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Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Sparrow: A Novel (The Sparrow Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Doria Russell Page; Review: I found this book through friends, specifically I walked into a poetry publishing company one day to visit and the staff was raving about The Sparrow, practically insisting that I get a copy of my own. Hard to define, this sci-fi, literary fiction, cultural essay is immensely entertaining, intellectually stimulating, and genuinely heart-breaking. The characters come alive to the point that you truly miss them when they are gone. Mary Doria Russell creates a world, not too far off from our own, that shines a light on our past and our future. An exceptional feat of writing, imagination, and foresight -- but best of all, a truly great read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OM Yoga In A Box: Intermediate; Author: Cyndi Lee; Review: I love this CD yoga class, complete with all the necessary props like the yoga belt. I have tried various videos and attended classes at different centers, but this beats them all. With yoga instruction going for $15 to $20 an hour, this is a remarkable savings without giving up much. I treat myself to yoga on my schedule, and if interrupted, can easily pause the CD and start up in the same place -- no stress. Yoga practice can be customized easily by reprogramming the order of the different CD sections. Embarrassingly, one of my favorite parts is that I can try new moves, and fail horribly, in the privacy of my home without anyone ever knowing. The flash cards are a stroke of brilliance, with each move well illustrated. They detail correct form and, unlike a book, are easily referenced while actually performing that specific move. Personally, I haven't listened to the music CD since my player is tied up with the class CD when I'm doing yoga, but the rest of the package is more than worth the cost.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heart of Gold: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Sharon Shinn Page; Review: Heart of Gold is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I have enjoyed all of Sharon Shinn's books, but I am still stunned by the depth and focus of this novel. Shinn avoids simplistic answers to racial and political issues, while successfully creating characters of flesh, bone, and emotion who are painfully trapped in social structures that block them from connecting with the people that they love while remaining true to who they are. A great heart-opening and mind-expanding read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Rule Against Murder: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Louise Penny Page; Review: I am loving the Louise Penny books "starring" Chief Inspector Gamache. They are so focused on story and character that these could be an enjoyable novel about a small town or being in the Surete. Amazingly, they are also very engaging mysteries. I am prone to solving the mysteries I read, then having to complete the book, but this series stumps me 9 times out of 10. I love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Why You Do the Things You Do: The Secret to Healthy Relationships; Author: Tim Clinton; Review: I'm a professional counselor and was open to hearing more ways to help clients and to guide them in the direction of healing. Instead I found I had purchased a religious book focused on Christian beliefs and expressed in terms that apply only to this religion. I work with clients from at least 15 different spiritual communities. If the religious focus of this book had been stated up front, I would never had purchased it. I strongly support spirituality in counseling but I work with the belief system of my clients.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Discovery In The Woods: A St. Patrick's Day Surprise (Leprechaun Adventures Series) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Sandy Barton Page; Review: Really fun story. Shared with my parents and they enjoyed it as well. Thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Second Herman Treasury; Author: Visit Amazon's Jim. Unger Page; Review: Lots of fun. Great gift.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Best Of Herman; Author: Visit Amazon's Jim Unger Page; Review: Great gift. Very well received. Arrived quickly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 1st Treasury of Herman (Andrews & McMeel Treasury Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Jim Unger Page; Review: Great book. First one arrived in much lesser condition than described, but seller was wonderful about correcting this issue quickly. Great gift.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Herman the Third Treasury; Author: Visit Amazon's Jim Unger Page; Review: Great gift. Arrived quickly. Thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Herman Classics: Volume 4; Author: Visit Amazon's Jim Unger Page; Review: Gift for father was very well received. Everyone sat around laughing and sharing favorites. Thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Herman Classics, Volume 5; Author: Visit Amazon's Jim Unger Page; Review: Excellent book. Well received as gift.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kitty's Greatest Hits (Kitty Norville); Author: Visit Amazon's Carrie Vaughn Page; Review: Love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Midshipman's Hope; Author: Visit Amazon's David Feintuch Page; Review: I liked this book, but felt somewhat disconnected from the action and the main character. Some relationships such as the resolution of the main character's on-board romance did not strike true for me. The military/work relationships felt much more realistic in the world of the book, but even those brought me out of the world of the book. The Pilot's reactions in particular did not fit what was described as understandable behavior. It was interesting to follow the growth of the main character and see how he reacted to each crisis without seeing his own strengths in leadership. I thought the writing was good, but not as visual as I would have liked. I probably will not read the rest of the series, but am glad I read this first book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Living Like You Mean; Author: Visit Amazon's Ronald J. Frederick Page; Review: Wonderful book from a wonderful teacher.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Murder Hatched: Murder with Peacocks and Murder with Puffins, the First Two Books in the Meg Langslow Series; Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Andrews Page; Review: This was great fun, especially the first of the two novels. I tend to like historical mysteries better than modern day stories, but the situations in this book were laugh out loud funny. I couldn't put it down. Ended up reading way too long one night and paying for it the next day, but, oh, what a great reason to yawn. If you like absurd puns and quirky characters, you'll love this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mortal Arts (A Lady Darby Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Anna Lee Huber Page; Review: Love this series. The characters are fascinating and the mysteries are challenging. I can't wait to see how events unfold in future books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Anatomist's Wife (A Lady Darby Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Anna Lee Huber Page; Review: I love this series. I truly enjoyed meeting the characters and getting pulled into the mystery. Very well written. I've now hooked two friends on this series and they can't wait for more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tinker; Author: Visit Amazon's Wen Spencer Page; Review: I didn't connect with this book and its characters. I couldn't buy into the world created and character actions/reactions didn't make sense. I won't be reading more in the series. So sorry. The writing itself was fine, it was the story and world building that pushed me away.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Unseemly Science: The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire, Book 2; Author: Visit Amazon's Rod Duncan Page; Review: I loved the first book in this series. I'll.definitely read the next. This book; however, was not my favorite. The plot felt contrived to set up the main character for pain and isolation instead of following the rules and logic of the world set up in the first book. Mystery was rather predicable, too. That said, I enjoy the characters and world built through the series and will continue reading.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Ghost: A Family's Extraordinary History on the Desert Frontier; Author: Visit Amazon's Hannah Nordhaus Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book, especially the way the author incorporated many viewpoints about Julia, her ancestor, and paranormal phenomena. She did this without making fun of the beliefs or reports of others while still being clear about what seemed to fit for her. A resident of Santa Fe, I have been aware of Julia for decades and have felt much compassion for her without really knowing much about her life and background. This book answered many of my questions, but best of all was very entertaining without ridicule. Would recommend this to anyone drawn to information about Julia, the lives of women in the old west, family histories, and ghost legends.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Grave Matter (A Lady Darby Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Anna Lee Huber Page; Review: Wonderful! I love this series and look forward to the next each time I finish one. I find the characters interesting in all their strengths and flaws, and I find development of all the relationships in the books to be realistic and uncertain at times. The mystery was very engaging and kept me guessing to the end. Highly recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deceptive Clarity; Author: Visit Amazon's Aaron Elkins Page; Review: Well written in a sphere not generally the backdrop of murder mysteries, this book kept my interest until I finished it. (Though I figured out the solution to the murder too soon.) A week after reading it, though, I had trouble remembering the story. I probably won't be reading more of the Chris Nogren mysteries. There are just more memorable books out there. Not objectionable in any way, in fact a book that passed the time, so maybe it will connect better for others.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Intertwine; Author: Visit Amazon's Nichole Van Page; Review: I was really bored with this one. Just wasn't able to buy into the premise and the characters. Won't be reading more in the series.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Darkness Brutal (The Dark Cycle); Author: Visit Amazon's Rachel A. Marks Page; Review: Enjoyably written book, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I had already read it--several times over. While the characters were interesting, none really drew me in and the premise seemed a re-hash of many other series. The writer has talent and I will definitely keep checking in with her work, but I won't bevreading more of this series.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Dead Key; Author: Visit Amazon's D. M. Pulley Page; Review: I started this book excited by the idea of seeing a crime and its results manifesting across several different time periods and to getting to know the the key characters as the story unfolded. Sadly, I found the characters to be cardboard, flat and unbelievable, while the plotting was alternately slow/tedious and jumpy/confusing. It was truly unrealistic particularly the resolution of the mystery. The main character in the most recent time period was repulsive, reactive, and so immature, it's hard to believe she was able to graduate from college, let alone with honors. The villians across each time period were so stupid and obvious it is hard to belive they were able to escape detection for decades. I did finish the book, but I would not recommend wasting time on this.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Study in Death (A Lady Darby Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Anna Lee Huber Page; Review: Love this series, love this book, love this author. I can't waitf for the next in the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The King's Peace (The King's Peace, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Walton Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys Jo Walton's other books, as well as those by Mercedes Lackey and Elizabeth Moon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos; Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Andrews Page; Review: Another truly fun read, especially if you don't mind puns, implied puns, near miss puns, and well, pun-like substances. Great series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kitty Saves the World: A Kitty Norville Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Carrie Vaughn Page; Review: I found this to be a satisfying end to a long, engrossing series. It's hard to tie up all the loose ends, but Vaughn accomplishes the near impossible. I really enjoyed this.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Can Read and Speak in Spanish (Book + Audio CD); Author: Visit Amazon's Maurice Hazan Page; Review: This is supposed to have sound and other bonuses, but even though I went online and downloaded the files on my Kindle, I can't play them. It's a great concept, but is too hard to get to work. This is strange since playing audio while reading is usually so easy on the kindle for an Amazon and Audible junkie like me.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Desperate Fortune; Author: Visit Amazon's Susanna Kearsley Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book. Well written with engaging characters, it had a unique twist on romance and accepting others as they are. I would reccomend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Slices; Author: Kevin Hearne; Review: I liked the first two short stories but didn't finish the last one by Wendig. It was too convoluted wnd baroque for me. I have already been reading the Iron Druid series, which is what brought me to this book in the first place. I will most likely start into Dawson's series soon. Interessting compilation and worth a try to test out new authors and see if their work might be a good fit for you.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Purloined Poodle (Oberon's Meaty Mysteries); Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin Hearne Page; Review: I have the audio version of this book and it was wonderful fun. I love the humor, the compassion, and the suspense of the story. The narrator of the audio version only makes it better. Oberon has a marvelous voice -- his viewpoint as written and his accent as spoken. I highly recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Where the Dead Lie (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's C. S. Harris Page; Review: As always, this was a fun mystery with good character development and plotting. I look forward to a new installment in this series every year. This latest book doesn't disappoint.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Will It Waffle?: 53 Irresistible and Unexpected Recipes to Make in a Waffle Iron; Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Shumski Page; Review: I found this to be a fun book to read even if I had never made the recipes. It's creative and inspiring. But I did make several recipes and found them to be great tasting and adventurous.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ammey McKeaf: The Chronicles of Azulland - Book 1; Author: Visit Amazon's Jane Shoup Page; Review: I wanted to like this book, and it started out well with a strong heroine learning to protect herself and her community. Then the story turns and her great contribution is her looks and her body that so appeals to a dark character that he becomes obsessed with her, essentially a stalker with ultimate power.. She is raped repeatedly, physically and emotionally abused, and begins to care for her rapist because he's really confused and manipulated by a truly evil person. I am a mental health counselor and this is exactly the mythology that keeps women and men trapped in abusive relationships, unable to leave. The main character even talks about losing her sense of herself during the hideous abuse, but I didn't get the idea that this was viewed as the psychological damage that it is. I admit that I couldn't finish the book and stopped reading after the heroine is abducted and forced from her abusive relationship in an assassination attempt then followed by the "protecting hand" of a goddess. Maybe it resolves in a better way, but I couldn't take marinating in this mythology that weakens women and encourages us to tolerate abuse. I think we as women have more to offer the universe than our beauty and our bodies as sex objects. Sorry.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ammey McKeaf; Author: Jane Shoup; Review: I wanted to like this book, and it started out well with a strong heroine learning to protect herself and her community. Then the story turns and her great contribution is her looks and her body that so appeals to a dark character that he becomes obsessed with her, essentially a stalker with ultimate power.. She is raped repeatedly, physically and emotionally abused, and begins to care for her rapist because he's really confused and manipulated by a truly evil person. I am a mental health counselor and this is exactly the mythology that keeps women and men trapped in abusive relationships, unable to leave. The main character even talks about losing her sense of herself during the hideous abuse, but I didn't get the idea that this was viewed as the psychological damage that it is. I admit that I couldn't finish the book and stopped reading after the heroine is abducted and forced from her abusive relationship in an assassination attempt then followed by the "protecting hand" of a goddess. Maybe it resolves in a better way, but I couldn't take marinating in this mythology that weakens women and encourages us to tolerate abuse. I think we as women have more to offer the universe than our beauty and our bodies as sex objects. Sorry.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals; Author: Visit Amazon's Joel Sartore Page; Review: I love this project and the book is a beautiful representation of all the work done. Excellent photos printed with high quality and skill. So glad I bought this.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Steve Canyon Volume 1: 1947-1948; Author: Milton Caniff; Review: This was a gift for my father who loves Caniff's work. He just finished Terry and the Pirates.. He's now getting the rest of the Steve Canyon series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glass Houses (Chief Inspector Gamache); Author: Visit Amazon's Louise Penny Page; Review: Another wonderful Three Pines book. I highly recommend the whole series, but start from the beginning to get to know all the characters.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Hannibal; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Harris Page; Review: I loved the rich characters in Silence...., but here, Harris basically abandons Clarice and instead creates an atmospheric, gruesome and gothic story around Hannibal himself. What is missing is the resolve and further development of precisely what made these two characters so intriguing in Silence -- their fierce respect for one another, and their implicit "oppositeness". We never get what we want in this book, which comes from a completely different angle. For those of you who enjoyed the ending, I could not disagree more -- it has one the most disappointing finales in recent fiction, certainly that involve characters we know. I simply have decided to separate this story from the clarity and near-perfection of Silence..., which is a breed apart.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Charlotte's Web (50th Anniversary Retrospective Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's E. B. White Page; Review: When I read this poignant and delectably entertaining book as a boy, I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed near the end. I found it almost unbearably sad, yet I have often returned to it and read it again and again. I think it is one of the wisest and most imaginative children's books I have ever come across, and it teaches us all some of the most enduring and universal human lessons. And yet, it is amusing, filled with animated characters, human and animal, who exist in a simple yet fanciful world. I cannot imagine anyone -- and especially children of all ages -- not finding this book enchanting on every level. It stays with you for a long, long time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Almost Paradise; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Isaacs Page; Review: With astounding detail and even more potent wit, Susan Issacs creates the worlds of Jane and Nicholas so completely that you are immersed into it willingly. I have read this book twice -- a glutton for sentiment and melancholy -- and loved it equally both times. I always wondered why a big Hollywood movie was not made from it -- it seems like a natural, though of course a movie version would change the twist-in-your-heart ending, which on the page resonates with power and emotion. I loved this book and love this characters still.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird; Author: Visit Amazon's Harper Lee Page; Review: Harper Lee's book is so rich in so many ways that it is truly astounding. I believe that Truman Capote -- a thinly disguised character, Dill -- played a large part in the evolution of the singular narrative voice displayed here -- Lee and Capote were childhood friends -- but never mind. With each reading this moving story sweeps you up, both in the lovely, humorous tales of youth in a simpler time, and in the rush of the rape trial, which confounds you with suspense and real grit. The characters of Atticus, Sout and Jem spring to life on the page -- these are people you wish you knew. But it is that overriding voice, spoken in soft, simple tones, that pulls you in the most. This is Southern writing at its most appealing. There is not a scene conjured up, a character created, or a feeling engendered that does not feel utterly true.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Where the Wild Things Are (Caldecott Collection); Author: Visit Amazon's Maurice Sendak Page; Review: Maurice Sendak is deceptive with his brilliance -- each and every nuance of this entrancing picture book is filled with gravity. I have always loved this story, with its compelling, original and startling drawings, and watching the youngsters in our family drawn in by its spell only underscores the fact that Sendak knows what he is doing. This is an enduring classic for the ages.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scarlett; Author: Visit Amazon's Cathy Cassidy Page; Review: Though Alexandra Ripley's impressive sense of history and her flair for romantic fiction set against a broad canvas are clearly on display here, this novel nearly destroyed my love for the original. The classic characters of Rhett, Scarlett, Ashley, Mammy, etc. are subjected to a mish-mashy plot that, as it rambles along, increasingly diminishes their glow and vibrancy. The twists in the plot defy description. It is utterly repugnant, both in concept and in delivery of that concept. Unlike Margaret Mitchell's true original, which had its heaping helpings of soap-opera, and which sprang from the driven mind of an original voice, this book feels manufactured in every way. It robs ideas and characters created with affection and creativity and pushes them, unwillingly, into situations that feel at every step false, silly and even stupid. Steer clear of the television film which uses this epic disaster as its basis -- it is even worse. Commercial fiction at its most engineered, and least authentic.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: C'mon, Get Happy: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus; Author: Visit Amazon's David Cassidy Page; Review: David Cassidy and The Partridge Family were a gigantic part of my youth -- nobody could have loved them more than I did growing up. It is not the stripping away of the myth and the magic of the Partridge factory that I dislike so intensely about this book -- it is the badly written prose, and self-involved wallowing that turned me off. You would think that if David chose to use a real author to help him put his incredibly compelling (and it is) story down on paper, it would read like a real BOOK. This reads like the teenage diary of someone who definitely needs a lot more therapy - and should learn how to punctuate sentences at that. Have no fear, I will always love you David, but a book writer you are not. Maybe one day someone will do you justice in a much-less-subjective biography, one that does not take itself quite as seriously as you and your friend Chip do here.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Where the Wild Things Are; Author: Visit Amazon's Maurice Sendak Page; Review: Maurice Sendak is deceptive with his brilliance -- each and every nuance of this entrancing picture book is filled with gravity. I have always loved this story, with its compelling, original and startling drawings, and watching the youngsters in our family drawn in by its spell only underscores the fact that Sendak knows what he is doing. This is an enduring classic for the ages.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bridges Of Madison County; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert James Waller Page; Review: Unabashedly sentimental and easily moved, I am one of the many many people swept up in the simple love story in this book. Robert James Waller definitely hit a soapy nerve; people are still gobbling up this simplistic kids-book-for-adults. And, easy read though it is, with little real wit or style, the essential story, which some claim is predictable, still resonated deeply for me at the conclusion. Unrequited love is a mighty powerful conceit, regardless of how many times it is replayed. And the characters, though underdeveloped, are well-imagined, and have appealing qualities, particularly Francesca, who exudes a soft melancholy throughout. Mish, mash, mush, whatever, if you like love stories that take you away, albeit manipulate you, with transporting sentimentality, you'll curl up with this book more than once, and enjoy it every time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Son of Rosemary: The Sequel to Rosemary's Baby; Author: Visit Amazon's Ira Levin Page; Review: I could not wait to read Ira Levin's sequel to his own Rosemary's Baby, which begs for a sequel, unlike so many other books that are best left alone. He should have left THIS one alone -- this book is so slap-dash and silly that it reads as if it were literally thrown together. The story, what there is of one, does nothing with the grand premise left by the first book, and actually ruins the entire first novel as well. It is like a cruel, amateurish joke on the reader -- I wonder why Levin chose to dedicate this book to Mia Farrow, who best not sign up for the film version anytime soon. It is like a mean-spirited, badly executed practical joke.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Prayer for Owen Meany; Author: Visit Amazon's John Irving Page; Review: INSPIRED is the word...this novel is so heart-wrenchingly REAL to you it just breaks your heart, and the vivid characters become your friends, people you know and really, really love. The creation of Owen Meany is one of Irving's best; he is so richly imagined you can hear him speak, see him walk and watch him grow. The twists and turns of what essentially is a mystery are enormously enjoyable, and, in the end, cathartic. This is truly one of those books you finish and cry a little bit, sorry that the profound experience it gave you is over.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grease 2; Author: Michelle Ddpa 011934 Pfieffer; Review: This movie misses on virtually every level -- from the annoyingly empty song rip-offs, to the horrid script, to the performances which seem to be patterned after the original but have no appeal, to the outrageously overstated choreography, of which there is way too much. Just goes to show you -- you gotta start with a good story and especially a good score if you are going to make a good musical. This movie, which features some of the most awful musical numbers ever put on film, alongside wooden, annoying performances by Lorna Luft, Maxwell Caulfield (who has a pronounced lisp), and even Michele Pfieffer, who seems out of control and trying waaaaay too hard to be tough, deserved the chilly reception it got when it was first released, and is one of the many movies that leaves you wondering: HOW DID THEY LET $10 MILLION DOLLARS GO DOWN THE DRAIN FOR THIS?; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Swing in the Summerhouse; Author: Visit Amazon's Jane Langton Page; Review: I did find a copy of this via the net -- and all of my childhood memories of the fantasic story came flooding back to me. I urge the publisher (Harper Collins/Harper Row) to reissue this book, even in paperback. Imagine a swing in a summerhouse that can transport you, via a jump off of the swing in mid-flight, into alternate worlds, and you can imagine the fun you will have reading this book. It is a wise and imaginative adventure story, with terrific characters that resonate on every level -- and for every age.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Born (Pax/Astra, 2) (Pax/Astra, 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Andre Norton Page; Review: Though I loved the over-bloated movie in its day, it has not held up nearly as well as this soundtrack, which features a wealth of superb songwriters strutting their stuff via Barbra and Kris Kristofferson. Barbra's pseudo rock/pop/diva material is mostly exceptionally well-performed, most of all her lovely simply ballad Evergreen. But in retrospect, it is Kristofferson's melancholy wailing -- remember he was about to hit rock-bottom during the making of this movie -- that has lasting power and angst. I particularly love Crippled Crow and his version of Watch Closely Now. This is a soundtrack worth having as a monumentally well-produced product from the mid-70s.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gashlycrumb Tinies; Author: Visit Amazon's Edward Gorey Page; Review: Edward Gorey's illustrations, those spindly, dark and often macabre etchings of pen and ink, are instantly evocative - they place you in a dark, vampire-ish Victorian-era place, where behind every curtain lurks another pair of hands with a scarf, ready to choke you. This truly inspired, and hilarious, collection of drawings and their accompanying poem, detail the ghastly deaths of 26 children, one by one, through the alphabet. Whether you are a fan of Gorey's large paperback compilations, or of his spectacular set designs (Dracula), or not, this book is strictly for those with a twisted sense of humor. And if yours is, you will love it. Since I first read this 20 years ago, friends still quote it - "A is for Amy who fell down the stairs...."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Language of Cranes; Author: Visit Amazon's David Leavitt Page; Review: A wonderful, literary, entertaining and realistic book about the deceptions, heartaches, joys and secrets engendered in a family where homosexuality exists. Though this book is already nearly 10 years old (or older?) it still feels contemporary, and I think that is because the relationships smack of the truth. I simply love the novel's poetic metaphor, that of the lost language of the cranes. For that reason alone it is worth taking the emotional journey of reading Leavitt's first, and I think best, novel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Turn of the Screw and Other Stories (Penguin modern classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Henry James Page; Review: In a contemporary world where people love high tech, fast-moving thrillers, escapist fare of all sorts and celebrity gossip, Henry James provides everyone - with every taste - the perfect introduction to classic literature. Featuring his sometime obtuse but mesmerizing prose, Turn Of The Screw is slim, and ultimately supremely satisfying, even in its refusal to answer questions. If you loved The Sixth Sense, for example, you will be drawn in by the ghost story told here, and wonder over and over who exactly is mad, evil and forever lost. An entertainingly different story, this book will forever be fresh because it is truly a work of lasting art. Do yourself a favor, and spend the few bucks to open up a whole new world; if you are like me, you will be looking for others of James' compelling and infinitely interesting novels, all of which contain moral ambiguities, women who are strong, strange and fascinating, and stories that do far more than provide action and escape - they make you feel, think and wonder.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Book of Skulls; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Silverberg Page; Review: Wow. They really need to re-publish this book. It is mesmerizing, and for a young boy, titillating and nightmarish; it jump-starts your imagination. I will give away nothing, other than to say the 70s-cultish premise quickly turns into something much darker, much more thrilling, and more psychologically disturbing than you might imagine. Scary, hip, fabulous - this book would make a wild movie. But read the book, if you can get your hands on it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: West Side Story Special Edition; Author: Natalie Ddmgm 1004353 Wood; Review: Though the youngest members of your family will not necessarily get what subtlety exists in this epic romance, and there is much implied violence, this classic musical is an excellent introduction to today's generation the real heat, talent and creativity behind those GAP commercials...The score alone remains one of the most memorable and emotionally satisfying Broadway scores ever; the choreography is a non-stop show of balletic grace, beauty and violence. Set in the real streets of New York, this movie has it all: a Romeo and Juliet love story, featuring the adorable and winning Natalie Wood, who despite the fact that she is lip-synching to Marnie Nixon's lovely soprano, does a smashing job in the role of Maria. Richard Beymer, who continued to play Tony onstage for many years, is goofily winning as Tony. Rita Moreno adds fire and spice in the flashy role of Anita. Robert Wise, who would later helm The Sound Of Music, works magic with Jerome Robbins; the film is gorgeous to look at. Why oh why oh why can we not produce a musical of such immediate power and lasting emotion today? I truly believe that if the right creative team took the chance on something as hip and well-drawn as this, people would flock once again to see musicals on film. Buy it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Toy Story 2; Author: ; Review: I stayed away from the first TOY STORY, expecting a soul-less, calculated kids' movie with no heart. WOW was I wrong! I saw TOY STORY II first, and have since seen what I missed with the first one on video. This movie, like its predecessor, is quite simply MAGIC. The feeling it gives you is one you may have thought you outgrew -- much more than a kid's movie, this is a movie with a sentimental heart for everyone. The toys, their star voices, the computerized-but-living-breathing animation are so well thought out and imagined that you are swept up instantly into the simple story. Highlights include the wonderful race through the toy store aisles, complete with Barbies singing and dancing, and the surprisingly moving Randy Newman song, which underscores Jessie's flashback. Joan Cusack, Tim Allen, Tom Hanks and virtually all of the other human voices are exceptionally well-matched to their computer counterparts. I loved this movie, and recommend it especially to those who didn't believe, as I did not, that the marriage of computer technology and animation could be this electrifying and delightful and, well, REAL.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sing Along Songs:Lion King - Circle; Author: Lion King Ddwd 29382; Review: This gorgeous piece of artistry re-defines why Disney remains the world's foremost animation studio. The craftsmanship alone is awe-inspiring; add to it an enchanting mix of story, character and Hans Zimmer's lush and moving musical score, and this film becomes a truly memorable experience. The fable-like quality of the story, which is fascinating for adults as well as children, is almost Biblical in its wise simplicity; smaller children will be justifiably disturbed at one particularly vicious turn of events. The Elton John songs serve the film well in the long run, though they are a distinct departure from the theatricality of Ashman/Menken (Little Mermaid, etc.) - they are pop songs that convey emotion with infectious rhythm, and joyful melodies. The opening sequence, The Circle Of Life, is one of those rare transporting experiences you have in viewing a film that never goes away. This movie is for everyone, everywhere.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Northern Lights: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Howard Norman Page; Review: This wonderful novel, recommended to me by a friend, is transporting. The earth as you know it remains familiar, though Pullman's imaginative rendering of it distorts, changes and disorients you just enough to make it magically different. The story could hardly be more compelling, and stars a spunky small girl named Lyra. The intriguing concepts abound, including the fascinating concept of a human's daemons, creatures that shift form and mirror their owner's souls until adolesence, at which time they become one animal or another. But that concept is only one detail amidst thousands more. Like the wonderful JRR Tolkien books, and the Star Wars sagas, this book sets up with formidable plotting, planning and wonderfully appealing characters, and devious, horrifying villians, a masterful story that reads that a thriller -- you cannot put it down. If you are looking to be whisked away with a book that is intelligent, well-written and enormously entertaining -- sparking your own imagination -- get this book immediately. You will be aching for Part II, as I was, once you reach the last page.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flowers for Algernon; Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Keyes Page; Review: Daniel Keyes' book is at once a compelling fantasy, and heartbreaking, epic love story, written in such fresh, creative prose that it instantly takes the shape of a classic. The story, utterly original in its day, has been ransacked more than a few times in one shape or another (science fiction novels/movies/etc.). Yet this book feels as new as it was when it first appeared. The real human emotional landscape mined here is potent for any reader, because it deals with simple but perplexing questions about being human: how others see you, how you see yourself, smart, not smart, and, in the end, what really matters in life, not to mention matters of ethics, destiny, fate...It is infinitely easy reading, but leaves you with a profound, shake-you-to-your-core passion; an urgent cry. Though the film adaptations and the musical (some of it is actually decent, believe it or not) convey the essential messages of the book, the book, with Charly's elementary language starkly in front of you, packs the greatest wallop.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Polar Express; Author: Visit Amazon's Chris Van Allsburg Page; Review: Chris Van Allsburg's gorgeously illustrated holiday fantasy is the children's book answer to Miracle On 34th Street: a richly woven, but simple, tale that wisely teaches us how overrated reason, adulthood and realism are in life. Magic, and the ability to imagine, to believe, are what really matter, and surely what keep us young at heart.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inside the Third Reich; Author: Visit Amazon's Albert Speer Page; Review: After watchiing the not-so-hot Nuremberg movie on TNT, I was once again fascinated by all things WWII, and particularly by the "good Nazi", Hitler's architect, Albert Speer, whose life was spared in the trials -- instead he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. This book chronicles with a seemingly honest voice the years leading up to the war, the war itself, and in particular of Speer's strangely remote friendship/comradery with "his Fuhrer". Hitler emerges in this book as more human than we usually give him credit for; still, as the author admits, his descent into power-mad horror is inhuman at best. This book is most troubling as an eyewitness account -- and, even in its "honest" retrospect -- of an entire people's willing ignorance of the evil brewing in their very backyard, all in the name of personal success, comfort, achievement at last. The Germans were so thirsty for a period of relative calm that they welcomed Hitler and embraced his butchery, all the while pretending they did not know what was happening...I am not sure it is entirely convincing, to imagine that Speer, not only the architect of Hitler's new vision for Germany, but eventually too his Master of Armaments, for God's sakes, was so indebted to his leader for his achievements in professional life that he simply DID NOT KNOW what was happening in places such as Auschwitz...this is a deeply troubling memoir, but, even in the moral questions it raises, deserves to be read as a first-person chronicle of life with the most horrifying world leader in modern times.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (Fox): S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure; Author: Visit Amazon's William Goldman Page; Review: William Goldman's tilted, off-center take on the classic fairy-tale love-story is brought to perfect life on film in this enchanting movie by Rob Reiner. Framed by the wonderful Peter Falk and a young Fred Savage as Grandpa and grandson in a tug-of-war bedtime story set-up, the movie unfolds with the same spontaneous, surprising twists as exist in the book. Moral lessons are deftly woven into the charming, very funny and visually beautiful love story/adventure tale. All of the performers are wonderful, but special kudos go to Robin Wright, who is simply dazzling as Buttercup, and to Mandy Pantinkin, who displays his dazzling theatricality and physical humor as a slightly dim but full-blooded Spaniard seeking revenge. The special effects have a purposely quaint and lovely quality, and serve the tone and look of the movie perfectly. This film is an excellent family film, and one you can watch over and over again, and find something new, magical and life-affirming with each viewing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: James Taylor: Greatest Hits- Complete Solos, Authentic Guitar-Tab Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's James Taylor Page; Review: So many times a greatest-hits compilation fails to live up to its title. This CD is a warm breeze that never stops, filled to the brim with James Taylor's soft voice and mellow hits that will transport to a place of nostalgic nirvana. Collectively, these songs have a power that might surprise you, and the subtle warmth is often infused with pain and longing. Fire & Rain remains one of the all-time great pop songs, with its heartbreak and loss almost visceral. Shower The People, Carolina In My Mind...just let these songs play and enjoy the ride. This CD is a classic, and one you will play repeatedly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference; Author: Visit Amazon's Malcolm Gladwell Page; Review: Even for those of us with little real interest in marketing, this book is fascinating, clear and informative, and entertaining to boot. It will open your mind to our popular culture and the way things happen in ways you might never have thought of before. The examples used are of interest to everyone, from Hush Puppies to the NYC crime rate -- why do things become the rage, what is the tipping point???? You will be very intrigued to learn Gladwell's well-supported theories. Believe it or not, this is a great summer read, and moves quickly, like a suspense story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Now And Then; Author: Visit Amazon's William Corlett Page; Review: I was surprised by the powerful feelings this book evoked in me. It is sparsely, beautifully written, and it feels utterly true, and real. The overwhelming, life-altering emotion of first love -- especially for a gay boy in a boarding school -- speaks volumes to just about everyone in the world. We've all been through the pain of growing up, having dreams broken or changed, and adjusting our lives each step of the way. At the end of this book, you feel free, as if you've been through therapy. It's wonderful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America; Author: Visit Amazon's Erik Larson Page; Review: This book took me completely by surprise. A gripping page-turner of a homicidal maniac and a fascinating documentation of one of the most astounding cultural events in America's short history, this book has it all. You will not believe the enormity of what the Chicago World's Fair brought to the world; you will also not believe the incredulous life of crime lived by Mr. H.H. Holmes, whose vicious killings add a visceral sense of horror to the often exhilarating narrative. Bravo, one of the most intelligent "thrillers" I have ever read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America; Author: Visit Amazon's Erik Larson Page; Review: This book took me completely by surprise. A gripping page-turner of a homicidal maniac and a fascinating documentation of one of the most astounding cultural events in America's short history, this book has it all. You will not believe the enormity of what the Chicago World's Fair brought to the world; you will also not believe the incredulous life of crime lived by Mr. H.H. Holmes, whose vicious killings add a visceral sense of horror to the often exhilarating narrative. Bravo, one of the most intelligent "thrillers" I have ever read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Road; Author: Visit Amazon's Cormac McCarthy Page; Review: In the starkly imagined landscape of our wiped out planet, this simple tale of a man and his son is at first glance almost pedestrian, childlike. But wait...there's more. A lot more. This book is a poem, an elegy, a powerful memory of things that have yet to be. And as it weaves its astonishing spell over you - while thrilling you and terrifying you sometimes to the point of nausea - you might find yourself forever changed, as I was after finishing it. The best novel I've read in years. A horrifyingly beautiful book that contains unthinkable tragedy, immeasurable loss, seemingly impossible obstacles and, most importantly, the power of hope and goodness.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sophie's Choice; Author: Visit Amazon's William Styron Page; Review: While the movie version of this book features an indelible performance of Sophie by the lustrous Meryl Streep, Styron's novel is in all ways richer, thicker, yet more taut and horrifying than the movie could ever be. This is one those books you become invested in; you can't put it down yet it draws you closer to the flame. It has never left me after 20 years. One of the all-time best novels about World War II, with almost tangible descriptions of places you know - like Brooklyn - and places you hope you never know - like Auschwitz.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Cameron Page; Review: This deceptively slim novel has no significant bells and whistles, and its plot, what there is of it, is ordinary by any stretch of the imagination. But oh how it will take your breath away. This book has the sting of truth in every sentence, and I devoured it in less than 2 days - I read it with more gusto than anything I've read in the last few years. The writing is actually dazzling, and you will remember with an ache these delightfully dysfunctional people, so carefully rendered, so beautifully observed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle; Author: David Wroblewski (Author); Review: Gripping, poetic and mesmerizing all at once, this novel is unlike any I've ever read. There is astonishing enchantment to be found on every page, in both the turns and twists of the richly imagined story and in the gorgeousness of the writing. You can feel, see, smell and taste everything in Edgar's world - most of all the farm - and those dogs. A fictional breed conjured with such specificity and knowingness that I searched the web to find such an animal for myself, the Sawtelle dogs come to vivid life as emotional characters - characters that, like this book, will haunt you. The best work of fiction I've read in YEARS.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sweet By and By: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Todd Johnson Page; Review: Todd Johnson's debut novel builds, sustains and then explodes with emotion, telling a simple story through the distinctive voices of 4 different Southern women. It's a staggering feat to pull off, and he does, cultivating not only the sound, humor and pecularities of each woman, but also their often profound relationships with one another. You will turn the pages slowly; this is not a hair-raiser, but more of a quiet, and often very funny, delight. This book is about things that matter - without preaching, it delivers its message like a great song that draws you in with a catchy, lovely melody and lyrics that hum along, and then devastates you with a final heart-piercing turn of phrase as the music swells.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home: A Memoir of My Early Years; Author: Visit Amazon's Julie Andrews Page; Review: For anyone on this planet, Julie Andrews - certainly her voice, well-known via SHREK - and her face (Princess Diairies, all the way back to Mary Poppins) - has reigned forever as one of our most identifiable and beloved cultural icons. It seems as if she has always been part of our lives, singing in that impossibly clear soprano, smiling to lift spirits, and always a touch regal. This book, which is exquisitely written, no muss, no fuss, and quite humble, is spellbinding in what it reveals about this other-wordly performer. From less than humble beginnings, this none-too-confident creature lived through her share of heartache, discovery, parental abuse and challenges - and emerged, truly, a star. To me, this book is a testament to the gifts we are given, and to find ways always to nurture those gifts, despite the obstacles life sets in our way. The characters here shine as vividly as any in a movie - and the final pages make you ache for the sequel (please, Julie, write it!) Much more than a show=biz expose, this book evokes times and places with specific recall, drawing you into an ever-exanding life. It's a real treasure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Wolf at the Table: A Memoir of My Father; Author: Visit Amazon's Augusten Burroughs Page; Review: This is more of a horror novel than a memoir. The specificity in the detail - and rememberances - of the young Augusten paint a vivid portrait of a child desperate to be loved, and of a father who is truly sociopathic by nature. In their own ways, each of these two lead characters die each day seeking what they know that can't have in life. It's a powerful read - I read it one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Audition: A Memoir; Author: Visit Amazon's Barbara Walters Page; Review: Barbara Walters has led, by any account, a most extraordinary life marked by encounters with the most important and influential people of the last half century, not to mention some of the most famous and glamorous. Her candor and warmth shine through this sometimes meandering, sometimes repetitive, and sometimes cliche-ridden autobiography. and as a result you feel a kinship with her at the most fundamental human level when it is all over. It is the ostensibly wild disparity between her public life and her private life that make this book so compulsively readable, to me - and then it dawned on me - she's just like me, she's just like everybody else in the world. Troubles, desperate times, love, losing love, ambition, good fortune, timing, and a family that kept its dignity while spiraling into near-ruin while reaching dazzling heights the very next year. I found Barbara's descriptions of her father to be the most thrilling in the book - a true visionary, with panache and talent, he created and sustained, albeit with some major bumps in the road, a world of entertainment that now only exists in places like Las Vegas. Barbara's sure-footed approach to business and her spunkiness and natural humor got her far, but it was almost as if the world turned at exactly the right moment for her to be at NBC at the time they needed her for the TODAY show. Her life since then has become the stuff of television legend - and this extraordinary life deserves the detail and passion with which this book is served. Ultimately, though, it is the ordinariness - the naughtiness - the confessional passages in which Barbara deals quite bluntly with her own character defects - that made this book so remarkably appealing and memorable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sarah's Key; Author: Tatiana De Rosnay; Review: This novel sets up perhaps the most horrific, cruel scenario I've read in connection with the Holocaust. It somehow even softens the shock of SOPHIE'S CHOICE. The writing moves with intensity, and I found much of the story to be infused with a romantic, sentimental heart (which weakens it a bit), but overall the story grips you in the character of Sarah, and in her unfathomable life journey. What I loved best about this book is what a stark, brilliant white light it threw onto my own life - and how insignificant the trifles of our daily lives are in comparison to the hideous injustice and terror that destroyed millions of souls a mere 65 years ago. The Parisian setting and historical backdrop - an unusual and rarely-mentioned audacity underscores the entire story - adds intrigue and fascination. You won't soon forget this novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Passage: A Novel (Book One of The Passage Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Justin Cronin Page; Review: Compulsively readable and full of vivid set pieces, this novel truly owes a great deal to the epic horror fiction of Stephen King, and to the multitude of apocalyptic visions that have become part of our cultural landscape (The Stand, I AM LEGEND, 28 Days Later, The Road, anything with a zombie..., even THE MIST). Yet there are many, many reasons why this novel rises above so many other bleak stories in this genre. The characters not only evoke empathy, but have rich, varied histories that draw you in. The "virals'" origin - a complicated, somewhat muted genetic experiment in terror - thrills with its wildly imagined premise. And the action sequences, pitting these unspeakably horrific creatures against a small but brave collection of winning characters, will have you flipping pages one after the other, in a cold state of shock. A fantastically rendered summer blockbuster that begs for its coming sequels.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter; Author: Randy L. Schmidt; Review: For any die-hard Carpenters fan - and there are many of us - this book is like The Holy Grail. Yes, it provides a thoughtful, clear-eyed, detailed account of the life and death of the one and only Karen Carpenter, who, in life and death, remained elusive. But it does so much more. It succeeds on every level...as a fascinating look into the world of hit-making and the quest for a spot on the charts, with detailed descriptions of arrangements and recording sessions to boot...as a heart-breaking, episodic story of a family dynamic that could not see beyond its own humanity...and as a thriller, building with increasing intensity as it moves to its ill-fated ending. Startling details emerge in this book, which never feels like an expose. The author handles all of the key players with an open-minded fairness, leaving opinions to those who have generously offered quotes. For me, one of the most revealing - and devastating - facts surrounds Karen's eventual wedding. It seems that this choice, made by committee, might have sealed her fate. This book makes me wish I had known Karen, and adds a lustre and a depth to all of Karen's performances. How lucky we are that they live on.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson (Thorndike Press large print biography); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff Guinn Page; Review: MANSON is almost breathless in its comprehensive accounting of the "life and times" of the infamous Charles Manson. This book takes off in its prologue and can barely keep up with itself; on any single page there are more details, facts and figures than in entire biographies. Its matter of fact tone and unrelenting pace moves without flinching towards the known conclusion, and interestingly, makes the sum a true equal of its parts in the telling. Manson's depraved, soulless first years, combined with his dreams of stardom, and his natural charisma, made him a powerful cult leader indeed - and subsequently led him to even darker places. It all feels preordained in this compulsively readable and ultimately exhausting book. The graphic horrors forever linked to the Manson Family, and to their blood-stained era gone by, can't help but make one shudder. I spent the week after reading this looking up each and every Family member online, revulsed as I was, unable to turn away from one of contemporary's society's most terrible men (not to mention the Manson women), and at the insanely off-balance choices each of them made as Charlie slid ever closer to the Hell he had always imagined.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Song of Spider-Man: The Inside Story of the Most Controversial Musical in Broadway History; Author: Glen Berger; Review: A riveting, edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding thriller...about the making of a Broadway mega-musical? You bet. That and more. This book offers a pungent behind-the-scenes experience that puts you inside that theatre, at those creative meetings, sweating bullets as the clock is ticking for the tech rehearsals, the previews, the performances. The author, co-book writer of the musical, is self-deprecating throughout, and he successfully captures the constant internal battle he faces amongst some powerful collaborators (Julie Taymor, who emerges an artistic, supercharged creative hero/freak-show, with a frightening ego, and Bono, who emerges as a fascinating mix of savvy global politician, rock star and survivalist). Having seen Spider-Man: TURN OFF THE DARK 1.0, I can with certainty tell you that this book delivers the emotional highs and lows, along with the creative spectacle and juicy story that its primary subject sorely lacked. Bravo...I give this book a STANDING O.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You; Author: Visit Amazon's Caroline Kepnes Page; Review: The amazing trick that Caroline Kepnes pulls off in YOU is that as a reader, you like Joe almost as much as you are terrified by him. It's a riff on DEXTER, in a way, but wholly original. The specifics of the pop cultural references that bind and link these characters, and which fuel Joe's obsessiveness (the soundtrack to HANNAH AND HER SISTERS; the movie PITCH PERFECT, etc.) are so well-tuned that they bring a vivid realness to a story that can honestly be compared to SILENCE OF THE LAMBS in its viciousness. So compelling I read it in two sittings. KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Revival (Thorndike Press Large Pring Basic); Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: The best thing about this book are the details which often differentiate King's novels - the taste and smell of a place in time. The characters certainly grow on you, and the intrigue builds from the start. But a good premise and likable characters do not add up to a satisfying chiller. In the last few chapters King quite obviously reveals his homage to Mary Shelley and to that truly terrifying classic, FRANKENSTEIN, but man does he let us down. Disappointing and depressing, it feels like he sorta gave up.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Charlie, Presumed Dead; Author: Anne Heltzel; Review: I wanted to love this book. But alas - while the premise held great promise - the story, characters and writing all failed to blossom. I read it through to the end because I felt compelled to get my money's worth, at least in some kind of revelation, but nothing unexpected evolved as the silly (and preposterous) story unfolded. Charlie, DOA.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Im Thinking Of Ending Things; Author: Visit Amazon's Iain Reid Page; Review: A cleverly conceived and mostly effectively written concept thriller. Very intriguing and with a dark, foreboding aura from the very start, this novel contains images and ideas which would make for nightmarish images in a horror movie - and yet its non-plot is simple, meandering and very much an internal thought process by the narrator. For lovers of explorations of the darker sides of humanity, this book is time well-spent - but beware the lingering melancholy it evokes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dead Moms Club: A Memoir about Death, Grief, and Surviving the Mother of All Losses; Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Spencer Page; Review: I am with you Kate Spencer, a member of the Club. Thank you for capturing in one funny, observant, and deeply felt book that impossible journey With aching truth. I found myself alternating between laughing out loud and biting the inside of my cheeks in order not to cry. But that is the point, isn't it? I am quite sure I made more sense out of my ongoing grief reading this book...and was entertained along the way. Its life! Its death! Its REAL! Bravo.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: EDWARDS MEN'S BANDED COLLAR SHIRT; Brand: Edwards; Review: My husband and I looked for these locally and could not find them in his size. These arrived, fit perfectly and looked great. They were exactly what we had been looking for.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EDWARDS MEN'S BANDED COLLAR SHIRT; Brand: Edwards; Review: My husband and I looked for these locally and could not find them in his size. These arrived, fit perfectly and looked great. They were exactly what we had been looking for.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rubie's Costume Deluxe Renaissance Faire Queen Costume; Brand: ; Review: I like the costume, but it is more snug than I had imagined it would be. I usually wear a size 10, but if the hip area is narrow, I get a 12. I purchased a large. There was no problem with the hips or waist, but it surprised me that my small chest and average sized arms didn't have more room. The sleeves were especially tight. I need the outfit for a short monologue so I will not be in it long. If this had been for a costume party, I think I would want something more comfortable. The head dress did not work at all. The head band was much too small. That was okay with me because I do not need them for this performance. The quality of the material was good and the color, while not exactly as shown in the photo, will still work for me. Overall, I like this.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Galleria Enterprises Red Daisy Folding Miniature Umbrella; Brand: GALLERIA ENTERPRISES, INC.; Review: I bought this for my sister. The colors are brilliant and eye catching. The push button makes this easy to open. She loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Women's Circuit MJ Breeze-1 Outdoor Mary Jane; Brand: Merrell; Review: I have purchased Merrell shoes before, so the fit was not a surprise. I always have to add an insole for better arch support. Other than that, they fit well and are extremely light and comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Three Musketeers, The (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wedding Singer, The (1998); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Species (1995); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Action Hero (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Johnny Mnemonic (1995); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thomas Crown Affair, The (1999); Genres: Action, Mystery; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Highlander (1986); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Striptease (1996); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scream 2 (1997); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Bone Collector, The (1999); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Finding Forrester (2000); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chain Reaction (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silence of the Lambs, The (1991); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shawshank Redemption, The (1994); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Fugitive, The (1993); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Genres: Adventure, Drama, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Toy Story (1995); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (a.k.a. ID4) (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Couples Swept Away; City: Negril Westmoreland Parish Jamaica; Review: My wife and I just got back after a week at CSA. I like the other fellow from the UK have serious doubts about the review from Feb,3. We had a great time, very relaxing and a wonderfull place to just hang out and unwind. The employees at the resort were very freindly, any employee you cam in contact with would always great you and every request was always followed by a "sure Mon, No problem Mon" and it was allways followed up on. The food was better than good but not great, the best meals we had were at the Jam-asian restaurant outside above the main dining room and at Feathers. They also bring dinner out to the beach every Friday night and I would say it was very good as well. Tipping, We tipped a few times and once was told that they could lose their job if caught excepting a tip, so we stopped. The water was warm and inviting and we spent a lot of time in it. Over all the trip was great and we would do it again. feel free to e-mail if you want more info.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iberostar Quetzal Playacar; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Just got back last night and like the TA addict that I am I had to right a quick review. I was totally impressed with this resort, nothing was lacking. I was so inmpressed how everyone was always cleaning so that everything looked bright all the time. The rooms were small but who hangs out in your room when you are in paradise? The food was fantastic and the wait staff equally so. Your drinks were refilled before you were done with your current one, plates were removed ASAP so that tables were never cluttered. If you were in need of anything all you had to do was ask and it was taken care of. The pool/beach area was great and yes if you did not get out early to "reserve" a chair then the best ones were gone. There are signs all over telling yuo that it is againt the rules to "reserve" but it is not enforced, oh well, it did not bother us at all as we always had seats. The bars were great and the service very fast. The girls that walk around all day taking/serving drink orders work hard and it seems like they never slow down. Even at the shows someone would stop buy every 10 minutes to ask if you wnated anything. Over all great place, go yuo will not be dissapointed. Feel free to e-mail me if yuo have any questions and if I can answer them I will.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Divi Aruba All Inclusive; City: Oranjestad Aruba; Review: Let me start by saying that if you have ever been to a really good AI then the DIVI would be a dissapointment but if this is your first expieriance then you will be happy with it. I have been to many AI's and the DIVI could not compare, this is not to say that we had a bad time on the contrary we had a great time as we go with the flow. Rooms : OK but need updating, while we were there they were updateing 4 rooms in the Vista II block and they replaced all the small fridges in the rooms with brand new ones on our 4th day there. it was starnge seeing this sea of mini fridges in the halls. Food : The buffets were weak and breakfast was exactly the same every day. The menu at the Tam is the same as the Divi. The Red parrot was goos and Paparazzi was goos but not as good as the Red Parrot. Bars - Very good and very quick service Beach - Very good, a little windy at times but a welcome break in the hot sun. Over all the DIVI is OK. e-mail me if you have any questions [email protected]; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Long Island Marriott; City: Uniondale Long Island New York; Review: Since I am a loyal TA groupie I felt obligated to write a quick review. We go to alot os Islander Hocky games and always go into the hotel for dinner and a few drinks butnhad never stayed there. We went to the Christina Aguilara concerrt and booked a room for that night with breakfast included. Check-in was a breeze, the room was very nice and very clean, breakfast in the AM was very good. Overall it was a good expieriance and I might choose to stay again in the future if the opportunity presents itself.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starfish Jolly Beach Resort; City: Bolans Saint Mary s Antigua Antigua and Barbuda; Review: We just got back last night from an 8 day stay at JBR so I feel completed to write this review ASAP as I have seen some reviews that just do not make sense to me. If people are expecting towards the high end then book and pay for high end, if you are expecting a great beach, good food, friendly people ans sparce accomodations at a reasonable cost then JBR fits the bill. Rooms - Only real downside. The resort was built in 1978 and looks like it has never been updated. Our room could have been the oldest on the property. Yes it was very small and yes it was very dated but everything worked and we only sleep/bath in there so who cares!! This is the first AI that we stayed in that did not offer a mini bar in the room, honestly I do not know where they could but it. Grounds - The landscaping was very well cared for but the buildings could use some freshing up. Pools - Nice pools, not too much crazy activity as we have seen at other resorts. Bars - Fast service and the staff were great, just joke around with the and they light up and have a good time with you. Best part were the serve yourself machines with a bottle of rum there to mix to your liking, never a line!! Food - Very good food. I would have liked more seafood but what was offered was of very good quality and tasty, Restaurant staff were all great and service was excellent. Beach - Very nice long beach with carribbean blue water as far as you could see. Only down side was that is was not crystal clear so you could not snorkel. Lots of vendors trying to sell you everything you could imagin. It was a bit of a pain but I can tell you that they were all very friendly and just trying to make a living. If you said no thanks it was usually met with an ok no problem, have a nice day nand sometimes with some great conversation. Staff - Did not meet anyone that I found rude, we were very nice and outgoing with them and found we received the same in return. Tipping - I did not see anyone tipping but that did not stop us from dropping a few $$$ here and there. Everyone works hard and would always ask how our day was and if we were enjoying our stay. Overall good place to go if you do not have high expecations of the rooms. Feel free to send me a note if you would like anything specific answered.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Riu Guanacaste; City: Playa Matapalo Province of Guanacaste; Review: I have read all the reviews and honestly I need to ask "where have some of these people stayed"? I have been to a few RIU's as well as may other AI's and this one ranks at the top. Airport - Holy smokes what the heck is up with the airport? They need to invest some $$'s into it. There are too may people going through now not to modernize it. Ride to the RIU - Not bad at all, I have been on worse roads in my own town. The drive from the main road is actually paved for the last half. Check-in - Took about 4 minutes, quick and easy Grounds - Beautiful, people gardening and cleaning all the time Rooms - Very typical. Bed worked for me, I did not find it hard. Bathroom was big. Housekeeping was very good Pool - Plenty of chairs, not crowded, pool was a good size and the water is very warm Beach - Yes the sand starting @ 10:30am is super hot!!! Nice sandy beach, now if you walk to the right yes it is rocky as it is at the base of a large hill. There is no need for water shoes in the ocean but you do need sandles for the beach. Water is very warm and there are plenty of chairs. Bars - very quick and freindy service. There are no top shelf liquors, oh well. The local beer is pretty good. They take drink orders around the pool and there is a guy with a mobile bar all day long around the pool. They do not take drink orders on the beach, it is just too far. It would be a great idea to put a bar next to the beach, there is room. Food - We only ate in the main buffet, food was very good with aot of variety, I can see it getting old if you are there for two weeks but not in one week. Service was also very good, my wine glass was never empty (wine was not great but it worked). Overall very good resort and I would go back. One other item, as far as theft, I do not see it happening especially since the safes are now all electronic. If you want specifics feel free to PM me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Riu Montego Bay; City: Ironshore Montego Bay Saint James Parish Jamaica; Review: This is my 4th stay at a Riu first at Mobay. The Riu chain to us is a know commodity and they definitely met our expectations 5-10 minutes from the Airport Check-in quick Rooms - clean but ours had a musty smell, oh well it is a tropical environment Grounds - Very ice and well maintained Food - Very good. I always stick with local food when I travel just wish there was more Jamaican then a small area in the buffet Bars - Good, drinks seemed weak though, but plenty of them!! Beach - OK, but I knew that going in. Believe all the good you have heard and you can discount nearly all the bad I am happy to answer specific questions so just P me .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Hadley Amherst; City: Hadley Hampshire County Massachusetts; Review: we were here for a girls LAX tournament July 15 - 17, from the moment we checked in to the last moment we left we were impressed withe the staff and management. These folks get it and they show it in all they do. I have found in many hotels during our travels that the word heard most from staff when asked a question is "NO". When you asked a question of anyone at this hotel they would answer with "yes sir it would be my pleasure" This a not lip service, it was sincere and followed up. If you are visiting kids at UMASS you could not stay any closer. The hotel in all was very nice and well maintained however the staff made our stay. Marriott cooperate if you are listening reach out to these folks and tell them how a great a job they are doing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sonesta ES Suites Malvern; City: Malvern Pennsylvania; Review: We were there for a LAX tournament 7/8 - 7/10. At first glance this place looked very promising,. First the good Nice grounds Nice lobby Breakfast included Large Weber grills for your use Large rooms Kitchen Location The not so good Dated rooms "light" maid service upon request over weekends (ridiculous) Waited over 5 minutes for front desk staff to show-up upon check-in The slowest "hi speed" internet you will ever experience. Staff member Ricardo, this guy could use a few lessons in customer service This place was a good value for the $$ and if not for Ricardo this would have been a completely enjoyable stay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Coco Plum Island Resort; City: Coco Plum Cay Belize Cayes; Review: Just back from Coco Plum and wishing we were still there. What a fantastic week we spent with the staff and other guests. My wife described Coco Plum this way "sleep away camp for adults"! Set on a 16 acre island with only 20 guests, great food, drink, company and crystal clear water, what more can you ask for. To the great staff, Rudy, Robert, Sam. Renee, Leo, Sergio, June, Sue and the rest, thank you for making us feel at home and taking such great care of us. To the new freinds we made, wow what a great time we shared! To "mayors" Sam and Bonnie, we enjoyed our time on your island! Sergio, thanks for letting me tend bar. I am happy to provide as much detail as I can to anyone who wants to PM me so feel free to PM away!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites Allentown Bethlehem Lehigh Valley Airport; City: Bethlehem Pennsylvania; Review: My wife and I just got back from a weekend stay here. Check-in was super fast! every employee we met was very freindly and outgoing. Ech time we walked past the front desk we were asked how our stay was and we were thanked for staying when we left. We also enjoyed the breakfast room and really appreciate not having to think about where we were to start our day. Well done staff at Fairfield Inn!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cardinal Rive Gauche; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: Great location, breakfast included and good. Do not book in the summer, even though they say there is AC, it does not work. The front desk guy that I complained to the first day said " it works a little". No it does not work. I called my travel agent, she called and a nice guy at the desk ( Joseph) had me look at other rooms, all still hot. So I sit here and it is 90F in my room, never again hotel Cardinal; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel La Palma; City: Capri Island of Capri Province of Naples Campania; Review: Stayed as part of a tour. Rooms were a bit larger that other places in Italy, the entire place is a bit worn and dated though clean. They had a rule regarding hanging out in the large lobby area as well as bringing food/drink from the outside in which I thought was a bit odd. No views from this hotel though it is centrally located in Capri. If I were to go back I would seek out another place however I would not hesitate to stay here again if it was my only option; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Crystal Suites; City: Krakow Lesser Poland Province Southern Poland; Review: We stayed at crystal Suites to celebrate my husband's birthday. We had a wonderful time there. Our apartment was very comfortable, elegantly designed and furnished. The staff were extremely helpful. The location is only about 10 minutes walk from the centre but the advantage is a quieter place away from the loud tourism. I would certainly stay there again and would recommend to friends and family.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Pinomar; City: El Puerto de Santa Maria Costa de la Luz Andalucia; Review: Pinomar is a reasonably pleasant hotel. Our room was furnished in a rather basic way but spacious and very clean. Breakfast was continental and very basic, though coffee nice. The staff in the reception was friendly but gave us wrong information all the time. However the major downside of this hotel is the location. It is a long walk to everywhere and there no restaurants within a short distance at all. To make it worse the restaurants in town do not open until 9pm so walking is not an option unless you want to walk back in darkness! I have found nicer looking hotel at the same price in a much better central location but still quiet and close to the beach, so Pinomar is not such a good value for money either. I would not stay here again and I would not recommend it to my friends.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cromer Country Club by Diamond Resorts; City: Cromer Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: we stayed in a very comfortable, smart apartment and really enjoyed close proximity to the walks along the coast to Cromer town. Thoroughly recommend it if you want to have a relaxing time and walks by the sea.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Mainao; City: Puerto Ayora Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands; Review: We spent 4 nights here and found it most friendly and enjoyable place and very well priced too which is rather incredible in Galapagos. Our room was very spacious, comfortable and clean with the air conditioning that did not keep us awake all the time. We enjoyed the breakfasts. The view from the large terrace right in front of our room was beautiful. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Overall we liked it and we would recommend it to friends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Casa Blanca; City: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno San Cristobal Galapagos Islands; Review: We left this place after the first night. We didn't like this place at all. The girls who seem to be in charge of this place were virtually non existent and not very helpful. The room was small and not comfortable. Nowhere to sit down reasonably comfortably. The so called en suite bathroom is actually in the bedroom just behind the little part wall and the bed adjacent to it. The windows had broken moaquito net. There was no wifi in the room and hardly any signal near the reception area. The bar below and the area was noisy and interfered with our sleep. The only positive thing was nice breakfast. We found another place first thing in the morning and left before 10am. We had a lovely time in the new place which was pristinely clean, had very spacious room nicely decoratd, kitchenette with the fridge. Also, a lovely swimming pool, all in much quieter location only about 10 minutes walk or taxi for $1. And it cost the same as Casablanca! I certainly do not commend Casablanca and we would not stay there again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Galapagos Suites; City: Puerto Ayora Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands; Review: I was attracted to stay at Galapagos Suites by very good reviews. However, it failed to meet my expectations. On the positive note, our room was spacious, tastefully decorated and immaculately clean. It had a balcony with the hammock but we were unable to use it because of the high level of noise coming from the outside building sites, which surround this pension on almost each side, the noise was such that it was a thoroughly unpleasant experience being there during the day. At night our sleep was disturbed by a rather loud airconditioning blowing stright over our heads. The breakfast was average. Overall the place is in our view well overpriced and we would not stay there again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alpenhotel Wurzer; City: Filzmoos Austrian Alps; Review: We stayed in Alpenhotel Wurzer hotel for one week on a half board basis in January 2013 and we loved it. Its very conveniently located in the centre Filzmoos. We liked our spacious room with comfortable bed. We enjoyed excellent food. The atmosphere there is very friendly and we found the owners very helpful. We will certainly stay there again and we would recommend it to our family and friends. The only slightly negative point is the lack of shampoo and soap in the shower cabin in the bathroom but it didn't bother us at all because everything else was just perfect.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: B B Anna; City: Agropoli Province of Salerno Campania; Review: We have stayed in B&B Anna for 2 nights recently. Although it is called b&b, breakfast was not available but it didn't bother us. Our room was very clean, spacious and comfortable with a balcony and sea view which was a real bonus. It is equipped with a fridge and air conditiong. We enjoyed our evening meals at the restaurant below the hotel and the hostess was exceptionally friendly and helpful. On the negative side for us were a bit noisy next door neighbours. Some people may find the bed mattress a bit hard, but for me, overall, staying there was a very positive experience.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Villa Pefki Apartments; City: Chania Town Chania Prefecture Crete; Review: We have stayed at villa Pefki recently during our travels around Grece. This has been one of the best places by far and I would thoroughly recommend it to everybody who wants to stay in a very comfortable, nice, elegantly furnished apartment with balcony, patio and the swimming pool, located within a nice garden setting with mountain view and a very short drive to the centre of Chania. There is absolutely nothing negative that I can say about this place which is owned by extremely friendly and helpful couple Marily and John, gave us lots of very useful information about places to visit locally, restaurants, etc. Also, I am very grateful to Marily who went out of her way to help me to find a local chemist when I needed to buy some medication urgently on Sunday morning! Excellent place and we will definitely stay there again when we travel to Chania.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Zywiecki Medical SPA Sport; City: Przylekow Silesia Province Southern Poland; Review: We recently spent one week holiday at Hotel Zywiecki and we have had a superb time there. It is a nice, medium size, modern hotel with excellent spa and swimming pool facilities. We liked everything about it: the members of staff pleasant and helpful, our room spacius and comfortable, food consistently excellent with high quality dinners and breakfasts. We have really enjoyed swimming pool area and spa. I particularly liked my massage experience made by the physiotherapist whose name is Aneta. In fact, it was one of the best massage experiences I have ever had! This hotel is located in a quiet area and having a car is definitely an advantage. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this hotel and I would certainly go there again. However next time, we would ask to avoid my room being next to very young children, if possible. Overall, this is a very comfortable hotel in a quiet and nice location and we have had really great time there. Thank you very much to all members of staff. It is really a fantastic place!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Real Marina Hotel Spa; City: Olhao Faro District Algarve; Review: This is a very nice and comfortable hotel, there is nothing negative to say about it. However, I would make a point that we were unhappy with the first room because of the level of noise from the building site nearby and the air con equipment. But, on the positive side, the reception staff were very helfpul and understanding and a different room was found for us that we were happy with. We would definitely stay there again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: JBuds J2 Premium Hi-Fi Noise-Isolating Earbuds Style Headphones (White/Gray); Brand: JLAB; Review: These aren't the best earbuds you can buy but for $15 they hold up very well. I just use them at work (desk job) and I can keep them in for an hour or two with no problems. I've had them about a year and they are holding up just fine.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sharp LC-70LE650U 70-Inch Aquos HD 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV (2014 Model); Brand: Sharp; Review: First off I know you buy a TV for picture quality so it gets an A+ from me on that. You have to turn off some of the settings (Light Sensor for Sure!) to get a better picture, but once you do its nice. The sound out of the speakers isn't that bad. You can adjust the settings (Turning on some features) and I say it's better than expected. The big problem I'm having is on a sound delay. I continue to get a sound delay (Lip Sync) issues on regular DirecTV watching. I haven't been able to adjust my delay settings to sync up, because the issue isn't consistent. Change the channel and flip back and the system will be in sync again for a while. :(; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: VideoSecu Tilt Flat Screen TV Wall Mount Bracket for 37" 40" 42" 46" 47" 50" 52" 55" 58" 60"; Brand: VideoSecu; Review: What a great deal this is. Comes with everything you could need and is an easy install. Don't buy anywhere but here on Amazon or you are going to pay too much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sharp HT-SB60 High-Powered Soundbar System for 60-Inch & Larger TVs with Wireless Subwoofer; Brand: Sharp; Review: I paired with my 70" Sharp LED and am happy so far. This isn't going to be close to a 5.1 or 7.1 system, but is worth the money for improved sound quality. I had to change my TV setting over to Bitstream vs. PCM to get DD output, but that's fine because it matches what DirecTV outputs anyway. The base is too strong so I had to turn down both the subwoofer and bass levels to get the balance I was looking for. I also used 3D(2) sound and Game Mode for best output. It's big and looks great under my 70" TV. I think the smaller bars would look silly. UPDATE: Day 38 and its dead!!!! READ OTHER REVIEWS TOO FOR SAME ISSUE; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mini USB Cable for Powering Fire TV Stick [NOT COMPATIBLE FIRE TV STICK]; Brand: Mission Cables; Review: It just didn't work for what I needed. I doubt many people will get enough power out of their usb port for this to work for them... but its a great idea/; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: TCL 32D2700 32-Inch 720p LED TV (2015 Model); Brand: TCL; Review: This is a low end TV that I wouldn't use more than for a kids room. That's where it is for me, but adjusting the colors to get a good picture took some time and viewing on any angle is terrible. For the price it isn't all that bad.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TCL 32D2700 32-Inch 720p LED TV (2015 Model); Brand: TCL; Review: This is a low end TV that I wouldn't use more than for a kids room. That's where it is for me, but adjusting the colors to get a good picture took some time and viewing on any angle is terrible. For the price it isn't all that bad.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hours (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Mind (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alex and Emma (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Mom (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Planner (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The English Patient (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: While You Were Sleeping (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waiting to Exhale (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stepmom (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moulin Rouge (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Up Close & Personal (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Random Hearts (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries (Widescreen) (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Home Alone (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Beaches (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's Club (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Notting Hill (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde 2: Red (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pay It Forward (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Life as a House (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: America's Sweethearts (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Way We Were (1973); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Philadelphia (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The American President (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Say Anything (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 28 Days (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Baby (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Serendipity (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: She's Having A Baby (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Banger Sisters (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: French Kiss (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dave (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bounce (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Pelican Brief (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Horse Whisperer (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indecent Proposal (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kate & Leopold (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: View from the Top (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fame (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Piano (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On Golden Pond (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Going My Way / Holiday Inn (1944); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moonstruck (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Children of a Lesser God (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ordinary People (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Chariots of Fire (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roman Holiday (1953); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Out of Africa (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Funny Girl (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Big Chill (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Driving Miss Daisy (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone with the Wind: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Annie Hall (1977); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rose (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hello (1969); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oliver! (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Places in the Heart (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cabaret (1972); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: High Society (1956); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sound of Music (1965); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An American in Paris (1951); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terms of Endearment (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The First Wives Club (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pillow Talk (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Norma Rae (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Girl (1991); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Graduate (1967); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Brian's Song (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fantasia (1940); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Miracle Worker (1962); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: West Side Story (1961); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Fair Lady: Special Edition (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Some Like It Hot (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Affair to Remember (1957); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nurse Betty (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Someone Like You (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Brian's Song (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: At First Sight (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: What a Girl Wants (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Something's Gotta Give (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The King and I (1956); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In Love and War (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: What's Up (1972); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love Actually (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Music Man (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Always (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indiscreet (1958); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Intolerable Cruelty (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Out of Sight (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Calendar Girls (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am Sam (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mary Poppins (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Sanur Beach Villas; City: Sanur Denpasar Bali; Review: Our family spent 4 nights at SBV in Feb. We stayed in the 2 bedroom villa, and for 700k rp per night, you could not find better value for money. While not luxurious, it is clean and comfy, with a plasma tv, dvd player, large loungeroom, outdoor bathroom and 2 spacious bedrooms with air con. I must say the kitchen is a bit scary, but hey, who cooks in Bali, not us, thats for sure! We really enjoyed our time there, especially due to the friendly social vibe the place has. We met all of the other guests staying at the time, something I have not really experienced before and Ron, Irma, Rosie and the team were very welcoming. Breakfast is included in the rate and you can chose from eggs, pancakes etc. All very good, and the fresh juices are lovely. A nice way to start the day. The villas are in what we thought is a great position, at the quiet Southern end of Sanur, walking out one way is the beach with restaurants and the other way is the start of the strip. We found it very convenient, and handy to all services, laundry, salons and shopping. We spent quite a few hours sitting under the tree of knowledge with Ron or the other guests, and this place was a highlight of our trip. Overall we found it to be a "little pearler", and we look forward to returning.