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Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Tiny Love Spin Ball Toy; Brand: Tiny Love; Review: My baby is almost 7 months, and he loves this toy. He plays with it a few different ways. Sometimes he just flips the pieces back and forth, and sometimes he enjoys getting to the little face in the middle and spinning it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Monkey's Smart Stages Firehouse; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: Just okay, doesn't do a lot. Press a button, plays music. The top and bottom have parts that spin. Move the frog up and down the ladder. Annoyingly, if baby doesn't put the car in just right it either doesn't go down, or gets stuck inside, and I have to rescue it. Honestly, the different stages don't even matter. Pressing buttons is pressing buttons, so my baby gets bored of this pretty quickly.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: WolVol Educational Kids Toddler Baby Toy Musical Activity Cube Play Center with; Brand: WolVol; Review: I bought this in December. By May, some of the sounds were malfunctioning and would make a clicking sound when turned on. In July, my son brought it to me and there were no sounds. I changed the batteries, twice. Nothing. It just randomly stopped working. Not pleased. I spent close to $50 on this, and it lasted only a few months. edit for new information: After I wrote this review, the seller saw it and contacted me. They refunded me completely, even though I ordered this over 6 months before it broke, which I thought was very generous. I'm still not thrilled with the quality of the toy, but if you like it and want to take a chance, the seller is more than happy to help with any issues.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mega Bloks Build 'N Learn Table Building Set (Amazon Exclusive); Brand: Mega Bloks; Review: I was not planning on buying this item, but it was on sale one day for only $25. I thought it was a good deal, so I got it for my baby as a Christmas present. He was about 20 months by the time he opened it. The toy is great. My baby loves to stack the blocks and he sometimes uses the little cars on the track. I'm happy that it's a table and not just a bag of Mega Bloks. My older kids had loose Mega Bloks and they were always all over the place. With the table, he has a "place" to play with the blocks, and I like that the table can be folded and put away if I need my living room to look more like a living room and less like a play room. The reason I can only give 4 stars is because of the legs. My husband set this up, and I wasn't there to see it happen. But I was annoyed because the table was always collapsed onto the floor. When I was cleaning it up one day, I realized that there was a way to lock the legs into place. I figured my husband didn't realize, so the table was always falling because he didn't lock the legs. Unfortunately, he DID lock the legs, it's just that the legs are really, really bad. I locked them into place and then picked it up to move it... and 2 of the legs immediately folded right back up. When my baby plays with the table, the legs typically hold up. However, if he leans and puts any weight on it, or if he bumps into it too hard, it will fall down. And he's a toddler, so this is bound to happen. The legs really should have a better locking mechanism. Big oversight to an otherwise great toy. Another thing to consider, which has nothing at all to do with the quality of the toy - climbers. If you have a climber, be careful. My son is now 22 mos old and has entered his climbing phase. He often uses this as a stool, pushing it around to things he can't or isn't supposed to reach, and climbs up on top. Now, sometimes the legs give out during the pushing. So he either can't climb, or worse, tries to climb the now uneven table. If he manages to push it somewhere WITHOUT the legs giving out, then he now has a way to reach things he's not supposed to - and a risk of the legs giving out WHILE he's sitting/standing on it. We keep this toy right in our living room, so my baby can't get into much trouble because he's always being supervised when he's using it. But if you have a climber AND keep this someplace where you aren't always watching your baby like a hawk (like a playroom), you should be careful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: VTech Write and Learn Creative Center; Brand: VTech; Review: I'm on my second one, and I am returning that one, too. With the first one, the screen on top never worked. The pen wrote beautifully, but we couldn't get the screen to come on. I returned it, and my replacement was obviously already used and returned once. The pen barely showed up, the cover for the battery wasn't included at all, and the little bag of accessories had already been ripped open. I'm not taking my chances with a third one.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Microsoft RVF-00052 Arc Touch Mouse; Brand: Microsoft; Review: PROS: The mouse physically is very well designed, and comfortable to hold. CONS: It does not work. The curser jumps all over the screen. I tried downloading the latest drivers, changing USB ports. Tried it on two Windows 7 computers and one Windows 8 computer. Same problem Quick search on the internet; I was not the only one with MS Arc Mouse problems. Returning it to Amazon.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Skullcandy Ink'd 2.0 Wired Earbuds with in-Line Microphone and Remote, Tangle-Reducing Flat; Brand: Skullcandy; Review: The sound quality is OK for phone calls, but maybe not for music - For the price its a good deal.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: (OLD MODEL) Crucial M500 120GB SATA 2.5” 7mm (with 9.5mm adapter) Internal Solid State Drive - CT120M500SSD1; Brand: Crucial; Review: No problems!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dell D3000 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Docking Station (YWDN0); Brand: Dell; Review: Very poor performance. Video flickers; had to plug mouse and keyboard directly into computer to get adequate response times.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: D-Link Wireless-N Dual-Band MediaBridge (DAP-1513); Brand: D-Link; Review: This is an obsolete product. It would not stay connected to the Router. Last software update was 2011.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Monster High Walkie Talkies - Black (15048); Brand: Monster High; Review: Purchased for my five year old and these are VERY small. Probably a much better fit for 2-3 year old. Tinny and low quality - but cute Monster High logo.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Drybranch Sport Design 28" Wooden Sand Shovels with Plastic Spade - 3 Pack (Assorted Colors); Brand: Drybranch Inc; Review: Used for Vacation Bible School kids (k - 2nd). Good purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Disney Descendants Two-Pack Mal Isle of the Lost and Ben Auradon Prep Dolls; Brand: Disney Descendants; Review: Purchased for daughter for Christmas Gift. Couldn't find this set anywhere in local stores. Amaon had it! Daughter loves it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Little Pony Cutie Mark Magic Water Cuties Diamond Mint Figure; Brand: My Little Pony; Review: Different type of pony. Daughter loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Iwako Erasers Animal Overstock (Pack of 20); Brand: Iwako; Review: Great Variety. Good Price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HAPPY PIE PLAY&ADVENTURE HappyPie Multiplex Wood Monkey Mega Disc Tree Swing Outdoors Garden Indoors Swing Toy for Children; Brand: HAPPY PIE PLAY&ADVENTURE; Review: Great Swing. Hung it from bottom of deck for 8 year old (55 lbs.) to swing on. Anticipate it lasting her quite a while. Would recommend and would re-purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Learning Resources Double-sided Tabletop Easel; Brand: Learning Resources; Review: Received this as a Christmas gift from my husband to use in my preschool class. The item is well-made and heavy so you need a place to store it when not in use. It came on time and in perfect condition. Dry erase side is magnetic. Felt board is large and my students love to use it on their table tops for play time. It folds down flat in it's box stand and comes with a strap to hold it in place. Would recommend purchasing if you want a sturdy, portable felt board.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lake Placid Starglide Girl's Double Runner Figure Ice Skate; Brand: Lake Placid; Review: Needed a pair of skates for my 8 year old for a skating party. She had never ice-skated before and so I didn't want to sink too much money into these. They worked out beautifully. She looked like all the other "seasoned" skaters - yet she was moving on double blades. Great to have as an initial introduction to the ice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Fancy Life Dollhouse Furniture - Bed Room and Wardrobe Play Set; Brand: Huaheng Toys; Review: Purchased as an alternative to the Barbie Furniture because it was 'different' than what was available in stores. Came on time, well-packaged and 8 year old loves it and is using it in her Barbie Dream House. Furniture is comparable in size to Barbie furniture and fits full-sized Barbie dolls.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Fancy Life Dollhouse Furniture - Bathing Fun with Bath Tub and Toilet Playset; Brand: My Fancy Life; Review: Purchased this set as an alternative to "Barbie" brand. A little less expensive and offers a different variety in furniture choice. Daughter loves it. Easy to assemble. Looks nice and is holding up well. Fits full-sized Barbie Dolls and Barbie House.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar with Training DVD; Brand: PetSafe; Review: After having it for 3 days, the adjustment clip broke off the nose band. It couldn't be fixed. To bad they don't make metal clips.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar with Training DVD; Brand: PetSafe; Review: After having it for 3 days, the adjustment clip broke off the nose band. It couldn't be fixed. To bad they don't make metal clips.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Personalized Dog Collar, Custom Collars Embroidered w/Pet Name & Phone Number – Blue, Black, Pink, Red; Brand: GoTags; Review: Very clear writing, but made my dog lose hair under her collar. I keep it with her leash so she doesn't wear it 24/7; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blueberry Pet Toys for Dogs, 7.5", Rope Ring with Tennis Ball Tug Interactive Rope Dog Toy; Brand: Blueberry Pet; Review: Gone in a day; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Redbarn - Meaty Bone (Large) Real Femur Bone (6 Inch) (1-Pack); Brand: REDBARN; Review: Dog loves it!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Michael Douglas Weighs In on College Admissions Scandal: It's 'Egregious'; Abstract: Michael Douglas Weighs In on College Admissions Scandal: It's 'Egregious'; Category: movies
Title: Little Dog Comes Up With Clever Way To Get More Attention; Abstract: Rikki Perez Chewie was rescued after spending the first six years of her life locked in a cage at a puppy mill.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 'Time was of the essence': Politicians add to reward for missing 3-year-old; Abstract: Kamille "Cupcake" McKinney was playing at a birthday party when she disappeared.; Category: news
Title: Bob Kingsley, Country Radio Legend, Dead at 80; Abstract: Country radio legend Bob Kingley, the longtime host of the nationally syndicated program Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40, died early Thursday in Weatherford, Texas, following a lengthy battle with bladder cancer. He was 80 years old. A member of the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame, inducted in 1998, he later became only the format's fifth representative in the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Kingsley was 18 and serving in the Air...; Category: music
Title: Unprecedented movement detected on California earthquake fault capable of 8.0 temblor; Abstract: A major California fault capable of producing a magnitude 8 earthquake has begun moving for the first time on record, a result of this year's Ridgecrest earthquake sequence destabilizing nearby faults, Caltech scientists say in a new study released in the journal Science on Thursday. In the modern historical record, the 160-mile-long Garlock fault on the northern edge of the Mojave Desert has never been observed to produce either a strong...; Category: news
Title: Hours before passing, Elijah Cummings signed subpoenas directed to two US immigration agencies; Abstract: In one of his last official acts before his death, the late House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings signed two subpoenas for documents related to a temporary end to a policy change that allowed some immigrants with severe health issues to remain in the US.; Category: news
Title: Bill Macy, Bea Arthur's Husband on 'Maude,' Dies at 97; Abstract: Norman Lear saw him choking on a chicken bone and brought him to Hollywood. The actor also appeared in 'My Favorite Year' and 'The Late Show.'; Category: news
Title: I followed Oprah's morning routine for a week, which includes $100 affirmation cards and 'spiritual exercises.' It was surprisingly difficult.; Abstract: The star kicks off her day by meditating, observing nature, caring for her five dogs, and reading costly inspirational cards.; Category: lifestyle
Title: This Dog Sleeping on His Owner's Prosthetic Leg Years After His Death Will Break Your Heart; Abstract: A heartbreaking photo of a dog lying on the prosthetic leg of his late human shows how much dogs miss us once we're gone.; Category: lifestyle
Title: California governor pardons 3 convicted immigrants to help block deportations; Abstract: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, on Friday announced he's pardoning three immigrants who committed crimes as part of an effort to protect them from being deported back to their home countries.; Category: news
Title: Body of missing Alabama girl found; 2 being charged; Abstract: Investigators searching through garbage found the body of a 3-year-old girl who was missing more than a week, and authorities are charging two people with murder, police said Tuesday.; Category: news
Title: California sheriff's deputy shot dead, ride-along injured in 'active shooter incident,' officials say; Abstract: A police officer in Northern California was killed and another deputy was injured after an "active shooter" incident early Wednesday, according to officials.; Category: news
Title: Dangerous Diablo winds fueling Kincade fire with wind gusts up to 76 mph; Abstract: Forecasters had been warning for days that dangerous Diablo winds were coming. Now, those conditions have rapidly spread a monster fire in Sonoma County. The Kincade fire was burning out of control, consuming 10,000 acres in just a few hours. Officials expected fire conditions in the Bay Area to improve Thursday afternoon, but smoke issues across the region will worsen Friday. A second round of extreme fire weather will return to the region on...; Category: news
Title: The News In Cartoons; Abstract: News as seen through the eyes of the nation's editorial cartoonists.; Category: news
Title: What it's really like to retire in an RV; Abstract: Do your retirement plans include driving cross-country in your RV? If so, have you considered going all-in on RV living, leaving behind a standard address and all its annoying commitments? Here are some factors to take into consideration before you do, based on feedback from RVers already living on the road year-round.; Category: finance
Title: Former US Senator Kay Hagan dead at 66; Abstract: Former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a one-time Capitol Hill intern who went on to become North Carolina's first Democratic female senator, died Monday at her Greensboro home. She was 66.; Category: news
Title: NFL Week 9 Power Rankings: More ammo for Belichick as greatest coach ever; Abstract: Doug Farrar offers up myriad surprises in Touchdown Wire's Week 9 NFL Power Rankings.; Category: sports
Title: Couple's haunting wedding photo captures California wildfire raging nearby; Abstract: A Chicago couple on a destination wedding in California wine country took a surreal wedding photo while wearing masks as a wildfire burned in the distance.; Category: news
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: Black cat visits field during Cowboys-Giants game on 'Monday Night Football'; Abstract: ; Category: sports
Title: Donald Trump Jr. reflects on explosive 'View' chat: 'I don't think they like me much anymore'; Abstract: After a heated appearance on "The View" Thursday, Donald Trump Jr. talked about the experience later that day with Sean Hannity on Fox News.; Category: tv
Title: Dog Throws A Total Tantrum When She Realizes Mom Wants To Take The Stairs; Abstract: Aurora Angel Beste Nala has always been the friendliest dog, and loves going out on adventures and meeting new people.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Broadway Actress Laurel Griggs Dies at Age 13; Abstract: Broadway star Laurel Griggs has died, according to multiple reports. She was 13.; Category: music | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane; Author: Visit Amazon's Kate DiCamillo Page; Review: This was a required summer reading book for my daughter who just started 5th grade. She loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dark Places; Author: Visit Amazon's Gillian Flynn Page; Review: When I ordered Dark Places I couldn't wait for it to arrive so I could start reading it. I was hugely disappointed!! Was expecting to be entertained and surprised like I was when I read Gone Girl and Sharp Objects. Dark Places was depressing and boring. Was VERY surprised to discover that this book was made into a movie. Maybe it will be better than the book. For a great entertainment, Sharp Objects is a must read. Gone Girl was great, but Sharp Objects was awesome! A real surprise at the end!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Shiloh; Author: Visit Amazon's Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Page; Review: Was a required summer reading book for my daughter who just entered 5th grade. She enjoyed it and we will most likely continue the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery; Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Katz Page; Review: Wonderful cookbook!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kombucha Revolution: 75 Recipes for Homemade Brews, Fixers, Elixirs, and Mixers; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Lee Page; Review: Nice book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Call of the Wild eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Jack London Page; Review: Print is smaller and closer together than The Call Of The Wild that I recently got a refund for. Ordered this edition because the print looked larger with lines spaced farther apart than the other book. My daughter will need a magnifying glass to read either book!! I guess I'll have to go to the bookstore and purchase one that's not published by an el cheapo publisher :(; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hacienda San Angel; City: Puerto Vallarta; Review: We just returned from the Puerto Vallarta area for a romantic winter vacation to the sunshine. We spent 2 of 6 nights on our trip at Hacienda San Angel, in the San Jose Suite. We had the most fantastic view of all of the Bay of Banderas and Puerto Vallarta from our beautiful room and terrace. I have travelled quite a lot around the world and have stayed at absolutely wonderful places, but I have to say Hacienda San Angel is my favorite. It is charming, beautiful, relaxed, and the ambience and decor are exquisite without being uptight or formulaic. The staff are friendly and attentive but quite unobtrusive, which is a much appreciated combination. We had an excellent dinner by candlelight in the outdoor restaurant and loved the panoramic view of Puerta Vallarta from the terrace where the restaurant is located. The mariachi musicians made the evening even better. We enjoyed all three swimming pools, and meeting the other guests. We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner Janice Chatterton several times during our stay. She and her 6 little dogs were delightful and accommodating. I am a bit understated in my writing style, but if you visit Hacienda San Angel, you will be enchanted, then feel very sorry when it is time to leave! PS, the fact that we became engaged at Hacienda San Angel makes all these comments even more lovestruck than they first appear!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stonepine Estate Resort; City: Carmel Valley California; Review: We visited the Stonepine Estate for an small post-elopement dinner with several dear friends. It was a wonderful experience. We sat outside at the outdoor living room til dusk turned to darkness, under the moon and stars, with wonderful wine, flowers, and music, and a view of the pond and mansion across the large lawn. Then we went inside for a candlelight dinner in the beautiful dining room--a very private and formal setting with very professional and sterling service. We had a waiter all to ourselves who was excellent and delightful without being stuffy. The food was very good and we enjoyed a beautiful fresh flower arrangement on our dining table. The mansion and grounds are beautiful, elegant and peaceful. It is truly a special experience that will stay in our memories for a lifetime.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ashland Springs Hotel; City: Ashland Oregon; Review: We spent 2 nights here for the first time, after visiting Ashland for many years. We were curious about the renovation of the former Mark Antony hotel and loved the results. We found the lobby and our room delightful. The beds were VERY comfortable and we had views of the Ashland hills. The bathroom was it's own spacious room with a window. The breakfast was OK--rather spartan in contents and could use improvements, but the mezzanine setting was nice. Parking was good and the staff were friendly and efficient. We loved the location--all points in town are easily walkable. We did not try the restaurant. Overall, this is probably the nicest hotel in Ashland.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Ridge Farms; City: Dayton Oregon; Review: We spent 2 nights over the 4th of July weekend, with our outdoor oil paints and bicycles and had a great time. This place has beautiful architecture, massive windows on both sides for panoramic views of the rolling hills of the vinyards, and Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson in the distance. The decor is great. The grounds are a mix of olive groves, and flower nursery, along with fields of lavender. There is a gift shop on the first floor with olive oil tastings, cheese and olive picnic plates, coffee and shortbread cookies. The family who owns this place owns a wine tasting shop across the property which is also open for business. We had the whole place to ourselves one day and we were given the remote to he security gate and came and went as we pleased. The staff was attentive but not intrusive whatsoever. My only misgivings was that you climb a circular metal staircase to the apartment level, and it is awkward if you have a lot of heavy or large things to carry up. There is a nice shower, not large, but no bathtub! Nonetheless, I highly recommend this place and I am a picky person about my lodgings.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Reserve; City: Giverny Eure Haute Normandie Normandy; Review: We stayed here in October 2013, as the season was changing to Fall. It was pastoral, beautiful and romantic. It is a mile or two from the town center so you would probably want a car. The owner Valerie is wonderful to visit with, and she speaks excellent English. The breakfasts are outstanding (and we are picky and well travelled) so I think they are truly outstanding. This would be an excellent spot for an anniversary or other special occasion. But if you are visiting Giverny, this is the best place to stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Clef Louvre; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: We stayed here in October 2013. It was delightful to stay in a beautifully renovated and charming hotel with beautiful decor, amenities, and with excellent food and service, where there is a luxury infused into the atmosphere. I think it is very easy to stay in an older, non renovated place in Paris that is not half as nice or beautiful. The breakfasts were extra, and about $20, which seemed like a lot, but there were many food selections that seemed very french. The food quality and presentation was excellent. There were many things to select that we don't have in the US. This is a great location for visiting the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay which we like better than the Louvre. By the way, the bathrooms have bathtubs, so if you like to have a hot soak after a heavy day sightseeing, you can have it here. The bed was very comfortable too--not like many hotels in Europe with very hard beds--this bed was softer and very comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Roasted Garlic Express - White; Brand: REGIROCK; Review: This garlic roaster added wonderful flavor to my cooking and introduced us to new healthy, flavorful snacks like the homemade brushetta or simple roasted garlic on crackers. We also bought one for friends as a gift and they love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bissell Steam Mop Hard-Floor Cleaner, Green Tea, 1867-7; Brand: Bissell; Review: I hate house chores, especially mopping the floor. The water gets cold quickly and it really feels like pushing dirt back and forth on the floor, I never felt that it was clean, no matter the type of mop or cleaning product I used. A co-worker was telling us about her steam mop (Shark) and how great it was so I decided to look into it. I started researching the best model for a price I was willing to pay (under $100) and the Bissell seemed to be the best option. On average, sites had 4/5 stars rating. The mop came in and I decided to give it a REAL try: a dirty bathroom floor and the high mess/traffic kitchen. I swept to remove excess debris and dog hair first then started the steam action. Boy did it work! The pad got very dirty rather quickly on the first pass (I was hoping for that) and my second pass with a clean pad still picked up soil. It lifted dirt, dried cola, dry ketchup, dry blood, hairspray, hair gel, makeup, urine (some boys can't aim too well) and whatever mystery spots were around and under the kitchen trash can. The pads work best damp from the steam but not soaking wet. The cord is long enough for my needs and sturdy. The mop itself is a tad heavy (8lbs) but it's not bad at all. I find that it works pretty good along the walls but not so great in corners. The floor was left with a little water but it dried up in about 2 minutes or less without streaks - if the floor seems to get wet, I release the trigger for 10 seconds. If the steam stops I found that adjusting the water bottle solves the problem - I wish the thing would "click" into place. There is no power switch so you have to unplug it from the wall. Because of its size, it was easy to find a place to put it away. I plan to order extra pads and filters from Bissell, along with the Eucalyptus additive - when using distilled water the cost of the filters is much less then buying armful chemicals. I would recommend it to my friends and family.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Guinness 20oz Gravity Pint Glass; Brand: Luminarc; Review: I bought this as a gift, and it is my friend's preferred glass now :) It feels nice and looks beautiful. Perfect for the Guinness lover!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Desktop Humidor, Capri, with Tempered Glasstop, Cedar Divider, and Brass Ring Glass Hygrometer, Holds 25 to 50; Brand: Quality Importers; Review: This humidor was very very thirsty and took a bit to season however it was well worth it. Cigars that were getting too dry came back to life and are no longer "crunchy". I took the time to read reviews and tips from other users and it helped me lots, since I know nothing about cigars and humidors and bought this a a gift. I opened it ahead of time and started seasoning it before offering it to my boyfriend. I also did the salt test with the hygrometer before starting to season the humidor, so I knew where to stand. The hygrometer wasn't 100% accurate but I now know the difference, may adjust it later if that becomes bothersome. Very pretty box, looks more expensive than what I paid for it. I would recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inomata 80800 Japanese Rice Washing Bowl with Strainer, 2.5-Quart Capacity; Brand: Inomata; Review: This makes washing off rice so much easier! I bought a rice cooker and this is the perfect complimentary accessory. It retains enough water to allow to "swish" water and rice around easily and yet, allows the water to drip out. Rice or Quinoa sometimes gets stuck in the openings but that's a minor inconvenience. The plastic is thick enough that the bowl holds nicely and doesn't feel flimsy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Crosse Technology 616-143 Projection Alarm Clock with Backlight with In/Out Temp; Brand: La Crosse Technology; Review: So I shopped long and large for a dual alarm clock with projection. Bonus: outside temperature, which is very useful here in Arizona. The clock worked fine once set, I could read the outside temperature and all, great! However, as soon as I turn the projection on, the display blinks and then shows gibberish all over and it stops working. I did read some reviews were the unit didn't work that great and thought I would take a chance, well I got a lemon too. Returning it for a refund.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Norpro 986 White Egg & Mushroom Slicer; Brand: Norpro; Review: Perfect no-mess scoop to refill my reusable Keurig K cup, also practical for my french press, now I can measure and adjust for a more consistent flavor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Contigo AUTOSEAL Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, 16 oz, Green; Brand: Contigo; Review: Best travel coffee mug ever! So much that I bought 2 more! It keeps liquids hot for several hours, no complaints. Having the stainless one I get to put it in the diswasher, no issues so far and I had it over a year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ChefLand Stainless Steel Pineapple Corer | All in One Pineapple Tool, Peeler, Slicer and Cutter | Non Slip Detachable; Brand: ChefLand; Review: This works better than expected. It is very sharp and cuts well, just a bit odd to store. The black plastic handle comes off in order to remove the fruit from the slicer. Simply cut the top of the pineapple, line ip the core remover with the core of the fruit and screw in. Watch of the sides so you keep working straight down and when you hit bottom, pull up! You will leave the skin there and have all this good fruit ready to go, so far I had to remove very little little "eyes" from the fruit. Less waste than I expected too. This is a keeper, love it love it. Shipping was slow because from China but it was the best price around at the time, no complaints.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cuisinart CCJ-500 Pulp Control Citrus Juicer, Brushed Stainless; Brand: Cuisinart; Review: Works great, love that I can adjust the amount of pulp desired, however the motor does not reverse direction on every lift of the fruit, not a big issue. Mostly used with lemons and oranges so far.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DecoBros 2 Pack Silicone 2-Inch King Cube Ice Tray, Orange; Brand: Deco Brothers; Review: Works great, more sturdy than expected. Great for freezing lemon juice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winco 11-Inch Bar Spoon Steel with Red Knob; Brand: Winco; Review: Simple, useful and just practical to have on hand. Easy to stir drinks in tall plastic cups instead of using parfait spoons. Washed it several times in the dishwasher, no discoloration or signs of rust.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OXO Good Grips Accent Mess Free Salt Grinder, Stainless Steel; Brand: OXO; Review: Easy to use, easy to clean and no little parts to fall off or get lost. No guessing on how to adjust the grind or looking for the dial, it is right there and clearly identified, easy to turn too for folks with arthritis or long nails. We really love this pepper grinder.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vrinda ®Abalone Shell and 6'' Wooden Tripod Stand; Brand: vrinda; Review: The stand is of better quality than expected I am very pleased with it. The shell is wide and sturdy just like the picture. It was really easy to assemble and looks very nice in my display case. Would take very little space if I had to store it all collapsed in a drawer or box.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maverick Et-733 Long Range Wireless Dual Probe BBQ Smoker Meat Thermometer Burgundy; Brand: Maverick; Review: Very disappointed in this unit. When it works it's ok but it is a real pain to program (I like to think of myself as tech savvy but seriously folks, this is a BBQ thermometer and shouldn't be so frustrating), the receiver eats batteries so you got to make sure to take them out when you are done and keep spares on hand - I just thieved some from my TV remote so I could cook. Heavens forbid you forgot to sync the unit before you programmed it because it will reset all the values you just set that day - to sync you got to turn the unit off. Also to remove the batteries from the transmitter you need a screwdriver. I would not recommend this to a friend at all.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Inomata 1150 Rice Paddle Set, White; Brand: Inomata; Review: You could probably get this cheaper at your local Asian market but if you can't be bothered these are exactly what they seem. No fuss.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grayline 40232 Deluxe Wrap Rack; Brand: Grayline; Review: Arrived with a contact point undone, I had to repair it. Otherwise it is just like the picture, it holds quite a bit and does what I need it to. It freed up a drawer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Umbra Skinny Trash Can – Sleek & Stylish Bathroom Trash; Brand: Umbra; Review: Exactly as described, this is perfect between my bed and night stand when I have a cold. It doesn't feel too thin, I am happy with the quality. This could be great in a small bathroom as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 7); Author: Visit Amazon's J.R. Ward Page; Review: First I have to say... the cover is HOTTT! ***SPOILERS*** Rehv & Ehlena- Their story was great! I got to see another side of Rehv, which I knew he had given how protective he is of Bella. (Come on, every bad boy has it.) My only complaint is I wish there was more of it. I didn't feel it was only their story. The other stories seem to have equal time as much as theirs and that's where I feel they were gypped when compared to the other books (although I did notice the same trend with Lover Enshrined). I mean, were the other stories necessary? Yes. However, it didn't have to share equal time as the main characters. Anyway, I still think it was a beautiful story. The reason for only 3 stars is based on the book as a whole. If rated for Rehv & Ehlena alone, definitely 5 stars! And I have to add that it's very well written just like her other books. In fact, I believe he's my favorite of all the men in the book. I love tortured heroes! Wrath & Beth- It was only a matter of time until he was completely true to his name, the Blind King. It was nice to get an update on Wrath & Beth even though I wasn't ecstatic about it sharing equal time with Rehv. John & Xhex- I don't know why, but I still think it's an odd pairing. For some weird reason I keep imagining Xhex as Annie Lennox in her Eurythmics days. LOL! Go figure... LOL! Maybe that's why I'm finding the whole attraction between the two a little far-fetched... Anyway, the whole threesome thing John seems to have with Qhuinn is another "huh?" for me. I mean, I understand the first time, but when Xhex predicted who would be following the goth girl and Qhuinn out of the bathroom stall... it tells me it's a common occurance. Lash & Xhex- OK... How hard is it to tell the Brotherhood, "So hey, btw, I saw Lash the other day, but isn't he supposed to be dead? Oh and he also smelled like a lesser too, so you might wanna check on that." LOL! Instead Xhex's response when they saw Lash was, "You mean you didn't know?" Huh? Wha??? I mean, I know Xhex and the Brotherhood aren't buddy buddy, but a little FYI would've been common sense. LOL! Lash & the Princess- That coupling was just bizarre. Well, at least his feelings for her was. I knew he was crazy, but then he started reminding me of the guy who kidnapped Bella... w/o the whole "she reminds me of my wife" thing. He was like a 3 yr old going around saying "mine!" Tohr- Poor Tohr... it's about time he opened up his eyes to see who he needs to be fighting for and who he's fighting against. I think his story needs to be the last book of the series. Being mated, explained in all paranormal books is supposed to mean more than marriage,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Three Nights of Sin; Author: Visit Amazon's Anne Mallory Page; Review: The book was entertaining from beginning to end. The story between the Marietta and Gabriel with the verbal sparring, romance, and plot was smartly written. Oh and lets not forget the love scenes... simply delicious. ^_^ Descriptions of their kissing alone had me tightly gripping the pages! lol! After the plot unravelled and his decision to handle the situation, all I could do was respect Gabriel more. The friendship between him and John was loyal and admirable. My only complaint is it ended too abruptly for me. I wish there was an epilogue at the end confirming their happily ever after... and possibly leave an opening for a story about John's new life in a continuation book? Another tortured hero story... Gotta love'em!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night In Eden (Random House Large Print); Author: Visit Amazon's Candice Proctor Page; Review: After the accidental death of Bryony's husband, being torn away from her 3 yr old daughter, and death of her 5 mo. old son while in prison leads her to, Hayden St. John. (I envisioned Hugh Jackman in the movie Australia *wink wink*) He as her master and she as his servent. With the tragic events in her life, Bryony, has little to live for however she endures in hopes of returning to England for her daughter. The attraction and sexual tension between Bryony and Hayden are equal on both sides, but her pride refuses to give in. From there you go through several events of their tug of war of wills. It gets to the point where you say to yourself, "Can you just do the deed already?" However when Bryony does give herself to him, it's hot and it's sexy and you forget the repetitive tug of war of wills. It's a wonderful story where you sympathize for the heroine, but you also admire her for the strength to go on and envy her for the handsome hero wanting/lusting and eventually loving her. It's the first book I've read by Candice Proctor and definitely not my last.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If You Love Me; Author: Visit Amazon's Elaine Coffman Page; Review: The heroine, Margery, was held captive for 20 yrs. of her life. During that time she has been traded through three different Indian tribes. While in the middle of another trade, Will, the hero, encounters the negotiation. He decides right then and there to purchase her and make her his bride for the purpose of getting back at his dad. Margery, unaware of the true purpose of his "heroic" act, looks at Will as her savior. When they arrive at Will's family home on Christmas Eve, he and his father exchange angry words and he leaves Margery. In that moment she realizes his true purpose for marrying her. Broken hearted, abandoned and betrayed, she hardens her heart and with the help of her mother-in-law she no longer is the "little savage" Will deemed her to be. Margery is accepted by the ton and learns to be independent. All the while, Will is in America with his dying friend pining away for Margery. After two yrs Will returns home to find his shy and submissive wife is no longer so. However he prefers the new headstrong Margery than the meek and biddable Margery. After a couple rounds of battle of the wills, they finally come together. This book is part of a series, but the only one I read. It can be read as a stand alone. It was a great read, but my only complaint was the battle of wills was too brief. After two yrs being away, I felt, Will should have fought harder and longer to win his wife back. And I know I know, his physical ailment is the reason it brought them together sooner than it would have otherwise, but I felt he owed her more than, what was it, two weeks of trying to win her over? The author could've added a couple more pages with him on his knees... ^_^ The ending was quite lovely and was the perfect ending to the series. Even though I didn't read the other books, it just seemed to fit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gabriel's Bride; Author: Visit Amazon's Samantha James Page; Review: I was hesitant about reading this book because of the reviews it received on amazon.com. However to my surprise I liked the book. The book flowed well from beginning to end. Even though I figured who was trying to murder Cassie once Gabriel began to suspect foul play, it didn't take away my interest. The author did a good job in keeping your interest to find out what would happen next. Gabriel's pain and anger is understandable, but his treatment towards Cassie was tiring at times. Although the author made the reader see that he did care for Cassie, the moments he did soften towards her were very brief and fleeting. Because of that, even though in the end, he seemed to have opened up and professed his love for her, you couldn't help but feel, regardless of his admission, he would still be a hard man. As for Cassie, the decisions she made to run away was totally called for but her lack of common sense, I did not understand. The author portrayed her to be semi intelligent, yet she didn't think to take something that would help her financially. I'm sure there was something of value she could have taken to make her dream come true of having her own little cottage in the country. I'm sure the author could have come up with something to have their paths cross if that was the route Cassie took, but whatever. I would say the best thing in the book was Gabriel and his father coming together. There, I thought was where the author shined. I know it sounds more like I didn't enjoy the book because of the complaints, but I assure you that I liked it. I would compare the premise of this book to Elain Coffman's "If You Love Me," although I have to say Coffman is a lot better.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Once in a Blue Moon; Author: Visit Amazon's Penelope Williamson Page; Review: Very sweet emotional ride. This is the second book I read by Williamson and she definitely knows how to write a book that tugs on your heart strings. I felt the connection and reasons of why and how Jessalyn and McCady fell in love. At times I found myself in awe of their love for one another and then upset at how McCady was always turning her away from him. Yes, he believed it was for her own good, but at the same time he couldn't keep away from her. Only when he was truly going to lose her did make a move to ensure she would be his. *sigh* I just wish he hadn't hurt her so many times over and wish she had more pride. I felt she sacrificed so much for him and everything he did was for himself. I wanted him to redeem himself, to make the readers understand that he did deserve Jessalyn. However, the book ended abruptly therefore the author leaves it to the reader to assume their happily ever after. *shrugs* I also enjoyed other characters in the book. Becka, I found myself laughing at her misusing words. Emily, I couldn't help but like her and feel sorry for her. And then Clarence... Yes, I even like Clarence. In the beginning he was created to be a likeable character and then he turns into a villian which was kind of hard to believe. All in all, this is not a book to be missed if you enjoy emotional romance books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Moment's Madness; Author: Visit Amazon's Helen Kirkman Page; Review: I only read to the first 50 pages and couldn't go on. For the year 917 their speech was very modern. I also didn't feel a connection between the H/H. And yes, maybe I did quit too soon to discern the connection, but I found my mind wandering while reading. Finally I realized even if I did finish the book I really wouldn't remember what it was about because it couldn't hold my attention. In addition, there was more description than dialog. I prefer equal amounts. I know this book received high ratings on Amazon.com, but for me, it fell short of my expectations.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Shattered Rose (Dark Champion, Book 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Beverley Page; Review: Initially it was really hard for me to get through the book. Not because it wasn't good, but because I hated the heroine, Jehanna. Every couple of chapters I had to stop reading because I couldn't stand her and upset at Galeran, for being so forgiving. I almost stopped reading the book, but decided to trudge on. Finally Aline and Raoul happened... Thank goodness! Aline and Raoul, having their own side story in the book, was a great reprieve from your feelings towards Jehanna. Overall, it's a great story if you can get pass your dislike of the heroine. You'll sympathize with Galeran. enjoy the battle between Aline and Raoul and you may find yourself teary eyed when Galeran finally mourns for his son.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Broken; Author: Visit Amazon's Megan Hart Page; Review: An erotica with a great storyline. Who woulda thought of that?... I wasn't too sure what to expect when I opened the book and began to read. By the time I got to part of how Sadie met her husband, Adam, and then the fateful day of his accident, I KNEW that all the positive reviews I read about this book was going to be true. I read it in one sitting, that's how much I loved it. I was entralled from the beginning to end. One moment, my heart's racing from Joe's erotic stories and next my heart's breaking for Sadie and Adam. It was erotic, sexy, tragic, redeeming, simply emotional fulfilling. If you're looking for an erotica and still feel as if you reading comtemporary romance then definitely pick this book up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Loving Lies; Author: Visit Amazon's Lora Leigh Page; Review: Talk about alpha male... Slade definitely fits the description. As for Jessie she IS TSTL. I still don't understand why she felt SHE FAILED HIM. If Slade trusted Jazz enough with the truth then I think he could've trusted the woman he loved just the same. On top of that, he knocks up Amy... Come on... But hey, that's just me... I can't really say it was a "sexy" read because I pictured trailer park trash while reading and that is so not sexy... I guess the cover should've given it away. LOL! However it was HOT! If you enjoy erotica stories without depth and TSTL heroine then this is for you.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Horde Wars: Ravenous (Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Sherri L King Page; Review: I actually liked it... What got my attention was the cover, but what made me hesitate was the genre, erotica. I do enjoy erotica books IF it contains a good storyline and decent H/H. Maybe what I'm describing is more Paranormal Romantica than Erotica? Anyway, Ravenous definitely fit the bill. The heroine was sarcastic and funny while the hero was a serious alpha male (although on the mild side) with a great sex drive. Together, along with other Shikar warriors, they're determined to rid earth of the Daemon Horde. My only gripe is how quickly they fell in love. It seemed less than a week, but whatever...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wanton Fire (The Horde Wars) (Book 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Sherri L. King Page; Review: In this book, the Horde capabilities and intelligence seem to be evolving. The Shikar warriors are dumbfounded and trying to figure out how it's happening. This book was alright, but it wasn't as good as Ravenous. It did have some funny parts though... 11 inches and as big as her wrist! I'd be scared too! LOL!. However the best part was when Steffy was dying. Okay, not the dying itself, but the emotions that poured out from Cinder. I love hardcore/bad boy heroes with a heart of gold. *sigh* LOL!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Promise of Jenny Jones; Author: Visit Amazon's Maggie Osborne Page; Review: Jenny Jones is not your typical historical romance heroine. She smokes, curses, fights like a man and most importantly she keeps her promises. She promises a dying woman's wish to deliver her daughter, Graciella, to her husband in California. Graciella is a spoiled heiress that gives Jenny a hard time. Unbeknownst to them, Graciella's Uncle Ty, came to fetch her as well. After a couple run-ins with the Barranca cousins, Jenny and Ty decide to join forces. During their journey all three characters evolve and the transformation brings them close together and changes the rest of their lives. This story stands out from everything I've read. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It was funny, at times heart breaking, but mostly heart warming. Loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Beast (Feline Breeds, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Lora Leigh Page; Review: You have two strong individuals, put them together and let the sparks fly... Callan is the definition of Alpha Male. He's sexy, hot and dominant. And Merinus is no TSTL heroine. She's smart, funny, feisty and a total smart ass. Their sex scenes are erotic and explosive. Hell, I wanted to jump into my Sony ereader, poof Merinus away and submit to him. LOL! This is on my top 5 best erotic book I've read. Granted, I'm not a big erotic book reader because of the lack of storyline. But anyway, since I thoroughly enjoyed Tempting the Beast, I plan to read the next book, The Man Within.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sweet Gum Tree; Author: Visit Amazon's Katherine Allred Page; Review: It starts with 8 yr old Alix on a mission to save 10 yr old Nick. What begins as an act of pity immediately turns into friendship and eventually love for all time. Allred does a wonderful job taking you through the years of Alix and Nick's beginning, their separation then Nick's return. Their story is sweet, passionate, tragic, heartbreaking and redeeming. If you're looking for a story that will pull on your heart strings then I recommend The Sweet Gum Tree. I can honestly say I will always cherish this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Awakening (Monere: Children of the Moon, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Sunny Page; Review: I took notice of this book about a year ago, but for some reason it didn't move me enough to purchase it. I don't know what motivated me, but I finally read it. Now I can't believe it took me so long to read it! It was entertaining enough that I read it in one sitting (easy enough w/ only 272 pgs.). Okay, so the way she heals Amber and Gryphon is similar to LHK's Anita Blake and the Trade Festival reminded me of a job fair (lol!)... so what, I still enjoyed it. As far as I'm concerned you'll always find some kind of similarities in paranormal books. I think how it's formulated and executed, the story as a whole, is what matters. But hey, that's just me. I say, try out the first book in the series and if you don't like it join an online book swap and trade it for another book. That's how I got this book, which I'm keeping and now I'm purchasing the rest of the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Elizabeth Vaughan Page; Review: I really liked the book, but felt the romance between Lara and Keir fell short. The attraction was there from the moment they met, but I didn't see it grow. It didn't seem like they got to spend any time together to get to know one another. Others were always around. The moments they were alone were brief with not a lot of dialog regarding their feelings and then they're off to sleep. Near the end you know there's passion between the H/H actions, but when did it happen? Anyway aside from the lack of romance, everything else was great.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Daughter of the Blood (Black Jewels, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Anne Bishop Page; Review: Anne Bishop had a way with spinning this story that had my attention from beginning to end. At first, it was hard to follow and understand, but once you catch on to the world Bishop has built and know the importance of each character then it's a smooth sailing. I'm not usually a fan of the Fantasy Genre, but after reading Daughter of the Blood I might start looking in that realm. What initially got me to read this book was after reading Sunny's Children of the Moon series. I liked it, but there were some bad reviews stating how Sunny got her ideas from The Black Jewel Trilogy and LKH's Anita Blake series. Since I've already read Anita Blake I figure I'd read this first book and see for myself what the big deal was. Conclusion, yes I see the similarities, but I say so what. If anything, thanks to Sunny, Anne Bishop has a new fan. ^_^; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: That Which Bites: The Julia Poe Vampire Chronicles; Author: Visit Amazon's Celis T. Rono Page; Review: Have you ever read a book and wonder why it took you so long to finally read it? That's how I felt half way through That Which Bites. The original book cover put me off initially, but I'm happy to say I got over it and finally lost myself in Julia Poe's world. Her ability to fight on through so much bodily damage was a bit fantastic, but it didn't take away from the overall story. And I normally like a little more nookie in my paranormal book reads, but that's just a personal preference. A good book is a good book and that's what this is! I love the heroine, Poe, imperfections and all! Can't wait for the next book! All in all, That Which Bites is a definite rival against some of the mainstream science fiction/urban fantasy books you find at your local bookstore.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fallen; Author: Visit Amazon's Lauren Kate Page; Review: In a review I read it said the book was slow at the beginning but eventually picks up. I figure I can handle a slow beginning since the overall rating was decent and it was about star-crossed lovers. I mean, who doesn't love those kind of stories, right? Anyway, halfway through the book I was still waiting for something exciting to happen... Well, it never did. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and ended up skimming the last 100 pages. *sigh* I hate skimming books, but when they're slow and boring... I like to move on. I also had a problem with the characters. They're supposed to be 17, but it felt more like they were 14. The story was slow from start to finish. The only thing I liked about this book is the cover. I admit I'm not a big fan of Young Adult books because I like a little more nookie in them, but the ones I have enjoyed are: Ink Exchange by Melissa Mar (love this book) The Dark Divine by Bree Despain Impossible by Nancy Werlin Lament by Maggie Stiefvater Twilight series (of course) by Stephanie Meyer Vampire Diaries series by L.J. Smith; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Nightshade; Author: Visit Amazon's Michelle Rowen Page; Review: WOW! I love books that totally take me by surprise! This book is definitely edgier, darker and hotter than Rowen's Immortality Bites series. It's a great beginning for a new series. Initially, it made me think of Gena Showalter's, Extraordinary Girl series, of how the heroine became, well, Extraordinary. However as the story progressed it went into a different direction that made it it's own. Oh and the hero, Declan... not your typical hero which makes him all the more hotter. He's not pretty, but he is BAD ASS! There was one part in the book that really made me hate him and I didn't know how he was going to redeem himself. I still don't think he's redeemed himself enough, but I do understand it from Jillian's point of view and was able to move on from the incident. He's rough around the edges, but I think with Jillian's affection he'll eventually become the man he needs to be. My only disappointment is having to wait till July for book 2. Ugh...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moon Dance (Vampire for Hire, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's J.R. Rain Page; Review: Since I'm a big Paranormal Romance fan I was disappointed it lacked the romance part. However that's not why I only gave an "OK" rating. I wanted to like it, I really did. However it fell short of my expectations and I blame all the people who gave it a 5 Star rating. JK. I feel some things should have been explained further rather than rushed along. For instance, what was she doing that caused her to get attacked, what happened to the vampire that attacked her (yes, we find out later through the UPS guy what happened to him but he was too conveniently explained away. If you haven't read the book, I know that sounds funny). What I did like was how the author made Sam seem real. She had problems like any other wife and mother. The issues between Sam and her husband was a great emotional pull. As for the relationship between Sam and Kingsley... it was sudden and forced. They met a few times and during these meetings they talked about the case, their immortality and abilities, made fun of each other and suddenly he confesses he's falling in love with her. HUH? Aside from Sam's crush and somewhat erotic dreams, there was no indication a relationship was blooming between the two. Anyway, if you're looking for a paranormal quick read then this is it. Even though I only gave it an "OK" rating, I am curious about what happens next. Although I am in no rush to find out.