camers before you make the final decision.",
"What others are saying might not make sense to you.",
"Try, compare and make decision for yourself."
]
|
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Bible-Encyclopedia-ISBE/dp/B0047O2RNI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)</a>
My complaint about this Bible Encyclopedia is that they omitted all of the maps and illustrations for the Kindle edition. When using an encyclopedia for reference, the maps and illustrations are a very important part of the process of understanding some of what is written. I understand the pix and maps would be in black and white but feel they are still needed. Amazon, please add these!
I have the Kindle for PC app. Color pix would work well with this and is just such a great tool for studying. My only real complaint against the Kindle is that, often, the pictures are omitted.
Otherwise, I concur with the other reviews on this encyclopedia.
Amazon, please bring out a color Kindle! Thanks! | 1 | neutral | [
"<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Bible-Encyclopedia-ISBE/dp/B0047O2RNI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)</a>\n\nMy complaint about this Bible Encyclopedia is that they omitted all of the maps and illustrations for the Kindle edition.",
"When using an encyclopedia for reference, the maps and illustrations are a very important part of the process of understanding some of what is written.",
"I understand the pix and maps would be in black and white but feel they are still needed.",
"Amazon, please add these!",
"I have the Kindle for PC app.",
"Color pix would work well with this and is just such a great tool for studying.",
"My only real complaint against the Kindle is that, often, the pictures are omitted.",
"Otherwise, I concur with the other reviews on this encyclopedia.",
"Amazon, please bring out a color Kindle!",
"Thanks!"
]
|
I have been an avid PDA user for some time, and until recently used a Palm V and Palm m100 exclusively. After using a Visor for two months, I plan to CONTINUE using Palms exclusively.
My reasons?
First, the Visor is significantly larger than the Palm V and even the Palm m100. As a result, it is difficult to carry your Visor with you without having a bag or a very large jacket pocket. Trying to fit the Visor into a pair of jeans is impossible.
Second, the styling isn't nearly as inspired as that on the Palms. The design is more square (I realize the Palm IIIs and the VIIs are square too, but I'm comparing to the V and the m100) than Palms, the buttons harder to push, and the power button harder to use.
Third, the expansion slot really isn't all it's cut out to be. For me, a PDA is a PDA--a replacement for my address book, calendar, to do list, and note pad. It is not an MP3 player, an camera, a GPS locater, etc.--ESPECIALLY if the additional functions never work as well as the "real thing"!
Please, buy a Palm. They're fantastic. | 1 | neutral | [
"I have been an avid PDA user for some time, and until recently used a Palm V and Palm m100 exclusively.",
"After using a Visor for two months, I plan to CONTINUE using Palms exclusively.",
"My reasons?",
"First, the Visor is significantly larger than the Palm V and even the Palm m100.",
"As a result, it is difficult to carry your Visor with you without having a bag or a very large jacket pocket.",
"Trying to fit the Visor into a pair of jeans is impossible.",
"Second, the styling isn't nearly as inspired as that on the Palms.",
"The design is more square (I realize the Palm IIIs and the VIIs are square too, but I'm comparing to the V and the m100) than Palms, the buttons harder to push, and the power button harder to use.",
"Third, the expansion slot really isn't all it's cut out to be.",
"For me, a PDA is a PDA--a replacement for my address book, calendar, to do list, and note pad.",
"It is not an MP3 player, an camera, a GPS locater, etc.",
"--ESPECIALLY if the additional functions never work as well as the \"real thing\"!",
"Please, buy a Palm.",
"They're fantastic."
]
|
I was searching for some literary comfort food, and picked this book off of my "to be read" shelf. I thought that I had read most of the Christie novels, but picked this up when I could not for the life of me remember having read it. It was, sadly, not comforting. As you have no doubt figured out if you have read the various reviews of this book, it is by no means a typical Agatha Christie.
Instead of small, character-focused, and closely examined Passenger to Frankfurt is big and surreal and (let's be honest) kind of bombastic. Featured aspects are a worldwide youth conspiracy, the return of the dangerous Germans, and a very unlikely spy thriller.
I can imagine that Christie had a lot of fun writing this novel, and far be it from me to begrudge her that fun. Actually, the best part about the book for the reader is the introduction, and in the introduction you get the sense of what drove her to write something like this. The book isn't awful, really, it just isn't great-- and I am used to pretty much everything she writes being great.
Passenger to Frankfurt is an interesting little oddity for the Christie fan, but probably something to skip if you are just looking for a Christie mystery. At least Christie isn't as bad as Ngaio Marsh at writing about youth culture of the 1960s/70s, so at least that's some blessing. | 1 | neutral | [
"I was searching for some literary comfort food, and picked this book off of my \"to be read\" shelf.",
"I thought that I had read most of the Christie novels, but picked this up when I could not for the life of me remember having read it.",
"It was, sadly, not comforting.",
"As you have no doubt figured out if you have read the various reviews of this book, it is by no means a typical Agatha Christie.",
"Instead of small, character-focused, and closely examined Passenger to Frankfurt is big and surreal and (let's be honest) kind of bombastic.",
"Featured aspects are a worldwide youth conspiracy, the return of the dangerous Germans, and a very unlikely spy thriller.",
"I can imagine that Christie had a lot of fun writing this novel, and far be it from me to begrudge her that fun.",
"Actually, the best part about the book for the reader is the introduction, and in the introduction you get the sense of what drove her to write something like this.",
"The book isn't awful, really, it just isn't great-- and I am used to pretty much everything she writes being great.",
"Passenger to Frankfurt is an interesting little oddity for the Christie fan, but probably something to skip if you are just looking for a Christie mystery.",
"At least Christie isn't as bad as Ngaio Marsh at writing about youth culture of the 1960s/70s, so at least that's some blessing."
]
|
This product needs a redesign, unless you like drinking warm water. Here is my experience. I filled the infuser with cut up strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. I filled the product with cold water from my ice dispenser from my refrigerator. I knew I had to fill the water first before the ice so the infuser would fit after fruit filling. Now, keep in mind it is August. My air conditioning in my home is set at 74 degrees, I live in Virginia, it is humid here. My water was warm within 30 minutes. I am not a fan of drinking warm water in hot, humid weather. After adding the crushed ice to the product it was difficult make it fit in around the infuser. I managed to get the product half full with ice. Once I finished the drinking the (fruit) flavored water, I hand washed the product and put it in a box for donation. This product is not for me. I am looking for a product that can be fruit infused and keep the water cold without all the fruit floating around in the drinking container. Someone out there will design this product, eventually. My search continues... | 1 | neutral | [
"This product needs a redesign, unless you like drinking warm water.",
"Here is my experience.",
"I filled the infuser with cut up strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.",
"I filled the product with cold water from my ice dispenser from my refrigerator.",
"I knew I had to fill the water first before the ice so the infuser would fit after fruit filling.",
"Now, keep in mind it is August.",
"My air conditioning in my home is set at 74 degrees, I live in Virginia, it is humid here.",
"My water was warm within 30 minutes.",
"I am not a fan of drinking warm water in hot, humid weather.",
"After adding the crushed ice to the product it was difficult make it fit in around the infuser.",
"I managed to get the product half full with ice.",
"Once I finished the drinking the (fruit) flavored water, I hand washed the product and put it in a box for donation.",
"This product is not for me.",
"I am looking for a product that can be fruit infused and keep the water cold without all the fruit floating around in the drinking container.",
"Someone out there will design this product, eventually.",
"My search continues..."
]
|
So, the lowest rating I will give when I finish a book is a 3 star. I did finish this. I was intrigued by this book, and there were some really great things about it, and some really poor things, in my opinion. *Spoilers* So, what I liked. The whole idea of the shadow vampires really intrigued me. It was something new from what I'd read before, and I thought it was an interesting twist I'd love to explore. The sisters were drawn well, and I had a great idea of who they both were. I liked that the author didn't overdo it on descriptions, but kept that at a good pace.
The reasons I didn't love this book were first and foremost how she fell so head over heels in love with him, when she'd spoken less than 20 words to him. That is a huge pet peeve with this type of book. I love the romance, but I want to see some development before she is irrevocably in love. I also didn't like how depressing she was in the beginning. I know a lot of girls feel this way, being outcast, and having someone in their life who seems to get all the glory, but it went on for about 5 chapters, and even if I were her family, she'd annoy me too. I did like how she got stronger and gained confidence, and I think the author wanted to show her going from a wall flower to a strong woman, but it was just a bit over the top for me. The final thing was that you wouldn't even know it was about vampires unless you'd read the description, because you don't find out til the very end.
There are a few heart pounding moments, and there weren't a ton of spelling errors, just a few here and there. I think this book could be great if it were re-worked, but as it is, I'm not interested in reading the next one. I haven't given up on the author though, if she were to write a different kind of series. | 1 | neutral | [
"So, the lowest rating I will give when I finish a book is a 3 star.",
"I did finish this.",
"I was intrigued by this book, and there were some really great things about it, and some really poor things, in my opinion.",
"*Spoilers* So, what I liked.",
"The whole idea of the shadow vampires really intrigued me.",
"It was something new from what I'd read before, and I thought it was an interesting twist I'd love to explore.",
"The sisters were drawn well, and I had a great idea of who they both were.",
"I liked that the author didn't overdo it on descriptions, but kept that at a good pace.",
"The reasons I didn't love this book were first and foremost how she fell so head over heels in love with him, when she'd spoken less than 20 words to him.",
"That is a huge pet peeve with this type of book.",
"I love the romance, but I want to see some development before she is irrevocably in love.",
"I also didn't like how depressing she was in the beginning.",
"I know a lot of girls feel this way, being outcast, and having someone in their life who seems to get all the glory, but it went on for about 5 chapters, and even if I were her family, she'd annoy me too.",
"I did like how she got stronger and gained confidence, and I think the author wanted to show her going from a wall flower to a strong woman, but it was just a bit over the top for me.",
"The final thing was that you wouldn't even know it was about vampires unless you'd read the description, because you don't find out til the very end.",
"There are a few heart pounding moments, and there weren't a ton of spelling errors, just a few here and there.",
"I think this book could be great if it were re-worked, but as it is, I'm not interested in reading the next one.",
"I haven't given up on the author though, if she were to write a different kind of series."
]
|
This is a typical introductory tract for those who have not even been introduced to the basics of Christianity however it does so from a nearly pagan rather than Christian point of view (see The American Religion: The Emergence of The Post-Christian Nation - Paperback (Aug. 2, 1993) by Harold Bloom".) There are resulting difficulties. It takes the approach of critiquing evolution (though stressing macro versus micro in the critique). It for the most part critiques science where there is a possibility of considering some science as contrary to a non-metaphorical interpretation of parts of scripture. It uses Aristotelian arguments (Thomistic arguments) for God, considers causality absolute, (so does not reflect Hume's arguments) and uses the typical scriptural references as factual rather than interpretive to support an interpretation of Jesus that is based more on the American nave view described by Bloom rather than good historical theology. (See also To Live Ancient Lives: The Primitivist Dimension in Puritanism by Theodore Dwight Bozeman (Oct 14, 2009))
The threat of hell looms as the penalty for failure to accept the basic nave view and to a great extent this suggests Jehovah Witnesses comic books though the pictures are not as cartoonish. Considering the audience clearly aimed for with this suggested growing pains like reading the Summa of Thomas Aquinas is certainly not in order. That would be like telling a beginning swimmer to go try the ocean. The sorts of texts that counter the issues regarding evolution might demonstrate nave issues regarding science but I have yet to find one of those that is really open to more sophisticated theological issues - in short they generally feed the mistake of thinking there is a problem reconciling evolution - or any aspect of science with a clear theological interpretation of scripture. Richard Dawkins is right out. Stephen Jay Gould maybe if the level of the reader is good enough. Perhaps reading some of Hans Kung might be useful? Some of Joseph Ratzinger's works aimed at a beginning audience might also be useful. There is also the issue that an audience persuaded to accept the conclusions of this book would be better off than they were prior to taking this important step. I presume it would be a mistake to think critiquing people for accepting these arguments any better than criticizing elementary school students for starting off their education with a limited vocabulary! You certainly have to start someplace. Suggestions? How does one gradually and successfully move this elementary audience on to a point of view more commensurate with a good education? One good suggestion for a next step is the book "The Shack". Thanks for the suggestion Roz! | 1 | neutral | [
"This is a typical introductory tract for those who have not even been introduced to the basics of Christianity however it does so from a nearly pagan rather than Christian point of view (see The American Religion: The Emergence of The Post-Christian Nation - Paperback (Aug.",
"2, 1993) by Harold Bloom\".",
") There are resulting difficulties.",
"It takes the approach of critiquing evolution (though stressing macro versus micro in the critique).",
"It for the most part critiques science where there is a possibility of considering some science as contrary to a non-metaphorical interpretation of parts of scripture.",
"It uses Aristotelian arguments (Thomistic arguments) for God, considers causality absolute, (so does not reflect Hume's arguments) and uses the typical scriptural references as factual rather than interpretive to support an interpretation of Jesus that is based more on the American nave view described by Bloom rather than good historical theology.",
"(See also To Live Ancient Lives: The Primitivist Dimension in Puritanism by Theodore Dwight Bozeman (Oct 14, 2009))\n The threat of hell looms as the penalty for failure to accept the basic nave view and to a great extent this suggests Jehovah Witnesses comic books though the pictures are not as cartoonish.",
"Considering the audience clearly aimed for with this suggested growing pains like reading the Summa of Thomas Aquinas is certainly not in order.",
"That would be like telling a beginning swimmer to go try the ocean.",
"The sorts of texts that counter the issues regarding evolution might demonstrate nave issues regarding science but I have yet to find one of those that is really open to more sophisticated theological issues - in short they generally feed the mistake of thinking there is a problem reconciling evolution - or any aspect of science with a clear theological interpretation of scripture.",
"Richard Dawkins is right out.",
"Stephen Jay Gould maybe if the level of the reader is good enough.",
"Perhaps reading some of Hans Kung might be useful?",
"Some of Joseph Ratzinger's works aimed at a beginning audience might also be useful.",
"There is also the issue that an audience persuaded to accept the conclusions of this book would be better off than they were prior to taking this important step.",
"I presume it would be a mistake to think critiquing people for accepting these arguments any better than criticizing elementary school students for starting off their education with a limited vocabulary!",
"You certainly have to start someplace.",
"Suggestions?",
"How does one gradually and successfully move this elementary audience on to a point of view more commensurate with a good education?",
"One good suggestion for a next step is the book \"The Shack\".",
"Thanks for the suggestion Roz!"