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kelapa Mas Homestay; City: Candidasa Karangasem Bali; Review: We only spent 1 night at this lovely little hotel on our way to the Gili Islands, but found it to be a very friendly place to stay. We were shown to our room by the owner, and his entire family work on the premises. The gardens are really spectacular, better than many 5 star hotels. It is large for a homestay, with about 20 bungalows, but in a great position on the water. Unfortunately while we were there in Feb, the amount of rubbish on the beach shocked me, and there is no way I would swim in the water, but I believe that changes in the peak season. We travelled with our little family of 2 adults and 2 children and stayed in one of the ocean view rooms, which had a double and a single bed. It was clean and comforable. No hot water was not really an issue for us on a 1 night stay, but the garden bungalows also looked lovely and they have hot water and air con. Lots of older European people staying while we were there, many of whom stay long term. There is a restaurant on premises, with decent cheap food, and you can order and sit at the beach area to eat, which looked nice. I would recommend this friendly little hotel to anyone wanting some quiet time in Candidasa. I don't think you would find better for the money, I think we paid about $40US for an ocean view bungalow with a large balcony.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Juliantos By The Sea; City: Gili Air Gili Islands Lombok West Nusa Tenggara; Review: We spent 5 nights of bliss on Gili Air at Juliantos in Feb 2012. From the moment we arrived, we were treated as friends by the wonderful staff. We had the family apartment, which was very light, spacious and clean. It consisted of a lounge area, large balcony, 2 bedrooms and a lovely semi-outdoor bathroom. The view is lovely over the water to the mountains of Lombok. The newly constucted swimming pool is gorgeous, so nice to swim in real sea water, not the heavily chlorinated water in most pools in Asia. I have seen that some people have a problem with the lack of fresh water for showering, but we found it fine, so nice to have a hot shower then a quick rinse afterwards with the fresh water they provide. I think you must appreciate the difficulties of obtaining fresh water for the Island, and just deal with it. The abslute highlight for me was the way our children were treated by the staff. My two year old boy spent most of every day with the boys at the hotel, and they were so beautiful with him. Our daughter also had fun playing with the children who live in the area. Ida and Hadjeri have a wonderful team, and they should be very proud of the level of service that their staff provide. The food was fantastic, we worked our way through much of the menu during our 5 days. Everything is fresh, cooked from scratch and absolutely delicious. For this reason, we ate most meals at the hotel, and were able to put the children to bed and come down for dinner each night, which was a lovely bonus. Breakfast was great, consisting of fresh juice, eggs or pancakes (the pineapple pancakes are heavenly). It was also great that there were snacks offered at any time, our children loved having a plate of popcorn (best popcorn I have ever tasted!) for a between meal treat. Operating from the hotel are the boats, also with fantastic friendly service from Duani and his team. We went on a fantastic snorkelling trip for a very reasonable price, and my husband had a couple of trips out fishing which he thoroughly enjoyed, mainly due to the comraderie he had with these wonderful local people. The location is perfect, a quiet spot but still only a couple of hundread metres to other restaurants and bars. That made it seem very safe for the children, especially having no motorised transport on the island. I could really rave about Juliantos forever, we are already planning our next trip. It was just perfect for us, and we would not think of staying anywhere else on Gili Air Congratulations to Tony and Julia, you have created a wonderful place in paradise, and we hope to return very soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Naga Maya; City: Legian Kuta District Bali; Review: We spent 6 nights at Villa Naga Maya in Feb 2012. We are a family of 2 adults and 2 children aged 5 and 2. The villas are very clean and comfortable, and exactly as pictured on the website. They are also beautifully maintained and the gardens are lovely. The location is fantastic, down a Gang on JL Werkudara (Rum Jungle), so it is a 1 minute walk to the great shopping, restaurants, bars, spas etc of the area. Also less that 5 minutes to the beach, so perfect for us with small children, not having to walk too far. The beds have custom made mosquito nets that are functional as well as great to look at. My daughter called them "princess beds" and we all slept very well. Villas were beautifully furnished with nice artworks and ornaments around which made it feel like a home for our stay. Breakfast was lovely, fruit/fresh juice/toast/cereal/pastries and the best jam ever! Served on the table outside our villa, it was a great way to start the day. We found the service from Merrick, Danny and the team to be friendly and efficient. As mentioned in earlier posts, Merrick is undertandably very proud of his home and business, and, as he told us, he treats his guests like friends. We were thrilled to see his amazing villa next door. He also rents it out, and for a couple without children, it would be a gorgeous place to stay. I can honestly say that the pictures on the website do not do justice to the details. We really enjoyed our stay here, but it was different to other villas we have stayed in. If you are looking for complete privacy, this is not the place for you. We were very aware of our children disturbing the guests in the other villa, as they are quite close to each other and share a pool. As mentioned before, we thought it would be more suitable to book both villas with a group, but we also enjoyed chatting to Merrick and the other guests as you can be a bit isolated in a Villa compared to a hotel. I would also say that it is not particularly suitable for small children as there is a mezzanine level upstairs with a lovely large window, but I found it could potentially be dangerous for little ones, especially as my 2 year old could fit his head between the railings! But that aside, the villas are just lovely and we look forward to returning some day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Satu Tiga Resort; City: Gili Air Gili Islands Lombok West Nusa Tenggara; Review: We stayed for 8 nights at Satu Tiga in March. We have previously been to the property when it was Juliantos By The Sea. We were greeted like friends by the local owners and had a fantastic time. We didn't notice much change in service or the look of the place, the only thing I could see was that there didn't seem to be as many staff around, and the deck at the front of the property needs to be replaced. The family apartment is big, bright and airy with plenty of room and a lovely verandah looking over the ocean. Perfect for a family with small children as it is hard to find 2 bedroom accommodation on Gili Air under one roof. Our kids had a great time playing with their friends, the local children who are the family of the owners. A great experience for them. The food is, as last year, fantastic. We ate our way through the menu once again! Husband and kids went fishing one day and caught some fish, which was cooked exactly as we wanted it with a selection of sauces, rice and salad. Beautiful. Duani next door runs Gili Fishing Safaris and we had a trip to Lombok which he organised, with a driver and guide. A fantastic day for a very reasonable price. They also do fishing and snorkelling tours and the boats are well maintained and comfortable. Thankyou to Hadjeri, Ida, Hendra, Duani and your family and staff for another wonderful stay on Gili Air. We will be back next year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ubud Garden Villa; City: Ubud Gianyar Regency Bali; Review: My children and I stayed at D'Omah for 3 nights recently. We just loved the place! The grounds are expansive and so pretty. Water features everywhere and lots of open space with beautiful gardens, lovingly looked after. The main pool is huge and lovely. We stayed in a Verandah Suite (Lemongrass) and found it spacious and comfortable. It is not a new Hotel, but our room had been recently upgraded. It had a large verandah outside with daybed, table and chairs, and a kitchenette overlooking a pool only shared by a couple of other rooms. We didn't see anyone else us this pool while we were there. Inside was a very large room with comfy bed (and nice pillows!) and large semi-outdoor bathroom. The bath was big enough to swim in, and water pressure in the shower was great. We booked through Bali Friendly and got breakfast included in the rate. The best Mie Goreng I have had for brekky anywhere, lovely strawberry pancakes, fresh home baked bread with local jams, pastries. Real fresh juice. We loved sitting in the pretty restaurant each morning enjoying the lovely outlook and ambience. For the more motivated, there are yoga classes some mornings. We had several meals around the pool and from room service, and they were all delicious, especially the rice paper rolls. Also went to the Round Bar, just outside the grounds but connected to the hotel and had nice pizza and happy hour cocktails. Every single staff member was friendly and caring, from the housekeepers to the gardeners and the wait staff and reception staff all had wide smiles and a greeting each time we met. After day 1 they all knew the children's names and called to them as we walked past. One comment made me feel so welcome as a Mum travelling with children. Julie, the Manager said "let the kids run around, it makes the place come to life". What a nice thing to say. We stayed over the Gulungan festival, and one of the Spa staff offered us sarongs and traditional clothing if we wanted to visit the temple to see the ceremony. So thoughtful. The location is super quiet, being set back from the road. We used the shuttle bus into Ubud several times which was handy. My children are a bit small to do the walk, as there aren't footpaths and the road is a bit steep, but without kids it would probably take about 20 minutes into Ubud and would be a nice walk. There are quite a few restaurants in the area and some nice rice field walks. We had a very enjoyable stay and will definitely return to this gem of a hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bambu Cottages; City: Gili Air Gili Islands Lombok West Nusa Tenggara; Review: We are a family of 4 and had a wonderful stay at Bambu Cottages. Due to the volcanic ash cloud affecting the area at the time, we had originally booked for a large group but our companions had to cancel their trip due to flight cancellations. The owners were extremely helpful and although they could have charged us the full amount, they were gracious enough not to under the circumstances. We cannot thank them enough for this. Upon arrival we were greeted like friends and made to feel very welcome. The rooms are lovely, spacious and clean. I really cannot find fault with them for the price. We have stayed on Gili Air several times before and this is by far the best. The air con works well and the bathrooms were clean and the place is well maintained, which can sometimes be a problem due to the remoteness of the location. We found all of the staff to be friendly, caring and helpful. They were especially good with our children. One of the owners even took our son out snorkelling one day, a lovely gesture, and he had a fantastic time. We loved the pool, and beautiful bar area. With plenty of dining options nearby, we only had 1 meal apart from daily breakfast at the restaurant, but it was very nice. We found the breakfast to be tasty and sufficient, with coffee/tea, juice, fruit and a hot dish available. Looking at the gorgeous view each morning was a highlight. There is now wifi in the rooms, and we found it sufficient. The connection on the whole Island is pretty slow, you have to remember where you are! Gili is not the place for 5 star luxury, and to be honest we prefer it that way. Overall we had a great time at Bambu Cottages, and are already planning on returning in the near future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Puri Ayu; City: Sanur Denpasar Bali; Review: We stayed recently for 3 nights and stayed in 2 different rooms due to our plans changing. For the first night we were in an Emerald Loft room. These are lovely spacious rooms with a kitchen, outdoor bathroom, and overlooks the pool. Highly recommended. Then we moved to a 1 bedrooms apartment. To be fair, they are half the price of the the Emerald Lofts. They have their own small garden and are totally private. The bedroom itself was nice, a little small, but clean and adequate. Bed very comfortable. Bathroom was outdoors, with large bath and waterfall shower. Water pressure was excellent. Outside was a bale with table, chairs and a small kitchenette. Everything was fine except for the kitchen, which was dark, and very grotty. I think they need to be pulled out and replaced asap. Sitting outside at night, there were a couple of resident rats coming and going from the kitchen area.........We only used the fridge, but I would not be doing any food preparation in there. Overall, we enjoyed our stay. Large pool very cloudy and murky, needs a good dose of chemical, but did not bother our kids. Pool deck needs replacing, some loose boards which are a disaster waiting to happen. Breakfast was sufficient without being inspiring. Great location and quiet at night. For the price, I think this property represents good value if you get the right room. Staff were friendly and efficient.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue Star Bungalows Restaurant; City: Amed Abang Bali; Review: We stayed for 4 nights at this delightful little property in the beachfront bungalow. It was myself and my 2 kids aged 8 and 11. The bungalow was gorgeous, very clean, and amazing value for the price. Very comfortable King sized bed with mosquito net downstairs, and 2 singles upstairs in the loft, which was great fun for the children. Not suited for small kids as the steps and more like a ladder. Room and bathroom were very spacious. Lovely verandah with comfy chairs, table and a gorgeous netted day bed. We called this "the nest" and it was great for quiet time, reading and afternoon snoozes! Early each morning, a tray is delivered to the verandah containing tea and coffee ingredients, a lovely way to start the day. We ate most meals at the restaurant as it was so good. Plenty of dining options nearby, but it was hard to leave. Standouts for us were the chicken curry, mie goreng, and spring rolls. Also lovely bread (I think made on the premises) and great sandwiches. Large menu with options to suit everyone. Breakfast was lovely, basic fruit juice, coffee, pancakes etc included in the room price, but an option to order extra and very cheap. Everything fresh and delicious. Our days were lazy and relaxing, with snorkelling, swimming, paddling the kayak around the bay, massages on the beach, and chatting with like minded souls who have found this lovely spot. Staff were among the friendliest we have met in Bali, they knew us by name and were always happy to help with anything at all. Illou, the owner is a wonderful woman, and she and her family live onsite. We were lucky enough to have Ilou drive us back to Sanur at the end of our trip and it was a pleasure to spend time with her. She has built a beautiful place, and we will be back. For a rustic authentic stay I highly recommend Blue Star.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Vivitar Digital Video Camera 1.8" Screen, Colors May Vary; Brand: Vivitar; Review: I ordered both the Vivitar VIVDVR426HDBLKV and this one. Both were super inexpensive. This one is far better than the other. This has a metal body the other, cheap plastic. Note that neither comes with the video card. You need to purchase that separately. I bought these to use in workshops with kids and, for that purpose, they are perfect. I will buy more of these but not the other.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ARRIS SURFboard SB6141-RB 8x4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (Certified Refurbished); Brand: ARRIS; Review: It's reconditioned but who cares! It works perfect. Installed at my sister's house for her to use with her new Comcast set up. Works like a charm and eliminates the monthly rental fee that Comcast charges. It's a no brainer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monoprice 106775 F Type Right Angle Female to Male Adapter, Gold Plated; Brand: Monoprice; Review: Perfect solution for a co-ax cable problem I had. Allowed me to push a bookcase closer to the wall where the cable comes into my home.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: TP-Link 5 Port Fast Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter | Ethernet Hub | Plug and Play; Brand: TP-LINK; Review: Replaced my former unit with this and the internet speed in my office increased 10 times! Thanks to my IT guy for testing my equipment and discovering that the old unit was the reason why it was so slow. Very inexpensive way to gain speed!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ARRIS SURFboard SB6141-RB 8x4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem (Certified Refurbished); Brand: ARRIS; Review: Why pay a $10/month rental fee to Comcast when you can buy this for $60? Easy to install. You just have to call comcast to have them activate it. And then, log onto Arris' website to change your username and pw to something you can actually remember. This is the 2nd one I've purchased. Bought one for my sister in December and just bought a 2nd one for myself. Happy with it so far.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kuzy Newest Rainbow Keyboard Cover Silicone Skin for MacBook Pro 13" 15" 17" (with or w/out Retina; Brand: Kuzy; Review: LOve this keyboard cover. Wish they made it for non Macs. I tried to find one for my sister but, unfortunately, Kuzy only makes for Mac.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AK for Fitbit Alta Bands, Replacement Fitbit Bands for Fitbit Alta/Alta HR with Metal Clasp; Brand: AK; Review: Perfect and cheap. Found the same thing at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $40! This one is pretty much exactly the same.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winegard FlatWave FL-5000 Digital Indoor HDTV Antenna (4K Ready / High-VHF / UHF / Ultra-Thin / Black and White; Brand: Winegard; Review: Did not pull in all the local channels. I couldn't get ABC, CBS or PBS. Returned it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Winegard FlatWave Micro FL-2000 Digital HD TV Indoor Antenna (4K Ready / High-VHF / UHF / Ultra-Thin; Brand: Winegard; Review: Did not pull in all the local channels. I couldn't get ABC, CBS or PBS. Returned it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: DailyShoes Women's Military Combat Lace up Mid Calf High Credit Card Knife Money Wallet Pocket Boots; Brand: ; Review: I only put that the arch support wasn't great because I have very high arches. So no shoe for me has great support unless I buy special shoes. LOVE THESE BOOTS!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DailyShoes Women's Ankle High Lace up Military Combat Mid Calf Credit Card Knife Money Wallet Pocket Boots; Brand: ; Review: I only put that the arch support wasn't great because I have very high arches. So no shoe for me has great support unless I buy special shoes. LOVE THESE BOOTS!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LL Womens Short Sleeve Oversized Ombre Tie-Dye Tee Shirt - Made in USA; Brand: Lock and Love; Review: super soft and comfy! currently my favorite shirt to wear!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LL Womens Short Sleeve Oversized Ombre Tie-Dye Tee Shirt - Made in USA; Brand: Lock and Love; Review: super soft and comfy! currently my favorite shirt to wear!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hot Leathers Skeleton Middle Finger Ladies Boy Shorts (Black, Large); Brand: Hot Leathers; Review: waaayy too small. I wish I had listened to the reviews.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Skechers Sport Women's Dreamchaser Ante Up Walking Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I walk anywhere from 2 to 5 miles a day for work and I needed new shoes. I found these and decided to try them. Super glad i bought them! My feet feel so much better walking in these instead of the other shoes i had. I would definitely recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Bull; City: Beaumaris Anglesey North Wales Wales; Review: As previously stated by other reviews, choose your room carefully! We were put in a room that wasn't worth the £129/ night cost. It was in desperate need of refurbishment! The food however was good and the service from staff was great; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Dei Camosci; City: Courmayeur Valle d Aosta; Review: This family run hotel is a really nice place to stay. Situated about a 10 minute walk from the centre of town this hotel is excellent value for money. The staff are friendly and the service is excellent. The restaurant food is really good offering local dishes. There is a lovely little bar area for you to relax after a hard day’s skiing. The hotel offers a minibus service to and from the town centre and the ski lifts so its location in a quiet suburb isn’t a problem. We will definitely be returning to this little gem !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Gressoney; City: Gressoney Saint Jean Valle d Aosta; Review: This place is a little gem. The hotel is clean, the staff are friendly and attentive and The food can only be described as excellent. Although the hotel is situated about 15 minutes from the ski lifts, buses run frequently from opposite the hotel. Don’t let this put you off when deciding where to stay. The plus’s for the hotel far outweighs the need to travel on the ski bus. You will not be disappointed!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lowbyer Manor Country House; City: Alston Cumbria England; Review: Only Stayed for one night, but what a great place. Quiet location on the edge of town. Friendly staff, clean well presented room, good hearty breakfast and an selection of Gin’s. What more could you ask for !; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Coniston Hotel Country Estate Spa; City: Coniston Cold North Yorkshire England; Review: Having shot at the Shooting Ground many times, enjoying their food we decided to eat lunch today at the main hotel Huntsman Restaurant today. What a big mistake this turned out to be! The food was appalling Fish and Chips were over cooked and the mushy peas were dry. The wife had a Caesar Salad, what they had done with the chicken was a complete mismatch and didn’t taste nice, Lettuce was soggy . When asked if everything was ok we said not really. No question as to why they just walked away. The chef needs to go to cookery school up at the shooting ground. The food there is far better and a third of the price. We won’t be going there for lunch again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Real Marina Hotel Spa; City: Olhao Faro District Algarve; Review: This is a stunning hotel! Everything about it is five star, from the beautifully appointed and spotless rooms, the elegant pool area, great restaurant and stunning sea view. Please make sure you book a sea view; it's incredible. We stayed for a week, normally we're self catering so this was a departure but you just couldn't fault the place and the staff at reception are wonderfully helpful. The only thing I really missed was a kettle. Bar meals are great value and breakfast offered incredible variety (and fizzy wine if you want it!). Olhao is a great place for visiting the nearby islands with beautiful quiet beaches and the usual Algarve waves. Try the ferries rather than private water taxis; it's so cheap!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Kenmore Club by Diamond Resorts; City: Kenmore Perth and Kinross Scotland; Review: We've just returned from our second stay at the Kenmore Club. Last time was eight years ago and our two late teen daughters were much smaller then, but just as delighted with the place. We took our two dogs and the walks along the river and the banks of the loch were just lovely. Across the road there's a beautifully modern restaurant which a with a lounge area that allows dogs in too and serves incredible food. There's loads to do in nearby Aberfeldy and Pitlochry (try the Moulin Hotel for bar food and the tiny wee Edradour distillery for a great tour and tasting). However if you want to sit on the balcony or the comfy sofa with panoramic views of the loch and hills around , it's just beautiful. the cottages are immaculately clean, beautifully furnished and generously appointed. The two bedroom cottage has an upstairs open plan lounge with full kitchen, dining and great views. And there's three bathrooms, one for my husband and I and one each for the girls! There's a compact but nice leisure centre with gym, pool, jacuzzi and sauna which we used a couple of times and enjoyed. Again spotless in the changing rooms and really liked the large fluffy towels supplied. The staff here are really helpful and professional and I loved the piper strolling through the grounds playing his bagpipes.........not kidding!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Angus Hotel; City: London England; Review: I stayed here a total of 5 times and would recommend the rooms at the back of the Hotel or those on the 2nd floor as they all seem to be a bit bigger. It's a pity there's no breakfast room but to be honest there are so many coffee shops and places to eat nearby that it really doesn't matter much. However the hotel is very clean,and paintwork, linens etc. very new, and the beds are very comfortable. They have tea and coffee and flat screen TVs and the en suite (whilst tiny) is shiny and bright as well. Okay for one night for a couple, a bit small if there'a much luggage or wardrobe space required. However if you're a lone business traveller the price of a double room for London is great (between £80 & £110 direct) and it's certainly spacious enough. The staff are very nice, and I liked the young eastern European gentleman in reception who was very courteous and helpful and even offered to carry my bags upstairs.......be warned there's no lift so if you don't like stairs ask for a lower floor. The hotel is on a lovely little square, 5 minutes from Kings Cross and very handy for West & North London. I'd definitely recommend it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kyriakos Apartments; City: Lindos Rhodes Dodecanese South Aegean; Review: Stayed in room 9 from 9th October for 1 week. It's definitely noisy, even off peak. The room is street level on the main access road to the lower end of the village so delivery trucks and bin men from 4 am onwards. It's a big room, so cool and spacious enough but if you want to open the curtains on the one window be prepared for passing pedestrians to have a look in. There's a door to the street too, but why would you want to leave that open; the cats would wander in. On a positive note, it's a great location, really close to the little St Paul's bay and 2 minutes from the town centre, but if I'm honest it's just too basic for me. The shower room really needs upgraded, if it's been modernised since the early 80's I'd be surprised. The self catering aspect/ I'd say don't bother. The kettle works but the basic cheap toaster and camp hob don't really support making a meal. In addition to that there was a ridiculously silly assortment of mismatched plates (side only) glasses (2 different size tumblers) bowls and mugs and even less cutlery. Worst of all: COSMOS! Didn't see the rep the whole time.....what do these guys get paid for? In summary: if basic is your thing; you'll probably be ok. It's not for me.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Thurnham Hall by Diamond Resorts; City: Thurnham Lancaster District Lancashire England; Review: We came for the weekend for my husband's birthday, expecting such wonderful things from the recent feedback and room pictures on Trip Adviser but were more than a bit disappointed in the one bedroom apartment (46) we were allocated. It was just so dated, quite shabby and poorly laid out that as a member of Diamond Resorts (Sunterra) for over 15 years, I have to say that this really wasn't what we've come to expect. Although the place was clean and the lounge area very spacious, I hated the bright green stained wooden stair case, the cramped mezzanine bed with no windows (or fan so it was very stuffy) and only a strip of directional spots right above your head for lighting. The appliances were really dated as was the lighting throughout, which was a mixture of candle wall lights, too many spots and a very tired table lamp. The sofa and chairs were faded and the bathroom although huge had a faint unpleasant odour and some cracked tiles. My husband isn't as particular as me so he didn't want to make a fuss and pointed out to me that the place was full anyway so there would be no point asking to move. Sadly I spent quite a bit of the two days peeking longingly through the windows of other apartments and lodges. They were so much nicer. Good points, it's a great location and we liked the canal walks and particularly the Stork along the road for lunch. The young blonde lady on reception was very helpful and friendly and the views are superb. The bed was (as always with Diamond), very comfy. We had glorious weather so spent very little time in the apartment, which I'm glad about. We did eat in the restaurant and had a drink in the bar. The food was quite good but not fabulous, the staff very smiley but very young and inexperienced and price wise, was good value.We used our points to stay here but from the prices advertised it would have been better value to pay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Lido; City: Alassio Italian Riviera Liguria; Review: I'm so pleased we picked the Hotel Lido to stay in on our recent trip to southern France and Liguria in Italy. The hotel is lovely, great site, great views and the staff couldn't be more professional, helpful or courteous. The beach is right at the side of the hotel as is a lovely church and beautiful down town Alassio. The balcony was tiny, but what a view!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chamberlain Hotel; City: London England; Review: Very welcoming gentleman in reception. Lift being refurbed so a free drink voucher for the inconvenience of using a lift not quite so nice. I had a top floor room with a terrace, wow! Small room but very smart and how I wished I'd got there earlier to enjoy the complimentary beer on the roof top. It's not cheap to stay here, but the food is reasonablely priced and smoked duck salad is lovely. The bar is fine and staff are friendly and the location is spot on- 5 minutes from Tower Bridge and Tower of London.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jurys Inn Leeds; City: Leeds West Yorkshire England; Review: Busy hotel. Stayed here before and usually very efficient. Rooms clean and comfortable, staff pleasant and friendly. Last night arrived 7.25, very busy. No bookings allowed in the dining room as they had a large party. Opted for the bar for food which is not my first choice as a lone female traveller. Only one person serving, huge queue and tables all un cleared. Ordered two starters hoping for speed of service; salt and pepper squid (ok but basic calamari rings) and fish cakes which were awful, over cooked rubber. Really dissappointed. Surely a large hotel like this can manage staff levels to cope when it's busy. Plus; slept well. Comfy room and quiet. Location is really good too; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ten Square; City: Belfast Northern Ireland; Review: Great hotel, recently refurbished, with a great lettle bar and ver stylish restaurant. Upgraded yo a wonderful suite on the top floor. Beautiful spacious room with a huge comfy bed. Great stay and looking forward to going back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Beautiful Disaster; Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie McGuire Page; Review: I have to say this is my new fav book, hands down. I fell in love with Travis's character right away. He has that bad boy exterior but inside he is anything but. I will have to say Abby annoys me a little bit and I wanted to slap some sense into her but after awhile she grew on me. Give this book a chance you won't regret it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost and Found: Emi Lost & Found Series : Book One; Author: Visit Amazon's Lori L. Otto Page; Review: I have to start off by saying I love the concept of this book, two friends who are in love with each other. The thing that I could not stand was the characters indecisiveness especially Emu I wanted to knock her head with my fist saying is anyone in there?! With that said its not awful and there are some great parts in the book but it was for the most part irritating me to no end!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Time Stands Still: Emi Lost & Found Series : Book Two; Author: Visit Amazon's Lori L. Otto Page; Review: I have to admit I struggled with the first book. Emi drove me nuts with her indecisiveness, constantly getting mad at Nate, loving him 1 minute hating him the next. With that said I fell in love with all the characters in the book particularly Nate so I was so sad when he was killed off. I loved how the author really showed the struggle . d grief Emi goes through.... Now being a Nate lover I wasn't sure how I would feel about Jack. At first I was put off but than he grew on me. Give this book a chance, I can guarantee you won't regret it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Exorcism; Author: ; Review: All I'm going to say is, don't waste your time with this movie; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Kingpin (An Italian Mafia Romance) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's WS Greer Page; Review: I can't even, this book was horrible. So many grammatical errors. The characters were very one dimensional. I wish I could unread this book; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Vernal (A Royal Protector Academy Novel, Book 1) (The Royal Protector Academy) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Randi Cooley Wilson Page; Review: I can't even describe how much I LOVE this book. I have read over 550 Kindle Books and I have NEVER written a review. This book has made me cry, laugh and shout all within a page of reading. I have to admit I wasn't a big fan of Serena St. Michael at first. I thought she was going to be a whiny little brat. Quickly she had matured and soon became a young lady. Oh and don't get me started on Tristan Gallagher, that man, er, I mean Gargoyle is so damn tasty but so damn stupid at the same time. We got to see our old favorites from The Revelations Series. Of course you have the witty banter between Abby and Callan. I can't wait for the second book to be released next Spring! Give this book a chance and I promise you, you don't regret it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blood Hunter (The Vampire's Mage Series); Author: Visit Amazon's C.N. Crawford Page; Review: Very rarely have I read books straight through without putting them down. C.N Crawford's Blood Hunter Series is definitely one of them. The third book in the series is hands down my favorite. Caine is still as yummy as ever! Oh and Malphas started to grow on me too. Rosalind is still a spitfire and the banter between her and Cleo had me rolling! Read this book, you won't regret it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Crown of Light: Lightness Saga (Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Stacey Marie Brown Page; Review: What can I say? Kennedy was the soft, quiet rabbit in the Darkness series but the way Stacey wrote her character, you knew, there was more beneath the surface. Lorcan Dragen, oh sexy Lorcan. That A-typical bad boy, that we all love to fan over. Him and Kennedy are complete opposites but yet they work. Hot and sexy scenes are scattered throughout this book! This book really ties them together and really puts Kennedy at the fore front and I con not wait for the second book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Agent of Chaos (Dark Fae FBI) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Alex Rivers Page; Review: What can I say? They did it again. This book is exceptional. I love how the first book ebbs into this one nicely. You get to meet Scarlet, Cassandra's friend. She is just as spunky as you might expect! Most of the book, Cassandra is paired up with Gabriel but you do get some glimpses of her and Roan. I am so looking forward to the third book and some more of Cassandra and Roan!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days); Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Ee Page; Review: From the very beginning you get sucked into this book! Penryn is an excellent lead and Raffe is so steaming hot (well in my head he is! ). Penryn is one of those rare female leads that don't irritate me! This author really does have a talent! Pick this book up, you won't regret it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: End of Days; Author: Howard Hughes; Review: I don't know where to start, so I'm just gonna jump right on in. You know how you start to read a book and it's so good, it sucks you in? Yeah this third book def does that. I enjoyed the first 90% off this book and then the ending happened. I'm so disappointed with the dang ending that it ruined the book for me. Great series, so don't pass it up but I just wish the ending wasn't so rushed. I'm really wishing we would of found out what happened to Raffe and Penryn; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Gravity of Us (The Elements Series) (Volume 4); Author: Brittainy C Cherry; Review: Very rarely do I ever write book reviews but when I do, it's because I fell madly and deeply in love with every element of the book. I immediately loved the heroine of the story. Lucy is vibrant and carefree. She isn't boy crazy, stuck up or annoying. She is a refreshment when surrounded by ditzy, annoying leading ladies. Graham is the complete opposite of Lucy. He is her forbidden fruit and she is his. I love how their story unfolds. There are a number of tear jerking moments of this story and there are a number of laughable moments also. Give this book a chance, it is worth it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rusty Nailed (The Cocktail Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Alice Clayton Page; Review: I want to start out by saying that I absolutely LOVED the first book in the series. Simon is so damn sexy and Caroline was funny as hell. To round it out, I enjoyed Clive the cat. Now onto the second. How do I put this, Caroline was an utter BRAT for 95% off this book. She moaned and she complained and waiting patiently for her, was the best boyfriend EVER. She ignored his needs and concentrating on complaining throughout most of the book. I really want to read the third book but I'm afraid it's going to be a repeat of the second. Sigh.....; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Until It Fades: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's K.A. Tucker Page; Review: I really really really wanted to like this book. I love all KA Tucker's previous books. I was really excited when I heard about the premise of this book. This book is about 24 year old diner waitress Catherine Wright. She is a single mom of a 5 year old daughter. There was a scandal that she was involved in when she was 17 years old and quickly became shunted by the town. One night she saved the life a Pro Hockey Player Brett Madden. That's the gist of the book. It's so damn slow and you don't get any action or any kind of romance until waaayyyy past the 50 % mark. I actually skipped lots and lots of pages with this book, which is sad. If you are in to very slow builds then this book is for you. The ending had me asking questions instead of closing out their story; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Raven: Raven Series, book 1 (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's J.L. Weil Page; Review: I don't even know where to begin to describe how terrible this book is. First of all the heroine of the story is extremely rude, an utter brat and all around annoying. The premise of this book was very promising but the story got all jumbled up and a lot of things did not make sense. The main male character of the story Zane is a jerk one minute and then he's nice the other. Again extremely annoying. Let's just say that I skipped a lot of the parts of this book and I will probably not be reading the rest of the series.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Heart of Betrayal: The Remnant Chronicles, Book Two; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary E. Pearson Page; Review: Let me start out by saying I loved Lea in the first half of book one. The second half when she was with Kaden she was extremely whiny. This book, she tries to be all tough and heroic. I loved Kaden, he is my favorite and I don't like how she treated him. Rafe is just as whiny as her. Unfortunately I will not read the third and that's rare for me because usually I have to finish a series. If you can look past Lea's selfishness /whiny ness, then you may enjoy this book; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul; Author: Visit Amazon's Adrian Finkelstein Page; Review: I went into this book with no judgements. I wanted to form am opinion on it after I read it. All this hypnotherapist does throughout the book is tell Sherri about Marilyn and then have her repeat it. This woman does not look like Marilyn, not even slightly, yet the author states that they share many similarities and that Sherri looks just like Marilyn. No, just NO! Don't waste your money; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Wild Strawberries (1957); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gosford Park (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cries and Whispers (1972); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bowling for Columbine (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Gold Rush (1925); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Order: From Cremaster 3 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shadow of the Vampire (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chaplin's Essanay Comedies: Vol. 1 (1915); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dark Days (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Work of Director Chris Cunningham (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Time Machine (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Alice in Wonderland (1951); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Autumn Sonata (1978); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cronos (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Nemesis (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Splendor (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beauty and the Beast (1946); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Insurrection (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dude (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bulletproof Monk (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Scorpion King (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Triplets of Belleville (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Resident Evil (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gigi (1958); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Saragossa Manuscript (1965); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: To Catch a Thief (1955); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jackass: The Movie (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Solaris (1972); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Private Parts (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Garden (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer (1961); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hidden Fortress (1958); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House of Sand and Fog (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Revolutions (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Human Condition II: The Road to Eternity (1959); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Human Condition I: No Greater Love (1959); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Little Otik (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Series 1 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Mighty Wind (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Children of Paradise (1946); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kikujiro (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Floating Weeds (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Six Feet Under: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Early Summer (1951); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Widescreen) (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tokyo Story (1953); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Series 2 (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Andrei Rublev (1966); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Magdalene Sisters (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Strangers with Candy: Season 1 (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nostalghia (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Black Narcissus (1947); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Army of Darkness (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: It's the Great Pumpkin (1966); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mirror (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Little Princess (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Steamroller and the Violin (1960); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Yasujiro Ozu's Good Morning (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Father Ted: Series 1-2 (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Osama (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harvey (1950); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chronicles of Riddick (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Chappelle's Show: Season 1 (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shadows and Fog (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: White Fang (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mysterious Object at Noon (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bell (1958); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rivers and Tides (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The First Year (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Peter Pan (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stuart Little 2 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gnome-Mobile (1967); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Talk to Her (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 5 Films About Christo & Jeanne-Claude (1973); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sacrifice / Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hellboy (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of God (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cinema Paradiso: Director's Cut (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Real Young Girl (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Opening Night (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: BambooMN Bonsai Tool Kit 5pc Basic Care Set; Brand: BambooMN; Review: There are more expensive sets on the market, but this provides me with the basics I needed - a root rake with a spatula atr the other end, precise scissors, a digging tool to help me extract a tree when transplanting. haven't figured out how to use the two broom like devices since I work on a table outdoors that I can hose off when I'm done but if you work inside I'm sure they're useful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Suncast DB12000 Deck Box, 127-Gallon; Brand: Suncast; Review: This deck box was exactly what I was looking for. It assembled quickly, it accommodates all of the clutter that had been strewn about my back deck, and I couldn't ask for more. Except that if I had more clutter, I would've bought a second box.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Liquid Fence 167 Mole Repellent, 1-Gallon Concentrate; Brand: Liquid Fence; Review: I have a huge problem in my flower garden with voles. After three or four applications I still have a vole problem, so I guess this is only for Moles.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bayer Season Long Grub Control - 12 lb. 700710S; Brand: Bayer; Review: Tried all sorts of vole repellent without success. By eliminating grubs I was able to get rid of the voles.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr Grill - 18" Luxury Oak Barbecue Spatula / Turner; Brand: GRILLHOGS; Review: The one item that I've lacked for my grilling activity has been a decent outdoor spatula - I've had to resort to tongs. I received this 18 inch wooden handled spatula for free with a request that I review it in return and I'm pleased to do so. The item comes with a rawhide loop tied to the end which makes grill storage a cinch. The blade is quite wide and of excellent quality, and the length of the oak handle, which is nice shaped, is sufficiently long as to ensure the chef's hand does not get subjected to excessive grilling heat with even the hottest of fires. There's a lot to be said for simplicity, and this item exemplifies exactly that. It is neatly designed, highly functional, it appears that it will easily outlast my outdoor gas grill, and as an added bonus, there's a bottle opener built into the blade just in case you've left your regular bottle opener indoors. If I were in any way dissatisfied with the spatula I'd be most vocal about it. That's not the case - this is a perfectly designed item and I'm glad to own it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Patio_Lawn_and_Garden |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: White Mirrored Jewelry Cabinet Armoire W Stand Mirror Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets; Brand: eHomeProducts; Review: I needed a full-size mirror for my bedroom and I already had a standing jewelry armoire. This product seemed like a great idea because I could get the mirror and do away with the jewelry armoire, so I would have a multi-purpose piece of furniture. I really like it. It is nice-looking and has plenty of space for most of my jewelry. There is ample storage for rings, earrings and pins. I have lots of bracelets and necklaces, so I think this could stand for a few more places to store these items. I, like other reviewers, have an issue with the door closing completely. This is because the bar for bracelets in a bad location. Once you put bracelets on the bar, they meet a side-to-side support inside the cabinet, which prevents the door from closing. This could easily be solved by the manufacturer moving the bracelet bar up slightly to avoid hitting the cross-support. My other complaint is that heavy items are on the door so the door becomes very weighted and can slam shut when tilted. I am very careful with it to avoid this, but sometimes, the door slips out of my hand and it slams shut. I still use the armoire, and you really can't beat the price, but I think it could gain a lot from some minor tweeks to the design.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I`m Not A Princess I`m A Khaleesi Unisex Boy/Girl Baby Grow Vest ~; Brand: Buzz Shirts; Review: We bought this onesie in a 3-month size. It does fit our daughter (who is in 3-month clothing), but the measurements are a little strange. The front of the neck is extremely low when it's buttoned. It seems like the the length from front neckline to buttons needs to be increased slightly and the length from back of the neck to buttons could be decreased. This onesie is cute, and my daughter does wear it, but the fit is odd.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TANZKY Baby Girls Pumpkin Costume My first Halloween Princess Party Dress 4PCS; Brand: TANZKY; Review: This is a super cute Halloween outfit for baby girls! The quality is outstanding! I love the socks with purple ruffles to keep my daughter's legs warm, but also look very feminine. My daughter is almost 5 months old, and will be 5.5 months old on Halloween. So, I bought the 6-9 month size to make sure it isn't too tight. It does fit a little loose on her, but that's perfectly fine. It does not look big. I do want to mention that the tutu piece is connected to the onesie. I thought these would be 2 separate pieces so that I could take the tutu off of her if needed, but they are in fact sewn together. This is no big deal, but wanted to let others know this. The thing that startled me most about this outfit is how the onesie is of such great quality. It is thicker than normal onesies and very soft. It also has a little ruffling on the tops of the shoulders for an extra sassy touch. Everything comes in a vacuum-sealed package and it is exactly as it appears in the picture. Great purchase for baby's first Halloween!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carter's Baby Girls' 2 Pack Pants (Baby) - Blue; Brand: ; Review: These are great everyday pants, especially for those spring and fall days when it's too cold for short outfits but too warm for fleece! These pants are super soft. The colors pretty much match everything else in my daughter's closet. I bought the 6-month size for my 5-month old daughter. They're a little long on her now (to be expected), and mildly loose. But, they stay on without any problem. I really like the ankle part--even those these are a little long for her, they do stay on her legs and don't fall to hide her feet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: var aPageStart = (new Date()).getTime(); var ue_t0=ue_t0||+new Date(); window.ue_ihb = (window.ue_ihb || window.ueinit || 0) + 1; if (window.ue_ihb; Brand: California Costumes; Review: The shoes fit larger than advertised. I saw that in previous reviews, so I sized down, which worked out for me! The soles are a nice, flexible rubber. I realize these are cheap, but I did expect them to at least stay together. I put them on at my house, drove to a Halloween party, and they were broken before I walked in the door at the party. Seriously--they lasted about 30 minutes on my feet, and that was maybe 20 steps total! The strap across the toes came apart from the sole. The straps that go up around the legs won't stay. I tied them several ways and several times, but they continued to fall down. I ultimately just decided just to wrap them around my ankles and tie them. I would not recommend these.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: California Costumes Women's Plus Size Olympic Goddess Costume; Brand: California Costumes; Review: I was very surprised by the good quality of this costume since it was pretty inexpensive. I didn't realize it was a one-shoulder dress since the ladies hair in the picture covers the one shoulder. However, there is a clear strap on that shoulder to help support it, so that worked out. It comes with a headband that matches the detailing on the dress. I wish the headband was elastic, but it ties. No big deal--just preference. It did stay on all night without any adjustments. I'm 5'3" and the dress drug the ground by about an inch. I expected this, but I was mostly indoors at a party, so it wasn't a big deal. I also went barefoot, so if you wear shoes, then you should be good! The round coin comes separately and attaches with a safety pin that's included. The safety pin is very cheap, and bent when I tried putting it through the fabric. You can use a normal safety pin, so no big deal! I like that it detaches, especially for washing, so it won't bang around in the washer and dryer. I've even washed and dried this and it has held up well. I'll be storing this for future dress up occasions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vanity Fair Women's Flattering Lift Full Coverage Underwire Bra 75260; Brand: ; Review: My first thoughts upon receiving this bra was that it's nice looking and a great everyday color. I wore it all day (about 14 hours) and it was never uncomfortable. The band around the abdomen has good elasticity but is taught so it fits well. My favorite and most comfortable part of this bra is the shoulder straps. They are very well made so that they won't dig into your shoulders while also be tight enough that they constantly fall off your shoulder. The cups are lined enough that you won't have any peek through some, and the little push up is nice but not too much. I generally wear Victoria's Secret cotton collection for everyday wear because they are the most comfortable I've found. Now, these Vanity Fair ones have changed my mind. I will not hesitate to buy more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tommy Hilfiger Men's Smooth Lamb Touch Faux Leather Classic Laydown Collar James Dean Jacket; Brand: ; Review: This jacket is very soft on the inside. It's warm while being thin, so it's not heavy to carry around if you need to take it off. My husband typically wears a large shirt, so I got the XL jacket, knowing that he would need some extra room for winter clothes underneath. It fits absolutely perfectly. The sleeves are about an inch and a half too long. My husband is 5'8", and he typically has this problem with jackets so it really is no big deal. Overall this is a great jacket that will be his go-to in cold weather.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sterling Silver Glitter Hoop Earrings; Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: I was hesitant about these earrings at such a low price, but decided to try them. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened them. They come in a little black box, just as they would from a nice jewelry store. The earrings themselves are so pretty. Pictures really can't show how pretty they are. The closure seems very secure. The earrings are extremely lightweight. I wore them awhile and they never hurt my ears. They are also a good size - not too big or too small.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Original Penguin Men's Comfortable Woven Logo Pant; Brand: ; Review: First off, I ordered crystal blue and was sent navy. Not a deal breaker, but it was a surprise. My husband is a very standard size large and these pants were way too tight around the thighs. So much so that the pockets bulge out. It just makes them look sup awkward. Since they're supposed to lounge pants, these only get 2 stars because they aren't comfy at all. The pattern is very cute.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Columbia Women's Ombre Stripe Racerback Bra; Brand: ; Review: I really like the color of this sports bra. It's fun and not your boring black. It has removable pads, which just means you have to keep up with 3 things instead of 1. The pads also don't help - they don't leave anything to the imagination. This bra will work great for low impact workouts in the privacy of your own home, but not much otherwise.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kindred Bravely Amelia Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Pajamas - Pants Set; Brand: ; Review: The pajamas are excellent with one major flaw. Major flaw: the elastic inside the waist band rolls. As in, it doesn't stay put. Every time, I put these on, the waist band is wonky. So, now that's out of the way. I still love these pajamas. I actually bought a 2nd pair even after knowing of the issue of the waist band. I own the navy and the cabernet. Both are lovely, dark colors that probably look great on anyone! The pajamas are so soft - there's no comparison. If soft is what you're after - buy these - you will not be disappointed! The fit is great. Pre-pregnancy, I wear a 14/16 top and 16/18 bottoms. I chose to buy the XXL for an extra roomy fit. When I was about 26 weeks, they were very roomy. Now that I'm 36 weeks, I'm super glad I got the larger size. The waist band does not fit too tightly around my [gigantic] belly, and the shirt is still long enough to cover my belly. I like the cap sleeves because I have broad shoulders and these give a more feminine look. Because of the material and roomy fit, these pajamas are also quite cool. I get very hot flashy when pregnant, so I can't have anything that's too restrictive or warm. These are really great in that respect too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vanity Fair Women's Flattering Lace Bikini Panty 18280; Brand: ; Review: These panties run a little small. I usually wear a 14/16 pants size, and XL panties in other brands typically fit me. However, these are too tight in every way. They're too tight around the legs and the waist. I can put them on, they're just not comfortable. Aside from the sizing, they seem very nice. They are very soft. They keep a brief style panty from being boring because of the lace pattern. If they fit me properly, I think the waist band would probably work well and not roll because it's fairly wide.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dream USA Men's Casual 3/4 Sleeve Baseball Tshirt Raglan Jersey Shirt; Brand: DREAM USA; Review: These shirts run at least a size smaller than normal, so size up! I got one for myself and one for my husband. I had a friend put vinyl on them. They are 100% cotton, so I washed them in cold water and laid them flat to dry. The material is nice - these are good quality t-shirts. My husband's fit well, but these are definitely men's shirts because they aren't cut for women in the chest and hip areas.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Disney Girls' Minnie Mouse Legging Set with Tulle Fashion Top; Brand: ; Review: I ordered this in a 2T for my daughter's 2nd birthday. The outfit is precious. It fits exactly as expected. My daughter is in the 50th percentile for both height and weight. The shirt is much like a tunic. The leggings are jeggings, which match the shirt perfectly because there is some navy in the shirt. I love the red tu-tu look to the shirt. The outfit held up well when washed in cold water and dried on regular heat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kindred Bravely Angelina Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Nightgown Dress; Brand: ; Review: I have some of the Kindred Bravely pajamas and LOVE them, so I decided to give this dress/gown a try. The fabric is wonderful, just like the pajamas. But the top is much too wieldy. There are far too many layers up top and that just makes it hot and bulky. Sure, it's great for nursing, but the rest of the time, it's annoying.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kanu Surf Men's Barracuda Swim Trunks (Regular & Extended Sizes); Brand: ; Review: These fit really well. The fabric feels good. I like all the pockets - there are 4 pockets. There is an inner mesh but it fits well too. Nice colors.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ACORN Easy Bootie Kids Ragg Slipper; Brand: Acorn; Review: These slippers are just ok. They run a little big. My child is in the 50th percentile for height and weight, so I'm assuming her foot size is pretty average. The size of the slipper is HUGE compared to her foot. Though the bottom of the slipper is large, the opening to get her foot in, is a little tight. So, it's hard to wiggle these on my girl. When I do get them on, they make her feet sweat. I'm sure this won't be a problem with all babies, but I guess mine prefers cooler feet! They are really cute. The color is perfect to match holiday pajamas! And, the quality seems really great.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants Pull On Disposable Diapers for Girls Size 5 (3T-4T), 148 Count, ONE MONTH SUPPLY; Brand: Pampers; Review: I have tried multiple brands of training diapers for my daughter. These are by far my favorite. 1. They are SUPER stretchy. I was really impressed with the amount of stretchy material around the legs and waist. It's so good that my daughter, who weighs only 28 pounds, can fit the 3T/4T size (advertised as 30-40 pound). 2. They are very thin. This actually made me nervous at first. We are still at the beginner stage of potty training so I knew there would be accidents. The thin-ness of these training pants implied to me that they would have very little absorbancy. I was wrong. When my daughter wore these at night, there were no leaks, and the diaper was quite full the next morning. And, this makes them less bulky so they're easier to pull up and down. 3. The sides tear easily. Some training pants don't tear easily down these side. These do, which makes changing accidents much easier. 4. They are soft. I think it may also be the extra stretchy material, but the softness really helps it feel more comfortable. Between the stretch, thin-ness, and softness, these training pants are great. They are easier than other to pull up and down when going to the potty.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mossy Oak Men's Front Logo Short Sleeve T-Shirt; Brand: Mossy Oak; Review: This is a nice t-shirt. It's very soft and the seams are well made so they don't cause itching or chafing. The shirt fits true to size and did not shrink when washed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's Filled Soft Shell Two Pocket Double Hooded Trucker Jacket; Brand: ; Review: This is a very nice jacket, but I have a couple of small issues with it. The good stuff: 1. It's quilted and soft on the inside. 2. Lots of pockets - 2 chest pockets outside, 2 hip pockets outside, and 1 inside pockets just below chest level. 3. There is a flap that buttons to hide the zipper which makes it have a nice finished look. 4. The outside is rain proof. 5. It fits well and is true to size. The bad: 1. It makes a lot of noise when you move. The outside material rubbing against itself is very noisy and annoying. 2. The zipper feels a little low quality. As in, it wouldn't surprise me if it breaks tomorrow. But so far, I've had no trouble.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Women's Plus Size 310 Shaping Super Skinny Jeans; Brand: ; Review: I would love these if they were sized appropriately. I am only giving them 2 stars because the size is way off. I usually wear a 16/18 in pants and jeans. I'm apple-shaped so I have large hips and a post-partum belly. These pants would not even go over my hips. I got a size 16 in the skinny jean and they went completely on, and just didn't button. These super skinny jeans in size 18 would fit someone like a 12/14. I understand a skinny or super skinny jean being fitted, but it still has to be cut to the correct measurements, or it should carry a different size on the label. I love the color. - it's super dark blue with pretty stitches along the seams. They are soft and feel good on the skin. through the legs, these fit really close to the body, much like a legging.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Karen Neuburger Karen Neuberger Women's Plus-Size Peri Short Sleeve Henley Nightshirt; Brand: Karen Neuburger; Review: I'm really in love with this brand of pajamas. I've gotten two sets of pajamas from them. One nightgown and one pants and top combination. First off the nightgown is much more colorful in person than it shows in the picture. It has pretty colors that are predominantly blue Periwinkle and a couple shades of pink. All the colors are set on a white background but the picture makes the pattern look very muted and it's not at all. It's some more vibrant pattern. The cut of the nightgown is really nice. It's sized generously. I am a size 16/18. I typically order a 2X when I want things roomy. However I got the 1X in this and it is plenty big in both the bust and the hip area. And I have really big hips so that's saying a lot. I really like the neckline on this it's large without feeling like it's falling off of you. Higher neck lines tend to make me a little claustrophobic and this one is open and feels nice. As far as length goes, I am 5 foot 3 in tall and this hits me just below the knee. The feel of the nightgown is great it just feels like a soft cotton against your skin. It's cool and breezy so it's great for a summer time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Billabong Men's Classic Web Belt; Brand: ; Review: Overall a good solid belt. It is listed as a young men's classic belt but fit me fine as a 30 something adult with a 34" waist and could probably fit a 36" waist. Pros: 1. Seems well made. 2. Material feels nice and seems durable. 3. Works as you would expect and does not slowly loosen throughout the day. 4. Held up in an industrial environment very well. Cons: 1. None - this is a good quality belt.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: SP Silicon Power 64GB SDXC UHS-I Memory Card, Elite Series; Brand: SP Silicon Power; Review: Works as expected.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics 70-Inch Pistol Grip Tripod with Bag; Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: Quick and easy to set up. Sturdy. Heavier than I anticipated but we won't be mountain climbing or hiking with this thing. Purchased for my teenager who's in a photography class at school and it will be a terrific addition to her set-up. Pistol grip is easy and smooth to operate. Would purchase this item again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Piero Lorenzo Blackhead Remover Mask, Blackhead Peel Off Mask, Face Mask, Blackhead; Brand: Piero Lorenzo; Review: Wow! Such a great, clear sound from such a small portable. Runs close to Bose Soundlink Color but for a much cheaper price tag. Fills a medium sized bedroom nicely but won't rattle the shutters. My teens love them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JETech Case for Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 Tablet (T530/T531) with Auto Sleep/Wake, Red; Brand: JETech; Review: Fit is perfect and quality isn't bad for such a low priced cover. My partner loves it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Xbuds Extreme Audio SP-36 Mini Portable Speaker with Rechargeable Battery with Carrying Pouch; Brand: Xbuds; Review: Great little speaker for on-the-go. Gets louder than I'd anticipated and I haven't noticed any noise or muddy sound quality. Not the best on bass but wasn't expecting it to be. Great sound for such a low price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Cable - A-Male to Micro-B - 3 Feet (0.9 Meters); Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: These work well with our Galaxy S5s - no fitment issues and charge our devices as quickly as the original from Samsung.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Klipsch SB 120 TV Sound System with Bluetooth Wireless Technology (Black); Brand: Klipsch; Review: I could not be happier with my purchase. The SB120 took all of 5 minutes to remove from the box and set-up. I utilize it in a moderate sized bedroom and the volume and bass are spectacular for my needs. I did try it out in my living room, and although the sound was loud and crisp with complimentary highs and lows, it did sound a little "puney" but I'm certain that it's because of the space it was in - a very large open space with high ceilings. I highly recommend this speaker system for anyone looking to improve the tiny sound of modern flat panel TVs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reolink PoE Camera 4MP Super HD Home Security Outdoor Indoor Video Surveillance Support Night Vision, Motion Detection, Audio, Remote; Brand: REOLINK; Review: I had this camera up and running in a matter of minutes. While the initial video quality was substandard due to frequent distortions, a quick response from ReoLink solved the problem with instructions on how to update the firmware. The quality of the video is close to that of my Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I and I plan to supplement my surveillance system with more of these cameras. ReoLink's customer support is outstanding and I have no problem recommending this camera for the budget minded. I've only had this camera running for a few days but I will update my review over time as needed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soyan UWatch U8 Smartwatch WristWatch Phone Touch Screen Mate For Android (Full functions)(Black); Brand: SOYAN Technology; Review: While this review in no way reflects the seller - the device was packaged well and delivered within two days - the watch itself is junk, at least for me, using a Galaxy S5. I was able to pair the watch with my phone, albeit briefly, but frequent disconnects render this device useless. Frequent "Sorry, apk exception, will exit" errors from the btnotification app as well as every other bluetooth notifier app I could find in the play store. I wasn't expecting much from a device that cost less than $20 but I'm disappointed, never-the-less, that I wasted money that I could've used to purchase an analog watch that actually works. Save your money and buy an analog watch or spend more and get one of the mainstream branded smart watches that are of better quality and will more than likely function. I will update this review if I find a solution that works.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: LIHIT LAB Laptop Sleeve with Storage Pockets (Bag-in-Bag), Orange, 10 x 13.8 Inches (A7554-4); Brand: LIHITLAB; Review: This is perfect for carrying my BUJO and a few pens, markers, washi samples, stickers and strait edge. It's well made, stitching is heavy duty, zippers are smooth and it's attractive. I love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Inca Hoteles Los Andes; City: Los Andes Valparaiso Region; Review: Hotel, pool, restaurant, good breakfast, attentive staff. Los Andes leaves a lot to be desired for the tourist - no restaurants to speak of, leaving you to eat in the hotel - not bad, just a little pricey. Business-like hotel - premier inn/character-less style. Large bathroom and shower; big beds; air con. Drive to Portillo ski resort takes about 1hr 30mins - end of September not a problem, but we weren't there for the ski season. Lovely surrounding countryside. Table de France restaurant a good find (if you can find it!! - see review) Hotel easy to find, parking onsite.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Boutique Sutherland House; City: Valparaiso Valparaiso Region; Review: We stayed here for two nights in September and had a lovely time. The room was very comfortable with lovely views over the bay; the only downsides were that the bathroom was small and sound proofing in the room was poor (although this is the case in much of Chile!), however this did not prevent a good nights sleep. The sunrise is worth waking up for. Hotel staff were friendly and accommodating - recommending good restaurants - they also make good pisco sours. Car parking was not a problem for our small rental car. We would definitely stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Casa Chueca; City: Talca Maule Region; Review: After a 5 hour drive south, arriving was a relief - so peaceful. Slightly tricky to find having to negotiate Talca; coming off Ruta 5 too early was the problem we subsequently discovered. We arrived at the very beginning of the season - the swimming pool was not yet full (and only was when we left, although still not in use) - a minor inconvenience however as the weather wasn't quite warm enough. On being shown to the room - first impressions simple and a bit dark and cool. This soon changed as we were shown how to operate the heating. Room became quite snug thereafter, and extra blankets were definitely required for the mornings. Casa Cheuca is a fair way from Talca, and it would be difficult to get around without a car. You'd need to book everything with Casa Chueca and get taxis/buses. This would soon get expensive - we had a rental car, but on talking to other guests they confirmed this. Don't let it put you off staying here, but just factor it into any budget. (taxi to talca around CLP7000) Food excellent - didn't eat out in Talca once; vegetarian cuisine, but tasty vegetarian (from a complete carnivore). Breakfast normal Chilean spread of cereal, fruit, bread, jams, cheese, juice, coffee, tea etc Staff super friendly, mostly tri-lingual (spanish / german / english) reflecting the diverse origin of guests. Very friendly feel, everyone chatty and interested. Communal feel to the place. This might not suit everyone. Lots to entertain you in the grounds - walking to the river lircay, playing pingpong, admiring the views, playing pool. Slightly biased towards younger people? (The owners have two small children) Super base from which to explore - Constitucion about 2hrs drive; 7 Tazas National Park 2.5 hours (beware the 30kms unmade road; waterfalls amazing though!); Altos Vilches National Park 1.5hrs (stunning views). Talk and take advice from staff - they know the area very very well; super restaurant recommendations available! (Duao - Donde Gilbert - good seafood and amazing views) Definitely stay for at least 2 nights - there's plenty to do! Would definitely go back to Casa Chueca.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Posada Colchagua; City: Santa Cruz O Higgins Region; Review: We booked two nights at Posada at the very beginning of the season by email during our holiday in Central Chile. Leonor responded quickly confirming our reservation (and actually emailed us once we had left wishing us a safe return journey). On arrival - bottle of wine, two glasses, one table in the (slightly overcast and cool) sunset. Good start. Room had lovely king size bed (very comfy) and a wood burner (very useful for the cool/cold evening!). Fresh flowers in the bathroom and use of the hose to wash the hire car just a couple of example of 'above and beyond' service. Leonor provided a local map - very useful - and recommended a local restaurant. Recommendation excellent - table was booked by her and the staff were waiting for us on arrival. Lovely meal. Vineyards also were highlighted to us, and these also were extremely nice. (It feels that everyone in Colchagua Valley knows eachother...we ran into familiar faces from the restaurant and vineyards) A very relaxing and relaxed stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Park Avenue Hotel; City: Belfast Northern Ireland; Review: Whilst it was not me staying at the hotel (my fiancée was here on business) I feel compelled to leave a positive message for the hotel. Being valentines day, I wanted to leave flowers for her. I duly ordered from a popular online florist, and then rang reception to ask whether they would hold on to the delivery for her return. Not only did they take the delivery, they ensured the flowers were in her room, together with petals scattered on the table. Small things, but it's a sure sign that they value their customers and their experience. Top marks. (I think it was Shelly - a name similar? - I spoke to on reception; deserves a gold star!); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 71 Nyhavn Hotel; City: Copenhagen Zealand; Review: Great hotel location, view over the canals. Staff excellent. Breakfast delightful. Lobby super friendly and nice to sit in with service from the bar (separate to hotel but desserts and beer excellent) Slightly out of the way for some attractions but don't let that put you off. Would certainly stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Don'ts For Husbands; Author: Visit Amazon's Blanche Ebbutt Page; Review: It's a very small book. Be aware. Tinsy.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 100,000 + BABY NAMES:The Most Complete Baby Name Book; Author: Visit Amazon's Bruce Lansky Page; Review: Really really comprehensive, albeit many not that useful, list of baby names. A "favorite" of mine and my husband's was "Clitia" which is Greek for something about keeping yourself clean...That being said--we named our daughter who is due in 9 days by finding a name in this book that we both could finally agree on--so it served it's purpose beautifully.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Baby Animals Black and White; Author: Visit Amazon's Phyllis Limbacher Tildes Page; Review: My kid legit stares at this, mezmorized.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hello, Bugs! (Black and White Sparklers); Author: Visit Amazon's Smriti Prasadam Page; Review: I bought this book for my infant, she preferred other black and white picture books to this one, but it is cute.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ART: 365 Days of Masterpieces 2018 Desk Calendar; Author: The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Review: Beautiful prints but a PITA to change from day to day. You have to flip the pages and reinsert them into the easel instead of tearing them off.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: WIX Filters - 42488 Air Filter Panel, Pack of 1; Brand: Wix; Review: ARRIVED QUICK AND WORKS GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bestop 16211-01 EZ Fold Truck Tonneau Cover for 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 (w/o bed management; Brand: Bestop; Review: I HAVE BOUGHT TWO OF THESE! LOVE THEM AND VERY EASY TO INSTALL!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Depo 334-50016-377 Dodge Ram Tailgate Door Handle; Brand: Depo; Review: DELIVERED FAST FITS GREAT AND SIMPLE TO INSTALL; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Custom Coat BLACK 6 Liter Urethane Spray-On Truck Bed Liner Kit with (FREE) Custom Coat Spray Gun with Regulator; Brand: Custom Shop; Review: LOOKS GOOD BUT DOESNT HOLD UP VERY WELL. IF YOU HAD DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF PRODUCT THAT IT COMES WITH IT WOULD PROBABLY BE GREAT. JUST NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE IT VERY THICK.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Led Light Bar ANNT; Brand: ANNT; Review: HAD THIS INSTALLED ON MY KAWASAKI MULE. HOLDY CRAP IS IT BRIGHT! ITS LIGHTS UP MY WHOLE PASTURE WHEN CHECKING ON LIVESTOCK AT NIGHT. BUY IT!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ACDelco CF194 GM Original Equipment Retrofit Cabin Air Filter without Cover; Brand: ACDelco; Review: my truck didn't even have one!! why list it if its not even an available part!!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech Front Mud Flap for Select Chevrolet/GMC Models (Set of 2); Brand: WeatherTech; Review: easy to install and looks great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech 120010 Rear Mud Flap for Select Chevrolet Models (Set of 2); Brand: WeatherTech; Review: easy to install and looks great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech 86426 Custom Fit Front & Rear Side Window Deflectors for Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab, Dark Smoke; Brand: WeatherTech; Review: looks great and very simple to install.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BMW 51-41-8-408-567 Cover (, Locking Button:5140802); Brand: BMW; Review: fast shipping and easy to install; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech (84740 Side Window Deflector, Front/Rear, Dark Smoke; Brand: WeatherTech; Review: easy to install and looks great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech 446071-445422 1st and 2nd Row FloorLiner; Brand: WeatherTech; Review: love these!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: K&N Performance Cold Air Intake Kit 63-3087 with Lifetime Filter for GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel; Brand: K&N; Review: only took a few minutes to install and shipped fast. thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech Custom Fit Stone & Bug Deflector for Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab, Dark Smoke; Brand: WeatherTech; Review: what can i say... its weather tech, gotta love it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech Custom Fit Front & Rear Side Window Deflectors for Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 1500, Dark Smoke; Brand: WeatherTech; Review: love these and so easy to install; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WeatherTech 440661 Custom Fit Front FloorLiners (Black); Brand: WeatherTech; Review: always good quality. perfect fit every time; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Bone Clocks Limited Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's David Mitchell Page; Review: Slow; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Haddon Page; Review: OK read, quick, a little predictable.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane CD: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Neil Gaiman Page; Review: It's an easy read. A tad predictable but good.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Brooklyn: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Colm Toibin Page; Review: Easy yet captivating Era novel. Toibin is a superb writer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Dress; Author: Visit Amazon's Rachel Hauck Page; Review: Easy reading, interesting.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Nightingale: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Kristin Hannah Page; Review: Excellent book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Smart Mouth Waitress (Life in Saltwater City, #2); Author: Dalya Moon; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: qwirky. Great humor. I recommend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Husband's Secret; Author: Liane Moriarty; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I loved the characters. I listened to the audio version and loved the accent. The characters are well developed. There's a variety of characters, so that I found myself relating more to Tess but I can see where some people may relate better to Cecelia or Rachel. I really enjoyed the ending of the story including the fun twists in the epilogue.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rebel (The Moorehouse Legacy, #1); Author: Jessica Bird; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Not a bad cheesy romance I love JR Ward Brotherhood series and Fallen Angel series so I tried out this one in ebook with narration. The narration wasn't bad except the male voices. The main male character, Nate, sounded exactly like Millhouse from the Simpsons. (It took about half the story for me to pinpoint it.) That totally wrecked the sexiness of the character for me. I think I would have been better off reading instead of listening.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic; Author: Emily Croy Barker; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book was mighty long. I really enjoyed the topic and the writing style. It really flowed.... except for the names. The author was really "creative" with the names - and I struggled over them each time I came to one of the weird names. I find that really distracting - it pops me out of the story. I think the tale could've been told more succinctly - but, until I read any follow up books, I cannot say that it is unnecessarily long. I love the tie in to Pride and Prejudice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Children of the Dust; Author: Louise Lawrence; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I first read this book in middle School. I borrowed it from my middle schools library. It really left an impression on me. A few years later when my brother was in middle School I made him take the book out so I could read it again. A few years ago, I bought a copy on Amazon so I could reread it. I still loved it. I love the post-apocalyptic genre and I think this book was my introduction. I have also always had a scared fascination with nuclear war. Another theme of this book is evolution. I think this book may have been my first glimpse into the idea that evolution may take huge leaps due to environmental challenges. I'm intrigued by this idea and have read a number of books with this theme.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar; City: Mumbai Maharashtra; Review: One of the best places in mumbai we always prefer to stay here. The lobby is elegant check in was smooth also big specious rooms compare to other property. Having a 24 hours spa is a big advantage. But the cafe breakfast and dinner is the best amoung all hester bharat makes its very easy also in dinner Chef aniket was very helpful. Special mention chef shradhha on woffel counter was sweet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar; City: Mumbai Maharashtra; Review: I had stay at sahar marriott,our all day dining restaurant was superb thebreakfast buffet is an exhaustive spread like indian,japanese , european ..i like the waffles a lot itsbestin town , i had breakfast many times but i could cover all food.masala chai was newfor me but i loved it Cafe incharge Anusuya tamta and annu always attentive and prompt....i am happy to recommend to my team and frieds.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar; City: Mumbai Maharashtra; Review: One of my favourite hotel in Mumbai. Services are mind blowing and people arw lovable. I stay in this property not becuase of 5 star but because of people. Specially want to mention. Pradeep from In room dining, Dinesh, Annu, Priyanka & Hester from JW cafe. Want to thank each and every team member. Thank you for taking of me during every stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar; City: Mumbai Maharashtra; Review: I am terribly fond of luxury stays at hotels.this is my 3 trip to india i stayed at many hotels in my life, service level that is truly great. staff is simply amazing. you get to know that when you are treated with respect, one that is coming from their own self pride of what they do. they actually feel joy helping their guests in a way i didn’t see before one thing to be professional and another level when you enjoy it. so many little things that i can’t list, but for sure if ever you are in mumbai, come and experience this subtle hospitality of the kind people of india. it’s not cheap, actually, it is really expensive, but, you get what you pay for, for sure. many many "thanks" to anusuya ,dinesh , hester ,Pankaj for your great service at café during my breakfast . i am not sure if it’s the training or the requirement, but it’s working well. Hope to bring my FAMILY someday and enjoy this hotel and Mumbai with her.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar; City: Mumbai Maharashtra; Review: When i visited this hotel i felt like home, housekeeping were very very honest as i left my stuff,and special thanks to Ms.Aisha she helped me alot during my stay and she took a great care of me and she make me feel as if i am talking to my sister she is very friendly to speak to .; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Baechtel Creek Inn; City: Willits Mendocino County California; Review: this place is prob. the most cleanist place your gonna find but the price is unreal 135.00 a night and thats with AAA for an out dated really small room come on if you travle u know eevn the cheap little motels have at least a flat screen tv. the women who checked us inn on the p.m shift was really rude and not friendly my husbend had just got off work and he was a little dirty in need of a shower so she told us they had no rooms then some one in the back told her that they had a few rooms left so she had to rent us one as long as we had a 500.00 doller deposit lol. they take inventory on everything if you need a pool towel you have to check them out. come on now this is suppost to be a nice place where u come to relax not have your every move inventoried lol i'll never stay here again iam going to best western in the morning 85.00 a night and i can come and go as i please the. rooms have just been remodeled and are way bigger and a little more up to date hope this helps; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn Suites; City: Weed California; Review: so if your going to visit weed your not going to find many rooms that are decent there are only to hotels in the area that don't look or smell like something or someone died in them that's the comfort inn and the quality inn of course the best choice is comfort inn as far a cleanliness goes but the quality inn has one thing over on them thats there staff they are an amazing group of people that will cater to your every whim if something is not to liking they will go out of there way to fix it for you the house keeping however are another story worst house keeping i have ever seen if your going to stay here bring your own cleaners,broom,mop and vac no joke this place needs new housekeeping staff a.s.a.p but all in all were are having a good visit here with them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bear River Casino Resort; City: Loleta Humboldt County California; Review: Are stay here was very nice the rooms are clean and spacious the beds are great the service is wonderful the staff are amazing and the price is so well worth it we would stay again in a heart beat I have nothing bad to say at all about our stay and we stayed here for a week it was great if your gonna stay in lolita stay here !!