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blood Destiny; Author: Visit Amazon's Tessa Dawn Page; Review: **MINOR SPOILERS** Overall I really liked the book and wish I could give it 5 Stars. However the one and only reason I couldn't give the additional star is due to the heroine. I found her annoying and lacking. She was weak minded for a homeland security agent who was investigating a human trafficking ring. Her character would have worked if she was a simple secretary out on a stroll stumbling into this otherworldly destiny, but she wasn't. You would think she would have been taught to fight or take down as many as he can when she initially thought her life was in danger with Nathaniel, but no... She tried to kill herself not once, but two times. Sad really... I personally like my paranormal heroines with more kick-ass attitudes and unfortunately this one fell short. The part I do commend her for is when she fought for her Dark son... *sniff sniff* On to the positive... The men of Blood Destiny are utterly delectable. I love my heroes tall, dark hair, tan and handsome. Utterly obsessed and protective of their female and the Silivasi men completely fit my ideal. The gruesome fight scenes and horrific Dark One baby sacrifice brought me back to the early books of Anita Blake by LHK. Thought it was great and imaginative for a first book. It had enough action and romance to satisfy my appetite for what I crave for in a good book. Now if only the heroine could be replaced...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bared to You; Author: Visit Amazon's Sylvia Day Page; Review: First off, I haven't written a review in a while. After reading BARED TO YOU by SYLVIA DAY I felt the need to. If you're looking for a book similar To Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James then BARED TO YOU is THE BOOK! Some may think it's a rip of Fifty, but in my case I appreciate it for what it is... Two emotionally F'd up individuals hoping to find some kind of happiness. In my opinion I think it's better than Fifty Shades and it may have to do with Sylvia Day being a seasoned author. You can be the judge of that. From the moment Eva and Gideon meet, there's a connection they can't resist. Initially it's a physical attraction that creates interest. They try to keep it casual, however one broken individual can recognize another and that's what Eva recognizes in Gideon. Although he tries to deny and in the process hurts Eva he always finds himself chasing after her because she sees him. Accepting the knowledge brings them closer, but not wiser regarding their relationship. They understand they'll need to take baby steps if they want their relationship to work. You do see them grow and learn from their mistakes. How can two dysfunctional individuals make a relationship work? Their relationship is emotional, intense and complicated. They're obsessed, possessive and jealous of each other. Put all that together and the sex is explosive, their love is sweetly intoxicating, their relationship at times is stormy but when they're happy it's beautiful. Will Eva have enough patience to overcome her frustrations with Gideon withholding his past from her? I hope so. Like Gideon, Eva and Cary (Eva's best friend), I myself is a part of the F'd up group so I can relate to their story. They all deserve their happily ever after as I have. ^_^ I can't wait for the next book, DEEPER IN YOU, to learn more about Gideon. My only hope is that it's not like Fifty Shades Darker. I love Fifty Shades of Grey, but in the second book, I felt as if I read the first book all over again. I have yet to read the third book. Updated 4/30/2012; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red; Author: Visit Amazon's Erica Spindler Page; Review: This is my first Erica Spindler book. I understand this is not her usual formula, but she worked it. I loved it! If you're looking for an emotional read then this is the book. Once I began I didn't want to stop. I kept wanting to know what came next for Becky, how she was going to deal with the pain and betrayal. Through it all she endured and went on. If you like this book you may like: Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Dreams (Colorado Mountain); Author: ; Review: I really enjoyed the story of Laurie and Tate. It was wonderful to see how Laurie evolved from a scorned 42 yr old insecure divorcee to a confident biker babe with the hottest man in Carnal by her side. Yes, they had a rocky start. Actually, a $hi++y start if you ask me after Laurie over hears Tate saying very unkind things about her. It eventually gets straightened out and shortly after you find that Laurie's not the only one broken. Tate has his own world of problems to deal with. Eventually, they find that together they give each other strength to deal with all the drama that comes their way. I do have to mention Laurie was a bit of a ditz. I found myself rolling my eyes many times because she was always responding to Tate with a "whispered" one word response. Or she would repeat his question back to him in a "whisper". Ugh! As for Tate, well, he was no boy scout then I would remember that he was there for Laurie when she needed him the most. Sometimes I found myself wishing she would make him work harder in winning her over or leave him so he'll be more forthcoming with the truth, but then he would do something to make me overlook his high handed antics. This is my second Kristen Ashley book and I'm still on the fence with her. I love her stories (the two I've read, at least.), the direction of it, the side characters, etc... However, I'm not too crazy about her style of writing. 1- For example, in At Peace, her in laws are at her door in present tense and then she goes into a looong explanation (about 50 pgs.) of the days leading up to her in laws visitation. Ms Ashley does that as well in Sweet Dreams, but not to that extent. 2- The stories are way too long. There are things in the book that DO NOT add anything to the story. Don't get me wrong, if it's a great story I wouldn't mind it going on for another 100 pages or so IF it's significant to the story as a whole. In the case of the two books, it does not. 3- The hero's nickname for the heroine. Buddy, Ace... REALLY? Ew... LOL! 4- This is a silly one, but I have to mention it because I know I'm not alone in this. The description of the heroine's clothing. I'm ok with the description part, but the style of the clothes seems to be dated, like 80s dated. LOL! Overall I say, give Kristen Ashley a try. As you can see by her reviews, a lot of people love her books. Yes, there are some negatives, but you can't win'em all.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Knight (Unfinished Heroes) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Kristen Ashley Page; Review: After reading some reviews I was conflicted to read the book. Finally I took the time and read the first several chapters on KA's website. The story had promise so I finally gave in and purchased it. From their first encounter it's obvious all he had to do was give a little push and she would give in to his demands. As soon as he sees her living conditions his protective instincts kicks in and her fate is sealed. As I reach halfway through the book the story was still flat and I became less and less impressed with the Knight and Anya and their story. ***Beware! There is information below that may be considered spoilers. Read at your own risk!*** For all intents and purposes, the heroine becomes a gang leader's girlfriend. He had someone roughed up, had his cronies bully someone else, he may or may not have had someone shanked (he denied it, but the timing says differently), he stole the club he owns from his former business partner (granted, his former business partner is supposedly an a$$hole.) and most disturbing he has a stable of hos. And the heroine, Anya... She seemed to have no pride. She was a total pushover, therefore no conflict between the two characters which leads to no angst and no climax which equals a boring book. A man of Knight's experience was able to size her up the first time they met. He knew how to pick his victim. He was able to lead her on a leash and she gives with no resistance. Maybe a slight tug here and there, but nothing to disrupt his hold on her. HOWEVER that may be KA's intention for her heroine. I understand Knight is supposed to be an anti hero, but even anti heroes have some redeeming qualities. Knight had none what so ever. He also made it clear in the beginning that if she didn't like who he is and what he's all about she can get-to-steppin'. (Okay, maybe not in those terms, but you get the gist of it.) Too bad she wasn't aware of his pimp status then. And being a pimp with a heart of gold is NOT a redeeming quality. ;-P Yes, he watches out for his hos, but he's just protecting his investments. From my understanding this is KA's first steamy or steamier series. The words were more explicit, but the sex acts itself is, shall I say "rough", but typical. The scenes were a bit boring and sometimes rushed, which was fine with me. The words "Dominant" and "Submissive" is lightly thrown in to the book used to titillate, but unfortunately it fell flat. More research will need to be done if that's the direction KA's leading this series. Lastly, the villain, Nick, was given no real explanation for the animosity between him and Knight. Or did I miss it? I know I'm in the minority in my low rating, but oh well. ^_^; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Siren; Author: Visit Amazon's Tiffany Reisz Page; Review: While at Barnes and Noble this past weekend I came across this book. The book cover was a little cheesy for my taste, but the title is what made me pick it up and read the back. Intrigued, I flipped through the pages and landed on the scene where Nora and Soren was in the elevator. Now interested, I purchased the book on a whim and it's been the best $14 dollars I've spent on a book in a long time. I won't go into details about the book since it's already been done by other reviews, but I will say how I feel about it. It's funny how this book is probably categorized as erotica, however, I felt it was more erotic fiction. What's the difference you might ask? I've read my fair share of erotic books and this didn't have the same taste and feel. The others seemed more... raw. The Siren seemed more emotional and psychological. Romance books or Erotica always has a hero and heroine fighting their way to be together or fighting against the attraction they feel towards one another. Our heroine, Nora, had three men in her life and none of them, in my opinion, were the hero. Did she end up with one of them? Of course. Is it the one I preferred? No, but then she couldn't end up with the one I wanted her to because she can't change who she is and he can't become something he's not. They would lose themselves and it would be the beginning of the end for them. But I digress... I felt the story was about Nora, her book and doing what's right even when it hurts. I love The Siren. From beginning to end the story pulls you in and you feel a part of it. I can't wait for the next book, The Angel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Honor Student: Honor Series; Author: Visit Amazon's Teresa Mummert Page; Review: I felt as if their relationship was rushed. Their first contact in his classroom happened within a couple of days of William being introduced into the story. How did he know Emma wouldn't report him? Within the second or third sexual act they were already saying they loved each other and that was within a week, if that. I didn't feel the connection between the two. Overall it was an OK book. I wish the author described more in depth of their feelings, their separate situation, why William turned to BDSM to fulfill his sexual needs after Abby left him, why Emma's aunt is so distant and cold towards her, what exactly happened to Emma's parents, why would Emma take everything William dished out without blinking an eye if she's so innocent. I think all those things are important to add depth and emotion to their story. Maybe then I'd understand why Emma put up with William. Without it their relationship felt juvenile. Throughout the whole book it seemed more like a high school student and teacher relationship. Had this been the first book I read with the BDSM subject, I think I would have liked it more.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Leo (Sign of Love); Author: Visit Amazon's Mia Sheridan Page; Review: This was an amazing read. I was in a reading slump for a while now. I'd start a book, but after a few chapters if it didn't pull me in I'd stop. Not that there was anything wrong with the book exactly, but I was looking for something that grabbed and pulled at me. Leo was IT! I have to admit I had my suspicions on what Jake was to Leo when Jake first introduces himself to Evie. It was finally confirmed when she sees Jake at the charity she was working at. Although I figured it all out, I still enjoyed it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Duofold Men's Big-Tall Mid Weight Crew Thermal Top; Brand: Duofold; Review: My son loves this shirt! Even in the middle of winter he only has to wear this one shirt and he stays warm. No tags or rough seams. Perfect medium-tall size for long arms. Fits just right!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Duofold Men's Big-Tall Mid Weight Bottom; Brand: Duofold; Review: My son really likes these. Perfect Christmas gift for cold weather! Perfect medium-tall size. No tags or rough seams. Bought these to go with the matching shirt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WinnieFashion Hawaiian (100% Cotton) Shoulder Fern Aloha Shirts (USA); Brand: WinnieFashion; Review: this is beautifully constructed and very eye-catching.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pacific Legend Plumeria Hibiscus-Hawaiian Shirts; Brand: Pacific Legend; Review: beautiful shirt. the way it's constructed, the collar is a bit funky; ironing the collar so it lays down properly in front is about impossible.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hanes Mens Tagless Boxer Briefs with Comfort Flex Waistband 4-Pack 112BXHN4; Brand: ; Review: my husband says these don't give enough support. and that's all i'm saying... :D; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Duduma Reflective Revo Color Full Mirrored Lens Large Horn Rimmed Style Uv400 Wayfarer Sunglasses; Brand: Duduma; Review: got the plain black; not mirrored. i really like these!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: TAILONG Waist Trainer Corset Weight Loss Workout Body Shaper Sport Seamless Hip; Brand: ; Review: I like that fact that it doesn't have a hook and eye closure! Very easy on and off.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Acorn Women's Moc Slipper; Brand: Acorn; Review: Warm, comfortable, and washable!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walking Cradles Women's Craft; Brand: Walking Cradles; Review: These are a bit of a disappointment for me. The outside edge is to high and cuts into my foot. Also, I wanted to use metatarsal pads but the vamp of the shoe is so closed that there just isn't enough room.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gold Toe Women's 9-11 3-Pack Ultratec Qurarter Socks; Brand: ; Review: Long lasting! Very high quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Arigo: Surgeon of the Rusty Knife; Author: John G. Fuller; Review: Somethings are not easily explained. The higher forces are in operation on a daily basis and taken for granted. This book is proof that miracles do happen from men with a pure heart. The book is facinating and unbelievable yet it happened. Arigo was a true human with qualities that any would admire. A simple man that left his mark. i would urge anyone to read this book who has yearning for spiritual growth and the profound. highly reccomended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Roswell (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's Philip J. Corso Page; Review: A great read, opening doors that you would not normally be allowed access. I have had thoughts that we are kept in the dark by higher forces above government level. If you believe of other life out in the universe then read this. Make you own mind up. Mr Corso comes from a military background and had high clearance and access to secret documentation and cover ups. To add, some of the present technology is clearly explained and interesting to anyone in the field of science and electronics. A very honorable and I believe truthful man. The book has pride of place....and look forward to his son who has contributed to his fathers legacy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Internal Structure of Cloud Hands: A Gateway to Advanced T'ai Chi Practice; Author: Robert Tangora; Review: A great book ....in depth and well written. anyone who practices Tai Chi would enjoy. Good to see the dedication just to this beautiful movement with such benefits for health.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Babaji: The Lightning Standing Still (Special Abridged Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath Page; Review: Siddhanath is a Master of Kriya Yoga his talks are very impressive....this is a little different and not the easiest of reads without some background of Him and what he teaches....I have not read the book completely yet but not disappointed. The autoboigraphy of a Yogi is a good first read (highly recommended) and by far one of the best books I have. There is much to be gained from both books. I would not rate this with 6 stars but limitless stars as the content is not rateable in that sense.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama Bin Laden; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Owen Page; Review: It gives you an insight on what it is like to be in an Elite force in the military.....with a slant on the politicians that hinder rather than help in many cases and leaving the Elite force to clear up the mess, putting life on the line so we can enjoy life. I have an a greater respect than I had before....I wish we had a better world than we have. As a book well documented easy read with a sense of camaraderie amongst those who serve. For those who want to know a first hand account this book tells you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dying To Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing; Author: Visit Amazon's Anita Moorjani Page; Review: If you want to read of an experience that may take you on a very special journey we all make...this is it. Easy read with an insight that few know, unless you have an near death experience or state. I found this book one of the best on this subject ever written.....the author Anita puts down a truth that pulls on your inner heart. The content is beautiful beyond word form and is instructional to lead a better life. How do you rate this.....it is not rate-able as clearly this is in the star itself....Anita Moorjani. Special Thanks Anita!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Creativity and Taoism: A Study of Chinese Philosophy, Art and Poetry; Author: Chung-yuan Chang; Review: Extremely special book...a replacement. For those who wish to understand the Eastern path of the energy system and enlightenment from a Taoism tradition dating back thousands of years...this book is most valuable and informative.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Dark Knight, The (2008); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Matrix, The (1999); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bourne Ultimatum, The (2007); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Imitation Game (2014); Genres: Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Interstellar (2014); Genres: Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gone Girl (2014); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Departed, The (2006); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Batman Begins (2005); Genres: Action, Crime, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Avengers, The (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Bourne Identity, The (2002); Genres: Action, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Town, The (2010); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bourne Supremacy, The (2004); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fifth Element, The (1997); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: V for Vendetta (2006); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shutter Island (2010); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Iron Man (2008); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Edge of Tomorrow (2014); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Game, The (1997); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drive (2011); Genres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Silver Linings Playbook (2012); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Wolf of Wall Street, The (2013); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hurt Locker, The (2008); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller, War; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The (2012); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kick-Ass (2010); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gravity (2013); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Watchmen (2009); Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mud (2012); Genres: Adventure, Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The (2013); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Rock, The (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Ant-Man (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: The Raid: Redemption (2011); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Fury (2014); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: The Hunger Games (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Wick (2014); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Italian Job, The (2003); Genres: Action, Crime; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: I, Robot (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Jack Reacher (2012); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic World (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Ender's Game (2013); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Divergent (2014); Genres: Adventure, Romance, Sci-Fi, IMAX; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Terminator Genisys (2015); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Grey, The (2012); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lucy (2014); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004); Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Inception (2010); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Prestige, The (2006); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seven (a.k.a. Se7en) (1995); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Up (2009); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Django Unchained (2012); Genres: Action, Drama, Western; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inglourious Basterds (2009); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dark Knight Rises, The (2012); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, IMAX; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Prisoners (2013); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Incredibles, The (2004); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: In Bruges (2008); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Nightcrawler (2014); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Law Abiding Citizen (2009); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Annie Hall (1977); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Louis C.K.: Shameless (2007); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inglorious Bastards (Quel maledetto treno blindato) (1978); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport; City: Bridgeton, MO; Review: great hotel to stay at, check out the atrium!!!!?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PetSmart; City: Bridgeton, MO; Review: One of the best stocked Petsmart stores, I like this one but hate the one in St. Charles!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blueberry Hill Restaurant & Bar; City: Saint Louis, MO; Review: You want nostalgia and the best hamburger in St. Louis? This place can't be beat, one of my favorite places in St. Louis!!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gingham's Homestyle Restaurant; City: Saint Charles, MO; Review: One of my favorite places to eat, food and service is awesome, one of the best chicken fried steaks around, Gus and Smiley are the best, you won't be sorry for going here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Landry's Seafood House; City: Saint Louis, MO; Review: Love this place, Chilean sea bass is awesome, unfortunately St. Louis is not a big seafood town but this place is awesome; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HITEA; City: Chesterfield, MO; Review: Great food, I could live off this cuisine no problem, food was made to perfection, will gladly order from here again; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: American Psycho VHS; Brand: Christian Bale; Review: I loved the book and this movie really made use of the random rants about music. Christian Bale is spectacular; he definitely makes a better Bateman than a Batman. The costume design itself is a spectacle to behold, plus all of these extreme characters. It keeps the essence of the book without being distasteful or political. A must watch over and over!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cabin Fever; Brand: Jordan Ladd; Review: Eli Roth is awesome as always, but Boy Meets World...no. There are definitely parts of this that will crack you up. This is a good B horror movie.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cabin Fever Region 2; Brand: Jordan Ladd; Review: Eli Roth is awesome as always, but Boy Meets World...no. There are definitely parts of this that will crack you up. This is a good B horror movie.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry; Brand: Ai Weiwei; Review: This is so inspirational, it will make you want to jump up and wave your birds around.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cannibal Holocaust; Brand: Luca Barbareschi; Review: Brand new DVD works perfectly, as it should. Definitely the best cannibal movie out there and much, MUCH better than many (if not all) movies with elements of found footage, especially since the footage found was supposed to be made professionally, so it's not nauseating. Also, it isn't all found footage. I'm not much of an advocate for warnings, but there is some animal cruelty in this film.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Panera Bread worker fired after TikTok exposed frozen mac and cheese; Abstract: On Friday, the poster said on Twitter that she was fired for the video, showing her place a frozen bag of macaroni and cheese into a vat of hot water.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Miguel Cervantes' Wife Reveals Daughter, 3, 'Died in My Arms' After Entering Hospice Care; Abstract: Miguel Cervantes' Wife Reveals Daughter 'Died in My Arms' After Hospice Care; Category: tv
Title: Woman With Large Birthmarks Proves Childhood Bullies Wrong By Embracing Skin In Gorgeous Photos; Abstract: A 25-year-old Instagram blogger is inspiring thousands by openly embracing her large birthmarks.; Category: health
Title: Man arrested in 1993 cold case rape after he's identified by DNA: Police; Abstract: The suspect was 28 at the time and not known to the victim.; Category: news
Title: Neil Patrick Harris Has Surgery on His Hand After a Sea Urchin Accident While on Holiday; Abstract: Neil Patrick Harris Has Surgery After a Sea Urchin Accident; Category: tv
Title: Outer Banks storms unearth old shipwreck from 'Graveyard of the Atlantic'; Abstract: A recent storm on the Outer Banks unearthed an old shipwreck buried on the beach in Hatteras Island. A local bar shared photos of the old wooden ship in its final resting place in the area known as "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." "A Wreck across the street from The Wreck! A lot of sand has washed out with this Nor'Easter & look what's been exposed!" The Wreck Tiki Bar in Hatteras, North ...; Category: news
Title: Where is Mr. Mabel? Texas family searching desperately for 90-pound pet tortoise; Abstract: A family is searching far and wide for a 90-pound pet tortoise who escaped his enclosure Oct. 9 in Dean in North Texas. Mr. Mabel is on the move.; Category: news
Title: Gigantic bull "moos" his appreciation when he gets his ear scratched; Abstract: Gus is a 2,000 pound bull who lives on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. He is a true gentle giant with a gentle disposition and a friendly nature. He wanders among his herd of cows who are also very happy here on this small chunk of paradise. They have hundreds of acres of lush, green meadow to graze on and ponds full of fresh water to drink. They even have a scratching post with brushes for soothing those itches. Gus is a big boy with big ears and a big itch inside one of them. He patiently waited for his turn at the post while Ethel had a good scratch. When he had the chance, he moved in for some relief. He rubbed his head and his ear and he seemed intent on trying to fit the big brush inside his ear to get at the right spot. Gus' buddy, Dave was watching all of this. Dave had come over for a visit that day, bringing Gus' favorite treat, an entire loaf of bread. Gus had devoured the loaf in under a minute and now he was a happy bull, except of the itch in his ear. Dave watched Gus trying his best to scratch that itch. In fact, the entire herd was gathered around Gus and they watched him as well. Eventually, Dave thought it best to lend a hand. Gus could use a little help from somebody with fingers and thumbs who could do a better job. Not all bulls would allow this, and not all bulls would even permit somebody to get so close to his females, but Gus is as relaxed as a bull can be. Dave walked up and started rubbing Gus' massive ear. Gus obviously appreciated the assistance and he moved his head to make things easier. He let out a few "moos" of contentment and then he wandered away. As Gus takes a few steps away from the brushes, we get a great look at his massive shoulders and rippling muscles. He weighs as much as ten very solid, grown men. Maybe it's because Gus isn't threatened by anything, or maybe it's sheer luck that he's so relaxed, but he doesn't ever react with aggression or hostility. Of course, trying to scratch the ear of a grown bull, or even getting this close to one, is not always wise. Gus is definitely an exception and, even at that, his massive size and strength make him an animal to be respected.; Category: video
Title: Quiet Riot Drummer Reveals Stage-Four Cancer Diagnosis; Abstract: Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali has revealed that he has been battling stage-four pancreatic cancer since this past April. Since the 2007 death of singer Kevin DuBrow, Banali has been the only member of the band's classic lineup to continue to play with the band. He's also been the group's most consistent band member since 1982. "The original prognosis was very scary," he said in a statement posted to podcast host Mitch Lafon's Facebook page....; Category: music
Title: 'Botched' star spent $174,000 on diamond rings for new bride; Abstract: Paul Nassif had three rings commissioned for his Brittany Pattakos.; Category: entertainment
Title: This Halloween Corn Maze Wedding Is Dark, Sophisticated, and Bone-Chillingly Beautiful; Abstract: If you love Halloween, this spooky wedding shoot is a great way to get a little dark inspiration for your big day.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Cell Phone Forces Flight Diversion to Ireland; Abstract: When no one could identify the owner of the phone, the captain diverted the flight.; Category: travel
Title: The Pioneer Woman makes 5 of her favorite comfort-food recipes; Abstract: Creamy, comforting and delicious. Perfect for a cool fall evening.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Can you spot the cat hiding among the bats in this spooky Halloween brainteaser?; Abstract: Gergely Dudás is a master of disguise at least, when it comes to his art. His latest image features a cat hidden among bats. Can you pick it out?; Category: lifestyle
Title: Distinctive accent on torture video leads police to suspect; Abstract: The suspect in a torture killing in Alaska's biggest city ended up leading police right to him, first by losing a digital memory card labeled "Homicide at midtown Marriott" that contained video of the dying woman.; Category: news
Title: 45 Abandoned Places Around the World That Are Eerily Beautiful; Abstract: It's okay to be awed and creeped out at the same time.; Category: travel
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: Body of missing Alabama girl found; 2 being charged; Abstract: Investigators searching through garbage found the body of a 3-year-old girl who was missing more than a week, and authorities are charging two people with murder, police said Tuesday.; Category: news
Title: Will Smith, Helen Mirren Urge Fans To Sleep Outdoors For One Night To Help Fight Homelessness; Abstract: Will Smith and Helen Mirren are teaming up to fight homelessness.; Category: movies
Title: An Awkward Moment As Meghan Markle Met A Curtsy Attempt With An American Greeting; Abstract: Customs vary by country and a hug was lost in translation when Meghan Markle took the stage. Buzz60's Keri Lumm reports.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Kelly Ripa Jokes Son Michael Is Experiencing 'Extreme Poverty' in Brooklyn; Abstract: Kelly Ripa Jokes Son Michael Is Experiencing 'Extreme Poverty' in Brooklyn; Category: tv
Title: Basket-shaped building to become a luxury hotel in Newark, Ohio; Abstract: A seven-story building in the shape of a picnic basket -- complete with handles -- is set to be converted into a luxury hotel. The former Longaberger Co. headquarters is in Newark, Ohio.; Category: travel
Title: Spookiest spots in New Orleans, according to ghost tour guides; Abstract: One of the best ghost tours in America is New Orleans' French Quarter Phantoms. Here we dive into their unique origin story and discover the real history behind some of the spookiest spots in the city.; Category: travel
Title: Debunking the week's tabloid stories: Oct. 25, 2019; Abstract: A round-up of the week's tabloid stories that totally missed the mark.; Category: entertainment
Title: Meghan Markle's Leather Pencil Skirt is a Powerful Statement Piece; Abstract: Meghan Markle stepped out for an important guest panel appearance in a maroon long-sleeved top with an eye-catching red leather pencil skirt.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Fact Checker: Trump's shiny new talking point about income growth; Abstract: The president is touting numbers that favorably compare his record to Obama and Bush, but he's cherry-picking the data.; Category: news
Title: Meg Ryan Steps Out Sans Engagement Ring Amid Report She and John Mellencamp Split; Abstract: Meg Ryan and John Mellencamp have reportedly called it quits.; Category: movies
Title: ISIS names successor to slain leader al-Baghdadi; Abstract: The militant group named Abu Ibrahim Hashimi al-Quraishi as the new leader in a message posted by its official media wing.; Category: news
Title: Ben Affleck has a new girlfriend after using the Raya dating app, plus more celeb love life news for late October 2019; Abstract: Meg Ryan and John Mellencamp call it quits, Halsey and Evan Peters get serious, James McAvoy weds, Meghan King Edmonds accuses hubby of cheating and more.; Category: entertainment
Title: The ice used to protect them. Now their island is crumbling into the sea.; Abstract: Shrinking ice, rising sea levels and fierce storms are damaging the Magdalen Islands. Residents are trying to fend off the water in some places, and retreat from it in others.; Category: weather
Title: Man's trip to a cheese shop helps unravel missing persons case; Abstract: Kris Zocco's whereabouts the morning Kelly Dwyer was reported missing would be the first in a series of clues as to what may have happened to the 27-year-old woman; Category: news
Title: Man who advocated caning for adultery gets caned for adultery; Abstract: An Indonesian man has been publicly flogged for adultery, under a draconian law he helped create.; Category: news
Title: See Baby Katherine Schwarzenegger with Terminator Dad Arnold as She Celebrates Dark Fate Sequel; Abstract: Katherine Schwarzenegger Shares Terminator Baby Picture with Arnold; Category: movies
Title: The Last McDonald's Burger in Iceland Just Turned 10. It's Still in Perfect Condition.; Abstract: Watch it sit in a jar on a webcam. Because internet.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Young trick-or-treater refills stranger's empty candy bowl with his own; Abstract: The touching moment was captured on a resident's doorbell cam.; Category: news
Title: Barneys Is Sold for Scrap, Ending an Era; Abstract: Authentic Brands Group will take control of the Barneys name one that has been part of the Manhattan landscape since 1923 and license it to other companies like Saks Fifth Avenue. The firm B. Riley Financial is preparing to liquidate Barneys' high-end wares, at its five stores and two Warehouse locations, starting with private sale events for Barneys' "most loyal" shoppers next week.; Category: finance
Title: Felicity Huffman Smiles as She Begins Community Service Following Prison Release; Abstract: The 56-year-old actress was released from prison last month.; Category: news
Title: Jennifer Lopez Reacts to Lisa Rinna Dressing Up as Her for Halloween: 'She Looked Awesome'; Abstract: Jennifer Lopez Reacts to Lisa Rinna Dressing Up as Her for Halloween; Category: movies
Title: Hugh Hefner's son Cooper weds 'Harry Potter' actress; Abstract: Cooper Hefner married Scarlett Byrne in Ventura, Calif., on Monday.; Category: movies
Title: 26 biggest retail boycotts of all time; Abstract: Consumers and even entire countries have voted with their purses by boycotting certain goods and services in the hope of effecting change. Events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott stand out as both successful and historic, while others have had little impact. Find out which protests continue to this day.; Category: finance
Title: Student barred from reselling Krispy Kreme now teaming up with the doughnut chain; Abstract: Krispy Kreme said it would work with Jayson Gonzalez as an independent operator to ensure consistent delivery to fans in Minnesota.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Jennifer Aniston Just Gave a Rare Look at Her Natural Hair Texture; Abstract: She's got waves for days.; Category: lifestyle
Title: This Man Is Behind Every Single Antique You See In Cracker Barrel Stores; Abstract: All the magic happens in Lebanon, Tennessee.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Firefighters return ring that miraculously survived wildfires 58 years apart; Abstract: Los Angeles firefighters discovered a small ring box in front of a destroyed home while battling the Getty Fire. Days later, they set out to find its owner.; Category: news
Title: AT&T fined $60 million for throttling 'unlimited' data plans; Abstract: Unlimited should mean unlimited!; Category: finance
Title: Reba McEntire Confirms Split From BF Skeeter Lasuzzo After 2 Years Together; Abstract: Reba McEntire Confirms Split From BF Skeeter Lasuzzo After 2 Years Together; Category: music
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 to do instead.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Katie Holmes Talks About That Bra and Cardigan Moment; Abstract: Katie Holmes Talks About That Bra and Cardigan Moment; Category: lifestyle
Title: Watch: Kevin Harlan's call of streaking cat on 'MNF' is epic; Abstract: This might legitimately be the best thing we've ever heard from Mr. Harlan.; Category: sports
Title: Woman delivered a speech to NASA wearing sequin dress so girls would see a 'sparkly scientist'; Abstract: A female scientist's tweet about wearing a sparkly dress while giving a speech to students at NASA is giving the Internet all the feels.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Reporter Can't Stop Laughing After Cat Interrupts News Segment; Abstract: This just in this cat, to be precise. Artur Lira The other day, Brazilian journalist Artur Lira was filming a news segment outside a police station when, much to his surprise, a far more adorable story broke right before his eyes. Smack-dab in the middle of Lira's report, a cat appeared at his feet demanding both his and the camera's attention.As you'll see, Lira couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected interruption (especially when the...; Category: news
Title: Police Surprise Woman Who Anonymously Baked Pizzelle Cookies for Years in Heartwarming Video; Abstract: Once the Medford Police learned the identity of the mystery woman who baked for them, AKA the "Pizzelle Lady," they surprised her in this sweet viral video.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Mother Is Freed After 15 Years in Prison for Father's Abuse; Abstract: A domestic violence survivor in Oklahoma walked free from prison on Friday, according to a corrections spokeswoman, after spending 15 years behind bars for failing to report that her boyfriend was also abusing their children.; Category: news
Title: Dog Throws A Total Tantrum When She Realizes Mom Wants To Take The Stairs; Abstract: Aurora Angel Beste Nala has always been the friendliest dog, and loves going out on adventures and meeting new people.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Iowan convicted of murder claims his life-sentence was served once he died, was revived in medical emergency. The court disagrees.; Abstract: An Iowa convicted of murder was rushed from prison to the hospital where his heart was restarted five times. Now he claims he should be freed; Category: news
Title: 11 Unique Holiday Traditions From Around The World; Abstract: Forget Santa. Overseas, you might be celebrating the holidays with St. Nick's evil counterpart the Krampus.Unique, strange, and somewhat "darker" customs are the norm in some countries, where pre...; Category: travel
Title: Fresh Off the Boat Canceled After Six Seasons; Abstract: The longest-running sitcom about an Asian-American family in broadcast TV history will end next year.; Category: tv
Title: Man who inherited 6 figures shares advice he'd give his younger self; Abstract: Brandon Neth inherited around $123,000 from his late father and grandfather when he was 20. He spent most of it on cars, clothes, and restaurants.; Category: finance
Title: Jennifer Aniston looks amazing in a makeup-free selfie, plus more news; Abstract: Jennifer Aniston looks amazing in a makeup-free selfie, plus more news; Category: entertainment
Title: Porsche launches into second story of New Jersey building, killing 2; Abstract: The Porsche went airborne off a median in Toms River, causing it to crash into a red brick building.; Category: news | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Feng Shui that Makes Sense - Easy Ways to Create a Home that FEELS as Good as it Looks; Author: Visit Amazon's Cathleen McCandless Page; Review: I practiced feng shui for years and about five years ago started following a blog that took me from a beautiful home to one cluttered with plastic feng shui cures... I boxed them all up n gave them away... Now I'm going thru my closets, cabinets and drawers one by one to get rid of clutter. I feel so much happier. Thank you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Death in a Strange Country; Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Leon Page; Review: This guy is great, love the food descriptions and the interiors of the buildings. Love the history of the buildings, the families, the religious and political dramas.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dressed for Death (Commissario Guido Brunetti Mysteries); Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Leon Page; Review: Takes me back to Venice and the surrounding areas. Love the inspector and his family. Vivid pictures of how expensive it is to live in Venice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype; Author: Visit Amazon's Clarissa Pinkola Estes Page; Review: Extremely poor quality copied cd. Static and skipping from the very beginning right thru. Unable to listen to at regular volume due to background static noise.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mama Gena's Owner's and Operator's Guide to Men; Author: Visit Amazon's Regena Thomashauer Page; Review: Love this cute fun book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards; Author: Visit Amazon's Doreen Virtue Page; Review: This had a torn card and the edges of the deck were scuffed. :-(; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Earthly Remains: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery; Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Leon Page; Review: Read every book, never disappointed; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sabbat Entertaining : Celebrating the Wiccan Holidays with Style; Author: Visit Amazon's Willow Polson Page; Review: Shipping and vender are awesome, book... Mehhh.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lioness of Morocco; Author: Visit Amazon's Julia Drosten Page; Review: Couldn't put it down...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crystal Muse: Everyday Rituals to Tune In to the Real You; Author: Visit Amazon's Heather Askinosie Page; Review: Wonderful, love the photos, the detailed info for the rituals.... Lovely book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walkers Between the Worlds: The Western Mysteries from Shaman to Magus; Author: Caitln Matthews; Review: Great book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Singing the Soul Back Home: Shamanic Wisdom for Every Day; Author: Visit Amazon's Caitlin Matthews Page; Review: I loved reading this; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Playing the Matrix: A Program for Living Deliberately and Creating Consciously; Author: Visit Amazon's Mike Dooley Page; Review: Mike is an Amazing man, writer, human.... He tells us what we need to know about how to live in happiness and joy. I love all his books, classes, audio. Ive got quite a lot of his writings, courses and audios on HayHouse.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fortune Teller: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Gwendolyn Womack Page; Review: Oh how this book haunted me.... I loved it. I wanted to hide it away and keep it, but felt compelled to give it to someone else to experience the magic inside.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rules of Magic; Author: Visit Amazon's Alice Hoffman Page; Review: This book cleared up so much for me regarding practical magic and also gave me questions... It is such a good book. There is no one who writes like Alice Hoffman.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rules of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Alice Hoffman Page; Review: This book cleared up so much for me regarding practical magic and also gave me questions... It is such a good book. There is no one who writes like Alice Hoffman.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Wrote This For You; Author: pleasefindthis; Review: This is a haunting and lovely book. I instantly wanted to buy it for everyone I know.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shine Forth: The Soul's Magical Destiny; Author: Visit Amazon's William A. Meader Page; Review: Great book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Be Your Own Genie: Manifesting the Magical Life You Were Born to Live; Author: Radleigh Valentine; Review: Sweet book; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Free Fight! Weidman Sleeps Over-Confident Silva In Vegas; Abstract: Before Chris Weidman faces Dominick Reyes in his light heavyweight debut this Friday (Oct. 18, 2019), let's take a look back at the night Chris became UFC's middleweight champion.; Category: sports
Title: Rockhold: 'I Have No Interest In Fighting'; Abstract: Former UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold, is not coming back to MMA anytime soon after his knockout loss to Jan Blachowicz.; Category: sports
Title: Here's How Often You Should Rotate Your Tires; Abstract: Rotating your car's tires may not seem like a huge deal compared other common car maintenance tasks, but it's actually important for your overall safety.; Category: autos
Title: Road built by biblical villain uncovered in Jerusalem; Abstract: A long-buried street that led pilgrims to the Jewish Temple 2,000 years ago was commissioned by Roman governor Pontius Pilate.; Category: travel
Title: Body of missing Alabama girl found; 2 being charged; Abstract: Investigators searching through garbage found the body of a 3-year-old girl who was missing more than a week, and authorities are charging two people with murder, police said Tuesday.; Category: news
Title: Harden-Westbrook argument goes viral; Abstract: A clip of the Rockets stars appearing to exchange words during Thursday's game against the Bucks quickly started making the rounds online.; Category: sports
Title: VIDEO: Canelo Alvarez Knocks Out Sergey Kovalev With Brutal Combination; Abstract: Canelo Alvarez absolutely hammered Sergey Kovalev with a brutal combination in the 11th round that knocked out the light heavyweight champ. It was yet another huge accomplishment in Alvarez's storied career. In what was a really close fight throughout, Kovalev was even leading on some observers' cards heading into the 11th. But Alvarez pressed forward and nearly knocked the Russian star through the ropes with a left-right combination. Check this...; Category: sports
Title: Meghan McCain GOES IN on Donald Trump Jr. on 'The View'; Abstract: The daytime talk show co-host sparred with the president's son during his stop by the show Thursday.; Category: video
Title: Donald Trump Jr. reflects on explosive 'View' chat: 'I don't think they like me much anymore'; Abstract: After a heated appearance on "The View" Thursday, Donald Trump Jr. talked about the experience later that day with Sean Hannity on Fox News.; Category: tv
Title: The McLaren Elva Is a $1.7 Million Topless, Windshield-less Hypercar; Abstract: Limited-production model honors a classic Bruce McLaren sports car design; Category: autos | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Spring Will Come: The Bregdan Chronicles # 3; Author: Visit Amazon's Ginny Dye Page; Review: I love stories based on the civil war. This fictional novel was a good sequel to the other Bregdan Chronicles stories.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Rose in Winter; Author: Visit Amazon's Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Page; Review: It was an easy read, but I don't think it was a Christian fiction story. I would rather read Christian fiction.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Honor and Glory (Promise and Honor trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Kim Murphy Page; Review: I enjoyed this story, I just wish the three books where numbered better, so you could tell which one was first.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heir of Hope (Ironwood Plantation Family Saga) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Stephenia H McGee Page; Review: I enjoy reading both books in this series. Both books kept my interest, I would recommend these books to other readers.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Echoes at Somerset Manor (Orchard Rest Historical Southern Fiction Series Book 2) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Hope Denney Page; Review: I really enjoyed both books in the series, I will look forward to more stories about these people or other stories in this time period.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Labeling Lincoln (The Liberator Series) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Stephenia H. McGee Page; Review: I really enjoyed this series and will let other people know about these books. I look forward to reading more of your books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Levi's Boys' 511 Slim Fit Soft Brushed Pants; Brand: ; Review: Nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tommy Hilfiger Little Boys' Baseball Jacket; Brand: ; Review: Nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nautica Boys' French Terry Marled Full Zip Hoodie; Brand: ; Review: Perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Allegrace Women Sexy Long Sleeve Autumn Warm Stretch Bodycon Party Bandage Dresses; Brand: Allegrace; Review: Cute.. And i got a medium and it fits perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: True Religion Boys' Geno Relaxed Slim Jean; Brand: True Religion; Review: Nice....ordered 3t Fits As Expected; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Ryman Auditorium; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Should you find yourself in Nashville, see a show at the Ryman Auditorium, period. It is the best thing you could possibly do there, and that is saying a lot because there is a ton of entertainment in the city. Tangent #1: You know I saw "Bring in Da' Noise..." 'graph/dancer extraordinaire, Savion Glover, just walking down the street in N,TN after his Broadway touring show came through? I'm not kidding. Never a dull moment there and if there is it's your own damn fault =p Originally a church built with choral music in mind, the acoustics are gorgeous. I don't know what kind of live sound reinforcement most bands that tour through here use, but I saw Willie Nelson there and every element of the show was perfection. I love being surrounded by stained glass windows and, to be honest, even like the hard church pews. It's monastic.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Ole Opry; City: Nashville, TN; Review: When I meet people who say, "I love all music, really," I get so excited but then comes "... except rap and country" and my heart sinks. Judgy, I know, but I find myself thinking, "alrighty then, so the subtext is that you're a racist and classist... with no taste. Bummer." I'm a believer in every genre of music having its good and bad practitioners. Country music seems to provoke an almost violent reaction in some people, and with the "boot + azz" sentiment expressed by certain recording acts I can see why. But in its truest form, it is music "of the people," and if you like rock 'n' roll you can hear strains of country in there. My point is, even for people who are not fans of country music as a genre, you may be surprised to learn you can get a TON of enjoyment out of an evening program at the Grand Ole Opry. First off, the venue is superb! The way the seats fan out wide, it feels like the audience is close to the stage almost no matter how far back their seat. Secondly, the show is high quality in terms of the production and in the songwriting and musicianship of the acts presented. There is an unbelievable range of music. One evening is usually a star studded event with the added bonus of learning of at least one up and comer. When I visited a while back, I was most looking forward to seeing a couple of old timers who used to be on my Saturday morning TV when I was a kid: Porter Wagoner and Little Jimmie Dickens. I was really surprised to see Vince Gill at the same show (not a favorite of mine, but certainly a big name for all the rest of his fans in the audience who were nuts about him.) The huge hit of the night, for me though, was seeing a then up-and-comer, Mandy Barnett, who had just made a big splash portraying Patsy Cline in the play "Always... Patsy Cline." She was just phenomenal and, given that the GOE is no longer televised, I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to hear her. (Tangent #1: Check her out in the movie "Crazy" about the life of late, great, revolutionary guitarist Hank Garland.) Okay, and the freakin' LOUVIN BROTHERS (or what is left of them) performed too. It's not like I'm even a big country fan, but in looking at the program in the context of a musical review it was an absolutely incredible show. Plus, fans can go down in front and take photographs of the performers. Of course, the accessibility of country acts to their fans at places like "FanFair" (or whatever it is called) is legendary, but I can't think of many other concert venues where this sort of contact is not only allowed but welcomed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Historic RCA Studio B; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Go fo' sho'! Great acoustics which, fortunately, my tour group got to hear because our guide used to be a professional piano player in Las Vegas back in the day. The minute he tickled those ivories I could hear that was Floyd Kramer's famous piano tone. When they play the analog tapes through the studio monitors, the sound is just incredible. Lush! Learning some of the behind the scenes lore of the studio and the work Chet Atkins did to bring a chunk of the recording industry to Nashville from New York was interesting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Central Grocery & Deli; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Flying home from New Orleans, muffuleta secreted away in my luggage, the TSA worker in the security aisle asked me to kindly step aside for an inspection. He covetously removed from my roll-on case and handled my muffuleta, saying, "I know where you got this." The guy behind me was all, "why don't you share that?" Yes, apparently anyone living in the vicinity knows a Central Grocery muffuleta on sight and wants one. I'm not a huge sandwich fan, mainly because it's a bready affair. But *this* is the sandwich to beat all sandwiches. None of this nonsense about ordering it without the olive salad-- that's what MAKES this thing so delicious. I've tried to make them at home, but they lack that certain I-don't-know-what. When I'm here, I buy two. One for then and one for the road. As for the rest of the store, it's a very Spanish-mossy sort of joint. Lots of nice little specialty items.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The National WWII Museum; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Should you find yourself in New Orleans, you should go here. Period. You can drink all you want when you get back home.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Preservation Hall; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Such an odd juxtiposition-- traditional jazz played to an audience sitting on what amount to church pews while drunken werewolves bay at us all from right outside the door. Totally go, good luck finding a seat, feast your ears on authentic sounds. To the reviewer who felt cheated because she couldn't take video; I don't know where you're from but I was brought up understanding I'm not entitled to just take anyone's picture without their consent. This is even more true for live performances. I know the modern age is all about whipping your cell phone out and slapping up whatever shaky images you want to scrawl across youtube, but this music demands more respect than that.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cajun Encounters Tour Company; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: If you would like to encounter a cajun, this is where you go. I wanted to see what there was to be seen out in the swamp, and for me it turned out to me to more about what there is to be heard... or not heard. When we got into the heart of the swamp, flanked by countless knobs of trees sticking up from the surface of the water, their heads seemingly bowed in prayer, with a curtain of spanish moss enfolding us-- I heard an apparent subtraction of sound. Nature's anechoic chamber. You know the band Rasputina? They mixed one of their albums to recreate the sound of the swamp. You should go just to hear it. On top of it, it was cool to see the homes along the way, family cemetary plots, a gator or two... just taking time out and enjoy the sights.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Where else can you go at night and see by only gaslight or candle light? No modern-day, near-constant hum of electricity. That really changes the energy of a place. I came here at night and was enchanted. Then a bunch of loud douchebags arrived and wrecked the whole old-timey vibe. This is a place worth checking out, especially at night. Hopefully you'll steal some nice moments in between crowds of self-entitled, tourist DBs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dali Museum; City: Saint Petersburg, FL; Review: Loved my visit. Learned a lot about Dali and his ouvre. I now enjoy spotting common threads in his work (for example, how the gesture of the praying mantis visible the different figures painted over the years is e tied to his bizarre association with them and how he thought women, in a way, wish to devour their mates.) I could go on, but you should really go and get an insight into his work and thoughts on your own, unspoiled by me. I'd highly recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Trailer - The Good Liar; Abstract: Trailer 2; Category: movies