]
|
Weed Withdrawal Is a Real Thing and It's Hell
This article originally appeared on VICE UK . I gave up smoking cannabis eight years ago . I ’ d been promoted — from telemarketing supervisor to the noble heights of telemarketing manager — and I couldn ’ t come to work high anymore . My abiding memory of the following week was a nightly stream of terrifying dreams . It was like I was dreaming in stereo as my brain experienced the novelty of truly deep sleep for the first time in years . Within a week once the night terrors and the cold sweats had stopped my short - term memory started to improve . I was more sociable in and outside of work . I left the job within a few months and started doing something I loved . Everything about my life improved . But giving up weed isn ’ t so easy for everyone and for some it ’ s fraught with acute problems — physical mental and emotional . " Stopping my consumption of cannabis used to mean a lot of pain : vomiting diarrhea and not being able to sleep or eat " says Alex Fraser 26 . Alex has Crohn ’ s disease which was diagnosed when he was 19 . He just had an ileostomy in which a diseased part of his bowel was removed . This has drastically improved his quality of life but he ’ s still hugely reliant on cannabis to keep him up and running . " Despite the surgery I still have issues with eating nausea and sleep " he says . " If I don ’ t have cannabis I end up using meds like Zopiclone for sleep and Oxycodone for pain . But nothing particularly helps my nausea or appetite except cannabis ." WATCH : The Safest Possible Way to Use Weed Alex who generally vapes but occasionally smokes and eats marijuana also relies on it to keep his mental health in check . " It ’ s extremely helpful with the mental health issues I ’ ve had since surgery . Anxiety attacks self - esteem issues and my energy levels are all improved or eliminated with cannabis " he explains . Jon Liebling is a Director of the United Patient ’ s Alliance which is currently lobbying hard for the legalization of medical weed in the UK . Liebling has a long history of profound mental health issues and has recently been diagnosed with complex PTSD . " I ' ve been managing my anxiety depression and suicidal thoughts most of my life but have kept myself relatively happy with the use of cannabis " says Liebling . " About two years ago I had a number of traumatic events take place in a rather short period of time . I realized I needed a bit more help so I asked my doctor to refer me to a therapist . When I informed him I used cannabis he refused to refer me unless I stopped using . He prescribed me Prozac and Diazepam . I ’ ve always had suicidal thoughts but what ’ s kept me alive is my dissatisfaction with them . Prozac made my thoughts happier but also made me happier with those suicidal tendencies . So I acted on them for the first time in 20 years ." Liebling went back to his doctor and found that a locum was working that day . She immediately removed him from his Prozac prescription and referred him to talking therapy . She also told him to return to managing his condition with cannabis and he ’ s thankfully still here to tell the tale . Unfortunately beyond anecdotal evidence it ’ s quite hard to back up Alex and Liebling ’ s comments with science because currently there just isn ’ t much out there . Plus their personal health conditions — despite being undoubtedly severe — are not indicative of the population as a whole . A 2010 paper called " Assessment and management of cannabis use disorders in primary care " suggests that to differentiate between a psychiatric disorder and chronic cannabis intoxication a patient should cease cannabis use for two to four weeks . In a small 20 - person impatient study of withdrawal it found that " mean baseline depression symptom scores reduced to normal levels after four weeks of abstinence ." One of the study ’ s creators was Professor Adam Winstock founder of the Global Drug Survey — a study of how the world consumes drugs — and a consultant psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist . Between these two roles he ’ s analyzed the drug - taking habits of approximately 500 000 people and 300 000 cannabis users . He ’ s extremely well - placed to advise on dealing with the more established effects of cannabis withdrawal . For most people as it was with me during my promotion back in the mid - 2000s that means : a ) insomnia and vivid dreams ; and b ) nicotine withdrawal . A huge part of the first problem comes from an unlikely source . " Lots of people who smoke lots of weed drink too much caffeine : Red Bull tea coffee fizzy drinks . This is often to offset the sedating effects of weed . If you keep drinking 15 cups of tea when you ’ ve given up weed this is going to worsen your insomnia which will make you agitated " says Winstock . If you ’ ve grown up smoking joints with tobacco in them there ’ s a good chance you will also experience cravings from the nicotine withdrawal . For those looking to give up weed Winstockadvocates giving up cannabis and nicotine at the same time — but adds that crucially you should gradually reduce your tobacco intake in the run - up to quitting . This will have an unexpected second benefit in the fight against withdrawal sleeplessness . It breaks it down " he explains . " So when you stop smoking tobacco your caffeine levels go through the roof . You ' re left with this double whammy : of not only taking a stimulant drug [ caffeine ] that you likely drink too much of anyway but you ' re taking a stimulant drug whose levels are going to go through the roof because tobacco is no longer breaking it down ." Winstock also says that the intensity of your withdrawal will likely be affected by the type of weed you smoke . " If you smoke a high THC cannabis then I think the insomnia would be worse — your weird dreams would be worse your craving would be worse and your low mood would be worse ." Withdrawal symptoms with weed peak around day two or three and are generally over after seven . Sleeplessness and vivid dreams may last for two weeks but Winstock ’ s absolute gold standard advice for giving up weed is to " get into good sleep hygiene ." Admittedly easier said than done but there are some common sense habits that will help . " Exercise is probably the best thing you can do " he says . " Obviously you shouldn ' t over - exert yourself but if you ’ re exhausted when you go to bed you ’ re much more likely to sleep well . Turn off screens a couple of hours before bed and avoid caffeine . And don ’ t give up and call your dealer if you don ' t sleep well ! It will get easier soon ." Follow David Hillier on Twitter . To take part in this year ' s Global Drug Survey an anonymous study on how the world uses drugs click here . | 1 | neutral | [
"Weed Withdrawal Is a Real Thing and It's Hell\nThis article originally appeared on VICE UK.",
"I gave up smoking cannabis eight years ago.",
"I ’ d been promoted — from telemarketing supervisor to the noble heights of telemarketing manager — and I couldn ’ t come to work high anymore.",
"My abiding memory of the following week was a nightly stream of terrifying dreams.",
"It was like I was dreaming in stereo as my brain experienced the novelty of truly deep sleep for the first time in years.",
"Within a week once the night terrors and the cold sweats had stopped my short - term memory started to improve.",
"I was more sociable in and outside of work.",
"I left the job within a few months and started doing something I loved.",
"Everything about my life improved.",
"But giving up weed isn ’ t so easy for everyone and for some it ’ s fraught with acute problems — physical mental and emotional.",
"\" Stopping my consumption of cannabis used to mean a lot of pain : vomiting diarrhea and not being able to sleep or eat \" says Alex Fraser 26.",
"Alex has Crohn ’ s disease which was diagnosed when he was 19.",
"He just had an ileostomy in which a diseased part of his bowel was removed.",
"This has drastically improved his quality of life but he ’ s still hugely reliant on cannabis to keep him up and running.",
"\" Despite the surgery I still have issues with eating nausea and sleep \" he says.",
"\" If I don ’ t have cannabis I end up using meds like Zopiclone for sleep and Oxycodone for pain.",
"But nothing particularly helps my nausea or appetite except cannabis.",
"\" WATCH : The Safest Possible Way to Use Weed Alex who generally vapes but occasionally smokes and eats marijuana also relies on it to keep his mental health in check.",
"\" It ’ s extremely helpful with the mental health issues I ’ ve had since surgery.",
"Anxiety attacks self - esteem issues and my energy levels are all improved or eliminated with cannabis \" he explains.",
"Jon Liebling is a Director of the United Patient ’ s Alliance which is currently lobbying hard for the legalization of medical weed in the UK.",
"Liebling has a long history of profound mental health issues and has recently been diagnosed with complex PTSD.",
"\" I ' ve been managing my anxiety depression and suicidal thoughts most of my life but have kept myself relatively happy with the use of cannabis \" says Liebling.",
"\" About two years ago I had a number of traumatic events take place in a rather short period of time.",
"I realized I needed a bit more help so I asked my doctor to refer me to a therapist.",
"When I informed him I used cannabis he refused to refer me unless I stopped using.",
"He prescribed me Prozac and Diazepam.",
"I ’ ve always had suicidal thoughts but what ’ s kept me alive is my dissatisfaction with them.",
"Prozac made my thoughts happier but also made me happier with those suicidal tendencies.",
"So I acted on them for the first time in 20 years.",
"\" Liebling went back to his doctor and found that a locum was working that day.",
"She immediately removed him from his Prozac prescription and referred him to talking therapy.",
"She also told him to return to managing his condition with cannabis and he ’ s thankfully still here to tell the tale.",
"Unfortunately beyond anecdotal evidence it ’ s quite hard to back up Alex and Liebling ’ s comments with science because currently there just isn ’ t much out there.",
"Plus their personal health conditions — despite being undoubtedly severe — are not indicative of the population as a whole.",
"A 2010 paper called \" Assessment and management of cannabis use disorders in primary care \" suggests that to differentiate between a psychiatric disorder and chronic cannabis intoxication a patient should cease cannabis use for two to four weeks.",
"In a small 20 - person impatient study of withdrawal it found that \" mean baseline depression symptom scores reduced to normal levels after four weeks of abstinence.",
"\" One of the study ’ s creators was Professor Adam Winstock founder of the Global Drug Survey — a study of how the world consumes drugs — and a consultant psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist.",
"Between these two roles he ’ s analyzed the drug - taking habits of approximately 500 000 people and 300 000 cannabis users.",
"He ’ s extremely well - placed to advise on dealing with the more established effects of cannabis withdrawal.",
"For most people as it was with me during my promotion back in the mid - 2000s that means : a ) insomnia and vivid dreams ; and b ) nicotine withdrawal.",
"A huge part of the first problem comes from an unlikely source.",
"\" Lots of people who smoke lots of weed drink too much caffeine : Red Bull tea coffee fizzy drinks.",
"This is often to offset the sedating effects of weed.",
"If you keep drinking 15 cups of tea when you ’ ve given up weed this is going to worsen your insomnia which will make you agitated \" says Winstock.",
"If you ’ ve grown up smoking joints with tobacco in them there ’ s a good chance you will also experience cravings from the nicotine withdrawal.",
"For those looking to give up weed Winstockadvocates giving up cannabis and nicotine at the same time — but adds that crucially you should gradually reduce your tobacco intake in the run - up to quitting.",
"This will have an unexpected second benefit in the fight against withdrawal sleeplessness.",
"It breaks it down \" he explains.",
"\" So when you stop smoking tobacco your caffeine levels go through the roof.",
"You ' re left with this double whammy : of not only taking a stimulant drug [ caffeine ] that you likely drink too much of anyway but you ' re taking a stimulant drug whose levels are going to go through the roof because tobacco is no longer breaking it down.",
"\" Winstock also says that the intensity of your withdrawal will likely be affected by the type of weed you smoke.",
"\" If you smoke a high THC cannabis then I think the insomnia would be worse — your weird dreams would be worse your craving would be worse and your low mood would be worse.",
"\" Withdrawal symptoms with weed peak around day two or three and are generally over after seven.",
"Sleeplessness and vivid dreams may last for two weeks but Winstock ’ s absolute gold standard advice for giving up weed is to \" get into good sleep hygiene.",
"\" Admittedly easier said than done but there are some common sense habits that will help.",
"\" Exercise is probably the best thing you can do \" he says.",
"\" Obviously you shouldn ' t over - exert yourself but if you ’ re exhausted when you go to bed you ’ re much more likely to sleep well.",
"Turn off screens a couple of hours before bed and avoid caffeine.",
"And don ’ t give up and call your dealer if you don ' t sleep well!",
"It will get easier soon.",
"\" Follow David Hillier on Twitter.",
"To take part in this year ' s Global Drug Survey an anonymous study on how the world uses drugs click here."
]
|
It's an O.K. Vise for crude or free hand drilling and other craft work.
This vise is a knock off of the Japanese made one offered by Micro Mark. Theirs is aluminum and both have the tendency of the movable jaw to rise when tightened. This Proxxon vize is made of Zamak zinc alloy.
The description says that this vise will work with the MF70 mill and with their X-Y positioning table. Yes, but the results will be disappointing.
Thier 24260 solid steel machine vises are much better. I have one that I an satisfied with and have been using for 6 years. I just ordered two more. I hope they are still made in Germany.
The hold down slots using M6x1 hex headed screws and using a 10mm open end wrench is very arkward. I drilled a couple of 1/4 inch holes right above the screw position trough the bottom jaw surface of the vise and used 10-32 socket headed set screws. The steel is not hardened and any high speed steel drill bit will work. This allows me to use 10-32 square nuts with my Proxxon MF70 mill, standard T-nuts with my Taig Micro-Mill, standard T-nuts with my Sherline mill, any T-nut supplied by A2Z-CNC with any other mini or micro mill. | 1 | neutral | [
"It's an O.",
"K. Vise for crude or free hand drilling and other craft work.",
"This vise is a knock off of the Japanese made one offered by Micro Mark.",
"Theirs is aluminum and both have the tendency of the movable jaw to rise when tightened.",
"This Proxxon vize is made of Zamak zinc alloy.",
"The description says that this vise will work with the MF70 mill and with their X-Y positioning table.",
"Yes, but the results will be disappointing.",
"Thier 24260 solid steel machine vises are much better.",
"I have one that I an satisfied with and have been using for 6 years.",
"I just ordered two more.",
"I hope they are still made in Germany.",
"The hold down slots using M6x1 hex headed screws and using a 10mm open end wrench is very arkward.",
"I drilled a couple of 1/4 inch holes right above the screw position trough the bottom jaw surface of the vise and used 10-32 socket headed set screws.",
"The steel is not hardened and any high speed steel drill bit will work.",
"This allows me to use 10-32 square nuts with my Proxxon MF70 mill, standard T-nuts with my Taig Micro-Mill, standard T-nuts with my Sherline mill, any T-nut supplied by A2Z-CNC with any other mini or micro mill."
]
|
This knife has everything going for it (to me): All black, very slim, very quick assisted opening, good steel, VERY slim in the pocket with nothing to tear your hands up when fishing in pocket, a lock (which is handy because this thing is very pointy!) frame lock, light(ish). All good except for one thing: the clip. If it had a deep carry clip it would be the PERFECT slim edc knife. The knife sticks out of the pocket way too far. It is way too easy push the knife down over the pocket and flip it out of my pocket. Sounds a bit crazy but it just does not feel right in my pocket with the supplied clip.
So, I took the clip off another Kershaw and put it on the leek. The screw holes did not line up (of course) but I managed to get one in there and used some Gorilla super glue in the other. In my opinion, this clip size looks much better considering the size of this knife. And it's not as deep carry as I would like (like the Kershaw fatback or Kalashinikov), but it's much deeper than the stock clip. Just hope the super glue holds up.
Pictures below with the mods. | 1 | neutral | [
"This knife has everything going for it (to me): All black, very slim, very quick assisted opening, good steel, VERY slim in the pocket with nothing to tear your hands up when fishing in pocket, a lock (which is handy because this thing is very pointy!",
") frame lock, light(ish).",
"All good except for one thing: the clip.",
"If it had a deep carry clip it would be the PERFECT slim edc knife.",
"The knife sticks out of the pocket way too far.",
"It is way too easy push the knife down over the pocket and flip it out of my pocket.",
"Sounds a bit crazy but it just does not feel right in my pocket with the supplied clip.",
"So, I took the clip off another Kershaw and put it on the leek.",
"The screw holes did not line up (of course) but I managed to get one in there and used some Gorilla super glue in the other.",
"In my opinion, this clip size looks much better considering the size of this knife.",
"And it's not as deep carry as I would like (like the Kershaw fatback or Kalashinikov), but it's much deeper than the stock clip.",
"Just hope the super glue holds up.",
"Pictures below with the mods."
]
|
some more details of the outstanding testimony - a witness spoke for longer than one hour where he mentioned at least 300 names of those victim's and remarkably and astonishingly he stated the birth dates of about 250 victims.. <a href="http://www.albasrah.net/en_articles_2005/1205/sharl_051205.htm">www.albasrah.net/en_...</a> and an interesting viewpoint from the baghdad burning .. with some small facts that appear to be missing in our uk/usa reporting the first witness talked about the whole Dujail situation the details were intriguing considering he was only 15 years old at the time.The second witness was more to the point but he was 10 when everything happened ... <a href="http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_riverbendblog_archive.html#113380516125491394">riverbendblog.blogsp...</a> | 1 | neutral | [
"some more details of the outstanding testimony - a witness spoke for longer than one hour where he mentioned at least 300 names of those victim's and remarkably and astonishingly he stated the birth dates of about 250 victims..",
"<a href=\"http://www.",
"albasrah.",
"net/en_articles_2005/1205/sharl_051205.",
"htm\">www.",
"albasrah.",
"net/en_...",
"</a> and an interesting viewpoint from the baghdad burning..",
"with some small facts that appear to be missing in our uk/usa reporting the first witness talked about the whole Dujail situation the details were intriguing considering he was only 15 years old at the time.",
"The second witness was more to the point but he was 10 when everything happened...",
"<a href=\"http://riverbendblog.",
"blogspot.",
"com/2005_12_01_riverbendblog_archive.",
"html#113380516125491394\">riverbendblog.",
"blogsp...",
"</a>"
]
|
looking for a headset that can be used both digitaly (usb) and opticaly (3.5mm jack). however while this headset displays both of those ports, the digital port (usb) is only for recharging the headset. THIS HEADSET WILL NOT WORK ON A PS3. as a ps3 requires a digital headset that transmits via a usb or bluetooth. after buyiing this and looking for ways around the problem (converters, external soundcards ect..) i found that none of those solutions would work for the ps3 becuse you cant instal external sound cards, and converters can only convert 1 jack. meaning no mic. aka, this set would only work on a pc. or mabey a phone. oh and i never tested the vibrate function. in never seemed compatable with my psp games, or computer games. cosy, good sound. the mic isn't bad for the price. | 1 | neutral | [
"looking for a headset that can be used both digitaly (usb) and opticaly (3.",
"5mm jack).",
"however while this headset displays both of those ports, the digital port (usb) is only for recharging the headset.",
"THIS HEADSET WILL NOT WORK ON A PS3.",
"as a ps3 requires a digital headset that transmits via a usb or bluetooth.",
"after buyiing this and looking for ways around the problem (converters, external soundcards ect..",
") i found that none of those solutions would work for the ps3 becuse you cant instal external sound cards, and converters can only convert 1 jack.",
"meaning no mic.",
"aka, this set would only work on a pc.",
"or mabey a phone.",
"oh and i never tested the vibrate function.",
"in never seemed compatable with my psp games, or computer games.",
"cosy, good sound.",
"the mic isn't bad for the price."
]
|
I might have enjoyed this story more if I'd heard of Anya Bast before and maybe read one or two of her novels. This story obviously needs a bit more context than what is here. That said, I am trying to not let that affect my evaluation of this story.
I rate this a solid "eh". In terms of voice and mechanics, Bast does a competent or better job 80% of the time, and the rest of the time falls into moments of "telling" or just plain stating the blindingly obvious. The sex is fun. Nothing special.
The story itself has two major flaws, ignoring my lack of larger context for the character. The first is that I am so sick of seeing shapeshifter romances where the couple being together is foregone conclusion because they're "mates". It's one step above "Their love is prophesied" in fantasy. I might not even have noticed this too much if I found the characters likeable, and again, I might lack a lot of context, but I found the characters to be nothing special. Cardboard macho hero, cardboard rebellious heroine who really just wants to belong. The hero, as a matter of fact, made me quite angry at the beginning of the story with a few scenes of non-consenting sexual contact being eroticized. Gross.