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn Suites Redwood Country; City: Fortuna Humboldt County California; Review: i was very happy with our stay here the rooms were nice and clean and the rates were also good.one of the best place's to stay if visiting fortuna its just as nice as the holiday inn express and way cheaper :). the only thing that bugged me was the owner i guess she is there every day and she is very rude i had a late check out 12:00 pm and every 15 min. she kept asking if i was out of the room yet. i am a friendly person and i say hi with a smile to everyone but she wouldn't give me the time of day very rude. on the other hand the young lady that works the morning shift april she is very sweet and helpful tumbs up to her! all in all i would stay here again i would just avoid the owner lol!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clarion Inn Near JBLM; City: Tacoma Washington; Review: Ok so the room was cheap and we were soooooo tired that we just had to sleep but that didn't happen the rooms were so dirty and disgusting we were afraid to sleep on the mattress even with our own sheets I put my blankets on top and didn't even cover in them It was all I could do to run out of the room first thing in the morning this place should be shut down any one who gives this motel a good review must be working for them to prove this I have added pictures don't waste your money or risk your health by staying here; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Vacaville Napa Valley; City: Vacaville California; Review: The hotel is very clean everyone working here is very friendly and attentive we have been staying here for a few days and wouldn't want to stay anywhere else thank you Hampton for being such an inviting hotel ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites Ogden; City: Ogden Utah; Review: We had a really great stay here the rooms were clean and fresh I know I seen a few bad reviews but maybe they were just mad or something because our rooms were vary nice! The staff were very friendly thank you. Especially Sterling and Rachel they made our stay even better; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home2 Suites By Hilton Salt Lake City Layton UT; City: Layton Davis County Utah; Review: This hotel is awesome! The best extended stay hotel ever made. The rooms are clean and very big. Most extended stay rooms are gross at best but this one is truly nice. The rooms are modern and up to date there are cupboards all over and the staff are great very friendly. There is also this divider curtain which keeps the living area separate from the sleeping area and makes it fell like less of a hotel.Thank you home 2 suites for making our stay great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn; City: Logan Utah; Review: We really enjoyed staying here the people were very friendly and accomadating the rooms were clean and beds very comfortable I have to say we would stay again no questions asked. And if your I. The need to hear a good joke see Scott he's funny lol.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy; Brand: Baby Einstein; Review: Makes my 2 month old granddaughter laugh and smile every time it plays! Plus the music is not obnoxious ( like so many other musical toys); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GrrillaStraps Tree & Patio Swing Mounting Straps for Hammocks, Bench, Spinner, Tire & Platform Swings (2 Straps with Safety; Brand: GrrillaStraps; Review: It came with no instructions for installation! And I cannot find anything on the web for Grrilla straps.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Sassy Rattlin Rings, Blue/Black; Brand: Sassy; Review: A must have toy for 3month- to 12 month. Sturdy and colors seem to keep their attention- along with sound and moving parts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Musical Farmyard Cube; Brand: Melissa & Doug; Review: Too loud too cumbersome; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Musical Activity Gym, Woodland Friends; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: Flimsy construction but still attractive. Won't last for very long/ only one child lifespan. But ok for this price; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sassy My Own Monster & Light-Up Caterpillar 2 Pack (Discontinued by Manufacturer); Brand: Sassy; Review: Not sure why, but my granddaughter is enamored with this toy. And having two is great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Melissa & Doug Farm Friends Hand Puppets (Set of 4) - Cow, Horse, Sheep, and Pig; Brand: Melissa & Doug; Review: For the price these are sturdy, soft and cute. However, I did not give these 5 stars because they are very difficult to keep on your hand. There is no room for a finger(s) inside the head area so it constantly slips up and off your hand - very frustrating for parent and children!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Little Tikes Treasure Hunt Sand and Water Table; Brand: Little Tikes; Review: My 18 month old loves this- just be alert to putting cover on if it is going to rain as there are no drainage holes; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Step2 Easy Turn Coupe, Green Ride On; Brand: Step2; Review: As always the quality of this company is great! Instructions and assembly difficult. I literally got a blister from cranking down screws. Also, no easy way to put floorboards in and out. Have to remover screws every time; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bubble Madness Automatic Bubble machine with AC Adapter - Bo Toys; Brand: Bo-Toys; Review: Broken- and obviously had been opened before; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Healing of Families: How To Pray Effectively for Those Stubborn Personal and Familial Problems; Author: Yozefu B. Ssemakula; Review: Various clergy and laypersons who we know have either read this book, or have attended seminars conducted by Fr. Ssemakula. There are reports of great physical, emotional and spiritual healings in their families; despite the many healings reported, many concerns about theological contradictions and new spiritual teaching in the book have also been expressed. Because of their reports, The Fathers of Mary decided to take a closer look at the book. Their primary concerns, stated as simply as possible, are the following: 1. A theological and spiritual work, like The Healing of Families, written by a Catholic priest, should not be published without ecclesiastical approbation. Fr. Ssemakula's work was reviewed and rejected for Church approval. Bishop Parkes' official statement: [url]. Despite the rejection due to theological errors, he still published it. Fr. Ssemakula told attendees at the clergy only conference in February of 2014, that his bishop had told him there was no need for an imprimatur, and there were [other] bishops who have offered him an imprimatur on his book. This was a misrepresentation of the truth; no imprimatur can be granted while there are theological errors. His book and ministry is currently under review once more by the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. 2. There are serious problems with the way in which God is portrayed, making Him into a helpless nice guy who is outmaneuvered by Satan. He seems to be portrayed as having two distinct wills, which is theologically erroneous. This is a caricature of the God whom we worship as Catholic Christians. 3. The reckless use of absolute terms, when speaking about God and Satan, breaks from the Mystery of God and the angelic realm; reducing healing to a mechanical system of saying the right prayers. 4. This book overemphasizes physical healing, thereby leaving the most important kind of healing spiritual healing in a secondary position. 5. In the book there is a seriously diminished idea of the mission of Jesus Christ that He came mainly to heal when, in fact, He came to suffer and die to save us from sin and from eternal death. Jesus worked healings to prepare the people for His spiritual mission as Redeemer. 6. This diminished understanding of the mission of Jesus Christ leads to serious problems with the book's presentation of human suffering. This book presents suffering as almost always unnecessary, and therefore wasted, and that it is outside of God's will for us. It fails to acknowledge the great good that God can do in our lives through sufferings. In essence, there is a radical misconception of the Cross of Jesus Christ in this book, and with it, an implicit denial of the importance of the cross in our lives as Christians. This book presents sufferings as coming (almost always) from the machinations of the Evil One, and therefore, outside of the realm of Divine Providence (God's plan for our eternal happiness in heaven). It also asserts that REAL suffering is reserved exclusively for the saints alone; a direct contradiction to the Doctrine of Redemptive Suffering. Fr. Ssemakula lists Pope St.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Innocence; Author: Visit Amazon's Dean Koontz Page; Review: It started slow and at times I found the narrator's language to be overly flowery. That being said, the mysteries abounded and kept me reading because I do desperately wanted to know what the revealed. And what they revealed was worth the wait! Ultimately, this book is far deeper and richer than you'd think, and the major metaphysical and philosophical questions it wrestles with are not revealed until the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dad Is Fat; Author: Visit Amazon's Jim Gaffigan Page; Review: Jim Gaffigan is hilarious - as usual! I particularly love the wholesome values and faith that underline everything he says and does. He's not preachy, so you may miss the depth if you're not paying attention. Even when he's poking fun, it's clear this man loves his family and his faith.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids; Author: Kristen A Jenson; Review: f you have an 11-year-old (or older), theyve probably seen porn. Most kids don't look at porn once they keep looking. There is good neuroscience behind the attractive and even addictive nature of pornography, both written and visual. Talk to your kids about porn when they are 710 years old, before they start encountering it on their own. HIGHLY recommend the book Good Pictures, Bad Pictures as a way to preemptively address it in a way that maintains innocence while equipping kids & parents with the skills they need to avoid the addictive trap of pornography. We've also used this book with our kids to help teach them the skills they need to know how to respond BEFORE first exposure. It's not a 'religious' book - it uses easy-to-understand science and simple analogies to teach children what pornography is, why its dangerous, and how to reject it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fields of Wrath (Luis Chavez); Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Wheaton Page; Review: I selected this as one of the monthly books I am eligible to get with my Prime membership. I was surprised to find it such deep and reflective plot and characters in a suspense novel. I was most pleased with the depiction of the Catholic Church and particularly the main character priest. The author manages to create religious characters that are rich and deep - with complex motivations. Instead of relying on the shallow 'fallen priest' or 'savior priest' tropes, these priests are sinners who struggle to actively listen to the voice of God and then follow His will in their lives - with varying degrees of success. The exploitation of undocumented workers that forms the basis of the plot was challenging in that the descriptions and depictions were likely more fact than fiction. Overall, the idea that one man CAN make a difference is a good one - even if he does so at the risk of life and limb.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Behold the Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Catholic Mass; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Hart Page; Review: "Entertainment is often the replacement when mystery is lacking" (pg 19). This book is simple, easy to read, and practical. The author manages to entertain while he inspires the reader to engage in the deeper mystery of our celebration of and participation in the Mass. I found this book to be a great introduction for those who aren't quite ready for the deeper and more in-depth Edward Sri's Biblical Walk Through the Mass A Biblical Walk Through The Mass: Understanding What We Say And Do In The Liturgy. As a parent of middle school and elementary aged children, I found Mark's descriptions to have theological depth while still being clear and simple enough for me to use when talking to my own children about the Mass.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Boy's Body Book: Third Edition: Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU; Author: Kelli Dunham; Review: Was looking for the a boys' version of The Care & Keeping of You and this is it. It is a great book to cover the changes that a boy will experience (physical and emotional) as he moves through adolescence. It is most appropriate for boys just at the beginning stages of adolescence. It was important to me to find resources for our sons that would help them through this time that uplifted our religious and family values. This book does not do that, but because it is absent of moral judgments, it leaves the door open for my husband and I to infuse those values as we discuss those issues. My husband gave the book to our 10 year old son, explained to him what it was and why he was giving it to him, and asked him to read one chapter at a time and then the two of them will discuss it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rediscover Jesus; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Kelly Page; Review: Looking to step it up a bit for Lent this year? I cannot recommend Matthew Kelly's Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation highly enough. If you have looked at this book and others like it before (maybe even passed them on to someone else), but thought they're not really meant for you - you're wrong. If you think your spiritual life is too advanced for a book like this, you're wrong. If you don't like Matthew Kelly and have therefore dumped this book into the "that's probably very nice, but it's not for me" category, you're wrong. If you walked past it on the back table at church thinking "someone else probably needs it more than me," you're wrong. It doesn't matter where you are in your faith journey - whether you and Jesus are besties or you're not even really sure if he's for real or anywhere in between - this book can be for you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dad Is Fat; Author: Jim Gaffigan; Review: Jim Gaffigan is hilarious - as usual! I particularly love the wholesome values and faith that underline everything he says and does. He's not preachy, so you may miss the depth if you're not paying attention. Even when he's poking fun, it's clear this man loves his family and his faith.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: God Speaks Your Love Language: How to Feel and Reflect God's Love; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary Chapman Page; Review: I love the idea of this book so much. It just didn't really get to the depths I was hoping for. While he hits on certain ways God may be speaking our Love Language to us, there seem to be so many more examples that could have drawn readers in to God's love. The best part about this book was the way it encouraged me to think about the many ways God speaks our Love Language to us (beyond what's actually suggested in the book). It has helped me in my evangelization efforts to desire to connect each person I encounter with the expression of God's love that will best resonate with them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The "R" Father: 14 Ways to Respond to the Lord's Prayer; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Hart Page; Review: Many would say the most important prayer we can say is the "Our Father" Why? Because Jesus himself taught us this prayer! And yet, it is so easy to fall into the rote repetition of the words of this classic prayer without really engaging our hearts with it. More than a series of petitions, the Lord's Prayer is a way for us to connect deeply with the heart of our heavenly Father. In The "R" Father, popular Catholic author Mark Hart reflects on each of the words and phrases of the Our Father, he emphasizes the intimate relationship that God desires to have with us. By breaking down this prayer into bite size pieces, Hart makes the depth and richness of this prayer come a live in a new way. Despite having been a cradle Catholic who has said more "Our Fathers" than I could ever count, I had no idea of the deep meaning underlying each phrase. One of the great things about this book is the author's easy to read and grounded writing style. Hart masterfully blends wit and wisdom in a way that leaves no doubt that the Holy Spirit is working through his words. I highly recommend this read to the beginner as well as the more advanced prayer warrior. It has changed the way I will say this most important prayer...forever!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tweet Inspiration: Faith in 140 Characters (or Less); Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Hart Page; Review: This book contains short snippets of wisdom, faith, and humor that can be used to encourage conversation or provoke thought. Consider reading a few at dinner each night and talking about them with the family. I stashed the book in the bathroom for some evangelization from the toilet for family members & guests.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross; Author: Carl Laferton; Review: This book is outstanding for anyone looking to proclaim the kerygma to children. It tells each movement of the central story of our faith in a clear and meaningful way. Many books of this kind tell The Great Story, but omit that it requires a response from us. Not so with this book; the final page includes an encouragement and suggestion for how we respond to the Good News. Simple language, one or two sentences per page, and outstanding illustrations (including a non-white Adam & Eve with tribal markings) send this over the top as far as children's books go. Because it is such a simple and basic message, it works for any Christian. In particular, I would recommend it as an essential resource for Catholics looking to live out the Church's call for the New Evangelization.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Bob Schuchts Page; Review: Incredible book with solid theological foundations. I have recommended over and over again for people struggling with issues like anxiety, panic, and depression. The methods in the book integrate physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of who we are to help understand healing. The practical tips, reflections, exercises, and prayers that are offered throughout allow the pweron to walk through their own journey of healing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More; Author: Jean M. Twenge PhD; Review: A little nugget of fantastic wisdom from iGen: Why Todays Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happyand Completely Unprepared for Adulthood by Jean Twenge. A must read for anyone who wants to understand how to parent, teach, employ, minister to or market to anyone born between 1995-2012.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Anna Karenina; Author: Leo Tolstoy; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Enjoyed a lot but relatively slow pace.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Last Train to Istanbul; Author: Ayse Kulin; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A nice book to read, never too emotional although there were some sad/tense moments. I enjoyed it more from about half way through and enjoyed getting to know the characters throughout. A happy book in many ways although with some stories not ending as you would perhaps hope. The psychiatrists view on Sabiba's character was very interesting.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Constant Gardener; Author: John le Carre; Genres: history, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: First foray into John le Carre and I am hooked. The characters develop throughout that book until you feel like you have known them for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cellist of Sarajevo; Author: Steven Galloway; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Second time reading this book, this time on the way to Sarajevo which it inspired me to visit. The repetition of the opening sentences, the beauty of Albinoni's adagio and the fact that I am a cellist myself make this all the poignant. The city it describes is as fascinating as you would expect having read the book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sun Also Rises; Author: Ernest Hemingway; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Not one I hugely enjoyed, probably because it was beyond my level literature. Possibly I would get more out of it on the second reading but am not sure I wish to go back. The characters are well developed and have enormous personalities, unfortunately I didn't really like any of them which was a shame.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: All the Light We Cannot See; Author: Anthony Doerr; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: A fascinating depiction of what it is to be blind, regardless of the time in which you live, as well as an interesting and new angle through which to see Hitler's war machine. The characters are full of colour and depth and their meetings all too often too short.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Mauviel Made In France M'Passion 2191.26 Copper 10-Inch/4.6L/4.9-Quart Egg White Bowl with Ring; Brand: Mauviel; Review: great bowl; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chrome Bottle Pourers Set of 6; Brand: Franmara; Review: grat product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pinzon Signature 190-Gram Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Sheet Set - Queen, Cream; Brand: Pinzon by Amazon; Review: excellent product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pinzon Signature 190-Gram Cotton Heavyweight Velvet Flannel Pillowcases - Standard, Cream; Brand: Pinzon by Amazon; Review: good product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rachael Ray 53253 Stoneware EVOO and Vinegar Dispensing Bottle, 13-Ounce and 24-Ounce, Set of 2, Red; Brand: Rachael Ray; Review: great product; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: (12 Pack) ChefLand Stainless Steel Seafood Picks, Lobster / Crab Fork, 8-Inch; Brand: ChefLand; Review: great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twirl-a-Tie Tie Rack/Organizer; Brand: Evriholder; Review: works well; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Bird Flowers Trees Gorgeous Spring Cotton Red Soft Throw Pillow Covers Pillowcase Decor Cushion Slipcovers Square 18x18 Inch; Brand: Leaveland; Review: really nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Viva Wyndham Maya An All Inclusive Resort; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: The hotel and it's staff were very accomodating. The weather was terrible and just our luck everyone says they have never seen it rain so much but that didn't matter we just drank more.lol. A member of the staff was designated to keep the teens busy through the day so our 14 yr old had stuff to do other than hang with his old parents and then the teens hung around with each other at night. A good break for all of us. For any family trying to go on vacation and keep their cost down this is a excellent place to go. It may not be the fanciest but it's all in what you make it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Viva Wyndham Maya An All Inclusive Resort; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: This was our second time at the Viva Wyndham Maya and we had a fabulous time. Beach is absolutely beautiful - felt very safe - close to Playa Del Carmen. The only bad thing I can say is that they didn't have a teen club this year which our 15 year old son was looking forward to as he had such a great time last year. They do offer discounted rates for 15 year olds which most other resorts don't -so it is a good deal for families with young teens. As long as you don't expect lobster dinners and have realistic expectations the Viva is the the place for you. P.S. we wan't to go back to Mexico but would like to try another area... maybe Cozomel. If anyone could recommend a good reasonable priced , clean hotel please let me know. thanks; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Viva Wyndham Maya An All Inclusive Resort; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Travelled here Dec 3rd 2012 and April 1st two times. The weather was outstanding. So we have gone to the viva as a family of 3 with our teenage son. I need to mention that alot of resorts don't discount kids after 12 yrs old but the Maya is up to 16. Gone as just a couple but met friends from Vancouver there. This time we went as a group of 13 from a wedding and everyone had a great time. My wife and I are not very picky as long as there is good fresh food and great drink. We are not much into buffet style food but the Maya offers such different food in thier buffets I am sure you could find something to fill your belly. We loved the ALA cartes exspecially the new cafe they have there now and the Japanese at the Azteca is always a hit. The beach is awesome...no water shoes required...just walk in and enjoy the water. The rooms are clean and the staff was very helpful. My hats off to Vanancio and the other bartenders keeping our glasses full! TIP, TIP, TIP whenever you can to the bar, the maids, the buffet staff....etc.You won't regret it. In Canada we tip 1 dollar approximately a drink so I don't see why we would change our custom there. I messed up in booking but did upgrade to VIP so it kept the peace with the wife.lol. This gave you some better seating in the buffet, GREAT seating in a section with cushioned beach chairs on the beach and also full use of thier sister resort 3 resorts down the Wyndham Azteca where you could use thier ala cartes and drink as well. One more thing is they have a PADI certified dive shop there and I got scuba diver certified there for $300. If you are able to breathe in a snorkel and respirator under water what a great bucket list thing to do. I am in awe of what you see down there. The staff there were great and helpful too. Cheers to Carlos and the gang!!!!!!!. 2 more chapters to go for another $150 and I will have my open water diving. You can go to any PADI certified dive shop in the world and do this so your not restricted to just Mexico if you travel alot. Feel free email me if you have any other questions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach Spa Resort; City: Xpu Ha Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Everything was in close walking distance. Some towel game but never a problem finding a chair and shade. Not much to do as far as excursions but since all the other resorts were taken out by the hurricane years ago they never got up and running so the Tulum is the only resort on this baby powder sand beach. There are no rocks or shells in the sand. You can walk in both directions for a mile each way. A gradual walk in with no drop off. Some coral out a bit from the beach where you could do some snorkeling. No water shoes needed. I heard there was some changes here to upgrade to to privileged but not sure how it works. You should read other reviews to learn more about it. The resort and beach was fabulous I recommend this resort to everyone. A little more expensive but adult only so if you want to relax this is the place. You can see my videos on you tube posted last year. Just type in Catalonia royal tulum to see them. Good luck and if you decide to visit your in for a real treat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Akumal Bay Beach Wellness Resort; City: Akumal Yucatan Peninsula; Review: We stayed in a penthouse suite in building 3 April 6th to 18th 2015. It was awesome. Comfortable and we had 2 chairs on our main balcony and 2 loungers and a hot tub on our penthouse balcony. The beach in front of building 3 and 4 is all coral so you need to bring water shoes but up by the beach bar and main pool is a easy walk in. The main pool was primarily used by the families and the children had a lot of their water toys in there but it is a family resort so it is to be expected. The early reserve thing happened here but just by building 1 and 2. They have signs posted that if you do this and are not at your chairs within a hour your belongings will be removed and taken to the front lobby. I did see the signs but didn't see if it was being enforced or not. Previous post describe this resort to a tee so I don't need to say it again. Staff is awesome. There is a dive shop at this resort for all us divers. Free paddle boarding if your interested. I have created and posted a video of our trip on you tube if you would like to see what it looks like after the renovations. Go on you tube and type in resort name. Enjoy!! Overall this resort for the price is a great bargain. If you have any questions please feel free to message me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Acanto Hotel Condominiums; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Very clean and quiet zen like location right off 5th avenue. This was our first time getting away from the all inclusive resorts and loved it. The Acanto had a continental breakfast which was good. We rented a car from National and will never do that again as they charged $300 in liability insurance. Other car rental companies at the Cancun airport have it included so shop around. We went to Costco in Cancun and picked up alcohol. $20 for a large bottles of Kirkland vodka and baileys!! $24 for 24 Corona! They have other liquors and beers there as well. We went Walmart in Playa and picked up some lunch meat, bread...etc for lunches and did restaurants for dinner each night. Only thing we would change is to go to a oceanfront condo next time but that is our preference. The Acanto is a wonderful and peaceful location. I do want to mention it is a non smoking facility so if you smoke you may not want to go there. Great time and will do it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Sunset Princess All Suites Resort; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: This was our first time visiting this resort and were very pleased. All was great. The food, the staff,the rooms, the grounds, the beach. If I were to mention anything against the resort was the water had lots of coral and rocks in it so no easy walk in. You need water shoes. We went to the chill out bar our second night and the meal was fantastic. I had the lobster and everyone else had steaks. It was all mouth watering. We were able to enjoy the chill out sitting area for the rest of the week. I do want to mention the towel game is evident there as well.I think to improve the chill out seating is install more umbrellas so I believe it will remove the towel game. People come to the beach as early as 5 am to put towels on the best chairs and then back to their room.Also remove the reservations for the ala carts. Make it a first come first serve. It works great as we have stayed at resorts that have no reservations. Another improvement to mention is more seating the the beautiful courtyard area they have.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Catalonia Playa Maroma; City: Playa Maroma Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: We stayed Privileged for 11 days and did not want to leave. Better booze, better rooms, and better beach area. The staff does a great job doing what they can to make you stay excellent. Enrique and Jorge are the greatest beach service on the Privileged side. Manuel and lizbeth kept me active with the volleyball and beach chair games. Being Privileged also gave us free room service, unlimited breakfast and lunch at their beloved restaurant which was excellent as well. We had great meals at all the Ala cartes. 3 times at the Grill, twice at the Italian, twice at the Japanese (once at the regular and once at the show table) once at the Mexican and once at the Tapas. Be ready to gain weight or go to the gym everyday! I have a washboard stomach...it just has a load of laundry in it!!! LOL. You will not be disappointed if you choose this resort.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Wolves at the Door: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy; Author: Judith L. Pearson; Review: Awesome book. A Remarkable woman, a True Hero! Her bravery and unselfish desire to help the French resistance was Commendable!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice; Author: Visit Amazon's Adam Makos Page; Review: True heroics of our Military forces on the ground, in the air and at sea. Our Young should read and remember; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice; Author: Adam Makos; Review: True heroics of our Military forces on the ground, in the air and at sea. Our Young should read and remember; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Sullivan Page; Review: The book never let go; it was so well written and fluent. I enjoy the history of our World Wars and feel we owe so much to those generations who dealt with the Destruction. This was a different view from one Brave young Italian.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beneath a Scarlet Sky (Center Point Large Print); Author: Mark T Sullivan; Review: The book never let go; it was so well written and fluent. I enjoy the history of our World Wars and feel we owe so much to those generations who dealt with the Destruction. This was a different view from one Brave young Italian.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bringing Down the House (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Due South: Call of the Wild (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolon (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The General's Daughter (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Waterboy (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Firm (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Face/Off (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stargate SG-1: Season 7 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Farscape: Season 4 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Holiday Inn Hotel Suites Clearwater Beach S Harbourside; City: Indian Rocks Beach Florida; Review: We like the gulf coast and its free and easy life style. We have stayed several times before but not in this particular area. It was not part of our main holiday and was a bit of a late add on. We wanted five days on the gulf before flying on to the Bahamas. This hotel is constructed in Key West style. It is built partially over (yes over) the intercoastal waterway. That means that on that side you are right next to berths for 20 or so pretty nice boats. We had a suite (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/lounge) facing west. I think they call it a sunset view. That means overlooking the car park and (sort of) the smaller of the two pool areas. Nice room - shame about the view. If we had stretched our budget a room overlooking the waterway would have been better. I do not think that we would have liked the hotel so much if we had not been able to self-cater for breakfast & lunch. The location suited us. We especially liked the relatively short walk to the beach (1/4 a mile?) and then a stroll along it. The people you meet doing the same are so friendly. We love the whole thought of it. Pelicans skimming the surf. Other birds diving for fish. Sunsets etc. Oh yes - on the way to the beach you pass Crabby Bills seafood establishment - great and very informal. On the weekend that we were there the hotel had what we thought were local parties / wedding groups staying and they were particularly obvious at the bar (Jimmy Guanos). Can be boisterous but it added to the enjoyment watching some of the antics. The weather was good. No rain and 60's and 70's in the day but they did say that was a little warmer than usual for January. It was definitely chilly at night and you'll need some sort of sweater/jacket. Might not be ideal for a complete holiday but great for 4 or 5 days.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort Offshore Island; City: Nassau New Providence Island Bahamas; Review: Stayed for one week at the beginning of January 2007. Perfect holiday for us. What did we enjoy most? Views from the pier at sunset. Premium brand drinks - although the cocktails could have been better mixed but then they would mix anything you want. Great food. Quiet of the villa pool areas. Piano bar (complete with pianist and to our surprise sing a longs around it). Standard of the villa accommodation. In fact it would be over-critical to knock anything. Things we mainly did? If you have not already guessed - relaxed. Sampled all of the restaurants, bars etc. The friendliness and service standards of the staff are excellent. In fact too good - it would have been a little better if they were not so attentive. If you like the good things in life this is the place to go. Probably best for honeymooners and thirty somethings. But suitable for all age groups. Temperatures in January? How about 70F(in the evenings) and 80F in the days? Apparently it's like that most of the time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House; City: Rome Lazio; Review: Stayed for four nights to coincide with Wales playing (losing) a Six Nations rugby match to Italy. Three couples in our party. One person with some minor mobility issues and occasional use of a wheelchair. The hotel is what it claims to be. Situated close to the Vatican it is ideal for anyone with that as a central theme for their stay. As this was a rugby trip (even with the wife) we wanted some bars locally. There are some cafe's etc but the area isn't really ready for that. We would have been better off somewhere more central on the other side of the river. There are some nice (not too pretentious) restaurants locally that were excellent. Sorry can't remember the names. The hotel staff are excellent, the place recently renovated to a sort of modern style. Breakfasts OK - but we expected better. We travel a lot and like to experience local fare. The quality was just average. The lift is small and if you are on the sixth floor as we were you will need it - or an oxygen bottle (12 flights of stairs). Would anticipate problems when lots of people are using the lift. Also may be very tight if you need a wheelchair. Hope this helps.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Gardenia Villa Charme; City: Bardolino Province of Verona Veneto; Review: The hotel website itself is pretty accurate. We had a mid-priced room that looked very like the room illustrated. Other reviews have said almost all there is to say about the hotel but for us the most striking thing was the excellent service provided. We both have a lot of experience (in different ways) of assessing people and their motivation for doing things. We just couldn't understand why ALL of the staff were so, well, nice AND good at their jobs ALL of the time. Whatever you wanted they would always try to help. Never quite experienced that before. Yes you can get better rooms in better hotels but as a whole package this was good and very difficult to beat for the money and classification. Our tips for the area are the fish restaurant Picolo Doges (expensive'ish but good) about 300 metres away and Cafe Bardolino - bang in the middle near the church. Excellent drinks and professional service. Loved just watching the world pass by. We spent a lot of our time in Bardolino itself and on ferries around the lake. Our photos reflect that. Enjoy!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Hotel D Anjou; City: Angers Maine et Loire Pays de la Loire; Review: Wanted a hotel for an overnight stop in the Loire. We were travelling home after a few days for a rugby match in Nantes and had never visited the region. The hotel was far better than we expected or the website implied. Ornate ceilings, period decor, good room and breakfast. Centrally located. Probably not good for disabled access but you could check with the hotel first. It was just that there did not seem to be any obvious provision. We booked on an independent website and got the room for about two thirds of the Best Western web tarrif. That's probably because it seemed to be very quiet when we stayed. Angers itself good for a day's sightseeing or shopping.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brit Hotel Nantes La Beaujoire L Amandine; City: Nantes Loire Atlantique Pays de la Loire; Review: Booked at very short notice for two night stay to coincide with Rugby World Cup match between Wales & Fiji. Very few hotels left in Nantes to choose from. It was a good location for the Beaujoire stadium and the tramway into town. The hotel has seen better days but we have definitely stayed in worse. The showers are hand held and difficult to use. The breakfasts were poor with a shortage of just about anything they said they would provide. The literature in the rooms specified breakfast until 1100 on weekends but the reception and serving staff made sure that they would close and clear away by 1000. We were OK with the time - but it all just seemed to be an inconvenience and was probably the cause of the lack of availablity of most breakfast items. Wouldn't choose it again! But you may have different priorities. Make up your own mind.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Skyline Hotel London Heathrow; City: Hayes Greater London England; Review: The hotel is what you would expect. Four stars, sort of pricey with good standards of service. Restaurants and bars OK but nothing special. Rooms were excellent and following its US parentage – on the large side. Easy to find and close to Heathrow. If there are at least two in your party use a taxi for your transfers rather than the shuttle – its cheaper. A very good choice for business users. More than OK for us. Don't know whether we would recommend it for an extended stay. Booked it as a stop over hotel the night before an early flight to Miami. Took the 15-day parking option at a very reduced price offered by one of the Park & Stay websites. The offer was for an unspecified hotel but we guessed correctly that it was the Sheraton. Reduction was obviously because there was ongoing renovation work at the hotel. Yes we stayed on the floor undergoing renovation but it didn’t cause any problems. In fact apart from the corridors being blocked off by an obvious contractors door/partition we saw no evidence of work being undertaken. Car parking good and ON site. Use it again? Yes - we would.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Acqua Vatos Santorini Hotel; City: Kamari Santorini Cyclades South Aegean; Review: This hotel is privately run with 38 or so rooms. As other reviewers have said the owners are nice, approachable and friendly. That’s a good thing but occasionally they can be a little too attentive. It’s good sometimes to be able to just do your own thing and be left to get on with it. The rooms are small and a little tired. They are also pretty naff. Framed postcards on the walls for example. The bathrooms will be our main memory – for all of the wrong reasons. They are small and “traditional” Greek in style. The showers will flood the floor – and I mean flood! If you have been to Greece before and you don’t mind all of that then you may actually like the hotel. Apart from the rooms it is finished off with style albeit probably a few years ago. They try hard and at night even light the way back home for you with rows of candlelit lamps leading up to the entrance. There is a fantastic bougainvillea to welcome you as well. The pool area is nice and probably bigger than average. There is a bar but it doesn’t get opened as such – apparently not even in high season. You can still get a drink but have to ask for it at the front desk and then wait for it to turn up. You are better off just stepping outside. As regards location - the hotel is on a main road. You step out of the gate right onto it. So it’s not great for kids that way. The building next door is a tattoo parlour but it doesn’t intrude on your enjoyment of the hotel. There’s a restaurant/takeaway across the road and lots of tavernas and bars in any direction you want to walk. From all of that you’ll know that Kamari is commercialised – a typical “village” it is not! The beach is almost completely shingle or small pebbles and of course all of it black and very uncomfortable to walk on. If you stay in mid-May as we did then Kamari is actually quiet although I could imagine it being quite lively at other times. The weather was around 27/28 C (high-70's F) in the day but chilly at night. Santorini itself is the most unusual and photogenic of places. It's small so you should be able to see everything in a week and still spend plenty of time around the pool. We travel a lot and have stayed in places both simple and grand (’ish). We know what we like and either do the research beforehand or just book one night somewhere and then tour onward until we settle on something. In this case we looked at trip advisor and took everything at face value. Perhaps we shouldn’t have. We are glad we visited the island but have mixed feelings about the hotel and Kamari.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gwesty Cymru; City: Aberystwyth Ceredigion Wales; Review: No ifs, no buts, no maybes - this is a good hotel and probably as a package the best of it's type we have stayed in anywhere. We arrived on a Friday evening whilst touring West and North Wales. We travel a lot and whilst living in Wales have never visited either. To be frank our expectations from previous UK trips were not high. This is a typical old Victorian seaside hotel transformed in a fairly chic boutique style but without any pretentions to grandeur - modern yet very friendly and comfortable. The staff are very welcoming and attentive. They have the balance just right between meeting your needs and letting you decide what you want . When booking we were unsure about the restaurant and decided to wait until we could actually see what it looked like. We prefer to make our own minds up as there can be so many variables. We managed to get the last table and were very pleased that we did. The meal matched the hotel for style and quality and all of it reputedly from local produce. The weather was fine and we were able to sit outside before and after the meal with a beer and a glass of one of their excellent wines to watch the sun set over the Irish Sea. Well - yes we liked it - a lot and whilst not cheap relatively good price-wise.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legacy Hotel Victoria Newquay; City: Newquay Cornwall England; Review: This establishment is of the older better quality type of large British seaside hotel with definite pretentions to offering a good experience. The bar, reception and restaurant areas are all very good. Some of the decor is very grand. The staff are very capable and pleasant. The bedrooms are a bit faded at best although there are great views from those that are sea facing. That's the good. The downside is that the hotel seems to us to think that it is just a base for those eating and drinking out. That's what we do but like to get back to base about 1000-1030 and relax in the bar. The only problem is that the bar closes at 1100 - at least it did during our visit. We didn't use the restaurant but I am sure I saw a notice somewhere saying that it only opens between 1900 and 2030! Bar staff are moved to the adjoining nightclub at 2300 - presumably where they can better help contribute to hotel profitability. You can still get a drink but only from the night porter. So first you find him and then wait until he serves you. Whilst we were there there was a serious accident with the hotel lift. Six guests were in it when it crashed to the basement. At least one person was hospitalised. Did the hotel explain what had happened or offer help with suitcases etc? No. We didn't want or expect an apology and the fact that the hotel was surrounded by emergency services personnel told it's own story. But a nice circular letter or a word from hotel staff would have been reassuring. It just felt that the hotel had a very self-centred approach to service. Finally by going to Newquay for the bank holiday we were revisiting very old haunts. It's certainly changed and there is no doubt that it now lives up to its reputation as a party town with stag parties everywhere. It was strange though that male groups outnumbered those of the "fairer" sex by what must have been 5 or more to 1. We had heard the stories in the media and did not expect too much from the town. It didn't disappoint in that way. We just got on with our break and got out and about but stayed away from the town. The beaches and views are still great anyway.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pierre Vacances Premium Residence Haguna; City: Biarritz Basque Country Pyrenees Atlantiques N; Review: The P&V Haguna has a mix of studios and apartments. Even though there were only two of us we booked an apartment for four. We preferred the separate bedroom and extra space. We were disappointed with the standard of our room and the way that P&V operates. The apartment was not particularly clean or well looked after. There is a separate bathroom and toilet which sounds great - the only problem is that the kitchen is situated between the two. With no handbasin in the toilet you have to walk through the kitchen area - well you get the picture. Whilst we were there - a few rooms were let to young single sex groups. They enjoyed themselves without caring about the noise they made. P&V charge extra for just about anything you can think of. The in-room safe and parking you expect - but 9 euros for each additional towel pack over and above the one bath and hand towel you are given on arrival? There are good points. There's the staff (even if they are only there until 1900) and a great little bakery in the St Charles shopping are about 200m away.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bridge End Inn; City: Crickhowell Brecon Beacons National Park Wales; Review: Didn't stay but called in for an end of walk drink/meal. As a group of walkers we regularly visit this area. The Bridgend Inn is situated next to the bridge over the Usk and seemed to be the ideal spot to relax after our exertions. Even though it was quiet we certainly didn't seem to be welcome and were dealt with in a very offhand manner. Beer prices not easily discernible and very expensive. Loads more pubs in the area that we'll use next time.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Melbourne Short Stay Apartments Southbank Collection; City: Melbourne Victoria; Review: The guidebook we used described the June weather in Melbourne as generally grey and miserable. For UK visitors think October/November! It was cold and often grey but at least it didn't rain on us. Apparently we were lucky in that regard. The Melbourne Short Stay Apartments provide apartments in one of, I think, four or five tower blocks. If like us you arrive by taxi you'll have some way to roll your suitcases - about 400 metres along city streets in the dark for us! Our apartment was scruffy, faded and generally a little knocked about. The "sentinel" tower block we were in though was well run. It is of course mainly a residential block and "short stay" staff operate from a separate office. There were a few minor problems and when we finally raised them with staff they were sorted out quickly. Trams can be found quite close but it took us some time to familiarise ourselves with routes etc. There's a small convenience store just around the corner that can provide basics if you need them. We always eat out in the evenings and Melbourne has what seems like hundreds of good restaurants. All of those we visited were good anyway. South Bank is probably the best place to go in the evening although if you don't want to go far there's a small Italian restaurant "Olla Mesa" on the corner near the apartments where the food is excellent. The service seemed a little eccentric though. Visit and you'll know what we mean.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Aria; City: Miami Florida; Review: Stayed just 3 nights straight off the plane from Heathrow. It was our first time in Coconut Grove although we had been to Miami several times before. We found the hotel easily enough using the hotel's directions although it may not be that easy for those new to driving in Miami. The hotel is a tower block next to a busy'ish local road. The location is good for a variety of restaurants and bars starting about 100m away. It seems easy and safe enough to walk around the area at night. Nearby Coco Walk is billed by the hotel as a good place to eat, drink and shop. We think that’s overstating it a little. There is an average “Cheesecake” chain restaurant and some others that we didn’t have time to try. The hotel restaurant is on the eighth floor and quiet whilst we were there. The only dinner we had there was good enough though without being anything special. Maybe it is a little expensive for some. We liked the continental breakfasts that we took outside on the terrace. The pool area is next to it and again fairly quiet during our visit. We had a de-luxe bay view room that was good enough for us but I wouldn't say it was anything special and needed redecoration. It had a full kitchen but was way under supplied with dishes, cutlery etc. It was almost as if they were encouraging you to eat elsewhere. That was ok for us as it's what we do anyway. The hotel seems ideal for the small conference or team building exercise and there were a couple of events whilst we were there. We probably won't be returning to Coconut Grove but if we did we would probably stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tower Bridge Road Apartments; City: London England; Review: Stayed in a studio apartment booking at just about 2 weeks notice. We thought it was extremely good value at just £72 a night on a non-cancellable basis. Did it meet our expectations? Well yes but they were fairly low given the price. So what do you get? If we were to sum it up it reminded us of student accommodation with some add-ons. There’s a range of apartments available but this was a single room with a central room divider consisting of light coloured cheap looking wardrobe and drawer units. On one side there was a settee/pull out bed, small flimsy table and chairs, coffee table and wall mounted flat-screen TV. On the other side a low double bed with a thin mattress. There was a built-in fridge/freezer, microwave and washing machine. There's a frosted glass door to the bathroom and the shower is on the small side. Buses stop right outside. Security seemed OK. There’s a small self service store about 100m away and a few pubs further up the road towards Tower Bridge. That’s about a 10-15 minute walk. Once you get there, you can find a few good restaurants in either direction along the embankment with probably more to the east. It’s a pleasant walk westwards to London Bridge passing the permanently moored WW2 cruiser HMS Belfast, City Hall and some impressive other modern buildings. You’ll see London’s tallest building, the Shard, a block or two further south. The Tower of London is on the opposite bank. Nearest tube stations are about 15 mins away at either London Bridge or Bermondsey - both on the Jubilee line. The 188 bus will drop you off at Bermondsey if it’s raining. We enjoyed our short stay but just used it as a base. The location was good for us but if you want to be in the centre of things or looking for comfort, style or dare I say it luxury then pay more and go elsewhere.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Florida Hotel Conference Center BW Premier Collection; City: Orlando Florida; Review: Found this when searching for something reasonably near the airport. It was in fact a little further away than we thought but not terribly so. Stayed a couple of nights to acclimatise after the transatlantic flight before heading north to St Augustine. Unusual place for us to like as we've never stayed "in" a mall before. Nice pool and poolside area with efficient, clean, new'ish loungers and pool towels. Good rooms and breakfast. Starbucks on site as well. Of course there are numerous other places in the mall itself - just walk out of the back door and you're there. There is a nightly $18 resort charge but if you know about it up front then what's the problem? The hotel rate seemed cheap enough to compensate for that anyway. All of the staff seemed on top of their jobs and nice and approachable. Self-park option literally 50m away in a cordoned off area of the mall's car park.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: St Augustine Ocean Racquet Resort; City: St Augustine Florida; Review: This resort has a lot going for it. We moved here from another place just up the road and what a difference there was. Like many vacation lets our condo (unit 5223) is privately owned and decorated/furnished to the owner’s style. It may not have been our style but it was very clean and tidy with a touch of quality about it. The unit was oceanfront and we enjoyed taking breakfast on the balcony watching the birdlife flitting back and fore the palm tree situated just outside. The beach was just 50 metres away across the sand dunes using the walkways provided. The pools were clean and well organised with what seemed plenty of loungers etc. We looked at another unit before deciding on this one. That seemed OK as well. On a slightly depressing note, the internal walkways leading to the units were dark, almost cave like affairs but then you don’t stay in them do you. We enjoyed our stay and even briefly thought about the possibility of buying a unit there.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sunrise Resort; City: St Pete Beach Florida; Review: Enjoyed our brief stay here. Situated across the busy Gulf Blvd from the Tradewinds complex the resort seems well run and a good place to stay. Our unit, 408, was nicely furnished and decorated. Everything was clean and worked well. Looking east you have views out over the pool and bay with perfect sunrises. Just outside the front doors you have a small table and chairs to watch the sunset, although that’s marred by the busy road. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance and a Publix supermarket just down the road. The unit was one of the few with a dedicated undercover parking space although there didn’t seem to be any shortage of regular parking spots. We had to leave earlier than expected but would think about coming back if we ever get to St Petes again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel; City: London England; Review: We've never stayed in this part of London before but found it ideal for our latest weekend break. As the taxi driver dropped us off he said what a perfect spot it was. He was right. Near to many of the theatres, lots of restaurants and pubs and within easy walking distance of Covent Garden. After looking at other reviews we were surprised to see that our "de-luxe" room was quite spacious. There are smaller rooms though as evidenced by the evacuation plan on the back of the room door. Don't know whether they are in the same class or not but we thought we were booking the standard size room. Some reviewers have complained about noise from outside. We were at the front on just the second floor and did not notice anything untoward. The hotel is a little on the expensive side but we thought we got good value for our bucks perhaps except for the breakfasts. We used the restaurant and bar and thought that the food, drinks and staff were all very good. There were a few quirky things about the room such as the hairdryer "hidden" away inside the wardrobe but all in all no complaints and we would stay again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Park Hotel Tenby; City: Tenby Pembrokeshire Wales; Review: Stayed here for just one night en route to St David’s. The hotel is good in an old’ish fashioned way, well organised and has nice grounds and swimming pool area. The views are excellent and the breakfasts good. We ate out in town so can’t comment on the restaurant other than to say it looked a little formal. Nice, quality selection of drinks on offer. It seems to us that the hotel is used by coach companies providing for the older set with money to spare. We had a “superior” room with a perfect view of Tenby harbour. It was ok for us and whilst there was nothing wrong it was fairly small and not particularly well furnished or decorated. The evening entertainment was a singer/guitarist. We didn’t turn up until after 10:00 and he was well into his set again providing for the older set. Then just before finishing he played 3 or 4 acoustic style arrangements that were truly exceptional. You had the feeling that if the audience had been right his set would have been completely different.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thistle Trafalgar Square The Royal Trafalgar; City: London England; Review: This hotel is in the middle of things and suited us well. We had a standard room on the 5th floor. It was a little on the small side but not enough to spoil things. Everything worked and it was clean and well kept. Wifi worked well in the room and bar and restaurant. Situated in the middle of things it's 5 mins or so to Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Leicester Square, Chinatown and the Harold Pinter theatre - the reason for our visit. Breakfasts were good. The bar area worked well even though it's really just an open lounge area next to the lobby. The staff couldn't do enough to help generally. What more do you want?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira; City: Funchal Madeira Madeira Islands; Review: We enjoyed our stay at the Vidamar. It’s a modern hotel in a good position with excellent service from very friendly and attentive staff throughout. Everything worked well. Our room was a superior ocean view room on the 8th floor. It could have done with refreshing decoration wise but had plenty of space, efficient A/C, a super king size bed, armchair, settee, TV, safe and fridge. We stayed on a half board basis. The default restaurant operates a generally excellent buffet that should suit all tastes. If that doesn’t suit use the hotel’s “dine around” system to change your dinner option for lunch or book one of the other three restaurants. They want a morning’s notice to change dinner for lunch and 24hrs for one of the other restaurants. We had no problems when doing that. The main bar provides a very comprehensive range of drinks including cocktails - not cheap but not overly expensive either. There is plenty of room on the sea deck with no problem getting a lounger if that’s what you want. There’s a restaurant open until 7:00 pm again serving excellent food and drinks. There are quite a few good restaurants and bars around and we liked an after dinner drink or three in the Hole in One directly opposite the hotel. Cheaper but still top quality drinks and service with (usually) vastly superior entertainment. Pick a night when there’s a group playing Portugese or Brazilian stuff and you’ll stay a while for sure. Need to walk? The Lido promenade is close although it’s not as good as we expected.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff; City: Cardiff South Wales Wales; Review: Stayed here just before Christmas 2017. In town to see Jools Holland et al at the Motorpoint arena. There were several large Xmas parties being catered for and it was very busy. We still had good service and a nice pre-concert meal. Not cheap but we will probably book again next year.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Birmingham Airport NEC; City: Birmingham West Midlands England; Review: Ok it's a budget hotel but it does the job of being minutes from car park and terminal. Booked through a discount website and on arrival given what was described as the only room available - disability adapted room with roll-in shower area etc. Not happy but carried on anyway. Is it the hotel or discounters problem that; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Sensimar Los Gigantes; City: Acantilado de los Gigantes Tenerife Canary Islands; Review: The guest demographic at this hotel is “mature” - with the median age probably in the 70s. TUI reps said that 75% of guests are returners with some having done so for 15 years. Whilst we had a good holiday overall and are not far off the demographic we won’t be one of them. The hotel has a lot going for it including mainly pleasant hard working staff, the view, location, food and amenities. However based on our experience it’s let down in quite a few ways. We had a sea view room in mid October. The rooms and beds were much bigger than we expected but the storage was way less than we needed. The air conditioning just couldn’t cope. The bathroom had a nasty whiff most of the time. It was there when we arrived and was still there when we left. The maid seemed to leave everything clean but it just didn’t go away. The hotel seemed full and it was almost impossible to get a drink in the evenings. The staff were working their socks off but they just couldn’t keep up. In the dining room they rushed around with no time to spare. Why didn’t the hotel have just 3 or 4 more staff on? It would have made all the difference. It was a similar thing with sun loungers as they were all gone early on. If you could get one, then you would be lined up like sardines anyway. There were not enough for the number of guests and conversely too many loungers for the space available. There are 4 lifts all of which worked very haphazardly. You could wait for ever sometimes and on others 3 would turn up. Each would only hold 4 people at the most. Try to do more and the overweight sign would light up and you wouldn't go anywhere. Company literature implied that the hotel was built in 1967 and the lifts were just one thing that seemed to confirm that. The hotel has been recently renovated but still seemed rooted in the 70s to us. There are a few nearby bars and restaurants and we escaped most nights. We did the same by hiring a car for 3 days and that probably saved our holiday.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: A Child of A CRACKHEAD II; Author: Shameek A Speight; Review: All I can Say is This Book Is Definitely A Page Turner.. When I read the first Part the things that were going through my Head..OMG.. I Couldn't put it down. Read Part 1 in 1 1/2 day..Couldn't wait to find out what would happen The Child & The Mother. Guaranteed Once You pick it up! You will be wondering the same thing. But It just don't stop there. It keeps you questioning When? When?..Then came Part II...All I have to say is I wouldn't want to run into that Main Character...Can't wait for Part III A Child of A Crack Head; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heaven's Hell; Author: Visit Amazon's Takerra Allen Page; Review: A must Read! A Great Read! Ms. T. Allen your Gift is Radiating!!!!!!!!! You have created Heaven Jacey character as a True Life Novel that I'm sure some can relate too. It had it twist & turns that sadly happens in Life But! YET the outcome can Prevail over the Bad... Keep Them Coming!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Still Thicker Than Water; Author: Visit Amazon's Takerra Allen Page; Review: Ms..T. Allen you have definitely put that pen to the paper on This One as you do all your work! I must say I'm a Sasha & Chauncey Fan! Let me further say Respect is a Man that any woman would love to have as her protecter. I really enjoyed reading both the 1st & 2nd. My heart actually went out for Neli though she was a Shiesty B$$$h..The way you turned her character into her recognizing her flaws as too why she became the person she was. You done a fantastic job with putting that puzzle all together. Oh Oh I can't wait to see how Jayde plans to pull off her scheme in going against Respect & Tatum's relationship. My anxiety level is at a high as to what Sasha's Mom has to reveal to her regarding Jayde's father.....CAN'T WAIT FOR PART 3 To DROP....CLAPPING & SMILING REAL HARD @ YA; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New York's Finest (1st part of the Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Kiki Swinson Page; Review: All I can say is Wow!! Kiki Swinson you brought the characters out like I were watching a Movie...Now that's How you do it. I was not able to put this book down. I loved the relationship that Naomi & Reggie has with their parents mainly their Dad. All your Characters played a significant role. Now! Vanessa well all I will say is she got what was coming to her..If you looked up the word Shiesty their you will see her picture...Momma You Done your Thang With New York Finest & I def cant wait for part 2 to surface..I can go on & on but I Will Not Spoil it for those whom didn't read it yet...Keep them coming Chica!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Teflon Queen; Author: Visit Amazon's Silk White Page; Review: Teflon Queen is sure to have you wanting more! This book is full of action from beginning to end. With Living this type of Life! It makes one Know its Not easy to Trust! Although it's fiction, once you read this, you become one of the characters. (LOL). Mr. White you have done it again! Keep bringing. The Fiyahhh!! Can't wait too see what happens with Angela, The White Shadow, Wayne, Capo and James Whewwwww!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tears of a Hustler PT 4: You've Been Warned; Author: Visit Amazon's Silk White Page; Review: Welp ! I must admit Silk White has done it again....The Tears Of A Hustler Saga is definitely on Fiyahhh!!!!!!! The Spades, Pauleena & The Real Spades are out for blood!!! Without a spoiler let me just say I wouldn't want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when these blood shedding species are in full effect! Mr. Silk White you brought it Raw & Uncut!!!! Keep up the good work! Can't wait for the saga to continue! PS: I hope you end my roller coaster ride in Part 5! Peace!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hated by Many, Loved by None; Author: Visit Amazon's Shan Page; Review: To be honest, when I started reading this book I didn't know in which direction it was going. After a few chapters I got into the story with The Betrayal Drama Jealousy Psychotic even Naive pack took off....Great Job Shan! Can't wait for the sequel; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thugs Cry 2 (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Ca$h Page; Review: This book definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Although there were characters in this story I felt shouldn't have been killed off. I can't wait to see how Nard get his. Overall A Great Read! Bring Raheem Back.. Waiting for his gangster to Prevail; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shorty Got a Thug; Author: Visit Amazon's Ca$h Page; Review: Cash, You have done it again! I've got to admit my heart was beating realllll fast in some parts of this story. I Loved Tank! A loyal soldier he was. I'm not gonna spoil the story But! I will say "This Book Right Here, Is like watching a Movie"4Real Keep That Pen To The Paper -Peace-; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Mercure Rimini Lungomare; City: Rimini Province of Rimini Emilia Romagna; Review: Spent one week in Mercure Rimini Lungomare hotel with friends. Excellent location with very good service. Nice, clean and spacious rooms, with big balcony. Very good breakfast with gluten free bread!!! Friendly staff. The swimming pool is not so big, but quite big for have a rest after the beach :-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Imperial Court Hotel; City: New York City New York; Review: We stayed 9 nights in this hotel. Great location, easy access to the downtown, Central Park and museums. Subway line 1 is in one block, bus stops around the corner. The rooms are not the most modern ones, but clean and spacious. Great cafes, delis and restaurants in the neighbourhood. Overall good value for money.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Sofia; City: Sofia Sofia Region; Review: I was on business trip in Sofia, spent few nights in HolidayInn. As I'm quite often travelling, I didn't expect a 5* hotel as a Holiday Inn. It was a good suprise! Nice hotel, good service, helpful staff. Wonderful breakfast, nice restaurant with a big terrace, you can enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace. Excellent gym, with swimming pool. Overall I highly recommend to anybody, who is travelling to Sofia in the surrounding business park next to the hotel. WIFI is expensive, this is the only negative point.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Greenfield Hotel Golf Spa; City: Buk Vas County Western Transdanubia; Review: Very nice hotel with excellent facilities: very good spa and golf. The room is spacious and comfortable. They can improve the service level a little bit in the restaurant, but all in all it was a very nice stay in a nice hotel :-) I can highly recommend the spa, massage and golf to everybody!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmericInn by Wyndham Two Harbors Near Lake Superior; City: Two Harbors Minnesota; Review: I have spent one night, when we had a weekend at the North Shore. Easy access to the hotel, great location. Clean, nice rooms. Good wellness area, the hot jacuzzi and the sauna helped us to warm up our almost frozen legs and hands! Nice staff. Good breakfast! Waffles, scrambled egg, yogurt etc., complimentary coffee and tee all day! I can recommend the hotel to everybody, who is looking for a cosy accomodation at the North Shore.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silverine Lake Resort; City: Balatonfured Veszprem County Central Transdanubia; Review: Nice hotel with an excellent location. Rooms with lake view are the best! We stayed in a luxury suite, it's very spacious and I love the big balcony. Friendly staff at the reception. Very good wellness area, my favourite is the sauna in the garden.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Gizella; City: Veszprem Veszprem County Central Transdanubia; Review: I have stayed in this hotel on my business trip. The hotel is located in the downtown of Veszprém within walking distance of the main tourist attractions, with a very nice surroundings. The rooms are spacious, very clean and the aircondition is working very well! Easy and safe parking. The staff is very kind and attentive. Breakfast is OK:; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Park Lane Hotel; City: New York City New York; Review: Nice and friendly staff, very good services, however the condtion of the hotel is a little bit tired. Just in the heart of Manhattan, easy to reach every part of the city, close to main tourist attractions and also the underground. The hospitality reception at the afternoon is excellent service for leisure travellers, you can have a little wine and snacks after a long day. The WIFI quality is excellent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Orchid Reef Hotel; City: Eilat Southern District; Review: Nice hotel with nice staff. The hotel is located in the South part of Eilat, directly at the beach, with own beachclub. Clean, comfortable rooms, with nice balcony. The breakfast is great with several local dishes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Hartford Farmington; City: Farmington Connecticut; Review: What a fantabulous (combination of fantastic and fabulous) gold-mine in the Hampton Inn group! This hotel is nestled in a quiet beautifully landscaped area off the main road, and the beauty inside is equivalent if not greater presented by the staff from the moment you register until you "unfortuantely" have to leave. I definitely would stay here again, and again, and.....JH Bpt., CT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Hyatt New York; City: New York City New York; Review: I've been wanting to stay at this hotel for a number of years and finally, it happened! Now I regret waiting so long to do it! After spending one night in another hotel close by, I was definitely delighted by the room, the decor and the staff. Would I stay there again? You bet!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites Indianapolis Airport; City: Indianapolis Indiana; Review: I was extremely delighted with the location, the price, the accommodations and friendliness at this hotel. From check-in with Justin to the smiling Jerry, the friendly and information-sharing Ram, everyone "made me want to stay longer." My room was delightful as well. The hotel has a nice pool and a whirl-pool (although I wish the jets were a bit stronger), but overall, I would not hesitate to stay here again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SpringHill Suites Indianapolis Downtown; City: Indianapolis Indiana; Review: This is a nice place to stay near the downtown area, Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum of America Indians & Western Art. It is located near local transportation and the staff is friendly and helpful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Rock Hill; City: Rock Hill South Carolina; Review: What a wonderful place to stay if you are in the Rock Hill, SC area. I can't say enough about the wonderful accommodations and the exceptional staff! They went out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home. If there was anything we needed or wanted they would do their best to comply. The breakfast buffet was "off the chain" or "off the hook" whichever you'd like to choose! I definitely would choose this hotel if I'm in the area again. In fact, I would choose this hotel to come to just to relax! Did I say i would choose this hotel? I want to repeat that, "I would definitely choose this hotel!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flagship Resort; City: Atlantic City New Jersey; Review: Although my stay was not long enough (they never really are...) I had a chance to enjoy the Flagships beautiful resort/hotel. The room was "just enough" to enjoy with double beds, pull-out couch, kitchenette with anything I needed. I would have loved to have stayed longer and just basked in the sunlit view of the ocean off the balcony, but perhaps the next time! The hotel is located away from all the constant activity that the Boardwalk offers, but in walking distance to the same excitement. If I could just pull myself away from the whirlpool......; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Providence Lincoln; City: Lincoln Rhode Island; Review: This hotel is a pleasant place, close to a small shopping mall and convenient to Providence. The staff is extremely warm, helpful and welcoming. The rooms are bright and colorful and the pool was a welcome spot to relax. I would consider coming again, "just because!"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South Glastonbury; City: Glastonbury Connecticut; Review: This hotel is quite nice, with comfortable rooms and a pleasant staff. I missed having the Jacuzzi (I also missed bringing my swim-suit....) Overall it's in a quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of the highway and main streets yet close enough to get to the different restaurants and shopping. I would definitely stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Norwich; City: Norwich Mystic Country Connecticut; Review: I wouldn't even consider looking for another place to stay due to the "essence of gracious hospitality" exhibited by the staff here. From the moment we walked in the front door, to the moment we left the staff made us feel welcome and special! Carrie who checked us in, was/is phenomenal! The staff at The Bistro was welcoming, friendly and made us feel like they were preparing the meal "especailly for us!" Whatever incentives the staff is receiving for being such wonderful hosts, keep it up! If they're not receiving any, "shame on the managers!"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard by Marriott New Carrollton Landover; City: Landover Maryland; Review: Sometimes you choose a hotel that looks good on a web site, but after your arrival you are so disappointed but too tired to make a complain. Well, this hotel was such a treat! The staff from the first person you meet in the lobby to the staff throughout the hotel make you feel welcome. My only sour note was there was no Jacuzzi - oh well, the pool is quite nice anyway!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel; City: Arlington Virginia; Review: The location, the staff, the room, the pool, the view of the area - it was a delight to stay here! After reading a few comments, I was considering staying here for only one night and then going to another hotel, but, I had no reason to leave - in fact, I have plenty of reasons to return! My room had a beautiful view of the Air Force Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Pentagon and the White House in the distance. Although there was construction going on in the area, it had no effect on my visit. The hotel staff was pleasant and helpful and I plan on going back to this hotel again. Oh yes, the price was extremely satisfying!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol Connecticut; City: Bristol Connecticut; Review: What a delightful gem in Bristol, CT! In the midst of holiday stuff that has nothing to do with this, "holy-day," this hotel was and is a true "gift!" Let me start with the staff - stupendous, friendly, warm, welcoming, and I could go on - and this is true for everyone. At check-in, the gentleman who helped up with our bags and pointed out areas of interest in the hotel, the staff at both restaurants and the polite young woman who helped make the room a pleasant and comfortable place all made me want to "come back real soon!"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Residence Inn by Marriott Southington; City: Southington Connecticut; Review: If you need to take a break, plan to come here. The staff and property are well worth the trip, especially if you want to get away from the "hustle and bustle" of the busy city. The hotel has a wonderful hot tub and pool and breakfast is served with the normal items and a special entree. During the evening Monday thru Friday they offer a dinner as well which helps if you don't feel like going out. A fireplace in the room adds a special touch to your stay if they are available. It's "pet-friendly" so you might just get a scent of a visiting canine......); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Springfield; City: Springfield Massachusetts; Review: The hotel lobby is so "refreshing" and makes you feel like you've walked into a garden. The staff is welcoming, friendly and helpful. We had a slight problem with the location of our room (near the restaurants band) and we were moved to a quieter area without a hitch. The manager and staff were very apologetic and helped to make our stay a pleasant one. The hotel is clean and the pool area is inviting. The connecting hallway/walkway to a restaurant is a pleasant addition. I definitely would consider staying here again - I almost forgot the staff at the breakfast buffet were also exceptional. I hope they keep up the great work!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons; City: Greensboro North Carolina; Review: What a marvelous facility - a little something for everyone! The rooms are a good size and if you like "rain-water," you'll really enjoy the shower in the bathroom - certainly a unique and enjoyable addition. The hotel is a "conference" hotel, so if you're staying during one, be prepared for lots of people! With over 900 rooms, spacious meeting space as well as within walking distance to a shopping mall, it's a definite choice for visiting Greensboro. The staff is pleasant and helpful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Atlantis Oceanfront Inn; City: Gloucester Cape Ann Massachusetts; Review: Although our room was on the lower lever, we still had a lovely view of the ocean. The restaurant also serves a wonderful breakfast! The Belgium waffle with seasonal fruit was excellent and the staff makes you feel right at home.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard Shelton; City: Shelton Connecticut; Review: This Marriott hotel falls in line with the others and offers an enjoyable place to rest your head and to enjoy the quiet that the town offers. If you are travelling on business, it is located not too far from several larger cities that offer transportation options.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Airport; City: Nashville Davidson County Tennessee; Review: Very friendly staff and pleasant accommodations in an area that is close enough to things to enjoy. Although they are close to the airport, the flights are not something you hear and might interrupt your trip. Rooms are adequately furnished and comfortable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flagship Resort; City: Atlantic City New Jersey; Review: Rooms and staff a pleasant and the views are outstanding! This is a beautiful place to take a look a God's beautiful creation! If you dine in the dining room the beauty is extended to include a delicious meal!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites Wilmington New Castle; City: New Castle Delaware; Review: Wanted to stay overnight someplace close to the Amtrak station and his fit perfectly. About 10 minutes or less by cat and about an hour's walk (depending on your pace) this hotel serves breakfast and the staff is friendly and helpful. I enjoyed my quick stay and if the need arises again I wouldn't hesitate to stay here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Land, A Stranded Novel: A Stranded Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Theresa Shaver Page; Review: Nothing mind blowing here but it's an easy read. Characters are a little one dimensional and mostly stereotypical but it'll help you pass the time; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Departure; Author: Visit Amazon's A. G. Riddle Page; Review: Overall, just a fun book to read; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Martian; Author: Visit Amazon's Andy Weir Page; Review: Very well written. Kept me engaged and entertained, even when the science was well over my head.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Day Zero (The Zero Trilogy) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Summer Lane Page; Review: I've read a lot of apocalyptic books. This one is near the bottom. Easy read but lacks much character development. Read more like a serial than a stand alone book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Day One (Zero Trilogy) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Summer Lane Page; Review: Character development just isn't there. These books just leave a lot to be desired when it comes to storyline and character backstories.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Calphalon 4 Slot Stainless Steel Toaster; Brand: Calphalon; Review: I expected a better toaster. One side is toasted twice as dark as the other side.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner, Yellow; Brand: Eureka; Review: Arrived quickly. Excited to use. Hope it works great. Our son & wife like theirs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charles Viancin Cherry Blossom Lid - Small 6"; Brand: Charles Viancin; Review: nice; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charles Viancin Hibiscus Gift Set; Brand: Charles Viancin; Review: Great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charles Viancin Purple Hibiscus Lid - Small 6"; Brand: Charles Viancin; Review: nice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charles Viancin Lilypad Lid Set of 6 - Large, Medium, Med/Small, Small, Drink Cover Set; Brand: Charles Viancin; Review: These are awesome.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Maker with Nonstick Reversible Plates, Stainless Steel, G48TD; Brand: Black & Decker; Review: For gift. Good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amco 8635 Professional Stainless Steel Splatter Screen, 13-Inch; Brand: Amco; Review: great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Set of 5 Mesh Laundry Bags-1 Extra Large, 2 Large & 2 Medium Bags Laundry,Blouse, Hosiery, Stocking, Underwear, Bra; Brand: BAGAIL; Review: Purchased as gifts. Daughter-in-law loves them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Corpse Party: Blood Drive - Everafter Edition - PlayStation Vita; Brand: by
Xseed; Review: great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CTA Digital PS Vita Travel EVA Protective Case; Brand: by
CTA Digital; Review: good; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Uncharted: Golden Abyss - PlayStation Vita; Brand: by
Sony; Review: GOOD; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Battle Destiny [Japan Import]; Brand: by