Title: Trailer - The King's Man; Abstract: Trailer 2; Category: movies
Title: Environmentalists' new target? Charmin toilet paper; Abstract: Critics say Procter & Gamble contributes to deforestation and should use recycled materials for paper products; Category: finance
Title: The One Rule That Style Icons Always Break; Abstract: When it comes to fashion rules, there's one that celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Amal Clooney, and more break. See why it's worth developing a signature style, rather than keeping up with the latest trends.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Trailer - Onward; Abstract: Trailer 2; Category: movies
Title: This Dallas Garden Features 90,000 Pumpkins Each Fall; Abstract: Everything's bigger in Texas.; Category: travel
Title: The Longevity Diet: What to Eat So You Live Longer and Healthier; Abstract: The 5 eating habits that can extend your life, according to a nutritionist.; Category: health
Title: Julianne Hough Mourns the Deaths of Her Two 'Babies' Lexi and Harley: 'I Am Forever Grateful'; Abstract: Julianne Hough Mourns the Loss of Her Two 'Babies' Lexi and Harley; Category: tv
Title: Best period pieces to watch right now; Abstract: Flash back to the past with these awesome shows set in a different time period.; Category: tv
Title: Trailer - The Rhythm Section; Abstract: Trailer 1; Category: movies
Title: Stars who came out; Abstract: Find out how these celebs revealed their sexual or gender identities to the world.; Category: entertainment
Title: Texas police officer shoots woman to death inside her home; Abstract: A Fort Worth police officer checking out a residence with an open door opened fire on a 28-year-old woman inside her home.; Category: news
Title: 'Ghost kitchens' are taking over fast-food chains from Chick-fil-A to Wendy's; Abstract: Wendy's became the latest fast-food chain to name-check ghost kitchens on Friday at the company's investor day.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: 50 Shelter Dogs That Need Homes Before 2020; Abstract: These adorable dogs are looking for their forever families. Welcome one of them into your home before the new year for lots of love and licks. The post 50 Shelter Dogs That Need Homes Before 2020 appeared first on Reader's Digest.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 'Wheel Of Fortune' Guest Delivers Hilarious, Off The Rails Introduction; Abstract: We'd like to solve the puzzle, Pat: Blair Davis' loveless marriage? On Monday, "Wheel of Fortune" welcomed as a new contestant trucking business owner Blair Davis, who offered a biting introduction for himself. When host Pat Sajak asked the man from Cardiff, California, about his family, Davis plunged into one of the darkest personal summaries the show has likely ever heard. "I've been trapped in a loveless marriage for the last 12 years to an...; Category: tv
Title: Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans collapse: Former site engineer weighs in; Abstract: Structural engineer Walter Zehner worked on the project before it became a planned Hard Rock Hotel. A look at what he thinks could have happened:; Category: news
Title: NFL bust Ryan Leaf explained why he's worried about Baker Mayfield; Abstract: Time to worry about Baker Mayfield?; Category: sports
Title: EXTRA SHARP: How to Make Classic Chicken Soup; Abstract: Our classic chicken soup is the perfect dish to warm you up all winter long.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Trailer - Jungle Cruise; Abstract: Trailer 1; Category: movies
Title: The Bagelrito Is the Craziest New Breakfast Mashup Out There; Abstract: The burrito-bagel hybrid at Einstein Bros. is a breakfast sandwich, rolled into bagel dough. It's the best of both worlds, and it looks delicious.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Where do the Yankees go from here? Big decisions that New York must address this offseason; Abstract: The Yankees were stunned in ALCS Game 6 vs. the Astros, but the work for their 28th World Series title starts right now.; Category: sports
Title: Megyn Kelly Claps Back After Being Told to 'Just Fade Away and Enjoy Large Pot of Money'; Abstract: Megyn Kelly Claps Back After Told to 'Enjoy Large Pot of Money'; Category: tv
Title: Trailer - The Report; Abstract: Trailer 2; Category: movies
Title: See spectacular fall foliage in these national parks; Abstract: From Florida to Alaska, see the season's best leaves.; Category: travel
Title: San Francisco is losing residents because it's too expensive for nearly everyone; Abstract: A former bohemian mecca, San Francisco now lays claim to the most expensive housing in the West, with a median home price of $1.4 million.; Category: finance
Title: Danica Patrick shared a sweet message congratulating Aaron Rodgers on perfect game; Abstract: Like just about everyone else, Danica was pretty impressed by Aaron Rodgers' Week 7 performance.; Category: sports
Title: The world's top 20 trending travel destinations for 2020, according to Airbnb; Abstract: The booking company has released data on what they believe will be the hottest places to travel to in 2020.; Category: travel
Title: Trailer - Hoax; Abstract: Trailer 1; Category: movies
Title: What to Watch While You Wait for 'Succession' to Return; Abstract: ; Category: tv
Title: Here's Why Harry and Meghan's Latest Interview Could Be the Final Straw for the Royal Family; Abstract: In Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ITV interview on Oct. 20, they said they're unhappy living in a fishbowl. An insider reveals the palace's response.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Trailer - The Report; Abstract: Trailer 2; Category: movies
Title: Trailer - Bombshell; Abstract: Trailer 2; Category: movies
Title: Trailer - Last Christmas; Abstract: Trailer 2; Category: movies
Title: Missing West Point cadet found dead, officials say; Abstract: A U.S. Military Academy cadet who vanished last week has been found dead, officials said Wednesday.; Category: news
Title: Deer fatally attacks hunter who shot him; Abstract: In what officials are calling a bizarre incident, an Arkansas hunter was killed by a deer that he thought he had killed.; Category: news
Title: 40 Classic Thanksgiving Recipes That Deserve a Comeback; Abstract: Bring some old-school flavor to your Thanksgiving celebration with these retro-inspired recipes.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: What 25 dogs were bred for; Abstract: Stacker looks at 25 dogs and what they were bred for. Some breeds are thousands of years old, while others were just recently recognized by the American Kennel Club.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Chick-fil-A had big plans for National Sandwich Day. Then it looked at the calendar.; Abstract: "Well … this is awkward," the company said in an email.; Category: finance
Title: Video captures terrifying moment woman slips at Grand Canyon; Abstract: Emily Koford was visiting the national park with her mom when a step backward left her clinging to the rocks.; Category: video
Title: Trailer - Knives Out; Abstract: Trailer 3; Category: movies
Title: Clip - Terminator: Dark Fate; Abstract: Clip 2; Category: movies
Title: Unexpected ingredients that go great with eggs; Abstract: Scrambled eggs are one of the simplest ways to use an egg, but there's no better way to demonstrate its versatility than by mixing in these add-ins.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Maria Butina talks to 60 Minutes; Abstract: Before she was deported to Russia, Maria Butina spoke to 60 Minutes about charges that she sought to influence U.S. policy for the Kremlin. See the full interview, Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET and 7 p.m. PT on CBS; Category: news
Title: The 'race whisperer'; Abstract: A black activist convinced a neo-Nazi he'd save him from legal ruin. Then the real plan got underway.; Category: news
Title: For the first time ever, a US cheese is named best in the world; Abstract: Forget the American love affair with Cheez Whiz, blocks of Velveeta and pasteurized processed cheese food slices. An organic blue cheese from Oregon has been named the world's top cheese.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Young trick-or-treater refills stranger's empty candy bowl with his own; Abstract: The touching moment was captured on a resident's doorbell cam.; Category: news
Title: Trump's Twitter Presidency: 9 Key Takeaways; Abstract: Donald J. Trump has exploited social media like no other American president, using it as a springboard to change policy, as a cudgel against critics and as an outlet for self-affirmation.; Category: news
Title: New York Senator Chuck Schumer Mocks Trump Making Florida His New Home, Donald Jr. Fires Back; Abstract: "New York, New York. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere... Trump can't," Schumer tweeted.; Category: news
Title: See dolphins punt fish out of water to stun and eat them; Abstract: New video shows wild bottlenose dolphins kicking fish into the air before eating them, just one trick in their arsenal of feeding tactics.; Category: travel
Title: Trailer - The Photograph; Abstract: Trailer 1; Category: movies
Title: Stars turning 70 in 2019; Abstract: Seventy and sensational! Join us as we celebrate the stars who were born in 1949.; Category: entertainment
Title: Only Two Percent of the World's Population Have This Trait; Abstract: That's right according to the experts, only two percent of the world's population is lucky enough to have dazzling green eyes.; Category: health
Title: Oprah Winfrey bought her next-door neighbor's California ranch for $6.85 million take a look inside; Abstract: In addition to her new ranch, billionaire Oprah Winfrey already owns two properties in the Montecito, California area: She purchased the first, nicknamed the "Promised Land," for $50 million in 2001, and the other, nicknamed "Seamair Farm," for $29 million in 2015.; Category: finance
Title: Adele Lost 20 Pounds with Pilates and Cardio After Splitting From Simon Konecki; Abstract: She debuted her slimmer figure in early October.; Category: health
Title: Trailer - Wendy; Abstract: Trailer 1; Category: movies
Title: The highlights and lowlights from the world of comedy in the 2010s; Abstract: Along with the great films, sitcoms and talk shows, there have been scandals, untimely deaths, cancellations both real and metaphorical, terrible sequels and comedies based on cell phone games.; Category: entertainment
Title: Vanna White hosts 'Wheel of Fortune' after Sajak has surgery; Abstract: LOS ANGELES (AP) "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak had to have emergency surgery, and his longtime co-host Vanna White will fill in for him while he recovers. The show said in a statement that Thursday's taping was canceled as the 73-year-old Sajak underwent successful surgery to correct a blocked intestine. The 62-year-old White stepped in as host when taping resumed Friday for episodes that will air starting Dec. 9.; Category: tv | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Cruel Intentions (1999); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Scream 3 (2000); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Nurse Betty (2000); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Perfect Murder, A (1998); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Candyman (1992); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Varsity Blues (1999); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Save the Last Dance (2001); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Urban Legend (1998); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Reindeer Games (2000); Genres: Action, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (Halloween 7: The Revenge of Laurie Strode) (1998); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Too (1990); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: American Gangster (2007); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Déjà Vu (Deja Vu) (2006); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Down to You (2000); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Hanging Up (2000); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Departed, The (2006); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Silence of the Lambs, The (1991); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Rock, The (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Sixth Sense, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Dumb & Dumber (Dumb and Dumber) (1994); Genres: Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clueless (1995); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary (1998); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally... (1989); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Genres: Action, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Truman Show, The (1998); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Great Big Pressure Cooker Book: 500 Easy Recipes for Every Machine, Both Stovetop and Electric; Author: Bruce Weinstein; Review: Excellent cookbook; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The First American Cookbook: A Facsimile of "American Cookery," 1796; Author: Visit Amazon's Amelia Simmons Page; Review: Interesting cookbook; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Log Cabin Cooking: Pioneer Recipes & Food Lore; Author: Visit Amazon's Barbara Swell Page; Review: Very interesting cookbook; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Great Food Fast : Bob Warden's Ultimate Pressure Cooker Recipes; Author: Visit Amazon's Bob Warden Page; Review: Excellent cookbook; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Colonial Williamsburg Tavern Cookbook; Author: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Review: Excellent cookbook; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Williamsburg Cookbook: Traditional and Contemporary Recipes; Author: Letha Booth; Review: Excellent cookbook; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: What Do Old-School Mustang Guys Think of the Kia Stinger?; Abstract: We wondered, so we put the Original Venice Crew in our long-term Stinger GT.; Category: autos
Title: TV Shows Ending in 2020; Abstract: ; Category: tv
Title: Anti-Harry and Meghan hysteria driven by tabloid media and palace insiders, source claims; Abstract: A source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has hit out at what they called the hysterical reaction to comments Prince Harry made about his brother.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Biggest celebrity breakups of the decade; Abstract: Take a look back at the biggest celeb splits from the last 10 years.; Category: entertainment
Title: This Is Exactly How Long Hard Boiled Eggs Last; Abstract: Beware before you bite.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Kate Middleton Takes Prince George and Princess Charlotte Halloween Shopping at Local Supermarket; Abstract: Kate Middleton Takes George and Charlotte Halloween Shopping; Category: lifestyle
Title: ICYMI: Royals news you need to know for October 2019; Abstract: Get caught up on all the big stories about the world's royals in our monthly news roundup.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Little Feat Guitarist Paul Barrere Dead at 71; Abstract: Little Feat's Paul Barrere, who served as guitarist and vocalist in the boogie rock band for nearly 50 years, died Saturday at the age of 71. The band confirmed Barrere's death in a statement. While no cause of death was provided, the guitarist was undergoing treatment in his long battle with liver disease; in 1994, Barrere contracted hepatitis C, and in 2015 was diagnosed with liver cancer. "It is with great sorrow that Little Feat must...; Category: music
Title: 30 Healthy Habits Fit People Live By; Abstract: The habits you choose to do every day add up, and they can either get you closer to your goals or push you further away from them.; Category: health
Title: Pippa Middleton Takes Baby Son to Cranial Osteopath: 'I Was Fascinated to See How Calming It Was'; Abstract: "Soon after Arthur was born last year, I heard a few mums talking about seeing a cranial osteopath," she said. "It's a popular alternative therapy for newborns, particularly those who have had a traumatic birth, are unsettled, or have trouble sleeping," she added.; Category: health
Title: How did the Nats respond to a controversial call? By leaving absolutely no doubt.; Abstract: A controversial interference call. Dominance from Stephen Strasburg. Booming home runs to turn it around. And now, one game to decide it all.; Category: sports
Title: Here's Exactly What Kristen Bell Eats in a Day to Make 39 Look Like 29; Abstract: Find out how the actress, entrepreneur, activist and mom of two ages with grace.; Category: health
Title: Rob Kardashian shows off incredible weight loss in new pic; Abstract: Rob Kardashian has been hitting the gym and it shows.; Category: tv
Title: Meghan Markle Kept it Casual in Jeans and a Crisp Button Down For a Visit to Luminary Bakery; Abstract: The Duchess of Sussex previously spotlighted the social enterprise bakery in the September issue of British Vogue.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 12 Tricks to Slash Your Food Bill; Abstract: Learn how to stock your kitchen with plenty of nutritious, satisfying food and save money while you're at it.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are taking a royal respite; Abstract: Starting next week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are going AWOL.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Diamond Bar teen honors brother's memory by raising funds to fight pediatric cancer, raise awareness; Abstract: ; Category: sports
Title: 3 Foods You Should Eat at Breakfast If You Want to Lose Belly Fat, According to a Dietitian; Abstract: If you're trying to lose belly fat, you're probably paying more attention to your diet, working to get more exercise, and cutting down on sugar.; Category: health
Title: Air Force airman missing after fall into Gulf of Mexico from C-130 aircraft; Abstract: A U.S. Air Force airman went missing Tuesday after falling from a C-130 aircraft into the Gulf of Mexico, according to reports.; Category: news
Title: Amtrak Thanksgiving flash sale offers rides as low as $29 but read the fine print; Abstract: Haven't made your Thanksgiving travel plans? Amtrak's latest sale is here to help (but make sure to read the fine print).; Category: travel
Title: Already 6 Months! Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan's Son Is Trying to Talk; Abstract: Already 6 Months! Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan's Son Is Trying to Talk; Category: lifestyle
Title: Predicting the Cy Young and MVP Winners in MLB; Abstract: The Fantasy Sportsbook crew predicts the Cy Young and MVP winners in the American and National League this season.; Category: sports
Title: Meghan Markle Chose a Chic Black Ensemble for Remembrance Sunday Services; Abstract: She paired her outfit with a bold hat and a crimson poppy pin.; Category: lifestyle | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Villa Langkawi; City: Langkawi Langkawi District Kedah; Review: Booked this property after a long survey, assuming its a new one & will get good services. The review is only for services because the staffs are well in nature & try to help you on every aspects. The disappointing part: as we booked long back for a deluxe room but when we arrived they gave us family room where we found 2 king size beds with hardly spaces; which was not useful for us even though it is high in cost as per them. Told us no deluxe room are available!!!! this i was not expected. How ever after interacting with one couple; came to know they got a deluxe room after our booking. And this part is surprising!!! No choices in breakfast & hardly a choice for vegetarian. Rooms are good & the property is tiny & lovely. Overall Okay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Coorg Jungle Camp Backwater Resort; City: Kushalnagar Kodagu Coorg Karnataka; Review: Good place, nice cottages, good view of lake; small but good swimming pool, food was not that much of great; i went with a big group so service wise it was good....but not sure how it is effect on couple / small group; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fortune Park Vallabha; City: Hyderabad Hyderabad District Telangana; Review: Went on a business meeting for 2 days.... Well maintained & Clean Hotel. Donno much about the room services. Breakfast was not that much of great but Lunch was good & spread with choices. No doubt ..... it is in the prime location......well access to everywhere....................; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fortune Murali Park; City: Vijayawada Krishna District Andhra Pradesh; Review: My 1st time stay at this hotel & felt very good. All the necessary stuffs are available in the room which i stayed. I thank full to the staff for extending my check out time. :-) The hotel food & ambience was very good. Although i dint stayed long time but sure i ll love to come here again. Jay; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amrutha Castle; City: Hyderabad Hyderabad District Telangana; Review: We went to the restaurant available in side the hotel premises for a lunch. The food was not that tasty Service was terrible Staffs don't care about the guests (Don't know / no comment for travelers who stay's in) But only one thing relaxed us...that was the ambiance !!! Hope we will find good ...next time!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fortune Murali Park; City: Vijayawada Krishna District Andhra Pradesh; Review: This is my second review. Last time i suggested for better services by staff 3 months back. This time i saw a good hospitality from all staffs. Ya, dint get nice room like last time but it was good. Loved the breakfast!!! Jay; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bhavani Island Resort; City: Vijayawada Krishna District Andhra Pradesh; Review: Been to this Island in Jan'15 Stayed in so called tree top but there is nothing tree top here !!! No room facilities not even basic facilities, lot of mosquitoes & filled with other bugs. No proper food facilities. I regretted a lot. .; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Roof View Place; City: Bangkok; Review: I been in Bangkok in new years eve, got this hotel with a very good price compared to near by other hotels & considering the peak season. Pros: Location - near to Khaosan Road Staffs were friendly - This could be the main reason for 4 star rating by me Breakfast - was limited but it was tasty. Cleanliness - was good Cons: Area - It will not give you a hotel feeling, Possibly give you a local street feeling Rooms were very small - including the TV :( Bed was not that comfort; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wongamat Privacy Residence; City: Pattaya Chonburi Province; Review: Mixed experiences here, below are few pros & cons about the hotel, hope it would help others. Pros: Room was very clean & spacious Good quality bed Space for balcony sitting Good place for family stay Swimming pool was really good. - Although I dint use ;) Lot of play area for children, cause its a part of resident apartment. Away from buzzing areas - if u are looking for peace in Pattaya, This could be one. Cons: Service was poor Staffs need to be lil friendly - very few good staffs Zero Wifi during my stay. Taxis could not understand the address They consider it is in Naklua area - by default it's far from them (Cab / Motor Bike Taxi) So you may end up paying more charges Suggestion: You can name near by landmarks (atleast 3 landmarks) so the taxi could understand & reduce some amount. If you dont care about anything & just want a good stay far from buzzing areas, this place would be nice for you.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mint Queensway Suites; City: Bengaluru Bangalore District Karnataka; Review: Been here for a business meeting to be attend near by this area. Below are some pros & cons which I experienced. Pros: Good Location Well Connected A park (Opp) for evening walk Comfortable Beds And service was pretty decent Cons: No toiletries A Sofa would be better inside the room Breakfast could be lil more spreads. For the price, this was fine.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Picaddle Resort by Meritas; City: Lonavala Pune District Maharashtra; Review: In a rainy season when you want to escape from the city buzz & want to relax...this is the best stay. Been here with my family We liked the property Bed & sleep quality was nice Room was good Swimming pool & water park both were good Buffet breakfast was really tasty. Location is very accessible to everywhere Free pick-up & drop facility from railway station All staffs were super cool! Definitely visit again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eastiny Place; City: Pattaya Chonburi Province; Review: This property is little old. It is a budgetary hotel, do not expect anything beyond than a room. Near to the beach, lot of bars, massage centers & food joints are available near by this hotel.. Yes, I liked the swimming pool.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 3Howw Hostel Khaosan; City: Bangkok; Review: I was here for a night. It is located few streets away from the happening road Khaosan. Well maintained & a clean property. Bed quality was good. Breakfast spread was limited but it was fine with the price I paid! Two surprising thing for me - Need to pay extra money for towel!, Too many rules & regulations; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam; City: Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam District Andhra Prad; Review: It was a short family trip here in Vizag. We decided to stay at this hotel & no regret! Staffs were friendly Sleeping quality was very good. Got a nice swimming pool ... The breakfast was really nice with lots of spreads.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deccan Rendezvous; City: Pune Pune District Maharashtra; Review: It was a decent stay. We were here for a night, just to visit Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple. This hotel is not that far & located at a quite place. Food was ok Pool was ok But I think the property needs some improvements..; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A One Star Hotel; City: Pattaya Chonburi Province; Review: I read few reviews people complaining about room size, Come on! Dont forget the amount you paid! May be I dont know how much they paid but I paid a budget hotel price and was mentally prepared to stay in a tiny room! Pros: Well maintained, clean & good ambience. Night staffs are good Near to the beach Easy baht bus access to & from walking street Decent swimming pool Cons: Tiny rooms - suitable for backpackers being a solo traveler they gave me a twin bed room! where as I asked big king size bed. They said me to change next day but that never happened.. Nevertheless no complaints because of the amount I paid! Next time give me the big bed haann!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Luxury Hotel; City: Hanoi; Review: We had a short stay here, found good services by the staff. Honestly this property is running with them without those friendly staffs there is nothing! Pros: Old Quarter baby! The location matter. Friendly staff Limited breakfast Tour desk Zero noises Cons: You have to walk to the other property for breakfast :( Its limited breakfast however no complaints becoz of the price we paid! Lil old property renovation required.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diamond City Place South Pattaya; City: Pattaya Chonburi Province; Review: Stayed here for 3 nights I found it decent versus the amount I paid. Pros: Location - exactly 900mtr from walking street and beach. you can take baht bus right from the hotel entrance. Free decent wifi Limited breakfast too included Staffs are good Bed was nice Spacious room & bathroom Cons: Old property need renovation I am sure they will not let you get inside before the check-in time! Cant ask more because the amount I paid was fair enough to get this kind of services. Tips: You may not get baht bus frequently at night so ready to walk 1km or take motor bike taxi. If you are moving towards walking street from hotel dont forget to explore the cheap and fresh fruit market.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: WonderWink The Papa Unisex Seamless Scrub Pant; Brand: WonderWink; Review: I'm a 5'7" male, 185lbs, thick athletic build. I bought a medium and the pants fit excellently. Plenty of sitting room without baring my junk. I've got thick legs too, and these still had a nice straight fit. May hem them up a little.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WonderWink The Alpha Unisex V-Neck Scrub Top; Brand: WonderWink; Review: I'm a 5'7" male, 185lbs, thick athletic build. The Small top fits nicely and the fabric has a good feel. I like my tops well cut, not too loose. I paired this with The Papa pant and they make for a killer set.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ICU by Barco 1 Pocket Unisex V-Neck Scrub Top; Brand: ; Review: I'm a 5'7" male, 185lbs, thick athletic build. The Small top fits nicely and the fabric has a good feel. I like my tops well cut, not too loose. It actually fits well enough I can tuck it into the mens 5-pocket scrubs pants w/ zip fly and belt loops. It'll look awesome with a belt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Barco ICU Men's 5 Pocket Scrub Pant W/Zip Fly; Brand: ; Review: I'm a 5'7" male, 185lbs, thick athletic build. I bought a Medium and the pant fits a little snugly (I could stand to loose a few lbs) and the fabric has a good feel; plenty of room when I sit (I'm a dentist and don't want my junk visible). I may want to hem it up an inch or so. The only downside is the zipper is cheap, but I have yet to find a pant with a solid zipper.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WonderWink Men's Cargo Scrub Pant; Brand: WonderWink; Review: I'm a 5'7" male, 185lbs, thick athletic build. I bought a medium. The pant fits nicely and the fabric has a good feel. It's a slightly snug fit, so it bunches a little in the waist in the back, but I could stand to loose a few around the middle. Nice straight cut, but a little lengthy for my legs. I'll probably hem it up an inch or so. I paired it with the matching mens top (see my review for that). Not sure I'll keep the top, so I hope a unisex top will be cut from the same fabric to match the pant.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WonderWink Men's Raglan Solid 5 Pocket Scrub Top; Brand: WonderWink; Review: True to other reviews, the top seems to run large. I ordered a Small in the Ciel Blue. I'm a 5'7" male, 185lbs, thick athletic build. I usually fill out a small quite nicely, but this top was baggy, probably more comparable to a MD/LG. The back has too much room; it's surprisingly not contoured well for athletically built men at all. The neck hole is larger than I prefer. The length is just a tad long too. The sleeve length is accurately portrayed in the Ciel Blue photo. Nice pockets! Nice material. As for the wear, I can't say since I've never had a pair of Wonderwinks before. I heard they're great though. As a side note, I ordered a set of Wonderwink Unisex scrubs (The Papa pant (M) and The Alpha top (S)). Love the fit of the set, and they're less expensive.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Champion Men's Power Flex Short; Brand: ; Review: Fantastic shorts! Stretchy, lightweight, strong waistband.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Blue Spruce Bed and Breakfast; City: Sisters Central Oregon Oregon; Review: Truly an amazing place. It is beautiful and very comfortable. It is on a half acre and the yard looks like a park. Julie, the owner and innkeeper was more than awesome. I came to Sisters for the annual Folk Festival. I took the bus from Eugene to Sisters and she even picked me up at the bus stop and took me back to the bus stop when I left. . The rooms are very special with fireplaces and couches and special themes. The large living room amd dining area has a fireplace and very comfortable furniture. .She makes everything from scratch for breakfast. I am gluten intolerate and can not eat dairy and she totally accommodated my food needs. She made me gluten free scones, waffles, and special oatmeat and they were all delicious. She puts out lemonade, freshly made cookies, and popcorn for snacks. I totally felt at home. I recommend Blue Spruce Bed and Breakfast for a special get a way and gatherings too. Thank you Julie. I will return soon. Jo Schechter; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Pacific Highway Inn; City: Salem Oregon; Review: The staff went out of their way to make my stay comfortable. They picked me up at the Amtrak station and brought me to the hotel. The room was very comfortable with a great comfy bed. i definitely slept well. Their continental breakfast was good too. I didn't have time to use their pool and spa, but I checked it out and they were both very good size and was sparkling clean. I would definitely stay there whenever I go to Salem. .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Pier Point Inn; City: Florence Oregon; Review: We went to Florence for a five day vacation.. I am so glad that we stayed at the Pier Point Inn. The views of the river are awesome. The staff is so friendly and helpful. The breakfast that comes with the room is the best. They give you everything including made to order omelets, waffles, fruit, bagels, juice, etc. They now have a restaurant that is open for dinner. We enjoyed our dinner there. They have an inside swimming pool and two hot tubs with a fabulous view. We love it! I highly recommend the Best Western Pier Point Inn.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edgewater Inn; City: Coos Bay Oregon; Review: We loved staying at the Edgewater Inn. We stayed for three nights. The location was very convenient and our river view was great. They even have a dock over the river where you can fish. The indoor spa and swimming pool were a great way to start your day. The beds were a little too firm for us so we called the office and they put toppers on the mattresses and then they were very comfortable. The staff was very friendly and very helpful.. The only thing I would have liked to be different is the continental breakfast. It would be much better if it included hard boiled eggs and yogurt. It was mostly carbs. I knew that ahead of time so I brought my own hardboiled eggs. I would definitely stay there again and refer my friends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Pier Point Inn; City: Florence Oregon; Review: We stayed one night as we had a booth at the Good Life Senior EXPO the next day. The service was more than excellent. The young woman who helped us check in went out of her way to accommodate our every need. The view as always is fantastic The beds were so comfortable that I slept better there than at home. A full hot breakfast comes with the room rate. Our eggs were made to order. They had juice , coffee, sausage, toast, waffles, fresh fruit cup and more. All was delicious They have a great pool and spas downstairs. The view of the river is great. I usually use them but I watched the world series instead, I am staying there next week end when I go to a show at the Three Rivers Casino, Thank you so much; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lighthouse Inn; City: Florence Oregon; Review: I have stayed there many times. I have stayed there when I do Business in Florence and sometimes my Sweetheart Fred & I stay there for vacation time. This past week we stayed because we were celebrating New Years Eve in Florence, Very accommodating staff, We had two rooms with a bath in between. Works great for us. We love the lobby with couches and the fireplace. We will be staying again for my birthday week-end in January, It is very close to old town where we love to go to browse in the shops and eat in great restaurants. You could even walk there.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mill Casino Hotel; City: North Bend Oregon; Review: Went to the Mill Casino for the Jazz Festival. It was several days of great music and lots of dancing. We stayed at the Mill Casino Hotel. Our four day stay there was awesome. The staff were very friendly and so helpful. The restaurants within the casino were great too. We love their indoor pool and outdoor spas. I had great fun shopping in their special gift shop. We never left the hotel and casino the entire time. It was great. I wanted to stay longer and didn't want to go home. We will go again soon!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flamingo Conference Resort Spa; City: Santa Rosa Sonoma County California; Review: I stayed at the Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa for four nights last month. I used to live in Santa Rosa and I remember what a special place the Flamingo is. They are close to all of the special things that Sonoma County offers. It is a beautiful destination resort with comfortable rooms, large pool and spa, a health club on site with massages, lap pool and more, tennis courts, restaurant and lounge with live music. All of those things were great. But even more so, the staff were beyond helpful. They accommodated all of my special food needs in the restaurant. When I had a severe leg cramp while dining in the restaurant, all of the staff were so helpful. My room was large and very comfortable. Each day I had different friends join me there for breakfast, lunch and lounging by the pool. They all loved it. I could list all of the names of the staff that went out of the way for me, but the list would be so long there wouldn't be room.. They made the first part of my vacation so special..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clear Lake Cottages Marina; City: Clearlake Lake County California; Review: I am so happy that I found the clear Lake Cottages & Marina. It make my trip so special. The staff were so helpful. The cottage was very comfortable with a sweet porch to sit on. The grounds were wonderful too. I enjoyed being right on the lake. Their swimming pool was a great addition. I was there for three days and enjoyed the pool each day. I slept well in their very comfortable bed.. It is my understanding that the new owners bought the resort a couple of years ago and refurbished it completely. They did an awesome job.. My sister who lives in the area visited me every day and got to enjoy it with me; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edgewater Inn; City: Coos Bay Oregon; Review: We have stayed here several times. We love the room we take because it has a view of the river. We like extra soft beds, so they put a mattress topper on it for us. Their housekeeper Debbie was so helpful and has a very positive and dedicated nature. The indoor pool is great. We stayed three nights and we will definitely stay there again the next time we go to Coos Bay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis; City: Corvallis Oregon; Review: The staff were amazing. Catlin made every thing work for me. They were full because of the OSU Gerontology Conference (which I was attending) and yet they found me a "handicapped" room with grab bars in the shower which I need for my safety in the shower. They gave me the conference rate for the room which was great. The location was excellent for the conference. I just have to walk across the street and I am there. Kyle at the front desk was always very helpful. I had forgotten my phone charger and they had the right one for my iPhone and loaned it to me for my three day stay. My friend who was visiting me needed a phone charger for the time we had dinner and they had one to loan her. We had dinner in their restaurant. Our waitress Lily was awesome. The food was delicious. The bed was so comfortable. Their wifi was very fast too. I so appreciate all of their kindness. I will always stay here when I come to Corvallis.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seven Feathers Casino Resort; City: Canyonville Oregon; Review: The beds were the best ever. Got a great night sleep. We came down from Eugene on the Seven Feather bus service, stayed over night and returned home on their bus the next day. Both drivers, Alex and Tom were excellent. They were part of Experience Oregon. The food was great and very reasonable.. Jackie, their waitress was the best. I shopped a lot in their great gift store.. My nephew will love his birthday presents. The pool and hot tubs are beautiful and so relaxing.. Thanks for giving us a great get a way; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seven Feathers Casino Resort; City: Canyonville Oregon; Review: Fred and I went to celebrate our 24th Anniversary. What a special place to celebrate and relax. We went on Friday and came back on Monday (today). We always love their fabulous pool and hot tubs. It is the best! There was music all of the time. A great performer in their lounge, in the courtyard there were two men playing blues- delta blues one of my favorites. Outside they had a blues and brews festival with Ty Curtis playing rock and roll blues. He is great. Then Saturday night we went to their Events Center and saw the Clairevoyants. They had been on Americas got Talent. They were amazing. We loved the show,. We ate great food in their restaurants. They also have a lot of smoke free options. A smoke free bar, gaming area, and section in Stix. They even had gluten free bread which helps me to stay healthy. They have my favorite gift store. I bought a new bathing suit for me, a great present for a friend, and another special gift. Their ice cream is yummy. We took a ride under the highway and took a look at their RV spot. So great. They even have their own pool. They have a truck stop with a great store in it. The deli-offerings were great. It was the best holiday we have had. Thank you for giving us such a special time; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seven Feathers Casino Resort; City: Canyonville Oregon; Review: Went back to Seven Feathers Casino Resort to celebrate Fred's 80th Birthday. It is truly a destination resort. We took their bus down from Eugene-a free service. We were there from Friday through Monday. Never a dull moment. Great concert in their events center- Los Lonely Boys- a little too loud for us but they were fabulous. The Aces, a country western band were in the lounge all week-end. They were great. They had a very good singer in the courtyard. Also on Saturday they had a band out in their parking lot with delicious Mexican food vendors- we actually ate papusas that were great. They gave free shirts for this special event. Had great drinks too. On Sunday we went to a rodeo that the tribe puts on every year. Their shuttle gave us a ride to this event. I think the drivers name was Bill. He is very helpful Their pool and hot tubs are fabulous. We got to relax and enjoy them several times while we were there. I love the great things to buy in their gift shop. The restaurants are all very good. We love Steelhead because it is a smoke free area. Sean our waiter was more than wonderful. He makes a huge difference. We even walked around downtown Canyonville and their shuttle took us there. Raul helped us take our luggage down to the bus when we were leaving to go home Monday night. A special person for sure. The bus driver was excellent. She knew most of the people who took the bus by name. Very friendly, helpful and an excellent driver. We had a great time celebrating Fred's 80th birthday. A four day celebration he will never forget! Thank you for everything- Jo Schechter; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Grand Hyatt Washington; City: Washington DC District of Columbia; Review: Had a great stay at the Grand Hyatt Washington. The location simply cannot be beat. It was raining the day I flew in, so it was especially nice to be able to get to the hotel via the Metro without ever having to get wet. Rooms were average sized and the bed was comfortable. I received the hotel for $80/night + tax via Priceline, which I consider a steal. Even with a priceline bid, I was given a room on the 11th floor (Gold Passport Floor) and my non-smoking king request was granted. My only complaint was the gym. While very nice, they are actually part of Washington Center, not the Hyatt, and the cost is $11 per day (no comp for gold passport members). However, the gym is very complete with a multitude of cardio machines, machine weights, and free weights, as well as an indoor pool. You can't beat the quality or location.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC Crystal City; City: Arlington Virginia; Review: Stayed at the Doubletree for two nights. Very pleased with hotel. Received through Priceline for $75/night and was given a suite at check-in. Bed was comfortable, furnishings were what you would expect from a Doubletree. The shuttle to the metro is only on the half hour, so not too dependable. The walk isn't bad...maybe 10 minutes to Pentagon City station. The rotating lounge is worth a visit. Parking is $15 for self park, $20 for valet. You can self park right by an entrance door, so no real need to valet. Internet is wireless for $9.95/night and much more reliable that the wireless of many hotels. Normally wouldn't choose to stay in Crystal City, but would stay here again if looking in this area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grand Hyatt New York; City: New York City New York; Review: Stayed 3 nights at the Grand Hyatt. Room on the 22nd floor; huge. Largest room I've ever had in Manhattan (though like most hotels I imagine there is a spread of what you get there). Bathroom was small, but not abnormal for NYC standards. Great location; very close to Grand Central. Pershing Square restaurant across the street provides a good, laid back meal option. Best part of the hotel is the fitness center. Sufficient treadmills and bikes, machine and free weights (dumbbells) even at 5:30 when I would go each night. What was amazing is that it is FREE! Talk about a rarity. Only three complaints: (1) The bathroom never really got cleaned to the standard I expect, especially from a Grand Hyatt, at arrival and during my stay. (2) As someone else mentioned, if you get an adjoining door room, you will hear everything next to you, and that means they can hear you too. (3) I thought the doormen were below par for NYC. Not very engaging or outgoing, and sometimes non-existent. I should point out that I won the hotel through Priceline for $130/night. Quite a bargain, and yet was still given a nice sized non-smoking King room.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown; City: Washington DC District of Columbia; Review: Very pleased with my first stay at this property. Booked two double bed room, but requested and was granted a king. Room had generous space for a city hotel (room #1211). Nice LCD television with HD programming. Elevators were quick, bed comfortable (has an adjustable firmness knob). Wired and wireless internet complimentary in the rooms. Didn't make it to the fitness center, which unfortunately closes too early at 10pm. My only complaint was parking. It is valet only and they were slow in retrieving the car (including pulling the wrong car up one time). There is no turn-in for the hotel, just a small curb area that fits 2-3 cars, so if it is peak time, can be hard to find a place to pull in. Will definitely return to this location however.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Spa; City: Sonoma Sonoma County California; Review: I never thought I'd write a negative review of a Fairmont property, but here it is. While the staff raises to that level and are excellent, everything else leaves much to be desired. I stayed for two nights and found myself awakened routinely. I think much of this is due to the age of the property, but you hear every shower running, toilet flushing, people talking, etc. in the rooms next to/above you. Perhaps I was in a smaller room, but it was smaller than your average NYC hotel room. The room was nicely decorated, but the bed comfort and bedding were just average. I ordered room service for breakfast my first morning and informed the operator I needed my breakfast in 20 minutes, asking if that could be accommodated. I was told absolutely, but 35 minutes later I was on the phone asking for my breakfast. It arrived a few minutes later, but by then I only had 5 minutes to enjoy my $36 breakfast (the breakfast was also incorrect, but I chalk that up to a language barrier of the person taking my order as I understood how he made the mistake, but it doesn't change that he made the mistake). The food quality was good however, as were the other meals I ate while on property. Other nit-picky complaints included the in-room safe, which was too small to hold my normal sized laptop. And being on the first floor, my window wouldn't lock (the property feels quite safe, so I wasn't concerned, but this is still unacceptable in my mind). Very pleased with the fitness center. Ample and well maintained equipment. Parking is easy and complimentary. But for what you get here, it is WAY overpriced in my opinion. One note: join the Fairmont Presidents Club before you arrive to get free in-room Wifi.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort Spa; City: Bavaro Punta Cana La Altagracia Province Domi; Review: Recently spent 5 days at the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites in Punta Cana. So long as expectations are moderate going in, you’ll enjoy your stay. Put simply, this is a solid 3-star resort. The problem is most places online will suggest you’re getting a 4-star or better property, which simply isn’t true. We stayed in a Family Connected Suite, which provided a king bed with sofa in one room and two doubles with a sofa bed in the other, allowing parents their own room and kids their own room. We were in building 49, which struck us as a good location. Not sure there’s really a bad location on the property. I enjoyed the diversity of the property, which may also be a product of Punta Cana more generally. It really was a melting pot of people from all over the world. In the end, I wouldn’t stay here again. Not because it’s particularly bad, but it’s not particularly great either. It’s just OK. The pros: Beautiful grounds, well maintained and manicured. Felt very secure and isolated. Great place to relax. Beach is beautiful and we had little-to-no seaweed during our stay. Pools are very nice and clean and options for all ages/swimming ability. Kids loved the ability to explore new pools and new areas daily (sometimes multiple pools daily). Sports area is a nice break away. Mini-golf course is in poor shape, but it didn’t matter for our kids and was a fun bonus activity. As was the badminton and ping pong there. Archery required advance reservations, so we missed our chance to do that by inquiring too late in the stay. And the sports bar offered a foosball table and billiards; more fun for the kids. Easy access from the airport, about 25-30 minutes. We used DominicanPlus, which I’d recommend. I hate landing somewhere and then having a long drive to get to the destination. The variety of resorts on the property and ability to venture freely, relax in different lobbies, etc. was nice. We chose this resort because it had good reviews for people with food allergies. I was generally pleased with how they handled it for my peanut and egg allergic son. The property does seem to take it seriously and even allowed us to make a-la-carte dining reservations, which we otherwise wouldn’t have been eligible for. Patrick was a wonderful chef we found at the Bavaro buffets, but overall the chefs were very accommodating everywhere. In some cases, there was a language barrier, but we always overcame it. We found the beds comfortable, but also prefer firm beds. Good pillows as well, which I find to be a rarity at hotels. The cons: On the surface, the property is nice and clean, but its age is showing and the rooms and bathrooms are tired/beat up. It’s this level of detail that makes me call it a 3-star property. One refrigerator barely worked and the other leaked condensation. The air conditioning was either on or off…the thermostat in both rooms didn’t seem to adjust once the temperature was; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Blood Oranges; Author: Visit Amazon's John Hawkes Page; Review: I found this book lyrical and somewhat surreal. It evoked memories of John Barth's End of the Road. The book was original, uninhibited, and rather melancholy. It presented an image of the idle rich who are hedonistic yet emotional. Jealousy plays a half-veiled and sinister role. I highly recommend this book to lovers of poetic prose (a la Barth or Toni Morrison).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Signal and the Noise: The Art and Science of Prediction; Author: Visit Amazon's Nate Silver Page; Review: Nate Silver, best known for predicting all 2012 federal elections, has written an interesting glimpse into how statistics can be used and abused in daily life. He emphasizes the role of probability and discusses how ego, vested interest, greed, and wishful thinking can impact predictions in a negative way. He discusses some of the highly successful applications, such as baseball, and those that are still left wanting, like earthquakes. The book is a very quick read and I appreciated the opportunity to buy the narration cheaply and move between the written and spoken work seamlessly with Whispersync Voice. There were times I found myself wanting more technical detail and I hope Silver writes some deeper books on the subject in the future. This books provides a palatable introduction to the subject of probability for even those not mathematically-inclined. I recommend the narration, in particular. Silver has an easy-going style that is well conveyed verbally by the writer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Woman in White (Penguin Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Wilkie Collins Page; Review: I quite enjoyed The Woman in White, though it paled when compared to Dickens, as expected. The story was compelling until about halfway through then it seemed to go on and on, milking the resolution for far too long. The writing is quite good and most of the characters have dimension. I was pleased that Audible provided an inexpensive narration supported by WhisperSync Voice, which allows one to move freely between the written and audio versions without losing one's place. In the audio version, there were many narrators, some excellent and some only average. This was also true of the sound quality, which is a frustrating aspect of volunteered narration. The book is epistolary from several different perspectives. I believe I noticed that at least one of the characters changed narrators, which is particularly distracting, and I hope these can be re-recorded consistently. All in all, it was a pleasant, though lengthy, read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dog Stars (Vintage Contemporaries); Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Heller Page; Review: Peter Heller has an incredible range in plots. His characters are very well-formed and the plots are fantastic. This is my particular favorite. As a Coloradan, figuring out where the plot takes place is a fun extra exercise.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl With All the Gifts; Author: Visit Amazon's M. R. Carey Page; Review: Zombie-Lit for even the most literary-minded. Great characters, writing, and plot. I highly recommend this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girls: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Emma Cline Page; Review: This book is well-written, often lyrical. The emotional presence of the characters, ensnaring. I read this in just over a day and wanted it to continue. If you enjoy contemporary literature, you shall be pleased.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Exercise Every Day: 32 Tactics for Building the Exercise Habit; Author: Visit Amazon's S.J. Scott Page; Review: Questioning my exercising ability because of my age, Exercise Every Day gave me the push I needed. I look forward in doing, small as it may be for now, my daily exercise routine. This is an easy book to read but still full of great exercise tips, encouragement and motivation. Thank you Steve Scott for all your inspiration, great book, highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Write a Nonfiction eBook in 21 Days - That Readers LOVE! - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Steve Scott Page; Review: Great Book! This book is inspiring and motivating for a wannabe writer. It is easy to read, understand and has a great step by step writing action plan. Steve Scotts book has given me the courage to move forward with my writing. I highly recommend this book; it's a great start for any aspiring writer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Confident You: An Introvert's Guide to Success in Life and Business; Author: Visit Amazon's S J Scott Page; Review: If you are an introvert and desire to make a few changes in your life, this book has helpful information and tips that should help you make these changes. But the book also emphasizes that it's OK to be you, an introvert. Thank you Steve and Rebecca; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 23 Anti-Procrastination Habits: How to Stop Being Lazy and Get Results in Your Life; Author: Visit Amazon's S.J. Scott Page; Review: We all procrastinate at least a little, its human nature. So far I've read several great books by S.J. Scott. This book is just as great, full of tips on how to avoid or remedy many procrastination habits we may find ourselves encountering in our daily lives. Some tips are not new but rereading something may eventually motivate us to take action. Ive used several of Steves APH suggestions to help keep me on track and have applied the 30 Day Challenge to make some habit changes, thank you Steve.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Write (and sell) Non-Fiction Books: 5 Easy Steps (Writing Skills Book 1) - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Nancy L. Hendrickson Page; Review: Wanting to become a Kindle published author, Ive been reading a few books on how to more effectively sharpen my writing skills, set-up and publish a book on the Kindle format. Nancy Hendricksons, Write (and Publish) Your First Non-Fiction Book is the perfect guide, full of great information and resources on how-to achieve this Kindle publishing goal. Her no nonsense approach on sharing her writing information is refreshing and inspiring. Thank you Nancy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Miracle Morning for Writers: How to Build a Writing Ritual That Increases Your Impact and Your Income (Before; Author: Visit Amazon's Hal Elrod Page; Review: If writing is even just a thought in your mind, this book is a must read. It not only covers several facets that a writer may need to write and launch a book but for me it was also an inspiration and a motivation to keep going on my writing path. As a benefit Ive learned to become an early riser and Im actually enjoying it. Thank you to Steve Scott for another great book, The Miracle Morning for Writers is a great writing tool, teacher and keeps motivating the writer in me, thank you to Hal Elrod for making me a morning person and thank you Honoree Corber for inspiring me to keep my writing butt in my writing chair.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cracking The Website Code: Grow Your Online Business Faster With A Smarter Website And Savvy Marketing; Author: Visit Amazon's Janice Cumberlidge Page; Review: Im not a Wordpress Website owner but still found "Cracking the Website Code" full of great tips, hints and general information on how to better a site and make it more appealing to readers. I also like how Janice covers ways to increase your website earning potential with readers all while being yourself and writing in your own voice. Thank you, Janice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Gatwick Little Foxes Hotel; City: Crawley West Sussex England; Review: Staying here was great. Its close to Gatwick airport. Being there the night before you travel saves alot of stress. The car was safe. friendly helpful staff will consider this option again in the future. I would return to little foxes at the speciall offer rates only.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Rugby East; City: Crick Northamptonshire England; Review: We stayed here before the clothes show live in birmingham. It was about 25mins drive to the NEC birmingham. Which was great, very close to major route so very easy and quick.LOts of free parking. I would stay here again. The buffet breackfast was plenty. Every where was very clean and well kept. Thats coming from a cleaner. There are a few staff (this is why its good value) but friendly and helpful, You might have to wait a few minutes when checking in. I would stay here for upto 3 nights no longer. Great for business and short breaks only. So brilliant value for what we wanted at the right price.I would recomend to a freind.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bastion Hotel Zoetermeer; City: Zoetermeer South Holland Province; Review: This hotel was great. I booked it on line and got a great deal. I wanted to go for a day out in The Hague the next day. This hotel is approximately 20 minutes from The Hague. It has a McDonald's right opposite. I stayed here with my family 2 adults and two children. We booked 2 separate rooms because of the offer. The hotel was very clean and the staff were helpfully and friendly. They gave us rooms right next to each other, rooms very clean and the floors were heated which is a nice treat when you get out of the shower. The parking at the hotel is free which was one of the attractions. The Hague parking is dear and not free with most hotels, hence the reason we decided to stay out of town. This enabled us to drive to the nearest park and ride which only cost 4 euros for the car and four passages on the tram to the centre of The Hague and back again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn Chessington Hotel; City: Chessington Surrey England; Review: Just what you expect from a premier inn. Comfortable stay ideal for chessington park only a few minutes walk. Hot showers clean sheets. The breakfast is a must have its cooked to order and very value for money. This was served at the beefeater grill right next to hotel. I pre paid for ours when booking the room.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chestnut Villa Guest House; City: Downham Market Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: We only stayed 1 night at this lovely B&B we could have stayed longer it was so comfortable. Lots of lovely extras in the room. A sml bottle of Rose, plenty of hot drinks choices and biscuits. Lots of little extras that we we pleasantly surprised to find in the bathroom. 4 star offerings 😃 very where was clean and well presented. The beds were really comfy and the owners were really lovely. Sleeping at the front of the house along side a main road didn't seem to be noisy at all. A very peaceful and comfortable stay. I would definitely recommend staying here to friends and family.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