When the big climactic battle came, I got confused and made sure I hadn't somehow flipped past five pages. It came out of nowhere, and then was over, I guess, and I was like, "So is everything solved now? Great! I guess."
Not recommended if you haven't read Anya Bast's novels, perhaps not strongly recommended in general. | 1 | neutral | [
"I might have enjoyed this story more if I'd heard of Anya Bast before and maybe read one or two of her novels.",
"This story obviously needs a bit more context than what is here.",
"That said, I am trying to not let that affect my evaluation of this story.",
"I rate this a solid \"eh\".",
"In terms of voice and mechanics, Bast does a competent or better job 80% of the time, and the rest of the time falls into moments of \"telling\" or just plain stating the blindingly obvious.",
"The sex is fun.",
"Nothing special.",
"The story itself has two major flaws, ignoring my lack of larger context for the character.",
"The first is that I am so sick of seeing shapeshifter romances where the couple being together is foregone conclusion because they're \"mates\".",
"It's one step above \"Their love is prophesied\" in fantasy.",
"I might not even have noticed this too much if I found the characters likeable, and again, I might lack a lot of context, but I found the characters to be nothing special.",
"Cardboard macho hero, cardboard rebellious heroine who really just wants to belong.",
"The hero, as a matter of fact, made me quite angry at the beginning of the story with a few scenes of non-consenting sexual contact being eroticized.",
"Gross.",
"When the big climactic battle came, I got confused and made sure I hadn't somehow flipped past five pages.",
"It came out of nowhere, and then was over, I guess, and I was like, \"So is everything solved now?",
"Great!",
"I guess.",
"\"\n\nNot recommended if you haven't read Anya Bast's novels, perhaps not strongly recommended in general."
]
|
I ordered this kit in order to patch up holes in my new leather couch that were put there by our cats. I figured that I could at least try to repair the poke holes and if it didn't work, no real loss because the price of the kit is fairly cheap compared to other brands.
Last night, I used the black color, which matches our couch perfectly. I followed the directions exactly except that I did use a hair dryer to dry the color, and then the clear coat, quickly.
My thoughts:
The whole process is a sloppy one. Wear gloves or fight the stains on your fingers. The sponge included is very small but manageable. The brush is virtually useless, in my opinion. The kit does not include near enough of the clear coat/sealant. Try to use it sparingly so you don't run out! Be careful about "thinning" the dye too much - the directions say to add a few drops of water to thin, but I thinned it too much and had to add more dye to thicken it back up.
The holes don't show unless I get up close. You can really feel them if you run your hands over them. We have our couch in the family room where the lighting is a bit more dim most of the time, so I'm not hyperventilating about the fact that it's not perfect. However, if I had the couch in the living room where there are a lot more windows, I might be concerned. Of course, the holes are a result of naughty kitties and not the touch up kit. I doubt that you can fix punctures in leather completely unless you buy something way more expensive or hire a professional.
The bottom line is that I was neither disappointed or overly satisfied with the kit. It helped hide the holes with more black dye but did not cover over them enough to make the couch seem new or refurbished. Would I buy it again? Probably not. I would likely go with a product that promised more even if it did cost more money. | 1 | neutral | [
"I ordered this kit in order to patch up holes in my new leather couch that were put there by our cats.",
"I figured that I could at least try to repair the poke holes and if it didn't work, no real loss because the price of the kit is fairly cheap compared to other brands.",
"Last night, I used the black color, which matches our couch perfectly.",
"I followed the directions exactly except that I did use a hair dryer to dry the color, and then the clear coat, quickly.",
"My thoughts:\n\nThe whole process is a sloppy one.",
"Wear gloves or fight the stains on your fingers.",
"The sponge included is very small but manageable.",
"The brush is virtually useless, in my opinion.",
"The kit does not include near enough of the clear coat/sealant.",
"Try to use it sparingly so you don't run out!",
"Be careful about \"thinning\" the dye too much - the directions say to add a few drops of water to thin, but I thinned it too much and had to add more dye to thicken it back up.",
"The holes don't show unless I get up close.",
"You can really feel them if you run your hands over them.",
"We have our couch in the family room where the lighting is a bit more dim most of the time, so I'm not hyperventilating about the fact that it's not perfect.",
"However, if I had the couch in the living room where there are a lot more windows, I might be concerned.",
"Of course, the holes are a result of naughty kitties and not the touch up kit.",
"I doubt that you can fix punctures in leather completely unless you buy something way more expensive or hire a professional.",
"The bottom line is that I was neither disappointed or overly satisfied with the kit.",
"It helped hide the holes with more black dye but did not cover over them enough to make the couch seem new or refurbished.",
"Would I buy it again?",
"Probably not.",
"I would likely go with a product that promised more even if it did cost more money."
]
|
Having recently received the Cars Videogame I can say that its a fun translation of the big screen action. There is an arcade mode where you can race for the Piston Cup as Lightning McQueen of Darrel Cartrip. Its a nice little cartoon racer. One of the cool features is that as you make your way through the pack, you can see the places of the next several cars ahead of you. The numbers float above the cars as you would see on the Nascar coverage.
There is also the story mode. Taking a page from the GTA world you are set loose in the open ended world of Radiator Springs where you must accomplish various tasks. All of the landmarks from the movie are on hand as are the voices from the film.
Cars, the Videogame is nothing revolutionary. It borders on the 'almost too easy', then again... its likely be marketed to the kids who want all of the other Cars goodies. If you are a Pixar fan or are looking for a family-friendly GTA experience, then by all means, check out Cars for the PS2. | 1 | neutral | [
"Having recently received the Cars Videogame I can say that its a fun translation of the big screen action.",
"There is an arcade mode where you can race for the Piston Cup as Lightning McQueen of Darrel Cartrip.",
"Its a nice little cartoon racer.",
"One of the cool features is that as you make your way through the pack, you can see the places of the next several cars ahead of you.",
"The numbers float above the cars as you would see on the Nascar coverage.",
"There is also the story mode.",
"Taking a page from the GTA world you are set loose in the open ended world of Radiator Springs where you must accomplish various tasks.",
"All of the landmarks from the movie are on hand as are the voices from the film.",
"Cars, the Videogame is nothing revolutionary.",
"It borders on the 'almost too easy', then again...",
"its likely be marketed to the kids who want all of the other Cars goodies.",
"If you are a Pixar fan or are looking for a family-friendly GTA experience, then by all means, check out Cars for the PS2."
]
|
I purchased the 3670G yellow Might Mite after reading reviews about how good the suction power is. That part is true. This unit does an excellent job of sucking up debris and dust. I've had uprights and canisters over 40 years (no Eureka brand) and never been satisfied with suction on hardwood. Our home is entirely hardwood, making this a big deal issue for me.
Also painfully true is the incredibly cheap quality of the hard plastic hose; the hose should swivel around but doesn't and instead bends into a kink. I can imagine this causing cracks in the plastic in a short period of time. Also very poorly designed are the wands. Why, why do these pieces NOT have a locking feature??? Every canister vacuum I have ever seen had metal wands with a hole cut out at the lower end and a retractable metal button at the upper end to lock the parts together. Powerful suction means that the wands get pulled apart constantly. Between the kinking and the wands pulling apart, vacuuming is a battle with this unit. I long for the days of metal wands and fabric/fiberglass hoses from my mother's and grandmother's eras.
The 3670G does an excellent job on my hardwood floors, and a very good job on area rugs. The price was right. However, I am already thinking about looking for aftermarket hose and wands if my frustration level grows. I've had this vacuum for about 6 weeks now. | 1 | neutral | [
"I purchased the 3670G yellow Might Mite after reading reviews about how good the suction power is.",
"That part is true.",
"This unit does an excellent job of sucking up debris and dust.",
"I've had uprights and canisters over 40 years (no Eureka brand) and never been satisfied with suction on hardwood.",
"Our home is entirely hardwood, making this a big deal issue for me.",
"Also painfully true is the incredibly cheap quality of the hard plastic hose; the hose should swivel around but doesn't and instead bends into a kink.",
"I can imagine this causing cracks in the plastic in a short period of time.",
"Also very poorly designed are the wands.",
"Why, why do these pieces NOT have a locking feature???",
"Every canister vacuum I have ever seen had metal wands with a hole cut out at the lower end and a retractable metal button at the upper end to lock the parts together.",
"Powerful suction means that the wands get pulled apart constantly.",
"Between the kinking and the wands pulling apart, vacuuming is a battle with this unit.",
"I long for the days of metal wands and fabric/fiberglass hoses from my mother's and grandmother's eras.",
"The 3670G does an excellent job on my hardwood floors, and a very good job on area rugs.",
"The price was right.",
"However, I am already thinking about looking for aftermarket hose and wands if my frustration level grows.",
"I've had this vacuum for about 6 weeks now."
]
|
I'm still not tired of playing Sims 2 and it's in large part due to the immense replayability that the original game had plus the additions of these expansion packs. Open for Business adds a number of new things to a game that already has loads of replayability and variety.
Pros:
-New Items
-Ability to run a home business (despite the negatives below, I do have to give the sims team kudos for adding this ability).
-Ability to buy real estate and own community businesses.
-Ability to hire townies
-robots
Cons:
-Bugs! What does it take to get some clean, well tested software these days?!
-Running a Sims business is quite challenging. I play pc games as a way of resting and relaxing from a hard day's work. Running a sim business in Sims 2 at times feels more like work than play especially once the business starts having loads of customers coming in.
-The number of townies available to hire doesn't keep up with the business' needs.
-As with the other expansion packs, I felt the price was a bit high for what was added.
-The "own 5 successful businesses" lifetime aspiration. Running one is such more work than play, but 5? Any Sim of mine that comes up with that aspiration, gets their head stuck in the ReNu gadget for the purpose of getting a new one.
-As pointed out by others, sending someone to work a full day at a community business and then having them come home at the same time that they left is kind of wierd (of course we already had that with the original game and Nightlife with Sims going to community lots. University at least kept the Semester clock running).
Despite the fact that the Cons got more space than the Pros, above, I think this is, overall, a good addition to the Sims 2 lineup. If you want to fully enjoy the business operation side of this expansion, I would suggest creating a new neighborhood, associate it with custom University, Downtown and Business neighborhoods (that way you don't have to deal with all of those pre-made sims) and then run only one family. Keep the initial family members employed at the standard jobs that came with the original game, getting promotions and rewards and then build up a large income and pool of friends. Once that is accomplished, then you might get a younger member of the family to start a business with a good supply of capital and Townie friends to hire. That takes away the two most challenging/frustrating parts of running a sim business and allows you to concentrate on the fun aspects of the game. That's my two cents anyway. 4 stars for fun (the "work" as opposed to "play" frustration that running a business gives at times in the game led me to take a star away), 3 stars overall (Lost two stars due to bugs and price). | 1 | neutral | [
"I'm still not tired of playing Sims 2 and it's in large part due to the immense replayability that the original game had plus the additions of these expansion packs.",
"Open for Business adds a number of new things to a game that already has loads of replayability and variety.",
"Pros:\n\n-New Items\n\n-Ability to run a home business (despite the negatives below, I do have to give the sims team kudos for adding this ability).",
"-Ability to buy real estate and own community businesses.",
"-Ability to hire townies\n\n-robots\n\nCons:\n\n-Bugs!",
"What does it take to get some clean, well tested software these days?!",
"-Running a Sims business is quite challenging.",
"I play pc games as a way of resting and relaxing from a hard day's work.",
"Running a sim business in Sims 2 at times feels more like work than play especially once the business starts having loads of customers coming in.",
"-The number of townies available to hire doesn't keep up with the business' needs.",
"-As with the other expansion packs, I felt the price was a bit high for what was added.",
"-The \"own 5 successful businesses\" lifetime aspiration.",
"Running one is such more work than play, but 5?",
"Any Sim of mine that comes up with that aspiration, gets their head stuck in the ReNu gadget for the purpose of getting a new one.",
"-As pointed out by others, sending someone to work a full day at a community business and then having them come home at the same time that they left is kind of wierd (of course we already had that with the original game and Nightlife with Sims going to community lots.",
"University at least kept the Semester clock running).",
"Despite the fact that the Cons got more space than the Pros, above, I think this is, overall, a good addition to the Sims 2 lineup.",
"If you want to fully enjoy the business operation side of this expansion, I would suggest creating a new neighborhood, associate it with custom University, Downtown and Business neighborhoods (that way you don't have to deal with all of those pre-made sims) and then run only one family.",
"Keep the initial family members employed at the standard jobs that came with the original game, getting promotions and rewards and then build up a large income and pool of friends.",
"Once that is accomplished, then you might get a younger member of the family to start a business with a good supply of capital and Townie friends to hire.",
"That takes away the two most challenging/frustrating parts of running a sim business and allows you to concentrate on the fun aspects of the game.",
"That's my two cents anyway.",
"4 stars for fun (the \"work\" as opposed to \"play\" frustration that running a business gives at times in the game led me to take a star away), 3 stars overall (Lost two stars due to bugs and price)."
]
|
Different perspectives lead to different sets of facts, and this account of fundamentalism couldn't have be written by a secularist. Of value then to a secularist student of the puzzle of resurgent religion at a time when the forces of modernity are under assault by postmodern initiatives--or fantasies. Armstrong's history makes good reading then as an exercise to reroute perception, at least momentarily, toward the complexities of modern religious culture filtered out of standard historiography. A useful history for that reason and yet the author's attitude is ambiguous and seems quite sly in its unstated 'egging on' the whole phenomenon.
At a time when the author is promoting the idea of a second 'Axial Age' we are left to wonder. The point is relevant to the frequent out of focus references to this idea of Karl Jaspers, here at the beginning of the text. It is worth considering what Jaspers said, and then looking at the phenomenon of the Axial period to ask what the phenomenon was, and what it means. To say that the Axial period is associated with the emergence of some idea of transcendence in relation to religion is misleading and finally false. The Axial Age produced two religions, one theistic, and one atheistic, a great deal of philosophy, Chinese, Indian, and Greek, the first stage of the scientific revolution, and the Ionian Enlightenment, along with the world's first democracy. It is thus incorrect to say the phenomenon has an intrinsic relation to religion at all. Therefore the suggestion that fundamentalism might somehow be evidence of a postmodern second Axial Age is far off the mark. In general the resurgence of fundamentalism shows that the only real candidate for a 'second Axial Age' is the rise of modernity itself, one that is being countered by retrograde social forces, a point that should be obvious from the facts of the case, albeit obvious to a secularist. This consideration shows a wrong analysis of Armstrong's own data. We can see the problem in here statements about logos and mythos, which are mostly sophistical, if not malarky. Collating logos and mythos in conjunction is a recipe only for dismantling clear thinking and indulging in religious propaganda (mythos). In general the wrong idea of the Axial period is vitiating all Armstrong's histories, time to focus on the original usage of Jaspers, which unfortunately is itself flawed, but which is at least the source of the idea. Cf. also the reviewer's material. | 1 | neutral | [
"Different perspectives lead to different sets of facts, and this account of fundamentalism couldn't have be written by a secularist.",
"Of value then to a secularist student of the puzzle of resurgent religion at a time when the forces of modernity are under assault by postmodern initiatives--or fantasies.",
"Armstrong's history makes good reading then as an exercise to reroute perception, at least momentarily, toward the complexities of modern religious culture filtered out of standard historiography.",
"A useful history for that reason and yet the author's attitude is ambiguous and seems quite sly in its unstated 'egging on' the whole phenomenon.",
"At a time when the author is promoting the idea of a second 'Axial Age' we are left to wonder.",
"The point is relevant to the frequent out of focus references to this idea of Karl Jaspers, here at the beginning of the text.",
"It is worth considering what Jaspers said, and then looking at the phenomenon of the Axial period to ask what the phenomenon was, and what it means.",
"To say that the Axial period is associated with the emergence of some idea of transcendence in relation to religion is misleading and finally false.",
"The Axial Age produced two religions, one theistic, and one atheistic, a great deal of philosophy, Chinese, Indian, and Greek, the first stage of the scientific revolution, and the Ionian Enlightenment, along with the world's first democracy.",
"It is thus incorrect to say the phenomenon has an intrinsic relation to religion at all.",
"Therefore the suggestion that fundamentalism might somehow be evidence of a postmodern second Axial Age is far off the mark.",
"In general the resurgence of fundamentalism shows that the only real candidate for a 'second Axial Age' is the rise of modernity itself, one that is being countered by retrograde social forces, a point that should be obvious from the facts of the case, albeit obvious to a secularist.",
"This consideration shows a wrong analysis of Armstrong's own data.",
"We can see the problem in here statements about logos and mythos, which are mostly sophistical, if not malarky.",
"Collating logos and mythos in conjunction is a recipe only for dismantling clear thinking and indulging in religious propaganda (mythos).",
"In general the wrong idea of the Axial period is vitiating all Armstrong's histories, time to focus on the original usage of Jaspers, which unfortunately is itself flawed, but which is at least the source of the idea.",
"Cf.",
"also the reviewer's material."