Namco Bandai Games; Review: good; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mobile Suit Gundam EXTREME VS-FORCE / Japan imported / PSVita; Brand: Bandai; Review: NOT THAT GOOD; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gundam Breaker; Brand: Namco Bandai; Review: GOOD; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BSTPOWER V10 Professional LED 1000DPI Optical 2.4G Wireless Mouse Game Mice for PC MAC; Brand: ; Review: GOOD; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Video_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Dragon Lord: Dragon Wars - Book Two; Author: Visit Amazon's Sha MacLeod Page; Review: This wasn't a bad book to read. It was kind of an unusual book but kept me pretty interested. Some of the characters were fun to travel with. I have read all three in the series and look forward to more.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Nights (Dark Series + Bonus Novella); Author: Visit Amazon's Christine Feehan Page; Review: I read this book as quick as I could not wanting to put it down and not wanting it to end -as usual with this series. As follows with the normal storyline of a Carpathian and a suitable gifted women, this one didn't disappoint, but each of the Carpathians have their own characteristics as do the females they convert and love - that's what make them all great books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thankless in Death; Author: Visit Amazon's J. D. Robb Page; Review: I really enjoy the in death series. I have even gotten my boyfriend interested in them. We listen to them going to and from work. Hope they keep coming. Even though Eve always get the bad guy, she has her troubles to overcome while doing so. There is a great supporting crew she has help with as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Calvin and Hobbes; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Watterson Page; Review: I gave this anthology five stars because it kept me laughing all the way through. I adore this mischievous child and his best friend very much. I wait for the next one eagerly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Essential Calvin Hobbes; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Watterson Page; Review: This was a gem to read. This pair are always into mischief and sometimes can't see why they are on the parents bad side for using their imagination. I own several of these anthologies and will buy more. If you read the pair in the Sunday comics, then you you know how they are and you just gotta get this book!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat; Brand: WeeRide; Review: Love this seat! Nice to have the kids right in front with you when riding. They love it too. The padded front rest is awesome for when they fall asleep.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Golds Gym XRS20 Weight Bench; Brand: Golds Gym; Review: Bench is a bit wobbly and some pieces broke off during assembly - not critical but not super-duper high quality. Good starter bench but not awesome.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Resistance Bands - 11pc Set - With Door Anchor & Ankle Strap for Legs Workout & Carry Case; Brand: Master of Muscle; Review: Fantastic set - I love how you can hook up multiple bands together on one handle for added resistance - great set!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves; Brand: Sanabul; Review: Very comfortable and great gloves!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LuxFit Ball Chair, Premium Fitness Exercise Ball Chairs for Home and Office 2 Year; Brand: LuxFit; Review: I sit at my desk for a ridiculous amount of time so this was a necessity. Easy to assemble, comfortable, forces me to sit up straight and use my core. Much easier on my lower back and hips. Great product - highly recommend for all who sit behind a desk all day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Chobits; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Ecchi, Romance, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Tsubasa Chronicle; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Cardcaptor Sakura; Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, School, Shoujo; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Gravitation; Genres: Comedy, Music, Romance, Shoujo, Shounen Ai; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: InuYasha; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 2: Fuuin Sareta Card; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shoujo; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Gravitation: Lyrics of Love; Genres: Comedy, Romance, Shoujo, Shounen Ai; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Strawberry Panic; Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Tsubasa Chronicle 2nd Season; Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Digimon Frontier; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Katekyo Hitman Reborn!; Genres: Action, Comedy, Shounen, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Claymore; Genres: Action, Adventure, Demons, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations; Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Rosario to Vampire; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School, Shounen, Vampire; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Candy☆Boy: Side Story For Archive; Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo Ai; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Vampire Knight; Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural, Vampire; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Sekirei; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Rosario to Vampire Capu2; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School, Vampire; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Toradora!; Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Slice of Life; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Candy Boy: Nonchalant Talk of the Certain Twin Sisters in Daily Life; Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo Ai; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Queen's Blade: Rurou no Senshi; Genres: Action, Adventure, Ecchi, Fantasy; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Vampire Knight Guilty; Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural, Vampire; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Tsubasa: Shunraiki; Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Mystery, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Candy Boy Episode: EX01 - Mirai Yohouzu; Genres: School, Shoujo Ai, Slice of Life; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Sekirei: Pure Engagement; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Sekirei: Hajimete no Otsukai; Genres: Comedy; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: K-On!; Genres: Comedy, Music, School, Slice of Life; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Toradora!: SOS!; Genres: Comedy; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Asobi ni Iku yo!; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Kämpfer; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Candy Boy Episode: EX02 - Shiawase Kyouyuu Riron; Genres: Romance, Shoujo Ai, Slice of Life; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Angel Beats!; Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama, School, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: InuYasha: Kanketsu-hen; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Black★Rock Shooter (OVA); Genres: Action, Drama, School, Slice of Life; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: B Gata H Kei; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, School, Seinen; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Highschool of the Dead; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Horror, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: MM!; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Sekirei: Pure Engagement - Kanwa ni Dai; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Freezing; Genres: Action, Drama, Ecchi, Harem, Martial Arts, Romance, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Highschool of the Dead: Drifters of the Dead; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: MM! Specials; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica; Genres: Drama, Magic, Psychological, Thriller; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Ao no Exorcist; Genres: Action, Demons, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Shounen Ai; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Tiger & Bunny; Genres: Action, Comedy, Mystery, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai.; Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Kämpfer für die Liebe; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Shoujo Ai, Super Power; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: No.6; Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Freezing Specials; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 1000%; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Music, Romance, School, Shoujo; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Ao no Exorcist: Ura Ex; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon Best Wishes!: Victini to Shiroki Eiyuu Reshiram; Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Inu x Boku SS; Genres: Comedy, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Another; Genres: Horror, Mystery, School, Supernatural, Thriller; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Ao no Exorcist: Kuro no Iede; Genres: Action, Demons, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Black★Rock Shooter (TV); Genres: Action, Drama, School, Slice of Life; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Toradora!: Bentou no Gokui; Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Slice of Life; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Another: The Other - Inga; Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Ao no Exorcist Movie; Genres: Action, Demons, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon Best Wishes! Season 2: Kyurem vs. Seikenshi; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 2000%; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Music, Romance, School, Shoujo; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD Specials; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Inu x Boku SS Special; Genres: Comedy, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Sukitte Ii na yo.; Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Kamisama Hajimemashita; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Amnesia; Genres: Fantasy, Josei, Mystery, Romance; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?; Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD New; Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Tamako Market; Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?: Onsen Manyuuki; Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Sukitte Ii na yo.: Dareka ga; Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Freezing Vibration; Genres: Action, Drama, Ecchi, Harem, Martial Arts, Military, Romance, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Free!; Genres: Comedy, School, Slice of Life, Sports; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Kill la Kill; Genres: Action, Comedy, School, Super Power; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: No Game No Life; Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Game, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Noragami; Genres: Action, Adventure, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Noragami OVA; Genres: Action, Adventure, Shounen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Freezing Vibration Specials; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love Revolutions; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Music, Romance, School, Shoujo; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kill la Kill Special; Genres: Action, Comedy, School, Super Power; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: No Game No Life Specials; Genres: Ecchi, Fantasy, Game; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kamisama Hajimemashita◎; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Free!: Eternal Summer Special; Genres: Comedy, School, Slice of Life; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Shokugeki no Souma; Genres: Ecchi, School, Shounen; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: One Punch Man; Genres: Action, Comedy, Parody, Sci-Fi, Seinen, Super Power, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD New: Oppai, Tsutsumimasu!; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Romance, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, Seinen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Noragami Aragoto; Genres: Action, Adventure, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Bikini Warriors; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Parody; Rating: 5.0/10.0 | anime |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Rabbit Ears Motel; City: Steamboat Springs Colorado; Review: We have stayed at this hotel on multiple trips, and always had a great experience. During the winter you can not beat the value or the location. You can walk to the hot springs, theater, shopping and most restaurants in town. Pros: Location, Location, Location, Comfortable Rooms, Reasonable Price, Breakfast included, Nice Staff, Close to Howelsen Hill. Cons: Rooms with one bed small, outside walkways, have to drive to Steamboat Ski Area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Inn at Irving Place; City: New York City New York; Review: My wife and I stayed at the hotel, and found it to be very special. The staff was excellent and the hotel was wonderful. The Christmas decorations were outstanding, and breakfast was good. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and will return on our next trip. Our room was large and very nicely finished. It felt more like being at home than in a faceless hotel. The only bad point in our stay was a holiday party one night was very loud, but it finished at a reasonable time. If you are looking for a hotel with very quite rooms this may not be the place for you. With the wood floors and open stairs you do hear the noise in the halls.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rawa Island Resort; City: Mersing Mersing District Johor; Review: I first stayed on Rawa in 1974 as a child when they had just opened and it was a very simple operation with a few rooms, one central bar and bathroom. My favorite room was a beached boat that had two beds built into the hull. The island was originally a coconut plantation, and only a small part of the the island was open - that has changed. Over the years I learned to scuba on the island and spent many days on the beach. This year I returned with my daughter, to show her the island and go diving again. To my surprise two of the employees that were there the first year were still at the resort! The island is what makes the place, it is the reason you go not the buildings. The reef shows some signs of the resort and dock, but if you swim out past the edges you can see the same reef and sea life I enjoyed as a child. If you are looking for a 5 star resort and any old beach then look at other resorts, but if you want the perfect isolated island with the best beaches in the world then this is your place. The staff works hard to provide all of the luxury that can be found on an isolated island - remember they have no natural fresh water or any real resources. They have to boat all of the fresh water in from the mainland. I found the beach rooms to be clean, well decorated and very comfortable. We did not use the AC since the night breeze was all that was needed. The food was excellent with great options and well prepared. But once again you go to Rawa for the beach and isolation not the buildings and the food. I considered staying at Alang's Rawa after reading the reviews on the site and since we were staying during the week. I realized that Alang's is similar to the original resort I loved, so simple is ok with me. But I wanted to stay at the same resort I stayed at as a child and that was a good choice for us. If you are thinking of staying at Alang's realize the boats it uses are very small, one night a guest came over in tears pleading with the staff of the Safaris resort to let them return to the mainland on their much larger enclosed boats. They were not prepared for the open ocean trip in a a small skiff to reach Alang's and felt it was unsafe to return to the mainland in one. They obviously were not used to the ocean since the seas were calm and the Alang boats are not that small. They let the couple return on the Safaris boat, so think about that if you do not like boats in open water. We did it all, scuba, snorkel, swim, kayak, hiking and exploring the island. The sunsets were awsome and the sunrise just as amazing. The resort is very expensive, and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wiltshire Motel; City: Breezewood Pennsylvania; Review: The owner was polite and the room cleaner than the last major chain hotel that I stayed at. Great place to stay - clean, comfortable, well maintained and a nice place far enough from the highway to sleep with the windows open. The bathrooms look like my grandparents, but they look brand new like they were installed last week.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Singapore; City: Singapore; Review: Stayed here on a vacation for a few days in August 2011. The location is awsome, near shopping and everything you need to reach in Singapore. I'm a gold member with Hilton and the business floor is the the best I have ever had at any Hilton. From the free breakfast, evening drinks and snacks and the quality of service and facilities. I would stay here again on any trip to Singapore!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sebastian Vail; City: Vail Colorado; Review: What a great place in the heart of Vail. Let's start with location, right near shopping, dining and the lifts and it is in Vail. What more could you ask for? Well how about excellent staff, from check in to every staff member we interacted with service was always impeccable. Finally the building, it is extremely well maintained, very well thought out and the spa and pool are great. We will be back, this place is a great find!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Summit Inn; City: Frisco Colorado; Review: First time to stay in this family run hotel. It was a great location for our ski trip, very friendly staff and the Family room we had was huge - three beds and lots of room. We were looking for a low cost place to spend the night during a last minute ski trip and were fortunate to stay here. The hot tub was great, and we had no problem getting the top off like others had. Maybe it is because we have a hot tub but it was no problem at all. Great place for a shot trip to summit county, we will be back. Right near the highway, but still quite and a great view of the lake.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jake s 58 Hotel Casino; City: Islandia Long Island New York; Review: Stayed here on business, good location for me. Nice pool and gym, rooms about average and the staff were nice. It is clean and well taken care of, the hotel is not new but well maintained. Try to get a room that does not open into the atrium so you do not have the noise from the lobby. Great bar.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Fresno Airport Hotel; City: Fresno California; Review: This location is perfect for anyone getting in late or leaving early, we left the hotel 60 minutes before our flight, returned the rental car, went through security, stopped at Starbucks and still had to wait 15 minutes to board the plane! The building is fine, the lobby is small even for a courtyard. The staff was great and very friendly. Room was just ok, a bit worn and dated but had some recent updates that looked like it included flat screen TV, new linens and curtains. The doors were very low budget imitation wood that were all scratched up. Overall not a great hotel, but a perfect location for the airport. - you could walk in under 10 minutes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Ponte Vedra; City: Ponte Vedra Beach Florida; Review: I was at a conference and there were no rooms at the Marriott where the meetings were, so this was the best alternative. Did I luck out, 2 blocks from the Sawgrass and the rooms are large, clean and well thought out. Staff was great and I will stay here on all future visits to the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Box Canyon Lodge Hot Springs; City: Ouray Colorado; Review: This place looks like a resort from the outside, and is very well taken care of but is really a motel with some awesome owners. The outside is extremely well done and it looks great. The attention to detail from the owners shows, they really work hard to keep this place in top shape. The rooms are standard motel rooms in size, but have some love and hard work making them special. Don't go thinking this is a 5 star resort and you will be very happy you stayed with them. The entire staff worked hard to make our visit special and we enjoyed meeting each one of them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Madeline Hotel Residences Auberge Resorts Collection; City: Mountain Village Colorado; Review: We stayed in one of the "condos" here for a wedding and could not have been more impressed. It is on par with any of the high end resorts in Aspen or Vail. The condo was spacious and very well furnished, we had everything we could need. Each unit is unique, not cookie cutter rooms at the Madeline. The walls are very thick and you could not hear anything from the other rooms. The pool was wonderful, and the exercise facility extremely well thought out. We did not use the spa but it looked very nice but smaller than others I have used in similar resorts. Location is <2 minute walk to the Gondola, with many shops and bars steps away. The hotel is very well staffed, they are courteous and were always making sure our needs were exceeded. Food at both restaurants was great and well priced. This is a longer drive for us but we enjoyed the visit so much we are planning a ski trip this winter to enjoy the snow!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Village at Breckenridge Resort; City: Breckenridge Colorado; Review: Each unit is privately owned, so you need to pick an updated unit. Be sure to ask at check-in for an updated unit there is a major difference between the old and the new. Got a great online discount, made this a real value. Great staff and the location is perfect for skiing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel; City: Lincoln Nebraska; Review: Great location for downtown Lincoln. Staff was great, the lobby is under construction but that never impacted me at all. The room was great, and had been updated and was very clean. Halls in the hotel are dated but well kept and maintained. Hotel shuttle to the airport was simple, even thought I arrived after midnight. The workout area was great with new machines and quality equipment, nicer than most.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seasons at Avon; City: Avon Beaver Creek Colorado; Review: Great Location, in the heart of Avon. Made original reservation through Vail resorts, ok but 48 hours after it was made they increased the price in a second confirmation with no comment as to why there was a price change. They did correct it back to the original price only after I showed the original confirmation to them because they did not believe the price had changed. No Pool or Hot tubs - you can buy a pass to the Avon Rec Center Assume units are owner decorated, all very different, this can be good or bad depending on what you get. Internet and TV not working - was told about internet but had to waste time figuring out TV was out too. Staff not very motivated at all, hope you don't need help during your stay. Outdoor hallways, fine in the summer but not so great in the winter. Strange security on elevators, have to enter a complex code into a separate keypad. The elevator we used the buttons were so worn that you had to guess what the keys were.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Regency Lodge; City: Omaha Nebraska; Review: Great price, staff and facility. It shows that this place is cared for and is not a chain. There are some downsides to that but overall I love this hotel. It is quite, reasonable price and you feel very welcome. The health club is a bit worn but it works.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elk Run Inn; City: Craig Colorado; Review: We had a last minute trip and booked this hotel last minute - they accepted dogs, had a fair price and good reviews. We were not disappointed, it is obvious how well this hotel is cared for. Each room is different and nicely decorated. This is not a 5 star resort it is a small town locally owned hotel, and if that is what you are looking for be sure to stop here!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hyatt Regency Boston; City: Boston Massachusetts; Review: Stayed her on business got a great price online (half what other similar hotels were charging). Location is great for Boston easy to get to from the airport and central to many sites. The staff was very helpful and my room was large and very nice. It was obvious that it had been remodeled but they did a good job. The health club is large and well equipped.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hopa Home Patagonia Hostel; City: San Carlos de Bariloche Province of Rio Negro Patagonia; Review: My first stay in a hostel in many years and it was great. Good location, price, staff and the room was great. We had a large room in the very nice building, quiet , nicely decorated and great bathroom. The breakfast had home made bread each day and internet access was easy. A great place to stay for the more adventurous traveler!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn Suites Airport; City: Little Rock Arkansas; Review: Had a good stay at this hotel, close to the airport - you could walk but the shuttle they share with a parking garage works well. The staff was helpful, but often not at the front desk. My room was run down in the bathroom but the bed was great.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Needham Hotel; City: Needham Massachusetts; Review: OK I have stayed at many hotels in Boston and I probably will not go back to this one. GOOD Location Lobby BAD Check-in was a mess, they allowed guest to cut the line and were very slow Room Quality - many issues and other guests seemed to have similar problems My room phone did not work Bathroom had many issues Just not a very well kept room Called for a pickup at the local commuter train station at night, told they would pick me up in 10 minutes (~1.3 miles from hotel) It was raining/snowing called after 30 minutes of standing outside to say I could walk if they were not coming. The assured me they would be there in a few minutes, finally arrived 57 minutes after I had called!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus DFW Airport Suites; City: Irving Texas; Review: Had a forced layover in Dallas and the airline booked me at this hotel. I was surprised how nice the facility was, but the staff (late at night) was not very helpful. Overall it worked out great, the only issue that had had was with the airport shuttle, that was slow and caused me some delays on a night when I only got a few hours of sleep.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Seasons at Avon; City: Avon Beaver Creek Colorado; Review: I stay at this hotel every year, the location is perfect! This year the staff was so much better than years past - friendly, helpful and really made a difference. The rooms are large, great views and nice lobby. No pool or Hot tubs is the major draw back.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gulf Winds Resort Condominium; City: St Pete Beach Florida; Review: Perfect location for the beach. PROs Right next to the beach Cool Architecture Well Maintained Close to beach, food, bars....... CONs Noise for the night club can be very loud You must clean your dishes and take your trash out before you checkout 10AM checkout and a 3PM check-in - 5 hours? Very slow Internet Rooms all Different Not much view from most rooms; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hot Springs National Park KOA; City: Hot Springs Arkansas; Review: Stay away from loop D unless you like traffic noise all night. The hosts were very nice and helpful, but we ended up with a site right next to the highway, ask for a location up on the hill to not have the traffic noise. One of the more expensive campgrounds we had on this trip - great facilities that are well kept. Minial parking room and a little tight for larger RVs.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Green Tree Lodge; City: Eureka Springs Arkansas; Review: We did not see this campground in researching the area, just saw them as we drove past. What a lucky day, host was very friendly and helpful even without a reservation. The park is well run and very reasonable cost for what you get. The only negative we found was the sites are close together, but was still easy to park and very quite. Would stay here again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: River View RV Park and Resort; City: Vidalia Louisiana; Review: Our first night in our new RV, the park is very large and well managed. It was clean, the pool was great and the sites are large and easy to drive through. Office staff was friendly and very helpful, loved the place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cornstalk Hotel; City: New Orleans Louisiana; Review: This hotel has the real feel of the French Quarter, very authentic and amazing architecture. The staff really made our visit, making us feel welcome and enhancing our stay. Made some great recommendations to us that really helped us enjoy the visit. Room was clean and very interesting but could use some TLC too. If you are looking for a perfect French Quarter location with amazing staff this is the place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wagon Wheel Motel Cafe; City: Drummond Montana; Review: Located on main street near the springs, a local suggested it. We had breakfast here, excellent food with great service and filled with locals at the time. Lots of options and the prices were fair, great option in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: L Hermitage Hotel; City: Vancouver British Columbia; Review: This hotel was in a great location for a pre-cruise tour of Vancouver. The staff were amazing and helpful at every turn. The room was large and well maintained but the AC was very noisy when it shut on and off. We used the hotel bikes to ride around the town and they even offered a backpack, helmets, and water. The pool was great and exercise room well set up for us. Highly recommended; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4; City: Hounslow Greater London England; Review: New hotel with very quiet rooms and excellent service. We arrived late and had a hard time finding the walkway to the hotel from T4, but once we found it it was simple but a bit of a hike. Only one set of towels in the room but they brought more up. We booked direct and the process was very simple and the rate was great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Dolsot House; City: Cherry Hill, NJ; Review: I am totally addicted to their dolsots! I like mine bim bim bap style with spicy pork bulgogi. The kimchee fried rice is phenomenal, too. The only minor "downside" to the restaurant is that it is small and it gets pretty hot inside. Otherwise, the perfect place to satisfy Korean food cravings,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill; City: Moorestown, NJ; Review: We went to Firebirds for the first time last night with my husband and two kids. We made a reservation for 6:45 and were seated by 6:55 (not too bad). Our server approached our table quickly...he was polite and pleasant, although seemed unfamiliar with the menu, particularly the wine selections. He walked away with a drink order and moments later, a second server approached us to take our drink order. Not sure if there was a miscommunication or if the original server was in training. Anyway, the first server came back with our drinks and took our dinner order. He promptly brought bread to the table. Where the meal took a wrong turn was the quality of the food. When everything came out, it LOOKED appealing, but this was a case of looks being deceiving. First, my husband ordered the meatloaf, which was described on the menu as coming with Parmesan mashed potatoes, but instead his plate had French fries. When he questioned the server, his answer about how he ended up with fries was very vague ("Well, the meatloaf can come with either mashed or fries"), with no offer to correct the mistake. The meatloaf was cold and the gravy on top was so salty that it made his tongue tingly (his exact description). He decided to eat around the gravy instead of sending it back because he didn't want to delay finishing the meal, especially with our kids there. I ordered the filet kebab, which came out looking pretty, tasting fair, and ICE COLD. The highlight of the meal, believe it or not, were the smoked wings my daughter ordered off the kids menu. Once we were done eating, we had to wait at least 15 minutes for our server to drop the check, and when he finally did, we noticed that he charged us almost $8.00 for the kids drinks, which were supposed to be included with their meals...a point he tried to argue as we were showing him the wording on the kids menu! All in all, we spent $100.00 for a less than mediocre meal. We were going to buy my parents a gift card to Firebirds had we enjoyed it...that is not going to happen! We won't return. It's a shame, too...we really wanted to like it, especially for the price.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Moe's Southwest Grill; City: Mt. Laurel, NJ; Review: Don't waste your time ordering food online. I placed an order online today at 1:00 for a 1:25 pick up time. The website requires you to pay with a credit/debit card to complete the order. I showed up at the restaurant at 1:24 and told the workers that I had placed an online order...they hadn't even taken the order ticket off of the machine yet! The girl making the food stated (rudely), "We didn't make it yet." No apology, just that. Then she said, "Hey, we don't got no spicy chicken." I informed her that it was offered as an option on their website, to which she replied, "Well, WE don't have it. You want THIS chicken?" (Pointing to the chicken on the line). I then had to wait 10 additional minutes for my order to be completed...so in essence, this turned into a 35 minute order at a fast food restaurant! While I was waiting, 5 customers walked in, ordered, paid, and got their food. What's the point of ordering online if the workers ignore the tickets? The only reason I didn't walk out was because I had already paid for the food with my credit card and didn't want to go through the hassle of having the oh-so pleasant and accommodating staff refund my money! The kicker is, I had pre-included a 15% tip when I paid online...I would have never done so if I had known that the service would be so terrible! Its unfortunate, because the food is actually decent, but today's experience will keep me away from Moes for a while. I'll stick with Chipotle...good food and service.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bhan Thai - Mount Laurel; City: Mount Laurel, NJ; Review: I have eaten here three times and picked up takeout once. The food has been consistently good. The papaya salad with tofu is, by far, my favorite menu item. The curries are delicious as well. It is a small place, so be prepared to wait a bit on weekends, although the wait is typically not more than 15-20 minutes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CHUlicious; City: Mount Laurel, NJ; Review: This place is phenomenal! I have never dined in the restaurant, but have ordered takeout many times and it is always excellent. The staff are extremely polite and friendly. My kids are obsessed with the salt baked shrimp, which is crispy shrimp dusted with salt and five spice, served over long hot peppers. Super delicious. Another fav is their house fried rice, which is loaded with chicken, beef, roasted pork, and shrimp (and not the skimpy baby shrimp that other places use). Amazing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Asian Chef Fusion Cuisine; City: Mount Laurel, NJ; Review: Disappointed. Ordered for delivery and though the food arrived still warm (even though it took an hour), it was the taste and quality that left us underwhelmed. The miso soup was bland, the edamame was over cooked and unsalted, and the Kung pao chicken sauce tasted like a bottled product. Thankfully, the prices were reasonable. Don't think we will order from here again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Han Dynasty; City: Cherry Hill, NJ; Review: Hands down, best Chinese food this side of the Delaware River. Its traditional Szechuan menu makes it unique and different from the usual Americanized Chinese fare. Favorite dishes are the cold chili cucumbers, wonton soup, dry pepper shrimp, Dan Dan noodles, and the shredded cabbage. The service is always good, too. If you are willing to step out of your Chinese comfort zone, this is the perfect place!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amma's Kitchen; City: Evesham Township, NJ; Review: DO NOT EAT HERE!!! Last summer I ate here with my family and although we enjoyed the food, we were disgusted and horrified at the end of our meal when a LIVE cockroach walked across my son's plate while we were waiting for our dishes to be cleared!!! The cockroach then scurried across the table, up the wall and into the corner of the ceiling. The restaurant was full of people and we didn't want to make a scene, so we left and I sent a very long email to the restaurant owner about this issue. Never got a response back. Now I am seeing others putting up reviews about seeing bugs and other sanitation issues and I had to share my experience. If the pests are scurrying around the restaurant, I shudder to think what is happening in that kitchen. STAY AWAY!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Dioskouros; City: Athens Attica; Review: Thought the hostel for the most part was great. I stayed for 4 nights in January 2016 and even though it was the off-season as it was winter there were still heaps of people staying there. I got a dorm room for 10 euro a night which I thought was awesome. 24 hour reception and the hostel has an excellent location. Plus it was very easy to find coming from Syntagma station. Nice communal area which an outdoors seating area, indoors seating area and a kitchen. The only problems I found were that the wifi wasn't great in the bedrooms, even though my room was one of the closest to the communal areas, and I didn't see the bathrooms get cleaned at all while I was there, even though the bins were emptied. Other than that, I thought it was great and the staff were very friendly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hostel Meteora; City: Trikala Trikala Region Thessaly; Review: The staff are very friendly and helpful. When I first arrived I wasn't sure how to check in and the girl in the dorm room (Ana, who I later found out worked there too) had to direct me to go downstairs and check in. Dimitri gave me a cup of juice and a map which he pointed out all the spots of interest in Trikala, plus the map had a bus and train timetable to get to Kalampaka and Meteora, plus there was a map of Meteora too. The hostel has a small kitchenette but no microwave, oven or stove, only a littke gas cooker that one person could use at a time. I barely spent any time downstairs except to check in but it seemed that there was a bar, lounge and movie area. There are 2 computers you can use for free and you can also usw the printer for free too. The dorm beds are okay, I could feel the bar of the bed base underneath my mattress which was a little uncomfortable but otherwise everything was good! It's also very well located, close to the centre of town and bus stops.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 16eur Fat Margaret s Hostel; City: Tallinn Harju County; Review: The hostel is in a good location, about 10 minutes walk from the ferry terminals and 5 minutes to Old Town. The room was clean and you get a locker for free which has all your linen in it. The kitchen/common area was really big and there is a free sauna in the mornings. The staff were helpful. My only problem was that there was no atmosphere at all in the hostel, the walls were all grey and when I went into the common room nobody was talking to each other - I know that you have to put yourself out there as well but it would be cool if the hostel could help to facilitate this.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hostelgate Backpackers; City: Vilnius Vilnius County; Review: One of the best hostels I have stayed in, cheap prices, amazing social atmosphere (one night 19 of us went out together with half of that number only arriving that day), big clean kitchens and and social area. The beds are comfortable and the bunks aren't too squeaky. As other reviewers have said, the showers could do with some upgrades but the water pressure was excellent. Staff were really friendly, gave me a map and showed me the main streets of Vilnius as well as giving me instructions on how to get to a traditional Lithuanian place for dinner, and information about how to get to nearby Trakai. Strong wifi in all rooms plus they have a cute balcony you can chill out on (only enough froom for 3-4 people max). Well located, 10-15 minutes walk from bus station, supermarket 5 minutes away, easy to find (although maybe a bigger sign would be good), and is in Old Town so it's pretty sweet. Really worth the price I paid too, very happy. Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Strangers in the Night; City: Parnu Parnu County; Review: The hostel is well located, only a 5-10 minute walk from the bus station and parallel to the main street of the old town, and a supermarket isn't too far either. The rooms were clean and my dorm room all had single beds (no bunks!). There is a common room and kitchen downstairs, kitchen is fully equipped. There was no atmosphere in the hostel at all though, the guy at reception didn't really seem like he wanted to be there and although he answered my questions he didn't seem very enthusiastic. Other than that and lack of social atmosphere the hostel was fine; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: No 1 The Mansions by Mansley; City: London England; Review: Lovely little flat perfect for my grandmother who stayed here for 4 nights. Entire apartment, with washing machine too. Ruth was very helpful for her, explaining how lots of things worked and answering lots of questions. She also helped my grandmother to check in for her flight and calling the airline for her. Thank you for making her trip so much easier!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Kilmore; City: Cavan County Cavan; Review: We had our wedding party here helpful staff and great food seem to be all local staff; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Berg; City: Cologne North Rhine Westphalia; Review: Staff i found in this hotel most rude. Shared bathroom breakfast not great either wouldn't stay here again. If we had stay in this again due to going to trade show we would forget about going to Germany; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Acon; City: Dusseldorf North Rhine Westphalia; Review: I have stayed here few times really helpful staff and clean basic hotel great location 5 mins from train station free wi fi.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pudi Boutique Hotel; City: Shanghai; Review: Good hotel can be hard to find.Nice inside. Internet free; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Novotel Century Hong Kong; City: Hong Kong; Review: Good hotel. Good location. chill out hotel. Middle of Hong Kong yet a lot room in hotel which you will need in Hong Kong as Travelling round Hong Kong can do your head in with so many people; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Novum Hotel Continental Frankfurt; City: Frankfurt Hesse; Review: Great location , Basic, Clean. What else do you want Would i stay again of course i will. Easy access to train station; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Apartamentos Ivory Playa; City: Port d Alcudia Alcudia Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: Staff friendly and helpful, near the beach only few minutes 9/10 sunbeds are hard to get if not booked on the beach , food was great one best I had had in hotels 10/10, night entertainment was good 10/10. Mini club for young kids 4/10, had special events in hotels which where great for kids bouncy castles, water slide 10/10, Was good big supermarket opposite and about 10 mins walk to local tourist shops etc, The port is 30 mins walk; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: H10 Salauris Palace; City: Salou Costa Dorada Province of Tarragona Catalonia; Review: We stayed for week in July 16 and 17 excellent location miniclub was brilliant staff where super, food hotel was good maybe more of different varieties over the nights Excellent hotel hopefully be staying again; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Emerson, Lake & Powell; Brand: Emerson Lake & Powell; Review: Emerson, Lake and Palmer, probably the most undeniably profound musically talented group in the rock era; also had their ups and downs. From the dynamic first four albums, to the Works symphonic albums (which I think were just as good if not better) to the dying Love Beach... ELP basically goes into hibernation... It was as if all the creative force were sucked out of the band with a truck load of kryptonite. While Carl went off to ASIA and stuck in a contract with them... Keith and Greg decided to awake from their several years of sleep and take a shot at their stuff once again... However, because of the contract there was no Carl Palmer... Thus in walks Cozy Powell... While many original ELP fans may look at this other "P" guy and say forget it, if it is not Carl Palmer it's not ELP, they are right... Carl Palmer's classical/rock virtuosity is second to none... But, if you never heard Carl, I think many would be energized by this Emerson, Lake and Powell trio. My personal favorite on the whole album is "Mars, The Bringer of War," adapted from the Holst symphonic piece "the Planets" is wonderful. Being a guy who considers himself first a classical musician at heart (being that Wagner's Ring was my first musical experience and study at the age of 5), Cozy Powell holds his own very well on this album. I often wondered if he listened to hours of Carl playing on Triology or Brain Salad Surgery, but he did a nice job for the boys... If you are en ELP fan and can get passed the "P" being a different guy... You will definately like this album... It definately has its place in the ELP repertoire.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One For All; Brand: Peter Criss; Review: One thing about lions, is that they are totally confident in who they are. To me, being an old KISS fan from their first album back in the '70's...now in my mid forties, who has a very strong classical music background in world of opera and symphonic music, as well as a fan of the ELP, Yes, progressive era, just to give a picture of myself... this ablum is truly someone who has matured and decided to make a statement about himself, not ratings or dollars. Hopefully for Peter, he will make a nice dollar off of this album, but I think this was more a statement of his person and faith than anything else. When I first put the album on and listened to the opening line of "One for All"... I immediately felt like I was in a room listening to Peter tell me what was in his heart and in effect, entered into a conversation... My take on this album is that is was not to dazzel fans with musical virtuosity or to re-live old KISS sounding moments... But a very, very personal visit with Peter. Which is what true art should be, a journey into the heart and mind of the artist. Peter is singing and talking from the heart... This is probably why Beth did so well in the mid-seventies... While Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons thought it would be a, "side two throw away" (to quote Paul), it put KISS on the map in a whole new manner... Yet, in an embrionic form we heard a ballad from a young man (Cat), who would eventually get a view of the world that a grown man (Lion) puts forth in One for All. I hope KISS fans will really take a step back and listen to this album, and hear not just nice drumming and good music, but a visit into a man's heart. Something I do not feel I have seen as much with Gene or Paul... For me they are execellent business men who keep pumping the market for a dollar... I would be very interested in who they are as they approach their 60's and take a simmilar journey into their heart. On the other hand, if A**hole, Gene's resent album, is a statement of his heart... Well I am not sure that is a journey I want to take... Need I say more... While that is what captialism is about, it appears to me Peter has grown up in other dimensions. I hope we hear more from Peter... I enjoyed this album, it is musically sound, thoughtful and full of heart. Thanks Pete!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Emerson Lake and Powell; Brand: Emerson Lake & Powell; Review: Emerson, Lake and Palmer, probably the most undeniably profound musically talented group in the rock era; also had their ups and downs. From the dynamic first four albums, to the Works symphonic albums (which I think were just as good if not better) to the dying Love Beach... ELP basically goes into hibernation... It was as if all the creative force were sucked out of the band with a truck load of kryptonite. While Carl went off to ASIA and stuck in a contract with them... Keith and Greg decided to awake from their several years of sleep and take a shot at their stuff once again... However, because of the contract there was no Carl Palmer... Thus in walks Cozy Powell... While many original ELP fans may look at this other "P" guy and say forget it, if it is not Carl Palmer it's not ELP, they are right... Carl Palmer's classical/rock virtuosity is second to none... But, if you never heard Carl, I think many would be energized by this Emerson, Lake and Powell trio. My personal favorite on the whole album is "Mars, The Bringer of War," adapted from the Holst symphonic piece "the Planets" is wonderful. Being a guy who considers himself first a classical musician at heart (being that Wagner's Ring was my first musical experience and study at the age of 5), Cozy Powell holds his own very well on this album. I often wondered if he listened to hours of Carl playing on Triology or Brain Salad Surgery, but he did a nice job for the boys... If you are en ELP fan and can get passed the "P" being a different guy... You will definately like this album... It definately has its place in the ELP repertoire.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Double Platinum Remastered; Brand: Kiss; Review: Kiss Double Platinum as others have said is the first greatest hits that the band made... This truly is the definitive greatest hits album... The following three albums which includes Anton Fig on drums and finally Eric Carr... Are quite good, but you can see that Kiss was missing something... Finally when Kiss became their own cover band, between the Creatures ablum and prior to the pseudo-reunion album (Psycho Circus) they clearly lost their way, especially with out the unique Ace sound and Peter's voice... If there is an ablum that defines the chemistry of the perfect hard rock show band of the 70's, this is it... You need no other...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Destroyer/Remastered; Brand: Kiss; Review: For some this was unecessary... But for long time KISS fans, "especially musicians" and those who have been around from the beginning; this was necessary. As some pointed out the differences may seem marginal, but actually the minor changes make a big difference on a quality audio system (no iPod docks worth anything here). Ezrin explains in his liner notes what was involved in attempting to remix the masters with some things being set on the original 16 track recording and others variable. My son and I compared each song from the original issue and if "Resurrected" was the first release and the "Original" the second, you would hear many holes in the "Original"... You many even approach your audio system and wonder what just went wrong with it and try to adjust the sound. For example: By bringing Peter Criss's drums forward just a bit more, re-equalizing the bass on both drums and Simmons bass playing, Detriot Rock City has many aspects you could not detect well before. For example, Criss's consistent shuffle on the down beat is amazing! You really cannot hear that in the original very well, it just seemed to be an echo from the reverb; but no it was intential, virtuoso playing. During the famous four beat solo at the end of the song, Simmons glides down the E string of his bass at the same time Criss plays, this was almost undetectable in the original recording. That is just to mention two key aspects, but in vitually every song there is something unique throughout the entire song. Another is the acoustic guitar work in Beth. Why is this important? Because these nuances and colors show Ace, Peter, Gene and Paul and the true musicians they really are. For years people, especially non-KISS fans, have accused the original four of being more show than musicians. But clearly this is not the case. While their "style" may not be progressive like ELP or Yes, as far as complexity, their skill and musicianship is clearly there. One more subtle example: In todays Hip-Hop, Rap and Pop culture, many drummers use what is known as a "click track". This is a metronome clicking the rhythm of the song to keep the drummer in sync with the rest of the music. (Not to mention many times used in live performance, because of all the ditgial add-ons that the stage musicians cannot repoduce.) Rather to bring up Detriot Rock City again, Peter Criss is the supurb metronome! His definitive playing moves the song with such a pulse and all this without a click track, add the shuffle I mentioned earlier, it just wouldn't be the great piece of Rock N Roll that it is. Even Eric Singer (a wonderful drummer in his own right), is pressed to play Detriot Rock City today with the ssame Criss flare because you just cannot improve on perfection. Back on KISS ALIVE III where Singer tried to add a double bass kick to the song, it only muddied the movement of the piece. I would recommend; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Man Of Steel Soundtrack; Brand: Hans Zimmer; Review: Hats off to Zimmer on this score... From 10 sets of drummers in the caliber of Jason Bonham, Vinnie Colaiuta and the like, to broad sonic spectrum of sound... The melodic and rhythmic structure of the score is perfect! While watching the movie (seen it three times) the score truly is part of the visual and audible performance... Listening to the score separately one can see why... It really does tell the store... Well done!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gershwin/Copland/Barber: Rhapsody In Blue, Appalachian Spring, Adagio; Brand: Bernstein/Los Angeles Philharmonic Orch.; Review: One of the best renditions of Rhapsody Blue I have ever heard!!! And Barber's adagio for strings the most moving. I have heard and own several different copies of all the works on this CD and Bernstein as conductor and pianist out does himself.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown; Author: Visit Amazon's Eric Blehm Page; Review: Very good book that gives a good picture of the sacrifice our troops make to preserve our freedom especially the special ops soldiers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guns; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen King Page; Review: The language used was offensive and the assumptions made were erroneous concerning aspects of the use and ownership of guns. Would not reccommend reading to anyone.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Trident K9 Warriors: My Tale from the Training Ground to the Battlefield with Elite Navy SEAL Canines; Author: Visit Amazon's Mike Ritland Page; Review: I am a dog lover and love stories of them. This book shares how they have served our country and the military in times of war and danger. It also gives some detail in the selection, training and matching to handler. Very good book for information and reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary Williams Page; Review: Well written narrative, filling in the the story of "Lone Survivor". We can get some idea of the price our warriors have to face in keeping us free. Would recommend reading both books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unbroken: An Extraordinary True Story of Courage and Survival; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Hillenbrand Page; Review: Well written biography of a real World War II hero.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times; Author: Visit Amazon's Max Lucado Page; Review: Max takes the difficulty out of our worldly events and transports us to a heavenly view.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clouds of Glory: The Life and Legend of Robert E. Lee; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Korda Page; Review: A very good biography of the man, Robert E. Lee and family, along with the Virginia army he commanded in the Civil War.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Riding With Reagan: From the White House to the Ranch; Author: Visit Amazon's John R. Barletta Page; Review: Well written account of a true American icon!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sully: My Search for What Really Matters; Author: Captain Chesley B Sullenberger III; Review: A great event from the eyes of a particapte who used training and calm nerves bringing about a miracle results. It helps to understand the man the pilot during a tramatic emergency. A great read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: God's Chaos Candidate: Donald J. Trump and the American Unraveling; Author: Lance Wallnau; Review: Well written and compelling narrative that is convicing facts that only time will tell if true.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Washington's Farewell: The Founding Father's Warning to Future Generations; Author: John Avlon; Review: We need leaders today that have Godly wisdom and seek the leadership of God as did many of our foundig fathers. May we as a nation repent and seek God's ways.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II; Author: Visit Amazon's Adam Makos Page; Review: Great war story from both sides of World War II European Theater air war.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: KONOV Gothic Stainless Steel Skull Biker Mens Ring Black; Brand: KONOV; Review: Amazingly detailed piece of jewelry, people ask about it all the time. Btw, the price was phenomenal and it arrived super quick.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: INBLUE Men's Stainless Steel Ring Silver Tone Black Blue White Skull Dragon Claw Evil Devil Eye; Brand: INBLUE; Review: A little bigger and cheesier than I expected but it gets the looks. Maybe on the hand of an old grandma lady, it's a little funny, but the price and sapped by which it arrived was great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FitFlop Women's Petra Flip-Flop; Brand: ; Review: I was super happy to see these shoes here on Amazon for only $49.90....that is amazing considering that many sites sell them at $90 and up! I usually wear Alegria's and am very happy with those as well, but wanted to try something different. They took a bit of getting used to, my knees were not very happy wth the slant I think, but within the week, I was golden! I am 5'9", quite the chubby grandma with bad knees, a weak lower back and a job that needs me to be on my feet for sometimes, hours a day. These shoes have proved quite comfortable and with enough bling to make me not look the old lady that I am :-) I did buy the gold ones and the stones were yellowish, the gold is a slightly shiny, almost snake print and I am very happy...I look forward to buying many more pairs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: INBLUE Women's Stainless Steel Genuine Leather Bracelet Bangle Cuff Silver Tone Black; Brand: INBLUE; Review: Wonderfully made...took a VERY long time to get here but I was happy when it arrived. Not cheaply made and it was a nice surprise, considering how reasonable the price was :-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Timex Men's Easy Reader Day-Date Expansion Band Watch; Brand: Timex; Review: My husband will not wear any other kind of watch, he wants a simple, easy to read and lights up in the dark, watch. He has been wearing a version of this watch for years and Amazon is really the only place you can find this style now. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime, it arrived in two days....A+++ all around~; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gildan Men's Big and Tall Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt; Brand: ; Review: Bought three for my 80 yr. old dad and he was super happy. He is very thin, 5'8" and always cold...these fit well over his shirts and are the perfect weight for a cool night in SoCal. Btw, it is very hard to find plain, well made, sweatshirts without a big logo or picture on the front...thank goodness for Amazon Prime, they arrived quickly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gildan Men's Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt; Brand: ; Review: Bought three for my 80 yr. old dad and he was super happy. He is very thin, 5'8" and always cold...these fit well over his shirts and are the perfect weight for a cool night in SoCal. Btw, it is very hard to find plain, well made, sweatshirts without a big logo or picture on the front...thank goodness for Amazon Prime, they arrived quickly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gildan Men's Big and Tall Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt; Brand: ; Review: Bought three for my 80 yr. old dad and he was super happy. He is very thin, 5'8" and always cold...these fit well over his shirts and are the perfect weight for a cool night in SoCal. Btw, it is very hard to find plain, well made, sweatshirts without a big logo or picture on the front...thank goodness for Amazon Prime, they arrived quickly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JewelrieShop Turkish Evil Eye Bracelet Murano Glass Beads Beaded Clear Crystal Spacer Bracelet for Women Girls; Brand: JewelrieShop; Review: Love this version, well made and I wear it every day. It's small and not overly obtrusive, the beads are well made.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Top Plaza Men Women 8mm Lava Rock Stone 7 Chakra Bracelet Black Healing Energy Gemtone Beads Mala Meditation Bracelet; Brand: Top Plaza; Review: Really cute for the price, not real stones of course, but still looked good. Unfortunately, it broke the first time I wore it to the office. Major bummer.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Olympia Deluxe Fashion Rolling Overnighter, Tulip, One Size; Brand: Olympia; Review: A+++++ Received an email last night that my bag would not be arriving until the 8th and although I was disappointed, I just put it out of my head...then after running errands this morning and when I got home, the bag was already here!!! Super surprised and very happy. It is a beautiful bag, purple is my favorite color but it's not an obnoxious purple. It's on the darker side and it easily holds my 17" in laptop and my big, fat planner. It has so many pockets, zippers and such, I don't think I can use them all. I have my IPad and my tablet as well as a couple of legal pads, no problem baby! It has a retractable handle which slides easily into a zippered area. I will definitely use this for any travel that comes up, but will love it most for the office. This could easily be a weekend bag while working a full-time job during the week. It's nice to have something that is not totally business boring but helps me stand out a bit. The fabric is very nice, not plastic or fake leather...maybe it's a 'vegan' material that my daughter would use :-) I LOVE IT!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Always Warm Corduroy and Safety Reflector Ushanka Collection Aviator Trooper Trapper Hat Winter Faux Fur Water Winter Proof; Brand: KBETHOS; Review: My husband refused to wear this "dorky hat" UNTIL the temp dropped into the low teens and he was all over it. Sure, it's goofy looking but it's warm as heck, so your choice is he warm or look cool. He's too old to be cool, so warm it is.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: YALUXE Women's Urban Style 3-Way Leather Work Tote Shoulder Bag; Brand: YALUXE; Review: I tried and tried to like this, make it work but at the end of the day, it too late to return and it too small for my needs. It will NOT even hold my Chromebook or tablet, forget a lap top. It looks structured in the picture but is is very soggy and doesn't hold its shape. I kept it for the color because I have no pink purses but it not even a good sized tote.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Cuisinart SS-700 Single Serve Brewing System, Silver DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER; Brand: Cuisinart; Review: This product is wonderful!! We purchased first the keurig B60 and had problems with the coffee tasting like plastic. We sent it back to keurig and got a new one with same issues. Since we always had good luck with Cuisinart we tried this single serve model and love it. Very happy coffee drinkers now!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LUCID Rollaway Folding Guest Bed with 4 Inch Memory Foam Mattress - Rolling Cot - Easy Storage - Cot; Brand: LUCID; Review: Have not used it yet but don't think it was worth the money. Besides being extra long there is no difference then the ones that sell for 100 dollars. I would have sent it back if I could but I dint know how ...:); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zenna Home 886SS, Tension Shower Curtain Rod, 52 to 86 Inches, Chrome; Brand: Zenna Home; Review: I bought these to hang up extra long shower curtains in my patio.....they are holding up pretty good. Been up for 6 months now!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Standard Shower Curtain for Bathroom Water Repellent Fabric Mildew Resistant Washable Cloth (Hotel Quality, Eco Friendly, Heavy Weight; Brand: Welwo; Review: I bought these for my patio as they are waterproof and the material is awesome. I bought them about 6 months ago and I LOVE THEM.... They look nice out on the patio and make it more comfy!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Despicable Me Reversible Pillowcase - Minions; Brand: Jay Franco; Review: Very well made pillow case. I bought it to use a a sham. Works great and my Son loves it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Decorbox Happy Sleepy Kitty Print Cat Pillow Cushions Cover Throw Pillow Cover For Sofa Office Decorative Pillowslip Gift Ideas Household; Brand: decorbox; Review: Gave this to a friend and she loved it. Really well made at a great price. You have to add your own pillow to it but not a problem.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: US Window And Floor 2" Faux Wood Blind, Inside-Mount, 30 3/4 W X 36" H, White; Brand: US Window And Floor; Review: Cant go wrong for the price!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Greenland Home Blooming Prairie King Quilt Bonus Set; Brand: Greenland Home; Review: Best looking and excellent quaility Quilt and bed set. I bought the whole set, pillows, curtains, shower curtains and throw quilt. They are all awesome quailty and look so beautiful. Highly recommend this set. You won't be disappointed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Greenland Home Blooming Prairie Pillow Pair Accessory, Multicolor; Brand: Greenland Home; Review: Awesome pillows and quailty. Highly recommend this bed set and all the matching products.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sfoothome Light Beige and White Flowers Pattern,Mildew Proof and Waterproof Polyester Fabric Macrocyclic No Hooks Shower Curtain for Bathroom; Brand: Sfoothome; Review: Great shower curtain; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark) (1981); Genres: Action, Adventure; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Toy Story (1995); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Inside Out (2015); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Imitation Game (2014); Genres: Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big Hero 6 (2014); Genres: Action, Animation, Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014); Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Boxtrolls, The (2014); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: The Book of Life (2014); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chappie (2015); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Maze Runner, The (2014); Genres: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Pitch Perfect 2 (2015); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Focus (2015); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minions (2015); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dracula Untold (2014); Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Interview (2014); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014); Genres: Adventure, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Fifty Shades of Grey (2015); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (2003); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Monsters, Inc. (2001); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Incredibles, The (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (a.k.a. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) (2001); Genres: Adventure, Children, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bourne Supremacy, The (2004); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WALL·E (2008); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Iron Man (2008); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Avatar (2009); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I, Robot (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (a.k.a. MIIB) (a.k.a. MIB 2) (2002); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: School of Rock (2003); Genres: Comedy, Musical; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Panic Room (2002); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park III (2001); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: War of the Worlds (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Simpsons Movie, The (2007); Genres: Animation, Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: How to Train Your Dragon (2010); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Da Vinci Code, The (2006); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kick-Ass (2010); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kung Fu Panda (2008); Genres: Action, Animation, Children, Comedy, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hulk (2003); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Iron Man 2 (2010); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mean Girls (2004); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Lilo & Stitch (2002); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hunger Games (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Notebook, The (2004); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: X-Men: First Class (2011); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids (2001); Genres: Action, Adventure, Children, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fantastic Four (2005); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Madagascar (2005); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Superman Returns (2006); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 13 Going on 30 (2004); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hancock (2008); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Coraline (2009); Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Despicable Me (2010); Genres: Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The (Män som hatar kvinnor) (2009); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thor (2011); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Incredible Hulk, The (2008); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Night at the Museum (2006); Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Tangled (2010); Genres: Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy, Musical, Romance, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 2012 (2009); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Edge of Tomorrow (2014); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Momma's House (2000); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (2003); Genres: Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Blind Side, The (2009); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twilight (2008); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Prometheus (2012); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Trainwreck (2015); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic World (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Poltergeist (2015); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Spy (2015); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holes (2003); Genres: Adventure, Children, Comedy, Mystery; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Iron Man 3 (2013); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Enchanted (2007); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy, Musical, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Men in Black (a.k.a. MIB) (1997); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Tammy (2014); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Extinction Point; Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Antony Jones Page; Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't wait to get started on the sequel! I could hardly put it down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Revelations (Extinction Point); Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Antony Jones Page; Review: I have not read a series that quickly before. It kept me interested through all three books, never a dull or boring moment. I would love to see a movie made out of this series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wasteland Chronicles Omnibus Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Kyle West Page; Review: I enjoyed reading it and I hope to read more of the series, if there is more.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sandman; Author: Visit Amazon's Morgan Hannah MacDonald Page; Review: I like murder mysteries, and Sandman didn't disappoint.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Janet Evanovich Page; Review: Janet Evanovich's light humor has always been a favorite in my house.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Elven (The Saga of the Elven); Author: Visit Amazon's Bernhard Hennen Page; Review: It was a little lengthy for the story line. Still, I read all of it, didn't give up on it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: 9MM High Polish/Matte Finish Men's Tungsten Ring Wedding Band Sizes 6 to 15; Brand: Metal Masters Co.; Review: Can't believe I ever bought a ring for more than this! What's the point of buying a men's ring from the jewelry store for $200+ when this ring is so much better looking for a fraction of the price? I love this ring on my husband and he loves it too. Best buy i've ever made.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 316L Surgical Steel 14g Leaf Dangle with Blue Beads Navel Belly Button Ring Barbell Piercing + 1 Retainer; Brand: BODYA; Review: I really liked it until the feather and beads came off. now just looks like any other belly button ring.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miz Mooz Women's Sasha Bootie; Brand: ; Review: I wasn't sure i'd like these shoes when I first orderd them. They took me a few times of wearing them to get used to. They needed to be broken in. Also, they are warm. I live in a warm climate even in the winter, so they were too warm sometimes. However, after breaking them in I learned to love them. They are cute and fun and I like the height of the heal. Also, there isn't a lot of padding in them. If you're not used to wearing heals all the time it can be harsh on the ball of your foot. Over all I really like these. I read the other reviews to help me choose my size and ended up getting a little larger than I'm used to, they fit perfect.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: BeOne®New Rhinestone Long Dangle Navel Belly Ring Body Piercing Reverse Sexy Navel Rings Jewelry; Brand: BeOne; Review: Cute. Good quality.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dahlia Stainless Steel Sparkle 3.8mm Band Ring - Women; Brand: Dahlia; Review: Cheap gets cheap. The picture makes it look much nicer.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Walther CP99 Compact-CO2 Powered.177 Caliber BB; Brand: Walther; Review: This is a perfect example of why the more complicated the product the more things will go wrong , It is very cool when , and I do mean when it fires the slide comes back and maybe fires again - it just dosn't work consistently , in fact it barely works , the minute you begin to depress the trigger a bb rolls out the barrel , it sometimes fires a bb and maybe reactivates for another shot. It looks cool and feels cool but thats it. You will be very unhappy if you own this gun - I purchased 5 other guns by various makers in the same week - all work great BUT NOT THIS ONE.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Crosman NightStalker air rifle; Brand: Crosman; Review: This product is cheaply made and will break. 2.5 minute out of the box , a very very thin plastic part which holds the barrel in place after loading broke , the barrel then floats back and forth and gas leaks past , decreased pressure isn't enough to make the pellet leave the barrel , and in a semi auto that means maybe 1 or 2 or 3 pellets lodged in barrlel.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Smith & Wesson SW8 Spear Fixed Blade Glass Filled Nylon Handle; Brand: Smith & Wesson; Review: If they really wanted to put out a useful really good quality tool they would have made the detachable part of the handle in machined aluminum and made the end cap screw off in order to store some things like para cord , sharpening stone , fire starter, whatever. Would have been sweet then instead of Nice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bushnell 611436 Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope with 6-Inch Eye Relief, 1.75-4X 32mm; Brand: Bushnell; Review: I have a busnell trophy scope with this type of reticle and love it ,but there is a huge difference between Bushnell banner and Bushnell trophy scopes , the banner is like looking through a tunnel and the trophy is full picture clear with no black sidewalls like the banner ,I would spend the extra money and buy the trophy ,I have the Bushnell trophy on my 12 gauge for deer hunting and this year am 11 for 11 ,shot 11 deer in 9/years and only pulled the trigger 11 times ,love that scope.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Tapco Timber Smith SKS Laminated Monte Carlo Stock; Brand: Tapco; Review: Best thing I ever did to my SKS . Super nice fit easy to install and looks top notch , in my opinion the best aftermarket stock you can find. Awesome.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hoffman Richter HR-15 Tactical Folding Knife; Brand: Hoffman Richter; Review: Awesome knife for what I paid , bought mine at a flee Market for $3.00 It's heavy enough to keep a body on the bottom of a lake should that ever be nessary. It stayed sharp ling enough to get a toothpick carved out , that saves my day , during the night a racoon tried to steal it but he couldn't carry it so that was good . I have to give a good saying forvthise reasons.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FN-41 Custom Handmade Damascus Steel Folding Knife- Stunning Piece of Art. (Case/Colors May vary); Brand: Poshland Knives; Review: I have one of these Pakistan knives , inferior steel , can't even get an edge on it , they are beautiful well made but crap blades.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Williams WGRS-336 Guide Receiver Peep Sight Marlin 336 Lever Action Aluminum Black; Brand: Williams Gun Sight; Review: Gunsmith I am. They say no need to replace front sight , That is NOT true , the peep will not go low enough. SHOOTS HIGH , so a higher front is needed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Interpreter of Maladies; Author: Jhumpa Lahiri; Genres: fiction; Review: A brilliant collection of short stories, this book explores the depth of human relationships and its beauty. It portrays the feelings that normally one gets when one is yearning for their home country, although they might be born elsewhere due to various reasons. A must-read book, if one feels beaten by life and its complications (or bare realities) and is numb because of that.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Not Just an Accountant: The Diary of the Nation's Conscience Keeper; Author: Vinod Rai; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Curiosity was what had driven me to pick this up and give it a shot. Being in the same profession as the author himself, I am happy with what the book has given me. The detailed note about Mr.Rai's initial days in the services and what ensued was very nicely written. He covers the three major scams that shook our country in the past decade. The 2G spectrum, the CWG scam and also the Coalgate. The book gives a detailed narration of what happened, from Mr.Rai's point of view of course, and also backs his claims with appropriate evidences. It is a good read, if one is curious about how things work in the complicated machinery that is the Government. One can also gain a glimpse of the multilayered bureaucracy and the associated jingoisms.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 300 Days : A Novel; Author: Bragadeesh Prasanna; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: "Love is not about holding onto a person. It is about holding onto the welfare and happiness of the person." A novel which begins with the routine route, flows along slight twists and turns. Although it slows down a little somewhere in the middle, the story picks up pace towards the end. Jai and Sravani share some nice moments that are detailed well. Written with the normal outline of a Hero, heroine and ample number of antagonists, the story ends on a philosophical note.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jannal Malar; Author: cujaataa; Genres: fiction; Review: This book, said to be an inspiration behind a recently released movie, is penned down by Sujatha. I found the narration to be brilliant and very much aiding a colorful visualisation of the story. The characters are well plotted and the varied shades of emotions that they go through is nicely written. Story seems predictable and nothing out-of-ordinary or spell-binding. In all it is an engaging read for all those who are in the look out for captivating narrations.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Accidental Prime Minister; Author: Sanjaya Baru; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: This book gives a detailed account of the UPA 1 and a short one of the UPA 2 terms in the Government. While most of us would have lost our respect on our former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, this book strives to inform the realities that happened behind what was chosen to portray to the public at large. Interesting narration and to the point, I liked the book. It is an informative read on how the government manages the media and what goes on behind the curtains of governance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two (Harry Potter, #8); Author: John Tiffany; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: An unnecessary sequel that ruined the impact that the seven earlier books left in me. Swaying generously between time and space, this quenches the thirst of those who wanted more of the Harry Potter world, albeit in a very unsatisfactory manner. It was warming to see Draco warming up to the trio and I felt it was absurd to bring in Delphi at all. Bottomline- An unnecessary extension to what is a lovely childhood memory. To quote the Dark Lord, "I confess myself disappointed".; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Editor Unplugged: Media, Magnates, Netas and Me; Author: Vinod Mehta; Genres: non-fiction, history, biography, historical fiction; Review: If you are curious about the perks and pitfalls of being an editor in a renowned print media house , go nowhere else but pick this book up. It is an interesting read till the part of Niira Radia and Ratan Tata. Beyond this, I found this book painfully slow. It is a tough nut to crack not because of the complex content, but because of sheer boredom and monotony. Finished for the sake of starting it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Before Memory Fades: An Autobiography; Author: Fali S. Nariman; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: A detailed account of the professional journey of one of the most illustrious lawyers of India, Mr.Nariman. The chapters on UCC and the Inter State river disputes are excellent and provide a balanced view on the facts. Written in a style peppered with ample amount of humour, this book is entertaining and informative. I loved the fact that the author, Mr.Nariman,does not impose his views on the readers, rather he presents the facts and the views from all sides and leaves the case to the reader to decide. The wisdom of Mr.Nariman is also evident across the pages as he jots down what he had learnt all through his years. The description about the various High Court buildings in the earlier pages of the book and about the tradition followed in the Bar provides an interesting read. I would recommend to pick this one up!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Indian Dynasty: The Story of the Nehru-Gandhi Family; Author: Tariq Ali; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: So much has been said about the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty all through our years of study in various sources. Text books, reference books, news extracts etc. But this book by Tariq Ali is one of its kind which gives a clear account of the dynasty and how things started and gradually picked up speed. We come to realise that may be it was the circumstantial situation that might have forced the concept of dynasty and nepotism down our throats. Absence of choices, lack of trustworthy people etc are valid reasons for a person to have acted the way they did. However, the dark truth remains that once the purpose is over it is always prudent to discard the makeshift shelter and focus on building a solid one. Sadly the INC had forgotten it long back. I am sure even of they hadn't, they had and still have a good set of sycophants and chamchas to do it for them. An excellent read to know about the Great Indian Dynasty; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Things that Can and Cannot Be Said: Essays and Conversations; Author: Arundhati Roy; Genres: history, poetry, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Basically this is an account of the dialogs, the exchanges between Ms. Roy, Mr. Cussack, Mr. Snowden etc. There is considerably less about the internet surveillance and about the ethical and moral parts of it. There is just too much of Ms. Roys take on what India is and what it should have been, which is at times deplorable to read. I would personally would have loved to read more about Mr. Snowden and Mr. Assange. A disappointing read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The End of Wall Street; Author: Roger Lowenstein; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: A detailed description about the happenings and what triggered it. I liked this book in particular because of the clarity. It is clear that the bankruptcy and the recession that happened in 2008 wasn't something that to off in 2008. It was like magma boiling inside the earth and finally thrown out as lava. Excellent read for people who like simple language and longer narrations. Although the number of characters in the book is a little intimidating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Norwegian Wood; Author: Haruki Murakami; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A wonderful book that tugs at one's heartstrings. Having heard a lot about Murakami, I took a risk. Personally I don't dig fiction much, but I just had to give this one a try. I must say I don't regret. The narration is exemplary and so is the gradual way in which the characters grow on the reader. The shallowness that we feel to each character is slowly done away with, and towards the end we get a major idea of what might have been the plight of the people in the story. Each person in the story- Watanabe, Midori, Naoko, Reiko, Nagasawa pull you in with their mannerisms. It's a lovely book and probably a must read for anybody who would like a glimpse into their lives.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sita's Sister; Author: Kavita Kane; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: For ever, I had never been able to connect with Sita. She was too good to be true. I preferred human touch to people and not the eternally wistful characterisation of people. This book showed me another side, another perspective of the same story. With lovely narration and mild story telling, the author has done a great job in making this a page Turner, so much that I could complete reading this is about twelve hours. The lines about Mila's love and her intelligence are capable of captivating a reader and might be worthy of several re reads. A gift that was perfect for me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement; Author: Eliyahu M. Goldratt; Genres: non-fiction, fiction; Review: So yes. I started off this book for an assignment. I was told very high about this book and that it was a romantic story. Turns out, it was not a romantic story per se. Reading a story where concepts of Modern Costing techniques are thrown in abundance every page is not my idea of romance. This book has a lot of technicalities involved. It talks about throughput, bottlenecks, manufacturing processes and a slight tweak of Kanban Cards concepts. I enjoyed reading this book immensely because I loved Costing as a subject while studying. The feeling of warmth and joy when you read something and also understand it well is amazing. This book did not have one phase where the story slowed down which usually makes me ditch the book altogether. New perspectives and deep thoughts about what I had learned are the net results of reading this. Also, I felt the side story of the lead character's personal life to be a little similar to The Secret Letters from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. I know it is supposed to be the other way round, but still, I had read the Secret Letters earlier and hence found this similarity too good to digest. I enjoyed this book and would recommend any person who is a student of accounting and also anyone who hopes for a career in manufacturing to give it a try. It is definitely worth your time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Kind Worth Killing; Author: Peter Swanson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: My first book of Peter Swanson and I have mixed opinions on this one. It is not as if I have some other benchmark set to compare this with, but still. A thriller set in the suburbs of Boston and Connecticut, with five major characters, the story is told well. It is not a unique plot but the method of story-telling is certainly unique. We are taken through the story not with chapters, but with the perspective of each character. That gives a lovely pendulum sort of style to the story that moves back and forth, with a few overlapping details. It is these overlaps that make the story intriguing and gives a very nice continuation feeling in between events. The ending was the winning shot, in my opinion. It was very much movie like and leaves things open to the reader's imagination. Worthy of a good read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Promises of a Firefly; Author: Anupam Patra; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This book is a collection of short stories that tug at your heart. It makes us feel a lot of myriad emotions and takes us on a roller coaster ride. I liked the book for its concept. It has been really long since I read short stories because I was not getting good ones. But this book explores cliched themes in a whole new level of writing. It is very well-written. Apart from the teeny tiny pronoun mismatches, this book is a good read. I just have one tiny bone to pick. It seems as if the collection largely centers around the theme of death and spirits, I don't know why. It feels a little depressing, especially when the first two stories explore death. Satisfying read, in short!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Emergency Retold; Author: Kuldip Nayar; Genres: non-fiction, history, biography, historical fiction; Review: 4 Stars because the option of 0.5 doesn't work. I prefer 3.5 stars though. The book is an account, a live third person account of the Emergency. Kuldip Nayar was a journalist, who was imprisoned during the Emergency and had to undergo the injustice inflicted upon the masses. The narrative is apt and the facts presented are amazing. The book has been written with a lot of background research and interviews with stakeholders and the affected parties. It critically examines the effect and the impact of Emergency in shaping up of the political destiny of the country. It does not mince words when describing the tyranny of Sanjay Gandhi during the phase or of the inability of Indira Gandhi to accept the truth of Sanjay. I have read a similar book authored by Shri.P.N.Dhar, who was Indira Gandhi's secretary during Emergency. I had the feeling that Dhar was sympathetical and too soft towards the Gandhis and was in denial to see what really happened during the Emergency. This book by Kuldip Nayar does not do that mistake and gives us a neutral and blunt view of what is what. Despite a few editing errors here and there, the book is good. Readers craving masala, stay away, for this one is dry and boring if you are expecting drama.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indira Gandhi, the Emergency, and Indian Democracy; Author: P.N. Dhar; Genres: non-fiction, history, biography, historical fiction; Review: Indira Gandhi is remembered for the Emergency than anything else. This book, written by P.N.Dhar, who spent almost seven years working under her, tries to give the backstory and details about the event. A lot is written about the East Pakistan crisis, the denial of the economic aid, her relationships with the leaders of the neighbouring countries, the emergency, her equations with Indian leaders, her relationship with Sanjay Gandhi and the Simla Agreement. I read this book out of curiosity and I must confess that I was not entirely disappointed. Though I would say that about 40% of the book is filled with assumptions which aim to validate or justify Mrs.Gandhi's actions. The emergency was a very dark period in the Indian history, there are no two ways about it. The way the author has tried to take a softer stand regarding that era made me a little uncomfortable. Her perception and apprehension about her own son, Sanjay Gandhi is also covered quite in detail, especially his tyranny and waywardness. That portion is very interesting to read, to be honest. I found this book to be heavily biased in favour of Mrs.Gandhi and her rule. Something that I had expected, but this was a bit over my imagination.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hangwoman; Author: K.R. Meera; Genres: young-adult, fiction; Review: This book was originally written in Malayalam and then translated into English. The story, set in Bengal, is about a family of hangmen, who form an inevitable part of the execution of justice in India. The main characters are Chetna, who is touted to be the first hang-woman in India and her family, Mitra, an opportunist journalist among others. The background in which the story is set is one in which a criminal has been sentenced with the death penalty and awaits his execution. The narrative is long, major portion of which is the history of the Mullicks (the hangmen family). A thread of lost love, abuse and patriarchy is also woven in sync with the flow of the book. The translation of the text has been done with great care. A lengthy read, which will be loved by people who like history-based narratives.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ananta Shesha Naga: Rise of Demon Prince; Author: Sanjeev K. Sharma; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: An abysmal combination of words and grammar. This book is a classic example of how a story can be layered unnecessarily and packaged to the unassuming readers as a "book". Poor writing, pathetic editing and copious amount of cringe-worthy content find their places in this book. The story begins only after a good 90 pages. Till then, its all about sex, written in a very poor way. Post that, bad editing makes up for the absence of sex in the story. By the end, I cursed myself for picking this up to read. Although the book showed a tiny ray of promise somewhere in the later half, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. All I could think about, after reading the book was that THE EDITORS HAD ONE JOB TO DO! Misplaced prepositions, different spellings for the same word on the same page, ridiculous usage of words, some non-existent, some out of context and some bad-sounding. Story Mirror should seriously do a quality check within the organisation to stop this massacre on the English language. Would I be re-reading this? Heck No! Would I recommend this? Not even to my worst enemy. Disappointed.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Patriots and Partisans; Author: Ramachandra Guha; Genres: non-fiction, history, biography, historical fiction; Review: This book is again a collection of essays related to various aspects of Nationalism and our foreign affairs. I particularly like a couple of essays that spoke about the Hindutva hate mails that he received and also about the hows and the whys of China policy. While the hate mail essay was extremely relatable in this era of social media and paid trolling, his thoughts about the Indo-China relations were interesting. He seems to be a Nehru sympathiser to me. I am being specific because he seemed to spare no softness for Indira Gandhi and abhor the next line of Gandhis. Well, these are just my observations. The book is a slow read. One might want to actually spare time after every essay to ponder about the ideas presented in those essays.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghachar Ghochar; Author: Vivek Shanbhag; Genres: fiction; Review: A simple tale of a Kannada household narrated in style. The tale is about a man and his family, their lives and habits. The story is engaging with a lot of descriptions about the people and the surroundings. It helps us visualise and live a scene rather than just reading it. I can see the coffee house, Vincent, Amma, Malati ,Anita, Chikkappa etc to name a few. Towards the end, the story has a subtle twist, giving it a psychological shade. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for anyone who needs a light read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Petpost | Tear Stain Remover For Dogs - Best Natural Eye Treatment For White Fur - Soothing Coconut Oil; Brand: Petpost; Review: Doesn't really make a difference, too bad.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs - Liquid Glucosamine w/Chondroitin MSM and Hyaluronic Acid; Brand: TerraMax Pro; Review: Its messy to pour out, ordered pump dispensers somewhere else and they don't fit the huge bottle opening. Id be happy to revise this review, if you could send a fitting pump for it? Wanted to switch my dogs for life to this, it now Im having second thoughts.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: KONG TUG; Brand: KONG; Review: Our huge dogs love this ball, usually nothing withstands the Presa de Canarios, but this one is a winner. Durable, bouncy, fun - they love it. Well worth the money. Also floats and is total fun to catch and retrieve it in the pool. Wonderful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ruff Dawg Flying Fish Floating Dog Toy Assorted Neon Colors; Brand: Ruff Dawg; Review: Perfect, dog and us love it. Seems sturdy even for the big guy, floats well and splashes, jumps on the water, depending on how you throw it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pawstruck Jumbo Cow Ears For Dogs | Made In USA & Natural | Healthy Bulk Dental Dog Treats; Brand: Pawstruck; Review: Fantastic no odor cow ear. Big, clean - very nice. Impressed. Same price as others who claim to be odor free and stink. This one is a winner, thank you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Louis Raphael KHAKI Men's Slim Fit Flat Front Garment Dye Cotton Short; Brand: Louis Raphael; Review: Would have liked a lighter color, but then that's my fault. Not yours.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slim Fit 11 Inch Flex Work Short; Brand: ; Review: Fits well & looks good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dream USA Men's Casual 3/4 Sleeve Baseball Tshirt Raglan Jersey Shirt; Brand: DREAM USA; Review: Looks & fits well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cotton Classics 3 Pack Tank Tops; Brand: ; Review: Fits well & looks good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men's Ribbed Tank Top - Single Pack Undershirt in Bamboo Viscose by Texere; Brand: TexereSilk; Review: Fits perfectly, looks great, feels incredible. Love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: amFilm Kindle Fire (Previous Generation) HD Clear (Invisible) Premium Screen Protectors (2-Pack); Brand: amFilm; Review: For some reason I can't get this on correctly but my son can. I like the idea of something protecting my screen and this does.