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: Kendal; Review: Great deal, and functions perfectly. 100% satisified with my choice. Immediate shipping, and would highly recommend this procduct. Would purchase again without hesistation.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vans Men's Atwood Low-Top Sneakers; Brand: Vans; Review: Would definitely purchase this shoe again without reservations. Fits true to size, very comfortable and a great value for the asking price!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vans Men's Low-top Sneakers Black; Brand: Vans; Review: Would definitely purchase this shoe again without reservations. Fits true to size, very comfortable and a great value for the asking price!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: REV #ITAL264-1 Panerai Style 24mm Lug Width Black Thick Genuine Leather Replacement Band; Brand: REV; Review: Terrific product and a very nice value associated with it. Highly recommend!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men's Analog Sports; Brand: Aposon; Review: This watch was beyond my expectations in value, appearance and 'likability'. Unbelievable, pertaining to the time piece that you receive and the economical cost for this watch. I have had it for 10 days so far: very comfortable to wear, accurate, easy to see and recognize the time due to the large face. I love the large look and design of the watch. This purchase replaced a much more expensive outdoor watch that finally failed. Glad that I stayed with this particular timepiece rather than spend over $100.00 on a replacement. Thanks!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: On The Road CD Unabridged; Author: Visit Amazon's Jack Kerouac Page; Review: I didn't read this book for decades, thinking that it would have nothing of interest to me. Now, sixty-some years after Kerouac's adventures, I believe that this is less about the beat generation than it is about America in the heady post-war era. Reading this now, I get insights into the odd values held by my own father, a "regular" man with strange longings, and my mother, who managed to love him. I think that history will treat this book quite differently from how it was seen during its time. It's more worth reading today.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hunting of the Snark : An Agony in Eight Fits (Penguin Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Lewis Carroll Page; Review: Martin Gardner was a man of many achievements, but the elevation of the "Alice" books from childrens' fantasy to scholarly recreation may be among the most enduring. This edition collects notations from previous editions in one place, and restores the John Tenniel illustrations, the ONLY illustrations that capture the spirit of the material. Today, there are probably many who have met Alice only through the many films and TV productions out there. Every one of them distorts the work criminally. Today's readers owe it to themselves to enjoy not only the original material, but Gardner's wonderful knack for explaining where it all came from, and all the subtleties that would otherwise only be caught by the Victorian reader. This is not a child's book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology; Author: Visit Amazon's David Abram Page; Review: This book joyfully shows how a modern man in the modern world can still become fantastically attuned to the natural world. It is a salve to the over-stressed soul. There is a bit of Carlos Castaneda in Abram, but not enough to make the reader defensive. Abram is not selling anything or preaching any gospel; he is just relating his journey through the world, and that makes this book a fascinating and rewarding read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night of the Jabberwock; Author: Visit Amazon's Fredric Brown Page; Review: If you're a fan of both Lewis Carroll AND Dashiell Hammett, and if you're looking for an easy recreational read, you won't do better than "Night of the Jabberwock." It's got it all, managing to be both complex and compact. I loved this book, and it's a pity that it may interest only a niche market. If you're one of those people who still think that the "Alice" books are for children, you just won't get it; otherwise, give it a try.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth; Author: Visit Amazon's Reza Aslan Page; Review: It's the season for books preaching various versions of the life and meaning of Jesus. This one is refreshingly straightforward, dealing largely with the conditions that held in that place and time, and the many men who were shaped by those conditions and who rebelled against them. If you've read other such books, you owe it to yourself to read this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Road to Wellville; Author: Visit Amazon's T.Coraghessan Boyle Page; Review: Loved the movie, so tried the book. They're different, but both are good. My first real job was at a small mountain San that was an offshoot of the Kellogg San in Battle Creek, so this was partly a trip back. But I think others will enjoy it too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son On Life, Love, and Loss; Author: Visit Amazon's Anderson Cooper Page; Review: This book puts into perspective what to most of us has seemed a glamorous but sad fairy tale. The life of Gloria Vanderbilt becomes a tale of survival and redemption that could happen without all the riches and publicity. Those of us who never knew that the Anderson Cooper we admire is the final product of that fairy tale, must renew our admiration. Both these remarkable people have risen above their roots and become people in their own rights. The controlled but unwanted girl has learned to become a loving Mother who supports, but does not limit, her son. That son has, without using the Vanderbilt name, built a name for himself. In these pages they break through the generational barriers that have kept them apart, and become friends. Mothers and Sons can learn from them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Other Voices, Other Rooms (Penguin Modern Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Truman Capote Page; Review: I read this because I wanted to know how Capote rose to fame. I found it ordinary. I admit that there are good insights into a boy's mind, especially a deprived boy, and I did appreciate those. But I'd not recommend this to friends. Truth be told, I didn't get "Catcher in the Rye," either, so maybe I'm just lacking a certain kind of empathy.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Kurt Vonnegut Page; Review: I recently reread this, after forty years, because I didn't remember the details. It's not as compelling today as it was then, but I still resonate to Vonnegut's mastery of black humor. To me, this doesn't rise to the level of my two favorites, "Cat's Cradle" and "The Sirens of Titan." It's still a good read, though.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hippies; Author: Visit Amazon's Gary Gautier Page; Review: This book will speak to different people differently. If you were a Hippy and remember it fondly, this will take you back to those times. I think the author speaks from experience. He can still feel the strong emotions of those times, but now he understands them better, and he writes from a serene viewpoint, not a violent one. If you were a Straight wondering what made the Hippies tick, maybe walking for these pages in their shoes will build an understanding. The author writes very well, drawing his characters with skill, and he makes their experiences real. You won't have any trouble empathizing. If you sought meaning in those days and still do, maybe the simple truths that these characters learn will satisfy some of those cravings. Do read the whole book, but if you cant do that, do read the last chapter. If you like a tale with just a little bit of science fiction woven throughout, this book is for you. And if you are into past lives, you may find this treatment thought-provoking. If you like a love story, but not mushy romance, youll like how this story ends. I did. And if you don't fit any of these types, maybe you should. Read this book to educate yourself. I think youll enjoy it, too. Bottom line: read this book, whoever you are.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Death of a Movie Star; Author: Visit Amazon's Timothy Patrick Page; Review: A vividly imagined romp through a tangle of Hollywood vendettas, with near-future special effects to add to the bitchiness. A lot of fun to read. I'd give it 5 stars except that would mean it was destined to be a great classic. It's not that kind of book, but it is more than worth reading, especially if you have enjoyed some of the real Hollywood bitch fights we've seen in our time. We can hope that real Hollywood is not this vindictive, but we suspect that it is.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Death of a Movie Star; Author: Visit Amazon's Timothy Patrick Page; Review: A vividly imagined romp through a tangle of Hollywood vendettas, with near-future special effects to add to the bitchiness. A lot of fun to read. I'd give it 5 stars except that would mean it was destined to be a great classic. It's not that kind of book, but it is more than worth reading, especially if you have enjoyed some of the real Hollywood bitch fights we've seen in our time. We can hope that real Hollywood is not this vindictive, but we suspect that it is.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: RUBBERMAID Covered Pitcher 2.25 qt - White with Red Cover; Brand: Rubbermaid; Review: A++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ClosetMaid 58711 Cubeicals Fabric Drawer, Yellow; Brand: ClosetMaid; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winware ALXP-1622 16-Inch by 22-Inch Aluminum Sheet Pan, Pack of 1; Brand: Winware; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ClosetMaid 5786 Cubeicals Fabric Drawer, Canteen/Brown; Brand: ClosetMaid; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seville Classics Bamboo Expandable 5 Large Compartment Adjustable Cutlery Drawer Tray Organizer; Brand: Seville Classics; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waring Pro WO50B Cordless Wine Opener with Vacuum Sealer and Foiler Cutter, Black; Brand: Waring; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sunbeam Sleeve Ironing Board with Removable Cover (Blue); Brand: Sunbeam; Review: Great product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home-it Expandable use for, Utensil Flatware Dividers-Kitchen Drawer Organizer-Cutlery Holder; Brand: Home-it; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MyGift 4 Pc White Ceramic Soap Dish, Soap Dispenser, Toothbrush Holder & Tumbler Bathroom Accessory Set; Brand: MyGift; Review: Great product; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ClosetMaid 11511 Cubeicals Fabric Drawer, Denim Blue, 2-Pack; Brand: ClosetMaid; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rubbermaid 7J76 687965439399 Plastic Easy Find Lid Food Storage Container, 1.5 Gal, 1777163 Set of 2, 2, Red; Brand: Rubbermaid; Review: A+++; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: On Trend Women's Paris Bohemian V-Neck Printed 3/4 Sleeve Faux Wrap Long Maxi Resort Dress; Brand: On Trend; Review: Really love this dress! Sizing is kind of small though around the chest - I'm usually a small to medium but I think a large would have been better. Other than that, perfect!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kipling Sherpa; Brand: Kipling; Review: Love it! Huge! Perfect fit for my laptop and lots of other stuff. Use it as my daily purse for work as well as for travel. Highly recommend!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dazzling Silver Flapper Adult Costume; Brand: Franco American Novelty Company; Review: Great costume! True to size, nice fit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kipling Johanna Solid Tote; Brand: Kipling; Review: Love this purse! Lots of room, super light, and looks great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sexy Cardigan Sweater Knit V Neck Long Sleeves in Multiple Colors; Brand: Hollywood Star Fashion; Review: Bought it a whole size larger based on other reviews, and it fits perfectly! Got the blue one, love the bright color. Really nice, perfect for the price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Match Women's Slim Fit Cargo Pants Outdoor Camping N' Hiking #2032; Brand: Match; Review: I'm usually a medium, bought an XL and they fit perfect! Great pants, wish they had them in other colors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: ArmorSuit Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7" Screen Protector Max Coverage MilitaryShield Screen Protector for Galaxy Tab A 9.7"; Brand: ArmorSuit; Review: The wet installation process damage the screen on my wife's brand new Galaxy Tab A tablet. Do not buy this product! They do not give any warning that this could happen. We watched their video on how to install the shield, but moisture was able to get under the screen.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Poetic Galaxy Tab A 9.7 Case Turtle Skin Series Corner/Bumper Protection Tactile Side Grip Sound-Amplification Bottom Air Vents Protective Silicone; Brand: Poetic; Review: Good overall, but a little slick to the touch.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: FORSPARK 4K HDMI Cable 25 Feet HDMI 2.0 - High Speed 18Gbps - Gold Plated Connectors; Brand: FORSPARK; Review: Nice cables.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ArmorSuit Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0" (SM-T350, 2015; Brand: ArmorSuit; Review: Wet application process ruined my screen. Do not buy this product!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bluetooth Speakers, ZEALOT S2 Wireless Portable Speaker, Desktop Computer Speaker with Enhanced; Brand: ZEALOT; Review: Bluetooth connections are not seamless.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future (1985); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gone with the Wind (1939); Genres: Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Boys Don't Cry (1999); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Advocate (1997); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Genres: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: French Connection, The (1971); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Genres: Action, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wallace & Gromit: The Best of Aardman Animation (1996); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apt Pupil (1998); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Girl (1991); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Homegrown (1998); Genres: Comedy, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2000); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Musical; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993); Genres: Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Annie Hall (1977); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Christmas Story, A (1983); Genres: Children, Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Musical; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Life in Pink (Ma vie en rose) (1997); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, Le) (2001); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Some Like It Hot (1959); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cinema Paradiso (Nuovo cinema Paradiso) (1989); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dog Day Afternoon (1975); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Do the Right Thing (1989); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Player, The (1992); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Far from Heaven (2002); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 25th Hour (2002); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Frailty (2001); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monsoon Wedding (2001); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: And Your Mother Too (Y tu mamá también) (2001); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bourne Identity, The (2002); Genres: Action, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Genres: Action, Crime, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia (2002); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kissing Jessica Stein (2001); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Punch-Drunk Love (2002); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Storytelling (2001); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Godfather, The (1972); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Godfather: Part II, The (1974); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taxi Driver (1976); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chinatown (1974); Genres: Crime, Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Badlands (1973); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Orange, A (1971); Genres: Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harold and Maude (1971); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Exorcist, The (1973); Genres: Horror, Mystery; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Animal House (1978); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Conversation, The (1974); Genres: Drama, Mystery; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now (1979); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alien (1979); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Young Frankenstein (1974); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Muppet Movie, The (1979); Genres: Adventure, Children, Comedy, Musical; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleeper (1973); Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Express (1978); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blazing Saddles (1974); Genres: Comedy, Western; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love and Death (1975); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marathon Man (1976); Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bananas (1971); Genres: Comedy, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Genres: Children, Comedy, Fantasy, Musical; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask (1972); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carrie (1976); Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jerk, The (1979); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deliverance (1972); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max (1979); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kentucky Fried Movie, The (1977); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Harry (1971); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harder They Come, The (1973); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Way We Were, The (1973); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Superman (1978); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky Horror Picture Show, The (1975); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Musical, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spy Who Loved Me, The (1977); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diamonds Are Forever (1971); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark) (1981); Genres: Action, Adventure; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raging Bull (1980); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blade Runner (1982); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thin Blue Line, The (1988); Genres: Documentary; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amadeus (1984); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Roger & Me (1989); Genres: Documentary; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stop Making Sense (1984); Genres: Documentary, Musical; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drugstore Cowboy (1989); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios) (1988); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: This Is Spinal Tap (1984); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally... (1989); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Simple (1984); Genres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fish Called Wanda, A (1988); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stand by Me (1986); Genres: Adventure, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moonstruck (1987); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Birdy (1984); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Princess Bride, The (1987); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shining, The (1980); Genres: Horror; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Liaisons (1988); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Say Anything... (1989); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raising Arizona (1987); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (a.k.a. Ghost Busters) (1984); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scarface (1983); Genres: Action, Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diva (1981); Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stranger Than Paradise (1984); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diner (1982); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Emperor, The (1987); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Run (1988); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Chill, The (1983); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985); Genres: Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Platoon (1986); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Genres: Action, Adventure; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breakfast Club, The (1985); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brazil (1985); Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: World According to Garp, The (1982); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Full Metal Jacket (1987); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Calm (1989); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Akira (1988); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blue Velvet (1986); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terms of Endearment (1983); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fly, The (1986); Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost Boys, The (1987); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trading Places (1983); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Parenthood (1989); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Field of Dreams (1989); Genres: Children, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stripes (1981); Genres: Comedy, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Labyrinth (1986); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Musical; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blues Brothers, The (1980); Genres: Action, Comedy, Musical; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) (1984); Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, The (1988); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Langley Hotel Tango; City: Val Thorens Saint Martin de Belleville Les Belleville Savoie Auver; Review: We were skiing in January and stayed in Hotel Tango. Our previous ski trips had been mainly staying in chalets with a large group of friends, but with only 4 people on this occasion, we thought the hotel experience may be better. We had stayed in a hotel in la plagne the year before which we enjoyed, but hotel tango exceeded our expectations. It is a cool, trendy hotel, mainly catering for the scandinavian crowd. It has a bar which is popular with the apres ski crowd. The food was delicious - although a set menu each night, alterations could be made if you had any dislikes or food allergies. The standard of food was of high quality, almost like a top notch restaurant! Portion sizes were slightly smaller than average but if you added in the dessert (not included in the price) you were pretty full by the end of the meal. My only criticism of the hotel was the 'free for all' storage of boots and skis. There isnt enough room for each resident to have a space for boots/skis on the designated racks/boot warmers. One annoyance was people putting their shoes on the boot warmers during the day on the slopes to 'claim' their space - but then again, some people can be very selfish! Overall this is a minor criticism & would not prevent me from booking this hotel again in the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Circus Hotel; City: Berlin; Review: We booked this hotel after reading the reviews on tripadvisor and wasn't disappointed. Its in a great neighbourhood, a short 10-15min walk from Alexanderplatz and situated right at Rosenthalar platz train station. The room was clean with up to date decor and a great shower! There are a number of cool and trendy bars and places to eat close by. We had breakfast one morning, which wasn't included in the price, and to be honest, we were glad we didn't commit to the breakfast on the other mornings as there are plenty of places to pick something up on the way into the centre of Berlin. The hotel also has a bar with great cocktails and live music on some nights. Would definitely consider staying in this hotel again if we return to Berlin in the near future.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Mansion; City: Phnom Penh; Review: This hotel was a great find. It's in a great location close to the main sights and only around a 10-15 minute walk to the river front. The hotel is tucked away in a quieter street and with its high walls, you feel like you are staying in a more secluded setting. The pool is a reasonable size for the size of hotel. The decor within the hotel main reception and rooms is fresh and chic. We were on the top floor with a fantastic roof terrace looking out over the city. The breakfast area was in the cafe which can be accessed from the street. It offered a good choice of different hot and cold food. There is free wifi throughout the hotel. The staff were fantastic - very welcoming, helpful and friendly. We would definitely stay here again if back in Phnom Penh.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort Spa; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: When we arrived at somadevi it appeared quite grand from the outside. The decor both within the hotel and within the rooms was a little dated however and in need of a makeover. We were in a non smoking room yet could smell smoke on several occasions, possibly through the air vents in the bathroom. There was building work going on out the back of the hotel so it was noisy around the pool area. Thankfully we were there in low season so we were able to get a sun lounger, hopefully they have more stored as if not, then in high season you would be fighting over them! Unfortunately there was no free wifi in the room which I can't quite understand in this day and age when paying a moderate rate for a room. The breakfast was average. The staff however were very helpful and welcoming. It is situated in a great location - only 10 minute walk from night market and pub street.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nouvo City Hotel; City: Bangkok; Review: The hotel is in a great location close to Khao San road and soi rambuttri and the area around the hotel also has a few places to eat and drink. It's far enough away from the constant noise and bustle of Khao San which we were glad about. It is reasonably priced and clean and the hotel room was pretty big with wifi in room which is a bonus, although wifi signal was weak at times. Overall the staff weren't the most helpful or friendly when you asked for their help however. When we asked if a member of the reception desk staff could reconfirm our transfer to the airport they reluctantly attempted and we ended up having to do it ourselves. The breakfast was also not very good. Unfortunately for these reasons we would only give this hotel a 3 star trip advisor rating.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bowmore Cottages; City: Bowmore Islay The Hebrides Scotland; Review: We stayed in the Maltman cottage for 2 nights celebrating a family members 40th. On arrival there was a complimentary 12yr bottle of Bowmore which was a nice touch. Bedrooms were lovely and all en suite. Cottage was clean & well equipped. Would definitely recommend staying here. There was also a complimentary tour of the distillery which was excellent!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Elan; City: Calgary Alberta; Review: The hotel is around a 30 minute walk into the centre of Calgary but is situated in a really nice neighbourhood with a number of nice restaurants and bars. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The room was very clean with modern and trendy decor. It has free wifi, a flat screen TV, coffee machine, and microwave! The breakfast was reasonable. We'd definitely stay in hotel Elan again if visiting Calgary.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kyoto Itoya Hotel; City: Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture Kinki; Review: We stayed here for 4 nights. The room was quite small and compact but very comfortable and clean with modern furnishings. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Although the hotel was not in one of the main tourist areas, most central locations could be reached by walking and there were good transport links close by. I would happily stay in this hotel again if visiting Kyoto.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel; City: Hiroshima Hiroshima Prefecture Chugoku; Review: We stayed here for 2 nights. The hotel is situated just outside the north side of the main station in Hiroshima. We stayed in one of the corner rooms with windows from roof to floor offering an amazing panoramic view of Hiroshima and down to the coast. The room was lovely and spacious with modern decor. The staff, as always in japan, were friendly and welcoming. We took advantage of the happy hour between 5-7pm when a selection of drinks in the bar area were ¥500. Just outside the hotel you can catch one of the city tour buses (which is free with your JR pass) which passes by all the main sights. The tram station is also a short walk away at the other side of the main station with links to all the major sights. I'd stay here again and can see why it's the number 1 hotel in Hiroshima.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hyatt Regency Tokyo; City: Nishishinjuku Shinjuku Tokyo Tokyo Prefecture Kanto; Review: We stayed in the Hyatt Regency for 4 nights. Although the hotel is in Shinjuku, it's out the way from all the hustle and bustle in a quiet area close to some of the government buildings. It's only around a 10 minute walk to shinjuku station however and there's a free shuttle bus service every 20 mins between the two which was good. The room was a reasonable size and the bed comfortable but the decor definitely felt a bit dated and needed some freshening up. Overall, it was a comfortable stay however and we would happily stay here again as Shinjuku was a brilliant area of Tokyo to base your stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Ender's Shadow (The Shadow Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Orson Scott Card Page; Review: I won't address the book other than to say it stands alone and doesn't need Ender's Game for you to understand it. I'm addressing the AUDIO CD. The male voices are great - easy to understand and hear. The female voice I am surprised that she sounds like she's falling asleep (best way to describe it is that she "drones on") while she is portraying the main female character. When she switches to other voices as the different characters speak, she sounds fine and has talent to keep those voices consistent with each character. So why is she trying to put us to sleep during the majority of her portion of speaking?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Danse Macabre; Author: Visit Amazon's Laurell K. Hamilton Page; Review: I loved the earlier books with Anita. In this one she just spreads her legs and it's almost like everyone files by and helps themselves (we're talking just over a 24 hour time frame that this book covers). What happened to the Executioner? The Necromancer? What happened to the relationships developing with those very special people, er, well, vampires, were-things, etc. Some sex is fine, in fact I enjoy reading it. However, almost non-stop with no-one who means anything becomes a bit too much. Bring back some of the people from the past books and continue developing those relationships. Those very special people are relegated to almost being an afterthought. Asher almost kills Anita, but that takes only a few pages and is treated more just like a passing comment, while her sexual encounters with strangers takes the majority of the book and go into graphic detail. The plot just can't move forward when it's bogged down with too much sex, and then the sex scenes aren't enjoyable anymore. And can Anita really be that dense? She has to have things repeated to her over and over, yet she still seems clueless. I like books (over movies) because then I can get lost in the character. I enjoyed being Anita until now. This was just beyond my capability to enjoy. Gotta find a new character - Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris) seems to have potential - a career waitress with more savvy than Anita.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Crush [IMPORT]; Author: Visit Amazon's Sandra Brown Page; Review: This rates the narrator, Tom Wopat; it does not rate the storyline. He did a beautiful job with not only the narration but also with the different character voices. Though definitely a male voice, he was able to portray the female voices well enough that you could easily visualize a female talking, and he kept the different character voices consistent throughout the entire story. Unlike some male voices which are too deep to really hear well, his pitch and tone is easy to listen to and for me, with a slight hearing loss, to be able to discern without having to 'rewind'.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: High Country (Anna Pigeon Mysteries); Author: Visit Amazon's Nevada Barr Page; Review: This review is only for the audio. The narrator, Barbara Rosenblat, does a superb job in emphasis, nuance, expression, and consistency of character voices. Her voice is also at a pitch that is easy to hear. A true pleasure to listen to.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Safe Harbor (Drake Sisters, Book 5); Author: Visit Amazon's Christine Feehan Page; Review: This book is so difficult to read because the font is so small it strains the eyes. Business cards have larger font than this book. I wasn't able to get very far to see how the plot goes because it is so tedious and an eyestrain. However, sounds like I didn't miss much according to the lesser star reviews.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Oak Tree Farm; City: Hopwas Staffordshire England; Review: We now have retired to Spain, and we had to come back to England to attend a wedding we were told we had been booked into a b&b in Hopwas. Well being ex hotel owners we were not looking forward to staying in a b&b, being used to staying in hotels i suppose we are quite snobby !! But what a shock we had as soon as you drive on you knew you was coming to something different. We had that personal greeting. we were shown to our room in the barn ! well it was breath taking could not have asked for more As we came the day prior to the wedding we needed somthing to eat we walked just 3 minutes to the local pub The Tame Otter what value for money !!! May i say thankyou to Lisa & Stuart for making our stay so comfortable at the farm . having paid £85 we feel that we had good value for our money you could not had better at a 5 star hotel again thankyou very much; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oak Tree Farm; City: Hopwas Staffordshire England; Review: went back to Oaktree after last been there 2yrs ago, and as i stated before i used to be a hotelier, glad to see it was the same owners they make you feel at home as soon as you open the front door,all the staff are the same. I looked at the reviews since i was last there and noticed they had a little complaint in august this year, may i say that this person must have been looking for faults because we cant find no fault that you would not find in any hotel in the country if you was not looking for them, please do not let it put you off going there you will not be dissapointed We will be back there at xmas and looking forward to being back; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mercure Sydney; City: Sydney New South Wales; Review: Toured from England to Sydney on round the world trip, having been to Vegas, Honnolulu, Auckland, Adelaide, Brisbane, and to the Mercure Hotel Sydney. May i say this is up with the best, for its locality, for trains and the buses, and restaurants. Being a hotelier myself i think i know what i am talking about, i know you will not be dissapointed. If any of you are in ENGLAND come and give us a try OAKTREE FARM, HOPWAS, TAMWORTH; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silka Seaview Hotel; City: Hong Kong; Review: What can i say, first time in Hong Kong, but the hotel i thought was great, we went around the world, starting with Vegas, then Auckland and toured Australia. Our final stop was Hong Kong. The Dorsett Seaview, What seaview i went all over the hotel looking for the seaview, may i say there is'nt one, but dont let this put you off, The location is superb right by the market and open reastaurents which were superb. Nathan Street with all the designer shops is just up the road, all in all we had a fab time. If ever any of you come to England. come and give our bed and breakfast a try. The name is OAKTREE FARM, HOPWAS, TAMWORTH; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oak Tree Farm; City: Hopwas Staffordshire England; Review: Been a few times now to Oaktree Farm, cannot fault this place one bit, the rooms are superb have been in the medium doubles and the superior doubles are probably the best rooms I have ever stayed in. The breakfast do not miss as it is something die for, you can have full English, 3 fish choices and the omelettes are superb; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mediterranean Palace Hotel; City: Playa de las Americas Arona Tenerife Canary Islands; Review: Last time we stayed at the Palace was about 18yrs ago, may I say it is still as good, the location is probably the best in the resort. Only fault was the sun beds people leaving towels and not coming back till late afternoon, they should have some one there to stop it, you pay good money and cannot get a bed, if people leave there towels the attendants should take them away and not give them there towel card back, apart from that it was a lovely stay; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Esmeralda Praia Hotel; City: Natal State of Rio Grande do Norte; Review: Stayed here in January for 2 weeks with our friends, we booked a luxury room. the room was far from being luxury, I tried to get my point over but no one speaks English, so it was very hard work, the hotel was ok but the food was rubbish suppose ok if you are Brazilian, must say the people are lovely and cleaniness is at a very high standard. When going out at night we had to have a taxi to take us as it it not good to walk because of getting mugged but that was no problem as the taxis were very cheap. All in all the holiday was ok but would not go back again to Natal; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Oak Tree Farm; City: Hopwas Staffordshire England; Review: Just had a few days at Oak Tree, been here before and the standards are still as high, the breakfast staff are awesome cant do enough for you cant fault anything would highly recommend if you like a lovely bed and peace and quiet. There are two pub restaurants in the village both serve great food they are both a few minutes walk from Oak Tree Farm; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oak Tree Farm; City: Hopwas Staffordshire England; Review: Just returned home from Oak tree Farm, this must be the 10th time we have been here as we visit family in the area and again cant fault it, as ex hoteliers we know what we are talking about, the rooms are all lovely and clean some rooms are bigger than others all depends on what you pay for, we always have a superior room with king size beds which suits us fine also must say the breakfast is always to our liking; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Double Jeopardy (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Yours (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Notting Hill (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Parent Trap (1961); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Old School; Brand: Phe Caplan; Review: This is one of my favorite movies of all time. First of all, it's very well thought out in regards to the relationships between the characters (Mitch and Nicole, Mitch and Darcie, Bernard and Lara). The most overlooked, but important detail is the connection between Mitch (Luke Wilson), Bernard (Vince Vaughn) and Frank (Will Ferrell) and Dean Pritchard (Jeremy Piven). If the four hadn't had a history going back to their school days, Dean Pritchard's relentless fight to end the fraternity would've been lost in the mix. Basically, the story revolves around three men who appear to be lost in their post-college years and decide to form a fraternity in the midst of Mitch's failed marriage and Frank's inability to grow into married life. Living in a campus house and overcoming glitches within the system, the fraternity becomes the most popular group on campus to hang out with despite their unusual and questionable personalities. As the film unravels, the fraternity is forced to face real life challenges that test their friendship, loyalty, teamwork, and heart. The chemistry between Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn and Luke Wilson is fantastic and demonstrates the true bonds of friendship. The casting in this movie was brilliant and made it that much more hilarious. It includes some of the best one-liners you'll hear come out of Hollywood. It ranks alongside, if not above the American Pie trilogy and is a modern day 'Animal House', an absolute must for any college student. The only problem I have with this movie is its length. Some of the deleted scenes were not only hilarious, but essential to the plot and should've been used in the final cut. However, that's a minor detail in the final outcome. In addition, if you're a fan of Whitesnake or Kansas, this movie is a living homage to your music. Grade: A+; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Am Legend; Brand: Will Smith; Review: When a novel is written, the reader is free to explore their creative side by picturing an unraveling plot in their heads. In other words, some novels are very hard to re-create into motion pictures because their story lines are so unworldly and so creative that cinema may ruin our mental images of what it should be. However, despite movies almost never living up to the book, Richard Matheson must be proud of this rendition. Will Smith plays Robert Neville, a scientist living in New York as a survivor of a deadly virus that killed off most of the world and made vampires of the rest of them. By day, he hunts the streets of the city, which has been overtaken by wild animals and he searches stores and homes with his dog, Sam, for any food and entertainment to move him along through the day. By night, his house is protected with any and every means of security you can think of in order to keep away the vampires that lurk in the shadows. Ultimately, Neville's goal is to find the cure for this deadly disease in order to save the human race. As many of the previous reviewers have stated, the first half of the film gives the impression that this could be one of the all-time greats. The phenomenal re-creation of New York City was more than enough to capture the viewer's attention and fill their blood with intrigue. It's the type of experience in the movies where each time you watch the scenes in Times Square, you notice something different. For instance, the gas prices (God help us) are over $6 a gallon, or the billboard of the long awaited Superman vs. Batman film that never got off the ground. The latter half of the film demonstrates how predictably clich hero stories have become in cinema. However, I can only praise the work Will Smith does in this movie. His acting was so good that I left the theater convinced that he is in a league of his own among Hollywood talent. His emotions are so believable that it literally saves what may be portrayed as completely ridiculous scenes in the movie. As some of the reviews stated, there were episodes where Smith's loneliness and frustration was overtaking him with such force that you could feel tears burning in the back of your eyes. His acting was absolutely sensational, to say the least. This movie was the story of one man, and there is no man that could do it like Will Smith. I couldn't think of another actor that can stand alone and excel the way Will did in this movie. It saves very mediocre directing and a somewhat slumping plot line as the film evolves. However, this IS a five star film. It's a well played out drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the use of silence only adds to the heart-stopping suspense. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in action or drama, and it's a must for any fan of; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: B-24 Trilogy: The Victory Bombers VHS; Brand: ; Review: Let's be honest; a majority of us were holding our breath, recalling the note 24 left off on, remembering the strike and how long it's been since the last time Jack embarked on a mission to protect the greater good. '24: Redemption' was promoted as a movie that would connect Seasons 6 and 7 and lead us into a new era of the show. For me, it turned out to be a lot more than that. This bridge had a back story I could relate to as well as any prior '24' theme. Many of us have been victimized by that empty feeling like we're unappreciated, that we have no one to turn to and that our life's purpose hasn't been fulfilled. You're immediately led to believe that this is what has brought Jack Bauer to Sangala, that he's emotionally broken and wandering from place to place searching for himself, searching for a way to escape his past, elude his government and find a new start. Just prior to his next move, he gets caught up in an aggressive pursuit for soldiers of a slave army designated to fight for a shift of power in Sangala. While the vintage '24' action at times is scarce, you still get your full dose in the few fight scenes. Jack takes on General Benjamin Juma's right hand man, Colonel Ike Dubaku, and their army in an effort to protect a school of children, including those of an old friend, from being recruited as soldiers. So what do we find out? You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Jack Bauer may be searching for peace, but he's still a trained killer and a man who fights to maintain world order. For me, the first sign that this wouldn't be a disappointment was when you found out it was still done in real time. Led to believe it was structured like an ordinary movie, I wondered how differently '24' would play out minus the clock. However, I was pleased to discover that this two hour event had all the bells and whistles that has made 24 riveting over the years, and hopefully more epic than ever in the coming seasons. This was a fantastic teaser and bridge from Seasons 6 to 7. What amazed me most about it was that aside from President Daniels and Tom Lennox, who we only met in Season 6, there were no old '24' characters. However, Jon Voight is sure to bring some fireworks to the show. I'm looking forward to the familiar faces of Chloe O'Brien and Kim Bauer among others come January. It should be a great year for the best show on TV. Grade: A-; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Friends: Season 7; Brand: Jennifer Aniston; Review: I can't say with confidence that I have a least favorite season of this show. Of course, I don't think as a whole Season 7 is the show's weak point, but after noticing it was the only season receiving less than a 4 stars, I didn't think it got a fair rap. The primary issue is that there's only so much the writers can do when the season's 'A Story' was already developed at the end of Season 6. With everybody invested in Chandler and Monica's wedding, there really couldn't be any heavy story lines involving the other four characters that would divide an audience's attention. If you will, the writers couldn't allow anything to "steal Monica's thunder." High Points: - Chandler & Monica's Engagement Picture - Rachel teaches Joey how to sail - Joey & Ross's napping secret - Ross's library book - The Hanukkah story as told by the Holiday Armadillo, Santa and Superman - The One Where They All Turn 30 - Joey's return to 'Days of Our Lives' - Monica reveals the ugly truth about London to Chandler - The One Where They're Up All Night (probably one of my favorite episodes in the whole series) - Joey's 'Soapie' Award - Denise Richards guest stars as Monica and Ross's hot cousin - Rachel runs into an old sorority sister (Winona Ryder) she made out with in college - Chandler & Monica fly out to Vegas to reconcile with Chandler's father and invite him to the wedding The only throbbing flaw I found in Season 7 was in the 30th birthday episode. It revolves around Rachel's birthday and proceeds to flashbacks of everyone else's 30th. The only problem is that in Season 1's episode 'The Ick Factor', Monica reveals she is 26, which would've made her 30 in Season 5. Since Rachel's birthday is in Season 7 and Monica and Rachel knew each other from school, you have to assume they were the same age. I just wish the time line had been better, but I understand it's something the writers have to deal with. Weak Points: - Monica tries to recover an old cookie recipe passed down in Phoebe's family - Joey's lead on Mac And C.H.E.E.S.E. - The One Where Chandler Doesn't Like Dogs - The One With The Cheap Wedding Dress The whole season was a simple stall. I thought the writers did an excellent job with it and the acting was tremendous, as usual. Season 7 also entailed probably the most gripping Season Finale of the series and set the stage for a remarkable eighth season. This is a 5 star season any way you slice it. The worst of 'Friends', if this is it, is still one of the best things on TV. Grade: A-; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How I Met Your Mother: Season 5; Brand: Jason Segel; Review: Kids... I hope you brought your notebooks, because the story of how I met your mother is a lot longer than you might think... You get the feeling with each passing season that Ted Mosby's "story" is not so much about how he met his wife, but a cleverly disguised series of lessons for his adolescent kids as they enter young adulthood. That's not to say his quest for "the one" is actually just a footnote in the story, though. Many of the things Ted learned along the way were directly connected to his search for the elusive Mrs. Mosby. It just so happens that after five seasons, information has leaked regarding the wife's identity, but we've still yet to "meet" her. I know CBS has a good thing going with this show, but I'm wondering how much longer the writers can stall this inevitable meeting without the story becoming completely absurd. **Possible Spoilers in Next Section** For HIMYM fans who are drawn in by Ted Mosby's journey to find his soul mate, Season 5 may come as a mild disappointment. The 100th episode was monumental, not just for the show itself, but for fans thirsting for details on the future Mrs. Mosby. However, outside of that episode there was very little advancement made in the whole "meeting your mother" facet of the show. Now for fans who might be more indifferent to the sentimentality of the show, or just have no problem with the stall for the sake of prolonging the series, this is a fantastic season. S5 more than any was centered around Barney Stinson, whose story ranged from serious relationships to sexual escapades more unique and insane than ever before, "The Playbook" (ep. 8) and "The Perfect Week" (ep. 14) in particular. As simple as it seems, my favorite single moment of the entire series came in the first episode of this season when Ted is teaching his first college class and is panicking because he doesn't know if "professor" has one "f" or two. The first seven episodes focused mainly on the evolving relationship between Barney and Robin, a real leap of faith taken by the writers given the fact that Barney's "womanizer" status had always been a major theme of the show. Daring as it was, it didn't disrupt the flow of the show and the aftermath made for some hilarious episodes and epic moments. ** ** ** High Points of the Season: - Barney Stinson's song & dance number in "Girls Versus Suits" (ep. 12) (also the 100th episode) - "The Window" (ep. 10) - We all know that one person who is never single - New York Yankee outfielder Nick Swisher's guest appearance in "The Perfect Week" - Ted's literal "double" date in "Double Date" (ep. 2) displays some of his most endearing... and annoying mannerisms - "Last Cigarette Ever" (ep. 11) for its realistic portrayal of the difficulty in quitting - Ted makes an impulse purchase in "Home Wreckers" (ep. 20) - We get a full dose of Ted's intellectual side in "Robots Versus; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winter Passing; Brand: Ed Harris; Review: It's dark and disturbing, even excruciating to watch at times, but it's a form of twisted beauty you hardly see in modern films. 