]
|
...but it does not come without flaws. For those of you who don't know, Red Dead Revolver is Rockstar's first attempt at a western-themed game. The game has a great presentation, terrific sound, and amazing gameplay. However, in many cases, its flaws outweigh its good spots.
Of course, you can't notice it at first, but this game is brutally short. If you are familiar with this genre, you can breeze through it in about 5 or 6 hours. And I thought Max Payne 2 was short! Once you finish the game, you will be very disappointed, because it is a very fun game to play, and it captures the feel of the west perfectly. You will run across ghost towns, menacing cowboys, and colorful environments.
There is no shortage of weapons in the game, and every weapon feels authentic. Also, the gameplay is great, with smooth controls and good AI.
Basically, if you have any interest in the west, this is a good investment for a game. It just may not be interesting to some people, and you may even just want a rental. I know I should have rented it instead of bought it, because I beat it in six hours, and I was bored after a few days. The multiplayer games improve the value, but still you will tire of them after a few hours. | 1 | neutral | [
"...",
"but it does not come without flaws.",
"For those of you who don't know, Red Dead Revolver is Rockstar's first attempt at a western-themed game.",
"The game has a great presentation, terrific sound, and amazing gameplay.",
"However, in many cases, its flaws outweigh its good spots.",
"Of course, you can't notice it at first, but this game is brutally short.",
"If you are familiar with this genre, you can breeze through it in about 5 or 6 hours.",
"And I thought Max Payne 2 was short!",
"Once you finish the game, you will be very disappointed, because it is a very fun game to play, and it captures the feel of the west perfectly.",
"You will run across ghost towns, menacing cowboys, and colorful environments.",
"There is no shortage of weapons in the game, and every weapon feels authentic.",
"Also, the gameplay is great, with smooth controls and good AI.",
"Basically, if you have any interest in the west, this is a good investment for a game.",
"It just may not be interesting to some people, and you may even just want a rental.",
"I know I should have rented it instead of bought it, because I beat it in six hours, and I was bored after a few days.",
"The multiplayer games improve the value, but still you will tire of them after a few hours."
]
|
I'm not sure what I expected when I started reading this book but it was one creepy story. And, it stayed creepy all the way through.
One summer day, seven-year Matthew disappears while walking to town. His brother Robert feels a terrible sense of guilt. After all, Robert was too busy reading to go with Matthew when his brother asked. At first, it seems as if it might be an accident but when authorities discover other children from town missing, there is clearly something sinister at work. At first, Robert's parents and the entire town are paralyzed with grief by the loss, but they slowly seem to recover and then forget all about their missing children. But, Robert doesn't forget.
Newcomer Abram H. has something to do with Robert's parents' forgetting and something to do with the missing children. Robert just knows it. But, how is all this connected to Abram's promise of a rain-making machine?
It had a very Stephen King/Neil Gaiman feel to it for me, although the horror was toned down a bit for the adolescent target. The story was creepy most of the way through but descended into out-right horror at the end. It's kind of like a psychological thriller, but....weird. It was a very interesting setting--takes place during a 'dust bowl' depression in Saskatchewan, Canada. I always pictured the dust bowl as an American phenomenon so that part was enlightening. I liked the book but I don't know how well adolescents would like it. It seems a long wait for the eventual pay-off. | 1 | neutral | [
"I'm not sure what I expected when I started reading this book but it was one creepy story.",
"And, it stayed creepy all the way through.",
"One summer day, seven-year Matthew disappears while walking to town.",
"His brother Robert feels a terrible sense of guilt.",
"After all, Robert was too busy reading to go with Matthew when his brother asked.",
"At first, it seems as if it might be an accident but when authorities discover other children from town missing, there is clearly something sinister at work.",
"At first, Robert's parents and the entire town are paralyzed with grief by the loss, but they slowly seem to recover and then forget all about their missing children.",
"But, Robert doesn't forget.",
"Newcomer Abram H.",
"has something to do with Robert's parents' forgetting and something to do with the missing children.",
"Robert just knows it.",
"But, how is all this connected to Abram's promise of a rain-making machine?",
"It had a very Stephen King/Neil Gaiman feel to it for me, although the horror was toned down a bit for the adolescent target.",
"The story was creepy most of the way through but descended into out-right horror at the end.",
"It's kind of like a psychological thriller, but....",
"weird.",
"It was a very interesting setting--takes place during a 'dust bowl' depression in Saskatchewan, Canada.",
"I always pictured the dust bowl as an American phenomenon so that part was enlightening.",
"I liked the book but I don't know how well adolescents would like it.",
"It seems a long wait for the eventual pay-off."
]
|
My first chromatic but I have been playing diatonic for 50 years. I am a little disappointed in some of the notes. The "7" hole, which is really the second "2" hole...does not always work and on the upper register one of the notes squeeks as aggravating as nails on a chalkboard. The part I most dislike is when I am playing along blowing the notes and everything is fine then, wham, that "2" note doesn't sound. If you take it nice and slow and change your position of your lips and blow softer...sure it works. But that is not practical when you are aggressively attacking the notes. It is a large and beautiful harp and I love the range. I'm giving it 3-stars because I am just learning this beast so I could be the problem. I've purchased a couple of books to make my journey more comfortable so if things go well I may increase the stars. | 1 | neutral | [
"My first chromatic but I have been playing diatonic for 50 years.",
"I am a little disappointed in some of the notes.",
"The \"7\" hole, which is really the second \"2\" hole...",
"does not always work and on the upper register one of the notes squeeks as aggravating as nails on a chalkboard.",
"The part I most dislike is when I am playing along blowing the notes and everything is fine then, wham, that \"2\" note doesn't sound.",
"If you take it nice and slow and change your position of your lips and blow softer...",
"sure it works.",
"But that is not practical when you are aggressively attacking the notes.",
"It is a large and beautiful harp and I love the range.",
"I'm giving it 3-stars because I am just learning this beast so I could be the problem.",
"I've purchased a couple of books to make my journey more comfortable so if things go well I may increase the stars."
]
|
Look, yes, the book was long. I actually re-read the first four books before reading this one, so it was a big chunk of reading. Yes, lots didn't happen during it; there were slow interludes. But some stuff does and so I was okay with the book until the ending.
So as not to give away spoilers - it felt like Martin had no idea what to do next to get his characters moving forward, so he shook the snow globe up or if you prefer knocked over the game table. And he didn't do it cleverly. He just said "hmmm, no idea where to go so let's just abruptly do a bunch of things to disrupt stuff."
Really wondering about the characters we've come to know and in many cases admire against our will. Will there be a whole new set next book?
And by the way - very tired of the way Cersei is being portrayed. She's written as a dumb blond, prey to her emotions, sluttish, power grabbing, whatever. Yet somehow she keeps ending up winning, more or less. I think he should portray her as a lot more clever than he does and stop heaping so much scorn on her.
Anyway, I really thought this was going to be the last book when I got it. But guess not. Will I read the next one? probably, assuming I'm not dead by the time it comes out or that I haven't totally forgotten about the series (it took seeing previews of the TV show to remind me of the book series and finally got me to check to see if there was a new one out). | 1 | neutral | [
"Look, yes, the book was long.",
"I actually re-read the first four books before reading this one, so it was a big chunk of reading.",
"Yes, lots didn't happen during it; there were slow interludes.",
"But some stuff does and so I was okay with the book until the ending.",
"So as not to give away spoilers - it felt like Martin had no idea what to do next to get his characters moving forward, so he shook the snow globe up or if you prefer knocked over the game table.",
"And he didn't do it cleverly.",
"He just said \"hmmm, no idea where to go so let's just abruptly do a bunch of things to disrupt stuff.",
"\"\n\nReally wondering about the characters we've come to know and in many cases admire against our will.",
"Will there be a whole new set next book?",
"And by the way - very tired of the way Cersei is being portrayed.",
"She's written as a dumb blond, prey to her emotions, sluttish, power grabbing, whatever.",
"Yet somehow she keeps ending up winning, more or less.",
"I think he should portray her as a lot more clever than he does and stop heaping so much scorn on her.",
"Anyway, I really thought this was going to be the last book when I got it.",
"But guess not.",
"Will I read the next one?",
"probably, assuming I'm not dead by the time it comes out or that I haven't totally forgotten about the series (it took seeing previews of the TV show to remind me of the book series and finally got me to check to see if there was a new one out)."
]
|
Opening this novel, I was preparing myself for the vampire version of the Babysitter's club, as the title promised. In that regard, I wasn't disappointed. The book opens on a group of college students majoring in Vampire Studies, with the only interest of finding the existence of vampires. I thought that this premise was an interesting one, and I hadn't read before any books about a club finding the existence of vampires before, so I kept reading.
The book continued in a pleasant way, the storyline was engaging and the characters amusing, but for me there were definitely a few issues. The author uses the word "for" a lot--"for this reason," "for that was why"...that drives me nuts. There is a time and a place for the word for, and it's not in every other sentence. Also, when the ending occured, I don't like the way the main character approached it. It was the culmination of his goal--and yet he felt condemned? I know that a drastic change like that can alter a person's perspective, but that seemed a little extreme.
If you want a good read, though, with an amusing plotline and a twist on your traditional vampire novel, this one's for you! | 1 | neutral | [
"Opening this novel, I was preparing myself for the vampire version of the Babysitter's club, as the title promised.",
"In that regard, I wasn't disappointed.",
"The book opens on a group of college students majoring in Vampire Studies, with the only interest of finding the existence of vampires.",
"I thought that this premise was an interesting one, and I hadn't read before any books about a club finding the existence of vampires before, so I kept reading.",
"The book continued in a pleasant way, the storyline was engaging and the characters amusing, but for me there were definitely a few issues.",
"The author uses the word \"for\" a lot--\"for this reason,\" \"for that was why\"...",
"that drives me nuts.",
"There is a time and a place for the word for, and it's not in every other sentence.",
"Also, when the ending occured, I don't like the way the main character approached it.",
"It was the culmination of his goal--and yet he felt condemned?",
"I know that a drastic change like that can alter a person's perspective, but that seemed a little extreme.",
"If you want a good read, though, with an amusing plotline and a twist on your traditional vampire novel, this one's for you!"
]
|
This is an older (1980's?) corn-ball movie. The tall straight (acting) actor really over-did the pratt fall schick!! A corn-ball gay "comedy". Was the 1980s the decade of "cheesy" movies? Okay. Not fare. Cheesy movies come out every month of every decade. If that was Debbie Gibson, the singer, wow. What balls to play a lead in a gay topic movie back then...I have a whole new admiration for her (that I never had before). I hope that's not what made her career go south. Makes me want to check-out Debbie (or Deborah Gibson) music. Please note that I don't even know if its the same person. She did , in the movie , have a nice voice. | 1 | neutral | [
"This is an older (1980's?",
") corn-ball movie.",
"The tall straight (acting) actor really over-did the pratt fall schick!!",
"A corn-ball gay \"comedy\".",
"Was the 1980s the decade of \"cheesy\" movies?",
"Okay.",
"Not fare.",
"Cheesy movies come out every month of every decade.",
"If that was Debbie Gibson, the singer, wow.",
"What balls to play a lead in a gay topic movie back then...",
"I have a whole new admiration for her (that I never had before).",
"I hope that's not what made her career go south.",
"Makes me want to check-out Debbie (or Deborah Gibson) music.",
"Please note that I don't even know if its the same person.",
"She did , in the movie , have a nice voice."
]
|
U.S. expands leniency for companies that disclose foreign bribery
The U . S . Justice Department will extend greater leniency to companies that voluntarily alert authorities when they learn employees have paid bribes to foreign officials Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said on Wednesday . FILE PHOTO : The exterior of the U . S . Department of Justice headquarters building in Washington DC U . S . on July 14 2009 . REUTERS / Jonathan Ernst / File Photo The new guidelines will allow most companies to avoid prosecution altogether if they fully disclose foreign bribery cooperate in the investigation and take steps to avoid future misconduct Rosenstein said at a Maryland legal conference . This will prompt greater corporate cooperation with authorities he said . “ We want corporate officers and board members to better understand the costs and benefits of cooperation .” The changes come at a time when U . S . Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked prosecutors to take a tougher line against criminals particularly in drug cases . The guidelines expand a pilot program launched in 2016 by the Obama administration to encourage more companies to come forward when they discover foreign bribery in exchange for lighter penalties . The U . S . Foreign Corrupt Practices Act makes it a crime for companies to bribe overseas officials to win business . While the previous program allowed for no prosecution the new rules offer the “ presumption ” that charges will be dropped if companies come forward and fully cooperate . Rosenstein said that because corporate crimes are ultimately committed by people not firms companies should not be prosecuted by the same standard . “ It makes sense to treat corporations differently than individuals ” he said . In cases when the misconduct is so severe that the Justice Department cannot drop charges the guidelines will still allow companies that come forward to get a 50 percent reduction of the lowest level of penalty . But the requirements that companies must meet for prosecutors to drop charges will be “ rigorous ” and give authorities more ammunition to pursue individual executives involved in the crimes senior Justice Department officials told reporters on a conference call on Tuesday . “ I don ’ t think it ’ s accurate at all to portray or understand this policy as giving a pass to corporate crime ” a U . S . Justice Department official said . | 1 | neutral | [
"U.",
"S. expands leniency for companies that disclose foreign bribery\nThe U.",
"S.",
"Justice Department will extend greater leniency to companies that voluntarily alert authorities when they learn employees have paid bribes to foreign officials Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said on Wednesday.",
"FILE PHOTO : The exterior of the U.",
"S.",
"Department of Justice headquarters building in Washington DC U.",
"S.",
"on July 14 2009.",
"REUTERS / Jonathan Ernst / File Photo The new guidelines will allow most companies to avoid prosecution altogether if they fully disclose foreign bribery cooperate in the investigation and take steps to avoid future misconduct Rosenstein said at a Maryland legal conference.",
"This will prompt greater corporate cooperation with authorities he said.",
"“ We want corporate officers and board members to better understand the costs and benefits of cooperation.",
"” The changes come at a time when U.",
"S.",
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked prosecutors to take a tougher line against criminals particularly in drug cases.",
"The guidelines expand a pilot program launched in 2016 by the Obama administration to encourage more companies to come forward when they discover foreign bribery in exchange for lighter penalties.",
"The U.",
"S.",
"Foreign Corrupt Practices Act makes it a crime for companies to bribe overseas officials to win business.",
"While the previous program allowed for no prosecution the new rules offer the “ presumption ” that charges will be dropped if companies come forward and fully cooperate.",
"Rosenstein said that because corporate crimes are ultimately committed by people not firms companies should not be prosecuted by the same standard.",
"“ It makes sense to treat corporations differently than individuals ” he said.",
"In cases when the misconduct is so severe that the Justice Department cannot drop charges the guidelines will still allow companies that come forward to get a 50 percent reduction of the lowest level of penalty.",
"But the requirements that companies must meet for prosecutors to drop charges will be “ rigorous ” and give authorities more ammunition to pursue individual executives involved in the crimes senior Justice Department officials told reporters on a conference call on Tuesday.",
"“ I don ’ t think it ’ s accurate at all to portray or understand this policy as giving a pass to corporate crime ” a U.",
"S.",
"Justice Department official said."
]
|
A quite entertaining book, Bad Company tells us the story of Nate Gray and Kellan Brooks. Nat and Kellan were best pals when they were kids, but when Nate decides to out himself and admit he is gay, Kellan turns his back on him and ignores him at high school, where Nate suffers continue abuse. Years later, Kellan comes to Nate because he needs a place to stay, and offers him the chance of revenge he has been waiting for so long. Things are not easy at the beginning between these two very different characters, but somehow the old friendship reignites and turns into something more, something none of them knows how to deal with.
I have no complaints about the book; it was quite ok, not a memorable one but fast and entertaining. It is funny how my opinion of the main characters changed as the book moved on. At the beginning of the book, I thought Kellan was a jerk who was undoubtedly abusing Nate, but by the end of the book Nate seemed the real jerk and Kellan the really nice guy. A very fast evolution of the characters taking place in a very short time(just a couple of months), somehow undermines the credibility of the story, but it is romance and those things happen in romance. I will continue reading the series. It seems promising. | 1 | neutral | [
"A quite entertaining book, Bad Company tells us the story of Nate Gray and Kellan Brooks.",
"Nat and Kellan were best pals when they were kids, but when Nate decides to out himself and admit he is gay, Kellan turns his back on him and ignores him at high school, where Nate suffers continue abuse.",
"Years later, Kellan comes to Nate because he needs a place to stay, and offers him the chance of revenge he has been waiting for so long.",
"Things are not easy at the beginning between these two very different characters, but somehow the old friendship reignites and turns into something more, something none of them knows how to deal with.",
"I have no complaints about the book; it was quite ok, not a memorable one but fast and entertaining.",
"It is funny how my opinion of the main characters changed as the book moved on.",
"At the beginning of the book, I thought Kellan was a jerk who was undoubtedly abusing Nate, but by the end of the book Nate seemed the real jerk and Kellan the really nice guy.",
"A very fast evolution of the characters taking place in a very short time(just a couple of months), somehow undermines the credibility of the story, but it is romance and those things happen in romance.",
"I will continue reading the series.",
"It seems promising."