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fosmon Trio Capacitive Tip Stylus Pack for Kindle Fire, Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, HTC, Samsung; Brand: Fosmon; Review: These made life so much easier They make my game times better and I never have to redo my taps. I don't know if my fingers get dry or what but this works for me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: amCase(TM) Dual- Angle Genuine Leather Folio Case Cover for Kindle Fire, Black; Brand: amCase; Review: I am very happy with this case. It looks as pictured and is not at all flimsy. I am very satisfied.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amazon 5ft USB to Micro-USB Cable (designed for use with Fire tablets and Kindle E-readers); Brand: Amazon; Review: Worked perfect. Was a replacement for one I wore out. I do need to go order a longer one too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fire HD 6 Slim Case (2014 model), Pink, Nupro, Slim Fitted Standing Case, Protective Cover (4th Generation: 6"); Brand: Nupro; Review: It was so pretty, but I ordered the wrong thing. In this day and age it is no wonder I easily found a family member that could use it. My Niece loves it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stylus Pens for Touch Screens, Cambond 2-in-1 Ballpoint Pens and Stylus for iPad, iPhone, Samsung, Tablet, Galaxy Note; Brand: Cambond; Review: These are so convenient. The pen works great and the stylus is better than the ones I have with no pen. Now I can carry one item and not have to search for each. Thank you. Great find.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Forest Glade; City: Pallivasal Munnar Idukki District Kerala; Review: This was an exhilerating experience which show cased the rich culture of Kerala. Kathakali dance was very expressive and a demonstration was conducted before the actual show was undertaken. This enabled viewers to have a better understanding of the drama that was presented. The costume was exquisite and the dancers engaged the crowd by involving them in the demonstration. Nice show however it can be a culture shock to view a " man" being so violent against women with such show of aggression. Heavily drammatized show which can be toned down to protect women against violence and break the tradition of violence against women.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Regenta Orko s Haridwar; City: Haridwar Haridwar District Uttarakhand; Review: We booked two rooms and both were awesome. Neat, clean, well serviced rooms. Impressive setup. Understanding staff who made checking in easier on kids by providing keys before formalties.Clean linen provided. Quiet place to unwind from long journey.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Master Paradise; City: Pushkar Ajmer District Rajasthan; Review: Wrought iron bed with dead bug in it that looked like giant flea. Toilet was leaking and made floor disgusting The bathroom smelt like urine , worse in morning . 1 channel tv only Paint work peeling in places Floor surfaces were clean though Friendly kitchen staff; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Siris 18; City: Agra Agra District Uttar Pradesh; Review: Never judge book by its cover. Outside does not look impressive but inside its clean neat, organised. We stayed on 9/12/16 (2 rooms booked) and were blown away with quality of service. Check in was quick and easy. The rooms were of superior quality and rooms were adjacent to each other (without even asking, thoughtful receptionist called Prem) Food was promptly prepared and were honest by telling us that our order if spaghetti bol was not fresh so offered us to pick alternative. Greatly appericiated this. Food was delicious and looked appealing.The tray was removed promptly after wards. Overall I was extremely impressed with their service. Thanks Siris for the wonderful Agra experience.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lords Inn Jodhpur; City: Jodhpur Jodhpur District Rajasthan; Review: Stayed here twice and booked two rooms. Had different set of rooms which were both great and got double and single beds as requested. Hotel restaurant is excellent with yummy food and excellent quantity served on time. Housekeeping needs HUGE improvement because the hotel has very modern facilities. The carpet in corridor was always dirty on both stay. Bathrooms needs a thorough clean including tiles in room. I had to keep requesting for bathmat for both rooms. Reception checkin was delayed both times due to paperwork carried out so slowly. The small lounge at reception was constantly busy with groups of men. An ok hotel that has great potential with proper leadership and beter staff training as seen with other hotels with similar facilities.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Abad Atrium Hotel; City: Kochi Cochin Ernakulam District Kerala; Review: I stayed overnight and had booked 2 rooms. It was neat clean and had decent size room with neat clean bathroom. The food was delicious and served on time. Reception however was inadequate when serving a couple with two children thus giving two rooms both with single beds. They were painfully slow in checking in and also tedious when checking out. Facility however is good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Le Grande; City: Mumbai Maharashtra; Review: Check in was very quick and efficient. The room was big, clean and modern as shown in the pitures and catered for family of four. Food was well cooked and tasty and well presented. The reception was more than willing to help choose activities suited for my family. They were also gracious and understanding by allowing us to use a room to freshen before our trip to Goa. Its worth noting that there are some shipping and logistic companies in the hotel however it did not hamper my two day stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Swaroop Vilas; City: Udaipur Udaipur District Rajasthan; Review: Nice clean rooms ( 207 & 208) kitchen staff cater for needs well and food served hygenically.Prompt attendace for housekeeping etc. Organised reception staff with tourist map and handy advice. Transport available at doorstep. Clean bathrooms and toilet; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Annamalai International Hotel; City: Pondicherry Union Territory of Pondicherry; Review: We checked in this hotel on 07/01/17 and had 2 rooms. We needed a room with double bed and one with twin bed close to each other because I have 2 girls. We were however given 2 rooms with twin bed as shown in the picture which was not a delight to me and my husband. The rooms however were clean and neat as well as spacious enough. Linen was clean though towels looked well used and bit drabby.The shower is in a glass shower stall which was nice.Bathroom thus is very neat and clean. We were able to hire rikshaw outside the hotel easily to see Puducherry at night which was a bonus.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jungle Park Resort; City: Thekkady Idukki District Kerala; Review: We checked in this hotel on 1/1/17 and were quickly checked in. Reception was able to provide me two rooms with bedding requirements as we needed. The rooms 122 and 123 were spacious and clean. Bathroom was also clean and spacious. The room had modern furnishings. It fulfilled my requirement for a nights stay. We paid 100 rupee for unlimited wifi which was fine by me. There is no tea/ coffee making facility in the room I booked which did not bother me because I do not use it anyway. Hotwater is available between 6 to 10 for hot shower. The restaraunt sereved continental food which was delicious and well prepared as per request. The restaurant manager was fluent in English and was able to communicate effectively and attended to the need of the guest well. Overall the resort is undergoing renovations to upgrade it to an ultra modern facility but the work site is kept absolutely clean and neat by management.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SRM Hotel Tiruchirapalli; City: Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli District Tamil Nadu; Review: We checked in this hotel on 6/1/17 and had booked two rooms. We were appropriately given room with king bed and twin beds in room. The rooms were spacious and clean. Clean linen was provided.Food was delicious and service in the restaurant was also great. Excellent stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sagara Beach Resort; City: Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram District Kerala; Review: We checked in this hotel on 3/1/17 and were given 2 rooms as requested with connecting doors. This made it easy to communicate with my 2 girls. The room were spacious which opened with the pool at doorstep which was just brilliant. The rooms were clean with clean linen. Electrical Mosquito repellant was provided which available in both rooms. Bathroom was clean and tidy.All ammenities like pool were kept clean and in order. Well kept place close to beach where I would like to stay longer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Weshtern Park; City: Madurai Madurai District Tamil Nadu; Review: A well kept place with spacious rooms with neat shower and toilet. We stayed on 5/1/17 and had booked two rooms. We wanted a room with twin bed which was quickly arranged at no extra cost by placing additional bed. All linen provided was clean and fresh smelling. Reception was always quick and courteous. Wifi is available at no extra cost. Restaurant made quality food and provided excellent service both at dinner and breakfast. Venkat and his team with chef Aksar helped us have excellent glimpse in to local food culture. Immensely enjoyable experiance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Seaview; City: Kanyakumari Kanyakumari District Tamil Nadu; Review: Hotel Seaview is located very close to Vivekanandum Memorial. It is still undergoing refurbhishment. It however was a clean and neat hotel. The rooms are cosiderably smaller with shower squeezed in the tiolet. Limen however is clean and greh. Food at the restaurant is ok and not very impressive.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Travelodge Watford Central; City: Watford Hertfordshire England; Review: Im visiting Watford to visit Harry Porter studio at Leavson. Travelodge is a a very short 9 minute drive from Watford Station. The receptionist was quick and polite who explained and did the needful quickly. The room was very neat and clean with clean linen. Shower gel and hand wash was provided which a relief.Two device could be connected to wifi thus could catch up with the world. ( my Vodafone uk daya got chewed up way too fast); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Proximity Waterfront Apartments; City: Redcliffe Moreton Bay Region Brisbane Region Queenslan; Review: This is a beautiful place under a minutes walk to shopping and wonderful eating places. It is directly opposite the Redcliffe beach and jetty. The apartment it self was clean, neat and homey. Everything or anything needed in home is there. Well organised quiet apartment. Due to construction site next to it there was noise early in the morning so sleep in was an issue but this was a trivial issue for us. Entire place was well set up with resources like gym, heated pool and reading material in relaxing area.love to stay here again; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edgewater Holiday Park; City: Port Macquarie New South Wales; Review: Nice little cabin which has seen some better days.Despite old and shabby conditions of furniture the cabin was generally very clean and neat. Space was well utilised with bunk bed. The cabin has all kitchen equipment if required. Not bad for a night stay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Budget Coffs Harbour; City: Coffs Harbour New South Wales; Review: This is a nice budget hotel no trims .Check- in was a breeze with a pleasant receptionist. The facility was clean and neat. However the room was way too small for us. We are a family of four with teenagers thus the room would have been suitable for very young family. Room had aircon which did not work thus was very stuffy.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router, 802.11ac Internet Router, Wireless routers for home(Archer C7); Brand: TP-LINK; Review: Very happy so far with this wireless router. It has the security features I was looking for. Don't need dual bands; however, for any future needs, the 5.0 is in place. Highly recommend router.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Rewriter External Drive with M-DISC Support for PC and; Brand: LG; Review: So far very happy with product. Installed easily and it works fine. Hope it will last a long time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony DVPSR210P DVD Player; Brand: Sony; Review: Bought it a few years ago, just getting around to writing a review. Very happy with player. Small size helps, too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W570 16.1 MP Digital Still Camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 2.7-inch LCD; Brand: Sony; Review: Beautiful camera. It's very lightweight and takes great pictures. It's easy to transfer the photos to the computer to share. I also take out the memory card and print photos using a photo printer. The battery recharges in a few hours and lasts a long time before the next recharge is necessary. Have received a lot of compliments on it. Had the camera a few years so far. Highly recommend this Sony.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Terminal SL500-100 1/2-Inch Split Loom Tubing; Brand: American Terminal; Review: Bought this to wrap around the household cords in hopes of discouraging our youngest cat to stop chewing. We want him to live a long time. Pretty easy to put on the cords and easy to cut with a regular pair of scissors. It's made of thin plastic, so maybe just the size of it will be enough to deter our cat. He could easily chew through it if his mouth could fit. We'll see - so far he's shown no interest thank goodness. 100 feet goes a long way. The seller sent this via the postal service in a clear plastic bag. That was perfect. Once a cat turns two, they supposedly love interest in chewing so much. Until that day comes and hopefully soon, we're glad to have this as a deterrent. Neat invention.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TaoTronics ANC Foldable Bluetooth Headphones Durable Over Ear Headphones with Soft Protein Ear Pads; Brand: TaoTronics; Review: Wonderful light and it stays cool being an LED. Very bright and very lightweight. The base is heavy enough to keep it steady on the desk. The outside is made of a rubbery material which is very easy to hold onto. The slider to turn it on is really neat. This would be perfect for someone with arthritis or someone with a cast or other medical limitation. Ultra bright light. Perfect to use with magnifying mirror to check makeup. Bought it for husband, yet it will get a lot of use by entire family. Highly recommend this light.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony MDRZX100 Headphones (Black); Brand: Sony; Review: Great sound, comfortable over-the-ear, and lasts for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sony MDRZX100 ZX Series Stereo Headphones (Blue); Brand: Sony; Review: Great sound, comfortable over-the-ear, and lasts for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: SCS Direct Glow Bracelets - 110pc Wholesale Pack of Glow Sticks w Connectors - NON-TOXIC, Long 8-12 Hour Lifespan; Brand: SCS Direct; Review: 1: They glow well. I've wasted money on glow sticks that don't work, but these DO WORK! 2: They leak if bent or chewed. Not super durable that way. If used in the way they should be used, they're fine. But if you have little kids that are going to stick these in their mouths, do not buy them. 3: Different colors! Yes! 4: I bought them for a huge dance party for young single adults (18-35). Super awesome. 5: For smaller kids: night games? Uh, yes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wilton Triangle Silicone Baking Cups, 12 Count; Brand: Wilton; Review: These silicon baking cups are great. I mean, fabulous. Fill them to the ridge (which is around the half-full mark) and you get the awesome triangle cupcakes you've always wanted. And they pop right out (I sprayed before filling). I'm in the market for new shapes now that I've experienced this goodness. PLUS: Very easy to clean. So flexible. And in those girly purple-and-pink colors that makes you think "I need to throw another baby shower."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ORE International 4-Level Bookshelf; Brand: ORE; Review: Not a shelf you'd want out in public because it's not just particle board, it's cheaper-than-usual particle board. It chips off easily. However, it's perfectly sturdy (really) and works well in a closet because it's narrower than any normal bookshelves you'd find. It's truly unique in its dimensions, which is why it is such a great product.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tropical Fern Leaf Lei (green) Party Accessory (1 count); Brand: Beistle; Review: This is a great lei with plastic foliage, but keep in mind it does not look as full as it does in the product picture. It has less leaves and seems small. If you want a full effect, you may want to buy several and wear them together.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Flings Bins EVERYDAY Home POP UP Recycle - 3 Pack; Brand: Flings; Review: No. Super small. Unless you are planning to recycle 5 aluminum cans at a time, do not get this product. Super flimsy and not aesthetic. Does NOT look like it does on the front of the package.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Oxo SteeL Kitchen Tool and Utensil Rack; Brand: OXO; Review: This might work for a college student, but I like to cook and I have more than 6 cooking utensils. This is simply too short. The hooks aren't long enough to hang two on each, unless the handles are flat.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: La Crosse Technology WT-3143A-INT 14-Inch Atomic Wall Clock, Black; Brand: La Crosse Technology; Review: What a lovely clock. It's big, classic, SILENT, large, and perfect for anywhere in the house, really. I recommend it wholeheartedly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SPECTRUM DIVERSIFIED DESIGNS 41078 12-1/2"H x 5 1/2"D Paper Towel Holder, Satin Nickel; Brand: Spectrum Diversified Design; Review: The roll of toilet paper snugly fits onto the metal base so that you can't grab a sheet and have the roll twirl in response. Instead, you find yourself having to pick the thing up to force a sheet off. Meh.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Norpro 18-Inch Aluminum Magnetic Knife Bar; Brand: Norpro; Review: This is some powerful magnet. I have about ten knives on there, but some are big and some are small. The average American might need to buy two.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dexter-Russell Basics P94801B 8" Cook's Knife with Black Polypropylene Handle; Brand: Basics; Review: This is a great knife. It's easy to clean, cuts well, looks great. The handle is a comfortable textured plastic.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Norpro 18-Inch Aluminum Magnetic Knife Bar; Brand: Norpro; Review: This is some powerful magnet. I have about ten knives on there, but some are big and some are small. The average American might need to buy two.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nordic Ware Universal 8 Cup Double Boiler Fits 2 to 4 Quart Sauce Pans; Brand: Nordic Ware; Review: This is obviously great, but I wish it had a groove for pouring.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darice Clear Treat Bags Value Pack – 4" x9” Transparent Bags – Perfect for Cake Pops, Cookies, Small; Brand: Darice; Review: If you're looking for treat/small gift bags in bulk and found this, then you already know these are what you are looking for. Just to confirm: yes, these are great quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whitmor Double Rod Freestanding Closet Heavy Duty Storage Organizer; Brand: Whitmor; Review: I have owned this item for over a month now and I am disappointed. It is already falling apart. The rods fall out of place so that all my clothing slides to the floor (this has already happened twice). It is slowly leaning away from the wall and unstable. The construction is cheap. The rods disconnect and it cant hold its shape. It poses a safety risk for small children so I would definitely not put this in a childrens room or even in a house with children. Its just not worth it. I am replacing it with a different solution. I am sick of having things on the top shelf fall off and onto my head and I am sick of picking up all my shirts and hanging them up again after re-assembling the unit.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: ClosetMaid 7114 Decorative Fabric Storage Bin, Tan; Brand: ClosetMaid; Review: These are classy. So worth it and sturdier than all other cloth boxes out there. Nota bene: The purple color looks much darker than the picture.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Candle Warmer Wax Melt Warmers for Scents Frangrances & Oil; Brand: OBI; Review: This is nice and small, but also wider than it is tall so that it won't tip over. I honestly think this item is superior to all other wax-melters because of its low profile and safety. Why do people buy the tall ones with the bulb? I will never understand that choice. Anyway, buy THIS model. It is wonderful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ColorBird Stripe Tassel Tablecloth Cotton Linen Dust-proof Table Cover for Kitchen Dinning Tabletop Decoration (Rectangle/Oblong, 55 x 102Inch, Beige); Brand: ColorBird; Review: Just washed it. Looks great for the price!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope; Author: Olivia Gardner; Review: This book offers support for anyone who is being or has been bullied. I especially liked the inclusion of letters from former bullies and the insights from many older people who give a long perpective of the effects of bullying. This is a problem which is not likely to go away, so having more tools and awareness to deal with it is very beneficial.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health, and boundless energy (Primal Blueprint Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Sisson Page; Review: I accidently found a blurb on the web about this program and the more I read, I knew I needed the book. I have not quite finished it but I have been grain free for 2 weeks and feel great. So easy and so many fewer calories going into my system. As for the book, it is easy to read and follow. I am just sorry he never addresses wheat grass or how to choose between fat free and non fat free dairy. Maybe I will get to that soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Invention of Wings; Author: Visit Amazon's Sue Monk Kidd Page; Review: loved the book. would recommend. It was even better when i read that much of it was based on historical facts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beach Music; Author: Visit Amazon's Pat Conroy Page; Review: I liked most of this book: but it almost seemed like it was written by two different people. Parts of it flowed beautifully and other parts seemed forced and not too realistic. Character development was somewhat confusing. The author was probably trying to make the characters very complex, but they didn't seem that realistic at times. On the other hand: being the exact same age as the main characters, he brought that era of the 60's/70's back to life in a very interesting way. He was able to capture the craziness of the time and the special contrasts that existed in the south. We were particularly clueless during that time. Overall, I would recommend this book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Most Dangerous Place on Earth; Author: Visit Amazon's Lindsey Lee Johnson Page; Review: Honestly, this could be about any high school, anywhere. Cliche. I know someone who went to this school and there are real stories much more intriguing and troubling than the ones told here. But the setting of beauty, privilege and insecurity set up interesting contradictions for kids. Who knew teachers have cliques too.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Prison Diary(a): A San Quentin Comedy, Kinda; Author: Visit Amazon's Joey Reghitto Page; Review: Sadly repetitive, but I guess that's the point. More evidence that our prison system is barbaric. You will learn a really creative way to take a "shower".; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Brother DK-2205 Compatible 2-3/7" x 100' Continuous White Label. (1 Roll); Brand: PAR 70; Review: I find that these labels work as intended. I cannot tell any difference as compared with the original. Why pay the higher price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: VTech CS6209 Accessory Cordless Handset, Silver/Black | Requires a VTech CS6219 or CS6229 Expandable Phone System to Operate; Brand: VTech; Review: Great phone, I still use a landline and with 4 of these around the house a call is not far to reach.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 100 ValueMailers Corrugated LP Insert Pads; Brand: ValueMailers; Review: These worked fine to ship records. Protects them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Yens 125 fts Bubble Cushioning Wrap 1/2"x 12" 12-inch Wide Large Bubbles Perforated 12"; Brand: Yens; Review: Good bubble wrap, larger bubbles and a little over 13 cents per square foot. Shipped fast and in a bag so no bulky boxes or shipping cost. Nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder and Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets (Pack of 24) Bundle; Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: Nice shredder. My papermate 12 sheet cross cut shredder started grinding so I bought this. Love all the features and hope it lasts as long as the one I replaced.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Smead Poly Expanding File, 12 Pockets, Flap and Cord Closure, Letter Size, Wave Pattern Blue/Black (70863); Brand: Smead; Review: This replaced a paper file that had worn over the years. I love that the entire file expands not just the top like my one I bought before this did. Plenty of room for papers and the collapses tight.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inflatable Travel Footrest - Therapeutic For Your Legs!; Brand: DESIGN GO; Review: Nice shape when inflated. We'll see how it works on the plane.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stack-On IWC-22 In-Wall Cabinet; Brand: Stack-On; Review: Just the size I needed. One cannot fill cabinet fully as the latch takes up room but I was able to get what I needed to in there without putting in the shelves. My only complaint is that the screws to mount through the studs are cheap and strip easily even in pre drilled holes. I ended up using lag screws with hex heads on them and a socket to drive them in.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mead Envelopes, Press-It Seal-It, 9 x 12 Inch, Office Pack, 25 Per Pack (76086); Brand: Mead; Review: Good price and love the self seal envelope.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Parchment Personal Checks (1 Box of Singles); Brand: Carousel Checks Inc.; Review: Had to get new checks and these fit the bill. Fast error free delivery.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ExcelMark 5-Line Large Return Address Stamp - Custom Self Inking Rubber Stamp - Customize Online with Many Font Choices; Brand: ExcelMark; Review: Large easy to read stamp. I could have put info on 4 line stamp, name address phone number.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Office_Products |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Waiting to Be Heard: A Memoir; Author: Visit Amazon's Amanda Knox Page; Review: This was a well written book. Amanda seemes really likeable and down to earth. After reading all the false accusations against her in one compiled book, it is truly unbelievable how she sat in prision so long! She is a wonderful writter and I hope she continues to write!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges, 8th; Author: David E. Scott; Review: This book is so helpful when planning any National Park trip! I actually read a review on Trip Advisor that recommended this book. I am so glad I bought it because I had no idea that there were so many lodges! I would have missed out for sure on our upcoming adventures!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fodor's 2012 Bermuda (Travel Guide); Author: Fodor's; Review: This book was very helpful for us on our cruise to Bermuda. Gives nice insight on what to expect while visiting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy To Read: Idaho State Map (Rand McNally Easy to Read!); Author: Visit Amazon's Rand McNally Page; Review: I am so glad I got this map! I knew my cell phone service would be spotty so I planned accordingly for my trip and bout this & the Wyoming & Montana one also. I'm so glad I did. They are easy to read & helpful. I forgot to get Utah so I picked up a free one at a visitors center. It was horrible. Made me glad I bought these. Very user friendly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Utah's Grand Circle Road & Recreation Map: National Parks of Southern Utah & Northern Arizona, 1st Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's David J.R. Peckarsky Page; Review: This is a must have if you are traveling Southern Utah. This map gives you so much more information including backcountry and dirt roads in and around the National Parks! Also included on the back is a detailed map of the National Parks. With GPS spotty in the region, this is needed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy To Read: Ohio State Map (Rand McNally Easy to Read!); Author: Visit Amazon's Rand McNally Page; Review: Very helpful when you need to save data or have no service; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Brunswick Hotel; City: Shanklin Isle of Wight England; Review: I have left a couple of weeks to let my fury cool before writing my review of this hotel. Apart from the very charming ladies who greeted us and served breakfast, there is very little good to say about the Brunswick. In random order: It is TOO HOT. The central heating was off but the heat was unbearable. On arriving at 7.15 pm, we were told we were too late for dinner. This calls itself an hotel! We were told by an extremely surly barman that coffee was not possible at 9.45 pm - "it's all finished - it's for after dinner only". If you are unfortunate enough to be in room 10 (I think) the merry kitchen staff start chatting underneath the window before 0700am - not the best way to wake up on holiday. The showers are either scalding or freezing - nothing in between. The mirrors in the bathroom have an odd shelf across the middle of the mirror which prevents any use thereof. The area outside the front door stinks of smoke - why have the smoking area in such a bizarre space? I won't be going back!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Byzantio Beach Suites Wellness; City: Laouti Tinos Cyclades South Aegean; Review: Byzantio Beach apartments are a hidden gem. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tinos town, they offer peace, a wonderful sandy beach, good food and privacy. The bar service on the beach is very much appreciated after a long swim. The family and staff who run the hotel are charming and nothing is too much trouble for them. The apartments are spotlessly clean and very well provisioned (although a corkscrew would be appreciated!). We can't wait to return!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sognando Villa Edera; City: Rapallo Italian Riviera Liguria; Review: Sara gave us the warmest of welcomes and did everything she could to make our stay easy. Our apartment was beautifully designed, well equipped, and with a comfortable bed and terrific shower. The outside terrace surrounded by lovely gardens had the most stunning view over the Italian riviera. The two swimming pools were a feature in themselves. We loved the whole experience.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lions Bluff Lodge; City: Tsavo National Park West Coast Province; Review: Magical place, fantastic experience. Friendly people, good food. Worth the drive. Really appreciated all the help we were given in making travel arrangements. Loved the elephants walking past in the morning - a really wonderful sight.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ndame Beach Lodge Zanzibar; City: Paje Zanzibar Island Zanzibar Archipelago; Review: Watching other people whizzing past on kite surfers while sitting in the bar with a gin and tonic is my idea of perfection. Really friendly people, sea as warm as a bath, beautiful beach walks, great breakfasts and delicious home made lemon drinks all made up a perfectly relaxing week.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Kalenshen Hotel Cerro Calafate; City: El Calafate Province of Santa Cruz Patagonia; Review: This hotel was our haven after a rocky three nights at the Gran Dora (see review). The price was right, the location excellent, the rooms roomy and attractive, a nice free breakfast, and a wonderful staff. You are moments away from the San Martin subte (subway) station and about a ten minute walk to the Retiro Station for day trip excursions. You are also a step away from the wonderful pedestrian street Florida. Some earlier reviews indicate a problem with begging right outside the hotel, but this was never an issue. In fact, there was a uniformed security guard at the entrance every time we left or arrived. This must have been done to address those complaints. The room was great, big, quiet and nicely decorated. A door led to a small balcony. The A/C worked well. The breakfast was more than adequate with scrambled eggs and bacon along with the typical continental breakfast fare. The staff was great, I normally don’t care much about this portion of a hotel review but in a foreign country is it important. All of the front desk staff spoke flawless English and helped us twice, by calling our car service 3 hours in advance and then calling back to reconfirm the service 30 minutes prior. The hotel also held our luggage for two days, after we checked out, while we made a side trip to Iguazu Falls. As great as that was, they also took our two bags we took to Iguazu, and held them for us upon our return while we waited for 10 hours for our return flight home.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Dora; City: Buenos Aires Capital Federal District; Review: The location is great, almost a stone's throw to the San Martin subte (subway) stop. Just around the corner from the busy pedestrian street Florida. The lobby provides a glimmer of hope as it is fairly attractive and looks fairly recently remodeled. We had prepaid for a five night stay with octupustravel. Our room was another story. First of all, it was small, as was the bathroom. Very small in fact, although there was adequate long term storage in drawers in the closet. It was also very worn, dingy carpet, scuffed walls, etc. It was in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint. The door to the bathroom almost touched the toilet when opened making it very awkward to get in and out. As far as the "cold breakfast" goes, one out of two ain't bad. It was cold but hardly a breakfast. We sat for 10 minutes before being acknowledged. The breakfast consisted of a big bowl of fruit salad which was 95% pears, a bowl of prunes, a plate of cheese and one type of cold meat cuts. After being served our coffee and a bowl with two pieces of toast and two croissants we went up to the food. The cheese plate was empty and never refilled with hours to go. We tired of waiting and set out on our first day in the city. We spent one night in that small room and asked the front desk for a bigger room. We were told that bigger rooms were on the front of the hotel overlooking the street. We went up, looked at the room. It was big, it was bright, it was sparkling with fresh paint. But is was loud, even with the European style metal louvers down. We foolishly assumed it would be less noisy at night. We were wrong. It was unbearable. And don't plan on sleeping in past 6 AM, when the garbage truck literally sits outside for 10 minutes, making sounds that I did not know existed. The hotel advertises that it is air conditioned, and this is true technically. However, be aware there are no controls in the room. When the air comes on everybody gets it. And it is not set very cool and they turn it off at night completely. It was cool outside but the windows have no screens and coupled with the noise, opening the windows is not an option. And if you are cold and want heat, you are out of luck. We then convinced ourselves it wouldn’t be so bad the next night (weekend) but we were wrong. We didn’t want to go back to “the hole” so even though it was prepaid, and we stood a chance of losing our money on the last two nights we checked the Internet and found out the Howard Johnson’s around the corner was the only hotel available in a reasonable price range. That turned out to be the best decision of the trip (see our review of that property for our glowing review) and after checking out of; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gables Motor Lodge; City: Greymouth West Coast Region South Island; Review: Gables Motor Lodge was a great motel and a great value! We were very pleased with our clean, spacious room. There was a nice small kitchen. The bathroom vanity area was a bit small but still clean and nice. The owner was pleasant and helpful. There is no broadband internet...limited to dial-up only. There is a coin operated laundry but it was a bit expensive, $3NZ for washer and $3NZ for dryer. They provided detergent, but it wasn't the best, maybe bring your own. But overall, this was a great motel at a great price! $114NZ ($76US) per night incl. tax. We would stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rainforest Motel; City: Fox Glacier Westland National Park Te Wahipounamu West Coast Region So; Review: This motel was one of the nicest motels on our stay. The room was very spacious with a very large full kitchen (even a mini stove and oven). The living room was large, with a sofa and coffee table and separate from the bedroom. The bedroom was very plain, however, with no TV. The TV was in the living room. The bathroom was very large and the overall cleanliness was superb. The exterior is very nice, looks sort of like a log cabin. You park right in front of your own unit, which was nice for loading and unloading. We only stayed one night but this place would be perfect for long stays since you have so much room, you wouldn't feel cramped at all. They say they have internet access but it's limited to dial-up only. We felt this was well worth the price at $146NZ ($97US) per night incl. tax. We would definitely stay here again!! Their website is: ----------; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Colombo in the City; City: Christchurch Canterbury Region South Island; Review: We really liked our room at Columbo in the City. The room was spacious and very nicely decorated with lots of amenities, even a stereo. The vanity area in the bathroom was too small, but overall the room was great. Our only real complaint was that there was no AC and the only windows faced out to the parking lot where people were going by, and at night the street noise was too loud to leave the windows open. (Noise was not a problem with the windows closed.) This was the only place that we were actually hot in our room in New Zealand and we wished we had AC. No broadband internet. Other than that, it was very pleasant. 2 blocks walk to the central square of the city. Great location, great price. $142NZ ($95US) per night incl. tax. The owner was also pleasant and helpful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments; City: Te Anau Fiordland National Park Southland Regio; Review: This is a great place to stay especially for a long stay. The units are huge...like a small apartment, with separate living room and bedroom. The decor was a little outdated (but not worn), but the view, the space and the cleanliness made up for that easily! All rooms face Lake Te Anau and the view is beautiful! There is a coin laundry and they provide detergent. The gardens are beautiful and Barry (the owner) is very nice and helpful. There is free internet in the room, but you should bring your own network cable. Barry did have one to lend us, though. We would definitely stay here again...highly recommended!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop; City: Chicago Illinois; Review: We stayed here for 5 nights in May. While this hotel is not in the heart of downtown, the #20 Bus stop is right across the street and takes you right into town in just a few minutes. The UIC/Halstead El station is 4 blocks away (took us 10 minutes to walk there). The hotel rooms were very modern, clean and spacious. The decor was attractive. There is free high speed internet access in the rooms. The bathroom had lots of counter space. The bed linens were comfortable and good quality. Our only complaint was that there was no refirigerator in the room. We were on the 10th floor and found the room to be very quiet. Road noise was never a problem. There is a 24 hour Dominick's grocery store across the street and a Walgreen's behind the hotel. This was great for last minute needs or a quick snack on the way out or back in for the night. We were most pleased with the rate. While most hotels in town were at least $200 even with gov't or AAA rates (and most were closer to $300 ), we got a government rate of $135!! Sure, it would be nice to stay in a hotel where all you do is walk out the door and the city is at your feet, but we would much rather spend the extra 10 minutes in the morning and have all that extra money to spend on sightseeing, taking in a play, etc. We would definitely stay here again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Mt Hood Inn; City: Government Camp Clackamas County Oregon; Review: We stayed here for only one night, but it would be a great place to stay for an extended stay. The room was very nicely furnished with pine furniture. It had a countertop area (separate from the bathroom) with a sink, microwave, coffee maker and fridge. (Only negative for us was that the microwave kept overloading the circuit so we couldn't use it...if were staying longer, we would have had them fix it). The hotel has a nice large, attractive lobby with a fireplace and a continental breakfast was included. We didn't spend very much time there at all, but I noticed they had a laundry room, lockers for skis, snowboards, etc, meeting rooms (for large groups I guess) and covered parking. I would definitely recommend this hotel and stay there again!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western My Athens Hotel; City: Athens Attica; Review: We stayed here for 2 nights in May. We stayed here because, after just having splurged a bit in Santorini, we were looking to save some money. It was cheap (80 Euros per night) and since we were only in Athens for 2 nights, and our 2nd night we had to get up at 3am for our flight, we knew we wouldn't be in the hotel very much so we booked here. This hotel was a good choice for our needs. The location was pretty convenient. (About 6 blocks to the Metro, just under a 10 minute walk). The room was pretty nice, much nicer than I expected for 80 Euros. Our non-smoking room was fairly spacious with two twin beds pushed together and a sofa, desk, TV and AC which you control. There was a balcony that opened out facing north of the hotel. There was a bit of street noise (we were on the 7th floor) but not bad enough to keep us up at night. We wouldn't have wanted to be much lower though. The bathroom was really nice with a good size shower but not a lot of counter space. The neighborhood was definitely a bit more run down than the Plaka area (we decided to call it "gritty"), but we never felt unsafe and didn't mind it for the price. There is one computer in the reception area for guests to use which we found handy. Additionally, there was free Wi-Fi in the room. The free breakfast was nothing to rave about. Since we had to leave ridiculously early in the morning (before the metro started running), the front desk arranged for a taxi to pick us up at 4:30am but they could only tell us that the fare would be around 30-34 Euros to the airport. Turned out it was 38 which we thought was pretty outrageous for the 30 minute ride (but of course that's not the hotel's fault, just FYI). Good bargain...decent, clean place to lay your head.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Iliovasilema Suites; City: Imerovigli Santorini Cyclades South Aegean; Review: Where should I start with my review of this hotel?? THE VIEW!!!!!! I agonized during my research over where to stay in Santorini, because I had this dream in my head that we would sit on our private balcony and watch the sun set and enjoy the spectacular views every night...well, that's exactly what we got here! Of course, it is hard not to have a good view on this beautiful island, but what we liked most about it was the location in the town Imerovigli. It sits at the highest point along the cliff and you can see both the northern edge of the island (and the twinkling town of Oia) and the southern edge of the island (and see the lighthouse light beaming) as well as having Skaros rock and the volcano right in front of you! We thought that view was hard to beat even after we traveled the rest of the island and saw the views from almost every vantage point. Also, there were absolutely no power lines in your view as I noticed was the case with some other hotels. I'm a very picky photog and that was very important to me:) When we first arrived I literally jumped for joy when they showed us our room and our TWO private balconies!! (We stayed in the "Panorama" Room - 180 Euros a night). The view was everything I dreamed it would be, maybe better:) Now, on to the room... We were very pleased with the size. It had a separate living area with a sofa, coffee table, a desk, TV and radio (we liked having the radio and listening to Greek music while we lounged on the balconies). There was a balcony off of this room. There was also a small kitchenette, which had a small refrigerator, a sink, dishes, glasses, silverware, and some small pots and the necessary stuff for washing dishes. There was also a small complimentary bottle of wine. The bedroom was spacious and had a closet with a safe and a dresser with lots of space to unpack all of our clothes. There was AC that you control yourself. There was another balcony off of this room. The bathroom was the only thing that didn't meet our expectations. It was a decent size, but it was the shower that disappointed us. It was pretty small, but only had a handheld shower attachment, except that there was no place to hook it on the wall above you. You had to just lay it over the faucet controls which were about hip height, so there was no water pouring over you like a regular shower. Just water spraying on your legs (and the floor very often). It was just a very poor setup. When we first checked in, I was so giddy about everything else that I didn't even notice the shower setup. But after a couple of days it got to be very annoying. However, I was easily appeased by the fact that I only spent maybe 10 minutes a day in the shower; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amfitriti Palazzo Design Hotel; City: Nafplio Argolis Region Peloponnese; Review: We stayed here for 3 nights the first week of May and really liked it and would highly recommend it! We had not made reservations, but I had read the reviews before our trip and kept the name in my mind, so when we got to town we went straight for it and there was availability in two of the rooms. One room was on the top floor (which appeared to be the attic that had been converted into this neat cozy space). The other was on the first floor (right next to the reception, but much larger). The host, Anastasia, let us take a look at both rooms (which were both 85 Euros). Even though the top floor room was smaller, we were a little worried about the noise on the first floor, so we went with the smaller one. We were very pleased! The whole house was lovingly restored and decorated. The room had a lot of nooks and odd spaces, plenty of room to store our luggage out of the way. There was a sitting area with a view out the front window to Spyridon Square (a very teeny tiny square in front of the church). And we also had a small balcony with a lovely view out to the rooftops behind the hotel, with a table and chairs (a great place to sit and have breakfast!) There was also a desk area with TV. There was free high speed internet access in the room if you have your laptop. We didn't bring one but the hosts were happy to let us use their computer to check e-mail, etc whenever we needed. The room had AC which you control, which was nice. The bathroom was very nice and had a really nice shower (although a bit small, but with really good showerheads and water pressure). The bed was pretty comfortable and there were extra pillows and a blanket. Anastasia and her sister, Evangelia (the owner) were very friendly, spoke English very well and were extremely helpful with directions, advice and they met all our needs!! Anastasia was almost always there!! And we really enjoyed talking to her and learning a little bit about Greek life! Breakfast was great, with way more food than 2 people could eat and, once again Anastasia made sure we got anything extra we might want (we don't eat meat, so since we didn't have any of the cold cuts, she made sure I had some boiled eggs). And when we had to check out really early in the morning, she packed us a bag to take with us! I can't say enough good things about Anastasia!! It really does make your stay so much more pleasant when you have people go out of their way to make you happy! For that reason alone, I HIGHLY recommend staying at this great little pension! The location is great and we just parked our car on the street just a few blocks away for free. If you can't find parking near the hotel, there's a big free; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport; City: Lima Lima Region; Review: We stayed here one night after arriving in Lima at 10:20pm. We had a flight to Cusco at 9:35 the next morning. I searched high and low for a convenient inexpensive place to lay our heads that first night. I did NOT want to spend the night in the airport, which seems common. And I didn't want to go all the way into Lima (Miraflores, etc which is a 30-45 minute drive). I heard about the Manhattan hotel only a few minutes from the airport, which was really cheap, but it's reviews were hardly glowing and we didn't feel like dealing with transportation to/from the airport with such a short stay. I found a rate of $160 US per night (including all taxes and breakfast) from a travel agency called Enjoy Peru. The rate from Ramada directly was much more, around $245. Not sure we would've done it had we not gotten the rate from Enjoy Peru. It was a bit of work going through them, but after a few e-mails they did contact me. Then we had to e-mail copies of our passports and our credit card. The rate was non-refundable, which I don't normally like, but I made an exception here since the alternatives were so limited. It did take about 2 weeks for the whole transaction to occur and get confirmation. It was a bit of a headache, but overall, I think it was worth the savings. I would highly recommend this hotel! It was worth it for the sheer convenience. The hotel is literally right outside the door from baggage claim. We just walked right across the road, right into the lobby. Perfect, easy, especially after having traveled all day! We had our bags, checked into the hotel and were in our room 45 minutes after we landed! The room was nice, large, well decorated, spotless and quiet. We never had an issue with airplane noise at all. The beds were comfortable. The bathroom was large with a good size tub/shower. The shower had plenty of consistently hot water! The outlet in the bathroom had both 110 and 220 volts. The included breakfast was great! Lots of selections of fruits, breads, pastries, cereals, hot foods, such as scrambled eggs and meats, and coffee and juices. There is an internet room with a few computers at no charge. If you are looking for convenience, THIS IS IT!! And if you can get the reduced rate, even better! I highly recommend this hotel!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aurora Hotel; City: Antigua Sacatepequez Department; Review: We stayed here for 2 nights in February. Overall we were pleased and would recommend it, but there were a few things that could use improvement. The location is great! Just 2 blocks from the Plaza. We asked for one of the rooms that did not face the street and that worked as we did not hear too much street noise. However, the setup of the property with its central courtyard and patio with furniture outside each room does lend itself to encourage people to sit outside and chat...even late at night, and unfortunately some people do talk very loudly without much regard for others. Another guest even mentioned to us how loud some people were. We had to use our earplugs to get to sleep. The property is beautiful and the staff was very helpful and friendly (and trustworthy!!!....more on that later). Of the two employees we interacted with at the desk, only one spoke English, so it would be helpful to know some basic Spanish. The room was nice and spacious with nice furnishings and decor. There was a lot of drawer space and a big closet area for suitcases. Our room had 2 beds, a double and a single. The double bed was hard as a rock, but the single bed was pretty soft. The bathroom was decent and clean, but only bar soap was provided (also no face cloths as is common throughout Guatemala, so if you like to use one for showering, pack one or two with you). The shower had hot water but was a bit on the unpredictable side, one minute way too hot, the next lukewarm to cool, but it did the trick OK. There was a TV with plenty of English speaking channels. (CNN, etc) There was also free wi-fi. The router was at the front desk and our room was right on the edge of it's coverage. (Room #4) The room was a bit warm at night. There is no AC and the only window with a screen that you could leave open at night is a tiny window above the door, so no cross-ventilation. A fan would have been perfect, but I asked at the front desk and they did not have any to let us use. (It is common at other hotels that they will lend you a fan for your room.) The included breakfast may have been OK, but apparently we made a goof. It is not self-serve. A waitress will come by and ask you what you want. When we asked what was included she asked if we wanted bread and coffee, so we said yes. Then she asked if we wanted juice, so we said yes. Then she walked away. She came back with four pieces of bread (wheat toast), two coffees and two orange juices. We kept waiting for a plate of fruit like we noticed on other guests' tables, but she never came back to bring us anything else. When we finally asked her if we would get the plate of fruit, she explained to; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La Casa De Don David; City: El Remate Peten Department; Review: We stayed here for only one night in February. We flew into Flores and took a taxi from the airport to the hotel (About a 40 minute drive.) We were swamped with offers to drive us to the hotel in a minivan at Q200 one way (for two people). We ended up paying Q160 ($21US). We decided to use this hotel as our stopover for our visit to Tikal. The drive to Tikal takes about 45 minutes. There is scheduled transportation (very cheap) to Tikal but it is hourly and we never actually saw any of those buses. A better bet is minivans which go back and forth from Flores to Tikal stopping for riders who flag them down. They seemed to come by every 1/2 hour or so. Each time they would try and charge 30Q per person. We had heard 25Q ($3.30) was the rate and offered that, and it was accepted each time. I had looked into staying at one of the 3 hotels in the park, but decided that we would be much more comfortable in the jungle with a room that had air conditioning. (None of the 3 have A/C and at least the Jaguar Inn, I know does not have electricity at night. I think this is also true for the Jungle Lodge and Tikal Inn.) La Casa de Don David is situated on the northeastern end of Lake Peten Itza, the grounds are very attractive and there is a view of the lake from the property. We had a big quiet room (#12) with 2 double beds and A/C. The rate was $52US including tax and either dinner or breakfast. $52 is quite high for this area, as really cheap rooms are easy to come by. The rooms without A/C were quoted to me as $26. But we decided to go for the splurge and get the A/C. We were happy we did, as it was quite warm and very humid...having the A/C made for a much better night's sleep! Another guest told us he had a room right by reception and that it was very loud late into the night and he didn't get much sleep because of it. If you stay here, ask for a room away from the restaurant and reception areas. The room was very basic. Just 2 beds, a nightstand, a chair and a shelf. Nothing else. We did have a few bugs (a roach on one of the beds), but it is the jungle, so I'm sure it's common no matter where you stay. The beds were pretty firm...not the hardest we had in Guatemala but certainly not the softest. The bathroom was OK. Very clean. There was a sign that said that there is not a lot of hot water so you should use it sparingly. They weren't kidding. I wasn't it in for 2 minutes when all the hot water was gone. The food in the restaurant was really good. We had breakfast and dinner and were very pleased with both! There is a selection of at; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Dos Mundos; City: Panajachel Lake Atitlan Solola Department Western Highlands; Review: We were very pleased with this hotel and highly recommend it!! We stayed for 3 nights in February and really enjoyed everything about our stay! First, the location: We found it to be just right. The lobby of the hotel is on the main street of Santander, but the rooms are tucked back way off the street in a very quiet, serene area. It is just a few minutes walk to the dock where you can catch the lanchas to visit the other towns. And you are steps away from countless restaurants, bars, shops, etc. We thought the location was perfect! Second, the hotel itself: It is comprised of a couple of separate buildings. The rooms in the rear are situated in a half courtyard with a covered patio, each room with its own patio furniture. We were in room 17 at the rear of the property right near the beautiful pool. There are lots of lounge chairs and some tables and chairs to sit outside and relax. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. There is a secure parking area if you have your own car. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, there was usually at least one English speaking employee at the desk. They were quick to assist with anything we needed, even making phone calls for us when we forgot something at a previous hotel. They also kept us apprised of a very troublesome situation that was occurring in the town of Solola. There were some riots and cars being set on fire due to an uprising of the people against the local government. For a day, the road out of town (to Chichi and Guat. City) was closed and it was not safe to go through the town of Solola for a couple of days. They kept us informed so we would know it was OK to travel back to GUA for our flight home. Our room was very large with 2 double beds. They were pretty comfortable by Guatemalan standards (most of our beds on this trip were very hard, but these were fairly comfy). The decor was attractive, there was lots of storage space, and a sitting area with 2 comfy chairs. There is also a safe. The TV had lots of English language channels. There is no air conditioning, but the hotel staff was happy to bring a fan to our room and it made the temperature quite pleasant. The bathroom was very large and clean and they provided shampoo and one small facecloth (in addition to towels of course). The shower was a really good one, the best of the 4 hotels we stayed in, with great water pressure and plenty of hot water...always a plus!!! We thoroughly enjoyed the included breakfast of eggs (made to order), beans, plantains, bread and coffee. We were a little put off when they said milk for the included coffee was an extra charge. We didn't even ask how much it was, it was really the principle. Why is sugar on the table but no cream? There; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Santana; City: Peten Peten Department; Review: We stayed here for only one night after our visit to Tikal. It is situated on the picturesque, quaint little island on Lake Peten Itza. It is just a 5 minute drive to the Flores airport, which was why we chose it for our stay before our early morning flight back to Guatemala City. This hotel is a very good option if you have an early flight. The whole island of Flores can be walked in just a couple of hours (if that) and the hotel has a great location on the southwest side. (Great for sunsets!) The hotel has an attractive, colorful exterior. The receptionist at check-in spoke little English. The room was spacious with 2 double beds. The beds were pretty comfortable (which to me means not hard). There was ample drawer and closet space. The room had cable TV and air conditioning, but the A/C was pretty sub-par. There was a nice big balcony with a view of the lake. For our rate of $61US including tax we thought it was a fair choice. We booked via their website. Search for them by "santanapeten" They were very good about communicating via e-mail and did not require a deposit of any kind to reserve our room. Overall, we thought it was a decent choice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Hotel Suites Salt Lake City Airport West; City: Salt Lake City Utah; Review: We stayed here 1 night and got a GREAT rate of $59 ($72 including all taxes and fees) from Hotwire 2 days before. We stayed here because of the close proximity to the airport. We never heard airport noise. It was about 7 minute drive to the airport at 7am on a Friday. This is a really nice hotel!! Not your typical Holiday Inn! Very modern and decorated beautifully! The lobby is very attractive with a nice bar, but we did not eat at the restaurant so can't comment on the food. The room was great! The bed was wonderfully comfortable with lots of pillows! Nice bathroom with lots of counter space and tub/shower combo. Good shower with good pressure and hot water. Flat screen cable TV, refrigerator, coffee maker and free wi-fi in the room. There was a washer and dryer in the hallway in the vending area. This was a great choice for us and we'd highly recommend it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elk Country Inn; City: Jackson Jackson Hole Wyoming; Review: We stayed in one of the hotel rooms for 1 night after our visit to Yellowstone and were very pleased!! We had stayed in a cabin at the beginning of our trip and liked it so much that we decided to stay here at the end as well. The rooms are very large and we got a great rate of $103 including tax (AAA rate) when we made the reservation just a couple of days prior to arrival. We thought this was a great bargain and actually wish we would've stayed in one of the hotel rooms instead of the cabins at the beginning of our trip. We actually felt we had more space to move around in the room versus the cabin. We DID enjoy the cabin, especially for the quaint feel of it, and it had a kitchenette, but if you don't require a kitchenette, the rooms are great! There was a small refrigerator and microwave, cable TV, 2 comfortable queen beds. The bathroom had a separate sink outside of the bathroom with a nice large countertop. The bathroom had a good tub/shower combo. We also liked that the rooms are accessed from an indoor hallway. As I say in my review of the cabin: There was free wi-fi in the rooms! We liked the location as it was only a 5-10 minute walk to the town square and very close to restaurants, groceries, etc. The hotel staff was very helpful and friendly! They recommended Bubba's BBQ across the street, and we were happy they did! We had dinner there, and it was so good we went back for breakfast the next day! We really enjoyed our stay here and would definitely stay here again, (which we did as I mentioned). Highly recommended!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Old Faithful Inn; City: Yellowstone National Park Wyoming; Review: We stayed in a high range room in the west wing of the Inn for 2 nights. We enjoyed our stay at this unique hotel! It was our most expensive hotel on this trip at $168 including tax, but it was nice for our splurge and because of its uniqueness and its comfort. We found the location to be great for exploring the south loop. We came from Grand Teton, so we entered from the South Entrance and it's easy to see all the geysers in the area as well as Norris Geyser Basin, being based here . The west wing is currently under construction, but the only way you could tell is that you must enter through a temporary hallway set up outside the hotel. We never heard any noise and were not inconvenienced by the construction (we were a bit worried at first, but it turned out to be no problem). The room itself was a bit small, but nice. It had a stand alone shower, with hot water and good water pressure. The sink is outside the bathroom in the room. The queen bed was fairly comfortable. There is no TV, no phone. But there is a coffee maker. There is no internet service here or anywhere in the park. Our cell phone worked at the Old Faithful Inn (we have AT&T). This was the only place in the park where our cell phone worked. The hotel itself is very impressive! The lobby is wonderful and is a nice place to just sit and relax and admire the architecture. There are three stories in the lobby that you can access with places to sit in each. There is also a nice outdoor balcony area...good spot to watch the geyser!! It erupts about every 90 minutes and expected times are posted. We did not eat at the restaurant here, but instead opted for the cafeteria at the Old Faithful Lodge (a few minutes walk from the Inn). The food was good. There are plenty of options for food as there are also places to eat at Snow Lodge (also a few minutes walk away) and there are 2 grocery stores within walking distance. This was a great convenience, but we wish there would've been a refrigerator in the room. The stores have just about anything you could need, from food to bug spray to souvenirs. There is a visitor center, post office and there are also 2 gas stations. Staying at this hotel is a neat Yellowstone experience!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western By Mammoth Hot Springs; City: Gardiner Montana; Review: We stayed here for 1 night. The location is convenient to the Mammoth area of Yellowstone, but, looking back, for seeing wildlife we felt like Canyon was a better area. The reason we liked the Canyon area is it's location...it's near Hayden Valley and not too far from Tower and the Lamar Valley...all really good for seeing wildlife! We saw grizzlies twice in Hayden Valley, we saw wolves north of Dunraven Pass, saw Rosie (black bear) and her cubs at Tower and we saw a grizzly and wolves in Lamar Valley! We did like this hotel and the room was really nice. Our room appeared to be a handicap accessible room. The room was very large and the bathroom was huge. The bathroom had a sink but no cabinet or countertop and the shower had extra handrails (obviously for handicap access). No tub, just a stand alone shower, but plenty of hot water and good water pressure. The room had a king size, comfortable bed, a sitting area, a small refrigerator, microwave, cable TV, phone, coffee maker and ironing board. No extra blankets. The hotel offers free wi-fi however it wasn't working when we were there and when we let them know they didn't seem too concerned about getting it working. There is a laundry room, not open 24 hours (I believe it was open from around 8am to 9:30pm). There were three washers and three dryers. The hotel is situated right on the banks of the Yellowstone River, a mile or so from the Roosevelt Arch. There are a number of restaurants (no chain restaurants) and a couple of grocery stores in town. We found this to be a good choice and a decent value at $115 including tax (government rate). We'd recommend this hotel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Chez Lando; City: Kigali Kigali Province; Review: We stayed here for one night after gorilla trekking. We were very pleased with this hotel. The buildings look very nice from the outside. Our room was very spacious with a fairly comfortable bed (not too hard), desk, TV with many channels (BBC and mostly French channels). We did not have air conditioning and kind of wish we did as we couldn't leave the windows open being on the first floor. A fan would have been nice, but there wasn't one. The bathroom was clean and had a good shower with great water pressure and lots of hot water. There was free internet, but it was pretty slow. (But, hey, free internet in Africa - great!) We had dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was just OK but the service was VERY slow. The staff was friendly and helpful and spoke English. We were happy here and would recommend it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kibo Palace Hotel; City: Arusha Arusha Region; Review: We stayed here for one night as a stopover before heading back to the JRO airport. It is kind of on the outskirts of the bustling city of Arusha. There is not much within walking distance except a couple of small restaurants (a pizza place and fast food chinese) and a small grocery store. This is clearly a business hotel. It is very nice with a beautiful lobby, a bar, restaurant and pool. The hotel was very quiet and we did not hear any street noise from our room. The room was very nice! The room was large with air conditioning and a TV (but the reception was poor and there was only BBC and one Tanzanian channel). The bed was decently comfortable (not too hard as is common in Africa), with good blankets and pillows. The bathroom was really nice, large and super clean with a great hot shower! There was plenty of storage space. They was internet for $8.75 for 24 hours but it was very slow. There is a currency exchange in the lobby. The staff was helpful, professional, friendly and spoke perfect English. We drove to the JRO airport at 8am on a weekday and the drive took about one hour. This was a wonderful place to stay and we would definitely recommend this hotel!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kinigi Guesthouse; City: Kinigi Musanze District Northern Province; Review: We stayed here for one night before our gorilla trek. We had originally been booked at the Gorilla's Nest, but back in June I was told that the rate at Gorilla's Nest was increasing from $120 per night to $250 per night. And from the reviews I had read about it, I was not prepared to pay $250 to stay there. So, we decided to stay here as a cheaper option. It is indeed MUCH cheaper at $50 per night. I knew that this lodging would be VERY basic, considering the price. But we were still disappointed. It looks much nicer from the outside! The grounds and the exterior of all the buildings actually look pretty nice. But the room was very drab and dreary and the bathroom was very dingy, with mildew stains on the walls. The room was very basic, which was expected. There is a small sitting area with a table and two chairs and a bed with foam mattress and two flat pillows. Our hot water did not work at all when we got there. When you turned it on, no water came out of the pipe. We called them and they did come to the room many times trying to fix it. It only worked intermittently after that. But the next day, after we had checked out and we were having lunch in the restaurant, there was no water in the public restroom. None to wash your hands or to flush the toilets. So, it appeared that they were having some major water problems on the property. Back in the bathroom, there was a tub with a hand held sprayer, but no official shower. And with the hot water problems, don't expect to take a shower. We had to just wait for the water to work from the faucet and then just wash ourselves off. It was also very cold in the room. There is no heat. We were happy to be leaving after one night. The restaurant served good food for breakfast and lunch. And the location is great for the early morning gorilla trek. It is located just about half of a mile to the Park Headquarters. Those are about the only good things we have to say about this place. Next time, we'd look for something else.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ali i Kai Resort; City: Princeville Kauai Hawaii; Review: We stayed here for 4 nights in February in unit 4303 and really loved it! We booked through Vacation Condos Kauai on the internet. Each unit is individually owned so it's hard to know what you can expect from the others. But the owner of unit 4303 also owns two others (3204 and 4304), so I would assume you could expect close to the same quality level in those units. The pictures on their website also imply this. In our opinion Princeville is one of the nicest areas on the island. We had visited Kauai once (but in the month of September) and it was our favorite island. Back then we stayed in Poipu, but wish we had stayed on the north shore. So when we planned this trip we knew we wanted to go back and stay in Princeville. This condo is located right on the ocean (or above it as it is situated on a cliff) and there is view from every room! The unit was very spacious, with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, a living and dining room and full kitchen. The furniture and decor were very nice. The beds - wonderful! Very soft with lots of great pillows! There was a king size bed in the large master bedroom. It also had a HUGE walk-in closet. The other bedroom was significantly smaller and had either a queen or double bed, sorry, I'm not sure which. The bathrooms had tons of counter space. The master bath had a walk-in shower (no tub) with plenty of hot water and great water pressure. The other bathroom had a tub/shower combo. It was just the two of us so we only used the master bath and it had a full size 1875 watt hair dryer, which I thought was a nice touch. They provide toilet paper, paper towels, soap, but not toiletries like shampoo There is no air conditioning. There was a ceiling fan in each room, including the living room. And they also had an extra portable standing fan in the closet. There are windows on both sides of the unit so you get a great cross breeze. It was actually quite chilly in February, but not sure how warm it might get in summer. There was a washer and dryer in the unit, and a fully stocked kitchen. Stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster oven, dishes, pots, pans, bottle openers, wine glasses, etc, etc...even a blender and a strainer to make pasta! Everything you'd need to make your own meals. No ice maker in the fridge, though..just ice trays. There is a Foodland grocery store just a couple of miles away. The kitchen and bathrooms are nice and clean, but not upscale. About what you'd expect in an apartment, laminate counters, etc. Not granite and stainless steel if you're looking for that. They provided a small ice chest, 2 snorkel masks (no fins), a boogie board, and 2 small chairs you could carry with you (except one was broken). There is also free high speed internet. There was; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Europark; City: Barcelona Catalonia; Review: We stayed here for 7 nights and found it to be a very comfortable, convenient place to stay. The room had free, fast wi-fi which is a high priority for us. (Not just in the lobby). The staff spoke English and was helpful with requests we had. They looked up the train schedule to Girona for us and they even placed a local phone call for us to find out some information we needed. The room was spacious with a king sized, fairly comfortable bed. I do wish they had a chest of drawers for unpacking. There were only 2 small drawers and some shelves and a hanging area for clothes. The bathroom was well equipped and clean with a great shower, plenty of hot water with good water pressure. There is a safe and a refrigerator in the room, but no clock. We had a room on the 8th floor with a view of Sagrada Familia. The room was quiet and there were blackout curtains (great for sleeping in). We did not have the breakfast. But as others have said there is a market a block away. It opens at 8am and closed fairly early in the evening, not sure what time but it wasn't open late a night. As many others have said, the location is in a relatively quiet area (Exiample) but just a few blocks from the Girona Metro stop and a 10 minute walk to the Passeig de Gracia Metro stop. By the way, the Metro in Barcelona is the best metro we've ever encountered in all of our travels to many major cities! It is cheap ($1 per ride compared to $2.25 in NYC), extremely reliable and we never waited more than 4 minutes for any train. There is even a timer letting you know when the next train will arrive and it was ALWAYS accurate (or quicker!). We found the T10 ticket to be the best bargain. 7.70Euros for 10 rides and both you and any one you're traveling with can use it at the same time. Buy it in any train station and at the airport. We never felt unsafe in this neighborhood even late at night. If we went back to Barcelona we may stay in a busier area in Barrio Gotic or Barceloneta just because there would be more to do at night very near the hotel, but if you want a little quieter area, than this is for you! We would have loved to have stayed at one of the chains others hotels (Jazz Hotel) but it didn't fit into our budget. The Europark was a good value. Definitely recommend this hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Riad Mur Akush; City: Marrakech Marrakech Tensift El Haouz Region; Review: We stayed here for 3 nights in April and were very, very pleased with our choice! First I will say that staying in a raid in Marrakech is a unique and lovely experience. We chose a riad over a standard hotel because we wanted to get an authentic taste of life in Marrakech. Part of the allure of the medina, for me, was the secret beauty hidden behind the unassuming walls that house many of the palaces and riads. From the outside you would never guess what lovely and charming accommodations lie within. And the Riad Mur Akush was a terrific choice! We changed our itinerary a bit before arriving and so had to change rooms (no fault of theirs), so we stayed one night in the Junior Suite Yassin on the first floor. Then we spent the next 2 nights in the Junior Suite D’Olive on the second floor. The riad (as are most) is situated around a central courtyard and the doors to the rooms open right out onto it. This can lend itself to a bit of noise as sounds travel easily throughout…voices especially. This was one of the only drawbacks we found of staying in a riad, but offset by the fact that we were getting a traditional Moroccan experience. The courtyard is a popular gathering place for guests to sit and talk. If you are a light sleeper it would benefit you greatly to bring earplugs (and/or our own personal tip, we bring our ipod and play white noise which helps drown out the sounds). If you are late to bed and early to rise this may not affect you as the noise always seemed to die down by 11pm, but started up again usually by 7am. The room on the second floor was slightly quieter. The decor of the entire riad is beautiful!! Very stylish, traditional Moroccan. There is a great rooftop terrace with terrific views! You'll enjoy breakfast up there every morning! Both of the rooms were wonderful! Spacious, with large bathrooms, a sofa and a fairly comfortable bed (not too hard). The rooms had air conditioning, a safe and plenty of storage space for luggage, but no drawers for unpacking. As said here before, the lighting was very dim, but manageable. The showers did make quite a mess as the shower glass wasn't large enough and water would spray onto the floor…slight annoyance, but certainly bearable. Plenty of hot water and good water pressure! There was free-wi-fi but the router only really reached into the courtyard and the first floor room closest to the entrance (Suite Yassin), it worked well enough that we were able to use Skype to make calls to the USA. The location was great as stated here already. We paid cash, so got a free pickup from the train station and someone was waiting for us when we arrived! The staff was one of the best things about this place! We often read reviews of hotels where they give so much information about the staff. We are usually more interested; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Park Plaza Wangfujing; City: Beijing; Review: We were very pleased with our choice of the Park Plaza! The location is excellent and there is a subway station literally connected to the back side of the hotel (you use the back entrance) with easy connections to all the major attractions. The subway stop is Dengshikou on Line 5 and it is so easy and cheap to use the subway. Everything is written and announced in English. Cost 2 RMB (about $.030 per ride!) Great deal, can't beat it!! When you come out of the subway station to get to the hotel, there are different exits you can take. Look at the map for the exit that will be attached to the hotel (sorry, can't remember which one, but it's easy to figure out). The other one is across the street and down about a half a block. Generally it is a high end neighborhood with luxury car dealerships. There is free wifi in the lobby, and free Internet in the rooms but it is wired, so wireless devices like iPhones and iPads don't work. You need something you can plug in a network cable to (like a laptop). The hotel is modern and beautifully decorated. The lobby is inviting and comfortable. We did not eat at any hotel restaurants so cannot comment on that. The room was really nice, modern, spacious, with a great, large bathroom, and a great shower with plenty of hot water and good water pressure. Lots of counter space, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, robes, slippers. Our non-smoking room on the 19th floor was very quiet and peaceful. They provide 2 bottles of free water daily. There is a fridge/minibar, hotpot for boiling water and a couple of packets of freeze dried coffee are provided. We bought a jar of instant coffee from the "Quik" convenience store across the street. It was nice for stocking up on snacks and drinks. There is a Starbucks right downstairs in the courtyard of the hotel. The bed wasn't as soft as I would have liked but it was certainly comfortable enough (not super hard which is common in China). Lots of pillows and a nice comforter. The staff was friendly, helpful and spoke English. They were always there to hail a taxi for you and the concierge could help with recommendations and writing things down for you in Chinese to give to the taxi drivers (as they do not speak English and need to see it written in Chinese characters). When you arrive at the airport, there is a taxi queue outside the terminal. Wait in line and get any taxi. The price should be around 115 RMB to the hotel. Most taxis do not have usable seatbelts. Drive took about 45 minutes to hotel from airport. Here is the hotel name and address in Chinese: Park Plaza Wangfujing 北京王府井 丽亭酒店 (东单金宝街金宝大厦北侧) 97 JINBAO ST, DONGCHENG DISTRT 97金宝ST段，东城区 We can also recommend the massage place right around the corner from the “Quik” store. We got a one hour, awesome foot massage for 68RMB!! We enjoyed it so much after; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Orchid Key Inn; City: Key West Florida Keys Florida; Review: Add us to the list of those who loved this hotel! We stayed in a king deluxe room for $250 a night plus tax. Though this is expensive, it does seem comparable to other hotels in Key West. It has been wonderfully renovated and the decor is modern, fresh and hip. There is free wi-fi, free continental breakfast poolside which included hard boiled eggs, cereals, pastries, breads, fruit, yogurt, coffee, juice. They also gave us each a card for one free happy hour cocktail or beer for each day we stayed. We stayed 4 nights so we each got 4 cards and you could use them all in one night or 1 each night, or any other combo (not limited to just one per night). The happy hour also included free snacks (cheese, crackers, celery, dip). There is a fee of $8 plus tax per night for parking. The spaces were tight and the parking lot was mostly full the whole time we were there but we did always get a space. The rooms and location have been discussed here plenty, so I won't elaborate much, but we agree that the location is awesome…we walked everywhere! And the hotel was quiet. The rooms are a bit small. There is not a lot of space to unpack. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was great! The bathroom was stocked with Bath & Body Works products (a nice touch), a full size hair dryer and had ample counter space. There was also a mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, safe, radio/alarm clock with dock for mp3 player, iron and ironing board. My only complaint with the room was the fact that even though the air conditioning made the room cool, it did not get the humidity out of the room. Maybe there was a different setting we were supposed to be using, but I tend to think it was just an insufficient AC for getting the humidity level down. Small complaint, but just mentioning in case they can do something about it. There is a CVS located 0.1 mi away which was great for snacks, water, sodas, etc. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful! Special shout out to Kim who was gave us lots of tips on where to go and even gave us a coupon for a free drink at Aqua for a drag show. She and Brendan were both super nice! Overall, we loved this hotel and would stay there again. If you are looking for a water view, you’ll have to stay somewhere else, but will probably pay much more. If you want to be in the heart of Old Town within walking distance to all the sights, this is a great neighborhood! Mallory Square is a 1 mile walk, Hemingway house is 0.2 mi away, Southernmost Point is 0.4 mi and Higgs Beach is a 1.1 mile walk. And walking is a great, fun way to get around Old Town! So many interesting houses, shops, bars, restaurants to explore! Highly recommend Orchid Key Inn!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mo Dhachaidh Guest House; City: Kyleakin Isle of Skye The Hebrides Scotland; Review: ; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boutique Hotel Grotthuss; City: Vilnius Vilnius County; Review: We stayed here for 3 nights in a business class double room. The price (175 Euros/night) we found a bit high, but we were here during Euro Basketball. For this reason most hotels were completely booked. We chose to stay here based on the good reviews, even though it was more than we would typically spend on a hotel. We were not disappointed. Our room was quiet and very large with a separate seating area and a small balcony with a lovely view of the courtyard and a church steeple among the red rooftops. The room was minimally decorated but had a comfortable bed, a large armoire with safe, a desk area with TV, minibar fridge and the room had ample storage. The bathroom was spotlessly clean with tub and shower (although the shower head had a strange placement on the side wall instead of behind you so it was a bit awkward squeezing in between the shower head and the glass). Good water pressure and plenty of hot water. Nice toiletries provided along with a hairdryer. Fresh flowers and fruit were a nice touch as well as a small chocolate left on the nightstand each evening. They provided two bottles of water at the beginning of the stay (but just two, not two each day). The price included a very good breakfast buffet with eggs cooked to order, a good assortment of breads, cheeses, meats, fruits, cereals, coffee, juices, etc. There was free wi-fi in the room. It was very fast, much faster than most hotels. They actually give you a code that is good for 24 hours (you have to get a new one each morning). A nice hint is to take the code with you. It will work anywhere that their provider is (Zebra was the name). It worked in many bars and restaurants in town. The staff all spoke English and were very helpful and friendly. The location is great and the hotel is on a quiet street about a 5 minute walk to the lively Town Hall square with lots of bars, restaurants and shops. The main bus/train station is 0.4 miles from the hotel and it took us about 10 minutes to walk with our rolling luggage. You can easily take a bus from the airport to the bus/train station (Stotis) and walk from there. Overall, I would recommend this hotel even though the price is a bit high, but we were very satisfied with our stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rixwell Centra Hotel; City: Riga Riga Region; Review: We booked this hotel only the day before via their website and found it to be a great stay at a great price!! (61 Euros/night for double room) The location is superb, right in the heart of beautiful Old Town Riga. The main bus station is about a 10 minute walk (towing our rolling luggage). The hotel is in a beautiful building and the lobby is fresh and modern. We requested a quiet room and got one on the 6th floor facing away from the street. The room is plain but affords the basics: coffee maker (instant only, no black already creamed), safe, minibar fridge, decent storage space. The bathroom was very clean, spacious and had a great tub/shower with plenty of hot water and good water pressure. The bed and pillows were very comfortable and the room had A/C. The staff spoke English well and were friendly and helpful. I went down to reception to ask for an extra blanket and they got me one right then while I waited. But we did tell them that one of the light bulbs was burned out in the bathroom and that the toilet was continuously running and they did not fix those issues during our stay. WiFi was free in the room and speedy. The included breakfast buffet was nothing to brag about...scrambled eggs were cold, only two kinds of bread, a few cereals, very limited selection of fruit, a few cuts of meat...not much more. But for the price we paid, we got a comfortable night’s sleep in an excellent location. We would stay here again for the value alone.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Casa de Tortuga; City: Isla de Vieques Puerto Rico; Review: We stayed here for 2 nights in one of the casitas and found it to be a decent stay at a reasonable price (we paid $85 per night plus tax). Every other place I looked at staying was considerably more expensive (about double), or booked, so we chose Casa de Tortuga. Matt (who lives there and runs the place) was very helpful and gave us tips on where to eat, buy groceries, snacks etc. and tips on which beaches to see and things to do around the island. He supplied us with beach towels and allowed us the use of chairs and coolers to take to the beach (there seemed to be plenty for every guest to use). This was a really nice perk! The wifi did not work in our room, we had to go sit by the main office to use it…not a big deal…just worth noting. The room was basic and clean except for some minor scuffs here and there. It had a kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge and sink, some plates, utensils and glasses, coffee maker (but you supply your own coffee). There is no TV or phone. The air-conditioner worked well and the bed was comfortable. There were a couple of down sides, however. There was no housekeeping of our room during our stay, so no new bath towels (and there was only one for each of us). The bed was not made (which is no big deal) but it would have been nice to know about the towels so we could have planned to reuse. If we were staying longer than 2 nights we would've mentioned this and I'm sure we'd have gotten more towels, no problem. There was only one dish towel in the kitchenette and no napkins or paper towels, so that made it a bit difficult to clean up and dry dishes, etc.(especially if you have a spill). There was never any hot water in the shower (or kitchen). It only got to lukewarm at best. As others have noted, the neighborhood is a little run down, but that was definitely the case on most of the island. The roosters will definitely be a factor if you're a light sleeper, but we always use an app for our iPhones called "Ambiance" that is basically a white noise machine. Between that, earplugs and the A/C running, we never heard a peep from the roosters. The location of the hotel was only about a block from the ocean and the Malecon (the strip with bars, restaurants and a couple of shops and places to reserve activities). All of this was within walking distance. There was parking at Case de Tortuga if you have your own car (which seems like a must to us). There was also a fairly nice swimming pool on property. Overall, if you are trying to find a convenient, cheap place to stay on Vieques and don't need frills and an ocean view, this will fit the bill.