'Winter Passing' is probably the most underrated drama I've seen in years as it rides the coattails of truly sensational acting. It's the story of a self-destructive actress and bartender living in New York City and on the path to nowhere. When presented with the opportunity to make a small fortune, Reese Holdin journeys back to her home state of Michigan in order to retrieve letters written by her parents, both well known authors. Upon arriving at her childhood home, Reese discovers it occupied by a former student of her father's named Shelley (Amelia Warner) and a Christian guitarist named Corbit (Will Ferrell). Her father, meanwhile, has since moved into the garage and taken to drinking in favor of writing. Mother having recently passed away and estranged from her father for years, Reese finds that before she can walk away with the source of a $100,000 payday, she has to fight the better judgment of her conscience... and finally face her corrupted past. Zooey Deschanel & Will Farrell team up to play much more somber roles than that of their days in 'Elf', and Ed Harris portrays Don Holdin as if he was a close relative of J.D. Salinger (the author most assume this movie was loosely based on). It's a film that will have you singing the blues, but if you're in the right state of mind, you'll be able to appreciate its subtle honesty and painful journey to self-actualization. It's real in the sense that a person's motivations are not always for the right reasons, but they can lead you right where you belong; real in the sense that at times it can be boring, but even the most seemingly insignificant moments in our lives can have purpose. It's a realistic display of a broken relationship between father and daughter. There's more pain than joy in the resurrected "bond" between Don and Reese Holdin, and though they both made mistakes, you can sympathize with both sides. A lot of the less than favorable reviews on here talk about the scene with the cat. It didn't bother me any less than the next person, but I do believe it played well into Reese's bitter, detached personality. For positive or negative, that scene certainly did move people. Hopefully some can come to grips with how it fit into the storyline. I don't think the movie should be smitten for that one scene. * It's worth mentioning that this is the least conventional role I've ever seen Will Ferrell in, and despite his somewhat shy and always neurotic personality as the religious musician, Corbit, he was the only thing close to comic relief in this film. I dare say that it might be the best performance of his career thus far behind only 'Old School' and 'Elf', which may one day be considered among the Y-Generation's classic comedies as it stands. * Zooey Deschanel is my personal favorite actress (the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scrubs; Brand: Zach Braff; Review: Very seldom is a show able to find its groove again after taking the dip into mediocrity. Scrubs is one of the few that was able to revive its roots and go out on a high note. Season 8 was one of the best of the show, and in my opinion, one of the best final seasons of a show I've ever seen (no, we're not counting Season 9 here). There are two distinct differences in Season 8. * First off, in order to cut costs, each main character, even JD, was absent from a few shows. Sarah Chalke and Zach Braff didn't appear in two episodes, while the rest of the main cast (meaning the characters that appear on the DVD box) missed three apiece. Not only does this not hinder the show by any means, I actually think it strengthens it. By focusing on fewer characters an episode, it created a stronger connection between some of them. One episode in particular (one of the two without JD) was centered around Turk and Eliot, and I think was the best insight into their relationship in the entire series. You see a lot more of this, and believe me, it's a good thing. * Secondly, and rather appropriately, the show toned down on some of the silliness that made it unique in the first seven seasons. As a matter of fact, it's the complete opposite of Season 7. I thought the strike-shortened season was way too heavy on the absurdity. Ironically, there was an episode of Season 7 in which JD wonders if he needs to grow up. At that point in the series, you figure the main characters are well into their 30's. The character growth and maturation that was missing in Season 7 became a driving force in Season 8. It was still quirky, still hilarious, but more touching, more "grown up" than it'd ever been. It was a conscious effort for the writers to start working towards a resolution for each character, and I honestly felt that each actor, notably Ken Jenkins (who portrays Dr. Kelso), played their role beautifully. The show was still about the hospital, which was an element I felt they started to get away from in Seasons 6 & 7, but it was also about the lives of the hospital's staff, and the writers created a perfect balance to bring this show to a near picture perfect close. I just had three issues with Season 8, one of them of which the show no longer had control over. - I know opinions on Kim's character, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, are split down the middle. However, I always liked Kim and wished the show had used her more in Season 8. With main characters consistently absent from episodes in Season 8, it would've been a perfect time to develop the mother of JD's child a little bit more before the series closed. I always felt like she and JD had a kind of dysfunctional chemistry, and it made for some great scenes and episodes from the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How I Met Your Mother: Season 6; Brand: Josh Radnor; Review: How I Met Your Mother is a great show. Let's get that out of the way first. It has excellent character development, clever humor and an original way of telling its story. With that in mind, I thought Season 6 was the first of the show in which maybe the writers were a little misguided and a little short on ideas. I'll start with the positives: (Will contain spoilers if you haven't seen all of Season 6) If you're considering purchasing this season, I'll give you five episodes that absolutely make it worth it: "Big Days" (episode 6.01) "Subway Wars" (episode 6.04) "Blitzgiving" (episode 6.10) "Legendaddy" (episode 6.19) "Hopeless" (episode 6.21) It's no coincidence that two of my favorite episodes of the season are the only two episodes John Lithgow played in. His portrayal of Barney Stinson's awkward long lost father is absolute dynamite. I can't rave enough about how well his character was drawn up. It made sense from a real life standpoint not only having Barney's father fail to live up to his son's expectations, but to turn him into a nervous wreck determined to please his son. John Lithgow stole the show in his two episode appearance, and both were vintage, quality 'How I Met Your Mother.' I really hope his character is recurring 'til the end of the series. "Subway Wars" is the best episode of the season and one of the best in the series, if you ask me. Not only is it hilarious, but it really personifies what each character has brought to the table over the course of the series. Marshall's folk song was brilliant, Ted's need to convince strangers he's a good professor is priceless, and I always appreciate an appearance from Ranjit. Other high points in Season 6: - Barney uses his womanizing tactics to convince Ted to resume his GNB headquarters project (episode 6.03) - The Robin Sparkles saga continues; it's not as good as the previous two, but solid on its own (episode 6.09) - 'The Captain', Zoey's husband, makes sporadic appearances in Season 6, none better than when he and Ted spend a night out on his boat (episode 6.11) - A very appropriate doppelganger for Barney Stinson (episode 6.13) - Though I am no Katy Perry fan, her guest appearance as Zoey's cousin was a successful one, and generally speaking, "Oh Honey" (episode 6.15) was a good show - Future Ted has a little trouble piecing together the story he's trying to tell in "The Mermaid Theory" (episode 6.11) - Robin is the woman with everything in "Last Words" (episode 6.14) - Robin & Lily discuss the effects of certain drinks on the group while trying to manipulate a fight between Marshall and Barney (episode 6.22) - Wayne Brady is always a welcome sight on the show (episode 6.02) I think the biggest redeeming quality about 'How I Met Your Mother' is that even if an episode or story isn't quite up to par, it has moments that make you want to keep watching. For a season that I; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Bang Theory:S4 (DVD); Brand: Johnny Galecki; Review: ** WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS ** Season 4 of 'The Big Bang Theory' had just one thing that separated it from every other show about a group of friends in their late 20's/early 30's: Sheldon Cooper. When the show first began, it was about a stereotypical Midwestern blonde girl who moves to California to make it big, and she happens to move across the hall from two Caltech geniuses who severely lack the social skills of the average human being. At the beginning of the series, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard and Raj were absorbed by science. The humor was a product of their "experiments" and their inability to fit into the social environment. Here we are four seasons later, and that concept has become scarce as the story has progressed. Sheldon was the only facet of the show that gave it originality this season. I love the show, but it pains me to say that S4 of 'The Big Bang Theory' started to get away from what made it so great. It baffles me why the show would decide to introduce so many new cast members in such a short period of time. As a guy, when I first watched the show, I didn't take to the 4:1 guys to girls ratio. However, that's one of the things made it unique (see: Seinfeld). Penny was able to hold up a level of femininity that most actresses couldn't. She was the perfect solo female star. Not only does evening the gender ratio make this show like every other comedy on television, but it reduces Penny's role on the show. She didn't need a "posse." The show spent much of Season 4 trying to balance seven main characters (eight once Priya became a regular) when the only ones who really are essential to its continued excellence are Sheldon and Penny. My synopsis of our "new" characters: *I'm sorry to say this, but Amy Farrah Fowler is a mess of a character. First, she was introduced as the lady Sheldon, someone who only communicated with Dr. Cooper through webcam and text message and had no interest in developing any real social relationships. Then the show decides that Amy should try to befriend Penny and Bernadette and the three of them would become their own girl group. Since that time, Amy has become a complete one-eighty of her former self, awkward and clueless but trying desperately to fit into the social scene. And I hate to say it, but it's nowhere near as funny as it should be. The strangest thing is that her relationship with Sheldon is essentially very little more than circumstantial now. Sheldon constantly asks, "what happened to you?", and here I'm wondering the same exact thing. *Bernadette, I will admit I do like as a complimentary girl in the show. The only downfall with her is in dating Howard; I always liked the way Howard thought he was so much more suave and debonair with women than he actually was, and putting him in a relationship takes that element of his character away. Bernadette; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How I Met Your Mother: Season 7; Brand: Josh Radnor; Review: How I Met Your Mother is my favorite show on television right now, period. So it pains me to be a harsh critic, but this season is deserving of three stars. Whether I look at it as its own entity or in comparison to previous seasons, Season 7 just did not live up to standards. There were some high moments, and there were some episodes that momentarily renewed my faith that the writers were onto something, but ultimately I found myself disappointed in the end result. The irony is that in most cases the writers will start running out of ideas in latter seasons. In this case, I think the writers have too many fresh ideas and filmed an abundance of stories in Season 7 that either weren't necessary or felt completely rushed. My biggest problem with How I Met Your Mother's seventh season is that the show tried to fit about three seasons of stories into a 24 episode arc. **Will Contain Spoilers** The first thing I look at in a season of expedited stories is the relationship aspect of the show. Robin, for example, started dating Kevin in the fifth episode of the season, 'Field Trip.' By the sixteenth episode, 'The Drunk Train', Kevin proposed to Robin. If I am to follow a timeline that runs parallel to the air dates of the episodes, Robin and Kevin dated for just over four months. Is it impossible? No, not really. Improbable, not impossible. Barney's story with Quinn, though, just might be too far beyond believable. Noteworthy is the fact that we're talking about the quintessential womanizer for a good portion of the show. I liked the direction Barney's character was headed in. I thought his reconciliation with his father in Season 6 was a good turning point for him and a plausible explanation for his sudden change of lifestyle. However, this Quinn story is simply an overload of absolute silliness and absurdity. Barney met Quinn in 'The Drunk Train', episode 16. She didn't agree to go out with him until the eighteenth episode, 'Karma.' By the season finale, they'd been dating an astoundingly brief 2 months, yet Barney proposes to her and she accepts without so much as a hesitation. I can't fathom in what walk of life this is realistic, especially given the fact that Barney is just a few months removed from leaving Nora because of his feelings for Robin. Over a season or two, this works. Over half a season this may even be justifiable, but the pace at which this story develops is plainly inconceivable. The second thing I look at in this season of accelerated story lines is the fact that over the course of an 8 month period, Lily and Marshall called three different places home. Moving is certainly an arduous task for any couple to take on, but we're dealing with two moves in a matter of months by a couple expecting their first child. 'The Slutty Pumpkin Returns' first introduced the house in the suburbs, but it wasn't until Thanksgiving, 'The Rebound Girl'; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Shaman King; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Ikkitousen; Genres: Ecchi, Martial Arts, School, Super Power; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Fate/stay night; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Supernatural; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Duel Monsters; Genres: Adventure, Game, Shounen; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Yu☆Gi☆Oh!; Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Game, Shounen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Death Note; Genres: Mystery, Police, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon Advanced Generation; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch; Genres: Action, Mecha, Military, School, Sci-Fi, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kaze no Stigma; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shounen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Ikkitousen: Dragon Destiny; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Martial Arts, School, Super Power; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Clannad; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Slice of Life, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Dragonaut: The Resonance; Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mecha, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2; Genres: Action, Drama, Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Myself; Yourself; Genres: Drama, Romance, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Rosario to Vampire; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School, Shounen, Vampire; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: To LOVE-Ru; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu; Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Kanokon; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School, Shounen, Slice of Life, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Sekirei; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Clannad: After Story; Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, Supernatural; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Ikkitousen: Great Guardians; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Martial Arts, School, Super Power; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Rosario to Vampire Capu2; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School, Vampire; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Koihime†Musou; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical, Martial Arts; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Queen's Blade: Rurou no Senshi; Genres: Action, Adventure, Ecchi, Fantasy; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: ChäoS;HEAd; Genres: Harem, Mystery, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Supernatural; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Asu no Yoichi!; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Martial Arts, Romance, Shounen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Bakemonogatari; Genres: Mystery, Romance, Supernatural, Vampire; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Inazuma Eleven; Genres: Shounen, Sports, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Sekirei: Pure Engagement; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Asobi ni Iku yo!; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Princess Lover!; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kämpfer; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, School, Shoujo Ai, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Omamori Himari; Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Nyan Koi!; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Angel Beats!; Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama, School, Supernatural; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: 11eyes; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Super Power, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Fairy Tail; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Kaichou wa Maid-sama!; Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Mayoi Neko Overrun!; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Highschool of the Dead; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Horror, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Samurai, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai; Genres: Comedy, Seinen, Slice of Life; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Magic, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Yosuga no Sora: In Solitude, Where We Are Least Alone.; Genres: Drama, Ecchi, Harem, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: IS: Infinite Stratos; Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Mecha, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon Best Wishes!; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Steins;Gate; Genres: Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Freezing; Genres: Action, Drama, Ecchi, Harem, Martial Arts, Romance, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Ao no Exorcist; Genres: Action, Demons, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai: Under the Innocent Sky.; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Ecchi, Harem, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Maken-Ki!; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Harem, Martial Arts, School, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Fate/Zero; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Martial Arts, Romance, School, Super Power; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Ben-To; Genres: Action, Comedy, Martial Arts; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Mashiro-iro Symphony: The Color of Lovers; Genres: Drama, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon; Genres: Action, Fantasy; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Manyuu Hikenchou; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Samurai, Seinen; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Inazuma Eleven Go; Genres: Shounen, Sports, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School, Seinen, Slice of Life; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? of the Dead; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Magic, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Guilty Crown; Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: IS: Infinite Stratos Encore - Koi ni Kogareru Rokujuusou; Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Mecha, Sci-Fi; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Another; Genres: Horror, Mystery, School, Supernatural, Thriller; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Code:Breaker; Genres: Action, Comedy, School, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Fate/Zero 2nd Season; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Sword Art Online; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Romance; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Accel World; Genres: Action, Game, Romance, School, Sci-Fi; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Medaka Box; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Martial Arts, School, Shounen, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai!; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Sports; Rating: 4.0/10.0
Title: Kuroko no Basket; Genres: Comedy, School, Shounen, Sports; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Queen's Blade: Rebellion; Genres: Action, Adventure, Ecchi, Fantasy; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Oda Nobuna no Yabou; Genres: Comedy, Historical, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Campione!: Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maou; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Magic, Romance; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kyoukaisenjou no Horizon II; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD OVA; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Romance, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai.; Genres: Comedy, Seinen, Slice of Life; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: To LOVE-Ru Darkness; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School, Sci-Fi, Shounen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Slice of Life; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon Best Wishes! Season 2; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Btooom!; Genres: Action, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: K; Genres: Action, Super Power, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Medaka Box Abnormal; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Martial Arts, School, Shounen, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru.; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Maoyuu Maou Yuusha; Genres: Adventure, Demons, Fantasy, Historical, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai. OVA; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai Next; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School, Seinen, Slice of Life; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Senran Kagura; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Bride; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Samurai, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD New; Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 10.0/10.0
Title: Date A Live; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Mecha, Romance, School, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Hataraku Maou-sama!; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Zettai Karen Children: The Unlimited - Hyoubu Kyousuke; Genres: Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Choujigen Game Neptune The Animation; Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Parody, Sci-Fi, Supernatural; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Shingeki no Kyojin; Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Pokemon Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Log Horizon; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Magic, Shounen; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Date A Live: Date to Date; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Grisaia no Kajitsu; Genres: Drama, Harem, Psychological, Romance, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kimi no Iru Machi; Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Golden Time; Genres: Comedy, Romance, Seinen; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Freezing Vibration; Genres: Action, Drama, Ecchi, Harem, Martial Arts, Military, Romance, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: White Album 2; Genres: Drama, Music, Romance, Slice of Life; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: IS: Infinite Stratos 2; Genres: Action, Comedy, Harem, Mecha, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Strike the Blood; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, School, Shounen, Supernatural, Vampire; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Shingeki no Kyojin OVA; Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku wo Ketsui Shimashita.; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. OVA; Genres: Comedy, Romance, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Walkure Romanze; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School, Sports; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Date A Live II; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Mecha, Romance, School, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Akuma no Riddle; Genres: Action, School, Shoujo Ai; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Mahou Sensou; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic; Rating: 6.0/10.0
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: 7.0/10.0
Title: Z/X: Ignition; Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Black Bullet; Genres: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Hitsugi no Chaika; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Escha & Logy no Atelier: Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi; Genres: Fantasy; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Tokyo ESP; Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Gokukoku no Brynhildr; Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Seinen; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Buddy Complex; Genres: Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Kantai Collection: KanColle; Genres: Action, Military, School, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin (TV); Genres: Comedy, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kenzen Robo Daimidaler; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Mecha, Seinen; Rating: 4.0/10.0
Title: Ushinawareta Mirai wo Motomete; Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Sword Art Online II; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Romance; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Fairy Tail (2014); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Amagi Brilliant Park; Genres: Comedy, Magic; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Akame ga Kill!; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.0/10.0
Title: Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Tokyo Ghoul; Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Seinen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Blade & Soul; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? (TV); Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School, Supernatural; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School, Supernatural; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Shinmai Maou no Testament; Genres: Action, Demons, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso; Genres: Drama, Music, Romance, School, Shounen; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Zankyou no Terror; Genres: Psychological, Thriller; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Rail Wars!; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Police; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Zoku; Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Hitsugi no Chaika: Avenging Battle; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Kekkai Sensen; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural, Vampire; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Madan no Ou to Vanadis; Genres: Adventure, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD BorN; Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Juuou Mujin no Fafnir; Genres: Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Akatsuki no Yona; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Trinity Seven; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Magic, Romance, School, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de; Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Slice of Life, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan; Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Absolute Duo; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Owari no Seraph; Genres: Action, Drama, Shounen, Supernatural, Vampire; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Triage X; Genres: Action, Adventure, Ecchi, Shounen; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: God Eater; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Military, Sci-Fi; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Plastic Memories; Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka; Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Shokugeki no Souma; Genres: Ecchi, School, Shounen; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Death Parade; Genres: Drama, Game, Mystery, Psychological, Thriller; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Trinity Seven OVA; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Magic, Romance, School, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm; Genres: Drama, School, Sci-Fi, Sports; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Rokka no Yuusha; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Mystery; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace; Genres: Mystery; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (TV); Genres: Comedy, Harem, Mystery, Romance, School, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works 2nd Season; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen, Supernatural; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Military; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Charlotte; Genres: Drama, School, Super Power; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Shinmai Maou no Testament OVA; Genres: Action, Demons, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Grisaia no Meikyuu: Caprice no Mayu 0; Genres: Drama; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Grisaia no Kajitsu Specials; Genres: Ecchi; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata: Ai to Seishun no Service Kai; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Chaos Dragon: Sekiryuu Seneki; Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: Prison School; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, School, Seinen; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD New: Oppai, Tsutsumimasu!; Genres: Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Romance, School; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid; Genres: Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, Shoujo Ai; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Gakusen Toshi Asterisk; Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, School, Sci-Fi, Supernatural; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Comet Lucifer; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mecha; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: High School DxD BorN: Ishibumi Ichiei Kanzen Kanshuu! Mousou Bakuyou Kaijo Original Video; Genres: Comedy, Ecchi; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Musaigen no Phantom World; Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life, Supernatural; Rating: 7.0/10.0
Title: Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri 2nd Season; Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Military; Rating: 9.0/10.0
Title: Hai to Gensou no Grimgar; Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy; Rating: 8.0/10.0
Title: Bubuki Buranki; Genres: Action, Drama, Mecha, Sci-Fi; Rating: 5.0/10.0
Title: Aishen Qiaokeli-ing...; Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School; Rating: 6.0/10.0 | anime |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Van Helsing (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pacifier (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Entrapment (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Double Jeopardy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Assault on Precinct 13 (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Time Machine (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ring Two (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Shuffled Off: A Ghost's Memoir, Book 1 (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Robert J. McCarter Page; Review: I can't believe this was Robert's first book. The story was so skillfully woven. I recently lost a loved one and have been struggling with the grief. This book, though fiction, helped me understand some of the emotions and coping mechanisms (or lack of coping) that people struggle with after a death. Robert followed the number one rule of writing - write what you know. He truly tapped into the grief he has experienced in loss and made the reader feel that no one is alone, even in the darkest of nights.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let's Dance, Little Pookie; Author: Visit Amazon's Sandra Boynton Page; Review: My granddaughter loves the Pookie books and gravitates towards them over all the other books at my house. She reads the list on the back of the books and tells me to order the other books. I encourage her love of reading - thank you Sandra Boyton!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night-Night, Little Pookie; Author: Visit Amazon's Sandra Boynton Page; Review: My granddaughter loves the Pookie books and gravitates towards them over all the other books at my house. She reads the list on the back of the books and tells me to order the other books. I encourage her love of reading - thank you Sandra Boyton!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Happy Birthday, Little Pookie (Pookie Books); Author: Visit Amazon's Sandra Boynton Page; Review: My granddaughter loves the Pookie books and gravitates towards them over all the other books at my house. She reads the list on the back of the books and tells me to order the other books. I encourage her love of reading - thank you Sandra Boyton!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Pookie; Author: Visit Amazon's Sandra Boynton Page; Review: My granddaughter loves the Pookie books and gravitates towards them over all the other books at my house. She reads the list on the back of the books and tells me to order the other books. I encourage her love of reading - thank you Sandra Boyton!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Protea Hotel Blantyre Ryalls; City: Blantyre Southern Region; Review: My company made a confirmed reservation here, but when I arrived, I was told because I arrived after 6:00 pm they'd given my room away and were now fully booked. They said they'd tried to call the person who made the booking to see if I was coming, but no one answered. This turns out to be an out-and-out lie. They said they'd found me a room in another hotel, and that that hotel was a four-star hotel. Another blatant lie, as the other place, when I saw it, turned out to be a dump, maybe two stars. Be very wary of anything you're told by these liars.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: StayEasy Lusaka; City: Lusaka Lusaka Province; Review: Rooms are small and there's no restaurant, but everything else is fine. Rooms are clean and well maintained. Everything in the room works. Staff is well trained, polite and helpful. Breakfast selection is limited but decent quality. Just across the parking lot is a shopping mall with good restaurants.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crossroads Hotel; City: Lilongwe Central Region; Review: The first time I stayed here I was given a "standard" room (rooms 1-45). Avoid at all costs. Small, dirty, run-down, with broken furniture and appliances. The second time, I discovered the "deluxe" rooms are little better. And I changed "deluxe" rooms repeatedly because I said I didn't want a room facing the restaurant / kitchen - the staff there spend all evening yelling at each other. What was I given? Three different rooms overlooking the restaurant / kitchen. The sullen receptionist's explanation? She was just the receptionist and didn't know where the rooms were located. And, yes, the deluxe rooms are less than clean and have broken lamps, furniture, etc. Sad that a dump like this could be rated the "3rd best" in Lilongwe. Cannot recommend.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mision Express Pachuca; City: Pachuca Central Mexico and Gulf Coast; Review: I was initially disappointed that those arranging my itinerary booked me here instead of the Hotel Emily - which I'd heard was the best in town - but in the end I couldn't have been more pleased. All the staff were friendly and efficient, the room and bathroom were large, very clean and well designed. Breakfast was simple, well prepared and tasty. All I could ask for. I'd happily stay again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Portland Airport; City: Portland Oregon; Review: I must have stayed here 30 times or so over the past fifteen years, and never thought of booking anywhere else when passing through PDX. This time, however, although paying an outrageous rate -- more than twice what I've usually paid (after Labor Day), the shuttle driver couldn't bother to stop at the Hampton Inn, even though I'd told him that's where I was going, but rather dropped me with the larger number of folks getting off at the Sheraton, so I had to walk to the Hampton. Then, at the desk, I was told I couldn't have a room on the 4th floor, even though I arrived at 1:30 and said I was willing to wait. All the rooms were "pre-assigned to other guests." All good things come to an end, I guess. There are plenty of other hotels at the Portland airport. I'll try any and all of them before I book again at Hampton PDX. Oh, the room is decent -- same as always -- but very overpriced at the current rate.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Siren of Paris; Author: Visit Amazon's David LeRoy Page; Review: Great story....really held my interest. I have a soft spot for the French and the story certainly surpassed by expectations.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Man's Search for Meaning: An Introduction to Logotherapy, Revised and Enlarged Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Viktor E. Frankl Page; Review: Very thought-provoking book. Even in the most horrific circumstances, the author demonstrates how the human spirit tries to rise above extreme physical and emotional demoralization.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; Author: Visit Amazon's Betty Smith Page; Review: I did not want this book to end!! I felt like I was there experiencing the ups and downs of this wonderful mix of people, and I wanted to continue knowing & experiencing their lives.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gravity of Birds: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Tracy Guzeman Page; Review: I enjoyed reading The Gravity of Birds, although I thought the beginning was slow and scattered, and it took some perseverance to continue reading. This book became interesting/exciting half way through, and I was glad I stayed with it!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Newlyweds; Author: Visit Amazon's Nell Freudenberger Page; Review: I enjoyed reading this book. Knowledge of other cultures is always interesting although I did not feel this book had a great deal of depth.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Handmaid's Tale (Contemporary Classics); Author: Margaret Eleanor Atwood; Review: The only word that comes to mind regarding this story is "bizarre."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Paris Architect; Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Belfoure Page; Review: I love this book. It kept me on edge constantly........and.....it has a "happy ending."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fault in Our Stars; Author: ; Review: I thought this book would be depressing, but I really enjoyed it. I like John Green's writing style. It was sad, but the redeeming sweetness woven throughout & the maturity of the characters made the plot quite uplifting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Losing Our Way: An Intimate Portrait of a Troubled America; Author: Visit Amazon's Bob Herbert Page; Review: Losing Our Way is a well-written book. It discusses all the "ills" of our society, and I found it to be somewhat depressing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Papa Told Me; Author: Visit Amazon's Felice Cohen Page; Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I find it amazing that people can go through such horrible times and survive. It makes one realize that we are all more resilient than we know.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Milliner's Secret; Author: Natalie Meg Evans (author); Review: I really enjoyed this book. It held my attention the entire reading time. Ending was a bit of a "shocker."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Little Bookshop on the Seine (Little Paris Collection); Author: Visit Amazon's Rebecca Raisin Page; Review: Sometimes you just need a very light but interesting book. No great literary value just enjoyable light reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter; Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Clifford Larson Page; Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author gave penetrating insight into the Kennedy family.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rosa's Gold; Author: Visit Amazon's Ray Kingfisher Page; Review: Great story with an unusual twist!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unbroken: An Extraordinary True Story of Courage and Survival; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Hillenbrand Page; Review: This is a wonderful book!! I was unable to put it down. The insight into the hero's struggles is so real and descriptive. What an awesome and inspiring story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island; Author: Visit Amazon's Regina Calcaterra Page; Review: This book held my interest.....although somewhat depressing. The message was that if one perseveres, one will come out on "top."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Little Girl: A gripping psychological thriller with a BRILLIANT twist; Author: Visit Amazon's Frances Vick Page; Review: This book held my interest with some unexpected twists!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Myth of Osteoporosis - Revised Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Gillian Sanson Page; Review: Vey informative, and kudos to Gillian Sanson for bucking the system for what she and many others believe is true!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mademoiselle Chanel: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's C. W. Gortner Page; Review: Having always had a great interest in fashion, I was fascinated by Chanel, the woman, and her life. She was indeed a woman ahead of her time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Kommandant's Girl; Author: Visit Amazon's Pam Jenoff Page; Review: There is so much plotting and intrigue throughout this book which tends to keep the reader "on edge." There is also a thread of sexuality and sweetness woven throughout the entire theme.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Saturday Evening Girls Club: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Jane Healey Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was there, sharing their lives, and I was sorry to see the book end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Kabul Beauty School: The Art of Friendship and Freedom; Author: rodriguez-deborah; Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gave a wonderful realistic view of life for Kabul woman. It also gave me a new appreciation as a citizen of the United States!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: PetSafe Gentle Spray Bark Collar for Dogs, Citronella, Anti-Bark Device, Water Resistant; Brand: PetSafe; Review: Did not work at all, and you can't send it back so I would say get something else. Plus if you have a little dog it is way to heavy for them.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Simple Solution Washable Belly Band Male Dog Diaper; Brand: Simple Solution; Review: Works great for male dogs marking does the trick; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Angel's Eyes Sweet Potato Natural Powder for Dogs; Brand: Angel's Eyes; Review: The regular works better than the natural. The natural doesn't clear the eyes completely up like the regular Angel Eyes does; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl, Food Grade Silicone BPA; Brand: COMSUN; Review: Love these so easy and great for travel; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OUT! Disposable Male Dog Diapers | Ultra-Absorbent, Leak-Proof Disposable Wraps; Brand: Out!; Review: They work really well but if you have to take off the tape doesn't work as well the second time around. They serve the purpose.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Angels' Eyes Plus Natural Formula, 75 Gram; Brand: Angel's Eyes; Review: Really doesn't work for my dog as good as the old formula. Going to try and find something else for his eye stain.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pet ID Tags - 8 Lines of Engraving Available | Size Small or Large | Bone, Round, Star, Heart,; Brand: Providence Engraving; Review: They were just what I wanted.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Original Sokos Hotel Alexandra; City: Jyvaskyla Central Finland; Review: Arrived in the middle of the night from Helsinki that the hotel were informed but been told that the room was NOT ready until check-in time the next day!!! Eventually they provided a twin room that was so small that my wife and I had to give way to each other to pass through. We found that the price EUR144.00 for this extra night was extremely overpriced especially considering the poor quality of the room like 1star.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ginkgo Hotel; City: Hodmezovasarhely Csongrad County Southern Great Plain; Review: The Hotel Ginkgo in Hodmezovasarhely surprisingly fully booked most of the time considering the city is not exactly a holiday destination. However it is an "artists" colony base with an excellent museum and art gallery that is a must to visit. The thermal bath is also an attraction there together with swimming pools complex that attracts sporting people for swimming competitions. The hotel is classified as a five star and even I would not classify it that high the quality of the hotel is very good. Comfortable rooms especially the ones has a kitchenette and the buffet breakfast is high standard. It is located in the center of the town and walking distance from the shopping street. However taxis are extremely cheap to access any other places you want to go.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leipzig Marriott Hotel; City: Leipzig Saxony; Review: My wife and I have stayed in a few different hotels in Leipzig in the past however Marriott was our best experience of all. Nothing over luxury furnishing the hotel have but most comfortable, bedding and bathroom are very clean. The service we found is excellent they are really look after their guests and provide anything ask for. The entry lobby has a "library" type of corner where a business meeting is most appropriate to hold. VIP taxi service is readily available when requested. The hotel location is perfect being within the city center area and next to the new shopping mall.Everything is walking distance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Laoag Renzo Hotel; City: Laoag Ilocos Norte Province Ilocos Region Luzon; Review: Very good hotel for the value and for its location in the centrum of Laoag. Some people complaining about the lack of lift and have to climb the stair and my wife and I thought it was good to gain a little exercise. Breakfast was not much as far as the taste and the staff in the coffee shop couldn't careless.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: L Square Hotel; City: Tarlac Tarlac Province Central Luzon Region Luzon; Review: It is an average hotel but value for the price. We needed to break our long journey from manila to Ilocos and it was Ok for one night stay. The food in the restaurant was tasteless, lack of herbs and spices. The breakfast is not what they advertise eg. I wanted to have bacon and egg but only Filipino type of food was available and had to be quick to have some as the locals rushed to the buffet and served themselves with incredible amount and the food finished in a flash of light. We had to wait another half an hour for the next lot to come.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Stanley Hotel Suites; City: Port Moresby Papua Region; Review: There several hotels in Port Moresby and some are quite high standard especially for a third world country. The Airways Hotel was the first that received an excellence award as world class boutique hotel. Later the Papua Hotel built and taken over the rank as the most upgraded hotel in the country until the Stanley Hotel completed. This hotel truly an internationally upgraded establishment and when you are inside you could be anywhere - New York, London or Paris...The atmosphere and the staff are all reflecting a five star standard.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Novotel Szeged; City: Szeged Csongrad County Southern Great Plain; Review: I booked the Novotel in Szeged, Hungary knowing the reputation of the hotel chain. I would rate this hotel to a one and a half star hotel. The room was very large and with a nice view to the Tisza river, however the bed and the mattress was unbeleivably terrible looking and extremely uncomfortable. I would not given the kind of pillows even to my pet and mistakingly did not take photos for every one to see all this. The bathroom is very tiny and the water was unbearably smelly like it was coming out from a pond with dead fish in it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Royal International Hotel; City: Shanghai; Review: The hotel location is excellent walking anywhere to city central also the main railway station and is opposite the newly built shopping malls, hotel staff are very helpful and feel yourself home. Hotel offering free WiFi and breakfast.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ginkgo Hotel; City: Hodmezovasarhely Csongrad County Southern Great Plain; Review: The hotel is very clean and the service are excellent. Being right in the centrum everything is walking distance from this hotel. Wide variety of breakfast selection however they are not serving lunches and dinners. The bedding is very clean and comfortable mattress, bathroom well set and also very clean. Generally providing a very pleasant stay and highly recommended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz; City: Berlin; Review: We were located on the 9th floor in two adjoining rooms. One was occupied by our son and grandchildren and the other by my wife and myself. The weather was very hot in Berlin and the airconditioning was an essential item. However one of the room aircinditioning did not work and the room was extremely hot and stuffy. We reported it immediately but no-one came to fix it. After repeated reporting the technician came but was unable to fix it and they provided a fan instead!!! It was very ncomfortable and unpleasant. The other room had a broken down room-safe. The toilet had an obscurred glass wall separating from the shower and the room and any-one able to see the person in the toilet???; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki; City: Jyvaskyla Central Finland; Review: At checking in the staff recognized us that we are staying here once a year and received a huge welcome. The room we occupying has a good view of the Lake and it is fitted with a sauna. Having your private sauna is such a great experience and a comfortable way to enjoy it. The hotel is NOT in the city center however is a short walking distance to both the city and the Lakes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Ambassador; City: Vienna; Review: The Ambassador Hotel in Vienna is luvishly decorated with crystal chandeliers and marble colums antique furnishing and the rooms a very spacious - however it is an old building and even though the facilities have been modernized it is not up to our today's standard exceptations. The bathroom is extremely small and the water from the shower is flooding the floor that cannot be avoided as there is not even a curtain to barricade it. Ventilation does not work and the toilet smell is around for ages before it becomes acceptable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ramada Frankfurt City Centre and Financial District; City: Frankfurt Hesse; Review: I booked and paid for a business room but hotel staff allocated a standard/economy room. The approach to the lift and the room door was terrible to start with that you can find in a backpackers motel. The beds and mattress were very uncomfortable but especially the bathroom was unacceptable. It looked like it was constructed from part of the corridor and it is so small that can only one person enter at times. The shower recess was so small that you can only wash one side of your body first then turn around and poke your other half in the shower area to wash. Without saying, the water was all over the floor after shower. The electronic card key system was continuously failing and had go down the reception to re-code the card every time you tried to enter the room.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: United Nude Women's Fold Hi Bootie; Brand: UNITED NUDE; Review: I am really happy with this product. The grip feels nice on the camera and I get a lot of stability of the camera when taking shots. Plus looks more professionally.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: newborn/kids Baby Knitted Hat,romper,crochet Diaper Covers, Photography Props; Brand: backdropday; Review: Very fast shipping .Product as described. Remember people: It's a photo prop ! No chemical smell or strange smell at all. Very happy with this prop.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SDBING 4-6 Pairs Fuzzy Cozy Winter Warm Coral Fleece Christmas Socks; Brand: SDBING; Review: The socks come from China . They are very comfortable and not tight as others said in their reviews . Should fit up to size 9-10 without problem . The upper length is about 4 inches above the ankle. They keep your feet warm , without being vey thick or tight .