]
|
This CD is good. But, it will never equal "Main Course" or 2 of their non hit producing CD's (Mr. Natural & Life In A Tin Can). More than likely the reason this one was so popular was...The year it was released some rock & roll stations was referring themselves as The Album Rock Station as one of Indy's local station's did. So "Spirits Having Flown" album had every song played. The tunes are good. But, just like another reviewer quoted basically, "Why does Barry have to scream"? Who knows? So if your into a lot of screaming and whining in your music. Then this albums for you! | 1 | neutral | [
"This CD is good.",
"But, it will never equal \"Main Course\" or 2 of their non hit producing CD's (Mr.",
"Natural & Life In A Tin Can).",
"More than likely the reason this one was so popular was...",
"The year it was released some rock & roll stations was referring themselves as The Album Rock Station as one of Indy's local station's did.",
"So \"Spirits Having Flown\" album had every song played.",
"The tunes are good.",
"But, just like another reviewer quoted basically, \"Why does Barry have to scream\"?",
"Who knows?",
"So if your into a lot of screaming and whining in your music.",
"Then this albums for you!"
]
|
***
Tazo's Earl Grey Black Tea is very perfumy. I am used to drinking super-premium tea that have the real bergamot added, not the essence. So this tea tasted to me like regular black tea with a very, very strong bergamot-like flavor. I definitely did not care for it, although I love Earl Grey teas in general. On the paper tea packet, Tazo writes, "a more aromatic version of the Earl's traditional black tea scented with the essence of bergamot"; therein lies the problem---a little too perfumy and scented for me. On their web site, Tazo describes the flavor profile of Passion as "floral, lavender, fragrant, spicy, lemon". Tazo describes the aroma as "citrus, lavender, light smoke". You may like it; apparently the other reviewers so far do, but it is not for me at all.
Also, be careful of letting this tea brew too long accidently. Even a few minutes too long results in a bitter, bitter tea, reminiscent of orange pekoe with a strong perfume added. What a letdown! Even properly brewed, though, this tea cannot, in my opinion, warrant more than three stars.
The ingredients in Earl Grey are just black teas and bergamot essence. Note that Earl Grey does contain caffeine.
Tazo is an interesting company that makes only super premium teas. They are socially responsible, based in Portland, and have the motto, "The Reincarnation of Tea". Tazo is owned by Starbucks. Their web site is fun and quirky, with a Zen-type focus, definitely worth checking out. It is unclear, though, from their web site, how many of their ingredients are organic or kosher, and they do use some "natural flavors" in their teas--this wording seems a little vague for a super premium tea.
Instead of Tazo's Earl Grey, I would highly recommend Numi Earl Grey, which does not disappoint in any way and is comparable in cost. It too can be bought in bulk at the time of this review on Amazon.
*** | 1 | neutral | [
"***\nTazo's Earl Grey Black Tea is very perfumy.",
"I am used to drinking super-premium tea that have the real bergamot added, not the essence.",
"So this tea tasted to me like regular black tea with a very, very strong bergamot-like flavor.",
"I definitely did not care for it, although I love Earl Grey teas in general.",
"On the paper tea packet, Tazo writes, \"a more aromatic version of the Earl's traditional black tea scented with the essence of bergamot\"; therein lies the problem---a little too perfumy and scented for me.",
"On their web site, Tazo describes the flavor profile of Passion as \"floral, lavender, fragrant, spicy, lemon\".",
"Tazo describes the aroma as \"citrus, lavender, light smoke\".",
"You may like it; apparently the other reviewers so far do, but it is not for me at all.",
"Also, be careful of letting this tea brew too long accidently.",
"Even a few minutes too long results in a bitter, bitter tea, reminiscent of orange pekoe with a strong perfume added.",
"What a letdown!",
"Even properly brewed, though, this tea cannot, in my opinion, warrant more than three stars.",
"The ingredients in Earl Grey are just black teas and bergamot essence.",
"Note that Earl Grey does contain caffeine.",
"Tazo is an interesting company that makes only super premium teas.",
"They are socially responsible, based in Portland, and have the motto, \"The Reincarnation of Tea\".",
"Tazo is owned by Starbucks.",
"Their web site is fun and quirky, with a Zen-type focus, definitely worth checking out.",
"It is unclear, though, from their web site, how many of their ingredients are organic or kosher, and they do use some \"natural flavors\" in their teas--this wording seems a little vague for a super premium tea.",
"Instead of Tazo's Earl Grey, I would highly recommend Numi Earl Grey, which does not disappoint in any way and is comparable in cost.",
"It too can be bought in bulk at the time of this review on Amazon.",
"***"
]
|
You can count on the plunger device activated by the trigger to fail. The problem is typically the outer O-ring. Replacement parts don't seem to be available and since the inflation gun is inexpensive, I consider it as a disposable device. I'm a home user with 28 tires to keep inflated - cars, truck, trailer, tractor, hand truck, etc. The gun usually starts leaking air after around a year of use. Gauge accuracy of these is not precise, so plan on using a good tire pressure gauge with this. The inflation gun will just get you close. I usually use the inflation gun to overinflate by about 5 psi, and then use the tire gauge to bleed down to the correct pressure. The clip on valve stem chuck also tends to leak, and usually requires a hand to help keep it on the tire during inflation. That problem can be easily solved by cutting off the cheap chuck supplied with this gun, and replacing it with a solid brass high quality one which is also sold here on Amazon. The brass tip can be moved from the gun to be discarded to the new one. | 1 | neutral | [
"You can count on the plunger device activated by the trigger to fail.",
"The problem is typically the outer O-ring.",
"Replacement parts don't seem to be available and since the inflation gun is inexpensive, I consider it as a disposable device.",
"I'm a home user with 28 tires to keep inflated - cars, truck, trailer, tractor, hand truck, etc.",
"The gun usually starts leaking air after around a year of use.",
"Gauge accuracy of these is not precise, so plan on using a good tire pressure gauge with this.",
"The inflation gun will just get you close.",
"I usually use the inflation gun to overinflate by about 5 psi, and then use the tire gauge to bleed down to the correct pressure.",
"The clip on valve stem chuck also tends to leak, and usually requires a hand to help keep it on the tire during inflation.",
"That problem can be easily solved by cutting off the cheap chuck supplied with this gun, and replacing it with a solid brass high quality one which is also sold here on Amazon.",
"The brass tip can be moved from the gun to be discarded to the new one."
]
|
The early 1980s was dominated by synthetic and sampling technology. Brands like New England Digital's Synclavier, the Fairlight and Ensoniq could be found in many hi-tech recording studios. Crisp, thudding electronic drum sounds appeared on so many of the single of the time.
This album received a lot of critical attention on its 1984 release. A production genius -- Trevor Horn -- was on the march, and this LP was expected to give more insight into his methods. Up to this point, he had done some staggering work for Yes with '90125', Frankie Goes to Hollywood ('... Pleasuredome') and, I think, Grace Jones. Compressed orchestral samples -- as in Yes's 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' single -- were his trademark.
The Art of Noise was his backing band / production staff / co-composers -- call them what you will -- and this was their first showcase. Every sample is polished until it shines and sparkles. In the UK, 'Close (to the edit)' was the single that drew the record-buying public to the album, and 'Moments in Love' provided the justification for buying it. But the rest, although a couple of years ahead of its time, now sounds dated. The album provided a great demonstration of one possible musical future -- a future centred on sampling technology.
'Moments in Love' is a classic track that deserves all the praise heaped upon it by other reviewers here. Much credit is due to Anne Dudley, who went on to write material such as the soundtrack for 'The Full Monty'. | 1 | neutral | [
"The early 1980s was dominated by synthetic and sampling technology.",
"Brands like New England Digital's Synclavier, the Fairlight and Ensoniq could be found in many hi-tech recording studios.",
"Crisp, thudding electronic drum sounds appeared on so many of the single of the time.",
"This album received a lot of critical attention on its 1984 release.",
"A production genius -- Trevor Horn -- was on the march, and this LP was expected to give more insight into his methods.",
"Up to this point, he had done some staggering work for Yes with '90125', Frankie Goes to Hollywood ('...",
"Pleasuredome') and, I think, Grace Jones.",
"Compressed orchestral samples -- as in Yes's 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' single -- were his trademark.",
"The Art of Noise was his backing band / production staff / co-composers -- call them what you will -- and this was their first showcase.",
"Every sample is polished until it shines and sparkles.",
"In the UK, 'Close (to the edit)' was the single that drew the record-buying public to the album, and 'Moments in Love' provided the justification for buying it.",
"But the rest, although a couple of years ahead of its time, now sounds dated.",
"The album provided a great demonstration of one possible musical future -- a future centred on sampling technology.",
"'Moments in Love' is a classic track that deserves all the praise heaped upon it by other reviewers here.",
"Much credit is due to Anne Dudley, who went on to write material such as the soundtrack for 'The Full Monty'."
]
|
Although this works well and is a quality product. Ignore ATK's recommendation this time, save yourself some pain and buy the Norpro offset handle model of this pounder. This one delivers too much jolting to your wrist and little finger. It gets painful after about two chicken breasts and I'm a big guy. The quality of the finish on the offset model is far superior to this on and there are no seams for food to get trapped in. This model may be the only choice for those with weaker hands that might not be able to control the hammer like offset model. Other than that, search the offset model. You will please you did.
My impression is that this model is actually chrome plated and not stainless. There have been many comments surrounding this issue. Either way, the finish is very durable | 1 | neutral | [
"Although this works well and is a quality product.",
"Ignore ATK's recommendation this time, save yourself some pain and buy the Norpro offset handle model of this pounder.",
"This one delivers too much jolting to your wrist and little finger.",
"It gets painful after about two chicken breasts and I'm a big guy.",
"The quality of the finish on the offset model is far superior to this on and there are no seams for food to get trapped in.",
"This model may be the only choice for those with weaker hands that might not be able to control the hammer like offset model.",
"Other than that, search the offset model.",
"You will please you did.",
"My impression is that this model is actually chrome plated and not stainless.",
"There have been many comments surrounding this issue.",
"Either way, the finish is very durable"
]
|
To start off the game shows us just how great the PS2 graphics can be. I don't know if this is because Konami helped out with this or what but the game certainly lacks in what the first three on the PS1 surely had, and that my friends is gameplay.
Crash returns in this game to once again battle Cortex. The formula for Crash isn't changed much at all but this game suffers from what the first one suffered from. That my friends is Tedious load times. It takes a minute just to enter a level for crying out loud! The load times of this game definitely make this game suffer.
The in-game levels are fun, but are immenesly populated. Not just with enemies but with obstacles too. Some levels are also extrememly lengthy and it seems like your going to ask the question "Are we there yet?" several times.
Awkward camara angles in conjunction to enemy placements and platform placements was a pain. The camara would be at an awkward angle and you'd think the platform was in front of you, but you end up having to move to the right or left a bit. By the time you figure it out you'll probably have died several deaths that could've been avoided.
As usual the controls are very easy to learn and shouldn't be a problem to get the hang of. But sometimes the response of the controls can cause you to lose sometimes.
Overall this wasn't a bad game but it certainly wasn't a good game either. The series lost its edge of solid gameplay and went down to the frustrating level. | 1 | neutral | [
"To start off the game shows us just how great the PS2 graphics can be.",
"I don't know if this is because Konami helped out with this or what but the game certainly lacks in what the first three on the PS1 surely had, and that my friends is gameplay.",
"Crash returns in this game to once again battle Cortex.",
"The formula for Crash isn't changed much at all but this game suffers from what the first one suffered from.",
"That my friends is Tedious load times.",
"It takes a minute just to enter a level for crying out loud!",
"The load times of this game definitely make this game suffer.",
"The in-game levels are fun, but are immenesly populated.",
"Not just with enemies but with obstacles too.",
"Some levels are also extrememly lengthy and it seems like your going to ask the question \"Are we there yet?",
"\" several times.",
"Awkward camara angles in conjunction to enemy placements and platform placements was a pain.",
"The camara would be at an awkward angle and you'd think the platform was in front of you, but you end up having to move to the right or left a bit.",
"By the time you figure it out you'll probably have died several deaths that could've been avoided.",
"As usual the controls are very easy to learn and shouldn't be a problem to get the hang of.",
"But sometimes the response of the controls can cause you to lose sometimes.",
"Overall this wasn't a bad game but it certainly wasn't a good game either.",
"The series lost its edge of solid gameplay and went down to the frustrating level."
]
|
I purchased this highly rated gauge several years ago because of its tested accuracy. Unfortunately, like many others have stated, the unit died after a couple of years. There was no digital read out at all. I tried replacing the battery, but that failed to correct the problem and I threw it away. The gauge is easy to use and accurate, but don't expect it to last. Years ago I purchased an ACME stick gauge because at the time it was highly rated. That gauge is still going strong.
To put it in perspective, this is an inexpensive gauge that probably won't last more than a few years. If, by keeping your tires properly inflated it helps you put an extra 10% on your tire wear, it's probably worth the cost, even if you have to replace it or replace the batteries every so often. A stick gauge might not be as easy to read or as accurate, but it might be a good idea to keep as a backup so you have something to use if your Accutire gauge fails while you are on a road trip. | 1 | neutral | [
"I purchased this highly rated gauge several years ago because of its tested accuracy.",
"Unfortunately, like many others have stated, the unit died after a couple of years.",
"There was no digital read out at all.",
"I tried replacing the battery, but that failed to correct the problem and I threw it away.",
"The gauge is easy to use and accurate, but don't expect it to last.",
"Years ago I purchased an ACME stick gauge because at the time it was highly rated.",
"That gauge is still going strong.",
"To put it in perspective, this is an inexpensive gauge that probably won't last more than a few years.",
"If, by keeping your tires properly inflated it helps you put an extra 10% on your tire wear, it's probably worth the cost, even if you have to replace it or replace the batteries every so often.",
"A stick gauge might not be as easy to read or as accurate, but it might be a good idea to keep as a backup so you have something to use if your Accutire gauge fails while you are on a road trip."
]
|
My Dyson (non-ball style) finally started breaking down, after 10 years, and we decided to give Shark a try. I've used this vacuum only one time but that first impression was a pretty strong one.
First off, this vacuum seems to be just as powerful (if not more) than my Dyson. It fluffs the carpet and pulls away a LOT of nasty dirt and hair. I really like the option to disconnect the motor so I can use the wand in tighter areas. That feature, along with a much shorter profile, allows it to fit in MANY more places than my old Dyson. I also like the lights but my family says they don't feel it is a necessary feature. Another great selling point is the size of the unit. It seems much more streamlined and compact than my Dyson. Even with having to store the base, it seems to take up less room in storage (compared to the Dyson and all the accessories I have for it). The biggest positive, I feel, is the way that the parts come open and back together smoothly. An easy movement and a click mean you've done it right. My Dyson is NOT that way at all.
Now for the negatives...
It feels MUCH heavier than my Dyson. I don't know if it is just because of the way things are positioned or if it is actually heavier but it feels like a stack of bricks on a wobbly surface. Also, when running, it feels like a self-propelled lawn mower. That would be awesome if you only ever needed to go forward but a vacuum is not used in that fashion. Pulling back is a workout compared to my Dyson. I suppose the only other negative is the size of the dust cup. It seems to hold a small fraction of the amount my Dyson did and that means I have to stop to empty it much more often.
In conclusion, I have to try it a bit longer before I can decide if it is for me. Going for a new Dyson isn't really an option because I dislike the ball on the new units. This Shark needs to win me over or I will have to try a whole new brand. | 1 | neutral | [
"My Dyson (non-ball style) finally started breaking down, after 10 years, and we decided to give Shark a try.",
"I've used this vacuum only one time but that first impression was a pretty strong one.",
"First off, this vacuum seems to be just as powerful (if not more) than my Dyson.",
"It fluffs the carpet and pulls away a LOT of nasty dirt and hair.",
"I really like the option to disconnect the motor so I can use the wand in tighter areas.",
"That feature, along with a much shorter profile, allows it to fit in MANY more places than my old Dyson.",
"I also like the lights but my family says they don't feel it is a necessary feature.",
"Another great selling point is the size of the unit.",
"It seems much more streamlined and compact than my Dyson.",
"Even with having to store the base, it seems to take up less room in storage (compared to the Dyson and all the accessories I have for it).",
"The biggest positive, I feel, is the way that the parts come open and back together smoothly.",
"An easy movement and a click mean you've done it right.",
"My Dyson is NOT that way at all.",
"Now for the negatives...",
"It feels MUCH heavier than my Dyson.",
"I don't know if it is just because of the way things are positioned or if it is actually heavier but it feels like a stack of bricks on a wobbly surface.",
"Also, when running, it feels like a self-propelled lawn mower.",
"That would be awesome if you only ever needed to go forward but a vacuum is not used in that fashion.",
"Pulling back is a workout compared to my Dyson.",
"I suppose the only other negative is the size of the dust cup.",
"It seems to hold a small fraction of the amount my Dyson did and that means I have to stop to empty it much more often.",
"In conclusion, I have to try it a bit longer before I can decide if it is for me.",
"Going for a new Dyson isn't really an option because I dislike the ball on the new units.",
"This Shark needs to win me over or I will have to try a whole new brand."