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Doubletree by Hilton San Juan; City: San Juan Puerto Rico; Review: We stayed at this hotel twice during our vacation to Puerto Rico on either side of a 2 night trip to Vieques. We stayed first for 6 nights while we explored the mainland, then one night at the end before our flight back home early in the morning. We highly enjoyed our stay here and were happy to get back “home” to this hotel again after Vieques. As others have said, the location is not on the beach but about a 10 minute walk. It is about a 15 minute walk to the happening area of Ashford Ave with lots of bars and restaurants. This location suited us fine as we don’t mind lots of walking and we are not huge beach-goers. About the only downside we could find with this hotel is that it is about 5 miles to the center of Old Town and a taxi costs $15. The bus is very cheap ($0.75-you’ll need exact change) but doesn’t seem to run very often (we waited about 20-30 minutes). The front desk told us to catch the bus across the street from the Shell station on the corner. This bus went out of it's way to the convention center (at the Sheraton Hotel) and took about 40 minutes. We later discovered you can take the number 5 bus into Old Town and save about 15 minutes. You catch this bus across the street from the hotel in front of the grocery store (not in front of the Shell station). We found the room to be very comfortable and quiet. We had a room with a queen bed with garden/pool view which also came with a murphy bed. The room was large and had plenty of storage space....lots of drawers and closet space for unpacking. They provided 2 bottles of water everyday which was a nice touch. Wi-fi was free (and fast). There was a mini-fridge, coffee and coffee maker, iron, ironing board, full-size hair dryer, safe, and mp3 player/clock radio. The bed and pillows were comfortable. Plenty of hot water in the shower. As some have noted, some of the rooms must slant a bit as the water from the shower will seep out into the main bathroom area. Our room during our second stay did not do this. The staff was always helpful and friendly and provided yummy chocolate cookies every night when we came back from our day out (another nice touch!) There is a fitness center with 4 treadmills, a couple of ellipticals and one bike and assorted dumbbells and other accessory equipment. We did not eat at any of the hotel restaurants so can’t comment on that. We did not find out until the very last night of our trip about the arrangement they have with their “sister” hotel La Concha for use of their pool facilities and access to their beach. They will give you a letter to take with you. But apparently you have to ask about it (or maybe they just forgot to tell us upon check-in). Overall, we would highly recommend this; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Marker San Francisco A Joie de Vivre Hotel; City: San Francisco California; Review: This hotel is in an elegant old building. The public areas are beautiful with a huge fireplace and grand stairs. The location is great. It is just a few blocks to Union Square and the cable cars to Fisherman's Wharf. Just a bit farther is the BART station which will get you to SFO airport in less than half an hour, for $8.10. You can save some money by taking BART to SFO when you leave. It is all downhill and you can be at the Powell station in ten minutes with rolling luggage. There is an elevator on the street to take you and your luggage down to the station and escalators once inside. Coming in from the airport, while doable, wouldn't be as easy as it’s an uphill walk to the hotel. Like all Kimpton Hotels, if you register for their frequent guest program, they will give you free Internet and a $10 mini bar credit (good for two candy bars at the normal insane hotel rate). The program is free and you get these benefits with your first stay. Upon check-in I requested a king bed and even though we booked a standard room (via Hotwire), the very friendly and helpful receptionist said the only rooms she had left with a king were in the suites, so she upgraded us to one at no charge! This was a very pleasant surprise as we rarely are offered such upgrades for free at other hotels (especially if booking through Hotwire). One disappointment was the business center. It is the first time I have ever seen a hotel charge to use it. You pay for 15 minute increments. We needed to print out some Giants tickets we bought online. The front desk allowed us to email the tickets to them and they printed them for us at no charge. There are no coffee makers in the rooms. Instead, there is free coffee and tea in the lobby in the morning until around 9am.. Great for on your way out, but if you crave a cup while you get ready, you have to make yourself presentable and head down to the lobby. I am sure they save a ton of money doing it this way, but I consider this a big negative. Our last hotel had both. Coffee in your room is a basic necessity in my opinion. There is a free wine tasting each afternoon from 5-6pm. Some reviewers have mentioned that you should become a member of their frequent guest program for this feature, but the complimentary wine is for ALL guests of the hotel, not just those who are members. The wine is plentiful and they come around and fill your glass up often. They also included pretzels. Nice touch. Parking at the hotel is $50 per night. That’s right, $50! Unlike other Kimpton properties, they do not offer hybrid parking at a discount. There is plenty of parking in the area. You will see lots of misleading signs with low prices. These usually require you to be out by; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel; City: Stockholm; Review: We stayed here for 4 nights and we very pleased with the choice. The hotel was a comfortable place to return to after a long day of sightseeing. As so many others have said, the location is super convenient. We took the Arlanda Express into and out of the city and it is just a few minutes walk from the train to the hotel entrance. There are no stairs to navigate entering the hotel as one reviewer posted (maybe they stayed at the Radisson Viking down the street?) BTW, we had a very early morning flight out of Stockholm and had to catch the very first Arlanda train of the day at 4:35am. And the station doesn’t open until 5am so you need to access the train via a “not-so-well-known” or obvious way. If anyone finds themselves in this circumstance just message me and I’ll be happy to describe in detail the best way to access the Arlanda before 5am from the Radisson Blu. Almost everything I can think of about this hotel is positive. (except for one little thing to come later). The room was very spacious, with a nice, soft king-sized bed with wonderful pillows and 2 fluffy, soft comforters. The room was equipped with a hot water pot and instant coffee, safe, iron/ironing board, fast free wi-fi, full size blow-dryer, TV. They also had air conditioning that you could control yourself (which we found to be rare in our trip to Scandinavia with stays also in Copenhagen and Oslo). The AC could get the room very cold if you wanted it. In some of the places we stayed there was a temperature control on the wall, but it seemed to be set at a certain temperature and you could not alter the temperature of the room. I think my very favorite feature was the automatic heated floors in the bathroom!!! I almost wish they wouldn’t have had it because now I just want it at home so bad!! :) The bathroom was spotless and had lots of counter space (a huge plus in my book) and a great shower with good water pressure and lots of hot water. The buffet breakfast was great with a huge selection. There were cold cuts and cheeses, hot dishes (scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, etc)...a huge selection of delicious breads and pastries with jellies, pancakes, fruit, cereal, yogurts...and more. I don’t see how you could walk out of there and not be filled. Which is a good thing in such an expensive city. The staff was friendly, helpful and spoke impeccable English (as did everyone we came in contact with throughout Scandinavia on our 12 day trip). It was helpful to have free access to the business center to print out boarding tickets. The only complaint I really have was about the automated minibar in the room. I personally like having a fridge in the room so I can bring in a soda at night and keep it cold to have with me the next day as well. But their automated minibar prevented; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers; City: Copenhagen Zealand; Review: Some issues but would stay again We stayed for 3 nights in July and the reasons I chose this hotel were: ---it’s high rating on tripadvisor ---the free airport shuttle ---free, fast wifi ----we basically knew what we’d be getting because we’ve stayed at Crowne Plazas before I liked knowing that we would have a large room with enough space to move around comfortably, room to store 2 large suitcases, a very comfortable bed (king-sized too!), with plush, fluffy comforters and lots of good pillows. The room was also equipped with a safe, iron/ironing board and coffee maker. The rooms were quiet and a large full buffet breakfast was included. For the price we paid ($214US per night) this was a good value when compared to what you would get in the city center of Copenhagen for a comparable room. The location is definitely not in the city center, but after researching many, many hotels I found that if you want to stay in the city center you will not find a place with a room this large that is also quiet and has these amenities for this price. For these reasons we were willing to stay outside the city center. The hotel is only a 3-4 minute walk to the metro and then less than a ten minute ride to the city center. The free airport shuttle definitely saves you some money in an expensive city. But know that you will need to call them when you arrive to ask for them to come pick you up. You will only have to wait maybe 10-15 minutes. Another tip I got from someone else here on TA is that you should also “reserve your spot” for the return trip to the airport upon checking in at the hotel as the seats are limited in the van. You don’t want to be ready to leave for the airport and find out that the van is filled up and you’d have to wait for the next one...best to plan ahead. They will mark your departure time down in their book and you’ll be all set. The issues we had were: ---They advertise that their rooms are “air conditioned” however they are actually set for a predetermined temperature and you cannot make the room any colder. And the windows do not open. The room did get pretty warm throughout the day with the sun coming through the large plate glass windows. We actually had to leave a note requesting that housekeeping leave the curtains closed so that the room would stay cooler. ---It was disappointing to see that the bathrooms were not cleaned as thoroughly as they should be. This was made clear by “remnants” left behind that were still there after housekeeping had come by. I can only hope that this was a one-time issue and that this is not standard practice. We also had the issue many have complained about here that the shower glass is not sufficient to keep water from getting on the floor. Very poor design. The staff was helpful,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crystals St Lucia; City: Soufriere Soufriere Quarter St Lucia; Review: I so much wanted to be totally in love with this place. I read all the rave reviews and just knew we were going to love it.....and there WAS a lot we did love about it. Indeed there are many wonderful qualities about this unique, small hotel. Unfortunately for us, there were a few too many things that disappointed us and overall gave us a negative feeling about the hotel. First I will start by saying that the reason I chose this hotel was for the spectacular setting and the amazing views! And the price. Of course we would have loved to have stayed at Jade Mountain except for the outrageous price tag. At Crystals we stayed in the largest of the cottages (Papaya) and in my opinion the rate for that room (actually more like a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house) cannot be beat. We booked for a week and got a rate of $250/night. When you think about the fact that Jade’s rates START around $1000 a night, to me there is no way that is worth it. Another reason I chose this place was because it has air conditioning...Jade does not, as all of their rooms have “no 4th wall” and are open-air concept. I knew that my husband and I would be miserable trying to sleep without air conditioning so this was a must-have for us. So, Crystals ticked another box for us. So far so good. However once there, the day to day of being in the cottage for most of some days (since our goal was to spend our days relaxing and enjoying the view) got to wear on us. Keep in mind that what bothers us may not affect you in the least...everyone’s different. So I will just tell you our opinion and then you can judge for yourself whether this is the place for you. The air conditioning in Papaya is only in the main bedroom. The rest of the house is not air-conditioned. This would not normally be an issue except for the fact that there are no screens on any of the windows or doors and so when you open them to let the breeze in, the bugs come in as well. Apparently this was a really bad time of year for bugs because we were being eaten alive. And it wasn’t just us...each day when we’d meet the other guests at happy hour it was always a topic of conversation (and each showing off all their bites to the others). And we continuously put on bug spray, but it just didn’t help much. The house was just not designed properly to keep bugs out. There were a couple of windows that had no glass at all, just louvered shutters, none of the doors shut completely and in the bedroom the exterior walls were composed of large planks of wood with big gaps in between, so bugs are getting in no matter what. I know there are those who will say, “you’re in the tropics, there will be bugs” but that doesn’t; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gistihusid Lake Hotel Egilsstadir; City: Egilsstadir East Region; Review: We spent one night here during our counter-clockwise one week Ring Road itinerary. It is a good choice for a stopover between south and north Iceland. I actually loved our double room with private bath! The decor was lovely; beautiful hardwood floors and pine furniture and the room was bright and spacious and ours looked out onto a beautiful lake view. The bathroom was huge with loads of counterspace, a great rain shower with plenty of hot water and good water pressure, even a lighted makeup mirror. It was equipped with instant coffee/tea maker, iron and TV. The free wifi was fast. The location is great, right off of Rt 1 and directly across the street are 2 supermarkets (Bonus and Netto - but they both do not open until 11am, close at 6pm. This seemed to be the typical hours all around Iceland for supermarkets). There are also a couple of restaurants very nearby and a Subway fast food restaurant. Our only complaints were that, it being an old house, there is no elevator and the spiral staircase makes hauling luggage a chore. Also, we were on the second floor and you could hear the floors creak from the footsteps of those above us. The included breakfast was fair: scrambled eggs, baked beans, sausage, fruits, cereals, boiled eggs, but not enough selection of breads. And they seemed to have a hard time restocking after a tour group came through. They were out of things by 9am when breakfast went until 10am. For a bit of country inn charm you’ll be mostly pleased with this hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Volcano Hotel; City: Vik South Region; Review: This was a great choice for a one night stopover during our one week Ring Road itinerary! We left Reyjavik in the morning and did the Golden Circle Route, stopped at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls and Dyrholaey to see puffins and felt this was the perfect location to end the day’s drive. This hotel is small and isolated but right on Rt 1 and very easy to find. Although the rooms are basic and sparse, they are super clean, modern and spacious. There was no coffee/tea in the room but there was a coffee/tea maker in the public area 24/7 (hot chocolate as well). The wifi was free and reasonably fast. The beds and linens were comfortable. The bathroom was nice, spotless and the shower was great! We stayed in room #6 which was on the end and had it’s own separate door leading right out to the parking lot. This was convenient since we were able to park our car right outside our door which made for very easy loading/unloading luggage since the lot is gravel (not good for rolling suitcases). Our room did have curtains and shades to block out the light....previous reviews said some rooms don’t - so bring a sleep mask in case in summer ;) The included breakfast was good with a decent selection of breads, crackers, cereals, fruits, cheese, cooked eggs and waffles. The staff spoke English and were very friendly and helpful with sightseeing tips. We especially appreciated the tips of making sure to see Reynisfjara and Fjarðárgljúfur. Reynisfjara is a black pebble beach with towering basalt columns. This was a real treat! If you’re a rock collector you could spend hours here! And the columns are so unique! To get to Reynisfjara from Volcano Hotel travel east on Rt 1 for 6.6km, turn right on Rt 215 and take it 5.6km to the end (the beach). There is a car park and you’ll see the basalt columns after a very short walk. And Fjarðárgljúfur is a beautiful hidden gem of a canyon that is apparently often overlooked by locals and tourists alike but you should make time for a stop of 30 minutes at least! From Volcano Hotel to Fjarðárgljúfur, travel east on Rt 1 for about 77km. There is a sign on the south side of the road that says Fjarðárgljúfur but the actual road to get there is further up on the north side of Rt 1. Look for the sign that says Hunkubakkar (it will be on your left if you are driving east) and turn left. Drive about 2km and you’ll get to the car park where you will see a beautiful river. There is a trail to view the canyon from above and you can also walk a bit along the river or even cross it as the water level is only about mid-calf deep (or at least it was when we were there). Special thanks to the woman at reception (sorry I didn’t get her name) that gave us these two tips! We loved these 2 sights!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hali Country Hotel; City: Hofn East Region; Review: I chose this hotel based on it’s proximity to the Glacier Lagoon at Jokulsarlon. Our counter-clockwise one week Ring Road itinerary had us staying just one night in the area and since the lagoon was one of my most highly anticipated sights I wanted to make sure that if the weather was poor on the day we arrived, that we would also have another chance to see it the following morning. The Hali Country Hotel fit this criteria perfectly. It is situated 12km east of the lagoon (about a 10 min drive) and pretty much that’s it for accomodation choices until you get to the town of Höfn (about 79km east of the lagoon, about a 50-60 min drive)....or near Skaftafell National Park (40 mins or so west of the Lagoon). The Hali also met all our other needs as well in that it was very clean, quiet, spacious and comfortable. Our double room with private bath was basic but was nicer than it looks in pictures. The bathroom was spotless and the shower was hot and had great water pressure. The beds and linens were comfortable. There was a TV and free (slow) wifi in the room but no coffee maker. There was however a public kitchen for use if you brought your own food....which you might want to do...which brings me to my one negative about the hotel...the price of dinner: Aside from a small souvenir/snack shop at the lagoon that served a couple of cold sandwiches and some sweets, the restaurant at Hali is the only place to get something to eat in the area. They seem to take advantage of this and price it accordingly. They offer a buffet for 5200ISK (about $43) per person. I will say the food was good but dropping nearly 90 bucks for dinner for 2 in the middle of nowhere not including dessert or alcohol seemed shockingly high to us even for Iceland where all food is expensive. If you are trying to stay on a budget for meals plan accordingly and bring some food to prepare or some pre-packaged foods. This was my only real complaint about the hotel. The included breakfast was very good: lots of meats, breads, delicious pastries, waffles, boiled eggs, fish, cheeses and spreads (no hot food). Overall, the location to the Glacier Lagoon makes this an ideal choice and we recommend it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri; City: Akureyri Northeast Region; Review: As part of our counter-clockwise one week Ring Road itinerary we spent two comfortable nights here. This was by far the nicest room we had amongst our 6 hotels we stayed in. That being said, I would love to give this hotel 5 stars but the fact that they charge for internet and do not include breakfast is very disappointing to me. All of the other 5 hotels we stayed in included breakfast and had free wifi in the rooms. And the rates were all very comparable to Icelandair Hotels (most were much cheaper). If these small “mom-and-pop” type hotels (most of them in the middle of nowhere) can offer these perks I feel that a big corporate hotel chain should do the same. The only reason we chose this hotel was because they were offering a 15% discount off a 2 night stay and I figured since we’d have breakfast at every other place during our trip we could sacrifice for this stay. There were at least 3 other Icelandair Hotels that we could’ve and probably would’ve stayed in if they offered those perks. I wish the bigwigs at these big hotel chains would realize that they do lose business to the smaller guys by trying to be greedy. I will say that they do offer free wifi in the lobby and it was a nice, comfortable space with lots of couches and chairs....a good space to relax and catch up on the internet if you desire (still not as good as in the room). However, when a large tour group came through and mingled it could get very crowded and noisy. OK, back to the room: it was large, inviting and had lots of storage space. Also very quiet. It had a wonderfully cozy bed (2 twins together as is common) and plush linens. There was also a separate sofa and desk area. There were plenty of outlets, a TV and instant tea/coffee in room. No safe or fridge, though. The shower was super powerful and separated completely from the toilet/sink area which was on the other side of the room...a bit of an unusual design but we had no problems with it. The staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, we did enjoy our stay and can recommend this particular hotel, but with food being so expensive in Iceland, we found it very helpful to keep within a budget by staying mostly at places where breakfast was included.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Royal Mauian; City: Kihei Maui Hawaii; Review: This review is a bit different from others in that each unit is individually owned and therefore the quality of the condos can vary wildly from one to the other. This review is specifically for Unit # 310 which we booked through vrbo.com and we very highly recommend it!! First of all, the owners, Sandy and Paul Arbuthnot were very quick to answer emails and were very helpful with all of our inquiries and concerns. This unit is a slice of paradise!! It has 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, and air conditioning throughout (it actually has 3 separate A/C zones: one for the living area and one for each bedroom). It is beautifully decorated and updated with stainless steel appliances (oven, microwave, fridge with ice maker) and granite countertops in the kitchen and both baths. There are ceiling fans in the living room and bedrooms as well. There is plenty of storage space including a walk-in closet in the master suite. It has a washer and dryer and came fully equipped with absolutely everything you could need….iron/ironing board, beach towels and chairs, ice chest, beach toys. The kitchen was fully stocked with dishes, utensils, pots/pans, wine glasses, insulated mugs….everything you could possibly need...name it and they had it. One recent review mentioned that they did not have an ice cream scoop...well, they got one right away because it was there for us! There were even condiments and spices, a coffee maker/grinder and filters, blender, toaster, a complete knife set, a cheese grater, a rice cooker, a colander….I could go on and on, but you get the idea. There is free wifi in the unit as well as a large flat screen TV. The king-sized bed in the master suite was very comfortable with nice linens, plenty of pillows and extra blankets. The tiled lanai was very large with 4 chairs, a footrest, two tables and a small end table. About the only complaint we had was that it was very hot while we were there so we did use the A/C and the compressor is on the lanai. It blows out the warm air and does make it a bit uncomfortable, so we would have to turn off the A/C even if we were only going to be out for a small amount of time (obviously we turned off the A/C when we weren’t in the room for extended periods). We noticed that not very many units had A/C and our opinion is that it is a must during the warmer months. We even had a couple approach us on the beach and ask us about ours since they were staying somewhere without A/C and regretted it. The condos do not have good cross ventilation so opening the windows didn’t help much. Also the low temps in mid-September were only around 74 degrees. Without the A/C the temperature in the unit was in the mid 80s...definitely not good sleeping temperature. The condo complex has a wonderful rooftop deck with 4 BBQs for your use, a small kitchen area and plenty of; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Urkmez Hotel; City: Selcuk Izmir Province Turkish Aegean Coast; Review: We chose this wonderful small boutique hotel because of it’s high reviews here as well as it’s location. We rented a car at Izmir airport and it was an easy 45 minute drive (with our GPS directions). Our goal was to spend one day seeing Ephesus, Sirince and the local sights in Selcuk and for our second full day to take a day trip out to Bodrum. We found Selcuk to be a good location for these purposes. And we found the owner/manager, Cüneyt to be a wonderful, friendly and helpful host at this charming hotel. He spoke English very well and was a wealth of information and advice. Before arriving in Turkey he was always quick to respond to all my emails and questions. We stayed 3 nights in the King Suite and we were pleased with everything about it. The room size was very spacious. There was free, fast wi-fi, a small refrigerator, tea and teapot, and 2 bottles of water were provided daily. The bed was very comfortable with nice linens and pillows (and extra blankets and pillows as well). The bathroom was nice with a good shower, plenty of hot water and good water pressure. However, it was on the small side with not a lot of shelf space for toiletries but there was a dressing table and mirror in the room so it made for a decent space for me to do hair and makeup. The second story room had French doors that opened out onto a lovely west facing view and you could see Isabey Mosque (and of course hear the compelling call to prayer). All of the windows had electrically operated shutters so that you could darken the room nicely and of course it helped keep out any noise. A well-prepared, typical Turkish breakfast was included and served in the lobby/dining area. Each day the selection was a bit different but usually included staples such as olives, cheeses, salads, breads, fruits, pastries, yogurts, coffee and juices. Eggs were made to order. Delicious! The location was great, on a quiet street just a few minutes walk from St. John’s Basilica and the Ayasuluk Fortress. It’s walking distance to town (about 0.3 miles) with shops and restaurants (although there is a substantial hill between you and town). Ephesus is just a short 2 miles away. I’d also recommend visiting the charming town of Sirince, about 5 miles east of Selcuk (but the drive is on a windy road over a small mountain so the drive takes about 20 minutes.) Well worth it if you have the time. I think this is THE place to stay when visiting Ephesus! Such a delightful atmosphere with a helpful and hospitable staff. You won’t be disappointed!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Amira Istanbul; City: Istanbul; Review: We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this chic, upscale hotel right in the heart of the Old City. The location is great for seeing all the major sights. Just a 5-7 minute walk to the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque...10 minutes walk to the Sultanhamet tram stop. The service was outstanding from the moment we arrived. We were greeted by Arthur at reception who promptly checked us in and then brought us to the dining area where we were offered a complimentary glass of wine or beer while he went over the particulars of the hotel with us. He also took out a map and went over all the highlights of things we should see and once he saw that I had done plenty of research and had a basic itinerary planned for the next 3 days in Istanbul, he offered tips and advice on how to improve upon my plan and graciously answered all my questions. The entire staff was very friendly, helpful and spoke English very well. They were always willing to offer tips and advice and made a few phone calls for us to our airport pickup service when we had some travel changes. We stayed 4 nights in a standard room which was beautifully decorated. It had everything we needed…fast, free wifi, AC, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker with coffee/tea, a safe, 2 bathrobes, extra blanket. A complimentary bottle of water was provided each day. The bathroom was a bit small and there was hardly any counter space for toiletries, but this was about our only complaint. It had a tub/shower with plenty of hot water with good water pressure. The bed was very comfortable and had nice linens and pillows. There were blackout curtains to keep the room nice and dark for sleeping and double paned windows kept the room quiet. What made this hotel stand out was some of the extra added perks, for instance this one we have never seen before: They provided, free of charge, a WiFi hotspot. If you are not familiar with these, it is basically a small device with a cellular radio. It then can broadcast to your smart phone or tablet. You have free WiFi that follows you all day. You check it out in the morning and return it in the evening where they recharge it for you. We got one every morning before breakfast and they were never out of them. They say it lasts 3-4 hours. This means you have to toggle it on and off for it to last all day. Better yet bring along an external battery with a micro USB cable and you can charge it up through the day. This was an amazing benefit that we really appreciated. They also allowed us to buy tokens for the tram at the reception desk (at actual cost) and were willing to buy them back if we ended up with unused ones. You could add them to your room bill as well, making it very easy to stay stocked up with them. The buffet breakfast was fantastic! The selection; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Airlie Beach Hotel; City: Airlie Beach Queensland; Review: The best thing about this hotel for us was its location. We had a 2 night sailing trip booked which departed from the Whitsunday Sailing Club, a 5 minute walk just across from the hotel. The Greyhound bus terminal is also located right nearby the Whitsunday Sailing Club, maybe an extra 2 minutes beyond it. It is also right on the main Esplanade near all the restaurants, bars and travel services so everything was within walking distance. We did not have a car so its location was very convenient. We stayed here one night before and again one night after our sailing and they gladly stored our luggage for us. From the photos on tripadvisor all the hotels in Airlie Beach seem to be slightly dated and need a little TLC...this one being no exception. It’s a little scruffy which I can usually tolerate but during our first stay the one thing that bothered me most was the stinky blankets! I mean they stank like musty, sweaty body odor!! I called and asked for an extra blanket and it was worse than the first. This kind of freaked me out because it was clear they had not been washed in some time...GROSS! I ended up just using the sheet and my jacket. I would have made them wash them right then and there but it was bedtime before I noticed and we were only staying the one night. I almost cancelled our next reservation after our sailing but there didn’t seem to be many other options that offered a decent rate. I was fully prepared to have them take the blankets to the laundry room and give them a fresh washing if they stank. As it turned out the blankets during our next stay had no bad odors. The room had decent conveniences like a small fridge, coffee/tea maker, wine glasses, plates, bowls and utensils, a safe, iron/ironing board. The bathroom was spacious with lots of counter space. There was also free wi-fi in the room. The hotel also has a guest laundry in the parking garage (3AUD per wash and per dry). They provided detergent. We booked a standard ocean facing hotel room which had a balcony with a nice view. The higher the floor the better the view, with that in mind you should see if you can get the 3rd floor. As I said, it seems most of the hotels in this small town might need some TLC so I don’t know how much better you’d get for the same price. The fact that it was so close to the Sailing club really worked well for us since we didn’t have a car but I would try someplace else if we were ever back in town.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Meriton Suites Kent Street Sydney; City: Sydney New South Wales; Review: We booked this apartment based on its high ratings and its excellent value. We stayed in a Classic Studio Apartment (38sq m) and at a rate of 185AUD found it to be one of the best bets in Sydney for the superb location and all its amenities. We especially liked that it had a full size washer and dryer in the unit. Also very convenient to have a kitchen equipped with microwave, stove and refrigerator/freezer. There is a Coles supermarket within a couple of blocks. The Town Hall train station is also only 450 meters (0.3 mi) walk away. Free Wi-Fi in the room but with a caveat. It was reasonably fast but turns out you only get 1 GB of data per day, after that it is slowed down. And slow is an understatement, it was basically unusable. The frustrating part is they don’t tell you this when you check in. After travelling almost 48 hours my iPhone downloaded lots of updates and podcast and we hit the 1 GB limit in no time. It would have been nice if they had told us this upon checking in so I could have disabled automatic updates. The next day I made sure it did not download those things. After arriving home in the late afternoon we were immediately greeted with a prompt saying that we were at 80% of our usage for the day. Since we had been out of the room all day it is apparent they have a problem with their metering program. Everything about the apartment was comfortable….spacious, large seating and dining areas and super comfy bed with lots of pillows and good linens. The bathroom was spotless, bright and had a great shower as well as large bathtub. Staff was friendly and helpful. We would definitely recommend the Meriton Kent St.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns; City: Cairns Cairns Region Queensland; Review: We stayed here one night before and again one night after our overnight diving boat excursion and they gladly stored our luggage for us. The hotel was an inviting place to return to with a helpful, friendly staff (and those cookies!!). We booked a Double Room and the rooms were spacious and comfortable with super comfy beds, linens and pillows. Bathrooms were super clean and had ample counter space and a good shower. Upon checking out the concierge will call you a taxi (there’s only one taxi company in town and it was metered) and one will arrive within 5-10 minutes. It was just under $20 AUD for a taxi ride from the hotel to the airport. The location was great, right on the esplanade and a short walk to restaurants, bars and travel services. Just about anything you could need such as the supermarket, the BWS (Bottle, Wine Spirits) and bus terminal is within about a 10 minute walk. Our only complaint was that their Internet was horrible to the point of being unusable. This was the case on both stays. On the second night we complained and they said that their tech people were looking into it. Sounds like this is a common excuse and if you need reliable Internet then I would recommend you look elsewhere. Otherwise we were very pleased our stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Art Series The Larwill Studio; City: Melbourne Victoria; Review: I think your opinion of this hotel will depend greatly on your purpose for staying. If you are only staying for a short time (in our case, one night on either side of our Great Ocean Road trip) and will only be traveling into the CBD for one day or so then the location is not that great. Yes, there is a tram station nearby but it is not part of the free tram zone and unless you are staying and will be using the tram system very frequently, the cost for the transit card plus the fares into/out of the free zone just don’t make it worth it. Unlike most cities you cannot just pay your fare when you get on, you have to buy a card and load it with a minimum amount of dollars. Not practical for a one time trip. After learning of the transit situation upon check-in we did decide to cancel our reservation post Great Ocean Road trip and just booked a hotel last minute in the CBD (got a great deal at Oaks on William from orbitz - I have posted a review for this one as well). The Art Series would do well to buy preloaded cards and allow their guests to use them and add the fare used to the bill. That would have kept us from canceling our second stay. The hotel is a one mile walk to the free tram zone at Queen Victoria Market. Certainly not too far to walk but with limited time we preferred to be right downtown. As for the hotel, it was very nice and the room was nice, modern and clean but a bit too dark. The decor was quite quirky and in my opinion they were trying just a little too hard to be “cool”. But the bed was comfy, the bathroom was spacious and the room had a mini fridge, mini microwave, coffee/tea maker and safe. Free wi-fi in room. If, like us, you will only be staying a short time and will be spending your sightseeing time mainly in the CBD then I would recommend a hotel in the CBD instead.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hyatt Place Phoenix Chandler Fashion Center; City: Chandler Arizona; Review: Very pleased with this comfortable, spacious room. Lots of space to relax, separate sofa area, desk, fridge, 2 TVs. Bathroom was spotless with great walk-in shower. Nice bed and linens with plenty of pillows. A/C worked fantastically. Super fast wi-fi. Good free breakfast which included hot selections as well as cold. Convenient to tons of shops and restaurants. We were in town to visit family in Gilbert and found the location to be pretty central for that and the airport. Would not hesitate to stay here again on our next visit to the Phoenix area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona; City: Sedona Arizona; Review: The rates are pretty expensive for a Best Western but we came last minute on a holiday weekend and only had a few hotels with vacancies to choose from. Overall, we were pleased with this hotel. The location is great, only a few minutes drive to countless breath-taking hiking trails. About 75% of the rooms have a view that is superb. The others don't face the view. (However there is construction going on across the street that makes it quite noisy and does take away from the peaceful ambience you might hope for when staring out at the gorgeous nature of Sedona.) The construction did stop after about 5pm and the sitting area with the firepit is a wonderful way to take in the glowing colors of sunset. However, you have to ask the front desk to come light the fire for you and it took us 2 calls and over 30 minutes for someone to come. The room was very nice, with 2 queen beds with nice linens and plenty of pillows. The decor was updated and modern. The bathroom had plenty of counter space and even a makeup mirror. The shower, small tub combo was only ok. Free wifi with so-so speed. Our biggest complaint was that the thermostat on the air conditioner was not accurate (it would say it was 68 degrees in the room when it was obvious that it was WAY warmer. And the controls were set so that you couldn't set it below 68, so it was probably about 72 degrees which is fine but we like it cold at night when we're sleeping). Good breakfast with hot choices as well as cold. Overall, there are some things that can be improved upon and if you are looking for tranquil luxury you should opt for a fancier place. But for a clean, basic convenient place this fits the bill.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The St Regis Bora Bora Resort; City: Bora Bora Society Islands; Review: After combing through countless reviews and forum posts we decided to use Pacific For Less to arrange our 12 night vacation that included stays at the Hilton in Moorea, the St. Regis in Bora Bora, Hotel Kia Ora in Rangiroa and Le Meridien in Papeete. I never use a travel agent and normally do all the planning/booking myself for all of our travels but when I compared booking myself versus using Pacific For Less, we figure the package Jennifer put together for us saved us well over $2000. We cannot recommend them highly enough! It felt like you had a little guardian angel on your shoulder watching over you...if there was ever any problem or glitch, they were just a text/phone call away from fixing whatever it was. We actually did have a few occasions to contact them for problems that arose and they were all taken care of quickly and to our satisfaction. Special thanks to Claudia who successfully dealt with 2 specific issues for us. Prior to the trip she told us “If anything should not be meeting your expectations, your bungalow is not to your liking, a bottle of champagne promised and not delivered, poor service by hotel staff, anything at all that is not as it should be (even if it seems to be a minor detail) PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE to contact me on my PERSONAL cell phone number” We found this to be so reassuring and really helped make our vacation so much less stressful than if we would have had to deal with these problems on our own. We are so glad we used Pacific For Less! Thank you Claudia and Jennifer! As for the St. Regis...I cannot say enough glowing things about this experience and this property! This trip was to celebrate both my husband’s and my retirement and so we have dreamed about it for years, specifically, the splurge on the dream of staying in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora!!! The St. Regis was beyond all expectations and better than I even imagined it would be! We spent 4 glorious nights in a Deluxe Overwater Villa #227 Our Pacific For Less package included Transfers: Airport-Hotel-Airport by boat, Meals: daily American Breakfast buffet & nightly 3-course dinner for two at any of the 4 restaurants, a bottle of red wine with pastry Chef's sweet treat of the day in your villa upon arrival and a romantic tropical flower bed during your stay. Complimentary WiFi also included. It also included a complimentary ½ Day Motu Tapu Lagoon Snorkel Tour & Shark/Ray experience with Raanui Tours with pick up and drop off from the hotel dock. (More on this later and also I submitted a separate review) Bungalow #227 faced Mt. Otemanu directly which provided the most amazing sunsets and breath-taking views that are seared into my brain forever! From the moment you arrive at the airport and board the hotel’s private boat for the 10 minute ride to the hotel, your mouth will be agape at your stunning surroundings! You really are in paradise!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Nox; City: Ljubljana Upper Carniola Region; Review: We chose this hotel primarily because we had a rental car and wanted a place with parking. They have a decent sized free parking lot on site. The location is fairly convenient to Old Town as there is a bus right out front of the hotel. It’s the #1 bus and you buy an “urban card” at newsstand next door for 2EUR then you put money on the card for however many rides you want. Cost = 1.20EURpp per ride and it’s a 15-20 min ride to the main square area of Old Town. Service was great from people at reception and they were very helpful with getting around and sightseeing tips. We stayed in the Terra Rossa room. Rooms are a bit quirky as the bed is on the floor but set up on a platform (so a little precarious if getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom as you have to step down off the platform.) The only seating is 2 hard wooden chairs so it is not a very comfortable place to stay any long length of time. Room had sufficient amenities: mini fridge, safe, free fast wifi. Air conditioning was a bit weak but sufficient. Great bathroom with nice large shower. Complimentary 2 bottles of water, 2 cans of Coke and 2 beers upon arrival (not replenished). Really great breakfast. Supermarket located right next door. If you’re fine with the quirks then you will be satisfied here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel 9; City: Zagreb Central Croatia; Review: We chose this hotel primarily because we had a rental car and wanted a place with parking. Parking was included in my rate, however when we checked in I did have to remind them that they told me in an email that parking was included as they were ready to charge me extra. They readily honored their email. Great location as the tram station is 1/2 block from entrance. It’s the #6 tram to main square and you can just pay driver (10Kuna per person) and a 12-15 minute ride. Service was great from people at reception. Room had everything we needed, mini fridge, safe, free fast wifi. Air conditioning was a bit weak but sufficient. Great bathroom with nice large shower. Good included breakfast. Only complaint was room is too dark. We would recommend this hotel for sure!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Arupinum; City: Rovinj Istria; Review: We chose this hotel primarily because we had a rental car and wanted a place with parking. They have a decent sized free parking lot on site. This hotel was my favorite of all the 8 hotels we stayed in during our 18 day, 4 country trip. It was the most expensive hotel we stayed in ($200US per night) but Rovinj was also the most expensive of all the towns we visited. Service was very good and they were very friendly and helpful with any request we had. The pool is actually in front of the hotel. Our room faced the back which just faced another building so the balcony did not face the pool. The room was very modern with nice decor and so very comfortable and spacious! The air conditioning was awesome! Room had a shower and a separate tub and was spacious and spotless. Had mini fridge and safe. Wifi was free but slow. Breakfast was good with a bit of a change in selection each day (nice to NOT have the exact same thing every day). The location is about a 10 minute downhill walk to the newer part of town and marina and another 10 minutes walk to the Old Town main square. (So a bit of an uphill walk back but we did it every day during our 3 night stay and didn’t mind it at all.) There is a Konzum grocery store 2 blocks away (open 0700-2100 everyday). If you don’t mind staying 15-20 minutes outside of the Old Town you will love this hotel. It is a very comfortable and inviting place to stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel President Sarajevo; City: Sarajevo Sarajevo Canton; Review: We loved this hotel! Awesome room, spacious, comfortable with chic, modern decor. Air conditioning worked great! Large spotless bathroom with great shower and lots of counter space. Safe, mini fridge, free wifi in room. Comfortable bed and nice linens. Fantastic location, steps from Baščaršija square and all the main sights. Fantastic included breakfast buffet with lots of selection. Eggs to order. 10 EUR parking per day in garage. Parking is a little inconvenient. The hotel is on a very narrow one way street. The parking entrance is on the back side of the hotel. It is closed unless you ask them to open it. To avoid having to circle back around it is a good idea to call them a few minutes ahead of your arrival and ask them to open the door for you. Parking is tight (where isn’t it in Europe) but the elevator is very easy to access from the underground garage. Very helpful and friendly staff. Highly recommend! Great value! You will be pleased if you stay here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heritage Villa Apolon; City: Stari Grad Hvar Island Split Dalmatia County Dalmatia; Review: We were mostly pleased with this hotel with just a couple of minor issues that lessened our enthusiasm for the place. First the positives: There was free street parking less than a block away in mid Sept (not sure how easy it would be to find a parking space nearby in high season) Diana at reception was an absolute delight and was very helpful with information, directions, suggestions, etc. She seems to love her job and it shows! The hotel itself is beautiful with a modern, stylish lobby and outdoor terrace. The rooms are much more traditional in style but still very nicely done. We stayed in the Thalia room which was large with plenty of storage space and a huge bathroom with clawfoot tub/shower combo. The room (and bathroom) has views right out onto the picturesque harbor. The air conditioning worked well. The room had a mini fridge, safe and free wifi. The things that let us down were: Breakfast wasn’t buffet style, which we prefer. We rather serve ourselves in case we are in a hurry to get to sightseeing rather than wait to order and then have it served to you. And you didn’t really have choices. They brought one type of bread and a tiered platter of fruit, cold meat and cheeses. And then a plate of yogurts and one type of jelly. The same selection each day. You could order eggs to your liking, so that was good. But our main complaint was that we were served one tiny (espresso-sized) cup of coffee and when we asked for a refill we were told we would be charged for it. Then our waitress was quite rude as she implied that we shouldn’t be asking for more because in Croatia they only slowly sip one small cup and not more. We were treated like we were odd because we didn't drink it the way they do. The other negative wasn’t really regarding the hotel, but a company that they talked us into using for a boat tour to the Blue and Green caves and Vis. They told us to meet the boat at a small secondary harbor in Hvar (not the main one in Hvar) between 10-10:15 with a 10:30 departure. No one was there at ten so we called the cell number we were given for the boat operator to make sure we were in the right place. He was hard to understand but said his friend would be there soon. At 10:30 there was still no sign of them. We called back and got the same answer. After a few more minutes we gave up and left, hoping to try another boat operator at the main harbor. There was also another couple from our hotel waiting with us and they stuck it out and did eventually go on the boat tour. Upon check out the next day I ran into the woman and she said, “Be glad you didn’t go”. They said they were disappointed with the way the whole operation ran. They were many better tour; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Horizon Luxury Suites; City: Split Split Dalmatia County Dalmatia; Review: Unless you truly have a need to stay inside the Old City THIS is the place to stay!! (and after seeing the people who did stay in the Old City traipsing along the cobble-stones dragging their suitcases behind them through the maze of streets because it is a car-free zone, why would you want to?) Horizon is only a 5 minutes walk to the Bronze Gate of Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva promenade! Great location! Free car parking (just let them know ahead of time and they will make sure you have a spot). This was one of the best of the 8 hotels we stayed in during our 18 day, 4 country trip. I can’t say enough good things about Ivan, the manager. This young man was so incredibly helpful and was always available by text any time we needed anything. He asked us prior to arrival to text him when we were nearing the hotel. Then he met us at our car with a golf cart, had us follow him to our parking spot. Then he loaded our bags on the golf cart and drove us to the entrance and checked us in. We had the gold room. Horizon is comprised of only 4 rooms and it seems you can’t go wrong with any of them. The hotel only opened last summer and everything seems brand new. The room was very spacious, spotless and decorated in a tasteful modern style. There was a large king-sized bed, a sofa, a sitting area with 2 chairs and a desk. The bathroom was pristine, large and had a great shower. The air conditioning worked great! There was a mini-fridge, a safe and fast free wifi. One of the few hotels of our entire trip that had instant coffee and and a kettle in the room. As you can tell from previous reviews, Ivan goes above and beyond to make your stay great. No exception for us. On our check out day our plan was to take the car ferry to Split at 11am. However, they suggest you park your car in the queue at least 1.5-2 hours ahead of time. Ivan picked up our luggage from our room and loaded our car and drove it to the queue for us so we would have a spot at the front of the line. This allowed us to start our day early around 7am, go have breakfast and one last stroll through the city without having to go back to the hotel and bring the car ourselves. He told us we were #7 in line and we made our way to the ferry at 10:30...easy breezy. Thanks again Ivan! Breakfast is included but is a bit unusual as he gives you vouchers to use at the Villa Diana restaurant across the street. This was the only negative for us as it wasn’t buffet style, which we prefer. We rather serve ourselves in case we are in a hurry to get to sightseeing rather than wait to order and then have it served to you. And; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Plitvice Miric Inn; City: Plitvice Lakes National Park Central Croatia; Review: Wonderfully quaint and friendly place with a great location for visiting Plitvice National Park. Located about 1.5 miles from the south entrance (entrance #2) Reasonable rates but room is a bit too cramped. The bathroom is very small with not much space to get ready or store anything. But fine for the one night we spent. Good air conditioning and comfortable bed. Staff was friendly and helpful. Be aware they only accept cash. Included breakfast was good. Room had a mini fridge but no safe. Fast, free wifi. Good for short stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dev Niwas; City: Bundi Bundi District Rajasthan; Review: We stayed one night here in a Double Suite room on our travels between Jaipur and Udaipur. Bundi intrigued me when I did my research for the trip to India and I am glad we included it. With a population of around 100,000 it is a nice diversion from the big cities of Delhi, Jaipur etc. Even still it is bustling, noisy and busy with the interesting Taragarh Palace looming over the town high up on a hill. Your hotel options are more limited here than in the larger cities as even the “best” hotels are only maybe 3 stars or less. Dev Niwas was an adequate choice for the price. ($70US) The room was very clean, huge and decorated in traditional decor but did not offer much in the way of amenities. Just a very basic room…beds, a desk, some chairs and tables. No coffee/tea maker, no fridge, no safe. 2 small bottles of water provided. (Our previous 4 hotels provided 4 bottles or 2 extra large ones per day). The bathroom had a non-enclosed shower and the hot water comes from a small hot water tank and allows about 5 minutes for a hot shower. Then the next usage requires a 15 minute wait for it to reheat. The room had ceiling fans and a/c but we did not need it in February as it cooled down at night. The beds were just thin mattresses that were very, very firm. It is extremely noisy and you will hear lots of it in your room. As we always tell fellow travelers, we highly recommend using white noise to drown out loud sounds. There are many apps you can find to use on your phone and then bring a tiny portable speaker since the phone speaker won’t be loud enough. We NEVER travel without it and it is one of the best travel tips we know of! The free wifi was fairly slow (and sometimes intermittent) but mostly usable in the lobby and hit or miss in the rooms and elsewhere on the property. No meals are included but there is a nice outdoor rooftop restaurant that served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prices were reasonable (Ex: breakfast: egg omelette = 110rs, pot of coffee = 105rs, dinner: chicken biryani or masala = 200rs, 650ml beer = 250rs) This is a no frills, basic place to lay your head for the night. For our one night’s stay this hotel was adequate.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fort Barli; City: Barli Rajsamand District Rajasthan; Review: We stayed 2 nights here in a double room that included breakfast. Firstly I will say that for our travel style we could have done well enough with only one night here. Fort Barli is in a very, very tiny village of just a few thousand people and besides walking the village and seeing the grounds of the fort/hotel there is not anything else to do. So if you are a “go-go” kind of traveler one night is sufficient. If you are the type of traveler who enjoys relaxing and having time to just sit and relax, read, have a coffee or beverage in a unique and special setting then you might prefer having 2 nights. Certainly the highlight of being in this village is walking through it and meeting the people, especially the children!! They are the most welcoming and friendly children we have met in all of our travels! They are absolutely enamored with having their photo taken and ask for nothing in return. The laughter and the smiles on their faces as we interacted with them were precious and will leave us with lasting memories. One group even invited us into their home to meet the entire family. This interaction we had with the people of Barli was one of the most unique and special experiences of our entire time in India! The fort itself was also very special. It is a pretty unique experience to stay in a 400 year old fort. The room was huge with 2 separate salons, one with the main bedroom and bathroom and then another huge lounge with seating areas, a desk, and amenity area (coffee/tea maker and fridge). The decor is lovely and the room was clean. The a/c worked wonderfully but even though they advertise wifi, it is not useable in the room. You must be in the lobby and even then it is an unreliable 3G hotspot. The bathroom had a tub/shower but the hot water comes from a small hot water tank and only allows about 3 minutes for a shower. Then the next usage requires a 15 minute wait for it to reheat. The hotel is the only choice for food, as the village only has a few small shops that only sell candy and chips. The included breakfast looks very sparse upon first glance as they set out a small and limited buffet but they bring hot dishes to order to your table. They offered both western and Indian style food. Dinner is served starting at 7:30pm. Before then you can order snacks (soups, sandwiches, paranthas, etc) between 11am and 5pm On our first night dinner was very disappointing as even the Indian dishes had NO flavor. All of the food was very bland. The owner explained to us that they prepare it this way to cater to their mostly European guests. Once he learned that we love flavorful and spicy food he made sure that for our second dinner the food would be prepared to our liking and it was! If you also enjoy spicy food; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel; City: Bhainsrorgarh Chittorgarh District Rajasthan; Review: This is a beautiful Heritage property located about a 2 hour drive from Bundi. We stayed one night here on our way to Udaipur. The fort encompasses a very small, quiet village and sits on the convergence of 2 rivers. The setting is beautiful and the views from the rooftop terrace are incredible! There is not much else around (except the Baroli temple complex about a 10 minute drive away, which was a very pleasant surprise, well worth seeing!!). But it is a nice place for a relaxing stay. We booked a Deluxe Double with garden view but were upgraded to the Chunda Ji Suite which is a river view room as only 2 of the 9 rooms were booked. The room was very nice with beautiful traditional decor. You really felt like you were stepping back in time each time you opened the heavy, wooden doors. The enormous bathroom had a non-enclosed shower and the hot water comes from a small hot water tank and allows about 5 minutes for a hot shower. Then the next usage requires a 15 minute wait for it to reheat. (We found this to be the case with many of the heritage and residence hotels) The views from the room were spectacular with it’s 3 balconies. There is a huge covered courtyard just outside your door shared with another room with plenty of seating where you will also have beautiful views of the fort. The amenities in the room included coffee/tea maker, hairdryer and a/c. But there is no fridge or safe. The king bed was actually two twins put together with a mattress topper. It was comfortable with nice, clean linens. Breakfast was included but there was no menu and it was kind of vague as to what was actually available. The waiters barely spoke English but when we said “eggs” he offered us masala omelette and when I asked for roti they brought me some sort of Indian spicy pancake (piranha, I think, which was delicious). Lunch and dinner are not included and like the breakfast there is no menu, you just kind of get what they bring or ask for something specific and they may have it for you. The price for dinner was 1200 rupees per person including tax. The food was good but not the best we had. On their website they offer activities, the only one of which we did was the river cruise. You walk 5-10 minutes down to the river with an employee who leads you to a rowboat where he and 2 oarsmen will guide you along the river and point out to you many kinds of birds, crocodiles, vultures, etc. They provided coffee, tea and biscuits while on the boat. The cost was 750 rupees per person plus 15% tax which is too much for what it is but the views of the fort are great from this vantage point and the tranquil nature setting is quite a welcoming respite from the chaos that is most of India. The fact that this was high season; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ramada Plaza Agra; City: Agra Agra District Uttar Pradesh; Review: We only stayed here for one night for our sunset/sunrise Taj Mahal , Red Fort and Baby Taj visit and for those purposes this hotel was adequate. The hotel is located about a 15 minute drive to the east entrance of the Taj Mahal. Of course there are hotels much closer but not worth the extra cost in my opinion. For comparison, we paid $88US and the rate for the Radisson was about $130. Nice room with good bed and linens but the free wifi speeds were so bad that it was basically unusable. Our deluxe king room was very large with safe, mini fridge, coffee/tea maker, and iron and ironing board. There was a/c in the room but it had a hard time keeping the room cool even in cool February. The electricity was spotty, with multiple outages during the night but only momentarily (not sure if a generator came on or if the outage was only momentary) The included breakfast was average but had a few good Indian selections as well as continental western style. The staff was helpful and friendly. The room was good but everything else was disappointing due to the mediocre breakfast, power outages and horrible wifi. If you can find a similar rate somewhere else I might give that a try instead.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deogarh Mahal; City: Rajsamand Rajsamand District Rajasthan; Review: We stayed 2 nights here in the Prince’s room (or honeymoon suite). This stunning room was quite impressively adorned with colorful mosaic glass panels, mirrored ceilings and stained glass windows everywhere!!!! When the sunlight came through it illuminated the room beautifully and I kept saying that I felt like I was living in a jewelry box! The gorgeous 350 year-old hotel was probably the best restored of any of the former palaces at which we stayed. The paint was crisp and every detail sparkled. The property is huge and you can quite literally get lost finding your way to the main restaurant or breakfast dining hall with all its’ different stair wells and courtyards. The grounds are lovely and the views from the top are very nice of the village of Deogarh below. The amenities were good in the room. Coffee/tea and kettle, fridge, 2 large bottles of water per day. There was a safe, however it was made of wood and not even bolted down, which actually gave us quite a laugh. The shower had plenty of hot water and the bathroom had 2 separate sinks. The hotel offers free wifi but it is only really usable near the reception area (if your room is nearby you may get intermittent coverage). We were able to pickup the wifi by the windows in the room. The room has a/c but was not needed as it was very cool at night. The included breakfast was small but decent with an egg to order station, a couple of Indian dishes and western style continental choices. The dinner was not included and ordered by menu with many Indian veg and non-veg choices, along with pizza and pasta. Entrees typically around 350-400 rupees, glass of wine 400 rupees. The staff is friendly and helpful but almost too much as they bring you things you didn’t want or order and are quick to pick up your plate. This is your only choice in Deogarh itself (there are some choices 3-5 miles away) and it is quite an impressive place. It makes for a great stop between Udaipur and Jodhpur. A one night stay is sufficient as the tiny village can be walked in less than a couple of hours. But if you want to give yourself time to partake in excursions offered by the hotel or just have plenty of time to sit and relax then 2 nights might better suit you. This was one of our favorite hotels of all 10 on our trip (along with Fort Barli). I would highly recommend this hotel but would stay one only night.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taj Palace New Delhi; City: New Delhi National Capital Territory of Delhi; Review: We stayed here for 3 nights and after the long flight from the US it was a very comfortable place to arrive very late at night. Greeted with juice and a bindi and check in was quick by the excellent, friendly staff. The included buffet breakfast was excellent and served in a beautiful, large restaurant. There were many choices (western and Indian) as well as dishes cooked to order. If they didn’t have something on the buffet, for instance, steamed rice, they happily got it for you. The room was spacious, and nicely decorated with a comfortable bed and linens. Good internet speeds with the free wifi in the room. The bathroom was large with separate tub and shower with plenty of hot water. There was plenty of free water in the room, 4 bottles per day. There was a safe, mini fridge and coffee/tea maker, but no iron. The hotel had a luxurious feel and there were many places to dine or sit and relax either in the lobby or out by the pool. This hotel comes at a premium cost and of course you can find cheaper, but after the long flight from the US it is always nice to be assured that you will arrive somewhere comfortable and be able to get a good night’s rest. As for the location, I cannot comment on how easy or difficult it would be to get to the sights via public transportation as we had a private driver but the drive to the airport at 1:00 took about 30 minutes. With traffic, the drive to the main sights (Jama Masjid and Humanyan’s Tomb took about 30 minutes) We were very pleased with our stay and would recommend the Taj Palace.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel; City: Udaipur Udaipur District Rajasthan; Review: We stayed 2 nights in the Pichola Suite with gorgeous views out onto the lake. Overall we were pleased with this hotel as its location was great, the hotel itself is beautiful and the room was very nice. This was our 4th stay outside of a huge, major city and as was becoming clear this hotel was like the other stays at smaller residence/heritage-type hotels in that you should not expect fast wifi, DO expect small hot water tanks for your shower, very little in the way of amenities and you may hear street noise. The free wifi was intermittent and very slow when it worked. The enormous bathroom had a non-enclosed shower and the hot water comes from a small hot water tank and allows about 5 minutes for a hot shower. Then the next usage requires a 15 minute wait for it to reheat. As large as the bathroom was there was basically no counter space. The only amenities were a small safe, 2 small bottles of water daily and one small plate of cookies on the first day (not replenished). No coffee/tea, no fridge. This hotel was actually quiet compared to others we stayed in as it is located at the end of a small lane with a long walkway leading to the entrance. But I will advise, as I always do, that one of our best travel tips is using “white noise” to drown out loud noises. There are many apps you can find to use on your phone and then you need to bring a tiny portable speaker since the phone speaker won’t be loud enough. We NEVER travel without it and it is one of the best travel tips we know of! The room was overly large, clean and nicely decorated in traditional decor. The kind bed was comfortable with nice linens. There is a/c but we did not need it as it was very cool during our stay. Breakfast is not included. The restaurant has great views and a few neat little niche sitting areas besides standard table and chairs. We did not eat at the restaurant so cannot comment on the food. I booked thru agoda with a rate of $117 per night including tax. I would recommend staying here and would probably choose it again if we returned.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Albus; City: Amsterdam North Holland Province; Review: We stayed here 4 nights in a Splendid City King room and for the price I highly recommend it. Most comparable hotels that fit my criteria were about 100 Euros more per night. The location is fantastic! Literally right across the street and maybe half a block is the tram that will take you to all the major sights. The rooms have free wifi. Friendly helpful staff. When called for a problem with our safe and they were up to the room right away. When we had very slow internet speeds they came up to the room to make sure we were using the best router in the hotel. When I called to request an iron it was brought to the room very quickly. They also lent us an umbrella to take for the day. The offer of 2 free drinks in their bar during our stay was a treat (they also gave us a coupon for 25% off breakfast, which we did not partake of). The room was tight but did have plenty of storage so you didn’t have to use up any room space with your luggage. The amenities were pretty scarce though, as all the room really had was an espresso maker, TV and safe (the safe did fit a 13” laptop). I should mention that they do offer a smart phone to take with you all day but we didn’t have the need for that. We would rather have better coffee making facilities and maybe a fridge. 2 bottles of water were provided on the first day but not refilled…just keep your bottle and refill with tap water which is perfectly fine. The bathroom was modern, clean and had a bit of counter space which is always appreciated. Rainhead shower, plenty of hot water and good water pressure. The bed was firm but I found very comfortable and I typically like soft beds. Linens and pillows were nice as well. The AC was awesome! A peeve of mine is when a hotel room “has air conditioning” but doesn’t really keep the room as cool as we like for sleeping (68F/20C)…no problem here! We did not eat in the restaurant at all so can’t comment on that. Like I said, when comparing other hotels that had the style, location and amenities I wanted The Albus was an absolute bargain! Would definitely choose again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Navarra Brugge; City: Bruges West Flanders Province; Review: We stayed here for 3 nights in a Comfort Room and were very pleased with our choice! The location is great for sightseeing, just a couple of blocks (450m/0.3mi) from the main Market Square but not quite as great for getting to and from the train station. Bruges does not have a great bus system. The buses basically make a circle. For example to arrive from the train station you get off at the Market, but to return to the train station you need to walk to a nearby theatre. Unlike most cities, when you want to return you don’t just catch it across the street from where you got off. We don’t recommend using the bus from the train station if you have luggage, while the walk is a breeze without luggage, the cobblestones make for a long haul to the hotel if you are dragging bags. Your best bet is to take a cab when you have luggage and use a bus if you head to the train station for a day trip. The hotel is beautiful and the staff was super helpful and friendly. The Comfort room was very spacious with a king sized bed and looked brand new and modern. Bathroom size was incredible! Tons of counter space, full size tub with shower. Even had small face cloths (which seems to be rare in Europe). There is a small fridge/mini bar, coffee maker, and safe. Little chocolates each night on the nightstands. The only cons were slow wifi and AC control. The wifi was abysmal. It fluctuated between fast and non-existent. It would actually be better if it was just always slow. Instead, you might be unable to get online when you really needed to. Repeated calls to the front desk produced zero improvement. The thermostat for the AC is locked to where you cannot set it below 21° C. I called to complain about this, they remotely unlocked it down to 19°C, much better for sleeping. It remained that way until our checkout. The great location for sightseeing, the spacious room and bathroom were all things that would make me choose this hotel again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Scarlett Boutique Hotel; City: Hue Thua Thien Hue Province; Review: Best bargain of our entire 5 city, 16 night trip through Vietnam and Laos! We were so happy with our choice! The location is perfect and the price cannot be beat! It was one of the nicest rooms of our entire trip and the least expensive of them all. From the moment of arrival, we were pleased. Pepe was amazing upon reception, served us tea and biscuits. She gave us so much helpful information and itinerary ideas. She did mention one error though...she suggested seeing the night market but it is permanently closed. (We did let her know we found this out so I’m sure she won’t recommend it any longer...just be advised, regardless of what the guidebooks, etc say, the night market is closed permanently). The room was great and very spacious. Good air conditioning, fast WiFi, great comfy bed and linens, hot good shower and spacious bathroom. Iron, coffee maker, fridge and safe in room. We were on 5 of 6 floors. We use a noise machine at night so weren’t very affected but we could hear dogs and mopeds during the day so you might hear noise. Breakfast was included with made to order eggs or 2 soups to choose from as well as the well- stocked buffet. During our stay we had help from Pepe to arrange a private driver for us to visit the outlying tombs. (Tomb of Tu Duc, Tomb of Ming Mang, Tomb of Khai Dinh) and Tu Hieu Pagoda. Our driver picked us up on time as arranged at 8am. The car had seatbelts, good A/C. He was a good safe driver. He dropped us off at each, let us spend as much time as we liked at each site and was always waiting exactly where he said when we finished. Took us 4 hours total 8am-12pm (great time for less crowds) Cost $45US and we paid hotel with credit card upon checkout Prior to arriving in Vietnam, the hotel was very helpful in arranging a private driver for us after our stay from Hue to our next stop, Hoi An. We did all this via email. The cost was $75US one way, including tolls and we paid the Scarlett hotel with credit card upon checkout Our driver, Qua, picked us up on time as arranged at 8am in a Hyundai Avante, with seatbelts, good A/C. He was a good safe driver and spoke English very well. We have his email address if you want to book him directLy, just private message me and I will forward it to you. We made many stops along the way to make a half day of it: 1st stop: Lap An Lagoon 2nd: Lang Co Beach 3rd: Hai Van pass 4th: Linh Ung Pagoda and Buddha 5th: My Khe Beach (China Beach) Drove through the city of Danang 6th: Marble Mountains to stop and explore the Buddha grottoes, etc The driver made stops for us to sightsee, let us spend as much time as we liked at each site and was always waiting exactly where he said; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Hanoi Deluxe Hotel; City: Hanoi; Review: First let me say that the staff at this hotel is amazing and surely deserves their 5 star rating. That being said, as much as I hate to give them less than 5 stars, if I’m rating the hotel and not the people, I would only give 3 stars. Basically, it boils down to what is your top priority when booking a hotel? If an amazing staff who is friendly, attentive, will go out of their way to make your stay good, is your top priority then if you choose this hotel you will be pleased. If your priority is more with having a great room, fast wifi, great breakfast, and service isn’t as important to you, then you might look elsewhere. The breakfast was very disappointing and definitely needed improvement. Choices were slim and the food was not kept warm. The “warming trays” are not heated and even if they were, the staff keeps them open (despite us closing them each time we used them) thus allowing the items to cool quickly. The wifi was horribly slow, to the point of being basically unusable. Bringing this up to the staff did not help. The room, while very spacious and decently appointed, had some issues. The thing that bothered us the most may not even be an issue if you are in a standard room. We booked a Family Room With City View but were told upon check-in that we were being upgraded. This room had a “jacuzzi” tub/shower combo. This was the problem. They installed a tub that was a jacuzzi only, then added a shower to a tub that is not intended to be stood in. See from the photos that the jacuzzi is molded in such a way that if you lay in it your legs are propped up by two “humps”. The humps are located right where you stand under the shower. This makes it nearly impossible to keep your balance, especially if you are a woman, trying to balance while you shave your legs. This was a battle each day...and very dangerous!! Of course, outside of changing rooms, there was not much that could be done about it during our stay. But we did mention this poor set-up to the staff in hopes that they will address the situation for future guests. Again, if we were in a different room, one without the jacuzzi tub, this probably wouldn’t even have been an issue and would have given us a different impression of our stay. Another annoyance was the safe. It uses a fingerprint as the mode for locking/unlocking. This would be fine for a person staying alone, but since my husband was the one who activated it, I was unable to access the safe if he was out of the room...which happened a few times. Why not just have a code to access like most safes?? Again, not much that could be done about it during our stay and again we did mention this to the staff in hopes that they will address the situation for future; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel; City: Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Province; Review: Wish I were there right now! Everything from the amazing customer service, the amenities, the location, the comfort of the room, the excellent food at the scenic restaurant, the friendly, always helpful staff...just can’t recommend this place highly enough! The included amenities that impressed us so much were: The free 1 hour sunset cruise which includes one drink (soda, beer or wine) per person. The mini fridge which was stocked with sodas and juices and were free! They even replaced all the sodas with Coke Zero for us...daily!! One of my favorites was the “all day included “breakfast” - which was actually way better than just breakfast as they also had soups, noodles and rice dishes, so we actually made ours a “lunch” a couple of times. And the food was delicious! (see photo of the menu) Free bicycles for use. The staff was amazing and went out of their way to make sure you had everything you needed. The view from the restaurant (just across the street from the hotel) was lovely and it was a wonderful, peaceful place to just hang out, have a beer and relax. We stayed in a Balcony Maisonette room which was on the 2nd floor of the main building. It is a two-story room with the bed upstairs in the loft area. Everything else is downstairs. The shower was great with good water pressure and plenty of hot water. The air conditioning was awesome, which is a huge priority for us, so we were very happy with that! There is also a ceiling fan over the bed. The hotel is obviously environmentally conscious and eco-friendly! They provide 2 free reusable water bottles and a map for places around town to refill. They also use reusable straws at the restaurant and they actually left the towels we hung to reuse (even though most hotels may put out the little sign suggesting this, but seem to replace them anyway) The Wifi was kind of slow but can also be used across street at restaurant. I loved our stay here and would go back in a heartbeat!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: 67MM Vivitar UV CPL FLD Filter Kit and Accessory Bundle for Lenses with a 67mm Filter Size; Brand: Goja; Review: Filter kit was just as described. Shipped super Fast! No complaints! The receiver threads on the outside of the filters is a little shallow but just make sure you tighten the lens hood well,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Panasonic DMPBDT330 4K Upscaling 3D Wi-Fi Blu-Ray Player; Brand: Panasonic; Review: Has excellent picture and sound quality. Having the 2 HDMI outs is nice for Lossless. The only faults I have with this player is no SACD and the remote. I had the BDT500 and I loved it and once I got the hang of the remote grew to love it as well. Lightning took out the BDT500 and I can't find one now anywhere close to the price I paid for mine. I hoped the 500's remote would work with this player but other than the basic functions it does not. I went with this model as it has Amazon streaming video (I HATE NETFLIX!) which none of the new Panasonic models have. A good player at an excellent price, not quite as good as the 500 but close. Oh and I HATE the trapezoidal shape, who came up with that? doesn't fit right in my rack.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: OREI HDS-102 1x2 HDMI Splitter Powered 1080P V1.4 Certified Duplicate Screen with 3D Resolutions; Brand: Orei; Review: I bought this to split the HDMI out of my Dish receiver in my home theater so I could add a TV in the new Bar area I built. It splits the Video fine but if I put it inline before feeding the signal in my home theater to my Surround Sound Processor it does some really strange things with the audio signal. It states that it will average out the video settings and automatically set it to the lessor of the 2 displays but I think it is doing it with the audio as well. While watching programming it constantly switches audio formats at breaks. It will go from "Dolby Digital" to "3+LFE" to "Dolby Stereo" etc.. It maybe that that my Surround Processor normally converts different audio formats to 7 Channel and so I never noticed it before and the change is in the Broadcast itself. In any event the solution is to split the HDMI out AFTER the processor as this will have no effect on the sound as in the Home Theater I am only sending the video to my projector, the sound is handled by the processor. Just a pain as to watch TV in the bar I have to run the Surround system in the Home Theater. Not a huge problem but something to be aware of.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sony BDPS7200 Dual Core 3D 4K Upscaling Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi (2014 Model); Brand: Sony; Review: First of all, let me say I got a replacement unit for the first one I got of these as it crashed constantly while streaming videos. Amazon was awesome with the exchange, had the new one in a day and simply had to ship the defective one back within 30 days. A+ customer service! Now to the player itself. Nice looking unit, no freaky curves or angles and it is full size so it fits in my equipment rack very nicely, that is very important to me personally. The Blu-Ray playback is stellar. Ultra fast loading and start up, superb picture and sound quality. The menu layout works well and installation was a snap. Unfortunately that is where the good ends. The tiny remote is awful, period. The streaming video just flat out sucks! Constantly dropping out or locking up. Just about every time I stream a video it would lock up an I would have to shut the unit completely off, wait 10 seconds and power it back on. Sometimes I would have to actually unplug the unit and wait and plug it back in which is no easy task as I have to actually leave the home theater and go down the access corridor to get to the back of my equipment rack to unplug it. We got so tired of all this we broke down and bought a separate streaming player (an Amazon Fire) which works perfectly. Hasn't quit yet so I know it is not my Ethernet connection. Very disappointed.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: iClever 10.1 Inch Universal Detachable Bluetooth Keyboard PU Leather Case Stand Cover Mouse Touchpad; Brand: iClever; Review: There are some good things and some bad things about this case. First the good: Tablet fits in it and is held very securely although it does take a little effort to get it in place. Blue tooth keyboard connects easily, just enable the bluetooth on your tablet and turn the keyboard on, that simple. Keyboard works as it should. Now the bad: It is made of very cheap looking material that they claim is "PU Leather" which is supposed to be a leather backing covered with polyurethane made to look like leather. This may be "PU Leather" but it looks cheap as hell, more like a vinyl seat cover from a '70's era Pinto than Leather. The magnet holders on the keyboard are completely useless, the slightest touch or movement detaches the keyboard. Luckily it hasn't fallen out of the case yet. I am going to keep this case as it serves its purpose, it just looks cheap and the keyboard will not stay put. Thinking about applying some Velcro strips to the back, maybe that will do the trick.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Riedel Vinum Extreme Chardonnay Glasses, Set of 2; Brand: Riedel; Review: I was in a tasting room in the Russian River Valley when I first got to use these glasses -- it was love at first sight. I already have the full line of Riedel Sommelier glasses, but these are a little less pretentious and a lot more fun for a casual occasion.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Riedel Vinum Extreme Leaded Crystal Chardonnay Wine Glass, Set of 6; Brand: Riedel; Review: I was in a tasting room in the Russian River Valley when I first got to use these glasses -- it was love at first sight. I already have the full line of Riedel Sommelier glasses, but these are a little less pretentious and a lot more fun for a casual occasion.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Champion Juicer – Commercial Heavy Duty Juicer – Black – G5- PG710; Brand: Champion Juicer; Review: I had a Champion quite a while ago, but ended up letting someone else have it. I replaced it with a JuiceMan -- big mistake. The Juiceman was a centrifugal juicer, and wasted a lot of juice -- not to mention it was a pain to clean up. I bought another Champion (for almost the same price I had paid 20 years ago) and I love it. It is extremely well-built and works perfectly. It weighs a ton, but hey, you need the exercise. Right?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Victorinox 6.8523.17 Swiss Classic Santoku Knife with Fluted Edge, 7 in, Black; Brand: Victorinox; Review: It's lightweight, inexpensive, and lets you easily, and thinly cut vegetables. I have a set of Henkels that just didn't hold an edge and didn't do a great job of slicing. This is now my go-to knife.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirt Devil Royal Appliance M0105 Purpose For Pets Hand Vac; Brand: Dirt Devil; Review: With two cats and a dog, I was looking for a workhorse of a hand-held vac. This is it. It really does a great job. When I told my wife I had ordered it she said that she thought it would be a waste of money. Now she uses it all the time and loves it. For pet hair, it can't be beat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Peugeot 2/23461 Paris U'Select 7 Inch Salt and Pepper Mill Set, Chocolate; Brand: Peugeot; Review: They worked okay for the first couple of months, then it became increasingly difficult to adjust the coarseness of the grind. Finally, some piece of plastic broke off in one of the grinders, and now it doesn't work at all. This set is getting thrown away, and I'm looking for replacements.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker, Green; Brand: OXO; Review: Note to self: Do not microwave oil and vinegar in the microwave. I ruined the shaker's rubber seal and the contents exploded everywhere. My bad.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ECKO 1057838 Angled Serving Tongs , Black , (1 Pack); Brand: Ecko; Review: Cheaply made.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Original SpiraLife Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Vegetable Spiralizer - Spiral Slicer Cutter; Brand: Lifestyle Dynamics; Review: Simple to use, throw some noodles in some marinara and add the zukes and it's great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Petnet SmartFeeder, Automatic Pet Feeder for Cats and Dogs, Compatible with Alexa; Brand: Petnet; Review: This has been fantastic for our 2 cats. We have scheduled 5 small feedings a day and our cats are very happy about it. The consistency has put them at ease. Cats are routine animals and this they can count on. They no longer bug us to feed them in the morning or evening. It has been a dream. Only downside is you can only put one pets profile in the app. So we did the caloric intake math for two cats and have it schedule under one cat. The bowl is big enough for them to share with no issues. Love it! Thanks!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cat Dancer 101 Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy; Brand: Cat Dancer Products; Review: our cats are obsessed with these. Best toy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WARE Single Wide Corrugated Replacement Scratcher Pads for Cats (2-pack) - Catnip Included; Brand: Ware Manufacturing; Review: this prevents our cats from ruining our furniture, they love when we put a fresh one of these in the scratcher; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arm & Hammer Disposable Waste Bag Refills; Brand: Arm & Hammer; Review: does the job, good price; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cat Dancer 101 Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy; Brand: Cat Dancer Products; Review: our cats are obsessed with these. Best toy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Halo Holistic Grain Free Natural Wet Cat Food For Adult Cats Lamb; Brand: Halo, Purely For Pets; Review: Our cats love this food! They usually leave the peas, but then a few minutes later go back and clean up their whole plate. We are repeat customers. We like to be sure to feed our cats the highest quality stuff and so far this spots stew is great for us!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken; Brand: Blue Buffalo; Review: Our cats love this food! It has helped keep their weight in check too!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Purina DentaLife Adult Cat Treats; Brand: Purina DentaLife; Review: Our cats really like these treats.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: NYKKOLA 2000 Pcs Lavender Silk Artificial Rose Petals Wedding Ceremony Flower Scatter Tables Decorations(Light Purple); Brand: NYKKOLA; Review: ok; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lolasaturdays Wedding Party Cake Knife Server Set with Faux Crystal Handle and diamond accents; Brand: LOLASATURDAYS; Review: its ok; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Olymstore(TM) Elegant Satin Flower Girl Basket Wedding Ceremony Party Favor; Brand: ; Review: it was ok; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soledi Faux Artificial Silk Floral Flower Bouquet White Hydrangea Home Hotel Wedding Party Garden Decor Craft Art DIY; Brand: ; Review: not as I expected; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Silk Hydrangea White 5 Heads SOLEDI Artificial Flower Arrangements Bunch Bridal Bouquet Wedding Party Garden Home Decor; Brand: SOLEDI; Review: ok; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hampton Inn Binghamton Johnson City; City: Johnson City New York; Review: Had to stay here while dad had medical procedure. Staff were great -- helpful with directions, and had apples, water, cookies during day. Breakfast was fantastic -- from oatmeal to omelets to waffles, and fresh fruits and rolls. Good pool, but exercise facility needs upgrading -- not much there. Also great value with AAA discount. Located right near Wegmans for quick meals.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Volcano Country Cottages; City: Volcano Island of Hawaii Hawaii; Review: Just a minute from the park entrance. Quiet setting, gracious hosts. Garrett was like having your own personal guide, each day sitting down and coming up with an itinerary of things to see, hikes to take, etc. -- even for the rest of our trip afterwards. A big plus was the dehumidifier which made us much more comfortable, no mold/mildew smell like other places. Great Thai restaurant with takeout right next door. Breakfast just some fruit and bread delivered night before. Wifi only in the office.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Domaine de Fontenay; City: Joffreville Antsiranana Province; Review: A wonderful place to stay in a wonderful spot. Karl and his wife were so kind to us, the grounds are beautiful, the rooms spacious and comfortable, the food was first class, and it was ideally situated near Amber Mountain, where we took both day and night hikes, seeing wonderful natural sights. They have an amazingly old tortoise right on the property, and beautiful children - their family home is across the street. The only concerns we had were limited electricity hours, and no wifi, although Karl was great about letting us use his computer whenever we needed it so this was not a problem. The brother of our guide is a teacher in the local school so we attended an English class, and got to teach a bit ourselves, a real treat. We would highly recommend that you stay here and enjoy the wonderful hospitality offered by Karl and his family.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: B B at Endwells Green; City: Endicott New York; Review: We just had a family reunion for my dad's 90th birthday. He is at Good Shepherd Village so the location just down the hill is ideal. The Endwell Greens staff put on a wonderful brunch, and we all stayed in the house which has a half dozen bedrooms and a large living room where we played games and talked. The staff were very accommodating to our needs and made it a terrific weekend reunion with our family. Breakfast was adequate, cold cereal and muffins, on your own for making hot beverages, etc. which was fine for us. The only downside was having to deal with the owner on the first day, who greeted us by telling us that she wanted more money than what we had agreed to in writing and had just fired the person we had made all the arrangements with. Fortunately she left the next day and we didn't have to deal with her until the last day. She left the heat off so that we froze our first morning, and left us with no coffee for breakfast. She said that no one could stay on the lower floor where she was, where she had also closed the hot tub/sauna and workout rooms. We then heard stories about her from people in town who said that she is trying to sell the place but not finding any takers. You might want to make sure that she is gone when you are going as the rest of the people there are very pleasant and reasonable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Days Inn by Wyndham Albany Airport; City: Latham New York; Review: Was the cheapest place near the airport. Room was fairly clean, no sign of bugs or dirt that others mentioned. Stairways and hall were dirty. Everything worked fine and room quiet and comfortable - on second floor, facing away from road. Staff friendly and helpful. Phones not working all week, so couldn't call shuttle - walked from airport down a beautiful path through the woods about 20 min. They said owner has been trying to fix phones for weeks. Walked to an excellent diner about a mile away - Route 7 Diner - great food for very reasonable prices. Wifi in room worked great - better speeds than most. Breakfast was very basic - oatmeal, toast, cereals, donuts, juice/coffee, etc. Waffle maker was cold. No bacon or other meat, just some hard boiled eggs. Shuttle did take me back to airport, about 5 minutes away. They just need to spend more time fixing and cleaning common areas and rooms. Otherwise fine.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Binghamton Johnson City; City: Johnson City New York; Review: Had several families here together and found it very comfortable. Great breakfast in the morning. Fitness center isn't much, and pool is small, but rooms are fine. The staff make this place - very caring and helpful!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pensione Tranchina Scopello; City: Scopello Castellammare del Golfo Province of Trapani Sicil; Review: Comfortable, welcoming, and great food! My wife had stomach problems and they made special food for her. All food is local, and deliciously, creatively prepared. You can juice your own fresh fruit for breakfast. Dinner not to be missed - be sure to reserve! Comfortable rooms, great shower. Hike up 10 min. to the tower for amazing views of countryside and coast. Not much in town but good base to explore. Hostess from Panama is charming and couldn't be more helpful, fluent English and several other languages. Was full in off season so reserve ahead.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Palacina Residence Suites; City: Nairobi; Review: Just spent a couple wonderful days seeing sights of Nairobi. Loved this hotel! They upgraded us to a suite without asking. Room was very comfortable and quiet. Location was great - easy to uber to restaurants, etc. They promptly took care of a window that was letting in mosquitos. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Price a great value. Will stay here again if we come back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Monteverde Internatinal Size Cartridge to Fit Fountain Pens, Yellow, 6 per Pack (G302YW); Brand: Monteverde; Review: good ink no problems in my pens. Dries fast and doesn't smudge as in all ink pens ink runs out quickly. Overall a positive experience; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500 Instant PDF Sheet-Fed Scanner for PC; Brand: Fujitsu; Review: I work in a medical office and initially bought these scanners in order to make our office paperless. Immediately i found that because there is no twain support, i would not be able to import the documents directly into our practice management software. I now have an extra step that i have to do for every patient, ie scan to pdf and then import into our software. The scanner is very fast, but sometimes does misfeed pages. The included software is pretty good. It is fast and has a plethora of options for you to scan documents, businescards, to excellent spreadsheets scan to print, etc. I really wish this scanner had a couple of more buttons however because if you don't need to scan everything at the same quality it is kind of a pain, since you have to go into the software and set it up with different options, scan, then go back and change it again. I would definitely recommend this scanner as it freed up my desk of paper clutter. But i still wish it had twain support; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 3M Precise Mouse Pad with Gel Wrist Rest, Soothing Gel Comfort with Durable, Easy to Clean Leatherette; Brand: 3M; Review: I purchased this product even though some reviews say it curls up. It did not curl for me here is what you need to do: 1) When you receive the product let it come to room temperature before you take it out of the packaging. 2) DO NOT REMOVE THE BACKING. 3) Lay the "3M Precise Optical Mousing Surface" where you are planning to use it and use it for a couple of hours. This will make sure that it's flattened out. 4)Clean the surface where you you will be using it and remove the backing from the "3M Precise Optical Mousing Surface" and lay it flat, proceed to smooth it out. 5) DONE! Going to the "3M Precise Optical Mousing Surface" was a change for me as i used to use a pad which was much softer. I don't know about it's battery saving design, i have not noticed a change, but the surface is super precise, has a micro ribbed feel to it. I would recommend it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 3M Precise Mouse Pad Enhances the Precision of Optical Mice at Fast Speeds and Extends the Battery Life of Wireless; Brand: 3M; Review: I purchased this product even though some reviews say it curls up. It did not curl for me here is what you need to do: 1) When you receive the product let it come to room temperature before you take it out of the packaging. 2) DO NOT REMOVE THE BACKING. 3) Lay the "3M Precise Optical Mousing Surface" where you are planning to use it and use it for a couple of hours. This will make sure that it's flattened out. 4)Clean the surface where you you will be using it and remove the backing from the "3M Precise Optical Mousing Surface" and lay it flat, proceed to smooth it out. 5) DONE! Going to the "3M Precise Optical Mousing Surface" was a change for me as i used to use a pad which was much softer. I don't know about it's battery saving design, i have not noticed a change, but the surface is super precise, has a micro ribbed feel to it. I would recommend it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 3M Monitor Mount Document Copy Holder, Holds Documents at Eye Level Off the; Brand: 3M; Review: Have been using this for a year. Make sure the side of the monitor is clean and has a flat surface. Have had zero issues with this product. Made my job much easier and reduced neck strain; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swingline Optima PowerEase Reduced Effort Silver Stapler (S7087851); Brand: Swingline; Review: I have been using this for work for a couple of years and let me tell you it is built like a tank. Large capacity, pierces pages like it was a stapler or something. Have had some bad staplers for staples but this one is great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swingline Optima PowerEase Reduced Effort Stapler in Black (S7087850A); Brand: Swingline; Review: I have been using this for work for a couple of years and let me tell you it is built like a tank. Large capacity, pierces pages like it was a stapler or something. Have had some bad staplers for staples but this one is great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics Letter Size Laminating Pouch 9 x 11.5in, 100-pack; Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: ; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cross Edge Capless Gel Ink Pen, Jet Black (AT0555-2); Brand: Cross; Review: I'm a daily writer. I write a lot for work. This is a very comfortable pen. Perfectly balanced, feels well built. I have big hands so for me this pen feels perfect. The pen writes very smoothly and does not jump or skip lines.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Filexec Two Pocket Folder, Pack of 12, Assorted Colors (50043-3120); Brand: Filexec; Review: Do yourself a favor and don't get these. Reasons? You need reasons? there are plenty. Frankly i don't know why i'm trying to convince you. I said my peace. If you get it you'll regret it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Office_Products |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Blue Waters Bed and Breakfast; City: Seaton Devon England; Review: A nice b&b in Seaton. The service was good, the room very nice and the breakfast superb. The free wifi was a nice bonus and very fast too. We thought it was great value and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Galaxy; City: Krakow Lesser Poland Province Southern Poland; Review: Cannot fault this hotel. We stayed for four nights. The temperature was in the mid 30's yet the room was nice and cool. It was clean and very comfortable. The breakfast was good as was the price / service in the bar. The city centre is a short tram ride way and the tram stop is a 5-10 minute walk. You can walk to the centre in 25 minutes but it's not a very scenic route. Cabs cost 15 to 20 zloty. They can be booked at reception and there are plenty in town to get you back. I would highly recommend Krakow Direct for airport transfers and Auscwitz trips; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mia Resort Nha Trang; City: Nha Trang Khanh Hoa Province; Review: This is the fifth hotel on my Vietnam trip and by far the worst. I have an Ocean View Condo which has a view of what looks like an abandoned quarry. In fact, the whole resort has been hewn out of the side of a hill and has left an ugly scar. You won't see these views on their website. Neither will you see the drainage ditch to the left of the condo, the trough for a hand basin or the horrible mouldy shower. See my photos for what it is really like. Maybe there are better rooms but I can only review the one I have been lumbered with. It is certainly not 5 Star There are positive points. The breakfast is excellent and the staff are very attentive. Nha Trang itself is a taxi drive away and has little to offer compared to Hanoi, Sapa, Hue and Hoi An where I have just been. My advice if you're looking to relax for a few days whilst travelling is to avoid Nha Trang and stay in Hoi An. If you must stay at the Mia then avoid the Ocean View Condo. If you arrive early prepare to be abandoned in the bar. After a couple of hours I was bored senseless so I decided to go into town and check in later. Before getting a taxi I enquired at reception to see when my room would be ready. I was then told that it was ready. Nobody had told me. Thanks. I'm sure other reviewers had a lovely time here but I can only report on my experience - 3 days wasted at a very average hotel which is a 20 minute drive from a dreary town; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sapa Lodge Hotel; City: Sapa Lao Cai Province; Review: I stayed here for 2 nights last week and was overwhelmed by the view from our room. The staff are lovely. The breakfast is not spectacular but it does the job. No holiday in Vietnam is complete without visiting Sapa and trecking with a guide. The tribal women will follow you around town but if you barter with them for something they have made you can learn a lot about these wonderful people. Michael; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Saigon Morin; City: Hue Thua Thien Hue Province; Review: This hotel is full of quality. Built during colonial times it has a classy reception, solid walls and lots of space. The breakfast is good and the staff are very attentive. Highly recommended for a visit to Hue as it is well located and you are treated like royalty; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maison Ailleurs; City: Chartres Eure et Loir Centre Val de Loire; Review: We had two rooms here for one night. We were warmly welcomed and made to feel at home. Both rooms were lovely and the breakfast was superb. Parking in the town is not easy especially that close to the cathedral so having off-street parking was perfect. Chartres is a lovely place and so is the Maison Ailleurs; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Platinum; Brand: Hamilton Beach; Review: I've tried a few coffee grinders, and this does a GREAT JOB at an EXCELLENT VALUE.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Euro Style L Smoked Glass Top Mobile Printer Cart, Graphite Black Steel Frame; Brand: Eur Style; Review: Easy to assemble. Sturdy. Locking rollers make this perfect for a snow office space, so I bought two.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sagler wooden dish rack plate rack Collapsible Compact dish drying rack Bamboo dish drainer; Brand: Sagler; Review: This product works perfectly for a single person or couple, plates, saucers and bowls on top, mugs and cups below and utensils on the mat underneath.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anchor Hocking 5 Ounce Measuring Glass, (1 unit); Brand: Anchor Hocking; Review: A classic cocktail measuring glass for any mixologist, amateur or pro, and it just looks cool too!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bazaar Anatolia Pepper Mill, Spice Grinder, Pepper Grinder 4.2" (Silver); Brand: Bazaar Anatolia; Review: Love the look of these grinders, but they're pretty small and need to be refilled often.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Food Network star Carl Ruiz died of clogged arteries; Abstract: Food Network's Carl Ruiz's cause of death was "atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease," The Maryland Department of Health confirmed.; Category: tv