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caterpillar Men's Manifold Tough Waterproof Work Boot; Brand: ; Review: I am in the delivery business and just after 4 months of wearing this boots at work ( in normal weather conditions),I got a crack(cut) where the steel toe ends and the throat line of the boot starts,from to much "walking", I believe. Last week the cut was 1/2 inch long,now is getting close to one inch. The out-soles are starting to peel off and I don't stay or walk in the areas with fuel or oils or other chemicals on the ground. To be honest ,I thought that the boots were going to last at least 6 months,but it looks like I will have to buy a different pair by the end of next week(if it will last that long). I forgot to mention that in the first 2 weeks since I bought this boots the inside fabric of the counter was ripping apart. The boots are very comfortable but I wish it will last longer than 4 months. I am very disappointed with Caterpillar for making such a bad product. Too bad I can't upload a photo with the boots,or returned it to amazon. REVIEW UPDATE 02.11.2015 4 weeks ago I contacted customer service at CAT, expressing my disappointment with their boots. They said to send them photos of the boots with the damages so they could check it out if is a warranty issue or not. I sent ,(email) ,about 27 pics in different angles of the boots and they said to ship the boots to the warranty center in Michigan( I paid the shipping cost).3 weeks later a new pair of CAT work boots was shipped to me. They gave me the choice to pick a different pair of boots ,in case they don't have the same model I bought, in stock ,so I put up a few models that I tried on before at local store. They didn't have the model I send in for warranty review, so they send me another pair "Caterpillar Men's Diagnostic Hi Cut Cap Soft Toe Waterproof Boot". Now I'm happy again and it's good to see that CAT stands by their product quality.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: KEEN Utility Men's Atlanta Cool Steel Toe Work Shoe; Brand: ; Review: all nice and comfy ,until I start walking.the back side of the both shoes is so hard it hurt my feet. returned it to amazon.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: India: A History; Author: John Keay; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: A marvelous book on how civilization of our country has evolved over the time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's New Mind Concerning Computers, Minds and the Laws of Physics; Author: Roger Penrose; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Complex ,Intriguing yet interesting :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes And Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance; Author: Steven D. Levitt; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: It was very fascinating to see how various issues are mingled with each other and how based on statistics various conclusion are drawn. The chapter on altruism and simple solution fix were quite a pleasure to read. Looking forward for other books from the duo.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chitralekha; Author: Bhagwati Charan Verma; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: bhgvtii crnn jii ke dvaaraa likhii gyii ye kRti kaaph'ii amuuly hai / kaaph'ii kuch pddh'ne aur vivecnaa ke baad maiN is nisskrss pe aayaa huuN kii is khaanii meN die ge trk kaaph'ii hd tk jnsaadhaarnn meN laaguu hotii hai prNtu unkii vyaakhyaa krne meN pustk meN thodd'ii kmii mhsuus kii gyii hai / kaaph'ii jghoN pe pustk dhiimii ho jaatii hai aur kuch sthaanoN pe kaaph'ii tej' gti se prvaah krne lgtii hai jisse khaanii ko uske smaapn meN phuNcne meN gti to miltii hai pr ek paatthk ko milne vaale sukuun meN thodd'ii sthiltaa aa jaatii hai / saaraaNsh meN paap aur punny ko mnussy kii pristhitiyoN aur maansik dRssttikonn pr aadhaarit aur jdd'it ek soc ke ruup meN dikhaayaa gyaa hai jo kii bhut hii shj aur srl hai pr yhaaN pr pustk meN die gye vicaar evN drshn ko puurnn ruup se jodd'aa nhiiN gyaa haiN / trk vitrk ko vaartaalaap ke dvaaraa smjhne smjhaane kaa yh pryaas mujhe kaaph'ii acchaa lgaa / lekhk jii ke dvaaraa unkii any prtiyoN ko pddh'ne ke baad hii akssrsh unkii bhumuuly dhaarnnaaoN aur soc ko smjne kaa puuraa avsr milegaa /; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Devangana; Author: Acharya Chatursen; Genres: history, biography, fiction, historical fiction; Review: ctursen jii kii is pustk meN kaaph'ii rock tthy to hai pr khiiN naa khiiN lekhk is khaanii meN tej'ii laane kaa pryaas kr rhe the. baarhviiN sdii aur uske aaspaas ke dauraan bhaartvrss meN dhrm ke chdm aavrnn ko itihaas ke sNg jodd'ne aur use ukerne ke lie aacaary ctursen jii ke dvaaraa kiyaa huaa ye pryaas atyNt sraahniye haiN.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: पारती: परिकथा / Parti: Parikatha; Author: Phanishwar Nath Renu; Genres: fiction; Review: adbhuut / ye upnyaas scmuc meN lekhk mhody ke dvaaraa dii gyii atuly bheNtt hai / jis prkaar se is khaanii meN graamiinn jiivn kaa vRtaaNt kiyaa huaa hai, paatthkgnn pddh'te vk't kh'ud ko unke biic meN paayeNge / aisaa sjiiv avlokn aur khaanii kaa saar scmuc meN is kRti ko amuuly avismrnniiy bnaa detaa hai / saamaajik dhaarmik aarthik maansik evN any sbhii prkaar kii soc ko jis trh se ek hii dhaage meN piroyaa gyaa hai vo is khaanii ko pddh'ne ke liyaa baadhy krtaa hai / is upnyaas ke maadhym se aaj ke smaaj meN phaile sbhii prkaar ke kuvysthaaoN pr lekhk mhody ne ek kraarii cott bhii kii hai aur sudhraatmk vyvsthaa kii sthaapnaa kii bhii amuuly klpnaa kii hai / scmuc meN adbhuut hai ye upnyaas /; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vikalang Shraddha Ka Daur; Author: Harishankar Parsai; Genres: non-fiction, young-adult; Review: prsaaii jii ke dvaaraa rcit kRtiyoN meN viklaaNg shrddhaa kaa daur hmaare maanspttl pe ek alg hii chaap chodd'taa hai / lekhk mhody ne vyNgyoN ke dvaaraa aaj ke jgt kii vaastviktaa ko bhut hii shjtaa ke saath piroyaa evN prstut kiyaa hai / kuch sNdrbh to chotte hote hue bhii vaastviktaa kaa aisaa sjiiv citrnn krte hai kii hmaarii soc pe ek amitt chaap chodd' dete hai / lekhk mhody ne jis triik'e se saamaajik ttvoN kaa vyaakhyaan vyNgyoN ke maadhym se kiyaa hai vo scmuc k'aabile taariiph' haiN /; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Enigma (Jason Bourne, #13); Author: Eric Van Lustbader; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Book is good with twisting story though too many characters makes it confusing. The story has too many coincidences and its not what we look in bourne series. Hope author work more on the good linkage of the crux on which this novel is being based. Apart from this, I liked the author modern outlook with recent events in the world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data; Author: Charles Wheelan; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Ohh...its wonderful. It makes you fall in love with the subject. The author has explained the statistic and its various aspect without going deep in mathematics,although i love mathematics. The book has taken its course from mark twain quote that there are three kind of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics and throughout the book author has presented the third one in a classical manner. I would recommend the book to other if you want to know how statistic can become your friend/enemy if not used wisely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mahabharata Secret; Author: Christopher C. Doyle; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Theme of the book was good however i felt that author has not played his card well during the course of writing the novel. The characters and their strength has not been completely introduced during the flow of the story. This was followed by Mahabharata plot as like Ashoka period this should also have been explained with zeal to create the suspense. Romantic feeling introduced in between the line was also not very thoughtful and seemed like dragging the story. The picturesque of ancient sites in bihar was not that good as i have visited many of them and could have been more authentic. Hope the author will overcome these in his next publish as he is promising.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kashmir: A Case of Freedom; Author: Tariq Ali; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: During my childhood i always liked the map of india with a crown at the top in form of jammu and kashmir. Subsequently i grow up and learned that it has been broken in three parts. Nobody bothered to tell me how it has happened like this and why so much militiarization in one state of india. The course of history and event that took place in reaching this crude level is still unknown to many of us as it has never been discussed. The book discusses varius of such issues with essays. One missing part in the book is the perspective of other side and their need. Why the other side of kashmir train the people from this side to be a millitant and what benefit are they getting. The local people's leaders in this part of kashmir there are now taking benefit of situation for their own good rather than thinking about resolving the issues. Now the people itself dont know where to turn in order to ask for justice. The position of government of my country always avoid to touch the issue of the kashmir. This issue need a permanent solution and closure for once and all as india itself with country of diversity faces more challenges which are growing these days. Development in the nation as whole vision with such issues would be challenging. I would love to know more about the various issues and challenges in implementing an acceptable solution on the issue. Just few of my collected thoughts after reading this books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Maru Killer: The War Patrols of the Uss Seahorse; Author: Visit Amazon's Dave Bouslog Page; Review: This book is a great insight into Naval history that is often over looked and not reported in novel style. Thank you Dave for permitting the senses to be used. The book took much research time I am sure and interviews of crew members of subs serving in WWII. I am waiting for another novel by this Dave........I have request the book be placed as available Kindle. May the wind be at your back and calm seas for the future. Again thank you for the novel since I am an old sailor,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History; Author: Chris; McEwen, Scott; DeFelice, Jim Kyle; Review: Gives insight into the thoughts and ability to do a "job" which is most difficult. This book was written with the passion and the purpose of action of a sniper.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama Bin Laden; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Owen Page; Review: Enjoyed the book cover to cover. The nuts and bolts of an operation of this magnitude was laid out in an understandable manner.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty's Favorite Uncle; Author: Visit Amazon's Si Robertson Page; Review: This is a great read, Causes one to remember those days gone. Real humor with a simple understanding of life. Enjoyable; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans; Author: Visit Amazon's Rush Limbaugh Page; Review: Just think history in a public school........you can educate on your own with this book.....the format is great and gives our grandson a light in the goo of core learning......He is a very bright young man and he will be able to start reading immediately.....Thank you Rush Limbaugh for not leaving my family to all the task of lighting that academic engine......Merry CHRISTmas.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: God's Double Agent: The True Story of a Chinese Christian's Fight for Freedom; Author: Bob Fu; Review: Gives the feel and thoughts of a person trapped in a communist country. Very descriptive and detailed feelings of the author.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Separation Between Church and State (Critical America); Author: Daniel Dreisbach; Review: Great; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve Wellness Retreat; City: Clanwilliam Western Cape; Review: From the hearty and personal welcome the moment we arrived, our 2 night stay at Bushmans Kloof was nothing short of amazing.....just too short! The staff are all very attentive and go out of their way to introduce themselves and welcome you to their home....and what a home it is! It must surely be one of the most peaceful hotel locations anywhere in the world but there is always something going on - the meals flow seemlessly into one another and are interspersed with really enjoyable drives with your designated and really knowledgeable ranger. The morning drive pays a visit to view the rock art painted by bushmen thousands of years ago, whilst in the evening the focus is on the flora and fauna of the area....not to forget the "sun downer" from a well stocked bar. The evenings were cool so after dinner we enjoyed retiring to our room and lighting the log fire. During the day, we took the opportunity to walk the "mountain trail" which is a 2 mile circular walk through the mountains....if you thought the hotel was peaceful, you should try this! And finally, we indulged ourselves with a massage in the gazebo with a panoramic view over the wilderness to the sound of the stream running past - a fitting conclusion to a tremendous couple of days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Millennium Hilton Bangkok; City: Bangkok; Review: We had requested an early check-in so having arrived from the UK and fought our way through Bangkok traffic getting to the hotel around 8am, we delighted to find our room ready for us. The room was on the 26th floor with a fantastic view over the river....although the room was on the small side for 2 people with 2 large suitcases....much more suited for the single business traveller. After the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, the exec lounge was an oasis of calm. Situated on the 31st floor it had superb views across Bangkok and was always serving something....breakfast, snacks, afternoon tea or cocktails....and the staff were all really pleasant and helpful. On our first night, we ate in Flow restaurant on the ground floor....although with a nice table outside.....and really enjoyed the international buffet although we homed in on the Thai dishes which were very good. The hotel has its own boat shuttle that takes guests to Sathon pier where you can easily pick up either the boats to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho etc or the Skytrain into the city. We struggled a bit with the Concierge....they were very good at answering questions but in a new city often you're not sure what the right questions to ask are so it's helpful if the concierge team can be a bit more forthcoming and take the initiative to make suggestions? All told, a good hotel in a great location with some fantastic views of the city.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Victoria Angkor Resort Spa; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: We have just spent 2 nights at the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa. What a lovely hotel....from the charming welcome to good sized comfortable bed rooms. The hotel has a unique colonial charm with plenty of staff on hand to ensure high quality but unobtrusive service. We only had a limited time in the hotel itself but the pool area is pleasant and quiet and my wife was able to enjoy a massage whilst I snoozed by the pool! We didn't have dinner in the hotel, preferring instead a trip by tuk-tuk into town (only $2) but breakfast was great with some lovely fruit, a great bread and pastry selection and a choice of hot food.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Prague Old Town; City: Prague Bohemia; Review: You know what to expect with a Hilton and we weren't disappointed. Clean, generally efficient with comfortable and good sized rooms. Several aspects are worthy of note. Firstly, the staff.....everyone was friendly and helpful and in particular the team in the exec lounge were outstanding....Adriana and Veronika went out of their way to make us feel really welcome. Secondly, the location - the hotel was close to the Old Town square, and even closer to the Powder Tower....so literally a 10 minute stroll to the square and 15 minutes to the Charles Bridge....but without being right in the midst of the crowds. If we were to visit again, I'd certainly use the Hilton Old Town and would happily recommend it to anyone.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: BodyHoliday Saint Lucia; City: Cap Estate Gros Islet Quarter St Lucia; Review: We've just completed a most successful and enjoyable week at TheBodyHoliday with our grown up children to celebrate a special wedding anniversary. After a fairly long transfer, the hotel location was fabulous.....a little haven of privacy and tranquility, with no traffic or aeroplane noise....and amazing views from our rooms over the Caribbean Sea. The programme of activities ran continuously from sunrise through to sunset and was suited to all ages and tastes, interspersed with our inclusive treatments at the incredibly peaceful Wellness Centre, but with plenty of time to relax on the beach or by the pool......despite the heat. We expected some rain but got virtually none at all....and it was hot and sunny from the moment the sun rose to sunset......and then stayed very warm all night. Perfect! We ate at all the restaurants and really enjoyed the variety on offer. Our expectations of Tao were high and if anything felt slightly disappointed.....not because there was anything wrong but maybe the hype had been built too high? The tasting menus at Cariblue Windows were interesting......and, whilst we're not normally fans of buffets, we found the Clubhouse food extremely good quality. My only suggestion would be for the hotel to publish more visibly what food themes are being served in the various restaurants to aid planning. Regardless, we enjoyed all the food and very much......and were introduced to many new cocktails by the staff! The 'icing on the cake' though, is the difference that the staff make. From the welcome upon arrival to the bar and restaurant teams, the water sports and beach staff through to the cleaning staff, everyone was incredibly friendly and couldn't do enough to ensure our stay was a good one. It is clear that many people come back to TheBodyHoliday......the so called 'returners'....it is also clear why....and I think it's safe to say that we'll be doing the same! Thanks to the whole team.....we had a wonderful week and celebrated our anniversary in the most memorable way possible.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Hotel; City: Venice Veneto; Review: You know what to expect from a Hilton, and, by and large, the Hilton in Venice delivers. The hotel is clean and the staff are courteous and professional. It is in a fantastic location......on the banks of the Guidecca Canal....which is so much quieter than Venice itself....plus the hotel runs a frequent shuttle to San Marco throughout the day and until almost midnight. It's also close to La Palanca if you want to pick up the water bus network and travel out to Murano, Burano and Torcello.....highly recommended. We stayed in an Exec room, which was not huge, but adequate and had fabulous views over to Venice.....but the Exec lounge, compared to others we've used around the world, was disappointing.....it did have a view over the Canal but was quite small, dark and little more than a corridor. The 'outside' breakfast option is situated in a courtyard and so is sheltered from the sun...the choice of food is a little limited compared to the inside....but certainly adequate. The Skyline bar is a must visit with fantastic views up the Canal and over Venice and the Guidecca.....inevitably the prices are high....and my glass of red wine did not live up to the price tag! On balance, if I were to visit Venice again, I'd stay at the Hilton primarily for its quiet but really accessible location....but I'd maybe not pay for the privilege of an Exec room.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rudha Na Craige; City: Inveraray Argyll and Bute Scotland; Review: Staying at Rudha-Na-Craige was a truly excellent experience. The location is great.....on the main road into the town, near enough to stroll in but far enough way for it to be peaceful and with the most incredible loch view. Upon arrival, we were met and welcomed by Howard and shown to our room. Everywhere was spotlessly clean and in really good condition....all of which made us feel very much at home. Our bedroom was at the back of the house but did have a side window with views over the loch - it was very light and airy, quiet at night and the bed was really comfortable. And breakfast in the morning was the crowning glory! All freshly prepared, it was a fantastic start to the day. Thanks to Howard and Susan!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Loch Fyne Hotel Spa; City: Inveraray Argyll and Bute Scotland; Review: We chose the Loch Fyne hotel to dine at because it was close to where we were staying. With hindsight, this was probably a mistake as we were recommended the George Hotel and The Cottage and these were only a short walk away. In fairness the food, on the whole, was good but the service was poor. No smiles or attempts to engage with us in any way....in fact the most we got was a cursory 'enjoy' as our food was delivered. The meal ended on a disappointing note when we'd ordered the cheese as we were keen to try the Isle of Mull cheddar...one of the 3 cheeses offered on the cheese platter. I don't know what was served.....it was a soft, smoked cheese and almost certainly not what was advertised but we struggled to ascertain exactly what it was.....and clearly felt at this point that we'd outstayed our fairly limited welcome so we paid and escaped as quickly as we could.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pousada de Lisboa; City: Lisbon Lisbon District Central Portugal; Review: We have just returned from 2 nights with friends at this lovely hotel. Firstly, we'd arranged for the hotel to collect at the airport - at €75 it wasn't cheap but the mini-van was spacious and the driver had good English and pointed out some points of interest on the way to the hotel. On arrival, we were greeted by the excellent reception staff. Very good English and really helpful as we started to get our bearings. And, although we were early, one of our rooms was ready, allowing us to drop our luggage before heading into the city. The location of the hotel is excellent, right on the large Commercial Square and very close to the river but with easy access to Bairro Alto, Baixa, Chiado and other central districts not to mention lots of tuk-tuks and taxis. Our 'superior room' was very comfortable if a little small. There was no external noise but the corridors had filed floors so in the mornings it was a little noisy as people and cleaning trolleys started to move around. We didn't dine in the hotel, other than breakfast....which had plenty of choice....although table service was a little slow for tea, eggs etc. All told a very pleasant stay at a lovely hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hillbark; City: Frankby Wirral Merseyside England; Review: We booked for a meal at the Riviera restaurant simply because we'd never been....as we'd heard nothing about it, we just didn't know what to expect, although we were a little concerned that it may be very formal/ traditional and very quiet....but it proved to be neither. On arrival at the impressive hotel frontage, we were shown to a lounge and offered high backed chairs in front of the fire. To my earlier concern, the lounge was quite traditional and quiet but we enjoyed our glass of Prosecco, served in a lovely glass and selected our meal from the iPad menu. The selection was both interesting and diverse, catering for all tastes....such that it was a tough choice! Bizarrely, when we were shown to our table, we were taken through the kitchen! Apparently some guests like this but I assume it was due to a function going on elsewhere in the hotel? From our whole evening, this is the only thing I'd change.... But the restaurant itself is stunning. A small underground cellar, with probably 15 tables and 30-35 covers, lined on both sides with wine and lighting set to a perfect level. Our charming Portuguese waitress brought a selection of home made bread to the table...which we ate along with the whole tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil that were on the table....which was a really unique and interesting start to the meal. The Riviera say that they bring out the meals when they're ready and that they're intended for sharing.....so a bit like Tapas, although the portions are very generous and equivalent to regular starters and main courses. That said, we struggled to make our choices so we had 3 "small portions" to start....Caprese Salad, Crab & Avocado Salad and Venison carpaccio. And for our large portions we had the tuna pasta and Hake, accompanied by some Broccoli and Dauphinois Potatoes. The wine list is also extensive, dominated by French and Italian wines but with wines from £20 to £470. We opted for a lovely Italian white that complemented our food perfectly. Everything was simply stunning.....fantastically fresh flavours, beautifully served in a unique environment, with the most delightful piano accompaniment in the background. A final word for the staff. They were all polite and attentive.....present but not obtrusive. I'd make particular plaudits for our Portuguese waitress and the pianist who certainly helped make our evening truly special. In summary.....we eat out a lot, locally, nationally and internationally and our experience certainly ranks very highly. Thank you Riviera.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Izaak Walton Hotel; City: Ilam Peak District National Park England; Review: The Izaak Walton has an amazing location in the Peak District's Dovedale. After lunch in the bar.....which was meant to be a light snack but the portions were very substantial, albeit very tasty....so we headed for a walk in Dovedale. We walked to Milldale, a 6 mile round trip....pretty flat all the way but stunning and varied scenery along the clearly marked path. Our dinner in the main restaurant was nicely served, beautifully cooked and very tasty. And breakfast was freshly cooked (rather than the all too common buffet of 'hot' food)....and the sausage was one of the best I've tasted! Our only disappointment was how cold the hotel was. Now, it was a cold day (having recently snowed) and I recognise that part of the charm of the Izaak Walton is the building being in keeping with the location but the windows were draughty and the radiators seemed to be struggling to generate enough heat, so our bedroom was cool (although the blanket in the wardrobe was most welcome) and even the temperature in the restaurant required most diners to wear an additional layer. That said, we will return for all of the positives but probably once the weather is warmer!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid; City: Madrid; Review: We booked at fairly short notice....not having done much research on the hotel or it’s location. What a fantastic find! The location is perfect....close enough to easily walk to all the main tourist sites. But also in a ‘more Spanish’ district....lovely individual restaurants and bars, no chains....and away from the really touristy areas and main roads in and out of the city. We actually didn’t eat in the hotel at all as the local restaurants were so good (and reasonable)....plus the adjoining gluten free cafe met our needs so well....with excellent food, service and prices. Our room was small but very comfortable with an excellent shower. All the staff...from reception to concierge, bar staff and maids...were excellent. As someone from the UK, the closest comparison is the Malmaison but with more quality and so much more individuality. In short, an amazing find....highly highly recommended!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taj Nadesar Palace Varanasi; City: Varanasi Varanasi District Uttar Pradesh; Review: Varanasi is an intense city....but as soon as you enter the premises of the Nadesar Palace you leave all that behind even though it is located within ‘easy’ reach of both the airport and the Ganges although, like many cities, the roads are very busy and chaotic! The welcome is very special with conch shells being blown and petals thrown over you. The history attached to the Palace is very evident as soon as you enter with a long list of notable visitors in days gone by. The hotel only has 10 rooms which makes it even more quiet and peaceful....a fact which is further reinforced by the staff who are ‘present’ but so discrete, courteous and respectful. My son arrived in Varanasi with a stomach bug and the staff could not have been more concerned about his health and what they could do to help. Because if it’s size, the menu is a little limited but the quality is incredible and all freshly cooked and served really hot. The grounds are extensive at over 40 acres but are beautifully manicured. It’s well worth taking the horse drawn carriage round the grounds, if only to listen to the man who leads the tour as his father and grandfather both worked in the Palace before it became a hotel. My slight gripes would be: 1. Our room was very comfortable but it was adjacent to the outside dining terrace. This meant it had no natural light as curtain were permanently drawn over the doors and it also meant the prospect of a lie in was limited as people came to breakfast. 2. We were not told the Gateway hotel next door was owned by the Taj and that we could visit their restaurant.....whether or not we would have done this, it would have been good to know we had the choice. Overwhelmingly though a lovely hotel and a great tonic to the intensity of Varanasi.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Imperial Hotel; City: New Delhi National Capital Territory of Delhi; Review: Having flown in on our first Indian adventure, the Imperial was a haven in a busy, bustling city. The building and decor is very traditional, in keeping with its history, but very comfortable nevertheless. The staff are all efficient and courteous....and the food is top drawer. The Spice Route is simply amazing.....Danielle’s is very good and 1911 provides a nice environment for lunch or a drink before dinner. The pool area is comfortable but the noise from the adjoining roads is evident and a constant reminder of the contrast between where you are and what lies outside! My 2 gripes: 1. Our room was in the second floor....a non-smoking floor..:.but was a bit dark and musty. Fine for our needs but not great for any length of stay. 2. We had a free day on our arrival day.....and so concierge directed us down to Connaught Place. By all accounts, it’s supposed to be good for shops and restaurants but we weren’t warned about the many people who would try and ‘misdirect’ us right or left (for whatever reason) or for the scam that involved someone discreetly throwing ***t on your shoe and then ‘finding’ someone to clean your shoes at great expense. Apparently it’s quite common so I’m surprised the hotel didn’t warn us? Needless to say, we stayed in the hotel for the rest of the day and until our guided tour the next day! Regardless, it’s a lovely hotel and well worth a visit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: H10 Playa Meloneras Palace; City: Maspalomas Gran Canaria Canary Islands; Review: We'd arranged transport from the airport through the hotel....and our driver was very visible in the arrivals hall and got us quickly out and on the way (through torrential rain!) Sadly, our arrival was marred by a room allocation error....through no fault of the hotel....where we thought we had booked and paid for a suite...but the hotel expected us in a deluxe sea view room. Not surprisingly we were a little irritated (!) and it seemed to take our UK agent some time to confront their error which left us somewhat stranded. Omar on reception was excellent, handling our disappointment very professionally and providing us with a free lunch whilst things were clarified. And they were clarified and so we were allocated our deluxe sea view room....whilst not what we were expected, it was more than adequate.....a nice view particularly of the sunset...with a very roomy terrace/ balcony. The bed was comfortable and the room very quiet so, in the end, no complaints (although tea & coffee in the room would have been good) Whilst we had booked half board, we had not expected to eat in the main hotel restaurant as it really didn't look like 'our sort of place' but it was excellent. Very large and busy.....but loads of staff, all very attentive and the choice of food was incredible (with some variety each night) and all very fresh, plentiful and well presented. On our final night we ate in the Gaudi restaurant.....and, to be honest, we were a little disappointed. The Thai beef starter was excellent but our sea bream main course was just bland. Once again, the staff were excellent....chatty, friendly and attentive. After each meal we headed to the 'disco bar' for a nightcap.....the quality of entertainment was a bit mixed but there were plenty of sitting areas at the back of the room that were good for a chat without the entertainment being too obtrusive. We played golf at Sheraton Salobre.....it was very easy to pick up taxis at both ends....and the hotel were very happy to store our clubs in their lock-up. The weather was a little mixed but we were able to spend some time by the infinity pool.....which was very comfortable and relaxing....with excellent views out over the ocean. In short, we will be back....this time booking our room and our golf directly with the hotel! Thanks to the H10......and to all the fantastic staff!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ambassadors Bloomsbury; City: London England; Review: Having mistakenly booked The Ambassadors near Gloucester Rd (which we briefly visited but left, losing the cost of 3 nights accommodation, as it was not a pleasant hotel), we crossed London again and booked 3 nights at the Ambassadors Bloomsbury. It was a known quantity as we have stayed before...but we weren't disappointed. It is convenient for Euston and Russell Square/ the tube network, the bedrooms are small but comfortable and the breakfast is decent. We asked for a high room at the back of the hotel as experience says rooms on the 2nd/ 3rd floor, at the front or side, can be noisy given the traffic on both Upper Woburn Place and even the Euston Rd. The 6th floor makes a huge difference. Given the stress of booking the wrong hotel, I must say that the staff at the Ambassadors Bloomsbury were excellent....polite and accommodating, even doing a deal on the cost of the room...and the porter/ concierge was particularly friendly throughout our stay....an all too rare phenomenon in London. Thank you Ambassadors....we will be back....but to Bloomsbury this time!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Ways House Hotel; City: Mickleton Cotswolds England; Review: A group of us stayed at the Three Ways House to celebrate a friends birthday. We spent much of our time in Chipping Camden and so didn’t dine at the hotel (or sample the Pudding Club delights) but we did enjoy a fantastic breakfast....some tasty granola & muesli, and amazing local bacon, sausage and black pudding (although the fried eggs were more reminiscent of Holiday Inn fayre!) and one of our party enjoyed the Smoked Haddock & poached eggs. The rooms were clean and comfortable albeit quite small with a pretty small bed. All the staff were excellent - polite and really helpful particularly when it came to finding a taxi to do several runs to and from Chipping Camden....as it transpires that taxis are a rare commodity in the area on a sunny Saturday in June! The hotel also recommended a nice walk for Sunday morning....much needed to clear our heads before heading home! All told, a successful visit....and thoroughly recommended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Western Isles Hotel; City: Tobermory Isle of Mull The Hebrides Scotland; Review: The Western Isles is an imposing hotel that looks down on the harbour at the lovely town of Tobermory. Our room looked out over the harbour and looked as if it had been recently refurbished. The bed was comfortable and a good size; the bathroom was quite basic but had a decent shower in the bath. Breakfast was fantastic with lots of choice and all freshly cooked and served in a nice light room with a great view out to the harbour and the sea....when the weather permits!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast; City: Belfast Northern Ireland; Review: My room at the Fitzwilliam was a very good size with a large, and comfortable bed, a decent sized desk and a sofa. The bathroom was also good with an excellent shower. Pretty much all you need for a 1 night business stay! The breakfast was also good...plenty of choice on the cold buffet with hot food served directly from the kitchen, a nice change from the hot buffet in most hotels. Hotel location is also great, right in the city centre.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: God's Not Dead; Brand: Kevin Sorbo; Review: I don't know what planet some of the people are on that rated this movie but I thought that it was rather realistic in my world . I work with the public and have for 40 plus years ....I work with all kinds of people and though there is much good in some people and very little in some ...people are people ....they hurt and hurt other people and need the Lord Jesus to save them from theirselves ....I thought this movie was wonderful as did most all of my friends and family !!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fluke VHS; Brand: Samuel L. Jackson; Review: though the movie was a good one ....I hated the idea of reincarnation used through the movie .........; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sandy Bottom Orchestra; Brand: Glenne Headly; Review: this was a great movie and came fast in the mail . Would order again .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Faith of Our Fathers; Brand: Stephen Baldwin; Review: good movie ......great price and fast delivery .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mighty Macs; Brand: Carla Gugino; Review: GREAT movie , in great condition and good price ......would order this again !; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: CLAXY Ecopower Industrial Barn Mini Metal Pendant Light 1 Light; Brand: CLAXY; Review: great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UltraFire®18650 Battery Protective Sleeves (5-pack); Brand: ULTRAFIRE; Review: good; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MultiFit VF2000 Replacement Filter with Mounting Band for Husky, Stinger, and Bucket Head Vacuums (1 x Pack of 3; Brand: Stinger; Review: ok; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Concept 102L Cordless Remote Control LED Picture Light- 11 1/2 inch Antique Brass With Silver Undertones; Brand: Concept Lighting; Review: great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cosco 3-in-1 Aluminum Hand Truck/Assisted Hand Truck/Cart w/ flat free wheels; Brand: Cosco; Review: great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Klarus Improved XT11S SUPER BUNDLE w/ XT11S LED Compact Tactical Rechargeable Flashlight, Rechargeable 18650 Battery, USB Charging Cable, Lanyard,; Brand: Klarus; Review: great; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Allergy Store Fitted Vinyl Mattress Cover, 6 Gauge, 16" Deep Twin White; Brand: The Allergy Store; Review: I was in the process of moving from one home to another. In the hubub, I ordered the wrong item. I thought I ordered a zippered mattress cover. I just didn't have time to return it. However, this is such a quality product that I decided to keep it. The service was excellent and fast.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: George Foreman GGR200RDDS Round Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill; Brand: George Foreman; Review: This is a very good product - perfect size for a small deck, perfect size for condo living. I use it on the deck and when winter comes, I intend to use it in our attached garage. Doing this will eliminate cooking odors within our living space (of 1650 sf). THERE IS ONLY ONE PROBLEM: There are no vent holes for steam to excape from the cover. My husband drilled a few holes at the top to let the steam excape. CAUTION: When lifting the cover, because the steam cannot escape, the steam can burn your hands, wrists, etc. Using a long pot holder mit can prevent this. The entire cooking portion can be submersed in water to clean. EASY CLEANING!(It cannot be put in your dishwasher, but the drip pan can.) Other than the no-steam-outlet, I LOVE this grill. The price is right. The packaging was perfect. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Household Essentials 5009-1 Collapsible Portable Indoor Tripod Clothes Drying Rack for Hanging Laundry | Silver and Blue; Brand: Household Essentials; Review: This is a very, very good product. It folds small enough to fit in the six-inch space between the washing machine and the wall of my laundry closet. It's sturdy, but I wouldn't exceed the recommended garment total of 36 items. I didn't follow the guidelines and it collapsed. (Had to move all hanging clothing from a closet to have a new carpet installed.) But I like the product so much, I ordered another one. Keep in mind that you should try to balance the amount of items on each top arm so that the dryer doesn't become unbalanced.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Innovative Textile Microfiber Sofa Furniture Protector, Sage; Brand: Innovative Textile Solutions; Review: Size: The section you would sit on is 66" wide; the end flaps are about 22" each. It should fit a double sleep sofa, which is why I purchased it. This is NOT what I expected for quality. It's mediocre. The fabric is somewhat stiff and does not have the smooth, soft feeling of a true microfiber. I have another cover for a loveseat, purchased elsewhere, which is very high quality. I will only keep this cover because the color is hard to find, and I only use it to cover the sofa in case my two cats decide to sleep on it. I take it off when guests are coming. (We just purchased the double sleep sofa and the loveseat size is not wide enough.) I thought, because I purchased it from Amazon, the price was a bargain. (And this is usually the case with Amazon products.) But, remember that "you get what you pay for". If you use it to protect your furniture from children issues, I suggest you think twice. The fabric doesn't have the tension quality to stay put, so it will slide all over...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: English Garden Trompe l'oeil Window Art; Brand: Saturday Knight Limited; Review: The opposing bottom hems of each panel do not line up. This is sad because the rest of the product is perfect. This wasn't evident until I ironed both panels and hung them. Too late! I'm having a boatload of people here for a family Christmas gathering in a week and bought the curtains to camouflage a repair of the basement wall (in case a nosy relative heads for the basement). The panels cover the repair perfectly and look great - except for the uneven hem.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Set of 2 Singing Toilet Paper Christmas Songs Roll Device; Brand: ; Review: The product is NOT as it would appear to be in the description. The actual product is about the size of a book of matches, and about an eighth of an inch thick. The photo leads you to believe that the toilet paper roll holder is the product. It ISN"T. AND, when I tried to hear the songs, I COULDN'T EVEN HEAR THEM THE SOUND WAS SO SOFT! Save your money. Don't buy this cheasy, cheap piece of junk. (When I contacted the seller, they would not refund my money. I contacted Amazon directly and demanded a refund. Since Amazon is customer oriented, the seller changed his mind and told me to keep the product, and gave me a refund. But it's still junk and can't be used.); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Manual Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow, Zebra Black/White, 20 X 20-Inch; Brand: Manual Woodworker; Review: The scene is on both sides. The colors are muted enough, but not too much. We purchased a tapestry of the same scene from Manual Woodworkers and Weavers from Amazon. Loved that too. Perfection.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Household Essentials Hinge-It Spacemaker Double Bar Rack, White; Brand: Household Essentials; Review: We love it. It fits behind our bathroom door, giving us the extra towel rack we needed, without having to put holes in the wall. Brilliant invention!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stylemaster Elegance Sheer Voile Scarf, 40" x 216”, White; Brand: Style Master; Review: Price is right. Supremely simple to iron. Just enough color. Love it. Price is right.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stylemaster Sheer Voile Elegance 60" X 95", Panel White; Brand: Style Master; Review: Price is right. Supremely simple to iron. Just enough color. Love it. Price is right.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hdetails Bed Skirts/Elastic Ruffles - Bedding - Chocolate - Twin - 39x75 or Full - 54x78; Brand: Hdetails; Review: Good fabric. Good product. I had to hem it on my sewing machine because it was too long. Modern mattresses are too high and the support foundation are too low. Someday, some manufacturer will realize this and make a shorter bed skirt. Other than that, I love it. The elastic makes it very easy to install. It washes like a handkerchief.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lenox 2014 Wedding Bells Ornament; Brand: Lenox; Review: Giving it to each of two sons and their wives who married this year. VERY nice product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Creative Converting Touch of Color 24 Count Paper Banquet Plates, White; Brand: Creative Converting; Review: Sturdy. Good price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elegant Comfort 1500 Thread Count CHAIN DESIGN Egyptian Quality Luxurious Silky Soft HypoAllergenic WRINKLE; Brand: Elegant Comfort; Review: I didn't realize these were microfiber. I don't like them at all. They are soft and too warm. I would not buy them again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fridge-It Cube, Naturally Activated Charcoal Deodorizer, Refrigerator Odor Eliminator, Fragrance Free, Lasts up to 6-Months; Brand: Innofresh; Review: I needed these for the odor in my freezer and refrig. This side-by-side is in our basement and is not opened regularly. I put three of the items in each side and, within a few days, the odor was gone. It has remained odorless since I purchased them a few months ago. I love them; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zenna Home 2104W Bathtub and Shower Tension Corner Caddy, 10.5 x 97-Inches, White; Brand: Zenna Home; Review: I purchased one of these five years ago. Just the other day (June 2015) it rusted out. I liked the product so much, I purchased another one. The directions are easy to follow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spectrum Diversified Luna Paper Towel Holder, Bronze; Brand: Spectrum Diversified; Review: Heavy enough to not waltz across the counter and very easy to replace with a full roll. The color is perfect for the dcor of my kitchen.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sylvania NOMA/INLITEN-IMPORT V24329 4 Pack 9" Battery Operated Flickering LED Candle Orange; Brand: Noma/Inliten; Review: Nice but not bright enough. Every time I turn the bulbs off, I have to pull out the base apparatus of the bulb in order to turn it back on. But I do like them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: KitchenAid KHB1231 2-Speed Hand Blender Empire Red Electric Mixer; Brand: KitchenAid; Review: Not powerful enough. I would not buy this model again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 2 Birch Bark Flameless Pillar Candles with Warm White LEDs, Wax, Variety Set, Battery Operated; Brand: LampLust; Review: Better than I expected!!! I LOVE the way the bright flame is in the center of the candle. Price is right. So glad I purchased them. Somehow or other there is a memory in my mind regarding the style of candle. I think it goes back to my Girl Scout days when we made Yule Logs from real birch logs. LOVE THEM!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe, White, DCM600W; Brand: Black & Decker; Review: Best 4-cup coffee maker I have ever purchased (and over the years I've had at least five others). The coffee is HOT when poured and the spout doesn't drip all over the counter when it's pouring. Can't seem to find the perfect filters though, but I will eventually. Be sure to fill it to FIVE CUPS of water to get the measurement of FOUR cups. Price is right. The last time I bought a brand name pot this size was in one of the super "mart" type stores. When I got home, the bottom noted, "manufactured for XXX store" and it didn't last long, and the spout dripped all over when being poured. Black and Decker products are always the BEST. I'm glad I purchased this pot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Natural Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber Air Purifier - for Closet Fridge Car Pets - Remove Smells and Eliminate Moisture; Brand: Sagano; Review: Works well so far. I bought two more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Manual 12.5 x 8.5-Inch Decorative Throw Pillow, If You're Lucky Enough; Brand: Manual Woodworker; Review: Bought this delightful pillow to take to my cousin's beach house. She loved it!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Horizon Kitchen Universal Replacement Cookware Pot Lid Cover Knob Handle; Brand: Melzon; Review: Price is right. Works just fine. I had to enlarge the hole on the pot cover just slightly to make it fit. I'm glad I purchased it from Amazon rather than searching stores for a similar product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Proctor-Silex 33042 4-Quart Slow Cooker; Brand: Proctor Silex; Review: I couldn't believe the low cost for such a good product. Just the right size!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TONSEE New Fashion Brand New Quartz Clock Movement Mechanism DIY Repair Parts + Hands DIY Clock; Brand: TONSEE; Review: Not as advertised. It didn't fit an AA battery. This is a totally undesirable piece of "work". It was shipped in a box that was too small, allowing the hands to be bent. There were NO directions to install it. . Total waste of money, but by the time it would take to ship it back, allowing for the cost of my time, I would have lost more than twice the amount of the cost of the product. Buy cheap, buy twice...; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: WEEKENDER Fitted Jersey Mattress Protector with Quiet Waterproof Barrier - King; Brand: WEEKENDER; Review: This review may seam strange to the reader because of why we purchased this product. We have two cats who are trained to not get on the sofa when the sofa cover is off. We have a cotton sofa cover, under which we put a thick cotton towel to prevent cat fur from getting on the sofa fabric. Lately, it hadn't been a perfect solution. Since we have put the impermeable mattress protector under the sofa cover, no cat fur has permeated the cover to allow cat fur to get on the sofa fabric.; 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: Excellent quality. Very good burgundy color to match our lounge chair. Perfect fit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Casual Home Folding Desk with Pull-Out & USB Ports; Brand: Casual Home; Review: Obviously not the best of wood, but serviceable. Easy to assemble. Follow the directions carefully, step by step. Be careful installing the draw to prevent stripping of the surface of it. We like it. It's in our library. We were using a green, leather-topped folding card table which just didn't look good in front of the bookcases. This looks OK.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Littlest Cowboy (The Texas Brand) (Silhouette Intimate Moments, No 716); Author: Visit Amazon's Maggie Shayne Page; Review: Kept me interested, couldn't wait to continue reading, needed to get the next book in sequence. Great story line. Can't wait for next in series; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outlaw Bride (The Texas Brand); Author: Visit Amazon's Maggie Shayne Page; Review: Very interesting. Sort of a back to the future take with a good ending. What an imagination. Would recommend to anyone.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Renegade Heart's (The Kinnison Legacy) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Amanda McIntyre Page; Review: Great series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Safe Harbor: (The Lake Series, Book 3) (The Lake Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's AnnaLisa Grant Page; Review: Very pod series. A bit too much of the love dove but very good; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Irish Eyes (The Mystic Cove Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Tricia O'Malley Page; Review: Excellently presented, great follow up. Not too much sex but great romance. Loving the series; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild Irish Rebel (The Mystic Cove Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Tricia O'Malley Page; Review: Very exciting story. I am really getting into these stories; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Through The Tears (Sandy Cove Series Book 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Rosemary Hines Page; Review: Good reading. I have recommended to several people; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild Irish Witch: The Mystic Cove Series Book 6 (Volume 6); Author: Visit Amazon's Tricia O'Malley Page; Review: Excellent series, was sad to have it end, only to find out there's will e more. Exciting, mystic, mysterious.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild Irish Roots: Margaret & Sean (The Mystic Cove Series) (Volume 5); Author: Visit Amazon's Tricia O'Malley Page; Review: I have been mesmerized with the whole series. Just "mystical"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Tequila: an Althea Rose Mystery; Author: Visit Amazon's Tricia O'Malley Page; Review: Very well written. Kept my interest.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Reunion: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Sue Walker Page; Review: A must read series of five books. I loved getting to know all the characters and follow them through the different stages of life; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Found (Firstborn Series #3); Author: Visit Amazon's Karen Kingsbury Page; Review: Loved loved loved this story. Had me laughing , crying, and praying right along with the characters. Can't wait for the next book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gone Girl; Author: Visit Amazon's Gillian Flynn Page; Review: Not a huge fan of the story. Was a fun entertaining read. I will go see movie out of curiosity; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sunrise (Sunrise Series-Baxter 3, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Karen Kingsbury Page; Review: Can't wait to start the next one! Love how we see God's faithfulness in the story!! I would recommend this book to my friends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Someday; Author: Visit Amazon's Karen Kingsbury Page; Review: Great read. Love the life stories and how God works all things out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sunset (Sunrise Series-Baxter 3, Book 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Karen Kingsbury Page; Review: Loved watching this family walk thru so many seasons of life and how Gods redeeming love always restored them! Worth reading; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Kill Artist; Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Silva Page; Review: great spy suspense novel; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Ford Page; Review: Very well narrated and story was a good depiction of the history of Japanese internment camps in Seattle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Pajama Elves; Author: Visit Amazon's Hayden Edwards Page; Review: The book came very quickly. I had to hide it from the kids until Christmas Eve. They loved it when the "package" of their new Christmas PJ's. I'd recommend this book to everyone!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sofia the First The Royal Games; Author: Disney Book Group; Review: My 3yr old LOVES Sofia. And as a parent I love the message that Sofia sends to little girls. It's a wonderful book for any age.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Divergent; Author: Visit Amazon's Veronica Roth Page; Review: Love this whole trilogy! Can't wait for the next book to be released. Can't wait to see the movie. I didn't get ANYTHING done while reading these books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Common Core Connections Math, Grade K; Author: Carson-Dellosa Publishing; Review: I got this book for my daughter who will be entering Kindergarten this coming fall. This is the first year our school has used Common Core. I got this book to help prepare her for what she will be learning. My son is currently in Kindergarten and the lessons are very similar to the "Go Math" Common Core book he uses in class. While I know a lot of this is over her head at least she will have some idea of what she is looking.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Afternoon on the Amazon (Magic Tree House, No. 6); Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Pope Osborne Page; Review: My 6 year old 1st grader has read the first 6 books on his own. He loves these books, and so do I. They are a wonderful way to use your imagination and get into the love of reading. There are a few pictures in each book, but mostly the reader is left to use their imagination. We look forward to reading the rest!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Prince Harry Tears Up as He Remembers Keeping Meghan Markle's Pregnancy a Secret; Abstract: Prince Harry Tears Up Recalling Meghan Markle's Early Pregnancy; Category: lifestyle
Title: Angelina Jolie Says It Was Hard to Find Strength to Play Maleficent Again: 'I Was Pretty Broken'; Abstract: Angelina Jolie Was 'Pretty Broken' Before Maleficent 2; Category: movies
Title: Travel Tip: Clear Your Browser Before Booking a Flight to Get a Better Deal; Abstract: If you're the type of traveler who loves quality experiences without breaking the bank (and honestly who isn't?), you're going to want to learn this airfare hack that will change the way you search and book flights online.; Category: travel