]
|
"The Last Time I Committed Suicide" was adapted for the screen by director Stephen Kay from a letter written by Beat icon Neal Cassady to his friend, author Jack Kerouac. In this letter, Cassady recounted his youthful adventures in Denver in 1945-1946. During this time, Cassady supported himself working the graveyard shift for a tire company and spent his days chasing women, "borrowing" cars, and hanging out at the pool hall with an older deadbeat acquaintance named Harry. The film's sights and sounds often mimic Cassady's frenetic personality. His skirt-chasing and petty mischief are set to the sounds of bebop, and the film's cinematography sometimes exhibits a hyperactive nervousness. "The Last Time I Committed Suicide" doesn't seem to have a point...or even a focus. It is simply a dramatization of the events of Neal Cassady's life when he was 18-19 years old. He was no more or less aimless than than he was to become, although he did not yet consider aimlessness to be a vocation in itself. Actor Thomas Jane does a nice job as Cassady, although he appears too old for the part. Keanu Reeves put on some weight for his role, and he is convincing as Neal's vaguely creepy and frequently drunk pool hall buddy Harry. Adrien Brody and Gretchen Mol also contribute interesting supporting performances. This is not a bad movie. But the audience's reaction to this film is going to depend entirely upon their attitude toward -and knowledge of- the real Neal Cassady. "The Last Time I Committed Suicide" is simply a slice of his life. There is no attempt to place Cassady's experiences in any larger context, concrete or abstract. So the film doesn't have general appeal. You either find Cassady interesting or you don't. So I'm recommending "The Last Time I Committed Suicide" to fans of Neal Cassady and students of Beat culture. I doubt that anyone else will have much patience for it. | 1 | neutral | [
"\"The Last Time I Committed Suicide\" was adapted for the screen by director Stephen Kay from a letter written by Beat icon Neal Cassady to his friend, author Jack Kerouac.",
"In this letter, Cassady recounted his youthful adventures in Denver in 1945-1946.",
"During this time, Cassady supported himself working the graveyard shift for a tire company and spent his days chasing women, \"borrowing\" cars, and hanging out at the pool hall with an older deadbeat acquaintance named Harry.",
"The film's sights and sounds often mimic Cassady's frenetic personality.",
"His skirt-chasing and petty mischief are set to the sounds of bebop, and the film's cinematography sometimes exhibits a hyperactive nervousness.",
"\"The Last Time I Committed Suicide\" doesn't seem to have a point...",
"or even a focus.",
"It is simply a dramatization of the events of Neal Cassady's life when he was 18-19 years old.",
"He was no more or less aimless than than he was to become, although he did not yet consider aimlessness to be a vocation in itself.",
"Actor Thomas Jane does a nice job as Cassady, although he appears too old for the part.",
"Keanu Reeves put on some weight for his role, and he is convincing as Neal's vaguely creepy and frequently drunk pool hall buddy Harry.",
"Adrien Brody and Gretchen Mol also contribute interesting supporting performances.",
"This is not a bad movie.",
"But the audience's reaction to this film is going to depend entirely upon their attitude toward -and knowledge of- the real Neal Cassady.",
"\"The Last Time I Committed Suicide\" is simply a slice of his life.",
"There is no attempt to place Cassady's experiences in any larger context, concrete or abstract.",
"So the film doesn't have general appeal.",
"You either find Cassady interesting or you don't.",
"So I'm recommending \"The Last Time I Committed Suicide\" to fans of Neal Cassady and students of Beat culture.",
"I doubt that anyone else will have much patience for it."
]
|
This story was great. The characters were great. The story line was a great idea. I was totally invested, the story started picking up, and then it was over..........nothing. No expounding, explinations, nothing. Such promise............. | 1 | neutral | [
"This story was great.",
"The characters were great.",
"The story line was a great idea.",
"I was totally invested, the story started picking up, and then it was over....",
"....",
"..",
"nothing.",
"No expounding, explinations, nothing.",
"Such promise....",
"....",
"....",
"."
]
|
This thing is not plug and play at all. It fits really nice in my Mazda and has an ok finish. They let you reuse your OEM clips for the bottom legs so it snaps just like the stock radio, but you have to be careful when removing them. But to install the headunit/deck/aftermarket radio in this trim, you'd have to use the metal sleeve (insert) that comes with new radios when you buy them and bend all the little tabs around so the sleeve is stuck in place. Problem is, this induces stress on the trim because of the weight in the back of the headunit pulling on the trim. So you have to install some straps hooked up behind the pocket (there are 2 screws there) that will hold the back of the unit. Or put something underneath your headunit if the bottom can rest on something, make sure you don't obstruct any vent holes on your headunit if you do that.
I have a 2007 Mazda 3 and the LCD can still function after the OEM radio is taken out since they have their own connector. That means I'd have to cut the plastic piece on top to be able to see it. The older models did not have their own connector and the LCD became obsolete when you removed the OEM radio hence why Scosche put a plastic piece there to block them. They didn't bother to make another model for the 2007-2009 Mazda 3's. You'd also have to make some kind of custom made bracket to hold your LCD screen in place if you wanna keep it.
All in all, it's an ok unit for pre-2007 Mazda 3's mainly because of all the work you need to do to keep the LCD visible and mounted. I think I would prefer buying the double din unit since it has brackets on either side to secure the headunit and a pocket to more securely. I'd end up with a small empty space in between both, but the entire thing would feel safer and stronger. But there's still the problem with the LCD...
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Scosche-MA1540B-2005-Up-Mazda-3-Double-DIN-Kit/dp/B0015BZKY4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Scosche MA1540B 2005-Up Mazda 3 Double DIN Kit</a>
A lot of modding required to fully enjoy this product gives it 3 stars in my opinion. | 1 | neutral | [
"This thing is not plug and play at all.",
"It fits really nice in my Mazda and has an ok finish.",
"They let you reuse your OEM clips for the bottom legs so it snaps just like the stock radio, but you have to be careful when removing them.",
"But to install the headunit/deck/aftermarket radio in this trim, you'd have to use the metal sleeve (insert) that comes with new radios when you buy them and bend all the little tabs around so the sleeve is stuck in place.",
"Problem is, this induces stress on the trim because of the weight in the back of the headunit pulling on the trim.",
"So you have to install some straps hooked up behind the pocket (there are 2 screws there) that will hold the back of the unit.",
"Or put something underneath your headunit if the bottom can rest on something, make sure you don't obstruct any vent holes on your headunit if you do that.",
"I have a 2007 Mazda 3 and the LCD can still function after the OEM radio is taken out since they have their own connector.",
"That means I'd have to cut the plastic piece on top to be able to see it.",
"The older models did not have their own connector and the LCD became obsolete when you removed the OEM radio hence why Scosche put a plastic piece there to block them.",
"They didn't bother to make another model for the 2007-2009 Mazda 3's.",
"You'd also have to make some kind of custom made bracket to hold your LCD screen in place if you wanna keep it.",
"All in all, it's an ok unit for pre-2007 Mazda 3's mainly because of all the work you need to do to keep the LCD visible and mounted.",
"I think I would prefer buying the double din unit since it has brackets on either side to secure the headunit and a pocket to more securely.",
"I'd end up with a small empty space in between both, but the entire thing would feel safer and stronger.",
"But there's still the problem with the LCD...",
"<a data-hook=\"product-link-linked\" class=\"a-link-normal\" href=\"/Scosche-MA1540B-2005-Up-Mazda-3-Double-DIN-Kit/dp/B0015BZKY4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?",
"ie=UTF8\">Scosche MA1540B 2005-Up Mazda 3 Double DIN Kit</a>\n\nA lot of modding required to fully enjoy this product gives it 3 stars in my opinion."
]
|
This cd was supposed to be a joint album with Ludacris and former lable mate and friend Shawnna which is why it was called battle of the sexes. Well for whatever reason Shawnna left DTP Records and signed with "Nappy boy" T-Pains record lable. I don't know what on earth makes her think that was in anyway a good career move but anyway. She is fet. on some tracks on this album but I can tell they cut her off some of them too. Ludacris shows up and handels his biz as usual. He is a great artist and has a unique style and delivery and great lyrics and punchlines. However the fallout here is the album was revamped and made into a Ludacris "solo" album and that was just a bad move he should have found another female rapper to fully replace Shawnna or just scrapped it all together. The album has it's ups and downs most of it is bangin but when it hits its lows its really bad. I had it on bootlegg but purchased anyway bc I have every cd DTP ever dropped. If your a fan you will like. | 1 | neutral | [
"This cd was supposed to be a joint album with Ludacris and former lable mate and friend Shawnna which is why it was called battle of the sexes.",
"Well for whatever reason Shawnna left DTP Records and signed with \"Nappy boy\" T-Pains record lable.",
"I don't know what on earth makes her think that was in anyway a good career move but anyway.",
"She is fet.",
"on some tracks on this album but I can tell they cut her off some of them too.",
"Ludacris shows up and handels his biz as usual.",
"He is a great artist and has a unique style and delivery and great lyrics and punchlines.",
"However the fallout here is the album was revamped and made into a Ludacris \"solo\" album and that was just a bad move he should have found another female rapper to fully replace Shawnna or just scrapped it all together.",
"The album has it's ups and downs most of it is bangin but when it hits its lows its really bad.",
"I had it on bootlegg but purchased anyway bc I have every cd DTP ever dropped.",
"If your a fan you will like."
]
|
<div id="video-block-R1LYUJ08OZR8QW" 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/D1TBm5J8pRS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/01gsNrxQtUS.png" class="video-slate-img-url"> The pics here on Amazon are a little misleading ... showing an iPhone on the stand in landscape mode is accurate, you CAN use it that way, but don't put your smartphone on this standing up ... it's just too small, it'll topple over. The ridges aren't very big, my HTC in its Diztronic case barely fits, but not as well as the iPod Nano third gen without a case.
So what's this for? I think it's great for a iPod Nano third generation, perhaps the latest. That is, a smaller object. See my video for a demonstration.
That said ... I just used this stand at the airport Starbucks counter with my HTC Android phone down to keep it off the counter. Some phones come with a kickstand, but this is a nice, portable way to keep your phone, cover and all, above the public surface. I guess that warrants another star. ;)
The Elago M1 multi-media player stand is cheap enough that, if you travel around and use your smartphone in public places, you could give this a try. But be prepared for the experience like I had in my video. | 1 | neutral | [
"<div id=\"video-block-R1LYUJ08OZR8QW\" 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/D1TBm5J8pRS.",
"mp4\" class=\"video-url\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"\" value=\"https://images-na.",
"ssl-images-amazon.",
"com/images/I/01gsNrxQtUS.",
"png\" class=\"video-slate-img-url\"> The pics here on Amazon are a little misleading...",
"showing an iPhone on the stand in landscape mode is accurate, you CAN use it that way, but don't put your smartphone on this standing up...",
"it's just too small, it'll topple over.",
"The ridges aren't very big, my HTC in its Diztronic case barely fits, but not as well as the iPod Nano third gen without a case.",
"So what's this for?",
"I think it's great for a iPod Nano third generation, perhaps the latest.",
"That is, a smaller object.",
"See my video for a demonstration.",
"That said...",
"I just used this stand at the airport Starbucks counter with my HTC Android phone down to keep it off the counter.",
"Some phones come with a kickstand, but this is a nice, portable way to keep your phone, cover and all, above the public surface.",
"I guess that warrants another star.",
";)\n\nThe Elago M1 multi-media player stand is cheap enough that, if you travel around and use your smartphone in public places, you could give this a try.",
"But be prepared for the experience like I had in my video."
]
|
Rather than reviewing this single book, I'll comment on the entire series. Pope's Ramage lacks the edge of O'Brian's Jack Aubrey and evolves less over the course of the series than Forseter's Hornblower. In short, the characterization of Ramage is less mature. Likewise, the writing itself is slightly ponderous at a number of points, with Pope feeling the need to remind the reader of a list of character traits and events in the protagonist's life that the reader of the entire series already has in mind. Pope does, however, give the reader a more robust set of recurring characters to enjoy reading about than dose Forester in his Hornblower series (who really only gives you two significant recurring characters other than Hornblower himself). Also, Pope's Ramage has nobility (both in title and in character) that O'Brian's Aubrey lacks and readers who prefer protagonists with greater moral clarity will find this appealing in Ramage. Pope also has sprinkled throughout the series a number of court martial scenes that are well done and entertaining. The series makes for good reading during vacations, business trips or during your daily train/subway/bus commute. A solid three stars. Suggest O'Brian's Master and Commander series and Forester's Hornblower novels as better over all reads if you enjoy the style of the Ramage books. | 1 | neutral | [
"Rather than reviewing this single book, I'll comment on the entire series.",
"Pope's Ramage lacks the edge of O'Brian's Jack Aubrey and evolves less over the course of the series than Forseter's Hornblower.",
"In short, the characterization of Ramage is less mature.",
"Likewise, the writing itself is slightly ponderous at a number of points, with Pope feeling the need to remind the reader of a list of character traits and events in the protagonist's life that the reader of the entire series already has in mind.",
"Pope does, however, give the reader a more robust set of recurring characters to enjoy reading about than dose Forester in his Hornblower series (who really only gives you two significant recurring characters other than Hornblower himself).",
"Also, Pope's Ramage has nobility (both in title and in character) that O'Brian's Aubrey lacks and readers who prefer protagonists with greater moral clarity will find this appealing in Ramage.",
"Pope also has sprinkled throughout the series a number of court martial scenes that are well done and entertaining.",
"The series makes for good reading during vacations, business trips or during your daily train/subway/bus commute.",
"A solid three stars.",
"Suggest O'Brian's Master and Commander series and Forester's Hornblower novels as better over all reads if you enjoy the style of the Ramage books."
]
|
THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH is a variation of a theme already treated by Philip K. Dick in some of his former books : the struggle for power. Each of the main characters of the PENULTIMATE TRUTH symbolizes a political force. Runcible has the power that wealth can give, Stanton Brose can reign thanks to his absolute control over an army of robots, the passive Adams would belong nowadays to a leftist government and, at last, the Cherokee born Lantano does have the paradoxal task to impersonate the fascist political solution.
So THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH is more a political book than a science-fiction novel although one can find some good sci-fi ideas in it like for instance the ever changing aspect of Lantano resulting from a default of his time machine. But this idea and a few others are not deeply developed in THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH by Philip K. Dick. One feels that he was more concerned by the accurate paintings of his political archetypes. There are nonetheless superb moments in this book, in particular the last pages which denounce the manipulations people like you and me must, alas, expect from our authorities.
In short, THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH is not an essential book for the common reader but will certainly please Philip K. Dick fans.
I liked it. | 1 | neutral | [
"THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH is a variation of a theme already treated by Philip K.",
"Dick in some of his former books : the struggle for power.",
"Each of the main characters of the PENULTIMATE TRUTH symbolizes a political force.",
"Runcible has the power that wealth can give, Stanton Brose can reign thanks to his absolute control over an army of robots, the passive Adams would belong nowadays to a leftist government and, at last, the Cherokee born Lantano does have the paradoxal task to impersonate the fascist political solution.",
"So THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH is more a political book than a science-fiction novel although one can find some good sci-fi ideas in it like for instance the ever changing aspect of Lantano resulting from a default of his time machine.",
"But this idea and a few others are not deeply developed in THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH by Philip K.",
"Dick.",
"One feels that he was more concerned by the accurate paintings of his political archetypes.",
"There are nonetheless superb moments in this book, in particular the last pages which denounce the manipulations people like you and me must, alas, expect from our authorities.",
"In short, THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH is not an essential book for the common reader but will certainly please Philip K.",
"Dick fans.",
"I liked it."