Title: 'A passionate guy': Ex-NASCAR team owner found dead in Ohio River near Louisville; Abstract: Lonnie Troxell, of a racing team from 2000-2005 that competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, was found floating in the Ohio River Tuesday.; Category: sports
Title: What ever happened to pensions?; Abstract: Pensions can be a great source of retirement income, but landing one can be tough.; Category: finance
Title: 'I'm 73 and fed up with California and want a gun-friendly, affordable city with good weather so where should I retire?'; Abstract: Some hidden gems to consider in Georgia, New Mexico and Arkansas.; Category: finance
Title: Failed operation underlines Mexico chaos; Abstract: A daring operation to capture one of Mexico's most powerful drug lords failed disastrously when armed cartel members launched a deadly counterattack, laying siege to the northern city of Culiacan and taking several security officers hostage.; Category: news
Title: Hikers Find Mystery Skeleton on Remote Mountain in California; Abstract: Had they not gotten off track, a pair of hikers on Mount Williamson, California's second-highest peak, would have missed it. In a remote area about three hours from the mountain's summit, a bleached skull peeked out from beneath gray boulders. "We were in disbelief," said one of the hikers, Brandon Follin, 22, who was with his friend, Tyler Hofer, 33. "My first thought was maybe it was a prop or something like you see in a science class." As...; Category: news
Title: Coast Guard searches for man who fell from cruise off Texas; Abstract: The U.S. Coast Guard late Thursday said it was searching for a man who plunged into the Gulf of Mexico while the ship was about 47 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas.; Category: news
Title: Jeff Bezos is set to lose his crown as world's richest person; Abstract: Jeff Bezos is about to relinquish the title of world's richest person to Bill Gates, as Amazon.com Inc. stock tumbled in late trading Thursday.; Category: finance
Title: The Buzzer: McDavid, Draisaitl win duel with Ovechkin; Abstract: Around the NHL on a busy Thursday.; Category: sports
Title: Why some parents are giving 6-year-olds debit cards; Abstract: Prepaid debit cards are being pitched to younger and younger kids.; Category: finance
Title: Authorities identify Iowa woman killed in explosion during gender reveal party; Abstract: The Marion County Sheriff's Office has identified the woman killed during a gender reveal party over the weekend.; Category: news
Title: Police: Off-Duty Dallas Officer Mistakenly Shoots, Injures Adult Son Thinking He Was An Intruder; Abstract: An off-duty Dallas officer accidentally shot and injured his adult son in DeSoto Saturday evening, police say.; Category: news
Title: This Pomona College senior is living out of a converted school bus and saving $10,000 a year on student housing; Abstract: George told Insider she became obsessed with the idea of "van life," last year and wondered what it would be like to live full time on the road.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Case Keenum might still start if he clears protocol; Abstract: Washington rookie Dwayne Haskins has practiced all week with the starters, but that doesn't mean he's starting this week against the Bills. Via Kareem Copeland of the Washington Post, interim coach Bill Callahan said that veteran quarterback Case Keenum didn't need to practice this week to return to the starting job. Keenum remains in the [more]; Category: sports
Title: 4 High School Students Killed in Texas Car Crash That Also Injured 3: 'We Grieve Together'; Abstract: 4 High School Students Killed in Texas Car Crash; Category: news
Title: New Mexico game vs. Air Force rescheduled after lineman Nahje Flowers' death; Abstract: One day after unexpected death of defensive lineman Nahje Flowers, New Mexico's scheduled Saturday game against Air Force has been moved to Nov. 23.; Category: sports
Title: A man dies in Hawaii after falling into a lava tube in his yard; Abstract: An elderly man died after falling into a lava tube on his property in Hilo, Hawaii, police announced on Wednesday.; Category: news
Title: IRS Raises Retirement Account Limits for 2020; Abstract: You can stash more cash in several types of tax-sheltered retirement accounts next year.; Category: finance
Title: Fiancee of victim killed in Hard Rock Hotel accident describes his final moments; Abstract: The body of Hard Rock Hotel collapse victim Quinnyon Wimberly will not be recovered before a demolition of the building.; Category: news
Title: Six pretenders entering the 2019 NFL home stretch; Abstract: Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the home stretch for the 2019 NFL regular season is essentially here.; Category: sports | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: JapanBargain S-2221, Bamboo Steamer Two Tiers, 6-inch; Brand: JapanBargain; Review: After just one use, one of the baskets has started to come undone from the outside. Plus, they aren't that tall so making big buns can be an issue. Other than that, they work fine.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ionic Pro Ionic Air Purifier; Brand: Ionic Pro; Review: It's so quiet we weren't sure it was working at first. But we noticed immediate results. Our sinuses have cleared considerably since we started using it at night. The red "clean" light is helpful when reminding to clean. When we cleaned it the first time we were impressed with the amount of dust that the rods had collected. Super easy to clean as well. Highly recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haven Leaf/vine Metal Scrollwork Collage Frame; Brand: NEW VIEW; Review: We love this frame. It holds our wedding pictures and hangs prominently. The hanging of the frame was difficult. It did not seem to include any hardware for hanging. Maybe we just missed it... or it was not included. But outside of that it was a good buy and we are happy with the frame.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kitchen Supply 9 Inch Parchment Paper Circles, Set of 25; Brand: Kitchen Supply; Review: We primarily use parchment paper in our bamboo steamers when we cook dim sum. The quality of this paper is good and we never have an issue with food getting stuck or torn when removed. It holds up well under extreme steam.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: YVENEY Watch Charger Charging Cable,3.3 FT Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger Charging Cable/Cord Compatible for Watch Series 4 3 2 1; Brand: YVENEY; Review: My wife and I like to eat healthy and delicious food. This scale works perfectly for both health and flavor. My wife likes to be pretty precise when cooking, which is why I bought this for her and it was a good choice. She has been using it constantly and likes the compact design, large display, and that she can change between different weights like ounces and grams. Great product at a good price. Thank you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lodge 10.5 Inch Cast Iron Griddle. Pre-seasoned Round Cast Iron Pan Perfect for Pancakes, Pizzas, and Quesadillas.; Brand: Lodge; Review: We are very satisfied with this griddle. We use it to heat tortillas and to make french toast and pancakes. The quality is excellent and we hope it will be part of our kitchen arsenal for years to come.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Godinger 6462 Crystal Famous Hersheys Kiss Crystal Candy Dish; Brand: Godinger; Review: The quality and design are very nice. We have already received a compliment on it. We have our Easter M&M's in it right now so it looks very colorful. We needed a candy dish and wanted one with a top and this fit the need.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Serta Pinehurst Double Sided Foam and Cotton Full Futon Mattress, Black, Made in the USA; Brand: Serta; Review: We bought this as a gift and it has become a huge disappointment. The product was supposed to be 6 inches thick but it measured at 4 inches. The inside looks thick and sturdy in the picture -- it is advertised as "firm". But what we got is more like cotton balls inside with virtually no support at all. Cannot recommend to anyone looking for a futon mattress.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dirt Devil Type U Vacuum Bags (10-Pack), 3920048001; Brand: Dirt Devil; Review: We love our Dirt Devil vacuum. Works really well and gets the dirt out. When we found the 10-pack we bought it right away because the price was excellent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Godinger 64601 Crystal Cupcake Covered Box,; Brand: Godinger; Review: This is the most bizarre candy dish we have ever owned. The lid must weigh about three times more than the container. It is so heavy that it is awkward to remove to get to the candy. And the container is so fragile we are always afraid it may break when we move it to another table. It does look nice and is being used but not a good design at all.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dirt Devil M085590RED Featherlite Bagged Upright Vacuum, Red; Brand: Dirt Devil; Review: This is our second Dirt Devil Featherlite. We don't need anything more powerful as we have limited carpet space. It works really well and the carpets practically shine after a good vacuuming. The only downside is that hair and thread easily wrap around the roller instead of getting sucked into the bag. So you have to be diligent and cut them off the roller after every vacuum or else it will burn out the roller motor.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: [Official] BONUS PACK! Joyoung CTS-1078S Easy-Clean Automatic Hot Soy Milk Maker with FREE Soybean Bonus Pack; Brand: JOYOUNG; Review: Really easy to use and makes outstanding soy milk. We just made our first batch and are so happy! We were skeptical that it could be so easy to use and clean but it lived up to its reputation. We filled the included measuring cup with soy beans and poured them into the container. Then we added fresh water to the lines inside the container, put the top on, plugged it into the socket, pressed the Dry Bean mode, pressed Start, and within an hour we had fresh warm soy milk. It was easy to clean, just rinse the blades with hot water, wash the inside, and done. We hope that it lasts a long time as we have been looking for a product like this for awhile. Next we will try using it to make our fruit and veggie juices.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lodge 2 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Pre-seasoned Pot with Lid for Cooking, Basting, or Baking; Brand: Lodge; Review: My wife and I are both avid cooks. We prefer our own cooking to eating out at a restaurant. All of our cookware is cast iron. This 2-Quart pot is really amazing and we use it a lot for cooking rice, which turns out perfect every time. It is also great for reheating foods such as soups and chile. My wife also uses it to make oatmeal and to heat her soy milk. In other words, it is very versatile and gets a lot of use in our kitchen. We also had a 5-inch glass lid which fits perfectly when we do not want to use the cast iron lid. Lodge quality is excellent and this should last for decades.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lodge Seasoned Dutch Oven, 7 Quart; Brand: Lodge; Review: I bought this primarily for cooking pasta but it is also great for cooking sauces as well. Love it and since it is Lodge, I know it will be in the family for decades.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lodge 5 Quart Deep Skillet with Glass Lid; Brand: Lodge; Review: This is a great pot/skillet. I use it primarily to cook different types of bean soups and they turn out perfectly. We also use it as a steamer because the 10 1/4 inch diameter works perfectly for our steamers, which fit on top nicely. The glass lid is very good quality and it also fits nicely on our Lodge 10 inch skillet and our 6-quart pot. Lodge quality is great and we expect it to last for decades.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cuisinart CHM-3R Electronic Hand Mixer 3-Speed, Red; Brand: Cuisinart; Review: We have not much need for a hand mixer except during the holidays or when we want to make occasional deserts so we tend to look for the best product at the lowest price. Since it is the holidays, it has been getting quite a bit of use and it seems like the quality of the mixer should last several years. The whisks however, are very flimsy and I expect will need to be replaced soon. Overall good deal though for the price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vornado MVH Whole Room Vortex Heater, Black; Brand: Vornado; Review: This baby is simply amazing. We own the room fan that we use in the summer and were so impressed with how well it cooled the room that we decided to try the heater. It works! We are so surprised at how well it heats the whole room for its size and it is whisper quiet as advertised. We are now huge fans (pun intended) of Vornado for our summer and winter comfort now.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fishers Finery 25mm Luxury 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase Good Housekeeping"Winner"; Brand: Fishers Finery; Review: Bought this for my wife's down pillow and she absolutely loves it. Will definitely buy again!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KRUPS Coffee Maker, Coffee Machine, LED Control Panel, 12 Cups, Black; Brand: KRUPS; Review: My wife and I decided to upgrade from our usual $10 coffee maker that lasts about two years to something with a clock and auto-start. I bought this based upon other reviews on Amazon and its price point. It does brew a good pot of coffee and keeps it at the right temperature for a full two-hours after brewing. It's actually a really good coffee maker for the price but there are two very annoying things that give it only three stars. First, the "no-drip" feature only lasted about two weeks. My $10 coffee maker never dripped when I poured a cup of java while it was still brewing, this one drips all over the place. Second, the Teflon coating on the heating plate is already peeling off after less than a month of use. Overall, it's okay but I doubt that it will last as long as my old coffee makers.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reed & Barton Adams Flatware Chest, Black Leather with Cherry Trim; Brand: Reed & Barton; Review: Beautifully crafted. Our silverware looks great in it and it exceeded our expectations.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kate Posh - Our 5th Anniversary Wooden Picture Frame (4x6 Vertical); Brand: Kate Posh; Review: This is one of those few products that actually look as good, if not better than, the picture. Beautiful craftsmanship. We are very happy with our purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Luyue 7 Branch 21 Heads Artificial Silk Fake Flowers Leaf Rose Wedding Floral Decor Bouquet,Pack of 2 (Red coffee); Brand: Luyue; Review: These silk flowers exceeded our expectations. They are beautiful and look great in a very rare vase that we had recently received as a gift. Highly recommended. Would give more stars if possible!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TableCraft H931 Siena 16 Oz. Green Tint Glass Oil Bottle; Brand: Siena; Review: We use it for our vegetable oil. It works great and is drip-free. The light green shading in the glass adds a very nice touch and it looks great in our kitchen. Note that it is too light for storing olive oil, which needs a much darker container to keep its flavor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rienar 2PCS Beautiful And Portable/Mini Kitchen Silicone Collapsible/Folding/Foldable Funnel(Green+Blue); Brand: Rienar; Review: Easy to use. Easy to clean. Great product!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bormioli Rocco Fido Chalkboard Label Jar, Set of 3, (17.5 oz,33.75 oz,50.75 oz, Chalk; Brand: Bormioli Rocco; Review: Beat my expectations! These are great and will definitely keep the moisture out. We are using this set for our coffee that we have imported and our two types of rice. So pleased that we are now collecting more to store our different types of legumes. Highly recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 3-Arm Chromed European Candelabra Elegant Style Candle Holder Wedding Centerpiece Metal Pillar Candlestick Stand, Easy Assembly - Silver; Brand: JustNile; Review: Actually looks better than the picture. Tried using a real candle but it makes the whole thing too hot to touch. Now we use an LED candle and it looks perfect. We love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Baran (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Reloaded (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Pie 2 (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hours (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Frida (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bend It Like Beckham (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lawrence of Arabia (1962); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Bedroom (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Celebrity (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Airplane! (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Philadelphia Story (1940); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whale Rider (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Billy Elliot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Girlfight (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Good (1966); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ordinary People (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roman Holiday (1953); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trainspotting (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Antwone Fisher (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Wedding (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Revolutions (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Magdalene Sisters (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: L'Auberge Espagnole (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cuckoo (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Mind (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The English Patient (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gandhi (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nowhere in Africa (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Out of Africa (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Malena (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Horseman on the Roof (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Driving Miss Daisy (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Emperor (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amadeus (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unforgiven (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Queen Margot (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Pretty Things (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pieces of April (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Super Size Me (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Life Without Me (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Saving Grace (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: House of Sand and Fog (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monsoon Wedding (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Veronica Guerin (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Before Sunrise (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Before Sunset (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maria Full of Grace (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snow Falling on Cedars (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Barbarian Invasions (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Being Julia (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Born Into Brothels (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bad Education (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sense and Sensibility (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Like Water for Chocolate (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kolya (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GoodFellas: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cinema Paradiso: Director's Cut (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All About My Mother (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 3 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crime of Padre Amaro (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Joy Luck Club (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Much Ado About Nothing (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Life Is Beautiful (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Trainspotting: Collector's Edition (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sense and Sensibility (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Howards End (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Series 1 (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Paris Is the Pits; Author: Visit Amazon's Brigitte Downey Page; Review: This is a funny excerpt with some great lines that made me laught out loud. Downey's writing reads like a script for a stand-up comedian. Having spent a good deal of time in Paris I can see the potential for great comedy as Nellie tries to negotiate Parisian culture, food and family life.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bad Things Happen; Author: Visit Amazon's Harry Dolan Page; Review: I'm not typically a mystery reader, but Harry Dolan's BAD THINGS HAPPEN is not just a mystery; it is good writing. This novel satisfies on many levels. It is well written, it has a great plot, and it has great pacing. Best of all, the central character, David Loogan, is so well drawn that I cared deeply about his fate towards the end of the novel even as there was still a great deal I did not know about him. Because of this, I am eagerly anticipating Dolan's second novel, in which we will hopefully learn more about David Loogan.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doll School: For Girls Who Love to Teach! (American Girl); Author: Trula Magruder; Review: The Doll School set by American Girl grabbed my attention the second I saw it. It's filled with miniature items such as hall passes, lunch tickets, library cards, and even school pictures! Any girl can be an organized and prepared teacher when they purchase this item. I love it. I have a corner in the playroom where my dolls can learn what I learn from my teacher every day! This set is worth every penny you pay, and I gaurantee you that it will NOT be a disspointment! -Marion O'Sullivan age 11; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fruit of Her Hands: The Story of Shira of Ashkenaz; Author: Visit Amazon's Michelle Cameron Page; Review: With Shira, Michelle Cameron has created a refreshingly real woman that makes the plucky heroines that dominate historical novels seem like anachronistic caricatures. Shira accepts the social mores of her era and her religion that bind her to a life of selflessness and obedience. She does not question these social mores, yet Shira chafes against them in a hundred little acts of rebellion. And while her husband is a good man, he is still a medieval man who takes seriously his duty to guide Shira and even chastise her when necessary. Shira and Meir's is a love story that is refreshingly real with its misunderstandings, hurts, passions, acts of kindness and loyalty. Another pleasure in reading The Fruit of Her Hands is Cameron's ability to weave an unfamiliar history into the narrative of Shira's life without making the story seem as if it were a history lesson. To be sure, sometimes there are sections in which the need to narrate historical facts makes the dialogue feel pedantic, and yet most of the characters are either students or teachers so this manner of delivery is not inconsistent with the spirit of the story. The details about everyday Jewish life, particularly for women, in the 13th century, are fascinating, especially when Cameron illustrates how larger political events affect women. This is especially poignant in the scene in which Shira and the other women of Rothenberg have to make yellow Jew hats for the men of the congregation. Cameron's narrative prods the reader to question historical oversimplifications. For example, she illustrates how the Diaspora opened the world to the Jewish people even as it made them strangers every place they went. So many Jews were multilingual and well traveled, sometimes by choice in order to study or to conduct business, and sometimes because moving about was the only way to ensure their survival. Cameron also explores the difficult relationship between Christians and Jews. Unlike other writers who simply account for Christian persecution as an outgrowth of religious fanaticism, Cameron shows how many Christians feared Jews because they had so little contact with them and did not understand their ways. Consequently, Cameron's Christian characters are not always hateful and her Jewish characters are not always noble. Those who enjoy Jewish history and medieval history will surely enjoy The Fruit of Her Hands, but I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves good characterization and writing that makes her think.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness; Author: Michael J. Sullivan; Review: Necessary Heartbreak is a sweet story with a gritty backstory that makes for an interesting read. The main characer, Michael, lost his mother at a young age and never had a good relationship with his father. For a time he was homeless and desperate. But instead of turning to drugs or crime, Michael turns his life around. But tragedy strikes a second time when Michael's wife, Viki, dies, leaving him to raise their newborn daughter alone. I loved the portrayal of the relationship between Michael and his teen daughter. The author did a nice job inserting flashbacks so that the reader could understand the tensions between Michael and the teenager. I also found the portrayal of Judas interesting. Sullivan's sympathetic portrayal of this character is well done.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An Uncommon Crusade; Author: Visit Amazon's Caron Guillo Page; Review: Some other reviewers have suggested that the children's crusade was a historical event. I think it needs to be said that historians have long rejected this idea as a mistranslation and misinterpretation of the primary sources. That being said, this is a really good story. I especially loved the first part in which the children travel across Europe to reach the Mediterranean Sea. Guillo's characters are well drawn and the dialogue very natural. I found myself unable to put the book down at times because I was so concerned about what would happen next to the characters I'd come to love. I liked in the second part of the story how Guillo seemed to draw on familiar biblical themes such as Joseph's enslavement in Egypt and the literal and spiritual redemption of slaves. I found some of the religious matter in this section a bit forced, especially the protestant theology Simon preached, which seemed out of place in this time period and in this place. However, this particular legend is a good way to highight some of the problems with Christian theology and practice that may have led to the Protestant Reformation.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sultana; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa J. Yarde Page; Review: Lisa Yarde's Sultana is a wonderful piece of writing on so many levels. First, she successfully draws the reader into an unfamiliar culture and history by making the family drama rather than the political drama the main focus of the excerpt. Next, the historical details are mixed in perfectly, neither too few (bland), nor too many (distracting). Finally, Yarde's characters are drawn in such a way that the reader cares about them and wants to know what happens to them in the conflict she'd set up in these first two scenes. What I especially like about this conflict is both main characters seem likable, but though they hardly know each other, they have already decided they don't like or trust the other. Bottom line: I want to see where this story goes, and I feel I am in good hands with this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Queen's Pawn (An Eleanor of Aquitaine Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Christy English Page; Review: I take issue with other reviewers who are disappointed that Christy English's novel is not always historically accurate. The point of fiction, even historical fiction, is to tell a good story. History may provide the setting or the basic characters, but it should never get in the way of telling a good story. With The Queen's Pawn, Christy English tells a good story about what might have been had Henry II begun his affair with his son's betrothed before his sons rebelled against him. This is a great story about the charismatic power of the Plantagenets and how one girl fights back against their scheming.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Belly Dancer; Author: Visit Amazon's DeAnna Cameron Page; Review: DeAnna Cameron's The Belly Dancer is an interesting read on several levels. The plot is simple enough: a New Orleans girl marries up and has trouble fitting into her husband's set in Chicago. Complicating matters is her husband's lingering affair with one of the most powerful women in the ladies' club. The new bride's struggles are both funny and heartbreaking - anyone who's ever felt shut out by a clique will relate to Dora's situation. However, the novel gets really interesting when Dora begins to seek out help from the Egyptian dancers she's been sent to monitor by the ladies' club. The dancers help Dora awaken to the fact that she is stifled emotionally by her husband's inattention and physically by the restrictive Victorian clothing fashionable among the upper classes. Anyone interested in Victorian social mores, Victorian clothing, and Chicago's first World Fair in 1893 will love Cameron's historical detail.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mercury Falls; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Kroese Page; Review: A funny take on the inner workings of heaven and hell. Fans of Monty Python and Mel Brooks will enjoy Kroese's religious satire and tongue-in-cheek philosophical social commentary.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Band of Gypsies; Author: Visit Amazon's Enrico Antiporda Page; Review: Jamie Aragon has fled Manila for Balboa, Spain after a family tragedy gets him into trouble with high-ranking general in the Philippine army. In Balboa, Jamie enters an internship program that houses him with an assortment of other twenty-somethings from all over the world. Jamie quickly befriends his flat mates and learns that some of them have family stories as shocking, sometimes even more so, than his. Jamie falls for Allison, an American girl who sends him mixed signals about her own feelings toward him. Complicating matters is Allison's relationship with Francisco, a graduate student involved in questionable political activities. First off, I am really hoping Enrico Antiporda is planning a cookbook follow-up to this novel. The meals, even the simple ones, he describes his characters eating are absolutely mouth-watering - garbanzo soup with sausage and cabbage, seafood and chorizo paella, filete de corerito, octopus in ink sauce, anchovy-topped goat cheese on garlic-buttered crustinis, potato and onion omelets garnished with roasted red pimentos, crawfish stewed in a garlic and tomato sauce, caramelized flan - and various local wines, sangria, and soda-water. These `foody' parts made the novel great fun. I loved Antiporda's descriptions of meals, of the markets, the sights, and the seemingly constant, yet spontaneous street dances to traditional music. However, just when my appetite was stimulated by these meals, the narrative would delve into scenes of gruesome violence including bodies dismembered by crane accidents, bombs, rapists, shootings, and knife fights. All told, however, aside from the sometimes awkward feel of the dialogue (not always, just sometimes) and Jamie's painfully slow attempts to woo Allison, this was an enjoyable story that taught me a lot about a region you don't often read about in popular literature.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Skin of Water; Author: Visit Amazon's G S Johnston Page; Review: "There's a skin on water," she said. She made me look at the surface. It bulged, rose up from the rim of the glass. I touched it. Immediately the skin tore apart, the paperclip fell through the glass of water to the bottom. We live on that skin. With all the security of our lives, we live on that skin. We all live on that surface. Ruffle it and we sink. Zeno dreams of becoming a filmmaker, but his job at an exclusive lakeside retreat serving Nazi officers and Hungary's elite leaves little time for filming. Zeno begins to sneak off into the nearby forest to practice his craft. And that's when he meets Catherine Steiner, the wife of a Hungarian businessman who brings his mistresses to the lake whenever he visits. Zeno is drawn to Catherine, though she is twice his age, so he follows her to Budapest, taking a job as her husband's valet. Drawn into the Steiners' world, Zeno becomes a keeper of secrets for this powerful family. But when the Germans invade Budapest, Zeno understands the limits of the Steiners' power, and realizes it is up to him to save Catherine from the Nazis. What struck me most about The Skin of Water was how beautifully constructed it is. Throughout the entire narrative G.S. Johnston evokes a feeling of borrowed time, moments savored because they are so fleeting, moments that were not supposed to happen, but they did. Zeno and Catherine live in these moments even as all of Hungary lives on borrowed time, waiting to be invaded either by the Germans or the Russians. The Skin of Water is beautifully written, professionally edited, and a far worthier read than much of what you might pay five times as much for from a traditional publisher.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Careful: Book I in the WISHES CHRONICLES; Author: Visit Amazon's Paula Millhouse Page; Review: Evie Longfellow has achieved her dream of becoming a best-selling author of crime fiction. But when mobster Paulie Marino becomes a fan, Evie must go into hiding, leaving her writing career behind. I am writing this review on very little sleep as I stayed up far too late reading this novel. Not only did I adore Millhouse's characters, particularly the Jones family living in rural Vermont, I found myself sympathizing with hit man Tony Aiello who must find Evie while also keeping an eye on Paulie. The two families, one of them a New York City Italian crime syndicate and the other practicing sustainable farming in Vermont, could not be more different, and yet Millhouse manages to pull her reader into the complicated family dynamic of both of them. This is one of the best indie books I've read. All the things you'd expect in a traditionally published novel, Millhouse delivers: excellent writing, realistic dialogue, strong pacing, and a killer story. This is a novel that proves how indie writing can stand up alongside the best of traditionally published writing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fork in the Road; Author: Visit Amazon's Denis Hamill Page; Review: I loved this novel. The plot was so unpredictable - I never would have imagined from the opening chapter how the story unfolds. I liked learning about the travelers in Dublin. However, my favorite aspect of the novel is Colin's growth as an irresponsible and starry-eyed young man to a father who's sole purpose is to keep his children safe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Long Long Way; Author: Visit Amazon's Sebastian Barry Page; Review: 3.5 stars I loved this story at first. It is beautifully written and Willie Dunne is a likable character. Also, I really liked the premise: an Irishman goes to war for Britain only to have his own country become a war zone while he's in Flanders protecting the empire. I anticipated a great moral dilemma for Willie. However, about halfway through I became worn out with the horrors of WWI. I wanted something more to happen to move the plot forward other than Willie's comrades being blown to bits. I kept hoping he'd go home and we'd get to see how Ireland on the brink of independence from Britain treated her sons who had fought for Britain. That this did not happen disappointed me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Long Long Way: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Sebastian Barry Page; Review: 3.5 stars I loved this story at first. It is beautifully written and Willie Dunne is a likable character. Also, I really liked the premise: an Irishman goes to war for Britain only to have his own country become a war zone while he's in Flanders protecting the empire. I anticipated a great moral dilemma for Willie. However, about halfway through I became worn out with the horrors of WWI. I wanted something more to happen to move the plot forward other than Willie's comrades being blown to bits. I kept hoping he'd go home and we'd get to see how Ireland on the brink of independence from Britain treated her sons who had fought for Britain. That this did not happen disappointed me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The List: A Novel; Author: Martin Fletcher; Review: This novel sounded so intriguing in the blurb, but it was such a disappointment to read. There are two story lines. First there are Georg and Edith, Austrian refugees living in London and expecting their first child. The other story line doesn't focus on one person, but several Jewish operatives in Palestine trying to harass the British into allowing more Jews into the territory while also taking revenge for comrades lost to the cause. These two story lines don't come together until the last quarter of the story. This story had a lot of potential, but Martin Fletcher, an award-winning news correspondent, did not successfully make the transition from journalist to writer. Far too often in both story lines Fletcher awkwardly inserts history lessons and news reports into dialogue, letters, and the narrative itself. While the information is interesting, it feels contrived when a character describes a concentration camp in a page-long flashback or when Jewish operatives read British military reports to each other and discuss the political context of them. Especially in Georg and Edith's story, these information dumps badly mask the fact that most of the action is taking place 'off stage.' Other than the scenes in which Londoners campaign to have the Jews sent back to their country of origin, Georg and Edith spend much of their time sitting around wondering what happened to their family members and worrying about the baby. I wish Fletcher had focused only on Georg and Edith's story. All the rest could have been cut out, perhaps for another novel, and what would be left would have been a poignant story about young refugee couple trying to cope in a city that doesn't want them.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Heretic; Author: Lewis Weinstein; Review: Gabriel Catalan's father was stoned to death by a Christian mob despite converting to Christianity. As he nears middle age, Gabriel seeks to learn more about his father's Jewish faith. Welcomed into a community of secret Jews, Gabriel is entrusted by them to learn the new art of printing from Herr Gutenberg himself so the Jews can preserve their sacred texts and encourage fledgling Jewish communities in Spain. As Gabriel's fortunes rise, he hands over the printing operation to his son, Thomas, who has also decided to return to Judaism. But a Dominican priest with a hatred of Jews is determined to destroy the Catalans, making their every move wrought with danger. Gabriel and Thomas have befriended young Queen Isabella of Castile, but is her friendship enough to save them? The Heretic is a serious read, dense with passages on history, theology, and daily life in 15th-century Spain. It took me awhile to read it, not because I found it dull or difficult, but because it is the kind of narrative one savors rather than devours in a single sitting. I finished the story satisfied in the way I've felt after completing difficult, but intellectually stimulating classes. My favorite character was Thomas Catalan. He ties so many of the narrative threads together with his unusual friendships with a Spanish princess and a Moorish prince, his tender love for Esther Ardit and her son, his loyalty to his family, and his capability as an artisan and a man of business. It is important for all people to understand how religious fanaticism destroys families, nations, and the very religions they seek to promote. Lew Weinstein challenges his readers, especially his Christian readers, to contemplate the legacy of fanaticism in the relations between Christians, Jews, and Muslims.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rebel Puritan (A Scandalous Life Book 1) - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Ann Butler Page; Review: It's been awhile since I've so thoroughly enjoyed a book. Rebel Puritan was a wonderfully engaging and informative read. The historical details of daily life in 17th-century England and New England were spot on, but not too heavy handed. I loved Herod's growth as a character and I especially loved how her daughter, Hannah, had a lot of the same personality traits as Herod did as a child. The pacing of the novel was excellent and the dialogue was really well done, with hints of 17th-century phrasing, but modern enough for smooth reading. Butler did a great job raising the tension of the novel, even in small moments. It is always difficult to write a historical novel from a woman's point of view as women were not often allowed to engage in political events, hunting, sailing, or other adventures. However, Butler manages to make a day-long Sabbath service come alive with tension and intrigue. Anyone who enjoyed The Widow's War by Sally Gunning, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare, and Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick will love Rebel Puritan.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wild Princess: A Novel of Queen Victoria's Defiant Daughter; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Hart Perry Page; Review: The Wild Princess by Mary Hart Perry is not just a novel about court intrigue. While it features Princess Louise, Queen Victoria's daughter, it provides a wider social context. Perry writes about Louise's involvement in the London art scene and women's suffrage. She also includes in the narrative the constant threat Victoria's family was under by Irish nationalists. What might be especially interesting to the American reader is the story's connection to the American Civil War. I especially enjoyed scenes between Louise and her husband, Lorne, a gay man trying to avoid prison for his dalliances, while also trying to be a friend to Louise, an independent spirit eager to escape the oppressive oversight of her mother. This is a rich story that builds on historical events while filling in historical gaps. In her author's note, Perry promised a sequel, in which Louise and Lorne move to Canada. As I am a fan of Canadian history, I'm very much looking forward to reading it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kiss & Make Up; Author: Visit Amazon's Katie D. Anderson Page; Review: Sixteen-year-old Emerson Taylor has never kissed a boy. Though this seems to be a big problem, a bigger one is brewing. Emerson's grades are slipping and her guardian, her Aunt Arch, is threatening to pull her out of the private school she attends. Emerson needs to turn things around fast. Luckily, Emerson learns she has the ability to read the mind of anyone she kisses. Emerson decides to kiss the nerdiest boys in school. Problem solved. But when she starts to fall for one of the boys, Emerson's life becomes a tangled mess. Kiss and Make Up by Katie Anderson is a fun, YA story about friendship, first kisses, and first crushes. But it is also a story with deeper themes, and this is what makes the novel so wonderful. Emerson learns hard, and often humiliating, lessons about pre-judging others and true beauty. Anderson has crafted a teen story without the typical cast of neglectful parents, rebellious kids, and uncaring teachers. Despite Emerson's clairvoyance, she is a refreshingly normal teen. This is not a story about vampires, zombies, death, addiction, bullying, divorce, poverty, or identity. Emerson's mistakes are her own, a result of her weaknesses rather than a response to the weaknesses of the adults in her life. And in the end, this is what I liked so much about Emerson. It doesn't take an apocalypse for her to change her ways, just a dose of good, old fashioned mother love.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Orphanmaster: A Novel of Early Manhattan; Author: Visit Amazon's Jean Zimmerman Page; Review: Zimmerman's minor characters are really well done. Visser, Martyn, Lightening, Kitane, Anthony, and Stuyvesant are memorable and interesting. Many of the orphans also have interesting personality traits and back stories. However her main characters, Blandina and Edward, are a little dull. Perhaps it was because so much of the story was told in an omniscient retrospect POV rather than allowed to unfold as a linear narrative that I didn't feel as connected to Blandina or Edward as I felt I should have. Both characters started out and ended up the same- they were perfect, so they had no lessons to learn, no growth of character to undergo. I loved the historical detail of this novel. There are so few novels written about New Amsterdam, so I was excited to see how much research the author put into it. However, the novel's main topic was too gruesome for me - I skimmed large sections of the novel for this reason. If you liked Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death and Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, you'll like The Orphan Master.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Disappearing Dowry: An Ezra Melamed Mystery; Author: Visit Amazon's Libi Astaire Page; Review: Mr. Lyon, a clock maker in London, has worked hard and saved a small fortune so that he can marry off his four daughters well and educate his son. But then the banks began to close, having gone bankrupt, and Mr. Lyon loses everything. He takes comfort in knowing he has a sum of money in the clock shop's strong box, but when that is stolen Mr. Lyon begins to despair. Enter Mr. Melamed, recent widower and man of means. What begins first as an intellectual exercise to find the thief, turns into an emotional journey into the lives of his suspects, most of them members of London's immigrant Jewish community. This was a delightful novel. It contains the economic details and careful plotting of a David Liss novel with the playful charm of a regency romance. I was especially interested in Astaire's descriptions of Jewish life in early nineteenth-century London. East end London came alive in her descriptions of it and I finished the novel with a stronger grasp of the community responsibilities of the synagogue officers. Perhaps the mystery element is a little weak, but in the end that didn't matter to me. I loved the book's characters and its setting. Libi Astaire has opened a rare window into London's east end in the early nineteenth century and I am eager to keep reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rosen Singularity; Author: Visit Amazon's Lior Samson Page; Review: Rosen David is a data geek who notices a strange pattern of suppressing research by his employers. When he digs further into the matter, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to question everything he thought he understood about his work, his marriage, and the purpose of his life. This was a difficult book to put down. Rosen is a likable, yet flawed character whose single-minded tenacity had me rooting for him even when I was most annoyed with him. In addition to Rosen, Samson has created a supporting cast of characters who range from diabolical dictators, pedantic professors, and eccentric billionaires caught in the web of men who value immortality over all else. Samson challenged me with his science-driven plot that frequently ventures into philosophy, while charming me with local references to the Boston area setting of the novel. But what kept me up late reading The Rosen Singularity was Samson's clever plotting - I never knew what would happen next and I was eager to read just one more page to find out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rainbow Boys; Author: Visit Amazon's Alex Sanchez Page; Review: Nelson, who is openly gay, is best friends with Kyle, who is not yet open to his parents though he is to Nelson. Nelson thinks he might like Kyle as more than a friend, but Kyle is obsessed with Jason, a star basketball player who is confused about his sexuality. This is a sweet story about friendship, family, and self-discovery. Sanchez does a great job showing how each coming out experience is different and how the first stages of gay relationships can be tricky because of the lack of traditional roles and rules.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Geography Club; Author: Visit Amazon's Brent Hartinger Page; Review: High school student Russel Middlebrook is not out, but desperate for some honest conversation with other gay kids. After discovering that one of his good friends, Min, is bisexual, Russel suggests they form a club for gay kids at their school. But how do they make sure no one else will join the club? Thus is born the Geography Club, a club so boring-sounding that no one will want to join. I found this novel a heartening story about honesty, friendship, and doing the right thing even when that means risking losing one's social status. This is not so much a coming out novel as it is a novel about how so many kids, gay and straight, are judged and misunderstood by their peers. I loved how Russel developed empathy for other kids in the story. My only complaint with the story is the almost complete absence of adults in it. Teachers were props, parents were non-existent, and the teens seemed to live in a world in which they had complete autonomy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It's Kind of a Funny Story; Author: Visit Amazon's Ned Vizzini Page; Review: The beginning of this novel was slow, but picked up after the first few chapters. Vizzini's writing is strong and funny in the middle section of the book when Craig is first admitted to the hospital. His characters are interesting, but don't overshadow the main character, a teen-aged boy suffering from depression. I found myself skimming the last few chapters. It seemed that Craig had made some breakthroughs and the last section was a long goodbye to the friends he'd made in the hospital. Much of this was sweet, but it went on for too long. Overall, however, a great story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Cruel Winter (A Richard Nottingham Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Chris Nickson Page; Review: Chris Nickson has created a wonderful cast of characters set in 18th-century Leeds. I've read books three and one already and I love the world he's created. With this novel, he's illustrated how justice is not blind, but more inclined to leniency for the wealthy and harshness for the poor and powerless. I can't wait to read the fourth installment of this series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Broken Token; Author: Visit Amazon's Chris Nickson Page; Review: I read the third book in the series first, The Constant Lovers, and liked it so much I bought books one and two. I enjoy Nickson's characters - he does a great job of making them accessible even though the story is set in the early 18th century. I'm not a huge mystery fan, so the predictability of the mystery in this novel didn't bother me. I'm in it for Nickson's historical settings and his wonderful characters.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Constant Lovers, The (A Richard Nottingham Mystery); Author: Visit Amazon's Chris Nickson Page; Review: The winter of 1732 saw too many violent crimes and deaths. Richard Nottingham, Constable of Leeds, is looking forward to a peaceful summer. But when a rash of domestic thefts are reported throughout the city and a young woman is found dead in the ruins of an old abbey, he and his constable, John, have their hands full. Complicating matters is a turf battle between two crime bosses and the suicide of Leeds cloth merchant. The constable is going to need help. He takes a chance on the printer's son, but is the former schoolboy up to the job of solving crime and keeping the peace? This is the third in Nickson's Constable Nottingham series, but it is not necessary to read the other books to follow the story. I enjoyed Nickson's wonderful descriptions of eighteenth-century Leeds and I loved his characters, complicated and appealing persons all of them. The mystery is interesting, but the real meat of this story is in the relationships between the people in this merchant town. When the story ended I was disappointed because I wanted to spend more time in Leeds with Nickson's characters. I bought the previous two books in the series so I could do just that.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Divergent; Author: Visit Amazon's Veronica Roth Page; Review: The writing is amateurish. The editors really dropped the ball on this one or just didn't care because they figured they could sell another teen dystopia with little effort at quality. The story is not bad, but not original. The movie is much better as it streamlines the plot and cuts out the stale dialogue and stream of consciousness.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Race for Second; Author: Visit Amazon's Chase Potter Page; Review: I noticed this novel on Amazon because I am also a writer and I saw that customers who bought The Race for Second had also bought Awesome Justice. When I read the summary and saw that Ethan's story involved being an exchange student in Germany, I knew I had to read his story. I've been living in France this last year and, even though I am a middle-aged straight woman, I felt such a connection with Ethan's struggle to adapt to a different culture despite how he so eagerly anticipated the experience. I get that! Chase Potter's descriptions of Frieburg were vivid enough to help me picture the city, yet not overdone. And I loved the description of Colmar and his comments about France. I was laughing out loud as I read those scenes. What surprised me about this novel is how the story is not a straight-forward romance. I really enjoyed how Ethan's story is so much more than one of coming out or coming of age. His is a story for anyone who's lived abroad. On a deeper level, because he is gay and not fully out to his college friends and not fully accepted by his mother, Ethan is a foreigner in his own country. I hope this novel gets the wider attention it deserves.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shaking the Sugar Tree; Author: Visit Amazon's Nick Wilgus Page; Review: I loved being pulled into Wiley's world. I live in the MS, but I didn't grow up there, so it was interesting to learn about swimming holes and four-wheelers and crazy relatives who are allowed to shoot off their mouths. I found his romance with Jackson meh. Even Wiley comments at the end of the novel that his story is more about the love between father and son, not two lovers. Jackson was just too cardboard compared to the others in the novel. Noah and Pawpaw were my favorite characters. Noah taught me a lot about his disabilities. Wilgus did a fantastic job of portraying Noah as real person rather than just a stand-in for his disability or a save-the-cat opportunity for the other characters. Pawpaw was so incredibly offensive, but I found myself laughing at his vitriol when I realized that he said most of what he did for effect. I also came to like Wiley's mother and Kayla's mother. Brother Billy confused me - I'm not sure how someone goes from punching the crap out of someone for being gay to showing up at a gay rights rally in just a few weeks. I loved the scenes of Food World. Wiley brought so much humor to his job while still showing how hard it was to have a minimum wage existence. Shaking the Sugar Tree is the kind of novel that defies all the false calls for diversity in literature. It is out there - here is a great story about a gay man raising a deaf son and living on minimum wage in a community that is not welcoming to people who don't conform. If you like stories that shake you up and teach you something new, you should read this novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Growing Up Godless: A Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Without Religion; Author: Deborah Mitchell; Review: Growing Up Godless, by Deborah Mitchell, is a series of essays, some of them quite short due to Mitchells signature directness, and others longer, rich with anecdotes and letters from readers of Mitchells blog: raisingkidswithoutreligion.net. Her approach is not that of a confrontational manifesto, but rather the heartfelt reflections of a mother raising her children to be respectful of the beliefs and traditions of others even as their own views are frequently not respected. However, this is not a book for atheists or agnostics only. Mitchells essays offer insights to people with a variety of starting points. Long-time non-believers may read Mitchells many personal experiences and those of her readers and feel that they are not alone in negotiating uncomfortable confrontations with believers. More recent religious drop-outs will benefit from Mitchells insights on raising children who are caring and independent thinkers. And for believers, Mitchell provides a window into the moral life of a non-believing family. Mitchell pushes herself and her children to be ethical. There are lessons here for everyone not to rush to judgment about others, to give back to the community, to internalize goodness rather than play act at being good out of fear of hell or hope of heaven. One of my favorite of Mitchells suggestions for parents is to ask back to children their own questions. When her child asked, Can two boys marry? she responded, Do you think two men should be allowed to marry? Sometimes as parents we forget that many times kids don't need answers, but encouragement to think things through on their own.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cast of a Hand: Based on a True Story of Love and Murder in Second Empire France; Author: Visit Amazon's G S Johnston Page; Review: I don't usually read stories about murder, but this one is so masterfully told, I was hooked straight away. The author transported me to rural, 19th-century France, where an entire family is murdered, shocking the nation. Why was a family killed? Why this family? Was the murder personal, political, or related to business? Is the killer the young man with the large hands who sits silent in his cell, uncaring that he may be hanged, or do the police have the wrong man? Forensics, psychology, political intrigue, and criminology all play a role in unraveling what happened to Hortense Kinck and her five children.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Kingdom (Alfred the Great 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Bernard Cornwell Page; Review: Good stand alone novel, but I came to this series through the television show, and enjoyed reading it as a way to fill in the gaps.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Marketplace of Ideas: Reform and Resistance in the American University (Issues of Our Time); Author: Visit Amazon's Louis Menand Page; Review: This short, readable text covers why American universities were established, how they changed over the years, and what problems they face moving forward.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are; Author: Visit Amazon's Seth Stephens-Davidowitz Page; Review: Good mix of data and narrative kept me engaged to the end. Also, great explanation of why polls and surveys provide poor data.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Ann Chery Women's 2021 3 Hook Classic Black Latex, Black, Large/36; Brand: Ann Cherry; Review: I wanted this product because it was all black vs. the Deportiva that is colored. This ran a bit small as other reviews state, but there's no chance I could get past the EXTREMELY strong latex smell. Just trying this on made me smell like latex for hours, so I can't imagine wearing it! People would want to know why you smelled so strong like latex, and you surely don't want to explain why...this is supposed to be a secret undergarment, not for everyone to know about what's sucking you in! Even after washing my hands a ton, I still reeked like latex. So aside from it being a bit small, I returned it for the latex issue alone. I got the Deportiva instead and love it--you definitely don't have the same "smell" issue there. Both products do the job, and read measurements carefully since they truly run small. This one just smelled terribly like latex. Go for the colored Deportiva ones instead!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: carter's Kenzie2 Winter Outdoor Boot (Toddler/Little Kid); Brand: ; Review: Perfect winter boots for being out and about. Good traction for when there is a bit of snow too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kamik Women's Detroit Snow Boot; Brand: ; Review: Just began wearing these boots for the second winter season, and am reminded how much I love them. I have the coldest feet all winter, but with these (even wearing thin socks) my feet are kept perfectly warm. Waterproof, warm, and boots I can wear in all settingsI don't feel under or overdressed throughout the winter with them...they are a perfect win.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KOH KOH Sexy Sleeveless Summer Formal Flowy Casual Gown; Brand: ; Review: Material is see thru, fit well though, but I couldn't keep it since it was see thru. It would be nice if it wasn't this material.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Maidenform Flexees Women's Shapewear Hi-Waist Brief Firm Control; Brand: Flexees; Review: Didnt work for sucking me in, it made me feel like I needed to push my stomach out to hold it up okay. Other products work better, so I returned.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Pair of Various Sizes and Color Non Pierce Hoop Earrings Fake Body Jewelry; Brand: BodySparkle Body Jewelry; Review: I did fool a lot of people... Until I talked. The rings were a little large and stuck out awkwardly when I moved my mouth to talk. In a few hours the pain was unbearable though haha. But I really like them, the pain though. I still have scars and I haven't worn them in a few months. But I did wear them on my ear cartilage and that was a little less painful and still super awesome. Buy if you are a masochist.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Allegra K Women Batwing Sleeve Cartoon Cat Pattern Loose Tunic Shirt L Black; Brand: Allegra K; Review: The shirt is a little large on me, but I'm a small size and the only size is a medium. Not an issue though, it's nice and long and the sleeves fit cutely. The cat image is really cute and I get a lot of compliments on it. The material is very soft and stays soft. Ahhh, I cannot express my love for the Happy Cat. :D; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Faux FUR Animal Hats Hoods White Polar Bear Ski with Mittens Unisex Gloves; Brand: CHIC&COZY FUR POLAR BEAR; Review: The package came in about two days so the shipping was fantastic. It came in a plastic bag and was all packed in tight, which I liked. The quality is very good too. I purchased a similar hat by the same people and this one was a little different it wasn't as fuzzy (not in a bad way) and the prints on the paws are different than the ones on the picture, but to be honest; who cares. It's very nice and warm and soft and lovely and cute and no more adjectives can describe it's awesomeness. Good quality, good price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Faux FUR Animal Hats Hoods Skunk Ski with Mittens Unisex Gloves; Brand: HatButik.; Review: The spirit hood (correct term for this kind of hat) came right away, about a two days wait! It's more fuzzy than the one pictured, kind of to a point where it looked a little wild, and less tame but whatever. I like it a lot. It's warm, and it keeps me warm in the frequent snow storms that my state has, the mitts fit my hands well and the hood fit on my head well too. The length of the arms is very good, so don't worry about them being short. This product definitely deserves the five stars.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ELLAZHU Women Black Cat Printing Sleeveless Long Top Dress Shirt HG23; Brand: ELLAZHU; Review: It came within the estimated shipping time, and when it arrived it had this musty smell that wasn't very nice. But it is very comfortable and soft, the cat's eyes were not only blue but also had this pretty purple around the center, adding a charming detail. I am 5'11" and this comes right above my knee, which was a relief because I thought it would be much shorter. Overall it's a very nice product and is well made for a low price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Icibgoods Womens Skirt Summer Panda Print Dress Black and White Black One Size; Brand: Icibgoods; Review: This panda dress is very good quality for the price and came much faster than the estimated shipping speed. It's super cute and comfortable and looks great. (-: I recommend this seller + it's products.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Icibgoods Womens Summer Cartoon Moon with Cat Print Dress Black; Brand: Icibgoods; Review: What I received in the mail was basically exactly what I saw in the picture. It is made out of a really good soft material and looks really cute. I'm pretty tall, so this comes a little too short for comfort as a dress for me, but still looks great as a tunic with jeans or something. So comfortable, I love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Icibgoods Women Lace Floral Sleeveless Crochet Knit Vest Tank Top Shirt Blouse; Brand: Icibgoods; Review: This is very very good quality item! I didn't really have high expectations for this product when I ordered it because the price didn't seem to match up with the quality of the item, but it really does. It's made of great material and looks exactly as the one pictured. It fits me as an extra small would and has this nice white lining inside and on the back of the shirt which makes it really soft and comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: niceeshop(TM Women Alloy Hot Air Balloon Pendant Chain Necklace; Brand: niceeshop; Review: The colors shown are more pastel than the hues on the one I received which kind of bums me out, but it's still really cute and good for the price. I did not get a pink bow with it either.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leegoal(TM) Lace Bracelet Wristband Bracelet Wedding Jewelry Vampire Decoration; Brand: Leegoal; Review: I really liked this it was so cool and fun to look at, but it broke not within a full day of wearing it which bummed me out. I mean I can fix it I just don't really feel like I should have to. I said it fits loose because I have really thin wrists so it was obviously loose on me but it should be fine for normal people.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lovely Cat Face Shape Dial Alloy Faux Leather Watch Black; Brand: Sanwood; Review: It came a few weeks before expected and its really good quality. The watch band was a little stiff at first but once you start to wear it it's fine. It's comfortable and cute and I love it, I would highly recommend buying from this seller. (-:; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Patzino Exclusive Collection, Women's PU Leather Mini Dome Satchel Small Handbag; Brand: PATZINO; Review: This purse is the perfect size I was looking for. It has 2 open compartments and a zippered pocket. It easily fits my wallet and my iPad mini and still has enough room to fit a scarf or other small items. The purse is a perfect size because I don't spend a lot of time digging for my items as I would have in most bigger size hand bags being sold. The price was reasonable and what I would have liked to spend. The burgundy color is beautiful and classy. I only wish it was made of a softer material. I am hoping that with a lot of use it will lose its stiffness.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: JJF Shoes Women Military Combat Foldable Cuff Faux Leather Plaid/Quilted Back Zipper Lace Up Boots; Brand: JJF Shoes; Review: These are super nice quality. I got a size 9, even though I'm normally a 9.5, and they do fit a little bit more snug than size 9 shoes normally fit on me. They're really nice quality though, and really cool, so if you find them in your size, I suggest picking up a pair.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Active Products Women's Basic Soft Easy Wear Cardigan Shawl Top-Black,Small; Brand: Active USA; Review: These are awesome. I get a couple pairs of them - this is my second time buying them in 2-3 years. They're really light and comfortable, and are especially good for light outfits.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Juncker s Hotel Garni; City: Berlin; Review: Most reviews were pretty old, so I didn't quite know what to expect when I chose this hotel only for the price, but I was pleasantly surprised. My single room was small but clean and nice. The staff was very nice and helpful. Beware the reception is not open at night, though it's not a problem as long as you contact them about late arrival. It might not be extremely central but communications were good and there was a lot of reasonably priced restaurants close.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Meda Art of Museum Kampa; City: Prague Bohemia; Review: I was extremely satisfied with this hotel. I paid for a single but ended up in a much larger room than I expected. Breakfast was nice, the staff helpful. Good location, clean, several pleasant pubs around, close to the metro and it only took a short while to get to the city center.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hostal la Perla Asturiana; City: Madrid; Review: Great location to a great price, close to Plaza de Sol (and it's metro station) and Plaza Mayor. The staff were helpful and there was a lot of restaurants close. The walls were a bit thin but I would stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Matejko; City: Krakow Lesser Poland Province Southern Poland; Review: Great location, close to the old city. The staff were really helpful when I asked them for help with finding bus schedules. A bus to Wieliczka salt mines was right around the corner. The breakfast was pretty good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Marija; City: Kotor Kotor Municipality; Review: A truly great location in the old city. I seen other reviewers complain about noise and I was a bit worried but in my top floor room and at this time of the year it was no problem whatsoever. I also had a nice view from my window, free wifi and air-condition. Breakfast was also good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Evropa Hotel; City: Podgorica Podgorica Municipality; Review: Not the most cheerful location. But practical, if you need parking or be close to the bus station. The hotel itself was nice, I thought my room was spacious and clean. And the receptionist seemed to know everything. I recommend it if you are passing by Podgorica.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Student Hotel Mostar; City: Mostar Herzegovina Neretva Canton; Review: I only stayed one night here, it was perfect for me as it was right next to the bus and train station and I arrived late. The room was large and clean and a bit strangely empty. The free wifi was impressively fast.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Braun KF400-WH Aromaster 10-Cup Coffeemaker, White; Brand: Braun; Review: I agree with everything people said about making great coffee. That's job number one, and that's where my 4 stars come from. In addition, the footprint of this coffee maker is small, so it fits nicely on the counter taking up limited visual space. I just got this and have not had any problem with the lid, but I can see where the hinges could be a bit fragile. The biggest problem with this particular machine is the drip-stop interlock. There is a plastic wedge on the main body of the appliance which engages part of the drip stop mechanism when the grounds basket is closed. The trouble is that there is something about this wedge and the lever it pushes against so that you can't close the grounds basket without sticking your finger there and lifting the lever. Perhaps this will solve itself over time as the rubbing parts get smoothed, but for now you must remove the pot and reach under into the drip stop mechanism to close the basket. Annoying. I could probably return it, but I'm not sure it's worth the trouble. It's a pretty minor (just irritating) issue. P.S. I put some cooking oil on the touching surfaces to lubricate them but to no avail. ------------------------------------- A couple weeks later: As I hoped, the sticking drip-stop mechanism resolved itself after a bit of use, and now works fine. So I'll leave them with 4 starts (docking one for not being perfect out-of-the box, but the one issue I had is no longer an issue. ---------------------------------------- 12/2008: After two+ years of pretty constant use, it is coming apart at the seams. Quite a while ago, the "ears" that hold the hinge on the lid broke one after the other. No bit deal. Then a few months ago the drip-stop pretty much stopped stopping drips :-) although it did reduce the flow. Then a couple weeks ago, the plastic tab that holds the whole drip stopper broke and now there is NOTHING; you have to wait several minutes after it is done to take the pot out if you don't want the coffee dripping on the burner. Speaking of which, if you are not careful, the burned-on coffee glues the pot to the burner and when you remove the pot, it pulls the teflon off the burner. And finally, there is a little rubber gasket around the burner that is starting to come off. Anyone remember "The Deacon's Masterpiece" where everything was made just as strong as everything else, and it all fell apart at once. That's what I have. But it still makes coffee, and it did well for a couple years.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: iRobot 500 Series Roomba Vacuum-Cleaning Robot with On-Board Scheduling; Brand: iRobot; Review: First let me say that I agree with people who say that the robot does a competent job of cleaning. You should SEE the dust bin after vacuuming! I am also in awe etc etc, but I'm going to try to focus on things that others have not mentioned. My 550 (560 actually, I think...it came with a few more odds and ends in the box) is actually my second Roomba. The first was the Discovery SE, one of the 400 series. The 400 was pretty good with two exceptions: 1) It would not work on rug fringe. It gets hopelessly tangled in less time that it takes to say "Wait!" The second problem with the older 400 series is that the battery dies fairly quickly if you do not use it VERY frequently. I use it once/week and by second battery is showing its age. In any case, the 500 series is advertised to be able to deal with rug fringe, and indeed it does so reasonably well. It is also supposed to be able to do 4 rooms using these "lighthouses" that have been previously mentioned. To summarize, these are little gadgets that put out an IR (UV?) beam that the robot can see; it generally will not cross the beam, so you can use the beam to mark off rooms. After a certain amount of time, the robot sends out an RF signal to the lighthouse, and the LH lets it through into the next room. Repeat for 4 rooms if desired. Then the robot knows how to find its way back to where it started to plug itself back in to recharge. Cool. Here are the problems with the lighthouse scheme: First, the beam gets wider very quickly. So there is a fan-shaped area in front of each lighthouse that never gets cleaned. In other words, when moving between the two rooms, the beam gets shut off but when cleaning either side, the robot will not enter the fan shaped area that the beam covers. The second lighthouse problem is that the robot seems to use time rather than room size or complexity to decide when to move from one room to the other. In other words, for larger or more complex rooms, it simply does not cover the room before moving on to the next. A non-lighthouse problem that you should know about with the 500 series is that I think they must be lower-slung than the 400 series. My 500 robot is not NEARLY as good is climbing up onto a rung as the 400. The 400 got stuck in fringe, but without fringe, it is nearly flawless. The 500 tends to push the rug around, bunch it up, and even get caught if it bunches up the rug in a corner that it has not way to get out of without getting back over the rug. You MUST be sure there are no cords on the floor. For example, a floor lamp, a computer power cord, etc. My robot has gotten caught when I forget,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: AIRCARE D46 720 Tower Evaporative Humidifier for 1200 sq. ft, Titanium/Black; Brand: AirCare; Review: First, I agree with other reviewers about several things: 1) It seems to humidify well 2) The first two fan speeds are not terribly loud; the top two are unbearable! 3) You have to be very careful filling the tanks and installing them to avoid spilling water. 4) Yes, every little while you hear a bloop-glub sounds (like a water bubbler that has a tank on the top). It did not bother me, but if it were in my bedroom it might. The display design is very weird: 1) Why do you need an on/off light when the fan is so loud? 2) There is a 2-digit numeric display. Is it humidity? No, it is fan speed: 00 - 04? Why TWO digits? The humidity adjustment and readout are bar-graph adjustments. Anyway, on to the trouble spots: 1) The cap on the water containers. In use, this faces down, so it has to be on tight. But it turns hard...it feels like it is cross-threaded even when it is ok. You have to turn it backwards a bit till you hear/feel a click and then turn it forward. (This works for any screw to avoid cross threading, btw). But you have to turn it quite hard to get a tight seal. It gets a little better after using it a few times, but only a little better. 2) The valve at the bottom opens if you push it, and when you seat the tank in the humidifier it gets pushed. Fine, but you'd better not hit the valve on anything as you are installing the tank or the water comes shooting out. I put the tank at a small angle a foot or so above the seated position and then slide it down holding the bottom of the tank against the humidifier. This avoids hitting the valve against something on the way down. But it is EASY to hit something. Note: I have not had any problems with leaking after the tanks are installed. Perhaps people with these problems have really had one of the 2 problems I mentioned above.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rabbit Replacement Corkscrew Spiral/Worm; Brand: Rabbit; Review: My Metrokane Rabbit was getting harder and harder to use, and I was about to search for a new one. But for $10, I figured this would not hurt to try. Voila! It is a BIG help. It is much easier now to get the worm into the cork, and to get the cork out of the worm when done. BTW, I had no idea the worm was replaceable but it turn out to be obvious when I saw the new one. There is a cap on top of the gadget that holds the worm. It unscrews, and the worm just slides up through it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HQRP APS Battery for iROBOT Roomba 500 Series Replacement plus HQRP Coaster; Brand: HQRP; Review: I have had no problems with this battery. I popped it in, and away went my Roomba. After a fully charge, it can easily do three rooms and return back to recharge itself without even starting to show amber.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cuisinart CPT-420 Touch to Toast Leverless 2-Slice Toaster; Brand: Cuisinart; Review: I really like this toaster. It seems to be consistent (which has always been my problem with toasters). I also like the little beep it makes to tell you that the toast is done. I could imagine some people liking the "bagel" setting where it only toasts one side, but I'd prefer that it at least HEATED the other side. I have not tried the "keep warm" setting. We just eat the toast :-) BTW, one thing I feared...the blue light does not stay on all the time. It comes on when you first push any button and then stays on for maybe 5 minutes after the last time you use it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ClosetMaid 8995 Stackable 24-Inch Wide Horizontal Organizer, Espresso; Brand: ClosetMaid; Review: I bought one at the local TrueValue hardware today (the one I ordered from Amazon is coming tomorrow). It's kind of cheap as others have said. It is made of chipboard, which is strong and dense, but I'd say the weakness is the screws. Each shelf is held on only by 2 screws on each side, and they (and the holes they are in) support all the weight. You *really* want to be careful about which side is finished and which is not. They devote a whole page in the instructions to this. It would have been better just to stamp A, B, C on the pieces somehow. The screws are not set in (i.e. countersunk) at all. There are screw covers which fit into the phillips slots of the screws but they are kind of cheap. The instructions insist that you must connect this with a supplied bracket to a stud in a wall behind. This seems unnecessary to me unless you are stacking them high. And btw, there are little pins supplied that keep them aligned when you stack them. So no points off for doing just what I want. 2 points off for being kind of cheap and sleazy. But admittedly, not points off for the price.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Leadleds 8 Inches Black Velvet Top Motorized Rotating Display Turntable Ideal for Jewelry Hobby Collectible Product; Brand: Leadleds; Review: Yes, it is kind of a cheap plastic thing. Yes, they probably made it for all of $1.00 so they made a big profit. Yes, there is grease on the gears. But if you want something to rotate somewhat slowly, then there is no reason not to get it. I suggest you take the top off and with a paper towel wipe off the gears and motor a bit. There is a little blob of grease on mine which was not in the way and did not run out, but maybe in hot weather... The "ball bearings" are indeed metal balls, and the support the table. However, they are in a plastic stand and not seem to turn easily. I suspect the table is really rubbing on the balls rather than spinning them Indeed there are two speeds, which you get by changing the location of a gear. That is why the gear is loose, so indeed if the top comes off the gear also comes free. Not a big problem if you don't turn it upside down. Mine was in a small cardboard box so it could not come apart during shipping either. So about the two speeds: You might have inferred that there are two speed RANGES and you can adjust in one range from 3-4rpm and in the other from 6-8rpm. Nope. Just two speeds--I imagine that the exact speed between 3 and 4 say depends on the battery strength at the moment. I was somewhat surprised and pleased that you can reverse the rotation direction. The switch has 3 positions, forward/off/backward.