Title: Jennifer Aniston on why she joined Instagram: 'I'm just trying to build content'; Abstract: Jennifer Aniston visited Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Wednesday to promote her new Apple series The Morning Show. And while she was there she also talked about her record breaking new Instagram account. As of last night's broadcast, Aniston's account had garnered over 11 million followers in less than two days. She set a new world record, racking up a her first million followers 29 minutes faster than the previous record holders Prince Harry and Megan Markle. While this is her first official instagram account it wasn't her first time on IG. Aniston admitted that she had a fake account prior to making things official. "It was a stalker account," said Aniston, "When I was thinking about doing this, I sort of figured it was time to kind of understand the world and dip my toe into the social media pool." When asked why she joined Insta, Aniston replied, "I don't know." She also revealed that she does look at other people's Instagram posts. She said, "I'm just trying to build content, as they say."; Category: video
Title: A day without teachers: 32,000+ educators in Chicago are on strike. Here's why; Abstract: Chicago Public Schools teachers went on strike Thursday morning, seeking smaller class sizes, more support staff and a pay raise.; Category: news
Title: 'The Masked Singer' Recap: A Grammy Winner Is Revealed As The Skeleton; Abstract: A new round of performances from masked singers led to one celebrity being unmasked at the end of the Oct. 16 episode of 'The Masked Singer.'; Category: tv
Title: Michelle Obama Shows Off Her Abs in New Workout Photo: 'I'm Always Glad I Hit the Gym'; Abstract: The former First Lady shared an inspirational workout selfie in honor of #SelfCareSunday.; Category: entertainment
Title: Prince Harry acknowledges tensions with William in ITV interview; Abstract: Britain's Prince Harry has acknowledged tensions with his older brother Prince William for the first time, saying they are on "different paths."; Category: lifestyle
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: Serena Williams Just Wore the Coolest Sneakers with This Affordable Bridesmaid Dress; Abstract: Serena Williams's bridesmaid dress is from Azazie. Find out all of the details here. Plus, see pictures of the champion athlete's daughter in her adorable flower girl outfit.; Category: lifestyle
Title: JetBlue is testing a $5 checked carry-on fee and it's causing a big debate; Abstract: JetBlue, apparently, wants to see if travelers would like to pay even more bag fees.; Category: travel
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: The Real-Life Diet of Dr. Evan Antin, the Internet's Favorite Veterinarian; Abstract: "When I'm wrangling big crocs, or carrying a leopard, training definitely helps."; Category: health
Title: What Is Ashwagandha and Why Is Everyone So Obsessed With It?; Abstract: See whether the supplement is worth adding to your diet.; Category: health
Title: Prosecutors want black judge who criticized incarceration rates of African Americans removed; Abstract: Iberia Parish judge Lori Landry has questioned the large number of black Louisianans incarcerated by the district attorney's office; Category: news
Title: Elizabeth Warren's Days Defending Big Corporations; Abstract: Elizabeth Warren had never taken on the federal government before. But in 1995, she found herself up against the Clinton administration, representing the Cleveland-based conglomerate LTV Steel. Even though LTV had sold off its coal mines during the 1980s, a new law required it to contribute to a health fund for retired miners. LTV believed that it should not have to pay. Those claims, the company said, should have been handled as part of its...; Category: finance
Title: Divers Find Giant Mysterious 'Egg' Floating In Ocean; Abstract: A team of divers set off to explore a sunken World War II ship off the Norwegian coast, but what they found was something far more mysterious. While making their way back to shore, Ronald Raasch, Nils Baadness and Brynjar Aarnseth came face-to-face with a giant floating orb. The bubble hovered 17 meters (56 feet) below the surface and appeared to be see-through. The divers turned their flashlights on it and realized that the sphere was filled...; Category: lifestyle
Title: Queen Elizabeth and Michelle Obama Shared 'Instant, Mutual Warmth' When They Broke Royal Protocol; Abstract: Queen Elizabeth Welcomed When Michelle Obama Put Arm Around Her; Category: lifestyle
Title: Eating This One Food Before 8 a.m. Could Flatten Your Belly; Abstract: It's no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day especially if you want to slim down.; Category: health
Title: Obama Will Kill the Stock Market. No, Trump Will. No, Warren Will; Abstract: Wall Street's best minds are falling over themselves to describe the cataclysms that would befall equities should Elizabeth Warren get elected. It's a brand of analysis whose recent track record is abysmal.; Category: finance
Title: Over 70 Female British Politicians Sign Letter Supporting Meghan Markle; Abstract: They call out the "colonial undertones" of many stories written about the duchess.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Seton Hall suspends basketball coach Kevin Willard over NCAA investigation; Abstract: Kevin Willard's two-game suspension was levied by Seton Hall in response to NCAA investigation into allegations of transfer tampering.; Category: sports
Title: This 'Christmas City' In Pennsylvania Might Be the Most Festive In the Entire Country; Abstract: Christmas is a magical time with lights illuminating the streets and holiday cheer an infectious feeling. But one town takes that to the next level.; Category: travel
Title: Meghan Markle's Leather Pencil Skirt is a Powerful Statement Piece; Abstract: Meghan Markle stepped out for an important guest panel appearance in a maroon long-sleeved top with an eye-catching red leather pencil skirt.; Category: lifestyle
Title: The bucket-list attraction in every state; Abstract: ; Category: travel
Title: This Is What Queen Elizabeth Is Doing About the Prince William-Prince Harry Feud; Abstract: According to royal insiders, Queen Elizabeth has directed Prince Charles to put a stop to the feud between William and Harry. Here's why she's so worried.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 51 Times Stars Dressed Up as Other Stars for Halloween and Nailed It; Abstract: They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery!; Category: entertainment
Title: Prince Charles Teared Up When Prince William Talked About Succeeding Him; Abstract: "Frankly, it reduced me to tears," he said.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Meghan Markle Says She Doesn't Want People to Love Her, She Wants Them to Hear Her; Abstract: The Duchess of Sussex opens up after an emotional few weeks.; Category: lifestyle
Title: This Is What Queen Elizabeth Is Doing About the Prince William-Prince Harry Feud; Abstract: According to royal insiders, Queen Elizabeth has directed Prince Charles to put a stop to the feud between William and Harry. Here's why she's so worried.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are taking a royal respite; Abstract: Starting next week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are going AWOL.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 'Sons Of Anarchy' Star Ron Perlman Files for Divorce After 38 Years of Marriage; Abstract: According to documents obtained by ET, the actor filed papers for a dissolution of his marriage on Tuesday.; Category: tv
Title: Katie Holmes Talks About That Bra and Cardigan Moment; Abstract: Katie Holmes Talks About That Bra and Cardigan Moment; Category: lifestyle
Title: Iowan convicted of murder claims his life-sentence was served once he died, was revived in medical emergency. The court disagrees.; Abstract: An Iowa convicted of murder was rushed from prison to the hospital where his heart was restarted five times. Now he claims he should be freed; Category: news
Title: Republicans urge Bevin to provide proof of election fraud or concede; Abstract: A growing number of Republican lawmakers are urging Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, a fellow Republican, to either provide evidence of the voting "irregularities" he has alleged or concede Tuesday's election to Gov.-elect Andy Beshear, who defeated him by 5,189 votes.; Category: news
Title: Kate & Meghan Head to Separate Events in Gorgeous Blue Outfits; Abstract: Kate wore sapphire earrings that belonged to Diana.; Category: lifestyle
Title: I Was 24 & Had Just Scored My Dream Job In Fashion. Then An Accident In The Hamptons Changed Everything.; Abstract: One in four adults in the U.S. are living with a disability, but you wouldn't know it given the lack of representation in media, Hollywood, and the workforce. We're shedding light on the real stories not the caricatures of this dynamic and vibrant community of individuals. Read more stories from our Voices of Disability series. By the time I was 24, I was living a life that felt like a dream. I was pursuing a career in the fashion industry,...; Category: health
Title: Donald Trump Jr. reflects on explosive 'View' chat: 'I don't think they like me much anymore'; Abstract: After a heated appearance on "The View" Thursday, Donald Trump Jr. talked about the experience later that day with Sean Hannity on Fox News.; Category: tv
Title: Trump Seethes After NY Judge Orders Him to Pay $2 Million For Misusing Charitable Funds: 'No Wonder Why We Are All Leaving!'; Abstract: President Donald Trump is blasting the ruling handed down by a New York judge that he must cough up $2 million to settle a case which alleged that the president used his charitable foundation to advance his 2016 campaign. New York Supreme Court Justice Salliann Scarpulla ordered Trump to pay the settlement, saying, "Mr. Trump's […]; Category: news
Title: Meghan Markle earns Duchess Camilla's support, royal expert says; Abstract: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has been a "pillar of support" to Meghan Markle after the Duchess of Sussex admitted in a shocking documentary that the ruthless press scrutiny meant she was "existing, not living."; Category: lifestyle
Title: Oprah Just Revealed Her 2019 Favorite Things Here Are the Best Food Picks; Abstract: Oh, and they're all on Amazon.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Zantac Recall Update: Another Company Recalls Ranitidine Heartburn Drug Over Cancer Fears; Abstract: Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. is the latest company to issue a voluntary recall of ranitidine products over concerns regarding "probable" carcinogen NDMA.; Category: health
Title: 20 Places to Go for Thanksgiving in America; Abstract: These towns may be small, but they're big on holiday charm.; Category: travel | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Savane Men's Big No-Iron Pleated Twill Pant; Brand: Savane; Review: So far these trousers have lived up to my expectations. Way better than Dockers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kangol Men's Wool 507 Cap; Brand: ; Review: I loved the looks of the hat and the quality but it was the wrong size. I had to return it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kangol Men's Wool 507 Cap; Brand: ; Review: I loved the looks of the hat and the quality but it was the wrong size. I had to return it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kangol Men's Wool 507 Cap; Brand: ; Review: I loved the looks of the hat and the quality but it was the wrong size. I had to return it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men's V-Neck Undershirt Single Pack - Lounge Tee in Bamboo Viscose by Texere; Brand: TexereSilk; Review: Very impressed with the marerial; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Men's Work-To-Weekend No-Iron Pleat-Front Pant with Hidden Expandable Waist; Brand: ; Review: Good quality trousers; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haggar Men's Work-To-Weekend No-Iron Pleat-Front Pant with Hidden Expandable Waist; Brand: ; Review: Good quality trousers; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Old World Christmas Ornaments: Shark Glass Blown Ornaments for Christmas Tree; Brand: Old World Christmas; Review: My daughter-in-law loves sharks and she will love this ornament.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fun Express One Dozen Spun Glass Angel Ornaments/Christmas Tree Ornaments; Brand: Fun Express; Review: Beautiful ornaments. I love giving ornaments, but I had to keep 2 for myself.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Old Dutch Antique Pewter Tree of Life Trivet; Brand: Old Dutch; Review: Purchased for my sister. Beautiful trivet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Old World Christmas Ornaments; Brand: Old World Christmas; Review: Gift for my grandson that has a big toy bus that he plays with often.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Old World Christmas Ornaments: Camera Glass Blown Ornaments for Christmas Tree; Brand: Old World Christmas; Review: A gift for my photographer son. He loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Leading Lady Women's Nursing Bra Underwire Padded Seamless; Brand: ; Review: I purchased two of these bras, because they were the right price. Well, you get what you pay for. After 3 months of wear, the underwire on one of them came out and stabbed me all day, and the stitching holding the nursing clip on the other has come unraveled and is literally hanging by a string. It's a shame, because I have to say that it is a very flattering bra. Additionally, I agree with the other reviewers in that the cup molding is so stiff that it's tough to get down when nursing. It does really get in the way. On the plus side, though, you won't appear to "protrude" through this bra after nursing as you do with some others due to the cup thickness.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Self Adhesive Fake Mustache Novelty - Set of 36 - by Blue Ridge Novelty; Brand: Blue Ridge Novelty; Review: Great deal. Fun novelty item for parties!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saucony Kotaro 2 Alternative Closure Sneaker (Little Kid/Big Kid); Brand: Saucony; Review: Holding up fairly well for my son. He's really hard on shoes, so he's a great tester! There is little to no support in these, though, so he complains of tired and achy feet at times.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lee Women's Petite Modern Series Curvy Fit Bootcut Jean; Brand: ; Review: I am tough to fit and these nailed it. Love Lee jeans, and these are no exception. Well made and priced right.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Riders by Lee Indigo Women's Pull-On Waist Smoother Straight-Leg Jean; Brand: ; Review: These are comfortable and true to size. So glad to find jeans that aren't too long for me!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vionic Unisex Wave Toe Post Sandal; Brand: Vionic; Review: MY FAVS! I can't wear any other flip flop and I essentially live in these spring through fall. THE BEST!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Under Armour Women's UA Thrill; Brand: ; Review: I love the look of these, but the size runs small and they are a bit narrow.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vionic Serene Kapel - Women's Active Sandal; Brand: Vionic; Review: I LOVE orthaheel/vionic products, but these tend to pinch me on the insides of the arch. The strap part is wider and stretchier than my other two pairs...it's made out of a neoprene type material and stretches more. These are just not as comfortable as similar products. Pretty disappointing for the money.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Disney Baby Girls' Toddler 3-Pack, Assorted, 2T; Brand: ; Review: I think these are a little pricey, but my daughter really likes them. They are soft and well made.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: MERRY'S Polarized Unisex Shades Sunglasses for Men Vintage Polarized Sun Glasses S683; Brand: MERRY'S; Review: Perfect for the price! They even came with a case and cleaning cloths very nice product!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gerber Girls' 4-Pack Training Pant; Brand: ; Review: Super soft and fit well. Very pleased with this purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Despicable Me Little Girls' Despicable Love Four-Piece Pajama Set; Brand: Despicable Me; Review: Affordable cute PJs. My daughter loves minions and I was happy to find something she likes with them on it. They needs to be washed a couple pf times to soften them up, but otherwise great.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas High Top Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kid's Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kid's Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas High Top Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
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: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox (Little Kid); Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox (Little Kid); Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox (Little Kid); Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox (Little Kid); Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: These are way too big for my daughter. They are cute, but she won't be able to wear them for a while.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stride Rite Made 2 Play Serena Sneaker (Toddler/Little Kid); Brand: ; Review: I didn't realize these were so sparkly when we ordered....but my daughter was thrilled. Good sturdy shoes for everyday wear.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stride Rite Made 2 Play Serena Sneaker (Toddler/Little Kid); Brand: ; Review: I didn't realize these were so sparkly when we ordered....but my daughter was thrilled. Good sturdy shoes for everyday wear.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cindy Apparel Next Level 6051 Women's Tri-Blend 3/4-Sleeve Raglan Tee Shirt; Brand: Cindy Apparel; Review: It took me three orders to finally get the right size, hence the three-star review. These shirts run HUGE! It is soft though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rubie's Costume Co - Wonder Woman Toddler; Brand: Rubie's Costume Co; Review: There were so many Wonder Woman costumes out there this year, but many appeared cheap. This one is not. It is the CUTEST on. My girl rocked it and couldn't have been happier with all the pieces.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vionic Women's Karina; Brand: Vionic; Review: I absolutely ADORE Vionic with Orthaheel suppot. I have several pairs of flip flops that I live in. I do not know what is different about the material on these but they turn my feet BLACK. Also, the tops are very loose despite tightening the straps. It just really doesn't provide a great fit or live up to the quality I have grown to expect from this company. I will stick to the plain flip flops from now on.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Vionic Women's Karina; Brand: Vionic; Review: I absolutely ADORE Vionic with Orthaheel suppot. I have several pairs of flip flops that I live in. I do not know what is different about the material on these but they turn my feet BLACK. Also, the tops are very loose despite tightening the straps. It just really doesn't provide a great fit or live up to the quality I have grown to expect from this company. I will stick to the plain flip flops from now on.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: LifeStride Women's Quell Pointed Toe Flat; Brand: LifeStride; Review: These are OK. Not as comfortable as most of my LifeStride shoes, but OK.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rocket Dog Women's Hallie Galaxy Boot; Brand: Rocket Dog; Review: I've been searching for ages for boots that I thought looked good on my short little legs, and these are it! Love the style and color. I gave it four stars though, because there is no cushioning and the soles of my feet ache after a few hours.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kid's Girl's Faux Soft Suede Fur Lined Moccasin Loafer Slippers (Mocassin-07K) Leopard 13 M US Little Kid; Brand: Blueberry; Review: These flop around a bit on my daughter's feet, but she was so taken with the furry inside that we kept them. They are really cute on.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: adidas Running Womens Supernova Sequence 9; Brand: ; Review: I love the stability these shoes provide. They have a stable foot bed that's cushiony and all around comfortable. Always pleased with this line from adidas.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Noble Mount Women's Fleece Lined Footless Tights; Brand: ; Review: They are very comfy and warm enough for weather above 30 degrees F. My pair had a hole in the back near the band but I would buy another pair. They rise high enough to be slimming. I usually wear size 12/14 pants, 150 lbs, and 5'8" tall. They had enough room for a larger person, but I wouldn't consider them plus sized.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: B8821 BELLA+CANVAS Ladies' Flowy Draped-Sleeve Dolman Tee; Brand: Bella; Review: The sleeve holes are big but its not see through thin and it slims me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maidenform Women's Comfort Devotion Embellished 2 Ply Bra; Brand: ; Review: My favorite bra! Feels amazing, doesn't hurt my shoulders or back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lureme Champagne Round Cut Cz Crystal Halo Black Rhodium Leverback Dangle Earrings for Women 02002618-er; Brand: LUREME; Review: The stone is a champagne cologne but in the picture it appears to be pink. Other than that, I really like these earrings. They're not big or gaudy. Perfect size.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sag Harbor Women's Malone Knit Top with Ruching; Brand: ; Review: The material felt weird, like it would be cold often. It wasn't thin though, so it wasn't see through. The sleeves were too big.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: WallFlower Plus Size Luscious Curvy Bootcut Chino Pants; Brand: ; Review: These are my favorite work pants. They are so comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caribbean Joe Women's Argyle Pullover V-Neck Sweater; Brand: ; Review: It's too short in both torso length and arm length. I ordered the XL which is one size larger than I usually wear. I bought this to wear to work but I'm afraid to bend over while wearing it. It's a nice material but it seems to be better for petite women. I am 5'8" so if you are shorter than that, might be long enough.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: IZOD Men's Micro-Poly Sueded Fleece Sleep Pant; Brand: ; Review: My husband loves these. They are some of his favorite pajama pants now. They are thick but not too heavy and nicely made. I expect that they will last a long time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rosme Womens Balconette Bra, Collection Grand; Brand: Rosme; Review: The band is too big but the cups are too small. I probably won't be able to wear it or return it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Champion Women's Freedom Seamless Racerback Sport Bra; Brand: ; Review: I got an XL and it fits my perfectly. In normal sizes I wear 38DDD.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vanilla Bay Chevron Printed Strapless Maxi Dress; Brand: Vanilla Bay; Review: I didn't like the material or the top part. The top of the dress was padded and not big enough for my chest.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: VIV Collection Popular Printed Brushed Buttery Soft Leggings Regular Plus 40+ Designs List 5; Brand: ; Review: These leggings fit amazingly and the fabric is super smooth. They are not see through despite the stretching. I wear a size 14 pants usually and these legging stretched to cover everything.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VIV Collection Popular Printed Brushed Buttery Soft Leggings Regular Plus 40+ Designs List 5; Brand: ; Review: These leggings fit amazingly and the fabric is super smooth. They are not see through despite the stretching. I wear a size 14 pants usually and these legging stretched to cover everything.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer (Butter); Brand: Lavatools; Review: THE BEST INSTANT READ THERMOMETER THUS FAR. Reads quickly and accurately. Stores easily. Not sure how long that battery will last but I sure like this machine. I bought one for myself and one for a friend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Norpro 1040 Jumbo Ravioli Maker with Press, 12.25" x 5.125" x 1"; Brand: Norpro; Review: Works very well. After viewing a few YouTube videos, we got this process down pat. Works great with a Kitchen Aid Mixer. The mixer does all the work. It's fun and allow us to make a few hundred quickly. My mom and my grand mother used to make these by hand. The dough was always too thick. We get the perfect sheet of dough with the kitchen aid mixer and attachments we bought to make the sheet of dough. When we're through, we'll make a few bags of spaghetti before we clean up the kitchen. Don't forget to get a good rolling pin.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fox Run 4-Inch Marble Mortar and Pestle; Brand: Fox Run; Review: Very Nice Rolling Pin. Love this one because it's heavy, hard, rolls easy, and it looks great too. When we are making raviolis, this rolling pin works great along with my Norpro Ravioli Maker. Just a pleasure to use a good product like this.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ladle, 8-Ounce Commercial, Stainless Steel by The Cook's Connection; Brand: The Cook's Connection; Review: Works great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Professional Commercial Grade 40 QT (Quart) Heavy Gauge Stainless Steel Stock Pot, 3-Ply Clad Base, Induction; Brand: Onesource; Review: I finally cooked a meat sauce in my huge pot. Worked like a charm. I have a non commercial gas stove. It does take a bit more time to get this pot up to heat but it cooks nicely. I think the triply bottom helps distribute the heat as it was described. I followed the directions by not using high heat once the pot was up to cooking temperature. Cleans nicely too. I do like how the pot is well made with the thick triply bottom and the sturdy handles. I have a 20 quart but I think I'm going to get a 30 quart too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mercer Culinary Millennia 7-Inch Santoku Knife; Brand: Mercer Culinary; Review: This sharp carving knife is long enough to reach across a huge brisket without the handle hitting and messing up the tender meat. Also, the handle is big enough to keep the blade at a proper cutting angle. I bought a knife way more expensive but the handle was too small. I can't keep it going in the right direction. So I bought this Mercer Millennia 14". Awesome knife. Now, it came packaged well and I know it's a sharp carving knife that's why I wonder why they don't include a plastic shield. But I like it so much, I'd buy another one to give as a gift.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Latent Epicure Battery Operated Salt and Pepper Grinder Set (Pack of 2 Mills) - Complimentary Mill Rest; Brand: Latent Epicure; Review: I received the box in good shape. The mills are packages in bubble wrap. They look awesome. The directions are easy to follow. Installing batteries was a zip. Filling the holders was also a zip. No mess, no fuss. Just easy. I like the size of the grinders. They are a handful but I like that. Pushing the button top is easy with one finger. The salt grinder revs up faster as I do believe it's easier to grind salt. The pepper grinder, (which can be either because there's no distinction on which one to use for salt and pepper), seems to make a bit more noise to grind but the pepper comes shooting out non the less. It takes a bit of adjusting to get the proper grind that you like. But that's not hard. Just a few turns of the setting and that's that. All in all, I like them. I don't really care about the LED light because I cook with plenty light. I do like the one year warranty. Registration on line was easy and simple. I will buy a second pair as a gift.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Messermeister Chef's Edge-Guard, 8-Inch; Brand: Messermeister; Review: Works great. Covers my huge slicer nicely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Messermeister Chef's Edge-Guard, 12-Inch; Brand: Messermeister; Review: Works great. Covers my huge slicer nicely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BISSELL PowerFresh Steam Mop, Floor Steamer, Tile Cleaner, and Hard Wood Floor Cleaner, 1940; Brand: Bissell; Review: My wife loves this machine. She tells me every time she uses it. Works great. Easy to clean floors and the mop head pops off to get cleaned too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BISSELL PowerFresh (2 pk) with Fragrance Discs (4 ct), 5938 Steam Mop Pad, Design 1, White; Brand: Bissell; Review: Buy several of these if you have the machine. We use the Bissell steam mop and we are glad to have it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Norpro 99 My Favorite Spatula, Red; Brand: Norpro; Review: Works great for Crepes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Award-Winning Pro Grade 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set By DI ORO - 600F Heat-Resistant Seamless Rubber Spatulas - Best; Brand: di Oro Living; Review: I need another set of these babies. Works great. Easy to clean.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ozeri ZK14-R Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale, Red; Brand: Ozeri; Review: Saw this on test kitchen. Now, my bread comes out perfect every time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silicone Hot Handle Holder, Potholder (Extra Thick Red) for Cast Iron Skillets, Pans, Frying Pans &; Brand: Crucible Cookware; Review: Great Handle. Fits my cast iron pot. Holds on tight. Keeps my hand from burning. We fried 110 chicken cutlets for a dinner serving 45 people. That cast iron skillet was HOT! But the handle wasn't thanks to the Silicone Handle Holder.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: De Buyer Crepe Pan, Blue Steel, Made in France, 8-Inch Cooking Surface, 9.5-Inches Rim to Rim; Brand: De Buyer; Review: I need two of these. I only bought one to test it but it's great. I also bought Flax Oil to seasoning.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: De Buyer Neoprene Cover Grip Protector Strip for Steel Pan Handles - 7.87 Inches Long; Brand: De Buyer; Review: I'll be buying another. Love this Grip Protector.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Fording; Author: Cheryl Gore Pollard; Review: This book was a quick and enjoyable read. Even if you are not familiar with Heard County, the story about family moving to an unknown new home is a timeless one. Love the stories within the story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holt McDougal Library, Middle School with Connections: Individual Reader Where the Red Fern Grows; Author: Visit Amazon's Wilson Rawls Page; Review: My husband had asked me if I had ever read the book, and I had not. (Saw the movie!) And I thought ok, I'll get it and read it. It was so good! I love animals - dogs especially - and the author really captured the feeling of pet ownership and responsibility and being a kid and finally getting what you have wished for. Such a great story! Have encouraged my teenagers to read it but they already know it has a sad ending, so I'm not sure I'll be able to sell them on this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fault in Our Stars; Author: ; Review: I loved this book - beautifully written, so many great quotes you can't quote them - you have to tell someone to read it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Goldfinch: A Novel (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction); Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Tartt Page; Review: It had some well written moments, but I thought it was entirely too long and a little pointless. Would not recommend.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: One D.O.A., One on the Way: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Robison Page; Review: I purchased this book because it showed up on a book list as one of the scariest books to read. I read the entire book waiting for their to be a point to it, and there was not much of one at the end. Disappointed. Would not recommend.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Yoga Bible; Author: Visit Amazon's Christina Brown Page; Review: Very clear photos and explanations. Adds to my growing yoga practice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Women's Health Big Book of Yoga: The Essential Guide to Complete Mind/Body Fitness; Author: Visit Amazon's Kathryn Budig Page; Review: LOVE! Still use it as reference to see how I need to adjust my postures and to try new ones as my yoga practice expands.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things; Author: Visit Amazon's Jenny Lawson Page; Review: I'm always a little surprised to read a book that makes me laugh out loud, but this one did. Jenny Lawson is a very funny, intuitive person. It makes you think it would be pretty cool to meet her, to read about her experiences as well as her struggles with depression.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Yoga Anatomy; Author: Visit Amazon's Leslie Kaminoff Page; Review: I've been practicing yoga for about a year now, and this book is fascinating in explaining the connections made while doing yoga. Very well illustrated and explained.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Environmental Art 2016 Wall Calendar: Contemporary Art in the Natural World; Author: Visit Amazon's Amber Lotus Publishing Page; Review: This is a beautiful calendar!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Power of Now 2016 Wall Calendar; Author: Visit Amazon's Eckhart Tolle Page; Review: It's beautiful!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Graveyard Apartment: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mariko Koike Page; Review: The premise was enough to keep me going but it was disappointing that the story didn't really flesh out to be the thriller I had expected.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Life She Was Given; Author: Visit Amazon's Ellen Marie Wiseman Page; Review: Good read. Plot moved along nicely.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Egg; Author: Andy Weir; Review: Bought audible version - great story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Mountain 100% Cotton Cat Power T-Shirt; Brand: ; Review: My mom's totem is a mountain lion...so she loves any shirt that has one within the print. I wish that the shirt had come in a choice of colors tho, as it is a definite brown...as are many of the large cats in the print itself. Seller was prompt at sending and had no problems with this order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mountain 100% Cotton Black Wolf Spirit Shield T-Shirt (Navy Blue); Brand: ; Review: Shirt could be a bit more lighter in color, but this is an outstanding print on a shirt. It definitely will turn some people's heads! No problems with the quality of the shirt or the seller. Highly recommend this one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minnetonka Women's Silverthorne Thong Sandal; Brand: Minnetonka; Review: OMG! I have been looking for a fun color as a dress sandal goes...and here it is!! I got a black pair last year, and was worried that like so many other shoe companies, last years model was gone for good. Not so! Came back this year with even more colors than expected. Great buy too!! Believe me, priced these at a store..store was nearly 40 miles from me as is, nearly $70 and then add tax...yeah no...Amazon has stores beat! Will order again next year for sure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minnetonka Women's Silverthorne Thong Sandal; Brand: Minnetonka; Review: OMG! I have been looking for a fun color as a dress sandal goes...and here it is!! I got a black pair last year, and was worried that like so many other shoe companies, last years model was gone for good. Not so! Came back this year with even more colors than expected. Great buy too!! Believe me, priced these at a store..store was nearly 40 miles from me as is, nearly $70 and then add tax...yeah no...Amazon has stores beat! Will order again next year for sure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minnetonka Women's Boca Thong Sandal; Brand: Minnetonka; Review: Love Minnetonka to start...but just forgot that leather can take a wee bit more time before it "fits" just right. DO NOT recommend going a size larger tho, as leather will stretch and then you will be slipping in these all the time. I love the gemstone look on the shoe..as it gives just enough "glitter" without being overdone! Heel is perfect for those who don't need a high heel, can't wear them, or just don't want them. You will not be unhappy with these.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minnetonka Women's Silverthorne Thong Sandal; Brand: Minnetonka; Review: OMG! I have been looking for a fun color as a dress sandal goes...and here it is!! I got a black pair last year, and was worried that like so many other shoe companies, last years model was gone for good. Not so! Came back this year with even more colors than expected. Great buy too!! Believe me, priced these at a store..store was nearly 40 miles from me as is, nearly $70 and then add tax...yeah no...Amazon has stores beat! Will order again next year for sure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mountain Men's Bark At The Moon Short Sleeve T-Shirt; Brand: ; Review: Love the company and their t-shirts! Haven't been disappointed by anything yet that I've ordered from them. The only concern I may have with this shirt is when I wash it, any shrinking that may result after. The shirt fits perfectly at this point.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Promise (The Lady Quill Chronicles Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's D.D. Chant Page; Review: This was definitely my kind of story, chivalrous men, impending war, romance, and strategies aplenty. The writing was rich and flowed smoothly didn't want to put it down. I loved the friendships of Lord Rafe, Finan, Leofric and Rand, their unwavering loyalty to each other was amazing. Each character was nicely fleshed out as well, you came to admire, hate, love, them all. This story is about Lord Rafe of Valrek and his betrothed Lady Adele of Berron and much, much more. War had left Adele at the age of two the only survivor of her family. Lord Rafe of Valrek who was ten was betrothed to her for political reasons. Adel is kept hidden in safety until Lord Rafe comes to take her as his bride. Lord Rafe collects Adel and her companion and then the real adventure begins. Original plans are changed enemy boarders are crossed, pursuits are followed, enemies turn friend, lies are told, alliances are made, and broken. There are many twists and turns to this wonderful tale that I do not wish to ruin for you. The characters as I mention really make this story Lord Rafe of Valrek he is courageous, naive when it comes to womens emotions, loyal, kind, strong, and humorous. He was awesome, at times I would get aggravated with his inability to communicate or miss communicate his feeling to Adel. His loyalty and love of his friends and they of him was a crucial part to this story and very endearing. We all have or want friends like Finan, Leofric, and Rand. They worked so well together like the intricate workings of a clock, and they would forfeit their lives for each other. I loved it! Now Adele she is delicate, strong, thoughtful, unsure of herself at times, patient and a good choice for Rafe. They made me smile, and want to scream at times for they had a hard time articulating their feelings for one another....but when they did it was sweet. Finan he was great he got into more trouble than need be and it wasn't even his fault. I loved his unwavering loyalty to Rafe, awesome friend. Leofric was one of my favorites he comes off less than he really is, and I loved that about his character for he is far more than what his father sees in him. He was soooo endearing one of my favorites. Rand is a nice complication to the story and friendship, he takes a calculated risk and it pays off. Eda is Adel's friend and companion and quite the spit fire, she takes very good care of her friend. Her is Eda defending her friend, " Understand this Finan, Lady Adelle means more to me than you will ever know and I can tell when something has occurred to distress her. I care not what you disagreed over, it matters not, but I wish you to understand that your responsibility toward Lady Adelle is not just that you keep her safe, but that you keep her happy as well." Her is a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Selection (The Selection, Book 1) (The Selection Series) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Kiera Cass Page; Review: I had no plans to read this one, I kept picking it up at the library and book stores and reading the synopsis and thought it might be my kind of story. In the back of my mind though, I kept remembering how the author reacted to a review a fellow friend on goodreads had given. Just because it had been a non favorable review. That bothered me, but what really bothered me was the lengths the author went to undermine and discredit this friends review. Shame on her. My understanding is that the author has apologized. Let's just be respectful and greatful we all have opinions and that we have the freedom to express them, please. On to the book, I actually really liked this story. It has princes and will be princesses right up my alley. It is a fun fluffy chic-lit story, which I was in the mood for as I listened to it as we traveled to California on vacation. This story is a crazy mix of fairytale and dystopian combined, which surprisingly worked. America is one of the girls who is up for the picking to be the future Princess, but there is a catch or two. Does she even want to marry the Prince? Then there is Prince Max, I have to say I liked him better than America. He is more grounded and real. He is of course handsome, kind, chivalrous, sweet, confused, loyal, and just awesome. He is trying to figure out who he loves and will that love be reciprocated. At the same time the country is having political mini conflicts from within the different social classes. He is trying to help keep his country together and find his perfect match. I thought it was a really fun, light read. I look forward to reading the second in the series. Audio book well done, enjoyed the voice telling the story. content what I remember clean, pg13; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Unlikely Gift of Treasure Blume - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lisa Rumsey Harris Page; Review: The good points first: well written, characters were done well, sweet romance. Points that drove me nuts: This is one of those books that is just so sticky cutesy sweet that it actually did not work for me. For example: Treasure and Patients are the names of the sisters.... really. Then there is a knock on Treasure's door, it takes her a while to see if she even wants to go open the door for her blind date. Well she opens the door and the idiot keeps knocking on her head instead of the door....really. So if that isn't enough Treasure who is of college age spends every/most Friday nights helping her grandmother and her friends go from one square dancing gig to the next....really. It just doesn't jive, to unrealistic for my taste. Clean read Thank you Cedar Fort Publishing!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Flawed Beauty - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's LR Potter Page; Review: 3.5-4 Stars for me I know I could have rounded up and I really do like the story but for me it lacked a cohesive quality over all. Not that it wasn't good it was, it just lacked something for me. The ending was to abrupt for sure, not a cliff hanger or anything, and we do get an epilogue but I just felt like thats it, it ended, I want more. Tate has had a horrific past worse than even what she can remember, but she has pulled herself out of it with good grades and a scholarship her future is looking brighter. Tate has sever trust issues thanks to her past, she has vowed never to trust a man. Well she also never thought she would meet a man quite like Jace Staton either. He is more handsome than any man has the right to be, a doctor, and a musician, chivalrous, and patience and he is pursuing her. Let me tell you the man was a saint in the patience department. Tate is a strong woman in many ways but lacks confidence that any man would want her add in her lack of trust towards men, well you see the man that would pursue Tate would need a lot of patience. I really liked Jace he was awesome with Tate and all her corks. I liked all of their quoting of authors, it was a great way for them to communicate at times. Oh and when Jace would sing to her I melted too. Would I recommend this story yes, just realize it may not be as tightly done as other books, but still good:D; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Claimed: A Club Sin Novel (Club Sin series Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Stacey Kennedy Page; Review: This was a really fun light BDSM read. Presley (I like this name:D) she just broke up with her boyfriend who broke her heart. Her best friend Cora lives the lifestyle and had invited Presley to check it out. Cora is such a cute overprotective best friend, I liked her. Presley is a little unsure if this is for her but she wants more in her relationships than what she has got in the past. So she decides to go for it. Presley is invited to meet with Club Sin's owner Dmitri, and boy does she like what she feels and senses from this man, pure control and sexiness and a little of something else. Let me tell you he is really hot handsome, and caring, and in charge. Their scenes were all sizzling scorching hotness! I liked how their relationship evolves into more than just master and submissive. The story is pretty predictable but was still interesting how it played out. One thing that drove me a little crazy was the build up to the final scene" that" I felt should have happened a lot sooner. After all it is Club Sin. Overall an enjoyable read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stripped - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Jasinda Wilder Page; Review: I really really liked this one it was fun and light for the most part, fit my mood perfectly. I am completely hooked on Jasinda as an author love the way she writes. The story starts off with Grey still living at home in a very strict home. She never really feels like she knows who she really is because she is not allowed to express herself for fear of breaking one of her father's rules. He does allow her to go to dance class were they are modest in what they teach. One thing leads to another her and her father have a falling out and she is off to college in California. Well not a good place to end up with little to no money...which then leads to the stripping. Stripping was so out of character for her poor thing. My favorite part of this story was watching Grey take control of her life and figure out who she was and what she wanted. Dawson plays a big part in her ability to open up and figure things out. Dawson is a hot actor and incredible, loved him. He is super thoughtful, has his own skeletons in his closet,and the complete alpha male. I loved, loved watching them fall into love. Grey makes it tough at times, but Dawson perseveres he sees in her what he himself is lacking...sososo good. Jasinda writes some of the hottest best love scenes ever. Go indulge!:); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rebel (Renegades, Book 2) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Skye Jordan Page; Review: Rubi and the first book I loved. Her story alone was just to much, I love him, but no I will break his heart, love on him and push him away. It just got old for me. I get that Rubi has her issues, and has a hard time trusting men, but I just didn't like how she went about it all. Wes on the other hand is hot, hot, hot and extremely patient. I am sure many will love this and that is great, it is well written. I just struggled with liking Rubi.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wanderlust: A Holiday Story (A Heroes and Heartbreakers Original) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Kitty French Page; Review: Thanks Lisa for recommending this, I absolutely loved it! Just a really sweet and endearing story perfect for this time of year, it has a New year themed wedding happening. Like I said I loved everything about it the characters Ruby and Ford were perfect, romantic, and gently hot together. The story line worked well for this short Novella, wedding with complications. Now Ford he was just awesome helping out in such a crisis. Ah, he is just amazing:D "I'm not asking to kiss you. I'm telling you that I'm going to" another favorite quote "It was the kind of kiss that romantic songs were penned over, the kind of movie-worthy kiss that made women around the world sigh with envy" The writing I fell in love with! It is so well done, so eloquent. I will be searching for and devouring all her books. Full review with pictures found at onceuponatimebookreview.blogspot.com; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Damaged - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Indigo Sin Page; Review: Well the cover is convincing, but the story not so much. The plot and character development was just barely developed enough to keep my going. The story was predictable, but most are it is how it happens that pulls us in, and this at least did that for me. Monica has run away from home and an ugliness there that was her life. In tow she brings her twin siblings Jack and Sarah who are 17. She works odd jobs and pick pockets so that they can exist. We get the impression that they are pretty impoverished yet they live in a two bedroom apartment. This just doesn't make sense to me. If you are that broke have a hard time keeping a job and can barley make your bills wouldn't you live in something smaller. Yes, I know I am being picky, but there were other things in the story that just didn't seem consistent with the circumstances that they were in at times. A back story in certain parts of the story would have been helpful for the plot and the characters. I did really like Seth he is the hot officer that is sent to investigate and catch the pick pocket. Yes, he finds her and they fall into lust/love. He is super protective and sweet with Monica and her siblings. Monica is a tough girl who is fiercely protective of her siblings, and willing to take them away from the ugly and care for them. The story was just *shoulder shrugs* Okay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Geek with the Cat Tattoo (Cool Cats Book 2) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Theresa Weir Page; Review: I wasn't sure what to think of this one, but the synopsis sounded cute and it was. Sam is a cat in search of a new owner. He finds an owner in the shy geeky Emerson. Emerson struggles with relationships, but Sam is there to lead the way surprisingly. Yes, Sam the cat seems to have matchmaking qualities. Emerson really likes Lola but man he struggles when he is around her. It was difficult to be apart of sometimes, but it was really beautiful and sweet. Theirs was a really sweet and magical love story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Madame Martine; Author: Sarah S. Brannen; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: This book brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful message about seeing your world with new eyes and experiencing the beauty and adventures all around you. Such a charming book with lovely water colors. Got it from the library, but this is definitely one to add to Everly's permanent collection.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Ted Falls Out of Bed: A Counting Story; Author: Julia Donaldson; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Sweet illustrations and nice narrative to go along with the counting. I liked that the numbers were used twice - for counting up and then down. Satisfying ending and the perfect length for my little one. An enjoyable read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Me and My Day; Author: Liesbet Slegers; Genres: children, fiction; Review: Great book for my six-month-old. Gives simple descriptions of everyday activities teaching useful vocabulary words with sweet illustrations.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swimmy; Author: Leo Lionni; Genres: paranormal, children, fantasy, fiction; Review: Loved the beautiful illustrations and the theme. Swimmy helps others overcome their fears using his creativity and by turning his difference into an asset that benefits the group.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stork's Landing; Author: Tami Lehman-Wilzig; Genres: children; Review: The drawings are beautiful and the Israeli setting is unique and lovely. While the setting is interesting, the story lacks specificity and a deeper truth. And enjoyable story, but not one to read again and again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zip It!; Author: Jane Lindaman; Genres: children; Review: 10 year old boys probably think it's hilarious, and the bright, comic-book style is eye catching. But this book just wasn't my cup of tea.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hepcat; Author: William Bramhall; Genres: children; Review: Loved loved this book. SO much fun with terrific illustrations and great sounds. A celebration of the music all around us!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gods of Guilt (Mickey Haller, #5; Harry Bosch Universe, #23); Author: Michael Connelly; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Loved it. Had some genuine surprises and visceral moments. Mickey seems really real, albeit broken down, and I'm anxious to see him turn things around in his personal life. Can't wait for the next one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost Light (Harry Bosch, #9; Harry Bosch Universe, #11); Author: Michael Connelly; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Really good. I cried when Dani comforts her husband by singing What a Wonderful World and when Harry meets Maddie.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Bali Women's Passion for Comfort Underwire; Brand: ; Review: Was to small! And, very uncomfortable. I did not like the fact that fat was hanging out under my arms.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bali Women's Passion for Comfort Underwire; Brand: ; Review: Was to small! And, very uncomfortable. I did not like the fact that fat was hanging out under my arms.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bslingerie Women Slimming Posture Corrector Openbust Shaperwear Corset; Brand: Bslingerie; Review: Very cheaply made! . . . Pay a fee bucks more and buy a quality made waist trainer/cinched; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: BRCbeads Gemstone Bracelets Natural Genuine Gemstones Birthstone Handmade Healing Power Crystal Beads Elastic Stretch 10mm 7.5 Inch with Gift Box; Brand: BRCbeads; Review: Awful - I never knew a crystal that the color would rub off on your skin. My wrist was blue! FAKE LAPIS LAZULI!!!!!!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: PR Soles Recovery Athletic Recovery Sandals | Men & Women's Sports Glides; Brand: Gone For a Run; Review: Delivery was on time Size was wide and to long.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: PR Soles Recovery Sandals | Sports Glides for Men and Women | Great for Athletes | Teal/Royal Blue; Brand: ; Review: Delivery was on time Size was wide and to long.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Color Mixing Recipes for Portraits: More than 500 Color Combinations for Skin, Eyes, Lips & Hair; Author: William Powell; Review: This is a fantastic book for all artist, not only does this book have skin recipes, it also have hair and eyes as well. Highly recommend; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Drawing: More than 200 drawing techniques, tips & lessons (The Complete Book of ...); Author: Visit Amazon's Walter Foster Creative Team Page; Review: Great book so far. I have the hard cover. I try to use it daily. I recommend; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drawing on the right side of the brain; Author: Betty EDWARDS; Review: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, So far it is interesting. I have not completed it. There are so parts that are very boring, something are way over explained, (dragged on & on) so it takes me a long time to get back into. But I really enjoy the parts where you are tested drawing, like upside down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in Script Calligraphy; Author: Molly Suber Thorpe (author); Review: I have just started to read this book, it is good so far; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Art of Painting in Acrylic: Master techniques for painting stunning works of art in acrylic-step by step (Collector's; Author: Alicia Vannoy Call; Review: I am very happy with this book, The Art of Painting with Acrylic. It is very helpful. From the very begining, it starts with color theory and it even has some about drawing. It tells and shows about acrylic being able to paint like oil paint , watercolor painting and even pastels. It shows you how to do animals fur and so on. This has and still is a very helpful book for me. As of all the other books I have, this is my go to book. I highly recommend this book for beginner and even for professional acrylic artist; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Frog Pond; City: North Redington Beach, FL; Review: OUTFREAKINSTANDING!!!!!! Omelets, French toast, chocolate pancakes and service 5 stars. We loved our breakfast.'n; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DoubleTree Beach Resort by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay; City: North Redington Beach, FL; Review: Spent a week at hotel with family. Superb service (staff very attentive, friendly, and accommodating). Tiki hut gets five stars!! Breakfast buffet was very good. Mango's for dinner was ok, rest of the week went to Johns Pass for dinner options). Overall a wonderful stay, my family is already asking to go back next year.