]
|
I think this movie can be summed up in two simple words: long and violent. But fascinating nonetheless. Neal Jordan takes a somewhat biased look at the life of Michael Collins, and I think he tried his damnest to keep to history. But something missed it's mark in the movie, I can't quite sum it up. It may have been a couple of cliches I could have done without. Example: an impending death. Cut to a loved one either wandering around ignorantly or rushing to the aid, although we know it's in vain. Collins' death scene, in particular, was ruined by cutting back to Julia Roberts trying on wedding dresses, and then suddenly staring in the mirror. SHE KNOWS. Or it may have been Julia's run of the mill performance with her VERY BAD irish accent. And surprisingly Aidan Quinn slipped quite a bit, though his acting was passable. Other than Ms. Roberts, the casting was stellar, Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, and the always wonderful Alan Rickman. The extras aren't too bad, the always present biographies, and filmographies, and a nifty documentary on the real man himself. Wasn't disappointed, but wasn't overly impressed, either. | 1 | neutral | [
"I think this movie can be summed up in two simple words: long and violent.",
"But fascinating nonetheless.",
"Neal Jordan takes a somewhat biased look at the life of Michael Collins, and I think he tried his damnest to keep to history.",
"But something missed it's mark in the movie, I can't quite sum it up.",
"It may have been a couple of cliches I could have done without.",
"Example: an impending death.",
"Cut to a loved one either wandering around ignorantly or rushing to the aid, although we know it's in vain.",
"Collins' death scene, in particular, was ruined by cutting back to Julia Roberts trying on wedding dresses, and then suddenly staring in the mirror.",
"SHE KNOWS.",
"Or it may have been Julia's run of the mill performance with her VERY BAD irish accent.",
"And surprisingly Aidan Quinn slipped quite a bit, though his acting was passable.",
"Other than Ms.",
"Roberts, the casting was stellar, Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, and the always wonderful Alan Rickman.",
"The extras aren't too bad, the always present biographies, and filmographies, and a nifty documentary on the real man himself.",
"Wasn't disappointed, but wasn't overly impressed, either."
]
|
It doesnt bode well for a game when you hear so much hype over a game. Your expecting it to be the "all time best" RPG that's ever been released. Case in point with Fable, there was seriously too much hype over this game and yes. I got sucked into the dreaded hype machine along with countless others.
Well i finally got around to playing this game a little while ago. I did kind of enjoy what it had to offer, but it seemed to me that as far having choices. between being good or evil they were rather limited to be honest. I mean if your gonna be evil and some quest comes up that says "you must protect this person" and you dont. Shouldnt you have the choice to say forget that i'm not saving anybody or instead of protecting. You rob the person for whatever you desire. It does this in the game sometimes, but nowhere near often enough to feel like. I had a choice in the matter. Another thing as well what is the deal with the timed missions. I know its probably to put pressure on the player or what have you. But i don't see that being necessary at all.
Again it all should boil to you having the choice to be able to do what you want when you want. Sure you can punt chickens, marry and sleep with as many people as you want (as long as you don't get caught), wear some pretty cool armor, tattoos, beards/mustaches and all that. There are also optional quests that you can do as well. But even after doing all that, i still was able to beat the game in under 20 hours. I wasn't rushing through the game or anything like that. I had like 3 houses and at least that many "spouses". I liked being able to choose how i wanted to dispatch of any enemy via sword/bow&arrow or magic. Even though i didn't use that much because it tends to wear down the player.
But even with all that including other things to do like opening secret doors, finding this lost treasure and some others. I was still left wondering. Where is the game that PM promised? I cant help but feel a little bit cheated by it. I'm sure i'm not the only person that feels that way. Add to the fact that "The Lost Chapters" are now showing up on the PC in the very near future.
It sort of feels like a slap in the face to all the people that went out and purchased this game expecting great things. They happened but were few and far between for me. I have no desire to go back and play through Fable again. I can only hope that the next Fable game coming to the Xbox 360 delivers "all" the goods promised in this one. | 1 | neutral | [
"It doesnt bode well for a game when you hear so much hype over a game.",
"Your expecting it to be the \"all time best\" RPG that's ever been released.",
"Case in point with Fable, there was seriously too much hype over this game and yes.",
"I got sucked into the dreaded hype machine along with countless others.",
"Well i finally got around to playing this game a little while ago.",
"I did kind of enjoy what it had to offer, but it seemed to me that as far having choices.",
"between being good or evil they were rather limited to be honest.",
"I mean if your gonna be evil and some quest comes up that says \"you must protect this person\" and you dont.",
"Shouldnt you have the choice to say forget that i'm not saving anybody or instead of protecting.",
"You rob the person for whatever you desire.",
"It does this in the game sometimes, but nowhere near often enough to feel like.",
"I had a choice in the matter.",
"Another thing as well what is the deal with the timed missions.",
"I know its probably to put pressure on the player or what have you.",
"But i don't see that being necessary at all.",
"Again it all should boil to you having the choice to be able to do what you want when you want.",
"Sure you can punt chickens, marry and sleep with as many people as you want (as long as you don't get caught), wear some pretty cool armor, tattoos, beards/mustaches and all that.",
"There are also optional quests that you can do as well.",
"But even after doing all that, i still was able to beat the game in under 20 hours.",
"I wasn't rushing through the game or anything like that.",
"I had like 3 houses and at least that many \"spouses\".",
"I liked being able to choose how i wanted to dispatch of any enemy via sword/bow&arrow or magic.",
"Even though i didn't use that much because it tends to wear down the player.",
"But even with all that including other things to do like opening secret doors, finding this lost treasure and some others.",
"I was still left wondering.",
"Where is the game that PM promised?",
"I cant help but feel a little bit cheated by it.",
"I'm sure i'm not the only person that feels that way.",
"Add to the fact that \"The Lost Chapters\" are now showing up on the PC in the very near future.",
"It sort of feels like a slap in the face to all the people that went out and purchased this game expecting great things.",
"They happened but were few and far between for me.",
"I have no desire to go back and play through Fable again.",
"I can only hope that the next Fable game coming to the Xbox 360 delivers \"all\" the goods promised in this one."
]
|
Personaly I feel Medal of Honor was better constructed. Medal of Honor has way better squad AI and the game flows better. It's also a bit more exciting. Nothing beats the Omaha beach mission.
Now for Call of Duty. DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO SAYS THE AI IS GOOD. The squad AI is the worst I've ever seen. My advice to anyone who wishes to stay alive is to lead your squad-mates to their deaths before they kill you. And never listen to anything they tell you to do. Examples of how bad the AI is.
-Your squad-mates will ignore enemies who are right in front of them.
-They'll yell grenade when an enemy throws one but instead of running away they'll duck down right next to it and blow up.
-They'll shoot endlessly at an enemy but will never hit them.
-They never EVER cover you when you need them to. For instance when your on an AA cannon, your leader will be yelling at you to fire down planes, but your squad mates won't cover you from ground troops and you end up getting shot to death... repeatedly.
-They'll yell, "Get down", or "look out" for no reason at all.
The list goes on and on, it's really very bad. Again, TERRIBLE AI.
On the plus side, the graphics are great, the sounds are good, and the missions are fun. You play the roles of a Russian, Brit, and American which makes it a little more interesting... although doesn't really flow. One minute your a Russian, next minute your an American, and so on. There's nothing to really tie the missions together.
All in all I would say it's well worth the money, but Medal of Honor was far more exciting and original. | 1 | neutral | [
"Personaly I feel Medal of Honor was better constructed.",
"Medal of Honor has way better squad AI and the game flows better.",
"It's also a bit more exciting.",
"Nothing beats the Omaha beach mission.",
"Now for Call of Duty.",
"DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO SAYS THE AI IS GOOD.",
"The squad AI is the worst I've ever seen.",
"My advice to anyone who wishes to stay alive is to lead your squad-mates to their deaths before they kill you.",
"And never listen to anything they tell you to do.",
"Examples of how bad the AI is.",
"-Your squad-mates will ignore enemies who are right in front of them.",
"-They'll yell grenade when an enemy throws one but instead of running away they'll duck down right next to it and blow up.",
"-They'll shoot endlessly at an enemy but will never hit them.",
"-They never EVER cover you when you need them to.",
"For instance when your on an AA cannon, your leader will be yelling at you to fire down planes, but your squad mates won't cover you from ground troops and you end up getting shot to death...",
"repeatedly.",
"-They'll yell, \"Get down\", or \"look out\" for no reason at all.",
"The list goes on and on, it's really very bad.",
"Again, TERRIBLE AI.",
"On the plus side, the graphics are great, the sounds are good, and the missions are fun.",
"You play the roles of a Russian, Brit, and American which makes it a little more interesting...",
"although doesn't really flow.",
"One minute your a Russian, next minute your an American, and so on.",
"There's nothing to really tie the missions together.",
"All in all I would say it's well worth the money, but Medal of Honor was far more exciting and original."
]
|
I am a chess beginner. I have been playing around with Chessmaster 9000 for a little over a month now. I have found it to be a very good tutor. I am still in the beginner part. There are sections for intermediate and advanced. There are a lot of features I doubt I will ever advance to - like a library of famous games. The one feature that I would like to use is the online game playing. The online portion of this program is lousy. It is very confusing to use. You have install separate ubi.com software - that's ok, but then how the two programs work together is not that clear. I have gotten into a room, but have been able to actually play a game online. I will hate to have to pay more money to Yahoo or some other service to play online. | 1 | neutral | [
"I am a chess beginner.",
"I have been playing around with Chessmaster 9000 for a little over a month now.",
"I have found it to be a very good tutor.",
"I am still in the beginner part.",
"There are sections for intermediate and advanced.",
"There are a lot of features I doubt I will ever advance to - like a library of famous games.",
"The one feature that I would like to use is the online game playing.",
"The online portion of this program is lousy.",
"It is very confusing to use.",
"You have install separate ubi.",
"com software - that's ok, but then how the two programs work together is not that clear.",
"I have gotten into a room, but have been able to actually play a game online.",
"I will hate to have to pay more money to Yahoo or some other service to play online."
]
|
I was disapointed.
So where the gamers. The developer screwed up again, its not the first time, he went on a public forum to apologize.
we where promised a much more open ended game, this game, its really not open ended at all. You follow a set of quests, you can do them on your own time, but they are needed to further the story. The story was lacking, uninvolving and uninteresting if you ask me. I played the whole game and I'm still not quite sure what its about besides being a hero, save the world and all that Jazz, (or destroy it.) you can make a few choices that affect the game play, but not in any big way. Basically, these choices change what people shout at you as you walk through town.
you can ofcourse chose to be good or evil as is trendy in games now. The armour and weapon selection I found unimpressive. I am a huge Final Fantasy fan, they are big shoes to fill in that department I suppose, but honsetly you get most of your weapons from a shop, you can augment them with fire or lightening etc but eh... so what?
The game was over before I knew it, it was only 20 hours or so long for me. the final boss came around before I knew it. It was fun while it lasted, entertaining enough and there was a bit of openededness as far as effecting what your character page said and what people said about you, also what bards sang about you... so that aspect was mildly enjoyable. I wouldn't say its a BAD game, but its not a great one. Slightly above average, its pretty, the spells are fun to look at, there is some adult content, so I don't recomend for children. There is a brothel in the game for example, and you can have sex with your wife, (or husband if your character swings that way) it doesn't show anything but there are noises, disturbing noises...
Its alright. I say if you have the cash to spare and your that curious, go for it, otherwise save your money and get something a little more original. ^^ | 1 | neutral | [
"I was disapointed.",
"So where the gamers.",
"The developer screwed up again, its not the first time, he went on a public forum to apologize.",
"we where promised a much more open ended game, this game, its really not open ended at all.",
"You follow a set of quests, you can do them on your own time, but they are needed to further the story.",
"The story was lacking, uninvolving and uninteresting if you ask me.",
"I played the whole game and I'm still not quite sure what its about besides being a hero, save the world and all that Jazz, (or destroy it.",
") you can make a few choices that affect the game play, but not in any big way.",
"Basically, these choices change what people shout at you as you walk through town.",
"you can ofcourse chose to be good or evil as is trendy in games now.",
"The armour and weapon selection I found unimpressive.",
"I am a huge Final Fantasy fan, they are big shoes to fill in that department I suppose, but honsetly you get most of your weapons from a shop, you can augment them with fire or lightening etc but eh...",
"so what?",
"The game was over before I knew it, it was only 20 hours or so long for me.",
"the final boss came around before I knew it.",
"It was fun while it lasted, entertaining enough and there was a bit of openededness as far as effecting what your character page said and what people said about you, also what bards sang about you...",
"so that aspect was mildly enjoyable.",
"I wouldn't say its a BAD game, but its not a great one.",
"Slightly above average, its pretty, the spells are fun to look at, there is some adult content, so I don't recomend for children.",
"There is a brothel in the game for example, and you can have sex with your wife, (or husband if your character swings that way) it doesn't show anything but there are noises, disturbing noises...",
"Its alright.",
"I say if you have the cash to spare and your that curious, go for it, otherwise save your money and get something a little more original.",
"^^"
]
|
It's pretty much destiny that video games don't translate well to movies or television. Apparently the same is true in reverse. Condemned has a fantastic story. The voice acting is spot on. This would have made a great movie or television miniseries. Unfortunately, the gameplay kind of stinks. The only thing that kep me going was the engrossing story. The annoying fighting interface was sad. The "investigative" tools and situations felt forced and contrived. I get that the idea was to have a great story that you could interact in and drive as the main character. I just don't think they pulled it off very well. Apparently they are making a sequel. Let's hope it's an improvement. | 1 | neutral | [
"It's pretty much destiny that video games don't translate well to movies or television.",
"Apparently the same is true in reverse.",
"Condemned has a fantastic story.",
"The voice acting is spot on.",
"This would have made a great movie or television miniseries.",
"Unfortunately, the gameplay kind of stinks.",
"The only thing that kep me going was the engrossing story.",
"The annoying fighting interface was sad.",
"The \"investigative\" tools and situations felt forced and contrived.",
"I get that the idea was to have a great story that you could interact in and drive as the main character.",
"I just don't think they pulled it off very well.",
"Apparently they are making a sequel.",
"Let's hope it's an improvement."
]
|
I would have given this book 4 stars, but for the rather vague ending. However, I'm getting ahead of this review.
I read the Amazon reader reviews on this book before I started it and the reviews had 2 criticisms. The first was that this last book of Christie's was rambling and the second was that it wasn't much of a mystery. I suppose both statements are true in some ways.
The story is about Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, now retired, moving into a new house. They discover a cryptic message in a book that's been in the house for many years in which it says: Mary Jordan did not die a natural death. Mary Jordan lived in the house over 60 years ago and the mystery is as to whether she did or did not die naturally.
This book is relationship-driven and I have to say that if you don't like the company of the Beresfords or of their every day converstation, then you won't like this book. However, I found their company delightful and found myself hoping my husband and I will have such a companionable and loving marriage after many, many years like the Beresford's obviously had in this book.
Along the way, Tommy and Tuppence do solve their mystery and I enjoyed the slow, meandering trip. That being said, the ending was not as straight forward as I'd like. They found some items hidden that they turned over to the gov't, but you never really knew why the gov't found the items so interesting. Further, I didn't understand fully why a mystery of 60 years past would make someone want to commit murder.
If you like books such as At Home in Mitford, you'll probably like this. However, if you want the usual tightly-plotted Christie novel, don't read this one. | 1 | neutral | [
"I would have given this book 4 stars, but for the rather vague ending.",
"However, I'm getting ahead of this review.",
"I read the Amazon reader reviews on this book before I started it and the reviews had 2 criticisms.",
"The first was that this last book of Christie's was rambling and the second was that it wasn't much of a mystery.",
"I suppose both statements are true in some ways.",
"The story is about Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, now retired, moving into a new house.",
"They discover a cryptic message in a book that's been in the house for many years in which it says: Mary Jordan did not die a natural death.",
"Mary Jordan lived in the house over 60 years ago and the mystery is as to whether she did or did not die naturally.",
"This book is relationship-driven and I have to say that if you don't like the company of the Beresfords or of their every day converstation, then you won't like this book.",
"However, I found their company delightful and found myself hoping my husband and I will have such a companionable and loving marriage after many, many years like the Beresford's obviously had in this book.",
"Along the way, Tommy and Tuppence do solve their mystery and I enjoyed the slow, meandering trip.",
"That being said, the ending was not as straight forward as I'd like.",
"They found some items hidden that they turned over to the gov't, but you never really knew why the gov't found the items so interesting.",
"Further, I didn't understand fully why a mystery of 60 years past would make someone want to commit murder.",
"If you like books such as At Home in Mitford, you'll probably like this.",
"However, if you want the usual tightly-plotted Christie novel, don't read this one."
]
|
First of all, couldn't they have titled the film something like "What do we really know?" Or like, "We just don't know nothing do we"--anything really, without that bleep. That bleep doesn't help things. But, then again, there is this forceful geekiness to this whole project, it is just so uncool in so many ways, kind of like seeing your parents try to wear low-cut designer jeans, that it almost becomes appealing, because how could anything truly evil and cultish really come off so silly?