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Mercury Falls; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Kroese Page; Review: Mercury Falls is a very fun read. As many have already said, it conjures up memories of Douglas Adams' style, without trying to copy him. The comedy is well written and the plot is extremely imaginative and original. This is a book I'll be recommending when people ask, "What are some good books I should read?"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mercury Rises; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Kroese Page; Review: I once picked up a book by an author that Rob Kroese is frequently compared to. I was 4 pages in before I realized it was a sequel and that I had in fact read the first book. I had to get online and read the summary of the other book because it was so unmemorable. The Mercury series does not suffer from this problem. Kroese has created a fascinating group of supernaturals. Angels and demons, yes, but not like any you've ever encountered. Through these hilarious beings, he raises (and sometimes answers) questions about religion, science, greed, bureaucracy, and humanity. Did I mention bureaucracy? The devices he uses in the story are fresh, but at the same time simple enough to make readers wonder why they didn't already exist. Attache Cases of the Apocalypse? Malfunctioning billboards? Portals in linoleum? All there, and they all make perfect sense. And of course demon telemarketers, which again makes perfect sense. One of my favorite concepts in Mercury Rises was seeing the time in which Mercury worked for Tiamat, something referred to a number of times in Mercury Falls. We finally get to see Tiamat at work, her temper flaring and her ziggurats rising! If you've always wondered why different cultures, who had no contact with each other, all thought to make pyramids across the world, you'll find an answer in this book. And, since it's Kroese's answer, the explanation is wonderful... even if it isn't true.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Running of the Tyrannosaurs; Author: Visit Amazon's Stant Litore Page; Review: Very fun read! As with most science fiction, there is a steep learning curve to the story, but the author lays out the story masterfully. Too many authors try to give you everything all up front, at the detriment of good story telling. Through natural feeling flashbacks, however, Stant Litore develops the lead character (and even a secondary character) and answers the "what's going on?" questions that arise.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Death Has Come up into Our Windows (The Zombie Bible) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Stant Litore Page; Review: First, be aware this is a novella, not a full novel. This is a great story spread over three days of the prophet Jeremiah's life after he has been thrown into a well. He's left alone with his thoughts and (hopefully) his god. As he fights the elements--and zombies!--to stay alive, he processes the events that lead him to his punishment. There were times when I found myself covering my mouth, saying, "No...no, no," aloud. This is a powerful story that really touched me, emotionally. This is a fascinating take on the zombie genre, and it is a brilliant concept to introduce those well-known creatures into well-known Bible stories. Stant Litore has a wickedly dark imagination, but one that also delights in love and hope. If you aren't familiar with the source material of the Bible, and specifically the story of Jeremiah, don't worry. Litore does an excellent job of letting his characters exist in that history, while creating a story that stands outside the need for familiarity with the ancient story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Doors You Mark Are Your Own (Joshua City Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Okla Elliott Page; Review: "Sweeping literary epic" is the perfect definition of this book. Even at 701 pages, I carried this book with me at all times, reading on the subway, reading every spare minute at work, reading in bed until 3:00 AM...even reading at the sink while brushing my teeth. There is a huge cast of characters, but none of them get lost in the crowd. They are all unique, but also multifaceted. The people (and that's what they feel like, not merely characters in a book) on these pages seem to truly breathe and dream and live. The storytelling itself reminds me of Russian literature, spanning many lives and locations, revealing the thoughts and the hearts of sometimes even the most insignificant (or are they?) of characters. The authors do a wonderful job of showing just how many lives are connected in events, even if the players themselves have no idea of the reach of their actions. As I approached the final pages, I didn't want the book to end...and then I saw those magical, smile-inducing words: "To Be Continued...." I cannot wait to see what stories lie ahead.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Write. Publish. Repeat.: The No-Luck-Required Guide to Self-Publishing Success; Author: Visit Amazon's Sean Platt Page; Review: There are thousands of books for writers. But most of them are aimed at "helping" you write. If you already consider yourself a writer, and aren't having any trouble with it, these books aren't for you. They don't answer some of the most important questions, ones like, "Well, I've finished a story... now what?" They don't offer advice on pricing finished products, editing, etc. And even if they do touch on a few post-writing concepts, they rarely go in-depth on them. This book could possibly be the BEST book about what to do with your writing besides writing it. I am about to self publish a novel, and after reading this book, I feel much more at ease and confident in my decision. I feel like I practically had a game-plan handed to me, with all my questions answered before I even asked them. This book will always be recommended by me when I talk to anyone planning on, or even thinking about, self-publishing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Survival Mode; Author: Visit Amazon's Zak Zyz Page; Review: Impressive. The author knows great adventure storytelling involves painting the character into a corner and coming up with a solution the reader never saw coming. Zak does this like a master. Over and over, he surprises.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl With All the Gifts; Author: Visit Amazon's M. R. Carey Page; Review: There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said about this novel. SO GOOD! Carey's imagination and scientific knowledge are incredible. I read this book in one sitting because I refused to put it down, even to eat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Half Way Home; Author: Visit Amazon's Hugh Howey Page; Review: First off: don't try to compare this to Howey's 'Silo' series. They aren't even trying to be the same thing. If you come to this book expecting something similar, you will be let down. If, however, you come to this book because you enjoy Howey's style and unique ideas, you won't be disappointed. From the very beginning, this book just throws the characters into the fire (metaphorically and literally) and sees how they react. And their reactions aren't always pleasant. They are, however, very realistic. The science in this book is very interesting, especially as the story wraps up. The characters are almost stereotypes, but there's a point to that; it's by design and it works with the story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Invasion (Alien Invasion) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Sean Platt Page; Review: Although 90% of what I read is science fiction, this was my first introduction into "alien invasion." The point of this book is to ask, "What would we do if aliens were coming?" Book 1 is clearly the beginning of a long story arc, and I'm glad Platt and Truant started us here instead of throwing us into the story once aliens were blasting at us from our skies. This book is a journey story, built on the constantly developing relationships of the characters, and I'm looking forward to seeing where these relationships take us in the subsequent books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Man Called Intrepid; Author: Visit Amazon's William Stevenson Page; Review: Such a fascinating read! Even though I studied WWII in school, almost none of this information was in class. But why would it have been? So much of this was classified for so long that myths about what really happened were born and taken as fact. This book tells the story that happened behind the curtain. We know of battles and speeches, but I'd never heard of the midnight flights, training schools in Canada, and the war efforts of people like Noel Coward. Even in the last week, I've heard Churchill referred to as "a warmonger," to which I answered, "If you only knew what was going on in the background!" I rarely read biographies, and I'd never read WWII non-fiction, but this was one of the most interesting stories I've ever read. Seriously.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunes Over Danvar; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Bunker Page; Review: When I finished Howey's 'Sand,' I wanted more. Not just more of his story, but more of his world. I'm so glad I found this book. Except for the infrequent use of made-up vocabulary, I sometimes found myself forgetting this wasn't Howey himself writing. Michael Bunker completely nails the world and the style.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jumper (Karma Police Book 1) - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Sean Platt Page; Review: Such a fun, fascinating concept. The story flows quickly, and I just had to keep turning the page. I can't wait to see where the series is going. Before I even finished the story, I bought the next one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Karma Police - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Sean Platt Page; Review: Great follow up to book 1. I love the narrator's take on the lives of the individuals being "inhabited." Lots of surprises in this book. Platt and Wright have created a fascinating series, and I'm excited to see where it heads.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The One With All the Writing Advice; Author: Visit Amazon's Sean Platt Page; Review: Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The great thing about using Friends as the point of reference for writing is that there are 10 years of episodes to look to, meaning there is a huge amount of opportunity to discover what works and why. And lets face it, the show went for 10 years because so much was going right. This book frequently made me say, Yes! I love what the writers of Friends did there, and I didn't even know why! Platt and Truant drill down to the Why, whichto authorsis more important than the What. They then give examples of how to take that Why and move it into your own fiction. We shouldnt all write scenes where the protagonist cheats on their partner because they were on a break, but we can all write scenes where the reader completely understands both characters point of view in an argument, making each character more lifelikewhich is what were going for. I definitely recommend this book to any fiction author. If you're new to writing, it will help you start with a solid foundation of why characters and storylines feel real. If on the other hand, youve been writing a while, this book could help you find the small places in your work that could use a little punching up in order to make your novels really get at the heart of the story you're telling.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Devil May Care; Author: Visit Amazon's Sean Platt Page; Review: Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. There are stories you keep wanting to like, and then they end. This was one of those for me. My description of the book: Theres a guy who is really good at writing, but if you read his stuff HES GONNA GET REALLY MAD AT YOU! Sure, its not as simple as that, but most of the book kind of felt that way. While its true that a protagonist doesnt have to be likable, I want to read about people who are at least relatable. Or vulnerable. Or something other than just one note. I lost count of the times I said Get over yourself, to the main character. The concept for the book is very interesting, but I feel like the authors had this great idea for how things were going to play out and what the structure was, then they just went for it, forgetting to make the protagonist someone Id care about at all. The angsty, tortured artist is boring. When every character around the lead is more interesting than he is, it feels like slogging through the mud when you have to live in his thoughts.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Kidz Gear Wired Headphones For Kids - Green - CH68KG05; Brand: Kidz Gear; Review: I love how these don't get too loud to hurt my daughter's ears, but they are still PLENTY loud for her to enjoy. Great fit on 3 year olds head with room to grow as she gets older.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer Kids' Learning Tablet, Pink; Brand: LeapFrog; Review: My daughter loves this and I like that I can controll the content. Easy enough for a 3 year old to figure out, but her older cousins still play with this when they come over too. Good buy! I like the case too, really helps with drops, scratches and such. I gave this a 4 star rating ONLY because you have to buy all the extra games. I just wish more games/ apps were included.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kidz Gear CH68KG04 Wired Headphones For Kids – Blue; Brand: Kidz Gear; Review: I love how these don't get too loud to hurt my daughter's ears, but they are still PLENTY loud for her to enjoy. Great fit on 3 year olds head with room to grow as she gets older.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones (Discontinued by Manufacturer); Brand: Bose; Review: I flipped back and forth between Bose QC15 and Beats Studio FOREVER. I finally decided on the Bose, primarily because of the noise cancelling capabilities. Love them. Sleep with them on, travel with them, kids use them, sturdy, awesome. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to try the Beats studio headphones side by side with my Bose. Bose won hands down. Everyone raves about the highs and lows with the Beats, but I couldn't notice a difference with sound quality. I did notice a difference with noise cancellation though! My music was not being clouded with outside noise on the Bose. Refridgerator running, heater kicking in, people walking by, just regular noise that you take for granted every day is gone. So great that I bought a pair for my grandpa who suffers from tinnitus. The ringing in his ears is so bad that when he goes to Wal-Mart or Target, the extra noise is crippling and he has had to leave abruptly. He has left family functions early because he can not handle the children laughing. We tried them out for Christmas, just Noise Cancelling on, no music. We all spoke up a little bit (not yelling), and he was the last to leave! It is not a cure for tinnitus, but a management option that worked for us!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Motorola S11 HD Wireless Stereo Headphones - Retail Packaging - Blue; Brand: Motorola; Review: Great range with these head phones! I can walk around the whole gym and get clear music. Also no bounce when running! Great buy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anker Bluetooth Ultra-Slim Keyboard for iPad Air 2 / Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini 4/3 / 2/1, iPad 4/3; Brand: Anker; Review: Never worked out of the box. I thought it was batteries, changed them. Light turns on for 3 seconds, then turns off. Won't pair to iPad mini or Samsung phone. Kept it thinking it was a battery problem or I could troubleshoot it, but it does not work. Outside of return window now. Structurally it looks great, lightweight, comfortable keys, just think I got a dud.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Power Switches (HB-UM43); Brand: Sabrent; Review: JUNK Only one port works.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: BESTSUN Tactical Flashlight, Super Bright XML-T6 LED Military Grade Handheld Flashlight, High Lumen, Zoomable, 5 Modes,; Brand: BESTSUN; Review: I didn't understand when I ordered it that it took a special battery with charger. Still its a great light; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Woods 59203 Digital Lamp and Appliance Timer, Repeats Weekly with 2-Prong Plug; Brand: Woods; Review: It is very easy to set. Only has time on and time off making it very simple to use. Not easy to find in stores.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: G7 Power Boulder LED 0.5 Watt (5W) 15 Lumen C7 Night Light Bulb, 2900K Soft White; Brand: G7 Power; Review: Can not use the bulbs for what I wanted them for. About the only thing that I can use them for are night lights. I would not buy them for anything you needed light for.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ryobi P100 ONE+ 18V 1.5m-Ah NiCd Battery (130224028); Brand: Ryobi; Review: The batteries work fine, but this is the second set I have bought. If these don't last any longer than the first two than I would give them a 1. So far, so good; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Light It! By Fulcrum, LED Wireless Motion Sensor Weatherproof Security Light, White; Brand: LIGHT IT! by Fulcrum; Review: Works great in garage that only has a switch on one side.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AMTROL EX-15 15 Extrol Expansion Tank; Brand: Amtrol; Review: Worked fine while it lasted, After about 18 months the bladder went bad, which made it useless. Sent it out in the trash. Will not buy that one again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Bay Remote Control UC7078T with Reverse and Hampton Bay Logo; Brand: Hampton Bay; Review: Works great, have Hunter fan that would operate only with remote, The remote quit and they didn't make one anymore. Changed a few switches and works fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Speakman S-4000-E2 Reaction Fixed 2.0 GPM Shower Head, Dusk Blue; Brand: Speakman; Review: Would never though it would increase pressure. Works great. I would but it again; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Philips 458711 40W Equivalent Non-Dimmable B11 Decorative Candle LED Light Bulb with Candelabra Base (12-Pack), Soft White; Brand: Philips LED; Review: Had just what I wanted. Would buy them again; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: George Conway donates to Trump's GOP primary challenger; Abstract: The husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway has donated to one of President Donald Trump's Republican primary challengers.; Category: news
Title: DC sniper asks Supreme Court to invalidate juvenile life sentences for murders; Abstract: Lee Boyd Malvo, one of the two "D.C. snipers" whose murderous seven-week rampage terrorized the nation's capital region in 2002, wants a chance at getting his life back.; Category: news
Title: Prosecutors flag that DOJ is not in sync with Trump on tax returns claim; Abstract: ; Category: news
Title: Can Drinking Beer Wreck Your Weight-Loss Progress From Your Workouts?; Abstract: Maybe not: New research out of Spain shows that regularly drinking beer didn't influence the body composition results of those doing HIIT-type workouts.; Category: health
Title: 11 Exercises and Workouts Mark Wahlberg Trains With to Stay in Top Shape; Abstract: Depending on what schedule he's on, Wahlberg has one routine where he's awake by 3 a.m., gets in a workout before 6 a.m.; Category: health
Title: 24 of Kim Jong-Un's photo ops; Abstract: A look at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as state news agency KCNA releases photos of Kim riding alone on a large white horse through snowy fields and woods on Mt Paektu, the spiritual homeland of the Kim dynasty.; Category: news
Title: This Man's Rattlesnake Bite Is a Warning to Everyone to Take Animal Bites More Seriously; Abstract: You wouldn't think a baby rattlesnake could do so much damage, but Austin McGee knows better after almost losing his finger to one.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Senate to try to override Trump emergency declaration veto Thursday; Abstract: The Senate on Thursday will attempt to override President Trump's veto of a resolution nixing his emergency declaration on the border wall. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) set up a veto override vote for Thursday at 1:45 p.m., as he wrapped up the Senate's work on Wednesday and set the schedule for Thursday. The vote will come less than two days after Trump vetoed the resolution, which passed the House and Senate last month. ...; Category: news
Title: Newly released Trump tax documents show major inconsistencies; Abstract: Documents obtained by ProPublica show stark differences in how Donald Trump's businesses reported some expenses, profits and occupancy figures for two Manhattan buildings, giving a lender different figures than they provided to New York City tax authorities.; Category: finance
Title: Here's A Cool Cutaway Explaining Engine Knock And Fuel Octane; Abstract: ; Category: autos
Title: Cuomo signs law aimed at weakening Trump's pardon power, closes 'double jeopardy' loophole; Abstract: Lawmakers said the measure was necessary to ensure state investigations don't get derailed by the president.; Category: news
Title: 20 Things You Should Never Do When Cooking Bacon; Abstract: Cooking bacon can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some common bacon mistakes and the tricks you need to avoid them.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Lampert helps bankroll Sears as woes persist after bankruptcy; Abstract: Exclusive: Lampert helps bankroll Sears as woes persist after bankruptcy - sources; Category: finance
Title: Trump's Syria letter reportedly made Erdogan so angry, he threw it in the trash; Abstract: Trump's letter attempting to convince Erdogan not to attack U.S.-allied Kurds in Syria drew both condemnation and ridicule from critics in Washington.; Category: news
Title: I stayed in one of Italy's ghost towns that's selling off homes for $1, and I was treated like royalty; Abstract: I stayed in Sambuca, the charming Sicilian town which has received the most widespread media coverage for its $1 housing scheme.; Category: travel
Title: How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil?; Abstract: There's more than one answer, so let us simplify it for you, starting with outlining the advantages of synthetic oil.; Category: autos
Title: Trump's Syria letter reportedly made Erdogan so angry, he threw it in the trash; Abstract: Trump's letter attempting to convince Erdogan not to attack U.S.-allied Kurds in Syria drew both condemnation and ridicule from critics in Washington.; Category: news
Title: 9 Types of Retirement Income That Are Tax-Free; Abstract: Believe it or not, there are lots of things Uncle Sam can't touch so long as you play by the rules.; Category: finance
Title: Donald Trump Jr.: provocateur, master preacher for father; Abstract: The son has become the prime warmup act for the father at political rallies; Category: news
Title: Italian experts defuse WWII bomb in northern city; Abstract: Italian authorities evacuated 4,000 people from the center of the northern city of Bolzano on Sunday to defuse a World War II bomb found during construction.; Category: news
Title: Diplomats describe all-time low in morale at State under Trump; Abstract: The Trump administration's perennial push for steep budget cuts, an exodus of senior staffers with decades of experience and constant allegations that agency employees represent a deep state has sent morale at the State Department to an unprecedented low.; Category: news
Title: The 2-Minute, No-Cook Marcella Hazan Pasta Sauce You've Never Heard Of; Abstract: A few things you should know about me: I love a pasta trick, whether it pertains to a plating strategy, boiling techniques, or an especially clever sauce idea. Waiting for dinner to cook after a long day at work makes me irrationally cranky and typically results in such aggressive snacking that I'm no longer hungry. There's always at least one can of tuna, packed in olive oil, hanging out in my pantry. So I consider Marcella Hazan's lesser-known...; Category: foodanddrink
Title: 11 surprising things you didn't know about Olive Garden; Abstract: From secret recipes to interesting pasts, there's a lot more to the popular casual-dining chain than just unlimited salad and breadsticks.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: 17 Easy Fall Slow-Cooker Recipes That Taste Like Autumn; Abstract: You can even prep these and freeze them for later!; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Why the Patriots made a very un-Patriots trade for Mohamed Sanu; Abstract: The Patriots haven't traded a second-round pick for an age 30 player since ... Corey Dillon.; Category: sports
Title: Are Delta's New SkyMiles Membership Perks Worth the $59 Annual Fee?; Abstract: For certain fliers, the perks that come with the $59 annual fee is a good value.; Category: travel
Title: CNN Poll: 50% support impeaching Trump and removing him from office; Abstract: Half of Americans say President Donald Trump should be impeached and removed from office, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.; Category: news
Title: New benefits are coming to Medicare Advantage plans; Abstract: New benefits are on the horizon for 2020. Find out what they are.; Category: finance
Title: China asks WTO for $2.4 billion sanctions against U.S. in latest clash; Abstract: China asks WTO for $2.4 billion sanctions against U.S. in latest clash; Category: finance
Title: Four flight attendants were arrested in Miami's airport after bringing in thousands in cash, police say; Abstract: Four American Airlines flight attendants were arrested at the Miami International Airport and charged with money laundering after bringing large amounts of cash into the country, police said.; Category: news
Title: This Is Exactly How Long Hard Boiled Eggs Last; Abstract: Beware before you bite.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: CNN Poll: Biden's lead in Democratic primary hits widest margin since April; Abstract: Former Vice President Joe Biden's lead in the race for the Democratic nomination for president has rebounded, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.; Category: news
Title: The Difference Between Green and Orange Antifreeze; Abstract: What's the difference between different colors of antifreeze? Should different colors of coolant be mixed? Find out here.; Category: autos
Title: You're Eating Your Fancy Dinners Wrong; Abstract: An outrageously gorgeous, outrageously expensive meal is better than just about anything else in the catalog of pleasures. But, according to one Michelin-starred chef, many fine diners would have an even better experience if they followed five simple rules.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Potential trade targets for all 32 NFL teams at the 2019 deadline, from A.J. Green to Trent Williams; Abstract: Whether it's trading for a player or trading away a player, the NFL trade deadline in 2019 offers unique opportunities to make moves. Here are the most logical trades for all 32 teams.; Category: sports
Title: Kylie Jenner and her bestie get surgery together, plus more news; Abstract: What kind of surgery did Kylie Jenner and her BFF just get together? Plus, more celebrity news for Oct. 23, 2019.; Category: entertainment
Title: Eric Tse, 24, just became a billionaire overnight; Abstract: A 24-year-old business school graduate has just become an overnight billionaire.; Category: finance
Title: Tim Ryan drops out of presidential race; Abstract: Rep. Tim Ryan announced his decision to end his campaign, stating he would run again for his House seat.; Category: news
Title: Russian woman who admitted being secret agent out of prison; Abstract: A Russian gun rights activist who admitted being a secret agent for the Kremlin and trying to infiltrate conservative U.S. political groups while Donald Trump rose to power was released from federal prison on Friday, officials said.; Category: news
Title: Frustrated Antonio Brown has active morning on Twitter; Abstract: Receiver Antonio Brown continues to wait for his next opportunity, and he continues to be justifiably frustrated by the fact that the NFL's slow-moving investigation is essentially keeping Brown suspended without pay.; Category: sports
Title: I Did 2 Workouts a Day For 7 Days Straight - Here's What Happened; Abstract: As someone who once weighed over 200 pounds, I feel lucky that I can get up and have the energy to not only get in a solid sweat but also move my body.; Category: health
Title: Fisherman In Middle Of Lake Makes An Adorably Unexpected Catch; Abstract: Brett Hereford was out fishing on a lake in Montana with his family earlier this month when he made the catch of a lifetime.; Category: news
Title: 11 Social Security mistakes you can avoid; Abstract: Social Security's complicated, but it's worth the effort to learn the facts.; Category: finance
Title: Mitch McConnell snubbed by Elijah Cummings' pallbearer in handshake line at U.S. Capitol ceremony; Abstract: A pallbearer appeared to refuse to shake Mitch McConnell's hand as Rep. Elijah Cummings was lying in state at the Capitol.; Category: news
Title: DeVos held in contempt for violating judge's order on student loans; Abstract: A federal judge on Thursday held Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in contempt of court and imposed a $100,000 fine for violating an order to stop collecting on the student loans owed by students of a defunct for-profit college.; Category: news
Title: 20 years after Payne Stewart's tragic death, son Aaron carries his legacy; Abstract: Aaron Stewart spent his summers on the road as a PGA Tour kid. The behind-the-scenes visits at the Columbus Zoo during the Memorial Tournament stand out among his favorite memories as well as the "music man" under the big tree on Hilton Head Island.; Category: sports
Title: N.J. seeks to revoke liquor license for one of Trump's golf clubs, triggered by a case in which a customer caused a fatal car crash; Abstract: The Colts Neck course could lose revenue, and Trump's company could lose liquor licenses at its other N.J. courses.; Category: news
Title: Trump records 'strongly corroborate' sex assault claims, accuser says; Abstract: President Trump's own records "strongly corroborate" the sexual assault accusations of Summer Zervos and belie the president's denials, a new court filing states; Category: news
Title: Pollution around the world: 30 shocking photos; Abstract: While it's easy to become overwhelmed by stats and images about current pollution and trajectories for years to come, the intent of this article is not to instill fear. The intent is to be realistic, to learn from what is going on in the world, and to support one another in our collective efforts to change. Pollution knows no boundaries, so for the sake of future generations, let's err on the side of action and hope.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 'Rich Kids' Stars Morgan Stewart and Brendan Fitzpatrick to Divorce After 3 Years of Marriage; Abstract: ET confirmed earlier this month that Fitzpatrick is now dating 'Bachelor' alum Amanda Stanton.; Category: tv
Title: Why Using Your Microwave's Popcorn Button Is a Bad Idea; Abstract: Pressing the "popcorn" button couldn't be easier, but it almost definitely won't yield the best popcorn. Here's what you should do instead.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: 13 investing rules you should break; Abstract: The best ways to invest money have been evolving.; Category: finance
Title: 10 Things to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles; Abstract: ; Category: travel
Title: Joe Biden reportedly denied Communion at a South Carolina church because of his stance on abortion; Abstract: Joe Biden has a complicated history with the Catholic Church.; Category: news
Title: Trump defends hitting back at former chief of staff Kelly over impeachment comment; Abstract: President Trump Monday defended hitting back at former chief of staff John Kelly for saying he warned Trump hiring a "yes man" to replace him would lead to impeachment.; Category: news
Title: Airline Passenger Faked Pregnancy by Stuffing Items Under Dress to Avoid Baggage Fee; Abstract: Woman Caught Faking Pregnancy to Avoid Baggage Fee; Category: travel
Title: Christina Anstead's Anniversary to Ant Proves Life "Has a Funny Way" of Working Out; Abstract: Flip or Flop's Christina Anstead celebrates a special anniversary with Ant Anstead. The couple got married in a secret ceremony and have a baby together.; Category: tv
Title: The 8 fast-food chains with the cleanest restaurants in America, according to customers; Abstract: Business Insider asked more than 3,000 people who read our fast-food coverage which chains have the cleanest locations.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Why It's So Hard for Restaurants to Go Tip-Free; Abstract: Changing a restaurant's tipping model is challenging, but Eater Young Gun Andrea Borgen ('16) is trying to address the pay gap.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Woman who made it on Delta flight without a ticket or boarding pass says 'it's not my fault'; Abstract: The woman who managed to board a Delta flight out of Orlando insists that she bought a ticket at a kiosk, accidentally chucked her boarding pass on her way to the plane, and was let through all the screening checkpoints with just a selfie on her phone. "It's their fault," she told WKMG-TV on Tuesday. "This is not my fault." She said she does not have a driver's license so could not show that as ID. But officials searching garbage bins for 45...; Category: travel
Title: Jets GM defends CEO's 'hopefully the team will actually show up' crack to fans; Abstract: "Frankly, he deserves better than 1-6," general manager Joe Douglas said Tuesday.; Category: sports
Title: A flight attendant with 11 years of travel under her belt reveals 7 of her best tips; Abstract: Siti Nurazlin has worked as a flight attendant for Emirates for 11 years, and has a few useful travel tricks up her sleeve.; Category: travel
Title: Foie Gras Is Banned by New York City; Abstract: Lutèce served it seared, with dark chocolate sauce and bitter orange marmalade. Le Cirque offered it in classic terrine form, but also served it with rabbit and bacon and made it the scene-stealer in a ravioli dish. But Lutèce closed in New York in 2004. Le Cirque shut its last Manhattan location in 2017. And foie gras, the calling card of fine French dining, is about to follow suit. The New York City Council overwhelmingly passed legislation on...; Category: foodanddrink
Title: James Van Der Beek and Wife Kimberly on Expecting Baby No. 6: It Often Requires an 'Explanation'; Abstract: James Van Der Beek and Wife Kimberly on Expecting Baby No. 6; Category: tv
Title: US Fed cuts interest rates, signals it is on hold; Abstract: "We believe that monetary policy is in a good place," Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in a news conference after the U.S. central bank announced its decision to cut its key overnight lending rate by a quarter of a percentage point to a target range of between 1.50% and 1.75%.; Category: finance
Title: John Krasinski Shares the Secret to His 9-Year Marriage to Emily Blunt; Abstract: John Krasinski talked to E! News exclusively about how he and Emily Blunt, who share two daughters, maintain a healthy work-life balance.; Category: movies
Title: Surfing executive sentenced to prison in college admissions scam; Abstract: Federal prosecutors in Boston said Wednesday that surfing executive Jeffrey Bizzack has been sentenced to two months in prison for participating in the massive college admissions scheme.; Category: news
Title: The world's largest nuclear power producer is melting down; Abstract: On the shores of the English channel in Normandy, engineers are struggling to fix eight faulty welds at a plant that's supposed to showcase France's savoir faire in nuclear power.; Category: finance
Title: 5 charged in alcohol poisoning death of UC Irvine fraternity brother; Abstract: Five young men have been charged in connection with the death of their fraternity brother, who succumbed to alcohol poisoning after a booze-soaked party this year.; Category: news
Title: Property Brothers' J.D. Scott Marries Annalee Belle in Vintage Theatre-Themed Wedding; Abstract: J.D. Scott is Married! Third Property Brother Ties Knot; Category: tv
Title: She fought for human rights on a tiny island that banned guns. Then she was shot dead.; Abstract: Rachelle Bergeron had been the only prosecutor in Yap, a Micronesian island about 550 miles southwest of Guam.; Category: news
Title: What Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson Told Each Other After Patriots-Ravens; Abstract: Tom Brady offered credit where it was due Sunday night in Baltimore. The Ravens handed Brady and the Patriots their first loss of the season in Week at M amp T Bank Stadium. The primetime; Category: sports
Title: Cause determined in Jessi Combs' fatal speed record crash; Abstract: Occurred at speeds near 550 mph; Category: autos
Title: Rare deer spotted in Montana; Abstract: A Lakeside resident spotted a piebald deer, which represent less than 1% of the deer population.; Category: video
Title: Under shroud of secrecy US weapons arrive in Yemen despite Congressional outrage; Abstract: The awkward camera angle is meant to hide the fact that the owner of the phone is filming, but there is no mistaking the outlines of the heavy cargo being deposited on the dock in the Yemeni port of Aden last week.; Category: news
Title: Pregnant U.S. women's soccer star Alex Morgan still plans to play in 2020 Summer Olympics; Abstract: Alex Morgan, a key member of the 2019 women's World Cup championship team, hopes to play in the 2020 Olympics despite expected a baby in April.; Category: sports
Title: Woman accused of embezzling from Camp Fire victim surrenders; Abstract: Investigators say the 29-year-old Oklahoma woman embezzled $63,100 in insurance money from a 75-year-old victim of California's deadliest fire ever.; Category: news
Title: 21 Costco Bulk Buys to Score for Thanksgiving; Abstract: Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and the time is nigh for resurfacing that gravy boat and thinking about how many extra leaves you need for the dining table. This particular holiday is a favorite for many people, including me and mine, but also a stressful one, because getting a big meal with lots of components on the table is not instinctual for even the most perfectly capable cooks. There is a lot to say about being more prepared and relaxed...; Category: foodanddrink
Title: 45 Amazing Facts About Airplanes That Will Make Your Mind Soar; Abstract: Why do they really dim the lights on a plane? What's the safest airplane seat in case a crash? These amazing flying facts might just surprise you.; Category: travel
Title: Don't Save Too Little, or Too Much; Abstract: Given that 50 percent of households are currently at risk of not having the funds to maintain their living standards in retirement, according to the center, their fears are not unfounded. But while retirees who live extra cautiously may be securing the sense of contentment that comes with having the resources to deal with sudden expenses like long-term care, they may also be sacrificing quality of life to do it.; Category: finance
Title: The value of America's natural resources revealed; Abstract: Ever been curious about how much money is hiding in America's untapped natural resources? We reveal what they're really worth…; Category: finance
Title: 50 states, 50 places: The top natural wonder in your state; Abstract: Breathtaking settings are all around you, and each one of the 50 states is home to a natural site that will stop you dead in your tracks.; Category: travel
Title: 10 of the best lunch items you can buy at Costco for under $12; Abstract: From rotisserie chicken to ready-made pasta salads, here are some of the best affordable foods from the wholesale retailer.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Here's Everything You Need from Trader Joe's This Turkey Day; Abstract: We rounded up the best Trader Joe's Thanksgiving staples to complement your homemade turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Trader Joe's is one of those places I can easily rationalize Ina's famous "store bought is fine." Sometimes they hit the mark so hard on their pre-packaged goods, you can't even tell it's not homemade. (Shhhh, don't tell my mom.); Category: foodanddrink
Title: Bill Gates: I'm happy to pay $20 billion in taxes, but Warren's plan would make me do a little math; Abstract: Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, waded deep in to the hotly debated topic of taxing the wealthy to redistribute money to the have-nots a contentious issue that Sen. Elizabeth Warren has been at the forefront of as she bids to become the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee.; Category: finance
Title: These Are The World's Most Magical Christmas Villages to Visit This Year; Abstract: It's the most wonderful time of the year, after all.; Category: travel
Title: These five mistakes could blow your holiday travel budget; Abstract: You may have the perfect plan for travel this holiday season. Yet, one wrong move and your carefully crafted budget could fly out the window.; Category: travel
Title: I ate one of Meghan Markle's favorite foods from Toronto here's what I thought; Abstract: The food at Terroni was good and the prices were surprisingly affordable, but the service was disappointing.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Snow crab sells for record price in Japan; Abstract: A "five shining star" snow crab was auctioned off in Tottori, Japan for a record-breaking 5 million yen ($46,000). wide.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Meet the 2 Americans who were chosen from a pool of 140,000 people to spend 10 days on a mini-sabbatical in Antarctica with Airbnb this winter; Abstract: Tynthia King and Spencer Ingley are among the five people chosen from an applicant pool of 140,000 to travel to Antarctica with Airbnb this December.; Category: travel
Title: I went to Peter Luger after it received zero stars from New York Times; Abstract: The burger was so juicy I had to wipe my fingers after every bite. And everyone from regulars to tourists couldn't stop singing Peter Luger's praises.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: A Military Camera Said 'Made in U.S.A.' The Screen Was in Chinese.; Abstract: The surveillance cameras and other equipment that Aventura Technologies sold for years to the United States military looked like solid American products, packaged in boxes with "Made in the U.S.A." labels and stars-and-stripes logos. The items were installed throughout government agencies, including on aircraft carriers and a Department of Energy facility. Then last year, a service member on an Air Force base noticed that an Aventura body camera...; Category: news
Title: 50 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Her Under $50; Abstract: Whether it's a gift of beauty, gadgets for the kitchen, or unique knick-knacks, these thoughtful gifts are sure to impress the women on your gift list. From stylish accessories and clever gadgets to thoughtful treats for bath and body, she's sure to be delighted by these creative gifts that are far from boring.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 7 Signs You Have Too Much Debt; Abstract: We all have our debt limits. Here's how to know when you've reached yours.; Category: finance
Title: State Trooper Stops Banana Car Driver, Gives Him $20 Instead of a Ticket; Abstract: Is it a crime to be this ridiculous? Not in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where a 1993 Ford F-150 4x4 was turned into . . . this.; Category: autos
Title: Dean Foods files for bankruptcy; Abstract: Dean Foods, America's largest milk producer, is filing for bankruptcy.; Category: finance | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: CONDOR Tactical Hydration Carrier; Brand: CONDOR; Review: It came with a bladder (thats why 4 stars instead of 3) but it hangs off your plate carrier and doesnt really fit too well... but hey it works.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Condor Tactical Rip-Away EMT LITE Pouch; Brand: CONDOR; Review: The rip away feature is great but the stretchy liner fell apart with minimal force. I guess that what I get for buying condor.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: WindFire® Tactical Flashlight Cree Xm-l T6 Led 1000 lm 3.7-18V 1 Mode Light 18650 Battery Tactical Flashlight Torch with Pressure; Brand: WindFire; Review: Very Very Very bright. You could blind your attacker and not even have to shoot them. only thing is the wire fell apart rather quickly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under Armour Men's ColdGear Armour Scent Control Leggings; Brand: Under Armour; Review: I get compliments every time I wear these. They are my favorite leggings.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OneTigris 4pcs Tactical 360 Rotation D-ring Clips MOLLE Webbing Attachment Backpacks EDC; Brand: OneTigris; Review: meh. not what I expected. The fall apart easily.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tactical Safety Essentials Lightweight Tactical Shemagh Scarf Turban Arab KeffIyeh Head Wrap Shawl; Brand: Tactical Safety Essentials; Review: Exactly what I wanted; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shootmy Tactical 2 Dual Point Strap Adjustable Bungee Strap Cord Pack of 2 (Army Green); Brand: ; Review: Great price and great product. I wasn't expecting two slings but hey thanks anyway.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sightmark SM39043 Boresight, 300 Blk(7.62x35mm); Brand: Sightmark; Review: CHEAP! Mine broke within 10 minutes. I loaded the bore sight into magazine and the threaded cap broke off when the it jammed between the bolt catch and barrel.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone: 2-Sided Knife Sharpener Set, 1000/6000 Grits, with Non-Slip Base, Angle Guide, Illustrated PDF; Brand: Culinary Obsession; Review: have not used yet but so far: arrived quickly..packaging great..all items are well made and fit perfect...cant wait to try; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Top Rated Zulay Premium Quality Metal Lemon Lime Squeezer - Manual Citrus Press Juicer; Brand: Zulay Kitchen; Review: well made...works great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RY King Indoor Outdoor Large Flameless Candles Led Battery Operated; Brand: RY; Review: really nice..nice assortment..they all worked ...remote is nice touch....placed on the mantel so don't have to get up to turn on....arrived on time....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oreck Steam-It Steam Mop, Steam100LRH; Brand: Oreck; Review: use on hard wood floors... with steam feel like it really is clean..no chemicals..just water; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glasslock 11292 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set; Brand: GlassLock; Review: nice set ...various sizes are a big plus; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Rise of the Fallen: A Dark Paranormal Romance (All the King's Men Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Donya Lynne Page; Review: Love the book took it because it was free the bought the rest of the series; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Midnight Watch: A Sigma Force Short Story (Kindle Single) (Sigma Force Novels) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's James Rollins Page; Review: too short wanted more can't wait for the next book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Treasure Lane Dragons: Complete Series (BBW Paranormal Dragon Shapeshifter Romance) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Anya Nowlan Page; Review: love all the books in shifter's grove; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shipscat Collection - Kindle edition; Brand: Mercedes Lackey; Review: ship cats are great should like to read more stories with them; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Enemy of my Enemy eBook; Brand: Mercedes Lackey; Review: loved it would like the story to continue; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Their Runaway Mate (Mannix Dragon Shifters Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lori Whyte Page; Review: love the book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Bear Victory (Puck Bear Brides Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Anya Nowlan Page; Review: love all her books; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snowbound at Solstice: A Christmas Novella (Mannix Dragon Shifters Book 2) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lori Whyte Page; Review: love the book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clan Conroy Brides: 3 Clan Bear Shifter Romances - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Emma Alisyn Page; Review: Enjoyed these books very much; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apex Predator Thriller Series Collection (Including the blockbuster new shark park thriller, Salechii) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Carolyn McCray Page; Review: Love sharks you'll love this lots of action and thrills; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Haggar Men's Work-To-Weekend No-Iron Pleat-Front Pant with Hidden Expandable Waist; Brand: ; Review: Some what bulky and loose at front. Prefer tighter fit.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Men's Work-To-Weekend No-Iron Pleat-Front Pant with Hidden Expandable Waist; Brand: ; Review: Some what bulky and loose at front. Prefer tighter fit.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Men's Cool 18 Hidden Expandable-Waist Plain-Front Pant; Brand: ; Review: Good fit and sit and look well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Men's Cool 18 Hidden Expandable-Waist Plain-Front Pant; Brand: ; Review: Good fit and sit and look well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Men's Cool 18 Hidden Expandable-Waist Plain-Front Pant; Brand: ; Review: Good fit and sit and look well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Men's Two-Tone Herringbone Expandable-Waist Pleat-Front Dress Pant; Brand: ; Review: Happy with product and pants sit and feel well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Mens Work-To-Weekend Hidden Expandable-Waist Corduroy Plain-Front Pant; Brand: ; Review: Good fit and happy with product; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Celebs turning 60 in 2019; Abstract: See Marie Osmond, Jason Alexander, Emma Thompson, Simon Cowell and more stars who were born in 1959.; Category: entertainment
Title: Aubrey O'Day Responded to Critics Who Say Plastic Surgery Has Dramatically Changed Her Appearance; Abstract: "I look in the mirror. I know what I look like," the 35-year-old singer says. "I love me! I'm the happiest I've ever been."; Category: health
Title: Opinions | In a month, Trump has destroyed 'America First'; Abstract: However, there's cause for relief about some of the president's many broken policies and promises.; Category: news
Title: Chrissy Teigen Predicts The Office's Jim and Pam Are Divorced Now, Sends Twitter into a Tailspin; Abstract: Chrissy Teigen Predicts The Office's Jim and Pam Are Divorced; Category: tv
Title: Opinions | John Bolton's eruption shows that Trump's defenses are collapsing; Abstract: Bolton ripped Rudy Giuliani as a "hand grenade." That puts Trump in greater peril.; Category: news
Title: 12 Netflix original TV shows that critics hate, but normal people love; Abstract: Critical reception can often mean next to nothing to the common viewer, who will flock to panned Netflix original shows like "Insatiable."; Category: tv
Title: See Justin Theroux's Sweet Reaction to Ex Jennifer Aniston Joining Instagram; Abstract: Actress made her debut on the social media platform on Tuesday with a Friends selfie; Category: tv
Title: How not to get peace; Abstract: President Trump, Rand Paul, and others seem to think we can get peace by pulling out of places that are not yet pacified, because they imagine that people are "tired" of war.; Category: news
Title: Opinions | Trump has lost Syria and his mind; Abstract: As the United States' enemies advance, the president is babbling.; Category: news
Title: 'The Office' star Jenna Fischer responds to Chrissy Teigen's theory that Jim and Pam are divorced; Abstract: Jenna, who played Pam opposite John Krasinski's Jim on the hit NBC sitcom, thinks Chrissy got it wrong.; Category: tv
Title: DOJ, Roger Stone at odds over showing 'Godfather' clip during trial; Abstract: The Justice Department and Roger Stone's attorneys remain in a standoff over whether jurors should be shown a clip from "The Godfather, Part II" during the longtime Donald Trump associate's upcoming trial.; Category: news
Title: In Texas, Trump tries to rev up a base under pressure; Abstract: The Trump campaign feels confident the president will again win the state in 2020, according to two advisers close to the White House, even as Democrats make inroads in the vast urban areas and among state-held offices.; Category: news
Title: Photos of Meghan Markle You've Probably Never Seen; Abstract: Remember her Deal or No Deal days?!; Category: lifestyle
Title: Eva Mendes Gushes Over Photo of Longtime Love Ryan Gosling: 'Look at Him!'; Abstract: Eva Mendes Gushes Over Picture of Boyfriend Ryan Gosling; Category: movies
Title: Clinton implies Russia wants Gabbard as 3rd-party candidate; Abstract: Hillary Clinton appears to call Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard "the favorite of the Russians" in a recent interview while describing 2016 Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein as "a Russian asset." During a podcast appearance this week on Campaign HQ with David Plouffe, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee did not mention the Hawaii congresswoman by name, but said...; Category: news
Title: This is the best exercise to pump up aging muscles; Abstract: For decades, competitive athletes have used high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to improve their performance. Now this exercise approach alternating brief periods of intense exercise with short recovery breaks has caught on with people of all ages and fitness levels.; Category: health
Title: The 13 coolest and creepiest ghost towns around the world; Abstract: From abandoned mining villages to entire islands that have been left to rot, these are the 13 coolest and creepiest ghost towns to explore.; Category: travel
Title: Passenger wears over 5 lbs of clothes to avoid excess baggage charge; Abstract: ; Category: travel
Title: Singer stands up to heckler who told her to take shirt off; Abstract: After being heckled on stage and told to "free the nips" at a concert in Texas, singer Maggie Rogers voiced her anger about the harassment.; Category: video
Title: Walmart Sparks Panic and Confusion in the Dish-Soap Aisle; Abstract: Procter & Gamble didn't make enough dish soap, and Walmart is letting all its customers know about it.; Category: finance
Title: Nunes Aide Is Leaking the Ukraine Whistleblower's Name, Sources Say; Abstract: A top aide to Rep. Devin Nunes has been providing conservative politicians and journalists with information and misinformation about the anonymous whistleblower who triggered the biggest crisis of Donald Trump's presidency, two knowledgeable sources tell The Daily Beast.; Category: news
Title: Can You Eat The Pumpkins You Carve?; Abstract: We're at the time of year when pumpkins seem to be everywhere ― on doorsteps, restaurant menus, store displays, arts and crafts tables and more.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Celebs celebrate Halloween 2019; Abstract: Here's how the stars dressed up while celebrating Halloween this year!; Category: entertainment
Title: Science Says: How daylight saving time affects health; Abstract: Many sleep scientists and circadian biologists are pushing for a permanent ban.; Category: health
Title: Former Federal Prosecutor Says Lori Loughlin's Daughters Could Be Charged in College Scandal; Abstract: Could Lori Loughlin's Daughters Be Charged in Scandal? Legal Experts Weigh In; Category: tv
Title: Pamela Anderson gets backlash after wearing a Native American headdress for Halloween; Abstract: Pamela Anderson is under fire after posting risqué photos of herself wearing a Native American headdress in honor of Halloween. The Canadian actress and animal rights activist, who rose to fame for her role as a lifeguard on the series Baywatch, took to Twitter like many other celebrities to post photos of herself in her Halloween costume. In the first photo, the 51-year-old sports a pair of high-waisted underwear, and appears to be drenched in...; Category: tv
Title: Trump Taxes: Appeals Court Rules President Must Turn Over 8 Years of Tax Returns; Abstract: A federal appeals panel said on Monday that President Trump's accounting firm must turn over eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns to Manhattan prosecutors, a setback for the president's attempt to keep his financial records private.; Category: news
Title: 'The Little Mermaid Live!': TV Review; Abstract: ABC's "hybrid format" live performance of the Disney classic spent more time replaying moments from the original film than staging a grand musical spectacular.; Category: tv
Title: Watch: 'The View' Versus Donald Trump Jr.: Loud, Low Blows, Politics, Scandals And Great TV; Abstract: Updated throughout, videos added Whoopi Goldberg wouldn't say his name, Sunny Hostin said he was lying, Abby Huntsman accused him of using "dictator" tactics. And Donald Trump Jr. gave it back, accusing Joy Behar of once wearing blackface and resurrected Goldberg's defense of Roman Polanski as not committing "rape rape," all in a; Category: tv
Title: Elizabeth Warren to Bill Gates: I'll explain my wealth tax to you; Abstract: Gates, worth an estimated $109 billion, wondered if he'd pay $100 billion under her plan to target country's largest fortunes; Category: news
Title: A master suite with an 'open-concept' bathroom that has no doors or privacy is asking for $1,200/month in rent; Abstract: People took to Twitter to share confusion about an "open-concept" bathroom featured in a Facebook rental listing.; Category: lifestyle | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Uncovering You 7: Resurrection - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Scarlett Edwards Page; Review: I chose this rating because like others I've been hooked, but, I'm not going to spend another 3.99 for a fourth of a book. I think after getting nowhere in this story I'm calling it quits. The writing is good But the story is going nowhere . Scarlett Edwards needs to finish the story and offer the last three books as a package deal. I think she has milked enough money out of people reading 200 pages at a time.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: What He Hides (What He Wants, Book Seven) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Hannah Ford Page; Review: This author needs to finish this story already! It's fine if you want to read something while waiting on a Dr appt and it's free! I would like this author and the story of not for this. If not free I wouldn't bother at all. way way way too short!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Devotion - A Contemporary Billionaire Romance Novel (Chicago Billionaires Book 4) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Aria Hawthorne Page; Review: This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. If you like a little suspense mixed with super hot sex scenes, I recommend you read this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sinful Confessions (Cynfell Brothers Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Samantha Holt Page; Review: I chose five stars because this story was well written. It had a great story line that tugged at my heart when the American realizes she has traveled across the ocean thinking he is offering marriage only to have him break her heart. I love stories that pull me in so much that I can feel their pain and their joy at the end. I look forward to reading other books from Samantha Holt!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as told; Brand: Visit Amazon's E L James Page; Review: Although I have read and reread the Fifty Shades books it is nice to read Christians pint of view! This book gives you the much needed insight on his feelings. I found answers to questions I had about the first book, one being was he really in Georgia just to see Anna or did he really have business there. It also gives insight to how he grieved her leaving him. I can't wait for the next installment to come out...hurry Mrs James we need....more!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: His Offer; Brand: Visit Amazon's Ella Slade Page; Review: I'm speechless... this series has been great, but the ending caught me off guard. Way too short I would liked to have seen them get married, close the bakery and have a wedding. The ending was confusing. I clicked for the next page and nothing. I expected her to hold out a while and him to have to do more to convince her. Over all this is a great book (1-3) but I felt like I was missing something. Maybe it was just so good I wanted more, lol; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CONSEQUENCE (The Billionaire's Rules, Book 2) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Kelly Favor Page; Review: This series has one mark against it even before reading....35 pages is not a book. Ms. Favor knows how to milk her readers the next 35 or so pages are 3.99 by the time you read what is considered half a book you will have spent over 10.00 for sub par writing. Save your money and spend it on an author that gives you your money's worth.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: What He Sacrifices (What He Wants, Book Fourteen) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Hannah Ford Page; Review: How this author can keep this going is beyond me....one paragraph at a time is annoying!!! Get it finished I will never read another book from her again. I might finish this book..might but never again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Billionaire's Curvy Conquest: The Complete BBW Romance Collection - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lydia Layne Page; Review: I have this book a three because although I read it till the end, it was on the boring side. Also I think the author put too much emphasis on Cassie being over weight. No one wants to read how her fat giggled while having sex..to me the author went a little over board making sure we knew she had rolls of fat. The story line was predictable yet unexplained details made me think this was a first attempt at writing.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Faith (A Dark Romance Novel) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Terry Towers Page; Review: Faith by Terry Towers pulls you in after just the first chapter and keeps you reading until you finish. I never saw the twist it took at the end and even though it's not a cliff hanger, there could be an interesting story about the sister and the settling of a dept owed to the former business partner. I loved how there was no complete personality change but a understanding between the two that was satisfying. This story was about a twisted relationship born from an abduction with the intent to train her as a slave to be sold to the highest bidder. Strictly adult reading!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shattered (Broken Trilogy Book 2) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's J.L. Drake Page; Review: To say this was a cliff hanger is putting it mildly! I want to reach in and slap them both!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mended (Broken Trilogy Book 3) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's J.L. Drake Page; Review: If you only read one series make it this one! What a happy ending although I hated to see it end. Mended did not disappoint with answering all questions related to the horrors Savannah had to endure. I can't say enough about this series,I loved all the characters, alpha men showing a soft side, hot sex scenes, and a happy ending...what more could you ask for?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: His Captive, The Unabridged Collection: Billionaire Serial Killer Dark Romance - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Meg Watson Page; Review: Meg Watson looks into the mind of a vigilante serial murder and keeps you on pins and needles the whole time. I was torn between wanting Julie to run and escape or stay. While clearly being in the wrong place at the wrong time and trusting someone you hardly know it's bad enough, was the life on the streets any better should she leave. While I don't condone murder Watson made you believe Rafe was indeed doing a public service in taking their lives. This is a love story with a twist between two desperate people, one with a dark border line personality disorder. The story was well developed but ended abruptly with a questionable ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leah's Seduction (Books 1-4) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Emily Jane Trent Page; Review: While I loved the series in this bundle, nothing was wrapped up. Then I finish and find there are ten books in all and the rest are 2.99 each. Sorry it was good but not that good! I live series but like to have closure after a couple of books, this just goes on and on. Too much fluff and the author keeps you going in circles. He cares for her, no he doesn't. He invited her to his family's home and then regrets she got along with them. Give me a break, end it with two or three books and write about the sister. No romance goes on for ten books about the SAME people! I will stop with this one and regret wasting my time reading a story with no end.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stone Cold Bad: An Alpha Bad Boy Romance (Stone Brothers Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Tess Oliver Page; Review: If you like bad boys with a soft side this is the book for you. Three brothers that make girls drop their parties with a look and a girl that stumbles into their life to turn it up side down! Hot sex is putting it mildly,,,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Lady of Deception (Brethren of the Lords Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Christi Caldwell Page; Review: I love Caldwell's writing! She spins a love story like no other. If you like historical romance, you must read this!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let Me Touch - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lucia Jordan Page; Review: This promises to be a great read, can't wait to find out the twists and turns. I'm betting the other guy with the rose was her intended date, lol.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TROUBLE (The Billionaire's Rules, Book 9) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Kelly Favor Page; Review: I'm finding it harder and harder to keep reading these short chapters called books. If not for being free I would have stopped long ago. The story line is great but the repeating sentences and missing paragraphs are annoying. Please find an editor to look at your work, Amazon should be embarrassed for these shoddy installments.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Condemned Series: Books 1 - 4 - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Gemma James Page; Review: This series is not for the faint of heart. I found myself not putting it down for the first three chapters but after that it got so violent towards the girl I didn't want to finish reading, so I went to the end and read backwards for a few chapters. I love dark romance but this was over the top. I found myself angry with Alex for being stupid enough to stay with the love of her life even though I thought she should be punished for sending him to prison. They were both sick beyond my comfort zone. The writing was good, you really feel the pain at the beginning and want the truth to come out. Once it did I felt like screaming "get over it already and punish the man who caused it."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Annihilate Me (Vol. 1) (A Contemporary Romance Series) (The Annihilate Me Series) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Christina Ross Page; Review: I would give this book a 10 if allowed. Ms Ross is my new favorite author, the characters are real and well developed. Read them in order and be prepared to stay up late, I'm talking into the wee hours of the morning because once you start you can't stop!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Annihilate Him, Vol. 3 (The Annihilate Him Series) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Christina Ross Page; Review: I haven't been this obsessed with a series in a long time! Sometimes I read so fast that I forget the names of the characters not long after the series has ended....not this one. I love the banter between Blackwell and Jennifer, I laughed out loud and cried when things got emotional....the writing is this good. Read the series from the beginning so that you can truly get the full effect of the triumphs and the loss. I love how she made the story full of glitz and glam but kept it believable, and kept the characters real. There is a little something for everyone; love, passion, suspense, billionaires, alpha males and strong women. So do yourself a favor and read from the start...you won't regret it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Millions (Dollar Book 5) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Pepper Winters Page; Review: This last installment brings war to Tess and Q's house. With Elder too beaten and wounded to take on his enemies alone an alliance is formed to protect the women and Q and Tess baby. I held my breath and cried for elder as he tried to prove his worth and pay his debt by not keeping his woman safe, even though he wasn't to blame. There are many twists and turns in this final installment facing his fear of losing placo. And gaining his mothers love back. It was a nail biter to say the least that mixed with love, hot hot hot sex and a few surprises at the end, which I won't spoil it was one of the best of the books in the series. The only bad part is that it is the end of the series. I found myself wanting to stretch it out, not reading too fast as getting to the end was the end, lol. I would love to see a joint effort between Q and Elder saving the women slaves and rescuing the orphans as well. I would also like to see Salix find his happy ever after. Pepper Winters has been my new favorite author since I read The debt. And she just keeps on surprising me happily so.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Bagus Place Retreat; City: Pulau Tioman Rompin District Pahang; Review: Bagus is one of the best places we have ever experienced. The sea is like swimming in an aquarium. The beach white as the powder. The food fantatsisk. The houses are everything you could wish for - beware, however, of monkeys who like to eat what they can find also inside the house :-) The perfect place to enjoy life and relax.The smell, the heat, the nature, the staff, everything is perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Poc na Tulum; City: Tulum Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Perfect location, right on the beach and stunning views from the room overlooking til turquoise sea. Cosy cottages and neat and clean. Our daughter was always excited to get home after Griselda has cleaned our cottage, to see what funny things she has made out of towels. The staff is incredibly nice, especially Carmen, always smiling and ready to help. The food is delicious, whether you choose Mexican or something else from the menu. You can walk along the beach to the Tulum ruins. We recommend to take a taxi to Coba and stop in for a swim at some of the many cenotes that are nearby. This is just the place if you want to stay somewhere that is not yet overrun with tourists, and a qiuet place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort Spa; City: Akumal Yucatan Peninsula; Review: It was with some skepticism that we chose an all-inclusive hotel, but this hotel, supprised really positive. There are so many delicious restaurants to choose from, even the buffet stations offers super delicious food. The service is very good, and despite the fact that it is a place with many rooms, it is relatively quiet and not so overcrowded. The rooms are large and neat and clean. Much has been done of the entire area, so it's exciting to walk aruond, and there are so many opportunities to be entertained here. Finally, we also recommend that you take a taxi to Akumal beach to swim out and see the sea turtles. Although there are many people, it is impossible not to see a few if you swim out a little. We would definitely recommend this hotel to others who intend to go to Akumal.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marriott Cancun Resort; City: Cancun Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Nice and neat hotel, which is located on the hotel zone and therefore relatively close to various shopping centers. The hotel is nothing special. It's nice and clean and has good breakfast buffet. Thai restaurant is also recommended. The pool is a little disgusting, because people eat and drink in the pool. Wich results that there are glass, food and chips in the pool.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mia Resort Nha Trang; City: Nha Trang Khanh Hoa Province; Review: Cozy cottages with everything you need. Very, very sweet staff, delicious restaurant , beautiful location. We have nothing but positive things to say about Mia resort. We had a wonderful holiday here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Sunrise Suites; City: Kalyves Apokoronas Chania Prefecture Crete; Review: Fabulous setting overlooking Kalyves and Souda Bay. This was our first visit to Crete and we had a warm and friendly welcome from Katerina on our arrival. Our room was an all-in-one kitchen/bedroom with separate bathroom and shower. We had a lovely big fridge/freezer but the kitchen area unfortunately was a bit thin on cooking utensils and equipment. We did ask for a kettle (we British need our cups of tea!) and the manager Dimitrius happily obliged. Overall it was extremely clean, the bed very comfortable and we had a sea view. There is a lovely big swimming pool which, at this time of year (Oct), we often had to ourselves, a children's pool and a bar area too. Lovely Katerina provided excellent service keeping us supplied with water while we sunbathed. She is a genuinely friendly and sociable lady, always smiling. As the other reviewers have said, Dimitrius is a terrific manager, nothing is too much trouble to make your stay at Sunrise Suites a memorable one. Although he is so friendly, he still remains professional at all times. He speaks good English and German too. Off road parking is available. We had a 5 minute walk into the village, down a steep path (we recommend taking a torch for the night time as it is quite dark). We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday here and hope to come back again in the not too distant future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apartamentos Abril; City: Nerja Costa del Sol Province of Malaga Andalucia; Review: No lift unfortunately, so lugging cases up several flights to our top floor apartment wasn't a great start - but we weren't disappointed with our room. It was overall very compact, with a kitchenette/ dining and lounge area, bedroom with double bed, bedside cabinets and dressing table and mirror, small bathroom with hairdryer, and a separate built-in wardrobe area. The colour scheme was unusually decorated in red and silver, but not tacky. The kitchenette had everything from half-size dishwasher, combination microwave, electric hob, lots of cooking utensils and equipment including tea towels, table mats and crockery, even a cafetiere, a huge fridge/freeze and ironing board. The rooms were cleaned daily. Ideally located for walking into town, with a great supermarket selling a variety of fish and meats - so we ate in quite a lot, although the restaurants were reasonable priced with good food. This is a family run business and the daughter speaks English, the mother that runs the cleaning side doesn't, but is very friendly. We discovered the roof terrace for sunbathing and a perfect place for an early evening drink in the last rays of the setting sun, and had it to ourselves too! We loved our first visit to unspoilt Nerja - a truly beautiful place.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Travelodge Chester Central; City: Chester Cheshire England; Review: The Travelodge is about a 10-15 minute walk from the train station (we travelled up by train), and situated in the city centre so everything is within walking distance. On arrival we had a lovely welcome from the Manager who changed our room from a rear to a front room which overlooked the Amphitheatre, so a great view. The room was very basic, no bedside cabinets only a small shelf within the headboard and a shelf above the clothes hanging area. Bathroom compact but clean (shower no bath) and surprisingly an anti-bac soap dispenser and shower soap dispenser. We had read that toiletries were not provided. Only downside is the carpet was grubby in places and the window did not open so we had to use the aircon to regulate the room temperature as I found it quite stuffy. Travelodge have put new beds in all their hotels and they are sooooooo comfortable. Didn't hear any traffic noise, but we always take earplugs because of doors banging and guests talking loudly whatever the time of day/night/early hours. Would definitely recommend this hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel; City: Stratford upon Avon Warwickshire England; Review: We were slightly anxious about our stay here after reading very mixed recent reviews. Firstly the hotel is in a great location and looks stunning. We managed to park ok after reviews of not being able to find a free parking space (people parking here may just be using the spa which is at the rear of the hotel) Yes there is a charge for parking but it does say on the signs for hotel guests to check in at reception first - so don't pay because a charge of £5 is made for the entire time you are there and not charged daily. The hotel is lovely inside and furnished in keeping with the appearance, as was our room. It was so comfortable and even had a fridge, lots of hanging space, drawers, armchair, lighting and very clean. The only small gripe would be lack of shelf space in the bathroom for toiletries and that the sink water drained away very slowly (which we reported but was not seen to while we were there). There were reviews that the hotel was shabby and run down - not where we were, although the corridor woodwork was being painted when we arrived. Overall the décor is lovely. Breakfast was good - choice of cereals, fresh fruit, water, fruit juices, continental and cooked. Lots of waiters/waitresses and plenty of seating - it was a busy Easter weekend too. The hotel is a 5 minute walk from the town which was so useful. We may have been lucky with our room position (end of a corridor) as it was so quiet as you usually get disturbed by constant banging of doors and people talking, maybe the guests staying here are more considerate?? Also we usually stay in a Travelodge and so for a bit extra felt this hotel was more superior and a treat for what we're used to. Overall we had a wonderful stay and wouldn't hesitate to come back again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grand Hotel Cadenabbia; City: Cadenabbia di Griante Lake Como Lombardy; Review: We chose this hotel (through Riviera Travel) mainly due to the good reviews. It has stunning views of the lake. The entrance is very grand looking with lots of seating areas. Our room on the first floor looked out onto the gardens. We decided to keep the windows closed when we were bitten by mosquitos in the garden, and just used the air con at night. Our room and bathroom were very clean, with TV, minibar (useful as a fridge for storing water but not much room for anything else) hairdryer and mini toiletries - but no kettle. Rooms cleaned daily. Huge selection of food at breakfast (hot and cold) tea, coffee, juices, water and even prosecco (free) and evening meal was self-serve antipasto buffet (wonderful), waiter service for 2nd and 3rd courses (small portions but for us too much so we cut out the 2nd) and good selection of desserts (self serve). Drinks are extra - but it would have been nice NOT to pay for water (4 Euros a bottle!) and wine isn't cheap. Most staff were friendly and spoke good English and worked hard. Tables are quite close together to enable getting to know other guests. It was very warm inside so we tried to get a table outside on the balcony most nights. During the day snacks and salads are available in the bar on the sun deck. Towels are provided too for the sun loungers and swimming. Good location for catching the ferries, a few small shops nearby selling drinks, snacks, postcards, stamps, clothes etc where the shop keepers spoke good English and were very friendly. Overall we enjoyed our stay here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Zziggysgal 1/2 Lb Dried French Lavender with 10 Drawstring Sachets, Factory Sealed in Triple Foil Re-closable Bag; Brand: zziggysgal; Review: The was the best fragrant Lavender I have ever ordered. I made little sache bags using this product and it was perfect. I would order it again....soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Norpro 3980 12-Count Nonstick Mini Donut Pan; Brand: Norpro; Review: This is perfect for making homemade baked donuts! It's the perfect size. I love, love, this pan. Highly recommend this product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Norpro 3964 Cream Canoe Pan With Bonus 9 Piece Decorating Set; Brand: Norpro; Review: This is perfect for making homemade twinkies! It's the perfect size. I love, love, this pan. Highly recommend this product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silver RV Camper Trailer Camping Christmas Ornament; Brand: Cape Shore; Review: Love, love, love it. Just exactly what I wanted; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beachcombers Campers Salt and Pepper Set; Brand: Beachcombers; Review: Perfect for my Christmas village set up; matched it with the trucks. Perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RV Camper Woody Kayak Salt & Pepper Shaker S/P; Brand: Downeast Concepts Cape Shore; Review: cute little salt & pepper shakers; will use in my Christmas Glamping village; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Camper Trailer Ornament by Midwest-CBK; Brand: Midwest-CBK; Review: Works well with my collection and I use in my Christmas Village Display.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trailer Camper Ornament; Brand: Ornament RV; Review: Works well with my collection and I use in my Christmas Village Display.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Victorio Kitchen Products VKP1010 Victorio Apple Peeler Stainless Steel, Multicolor; Brand: Victorio Kitchen Products; Review: my husband loves this. he uses this to make poached apples; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PROFESSIONAL GRADE GUMMY BEAR Mold (2 PACK) + Dropper + email Recipe PDF - by The Modern; Brand: The Modern Gummy; Review: Nice silicone mat. Just a bit smaller than I expected. I did not use the dropper. It was much easier to pour slowing into the mold.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: TANGCHU Russian Piping Tips 23PCS/SET Stainless Steel Large Size Icing Syringe Set DIY Coupler Nozzle; Brand: TANGCHU; Review: Love all the different tips and the designs they make. haven't used them all yet, still working on it. good quality material; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Luxurious 1200 Thread Count Goose Down Comforter Duvet Insert, Twin Size, 1200TC - 100% Egyptian Cotton Cover, 750+ Fill; Brand: Egyptian Bedding; Review: Best ever! Nice & warm perfect for our needs; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Modway Lily Upholstered Tufted Faux Leather Queen Headboard Size In Black; Brand: Modway; Review: Love this headboard; just what I was looking for. The price was right. Some of the washers were a bit too small, but that was an easy fix.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Today’s Home Pillow Shams Soft Microfiber Tailored Classic Styling, Standard, Grey (2 Pack); Brand: TodaysHome; Review: Love the softness of the fabric, just wish it had some fiber fill in the casing of the Sham so it would hold its shape.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: LifeStride Women's Vera Peep-Toe Pump; Brand: LifeStride; Review: These are just really great shoes--they are so comfortable, lovely to look at, and easy to wear. They aren't super high, but they shine like patent leather and look classy. I ordered the tan ones too!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Columbia Women's Arcadia Rain Jacket; Brand: ; Review: I bought this based on reviews. I was replacing a North Face rain jacket that I have just about worn out which is a size medium. I am 5'2" and slim; I first ordered a Columbia Women's Arcadia Rain Jacket, size Medium and is was HUGE on me so I had to return it. Reordered a small and the fit is good, although the arms are a tad long--but nothing the velcro at the ends of the arms won't fix! The color is beautiful and bright, exactly like the photo. This jacket is mid-weight with a hood that has a little visor. :) Big roomy pockets with zippers. It rained just a bit tonight and this did a great job of repelling rain!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sbicca Women's Range Clog; Brand: Sbicca; Review: These are comfortable and warm. They aren't thick fleece warm but enough for cool and crisp days. They are stylish looking with a small heel. I've worn Ugg clogs but the fleece of the Ugg clogs has always worn down so quickly that it's surprising. I haven't found that with these. I love them and really glad that I found these!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BIG BUDDHA Jenny Hobo; Brand: Big Buddha; Review: LOVE this bag! I use it every day and get tons of compliments on it. :) It's big without being too big and nice and slouchy. Doesn't weigh that much so it's not heavy to carry.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vanity Fair Women's Beauty Back Full Coverage Underwire Bra 75345; Brand: ; Review: I found one of these at a discount department store but had trouble finding anymore anywhere else. This style bra is beautiful and comfortable. The straps are comfortable and solid and never slip like so many other brands and types that I have worn in the past. The back is wide enough to not give you back rolls but not too wide to be unappealing. Excellent product!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Purple Thick Slouchy Knit Oversized Beanie Cap Hat; Brand: Greatlookz; Review: This hat would be good if the fit wasn't too tight. It's definitely not big or loose enough to be "oversized" or "slouchy". The color is exact and a really nice deep purple. I would have been happy if the hat was actually oversized and slouchy.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cougar Women's Cranbrook Lace-Up Insulated Snow Boot; Brand: ; Review: These boots were immediately very warm and fit well. They are tall and sturdy. They are so clumpy and heavy and unattractive that I returned them after trying them on.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Propet Women's Alta Boot; Brand: Propt; Review: These are wonderful low boots! I wear them often walking dogs and they are sturdy and warm without being too hot and very comfortable. They fit true to size- I'm a size 8 boot and I ordered a size 8 and they are fit very well. I've worn them mucking through slushy snow and they haven't leaked water so are water repellent. They are easy to get on and the zipper is well made.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Columbia Women's Minx Mid II Omni-Heat Print Winter Boot; Brand: ; Review: These boots were not available in my size on Amazon (size 8), so I ended up ordering them elsewhere. I ordered them true to size--my previous winter boots have been size 8 - and they fit fine. An 8.5 might have been better but the 8 is good, even with warm socks. I live in the mid Atlantic area where there's a good deal of snow and cold and even more ice. These boots are comfortable like slippers! They do definitely keep me warm, even walking dogs in the snow for over an hour and shoveling mountains of snow. They are definitely waterproof! I slogged through wet slushy snow and ice cold puddles and the boots kept me dry. They are definitely NOT GOOD walking on ice and icy surfaces!!! There is minimal traction! I'd have been better off in running sneakers than these on the icy streets and sidewalks here! I almost fell numerous times because of the poor traction. I almost gave them 3 stars because of that. So I'll hold onto these for literal snow boots but I'll need more sturdy boots with better traction for the actual walking my dogs here!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hi-Tec Women's Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot; Brand: ; Review: They arrived promptly and are inexpensive compared to most comparable boots. But they are really heavy and clunky and have no support and no cushioning. I ordered an 8 and they run slightly small--an 8.5 would have been a better fit. But these are nondescriptly not comfortable; too narrow and an odd fit. I'm returning them.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Send One Your Love; Brand: Boney James; Review: ANYTHING Boney James does is fabulous!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let's Touch The Sky; Brand: Fourplay; Review: It was just OK.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Smile; Brand: Peter White; Review: Excellent; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Embraceable You: Romantic Songs of George Gershwin; Brand: Beegie Adair; Review: Beggie Adair is such a fabulous pianist, and this CD is wonderful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Temptation; Brand: Jeff Golub; Review: I feel so sad that he died.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Roxy Women's Cabo Flip-Flop; Brand: ; Review: Thanks to the previous reviews, I was able to buy the right size. I am usually a 6 to 6 1/2 and the 7 fit perfectly. I bought several different colors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Andyshi Women's Sexy Vacation Summer Hot Deep V-neck Loose Beachwear Cover up; Brand: Andyshi; Review: Beautiful and complimenting fit. Light material, pretty pattern and colors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: INGEAR Short Tent Dress (Small/Medium, Black); Brand: INGEAR; Review: Material is much thinner than expected, but I love the comfy fit and feel. Can't wait for weather warm enough to wear it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doublju Womens Basic Comfy Short Sleeve Oversized Long Tunic Top; Brand: ; Review: A little bigger than expected, but I love the color and very comfy. Receive lots of compliments.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doublju Womens Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck Oversized T-Shirt Dress With Chest Pocket; Brand: ; Review: It was a little bigger than I expected, but that may be my own fault. I was looking for a comfy oversized t-shirt. I think the shirt is pulled to look more fitted in the picture than it actually is.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doublju Womens Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Solid/Tie Dye Tunic Top with Asymmetrical Hem; Brand: ; Review: I like this a lot, but gave one less star because I ordered black/grey and it is more purple'ish and I can't find leggings to match the color. Black doesn't go great, but nothing else works either. Not worth shipping or hassle to return.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Trainspotting (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Travel the World by Train: South America (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Bedroom (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghost World (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Focus (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Frida (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Princess and the Warrior (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City of God (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: High Fidelity (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Punch-Drunk Love (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Big Lebowski (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magnolia (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alias: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alias: Season 3 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ladder 49 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fast Runner (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trainspotting: Collector's Edition (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Garden State (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beyond the Gates of Splendor (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Plush Chevron Quilted Throw Super Soft Velvet Reversible Oversized Blanket (Teal); Brand: Plush Throw; Review: Awesome blanket. I love curling up with it to watch TV. It was a lot of money, but great quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heritage Lace Leaf 14-Inch by 36-Inch Runner, Goldenrod; Brand: Heritage Lace; Review: I didn't read the previous reviews. I, too, thought it had a solid cream backing. It's okay, but I was disappointed when I opened the package.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Easy-Clean Lid, 24 oz, Stainless Steel; Brand: Contigo; Review: So much easier to clean than the earlier model! Very happy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beachcombers SS-BCS-02706 Arts and Crafts Supplies; Brand: Beachcombers; Review: Broken. And missing piece not even in box!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Roommates Rmk1832Gm Thomas The Tank Engine Peel And Stick Giant Wall Decal With 3 Hooks; Brand: RoomMates; Review: Fell down in less than 12 hours.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Flameless Candles, Led Candles Set of 9(H 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 9" xD; Brand: comenzar; Review: Beautiful. We are pleasantly surprised with how realistic and pretty these are. Cast lovely glow on wall above our mantel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CaliTime Pack of 2 Comfy Throw Pillow Covers Cases for Couch Sofa Bed Comfortable Supersoft Corduroy Corn Striped Both Sides; Brand: CaliTime; Review: Very happy with red color...and quality. Instant makeover for our family room.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Windy City Novelties Original LED Light Up Christmas Bulb Necklace Party Favors Ugly Xmas Party (1 Pack); Brand: Windy City Novelties; Review: This is so cute. My 3 year old son got lots of compliments wearing it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Utopia Home Premium Quality Plastic Skirt Hangers (Pack of 12) - Non-Slipping Material with Sliding Metal Clips; Brand: Utopia Home; Review: I've already had 3 of my hangers fall apart and I just received last week. The metal hook stays on the rod and then the plastic and rest falls down in my closet. So disappointed!; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
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