As entertainment, this film scores points with me because it is just so astoundingly weird. It has created a new genre, as far as I am concerned: New Age Camp. Because that is exactly what it is. These awkward plotlines, the badly animated sequences involving amino acids, and cells that look like gummy bears, as if Fellini had directed some sort of acid-tinged toothpaste commercial, that kid with his basketballs that kind of has you wishing you really could cross over into a parallel universe just so you can kick him in the head, Marlee Matlin scowling at everyone, bowing under the weight of her oversized camera, and yes, JZ Knight, a woman who claims to be channeling a 35,000 year old sage...I mean, how could you NOT LIKE THIS?!!? It's AMAZING!
Now, look. I'm no dummy. I am sure this movie was indeed financed and created by members of a cult (The Ramtha School of Enlightenment, applications now being accepted!) but who cares really. What it has to say may not lack a shred of empirical evidence, but there's something so innocent about it, so fascinating in its use or misuse of of scientific ideas and theories, that I would say even to the most downtrodden cynic, that this film is worth checking out. And hey, if the concepts being bandied about mean something to you, then I feel that is valid, and if they don't, that too is also valid. I think it depends on the person.
The film is a pseudo-documentary that crosses Quantum Mechanics with some New Age theories in order to demonstrate that we may not fully realize our own reality. It isn't entirely successful in this respect, but then again, it can't be so easily dismissed either, and doesn't deserve some of the vitriol it's been getting on this site. There is also a sort-of-plot that wraps around these theories, that is meant to demonstrate the discission by showing an unhappy woman's cathartic realizations about herself and her reality. The core of her unfulfilled existence, really. This woman is played by Marlee Matlin, perhaps the first woman in cinema to use physics in order to feel better about her thighs.
There are various scientists interviewed who speak about how one can control one's destiny through the power of thought. In the end, you may be somewhat disappointed by the identities of some of these "experts", but then again, I think one is meant to detatch as much as possible, and absorb on a visceral level. That is why, I think, their resumes are reserved for the end credits. Once again, if these ideas affect you, then that's valid I think.
The power of positive thinking... An interesting idea, very popular in the Self-Help section of bookstores, but to inject all that with Quantum Theory, is at once both sort of insane, and kind of beautiful. I mean, just try it...Right? Has anyone who has lambasted this movie ever just tried to use some of these ideas in their day-to-day lives and see if it made a difference for them? Maybe it will. Maybe it can. I don't know! But the movie isn't asking for anything more than that (it's not even asking for that) nor does it disguise itself as something it's not. A lot of reviewers seem to imply that, but I disagree, I think it's all about how you, individually, see this movie.
For instance, the bit about the Water Crystals, and how emotional words affect the shape of water. And, therefore, "if thoughts can do that to water, imagine what thoughts could do to each one of us." Now, maybe the movie implies rather strongly that this is a crucial scientific breakthrough. In actuality, Masaru Emoto's work was created as ART, and was never entered into a scientific journal. It was also not a "double blind" experiment; that is, Emoto provided the specimen as well as received the sample for analysis, providing what is known, apparently, as "confirmation bias"--so in effect, it's not a true scientific experiment. It may be presented as such, however you look at it, but the film wants you to absorb these ideas within themselves, and not necessarily seek to prove or disprove them. So in that sense, does it really matter if it's art or science...maybe words can really affect water, and if they can, that's really cool, and what does that mean for us and our consciousness...
The film is shot on location in Portland, Oregon, which looks dreamy and sleepy, and was one of the most fascinating aspects of the film, since I am not familiar with the Pacific Northwest, and didn't know what city all this lunacy was taking place in. I say that lovingly. On a final note, I have discovered an online, up-to-the-minute, self-edited encyclopedia, Wikipedia.org, that for some reason people don't seem to know about. Anyway, on it, they have an intelligent and objective analysis of this film if you want to learn more. | 1 | neutral | [
"First of all, couldn't they have titled the film something like \"What do we really know?",
"\" Or like, \"We just don't know nothing do we\"--anything really, without that bleep.",
"That bleep doesn't help things.",
"But, then again, there is this forceful geekiness to this whole project, it is just so uncool in so many ways, kind of like seeing your parents try to wear low-cut designer jeans, that it almost becomes appealing, because how could anything truly evil and cultish really come off so silly?",
"As entertainment, this film scores points with me because it is just so astoundingly weird.",
"It has created a new genre, as far as I am concerned: New Age Camp.",
"Because that is exactly what it is.",
"These awkward plotlines, the badly animated sequences involving amino acids, and cells that look like gummy bears, as if Fellini had directed some sort of acid-tinged toothpaste commercial, that kid with his basketballs that kind of has you wishing you really could cross over into a parallel universe just so you can kick him in the head, Marlee Matlin scowling at everyone, bowing under the weight of her oversized camera, and yes, JZ Knight, a woman who claims to be channeling a 35,000 year old sage...",
"I mean, how could you NOT LIKE THIS?!!",
"?",
"It's AMAZING!",
"Now, look.",
"I'm no dummy.",
"I am sure this movie was indeed financed and created by members of a cult (The Ramtha School of Enlightenment, applications now being accepted!",
") but who cares really.",
"What it has to say may not lack a shred of empirical evidence, but there's something so innocent about it, so fascinating in its use or misuse of of scientific ideas and theories, that I would say even to the most downtrodden cynic, that this film is worth checking out.",
"And hey, if the concepts being bandied about mean something to you, then I feel that is valid, and if they don't, that too is also valid.",
"I think it depends on the person.",
"The film is a pseudo-documentary that crosses Quantum Mechanics with some New Age theories in order to demonstrate that we may not fully realize our own reality.",
"It isn't entirely successful in this respect, but then again, it can't be so easily dismissed either, and doesn't deserve some of the vitriol it's been getting on this site.",
"There is also a sort-of-plot that wraps around these theories, that is meant to demonstrate the discission by showing an unhappy woman's cathartic realizations about herself and her reality.",
"The core of her unfulfilled existence, really.",
"This woman is played by Marlee Matlin, perhaps the first woman in cinema to use physics in order to feel better about her thighs.",
"There are various scientists interviewed who speak about how one can control one's destiny through the power of thought.",
"In the end, you may be somewhat disappointed by the identities of some of these \"experts\", but then again, I think one is meant to detatch as much as possible, and absorb on a visceral level.",
"That is why, I think, their resumes are reserved for the end credits.",
"Once again, if these ideas affect you, then that's valid I think.",
"The power of positive thinking...",
"An interesting idea, very popular in the Self-Help section of bookstores, but to inject all that with Quantum Theory, is at once both sort of insane, and kind of beautiful.",
"I mean, just try it...",
"Right?",
"Has anyone who has lambasted this movie ever just tried to use some of these ideas in their day-to-day lives and see if it made a difference for them?",
"Maybe it will.",
"Maybe it can.",
"I don't know!",
"But the movie isn't asking for anything more than that (it's not even asking for that) nor does it disguise itself as something it's not.",
"A lot of reviewers seem to imply that, but I disagree, I think it's all about how you, individually, see this movie.",
"For instance, the bit about the Water Crystals, and how emotional words affect the shape of water.",
"And, therefore, \"if thoughts can do that to water, imagine what thoughts could do to each one of us.",
"\" Now, maybe the movie implies rather strongly that this is a crucial scientific breakthrough.",
"In actuality, Masaru Emoto's work was created as ART, and was never entered into a scientific journal.",
"It was also not a \"double blind\" experiment; that is, Emoto provided the specimen as well as received the sample for analysis, providing what is known, apparently, as \"confirmation bias\"--so in effect, it's not a true scientific experiment.",
"It may be presented as such, however you look at it, but the film wants you to absorb these ideas within themselves, and not necessarily seek to prove or disprove them.",
"So in that sense, does it really matter if it's art or science...",
"maybe words can really affect water, and if they can, that's really cool, and what does that mean for us and our consciousness...",
"The film is shot on location in Portland, Oregon, which looks dreamy and sleepy, and was one of the most fascinating aspects of the film, since I am not familiar with the Pacific Northwest, and didn't know what city all this lunacy was taking place in.",
"I say that lovingly.",
"On a final note, I have discovered an online, up-to-the-minute, self-edited encyclopedia, Wikipedia.",
"org, that for some reason people don't seem to know about.",
"Anyway, on it, they have an intelligent and objective analysis of this film if you want to learn more."
]
|
All the tings I liked about the first are present in the second, but this game feels more like an expansion than a full blown sequel. All the same mechanics are back plus a few more force powers that I never ended up using because they didn't seem all that useful.
Some may be dissapointed to know that at least 2 worlds are carbon copies of worlds from part one (Korriban & Dantooine) with modifications to make them smaller.
The game was not that challenging either. You only need to aquire force storm as a power and use it 3-4 times per large group and they will all go down. Your force points regenerate between groups, so you will breeze past the entire game.
At times I got odd light/dark side points. I would just go about minding my own business trying to be dark and I still managed to get the occasional light side points.
I was also under the impression that the influence meter meant more than it turned out meaning. I thought your party would either decide to stay with you or leave based on your influence with them. From what I can tell your party stays with you no matter what, the influence just determines how much of a conversation you can have with party members. Characters will follow the light/dark path depending on which path you chose, but I couldn't see much of a benefit to that. As far as I could tell, the only difference between a light Atton vs. a dark Atton was a red or blue background on the character information screen.
I haven't read the first review of this game on amazon, but I'm positive it is mentioned. The ending was completely worthless. After all the time invested I was expecting much more of a payoff. Seriously, the ending was shorter/more dissapointing than a cinematic of the Ebon Hawk flying from one planed to the next.
I'm not sure where they are going with that one. The force tells me they tried to get you invested so you'll buy an expansion. We are starting to see more and more of this. Halo 2 stalled just so it could hook people into buying Halo 3 (which will probably only be released on the Xbox2). I'm tired of the tricks, what ever happend to complete games? | 1 | neutral | [
"All the tings I liked about the first are present in the second, but this game feels more like an expansion than a full blown sequel.",
"All the same mechanics are back plus a few more force powers that I never ended up using because they didn't seem all that useful.",
"Some may be dissapointed to know that at least 2 worlds are carbon copies of worlds from part one (Korriban & Dantooine) with modifications to make them smaller.",
"The game was not that challenging either.",
"You only need to aquire force storm as a power and use it 3-4 times per large group and they will all go down.",
"Your force points regenerate between groups, so you will breeze past the entire game.",
"At times I got odd light/dark side points.",
"I would just go about minding my own business trying to be dark and I still managed to get the occasional light side points.",
"I was also under the impression that the influence meter meant more than it turned out meaning.",
"I thought your party would either decide to stay with you or leave based on your influence with them.",
"From what I can tell your party stays with you no matter what, the influence just determines how much of a conversation you can have with party members.",
"Characters will follow the light/dark path depending on which path you chose, but I couldn't see much of a benefit to that.",
"As far as I could tell, the only difference between a light Atton vs.",
"a dark Atton was a red or blue background on the character information screen.",
"I haven't read the first review of this game on amazon, but I'm positive it is mentioned.",
"The ending was completely worthless.",
"After all the time invested I was expecting much more of a payoff.",
"Seriously, the ending was shorter/more dissapointing than a cinematic of the Ebon Hawk flying from one planed to the next.",
"I'm not sure where they are going with that one.",
"The force tells me they tried to get you invested so you'll buy an expansion.",
"We are starting to see more and more of this.",
"Halo 2 stalled just so it could hook people into buying Halo 3 (which will probably only be released on the Xbox2).",
"I'm tired of the tricks, what ever happend to complete games?"
]
|
Joe Biden encourages Mitt Romney to run for Senate .
Biden encourages Romney to run for Senate .
Park City , Utah -LRB- CNN -RRB- Former Vice President Joe Biden is encouraging onetime rival Mitt Romney to return to public life and run for Senate .
Biden spoke at Romney 's ideas summit , an annual gathering of donors and business leaders in Utah .
During a private event Friday night in Park City , Biden called Romney a man of integrity and said he should mount a challenge next year , according to two people in the room .
The comment was quick and off-hand , but the crowd of Romney loyalists appreciated it and applauded .
Romney , a former Massachusetts governor , is a Mormon and owns a home in Utah .
The two men were on opposite sides of the 2012 election -- Biden as the running mate of President Barack Obama and Romney as the Republican presidential nominee .
Romney and Biden both considered running for president last year , but both deferred to candidates they saw as having an overwhelming financial advantage -LRB- Jeb Bush on the Republican side ; Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side -RRB- .
Romney , 70 , has not stayed far from politics , either .
After being passed over for Trump 's secretary of state , Romney has campaigned for GOP candidates and weighed in on political matters via social media .
Speculation has grown that Romney could run for the Senate in Utah . | 1 | neutral | [
"Joe Biden encourages Mitt Romney to run for Senate.",
"Biden encourages Romney to run for Senate.",
"Park City , Utah -LRB- CNN -RRB- Former Vice President Joe Biden is encouraging onetime rival Mitt Romney to return to public life and run for Senate.",
"Biden spoke at Romney 's ideas summit , an annual gathering of donors and business leaders in Utah.",
"During a private event Friday night in Park City , Biden called Romney a man of integrity and said he should mount a challenge next year , according to two people in the room.",
"The comment was quick and off-hand , but the crowd of Romney loyalists appreciated it and applauded.",
"Romney , a former Massachusetts governor , is a Mormon and owns a home in Utah.",
"The two men were on opposite sides of the 2012 election -- Biden as the running mate of President Barack Obama and Romney as the Republican presidential nominee.",
"Romney and Biden both considered running for president last year , but both deferred to candidates they saw as having an overwhelming financial advantage -LRB- Jeb Bush on the Republican side ; Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side -RRB-.",
"Romney , 70 , has not stayed far from politics , either.",
"After being passed over for Trump 's secretary of state , Romney has campaigned for GOP candidates and weighed in on political matters via social media.",
"Speculation has grown that Romney could run for the Senate in Utah."
]
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Elton John is one of the few none country singers that i ever listened to. I was teenager back in the '70s and most of my friends were more into rock music then i was. But you just about had to be deaf not to have heard his songs, He was everywhere.
I bought his first Greatest Hits then bought this one. And they are the only two cds of his that I have. At the time that this came out I was out of school so I wasn't hearing his music as much as i used to. I didn't know most of these songs. I kne The Bitch Is Back, Philadelphia Freedom,Pinball Wizard. And Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. Which I really like and is my favorite song on this cd. I don't really know the rest of these songs and I don't really listen to this enough to probably ever really know them. | 1 | neutral | [
"Elton John is one of the few none country singers that i ever listened to.",
"I was teenager back in the '70s and most of my friends were more into rock music then i was.",
"But you just about had to be deaf not to have heard his songs, He was everywhere.",
"I bought his first Greatest Hits then bought this one.",
"And they are the only two cds of his that I have.",
"At the time that this came out I was out of school so I wasn't hearing his music as much as i used to.",
"I didn't know most of these songs.",
"I kne The Bitch Is Back, Philadelphia Freedom,Pinball Wizard.",
"And Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.",
"Which I really like and is my favorite song on this cd.",
"I don't really know the rest of these songs and I don't really listen to this enough to probably ever really know them."
]
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I needed a large capacity humidifier, and the essential oil diffuser was an added bonus. Pros: This product worked as advertised, and produces a nice thick stream of mist that does not leave a residue or white film. Runs about 9-10 hours on max with a full tank. Since it's a large volume of water, it requires a lot more oil to get the scent in the room. I started with 6-8 drops, but eventually was up to 14-16 or so. The motor is very quiet, and the auto-shut off worked as expected. Cons: The blue light on the dial is fairly bright and there's no way to turn it off. Turns red when it's out of water, but still just as bright. In order to fill the water tank, you have to lift it off the base and usually spills a bit of water. I'm sure with practice I'd get better, but a top-fill unit may be better. Lastly, although the vaporizer motor is almost silent, there is an audible gurgle and bubbly sound periodically as the water moves from the tank to the humidifier. It's a spring loaded cap, and was noticeable while trying to fall asleep. I'm going to return the unit, but only because of the light and the water tank. Works great as a humidifier but I need a dark, quiet room to sleep. | 1 | neutral | [
"I needed a large capacity humidifier, and the essential oil diffuser was an added bonus.",
"Pros: This product worked as advertised, and produces a nice thick stream of mist that does not leave a residue or white film.",
"Runs about 9-10 hours on max with a full tank.",
"Since it's a large volume of water, it requires a lot more oil to get the scent in the room.",
"I started with 6-8 drops, but eventually was up to 14-16 or so.",
"The motor is very quiet, and the auto-shut off worked as expected.",
"Cons: The blue light on the dial is fairly bright and there's no way to turn it off.",
"Turns red when it's out of water, but still just as bright.",
"In order to fill the water tank, you have to lift it off the base and usually spills a bit of water.",
"I'm sure with practice I'd get better, but a top-fill unit may be better.",
"Lastly, although the vaporizer motor is almost silent, there is an audible gurgle and bubbly sound periodically as the water moves from the tank to the humidifier.",
"It's a spring loaded cap, and was noticeable while trying to fall asleep.",
"I'm going to return the unit, but only because of the light and the water tank.",
"Works great as a humidifier but I need a dark, quiet room to sleep."
]
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