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Romano's Macaroni Grill; City: Nashville, TN; Review: No good comments. Calamari app, greasy, Fet Alfredo - pasta wasn't cooked properly, seafood pasta - disgusting. The absolute worse Mac Grill I've ever been to.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Romano's Macaroni Grill; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Poor. Food was of poor quality, staff was not knowledgeable of menu, purchased bottle of Chard - just set it in the table with nothing to keep it cold. I had to find Mgr to even get water refilled. No wonder these restaurants are closing, I certainly won't go back.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar; City: New Orleans, LA; Review: Dinner 3/2/2016: Not impressed, you can get food just as good or better at the airport. Shrimp and grits had thawed frozen shrimp in mush, roast beef po boy was a joke. We won't return. ,; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Panera Bread; City: Franklin, TN; Review: Don't use their online order process, they screw up your order, you try and call to have them correct (that is after you get all the home and don't have the order you placed) and the moron MGR wants to argue with you over a stupid salad missing from the order (really mr Mgr someone is going to rip you off over a salad). There's plenty of other places to frequent in and around this area, versus a place that lacks service and accuracy (oh by the way, the receipt even states "accuracy matters" on it....go figure).; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Brentwood Auto Wash; City: Brentwood, TN; Review: I've had both of my vehicles cleaned here numerous times, always selecting the #1 wunder wash. I have always been very satisfied with their quality, attention to detail and friendly staff.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elm Hill Marina; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Great staff, clean docks, well maintained grounds, so far impressed. Great decision to join.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Southside Grill; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Had lunch here about a week ago, burger and Brussels sprouts were good. Today took my family for dinner, what a disappointing let down. Staff was friendly, but service took entirely too long, but the food was the biggest letdown. My wife had the meatball dish, she compared it to hamburger helper. I had the ribeye with mac $ cheese, with orzo. I wish I had something good to say, but unfortunately the sides sides were bland and without much flavor, the orzo literally resembled a minute rice dish. Finally thee ribeye was ok, not bad but not nearly enough to bring me back. I so hoped that I had found a nearby gem, but unfortunately was my second visit and last.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint; City: Nolensville, TN; Review: Second time back after an enjoyable initial visit. This visit ordered the baby back ribs which were incredibly dry, two slabs for take out, Family ate half of one slab, threw away one and a half remaining, disappointing. The reason I gave three stars was the chicken wings were actually very good and we all thoroughly enjoyed the chicken wings. It's a shame the ribs were not as good as the chicken wings. Won't be back for ribs, but will return for the smoked wings.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Union 50; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: A place worth your stop. Food was great and the atmosphere was aligned. Definitely a place worth future visits!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bru Burger Bar - Indianapolis; City: Indianapolis, IN; Review: Burger was over cooked, but oddly soggy. Not a place I would return to. Maybe I just got the short straw tonight, but Union 50 scored on first try, so that's where I would recommend.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ground; City: Franklin, TN; Review: The special Shrimp PoBoy was outstanding. The New Orleans bread, just the right amount of kick (not too much), great flavor!! The name is Ground and the fame burger is awesome, but no mistake they nailed the PoBoy, I will order it again. I hope the Ground team makes the PoBoy a permanent menu item.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miles: The Auto Spa; City: Franklin, TN; Review: No where near worth the $40 paid. Wheels dirty, cup holders still dirty, door wells not wiped down. I gave this wash company a try, I'm going back to Brentwood Auto Wash.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Campo Azul; City: Nolensville, TN; Review: Chips tasted stale, guacamole appetizer clearly came out of a can, the entrées were extremely bland. Reminded me of an episode from that show Gordon Ramsey did where he went in and tried to help failing restaurants that had gone from serving fresh food to using frozen. In all honesty Taco Bell would be my preference over this restaurant.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 55 South; City: Brentwood, TN; Review: If you've been to 55 South in Franklin, it's wonderful, then the new one in Brentwood, what a disappointment. Stale crackers with oysters, over cooked entree's. $99 for a dinner for two - two entrees and two rounds of drinks. I hope they're able to get their act together because we love the one in Franklin, and would frequent the one in Brentwood (but not after our experience tonight). .; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Sopapilla's; City: Franklin, TN; Review: We thoroughly enjoy Sopapilla's, without question our fav Mexican restaurant. Great fresh food, guacamole app is fabulous, and some of the best margaritas around.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild Ginger Restaurant; City: Franklin, TN; Review: Had dinner tonight with my wife, Service is good, however the food was unfortunately terrible. We spent $143 for a two person dinner. My wife has been sick all night throwing up after having the salmon dish, we won't be going back to wild Ginger anytime soon.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Darfons Restaurant & Lounge; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Service was slow for a larger group, food was quite good. More importantly the owner wanted the feedback, and I respect his approach and desire to learn our perception/experience.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: LongHorn Steakhouse; City: Smyrna, TN; Review: They forgot our salads, then didn't prepare one of the meals correctly. They comp'd the incorrect meal, the Mgr just made excuses and said she didn't charge us for the three salads that came with our meals that we didn't receive (yes, the side that came with the meal), however the price charged same as price on menu. Too many other options to choose for dinner than this place.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tupelo Honey; City: Franklin, TN; Review: Stopped in for lunch, took seven minutes sitting at bar to get waited on (oh only one other person at bar, she was blonde not me, bartender to busy trying to get a date), literally someone else waited on me. Now the food, ordered wings and Brussels sprouts. Wings sucked, the smallest, poorest tasting wings I've ever had, ever! Brussels sprouts were just ok. Unbelievably bad experience, seriously enough to question how they stay open with all the choices in Brentwood with better service and food quality. Maybe the dinner service and dinner meal preparation is better, but in terms of lunch, any chain fast food place is comparable (though give me Chick-fila over this place any day), and your meal is no where near the $25 this rip off charged. Terrible experience, won't return. Oh yeah, I hope the bartender got his date.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Carothers Wine And Spirits; City: Franklin, TN; Review: AlI used to love shopping at this wine and spirits store, the manager (bearded) guy always friendly always willing to provide you a taste of something he had brought in special and extremely knowledgeable. However recently the staff is not knowledgeable of new products, do not offer a taste, and do not seem to be interested in serving their customers, just ringing you out. Bottom line it's no different than any other liquor store now, used to have more of a personal touch and got you to buy three or four bottles additional than you had intentions of buying when you walked in, now you can find this mediocre type spirits store. Shopped 8/21/2018 at 11;20am; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Riverfront Tavern; City: Mount Juliet, TN; Review: I would suggest the reviews of two stars or less are much to do about nothing, this is a bar with a bar food menu, not a restaurant. If you want a full-service restaurant there are plenty of options in and around Mount Juliet. If you need to a place to take your kids for a meal, there are plenty of places around Mount Juliet to take them, a bar is probably not the best option. However if your goal is to have a drink, mingle with local friends, watch some sports, play a game of darts, etc.........this place more than adequately meets those needs. The service we received the evening of Tuesday 9/11/2018 from our waitress was friendly, attentive and fully met our expectations. We almost didn't stop in when we were just looking for a nice establishment for drinks and an appetizer while we visited with friends, all because of the ratings on yelp. I would suggest people rate things for what they are, and not for what they "wish" they would be (A full-scale restaurant or a place to take children). The riverfront tavern is a bar with bar food and a nice place to have a drink, have an appetizer, visit with friends, watch a sporting event, or meet locals.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Margarita House; City: Mount Juliet, TN; Review: Just ok, found nothing memorable about this restaurant, doubt we'll be back. Chips and salsa bland.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blue Coast Burrito; City: Mount Juliet, TN; Review: Staff was very friendly. Food was fresh, restaurant was clean, guacamole was good. Fruit Tea was worth going back for as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings; City: Mount Juliet, TN; Review: This location sux! Went through the drive through tonight (2/4/19). I thought Zaxby's always claimed food was cooked to order, well not at this location. Toast was burnt, chicken was barely warm. Don't go through the drive through, you get whatever is in their bin. This is what you get when you hire kids to run your establishment. I'll never go back to this location again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint; City: Mt Juliet, TN; Review: Pulled to drive through at 8:30 tonight (Thursday 3/14/2019), they never answered the drive through, we tried calling , they picked up the phone and hung up. Sign says opened until 9pm, guess they close at 8:30 now (change your hours). Oh well, Chick-Fil-A got our order tonight, it was better anyway. Apparently Martin's has all the customers they need, we'll they lost this family tonight for good!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: LongHorn Steakhouse; City: Gallatin, TN; Review: Set at the bar for 11 minutes and 39 seconds never placed my order, the female bartender on Tuesday, November 26 evening was rude and absolutely worthless. Left went across the street and spent $65 at Logan's. Usually Longhorns beats out Logan's, not in Gallatin TN, especially not service.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar; City: Nashville, TN; Review: Had dinner and drinks with friends last night at Jason Aldean's restaurant downtown Nashville. Two of us shared the 32oz Tomahawk ribeye and I have to say I was literally taken aback by how good the flavor of the steak was. Perfectly prepared, good service, but the flavor was really good, kudos to the chef, was not expected that hood of a steak from a music bar on broad street. We were having drinks at the bar in Bob's steakhouse contemplating having dinner, then we decided let's go have some fun, versus paying $28 a glass minimum for a glass of wine, glad we tried out Jason Aldean's joint.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: J Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood St Louis; City: Des Peres, MO; Review: Ate here two nights in a row. Ordered shrimp cocktail as an app, pork chop for dinner, OUTSTANDING. Sat at the bar, great service. I will be literally changing the hotel I usually stay at so I can have dinner here when in town.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Helen’s Hot Chicken; City: Smyrna, TN; Review: Second time customer, the mild chicken sandwich and fried okra was so good I came back for a repeat order. Be prepared for a wait as food is prepared at order, but I think the chicken was worth the wait, and some of the best fried okra I've had in a long long time. My second trip I ordered my food in advance on ChowNow, I was provided a time the food would be ready and it was. I'm a Chick-Fil-A spicy chicken customer, but when I have time to order in advance I'm going to Helen's, much better flavor..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bella Vista Coffee Shop; City: Smyrna, TN; Review: Others may have rated this place five stars, but I got a tell you two people working on a Sunday morning is an absolute ridiculous crap show. Walked in stood in line for 10 minutes and walked out. I won't make that mistake again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Helen’s Hot Chicken; City: Smyrna, TN; Review: 5th visit, and yikes was really disappointed. "Hot chicken" lacked flavor, was like plain. I always get mild as it has the perfect amount of heat for me and great flavor - NOT TODAY, plain and no flavor. Not sure if something has changed (cook, recipe, etc.), but today was not a good food experience. I'll try them again because they've always been great on previous visits.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Smyrna's Divine Wine and Spirits; City: Smyrna, TN; Review: Visited the store today unstopped, uncapped, blasting disco music, and the kid behind the counter never want to pick up his head up off his phone. Was planning to purchase a case of wine, two cases of truly's and a case of beer, but I'll take my transaction somewhere else this place looks like a poorly ran establishment. If I owned. this place I would literally be embarrassed; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Andria's Steakhouse; City: O Fallon, IL; Review: The restaurant is closed, drive across town only to be extremely disappointed by poor communication; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Blackstar IDCORE40 Guitar Combo Amplifier, 40W; Brand: Blackstar; Review: I have nothing bad to say about this amp. I have been playing guitar for 52-years. I wanted something small so I could get rid of my stack amps and powerful combo amp. Frankly, this amp sounds better than any amp and effects pedal I have. The wide stereo will fill your entire room. Don't be afraid to crank it all the way up. It gets pretty loud but not crazy loud. Here were some questions I had before I bought it: Is the ID:core 20 amp loud? It you crank your 50-watt stereo up all the way you can play along with it. It's pretty loud but not quite loud enough to stand alone in a rock band but you could mike it. Does it have good bass tone? Yes, surprisingly so but I think it sounds better on the floor than on a chair or table. Is the amp complicated to use? No, not at all. Oddly mine didn't come with a manual but you can download one easy enough. Do I need the insider software? No, but you will like it and it gives access to the equalizer and is simple to use. I have downloaded 50 patches or more from the insider community which is fun to see what other people have created. Does it sound like a small amp? No, not at all. This thing has a huge sound, surprisingly huge. What about headphones? The best sound is through the head phones. I highly recommend them. There is nothing not to like IMO if you are looking for big sound and a small footprint.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gibson Truss Rod Cover, Blank; Brand: Gibson Gear; Review: Looks great and comes with screws.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: D'Addario EXL120-7 Nickel Wound 7-String Electric Guitar Strings, Super Light, 9-54; Brand: D'Addario; Review: These are fine. I've been using them for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: D'Addario EXL120+ Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, Super Light Plus, 9.5-44; Brand: D'Addario; Review: These are fine. I've been using them for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: D'Addario EJ21 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, Jazz Light, 12-52; Brand: D'Addario; Review: These are fine. I've been using them for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: D'Addario EXL150H Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, High-Strung/Nashville Tuning, 10-26; Brand: D'Addario; Review: These are fine. I've been using them for years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FOXNOVO Professional Sealed Humbucker Pickups Set for Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars (Black); Brand: Foxnovo; Review: These are great! They sound good and look very good. I used them on a 1957 Gibson Les Paul Jr. rebuild.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunlop Jazz III Pick Pack, Red Nylon,1.38mm; Brand: JIM DUNLOP; Review: I've been using these for a long time. They are very stiff and suitable for alternate picking.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Musical_Instruments |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: BEST TractionSocks Non-Skid Non-Slip Grip Organic Cotton Socks - Value Pack of 3 Pair; Brand: TractionSocks; Review: Great socks for around the house on wood floors. Was adjusting to slipping and sliding and didn't like the bubble traction as they feel a bit odd to walk on. These are the perfect balance to that. I do think the traction is wearing down a bit quickly - but I do wear them a lot!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Breathable 55" Suit/Dress Black Garment Bag by BAGS FOR LESS; Brand: Bags for Less; Review: Worked well on the way there on my trip but managed to get a rip easily and was not usable on the return trip.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Caravelle New York Women's 44L116 Analog Display Japanese Quartz Yellow Watch; Brand: Bulova; Review: Larger than I had expected and quite heavy.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: MeMoi Cotton Shoe & Sneaker Liners (6 Pair Special); Brand: ; Review: Way too small and fell off - have given up on using.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 0.90 CT Trillion Shape Garnet Ring .925 Sterling Silver; Brand: ; Review: Slightly smaller than I had thought- but great color and design.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Bum Rap (Jake Lassiter Legal Thrillers); Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Levine Page; Review: Little slow in developing story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of Echoes (Detective Matt Jones); Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Ellis Page; Review: Very slow in developing story; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Sheba (An Omar Zagouri Thriller); Author: Visit Amazon's H.B. Moore Page; Review: Good story; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Professional; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert B. Parker Page; Review: Typical Spenser noval.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Chance Lassiter (The Jake Lassiter Series) (Volume 9); Author: Visit Amazon's Paul Levine Page; Review: Good story line; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Key West Caper (A Dallas Kincade Novel) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's L Lee Watkins Page; Review: Unbelievable subject story jumps around not much continuity; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Her Final Breath (The Tracy Crosswhite Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Dugoni Page; Review: Good story line drags a little could speed up the story a little!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dance of the Angels (Anti-Crime Brigade Book 1) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Morcet Page; Review: Thought very poorly written story more like a comic book had to stop halfway into it; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Guardians of the Night (A Gideon and Sirius Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Alan Russell Page; Review: Some parts never made sense did like interaction of main character and dog.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Honeymoon for One; Author: Visit Amazon's Beth Orsoff Page; Review: Good action but hero's overwhelming; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fool Me Once; Author: Visit Amazon's Harlan Coben Page; Review: Good twist little long on naration; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Professor (McMurtrie and Drake Legal Thrillers); Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Bailey Page; Review: Good story line believable charecters; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stalking Ground: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery; Author: Visit Amazon's Margaret Mizushima Page; Review: Interested characters seems like true K9 operation; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lighthouse Keeper (A Starlight Cove Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Cynthia Ellingsen Page; Review: interesting concept but some of the plot hard to believe but a good read anyway hi hi hi hi hi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stolen: A Cassidy & Spenser Thriller (Cassidy & Spenser Thrillers); Author: Visit Amazon's Carey Baldwin Page; Review: very good; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Portrait of a Spy; Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Silva Page; Review: Maybe trite, but quite skilled. . . .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Make Me: A Jack Reacher Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Child Page; Review: It is "same old" Child, but same old Child is good. He writes very well, and this Reacher series is well-plotted. If I have any problems, it is the somewhat tiring eccentricities and improbabilities of protagonist Reacher, i.e., the implausible abilities with reading details correctly and the almost OCD "fetish" with numbers. Also: I would prefer the Darwinian materialism not be preached as fact; e.g., as the recurrent theme of TV-like dying (as cut-off), in Child's DNA as destiny theme, and other unproven tenets, that are not germane. That written, few are in Child's class as a legitimate heir to the "noir" genre.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lemons Never Lie (Hard Case Crime (Mass Market Paperback)); Author: Richard Stark (Donald E. Westlake); Review: Stark/Westlake remains the "noir" master!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Fine Night for Dying; Author: Visit Amazon's Jack Higgins Page; Review: Jack Higgins was among the very best. This book is nothing like that. The similarity to "The Eagle Has Landed," for me, is minimal.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Invisible Prey (Lucas Davenport Mysteries); Author: Visit Amazon's John Sandford Page; Review: I like the earlier ones better. . . .; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Swami Paramahansa Yogananda's Super Advanced Course (Number 1 divided In twelve lessons); Author: Visit Amazon's Paramahansa Yogananda Page; Review: Swami Yogananda is a wonderful teacher and a great saint!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Name of God Is Mercy; Author: Visit Amazon's Pope Francis Page; Review: Deep. Clear. Beautifully written. One-two pages a day....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Year of Mercy with Pope Francis: Daily Reflections; Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin Cotter Page; Review: Just a page or two per day. Very deep stuff!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Basic Writings of Mo Tzu, Hsun Tzu, and Han Fei Tzu; Author: Burton Watson; Review: For savants only....; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shiva: Stories and Teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana; Author: Visit Amazon's Vanamali Page; Review: Well meant stories of the hero Shiva. A bit "sappy," but it's okay....; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: KINTREX IRT0401 Compact Waterproof (IP67) Infrared Thermometer; Brand: Kintrex; Review: This was the first infrared thermometer that I've ever bought. It works great. Its wonderful to have a device that allows me to see how cold the "cold spots" in my house are to see if they are a problem. It is also nice to double check my oven and make sure that it is getting as hot as it should be. My husband and I love it. I'm really glad that it shuts itself off after 10 seconds or so. We have a bad tendency to forget to shut off our digital thermometer... so its great that this one turns itself off after a few seconds and keeps the batteries lasting longer. My only "complaint" is that its a little difficult to push the button to turn it on and off. Sometimes the button seems to get stuck too, but its nothing major in my opinion considering the price. Other than that, its a great bargain! EDIT: 11/10/11 I down graded it from 4 to 2 stars. The product isn't as great as it was when I first bought it. It first was fine, but a month or two afterwards... not so much. It drains the batteries quickly, the screen flickers and sometimes won't even come on. The cap when replacing the batteries doesn't want to stay on. It still does technically work, so its not getting a 1 star. I retract my previous happy 4-star statement and want to warn you that its really a 2-star. Perhaps mine was flawed, maybe mine had problems and it was a fluke... I don't know. Perhaps I expected more for $20. I ended up getting a slightly more expensive trigger-thermometer. I trust more in my new trigger-thermometer's accuracy. This one still seems accurate, that is - if you can read the flickering screen. Buy a different product for the long haul - it'll save you money and grief.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Anolon Advanced Hard-Anodized Nonstick 2-Quart Covered Saucepan, Gray; Brand: Anolon; Review: Since I bought this product, I've retired my pasta strainer. I have not burnt my hands once since I've purchased this product - which used to be an occasional problem when transferring pasta from the stove to the strainer. We have also made pasta a bit more frequently because of its simplicity. The fact that it is tall and slender makes it nicely fit in my limited cabinet space - a real plus. The grips are nice and not too bulky. They not only help you hold, but they are completely cool to the touch when the water is boiling in the pot. The strainer lid does need to be examined more thoroughly when washing it because starch likes to cling to the holes (but that happens to regular strainers). I can't rave enough about switching over to hard anodized cookware. Its amazing and worth the extra money!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cuisinart 666-24 Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 8-Quart Stockpot with Lid; Brand: Cuisinart; Review: Even heating, non-stick, no problem! Slender handles make this a joy to hold and no heat transfer problems. Just the right size for individual meals or side dishes. I like the weight of the saucepan too as well as the thick and sturdy glass lid. Its a good choice for a reasonable price. I bought this when Amazon was having their buy three, get one free sale. It was a great complement to the rest of my hard anodized cookware purchase, even though I bought other cookware from different companies - it surprisingly matches the others.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Circulon 5.5-Quart Nonstick Dutch Oven; Brand: Circulon; Review: Hard anodized cookware makes cooking enjoyable again! The dutch oven evenly heats on my electric range, while living up to its non-stick performance promise. You can slow cook a pot of chili in it all day and know its not going to burn or stick. The slender handles are nice. I've always hated thick, bulky handles that don't resist heat well. I haven't had any heat problems so far. I'm well pleased with my purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Circulon Contempo Hard Anodized Nonstick 4-1/2-Quart Covered Saucier; Brand: Circulon; Review: Works great and nothing sticks! Awesome product that is totally worth the price. Evenly heats and my electric range doesn't mark up the bottom. I hand wash my hard anodized cookware. Be aware if you place them in the dishwasher and two hard anodized pots scrape, they will damage one another.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boston Warehouse 75483 Frog Scrubby Holder with Non-scratch Dish Scrubber, Hand Painted Ceramic; Brand: Boston Warehouse; Review: Product is exactly how I remember my mom's being. Simple design. I gave it a 4/5 star rating because my frog wasn't completely painted. There are places where the paint is very thin and smeared, but its still serves its purpose.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Organize It All Chrome Canned Food Storage Rack; Brand: Organize It All; Review: This is a great product! Easy to put together, well made, and very sturdy! I now have 2 of these in my pantry for my canned vegetables, broths, and other frequently used canned goods. It makes it simple to sort goods and its easy to access without taking up a lot of space. The cans can roll out vs. trying to balance them on top of one another. This is much more convenient than stacking and I'm not worried about them getting knocked down. It also makes it easy to see what products you have and how many you have left without having to look behind a different stack of cans. Overall - VERY PLEASED!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Green Direct Standard Size White Cupcake Paper/Baking Cup/Cup Liners, Pack of 500; Brand: Green Direct; Review: These are a good price for the amount you get, but they are very thin and stick badly to both cupcakes and muffins. They make cleaning the cupcake pan easy, but stick to the food terribly! Every time we use these, we have to scrape paper off our food - disgusting! I'd rather pay a little more to NOT eat paper...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wilton Recipe Right Nonstick 12-Cup Regular Muffin Pan (2, STANDARD); Brand: Wilton; Review: Works great and easy to clean! Exactly what I needed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Abbott Collection Ceramic Cat Salt and Pepper Shakers (2 pieces); Brand: Abbott Collection; Review: Arrived broken. Box came well wrapped w/2x bubble wrap (around external box and each cat was individually wrapped). That being said, I opened up the box and found that the black pepper cat had a broken ear. The ear piece wasn't in the internal wrapping, box or anywhere - so it must have been broken at the factory and they shipped it anyways. Other than that, these would've been adorable. Returning them immediately. Disappointed.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Oliasports Super Mario Bros Mini Figures Bundle; Brand: Oliasports; Review: These are just so cute! My 4 y/o daughter is in love with Super Mario and the gang... these are going to be for her birthday coming up in a couple weeks! Pretty decent ship time considering it came from the other side of the world!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fisher-Price Nickelodeon Bubble Guppies: Fin-Tastic Guitar; Brand: Nickelodeon; Review: My son just loves bubble guppies and anything BG related... and this guitar is no different.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fisher-Price Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Lights & Sounds Trike; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: This is just amazing and my son loves it. He got it as his From Santa gift this morning and did not stop riding it until lunch! The instructions are easy to follow and there are not a whole super lot of pieces so very easy to put together. All and All really happy with this purchase!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LeapFrog Farm Animal Mash-Up Kit; Brand: LeapFrog; Review: This was the first toy my son unwrapped this morning. He played with it for an hour before he opened another. Pretty impressed as usual with leapfrog!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fisher-Price Octonauts Gup B Playset; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: Bought this for my son for Christmas... and my daughter stole it lol. Super cute toy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fisher-Price Octonauts Gup-E Vehicle; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: Bought this for my son for Christmas... and my daughter stole it lol. Super cute toy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Disney's Jake and the Never Land Pirates Never Land Sailwagon; Brand: Fisher-Price; Review: Bought this for Christmas... My kid loves it! Well made and the figures are just adorable! Thanks Fisher-Price!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aurora World Flopsie Plush Wily Wolf, 12"; Brand: Aurora; Review: These wolves are very well made! I thought for only 10$ each that they would be smaller. but they are a good size. My daughter loves minecraft, so, she took it upon herself to order TWO of these on my kindle... I let her keep one and she gave the other to her brother, On the condition that she cleaned her room, his room, and pick up the toys in the livingroom and kitchen for a week. Overall really cute stuffed animal and very soft! Thanks Aurora Plush! ((personal purchase)); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: QuickBooks 2013: The Missing Manual: The Official Intuit Guide to QuickBooks 2013 (Missing Manuals); Author: Visit Amazon's Bonnie Biafore Page; Review: This book is NO HELP. There must be something better than this....keep shopping. Everytime I've look up something that I need help with all I get is nothing. It is general, not precise. A real waste of my time and money; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife; Author: Eben Alexander MD; Review: What a wonderful experience Dr. Alexander has courageously shared with our world. Once I started this book, I could hardly stop reading. It made me cry because this good man told of a Supreme Power without the trappings of religious dogma, ritual, and doctrine. As I firmly believe that God, everyone's God, is greater than any religion of any time and place, this book brought me comfort. I suppose anyone could pick it apart for style, or structure....who cares. Read this book to expand the heart.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony; Author: Constantina Rhodes; Review: I wanted to understand more about Sri Lakshmi, in particular what chants invoke Her Grace and their meaning, and this book does that and much more. I am familiar with this author which drew me to preview this particular book. It is easy to read and contains so much food for thought. I find that sentences from this book play in my mind during the day and draws me into a deeper place within myself. I tend to flit like a butterfly in reference books and that tendency works with this book. As someone who continues to search for a personal relationship with Supreme Consciousness, I am fortunate to have found this book. I highly reccommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Samsung Galaxy S III; Author: Steve Schwartz; Review: Because the Samsung Galaxy S3 is my first smartphone, I thought it best for me to obtain a user's manual. This is a good manual. The on-line tutorials provided by my carrier, ATT, were only for the basic operations of this phone. The manual is very in-depth. I simply can't remember where everything is I want to do, so I frequently refer to this book's index and off and away I go. There have been a few things I have read but can't find easily when I want to review, but I eventually do find the place again. My only negatives about this book is it doesn't specify in absolute detail all of the steps necessary for some operations. I think this can be attributed to newer released phones from when this book was published. As complex as this smartphone is, this book has helped me immensely. This phone does more than I really need a device to do. In that way, being able to read a book and operate the phone at the same time enables me to check out what it does without making too many errors along the way or enabling an app I really don't want. I am glad I bought this book. I'm old school and prefer reading a book than reading on-line. I find it nearly impossible to read on-line and operate the device I'm reading about at the same time whether it's my smartphone or my laptop/PC. Additionally, as I become more familiar with my phone and want to do more, I turn to this book first for an explanation and review that first before engaging in something new. I'm methodical so that course works better for me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The End of the Wasp Season: A Novel (Alex Morrow); Author: Visit Amazon's Denise Mina Page; Review: Starts interesting....goes down from there. Hard for me to connect with the characters except for a minor one. As story continues, found I cared less about what happens....halfway through stopped reading. Story line unremarkable.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: I Am Pilgrim; Author: Visit Amazon's Terry Hayes Page; Review: Worth every minute. The first half of this tale is fast paced with character and plot development. The writing craft was as marvelous as the read. The second half goes at a slower pace and even though I couldn't see it, every part of this story finds its place in the end. I enjoyed this book immensely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Bored to Death: Season 3; Brand: Jason Schwartzman; Review: Very funny on the hookie side but it is funny.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jack Brown Genius; Brand: Timothy Balme; Review: So much better than I thought.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arrested Development: Season 2; Brand: Jason Bateman; Review: Surprisingly good; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Becoming Redwood; Brand: Chad Willett; Review: So touching.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Enlightened: Season 2; Brand: Various; Review: Weak; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: That's What She Said; Brand: Anne Heche; Review: Witty,charming so honest .Excellent movie highly recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Identicals; Brand: Lachlan Nieboer; Review: Loved it!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Horror Story: Season 1; Brand: Evan Peters; Review: Addictive and thrilling.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
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: ; Review: They wore out after months of abuse. Liked them alot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars - Simplified Logo - T-Shirt; Brand: ; Review: Order size larger if available. For example 3XL is actually 2XL; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crocs Men's Santa Cruz 2 Luxe Leather Loafer; Brand: ; Review: Wearing with slacks and getting away with it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Money Clip, Front Pocket Wallet, Leather RFID Blocking Strong Magnet thin Wallet; Brand: kinzd; Review: This product does not work as advertised. I have tried to contact the manufacturer to make purchase right. All I get is one sentence replies and they call me "dear". Not professional. Buyer beware.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: adidas Men's Energy Cloud WTC m Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Very thin shoe.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Le Roman de l'adolescent myope; Author: Mircea Eliade; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: My favourite!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blink! Die Macht Des Moments Nach Malcom Gladwell; Author: Melanie Stor; Genres: non-fiction; Review: It's a great book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge; Author: Carlos Castaneda; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: "Toate caile sunt la fel: ele nu duc nicaieri. Sunt cai care trec printre tufisuri sau intra in tufisuri. In propria mea viata pot sa spun ca am strabatut cai lungi, foarte lungi, dar n-am ajuns nicaieri. Acum, intrebarea binefacatorului meu are sens. Are calea aceasta o inima? Daca are, calea este buna; daca nu are, nu-ti foloseste la nimic. Nici una dintre aceste cai nu duce nicaieri; dar una are o inima, cealalta, nu. Una iti asi-gura o calatorie placuta; atata timp cat mergi pe ea, te identifici cu ea.Cealalta te va face sa-ti blestemi zilele. Una te face puternic; cealalta te slabeste."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Forty Rules of Love; Author: Elif Shafak; Genres: history, poetry, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: "De obicei durerea se preface cu vremea in mahnire, mahnirea in tacere, iar tacerea se preface intr-un dor la fel de intins si fara fund precum oceanele intunecate. Crezi ca nu mai poti trai. Crezi ca lumina sufletului tau s-a stins si ca vei ramane prntru totdeauna in intuneric. Dar cand esti inghitit de aceasta intunecime deasa, amandoi ochii iti sunt inchisi pentru lume. Un al treilea se deschide in inima. Nici un ochi nu vede atat de limpede si de patrunzator ca ochiul iubirii. Dupa mahnire vine un alt anotimp, o alta vale, un alt tu. Iar iubitul care nu e de gasit nicaieri, incepi sa-l vezi pretutindeni. Il vezi in stropul de apa ce cade in ocean, in mareea inalta ce urmeaza dupa cresterea lunii ori in vantul dimineti care isi imprastie mirosul proaspat. Cum poti spune ca a pierit cand acea persoana este in tot si toate?" "O viata fara iubire e lipsita de insemnatate. Nu te intreba ce fel de iubire ar trebui sa cauti, spirituala ori materiala, Divina ori pamanteasca, rasariteana sau apuseana... impartirile duc doar la alte impartiri. Iubirea nu poate fi nici numita, nici lamurita. E ceea ce e, pur si simplu. Iubirea e apa vietii. Iar cel ce iubeste e un suflet de foc! Lumea se invarte altfel cand focul iubeste apa."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Code of the Extraordinary Mind: 10 Unconventional Laws to Redefine Your Life and Succeed On Your Own Terms; Author: Vishen Lakhiani; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Este o carte extraordinara. Out of the box. O recomand cu drag.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Larry Sanders Show: Season 2; Brand: Garry Shandling; Review: I would say the only problem with the Larry Sanders show is it could still be on .. they stopped making them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Steven Spielberg Presents Pinky and The Brain: The Complete Third Volume; Brand: Maurice LaMarche; Review: This was one of the sharpest cartoons ever conceived. I don't get why it didn't rate higher with....oh wait....tv viewers, nevermind.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Animaniacs: Vol. 1 (DVD); Brand: Rob Paulsen; Review: I am constantly amazed at how many people never saw this show...it is simply amazing and entertaining. Enough said.... just watch ~; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Adams; Brand: Paul Giamatti; Review: My favorite historical author wrote the book this series is based on. It was a terrific ride of a book and when McCullough writes, he puts you in the room or field or law chamber. Well, here he has explained the struggle early Americans had with Britain and it centers on John Adams and his prowess and foibles. If you want to understand America, you have to see this. There is no greater explanation for the American ideals than John Adams. This is an important program for our times, I think it should be mandatory watching in every history class in America.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walt Before Mickey; Brand: Thomas Ian Nicholas; Review: I liked seeing the man who is my hero putting the vision together. The constant adversity never let up and never did Walt ! Good show.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Web Linens Inc Oversized-Reversible Solid & Striped-Down Alternative Comforter with Corner Tabs-King - Exclusively by BlowOut Bedding RN #142035; Brand: Web Linens Inc; Review: I was so excited to receive this since it was a Christmas gift for my mother. The item arrived just in time. At first it felt as though it was too small to fit a queen size bed and it felt thin, but I did as the instructions said. I put the comforter in the dryer and sure enough, it fluffed up like in the photo. The bright white color brightened up the room and the reverse side is also white with faint white stripes. The quality is great. I judged it too quick when it was in the package by saying it was too thin, but the comforter is compressed to fit the delivery box and with a quick run in the dryer it met and exceeded my expections.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Web Linens Inc Euro 28" X 28" Pillow Insert w/Removable Zippered Protector - Exclusively by Blowout Bedding RN# 142035; Brand: Web Linens Inc; Review: Honestly when I opened up the packaging I was disappointed. The pillow looked like a flat, squished mess inside the box. When I took it out, the pillow began to "fluff" up and gained some volume. After leaving it alone for an hour or two, it looked so much better and I felt better about the purchase. I currently use it in my toddler's bed. He's a crazy sleeper and most mornings I wake up to find him sleeping almost entirely on the pillow so I decided this larger pillow would be a better fit. It's too large that it would hurt his neck but it's "fluffed" enough to sleep comfortably on. Overall happy with the pillow and I'll probably order another when this one wears out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BlowOut Bedding 95% Feather 5% Down, 20 x 20-Inches Pillow Insert, Set of 2; Brand: BlowOut Bedding; Review: The pillows are very large and soft but like many of the other reviews say, they lack more filling. They're a bit flat but I'm using them as decorative pillows so they work perfectly for me; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Web Linens Inc Fully Reversible (Double Life)-1" Down Alternative Mattress Topper/Pad- w/Stay Tight Anchor Straps; Brand: Web Linens Inc; Review: I don't know what other reviews are talking about, this is comfortable to sleep on. My bed wasn't bad before, but with this, it made it even better. Although it is not 1 in thick like the description says (about 1/2 in - 3/4), it still makes a big difference in comfort.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Web Linens Inc Striped & Solid - Oversized-Reversible - Twin Down Alternative Comforter with Corner Tabs; Brand: Web Linens Inc; Review: First let me start the review by stating how quickly I received it. In no more than three days that I placed my order it was at my doorstep. I have purchased a similar comforter from the same seller before so I had an idea what to expect. However, this comforter is "fluffier" and more filled than the previous. It's warm enough to sleep in but not overly warm that you'll be hot in this season. The only complaint I have is that it's slightly small for my bed and I ordered the queen for my queen sized bed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BlowOut Bedding Set of 2-26 x 26-95% Feather 5% Down Pillow Insert - Exclusively RN# 142035; Brand: BlowOut Bedding; Review: This pillow is gigantic. I know the size would be big, the description says 26x26 so I had an idea, but it's not only large in size it's very "fluffy" and full of feathers. When you press down on the pillow you can feel all of the feathers. The only complaint I have is the fact that it doesn't come with a protector or pillow cover, you wouldn't want to use it without one. And the size made a bit challenging to find a cover that fit. However the price for the quality is very reasonable. It fluffs up even more once you follow the instructions and put it in the dryer for a bit. Very happy with my purchase.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: DATREX Emergency Water Pouch for Disaster or Survival, 125 ml Each; Brand: Datrex; Review: awesome; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DATREX Emergency Water Pouch for Disaster or Survival, 125 ml Each; Brand: Datrex; Review: awesome; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DATREX Emergency Water Pouch for Disaster or Survival, 125 ml Each; Brand: Datrex; Review: awesome; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Safe-T-Proof Solar, Hand-Crank Emergency Radio, Flashlight, Beacon, Cell Phone Charger; Brand: Safe-T-Proof; Review: Got what I need in great timing; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter [31-000699]; Brand: Gerber Blades; Review: awesome... will use them in the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Decalgeek Beautiful Eyes Removable Wall Art Decal Sticker Decor Mural Diy Vinyl, 23.6 Inch X 49.2 Inch, Black; Brand: Decalgeek; Review: This is very cool looks like the picture.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rainbow Fox Large Family Tree Wall Decal. Peel & stick vinyl sheet, easy to install; Brand: Rainbow Fox; Review: This thing is a mess. You will need two people to do this.. one that holds the paper the other that peels.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 3M 8577CA1-C-PS Chemical Odor Valved Respirator; Brand: ; Review: THANK YOU; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RoomDividersNow Ceiling Track Roller Hooks (1 Pack of 5); Brand: RoomDividersNow; Review: These will work; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thai Vintage Handmade Asian Oriental Handcraft Night Owl Bird Bedside Table Lights or Floor Wood Paper Lamp Home Decor Bedroom; Brand: True Decor; Review: she loves it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Danco 10302 Moen Posiemp Handle with Built in Microban Protection, Pack of 1; Brand: Danco; Review: worked pretty good; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Nail Your Novel: Why Writers Abandon Books and How You Can Draft, Fix and Finish With Confidence; Author: Visit Amazon's Roz Morris Page; Review: Roz Morris has done all the things about which she gives advice, and she has done them successfully. She is not a frustrated author who could not "cut it" in the real world and decided to take the easy way out and publish a "how to" book. NAIL YOUR NOVEL is not short, but is very concise, and written in an easy, conversational style that does not bore the reader. It addresses most of the issues writers of fiction confront as they struggle to produce something worthwhile, and is worth much more than what it costs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather: The Lost Years; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Winegardner Page; Review: I have to say, after reading the original trilogy and viewing the films, this book was a most disappointing read for me. There appears to be no real main character, the novel jumps from place to place and character to character with no real sense of order. I begrudge the time I spent wading through it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: No Remorse; Author: Visit Amazon's Ian Walkley Page; Review: This was a very ambitious novel -- perhaps too ambitious. There is simply too much going on for a book of this length. The main plot was straightforward enough, but there were (IMHO) too many subplots and too many characters (especially since so many had unfamiliar but similar-sounding Arab names) to make this an enjoyable read. In addition, it is unbelievable to me that one man, even a highly-trained and capable special ops veteran, could take out so many bad guys by himself. I felt obligated to make it to the end, but I would have been happy to see it end sooner. I was impressed with the author's knowledge of weaponry, however. Most are sadly lacking in that department.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Protector (Morrell, David); Author: Visit Amazon's David Morrell Page; Review: This was a mediocre thriller written by an author who has the talent to do better. The plot was confusing and contrived, the characters predictable and wooden, and the main protagonist just another "superman" who, seemingly, can defeat any enemy -- or even a horde of enemies -- all by himself. Sorry, but I prefer believable characters. The only reason I give this book three, rather than two stars is that Morrell knows how to use the English language well.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lightning Flight!; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Eads Page; Review: This is a fairly run-of-the-mill techno-thriller somewhat similar to Tom Clancy's novels. There was a lot of military jargon and weapons descriptions that were accurate but not that interesting. The character development was nil; the main protagonist one-dimensional, and the secondary ones barely developed at all. The plot was predictable, with only one unexpected twist, and it is impossible for one to believe that the protagonist could accomplish what he did within the time frame allotted. His ascension through the ranks of the U.S. government is equally hard to believe. I had work to finish this book, as it just did not hold my interest, but I read it because it was recommended by a friend and I didn't want to let him down.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Marcus Sakey Page; Review: This was a very entertaining read with a provocative theme. Sakey starts where Orwell and Rand left off, offering a glimpse of what life might look like in the future. The writing is good, the characters well developed, and the plot twists not too unbelievable, considering it is essentially a sci-fi novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Burning Room (A Harry Bosch Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Connelly Page; Review: This was a good read, but slower than the usual Connelly novels featuring Harry Bosch. It was heavy on dialogue and police procedure, and somewhat short on action. I could never characterize it as a thriller, but rather a mystery, and one that would be very interesting for any reader who is into police procedural novels.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Closure; Author: Visit Amazon's Randall Wood Page; Review: I liked the premise of this book. There are too many criminals in this country who have subverted the law because of our weak judiciary system. These miscreants need to be removed from circulation, and if the law can't or won't do it, someone else should. That being said, however, this book was just an OK read. The writing did not flow well -- it was "jumpy." The character development, other than that of the antagonist, Sam, was one-dimensional and wooden -- standard modern "thriller" fare. The author has done some research on firearms, but I don't believe he really knows them well (a magazine is a magazine, not a "clip") -- I believe he is better versed in medical trauma procedure which he describes ad nauseum toward the end of the book. All told, I can't say I didn't enjoy the story at all, but it was written in a disorganized fashion, had a very predictable ending, and I would not have been happy if I had actually paid for the book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dirty White Boys: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Hunter Page; Review: Stephen Hunter can write thrillers! If Lamarr Pye comes through your door, you'd better be locked and loaded! A gritty (perhaps too much so for some readers) and compelling novel from beginning to end.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Take One With You; Author: Mr. Oak Anderson; Review: This book was offered free on Amazon Kindle, and since it had been chosen as the Goodreads Psychological Thrillers group as the March BOTM, I took advantage of the offer and I thank Mr. Anderson. That being said, I cannot say I enjoyed the read as much as I expected. It's premise was interesting and appealed to my way of thinking, but the execution was, in my view, lacking. First of all, it is very short, at only 218 pp., to be considered a novel. Considering the myriad of characters the author tries to develop, it is not surprising that only Charlie, Sarah, and Charlie's mother, Anne, are developed fully enough that one can relate to them. Melissa, Mr. Tee, J.T., Brad, and Anita are all superficially developed, while the detective, Thane, is a composite caricature of every overly profane, oversexed, overly violent, alcoholic cop one has the misfortune to see in the movies or on TV. The remainder of the many characters featured are basically non-entities, only featured in short vignettes showing the influence of the TOWY web site and philosophy over other poor souls who chose to accept it. The book is definitely psychological, but IMHO, it is too short on pages and on action to be a thriller. It opens with an over-the-top rush of violence and sexually oriented profanity, as if the author is trying to demonstrate his ability to shock the reader, but once this scene is over, the book lapses into long, rambling, psychological back stories, inserts of news articles, and simulated web conversations by TOWY acolytes. There is really very little action until the frenetic ending. The author's use of the language is good, as is his vocabulary, and I love that he writes in the third, rather than the first person. His writing style is choppy, however, and there is very little continuity, as the narration jumps from characters in one scene to those in another, interspersed with the aforementioned vignettes. The plot line is straightforward enough until Thane, Anita, and "Flowers" are introduced, and then it unfortunately becomes quite muddy. I believe this author has promise, and I hope he achieves success in the future.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: COB Search For A Serial Killer; Author: Visit Amazon's Brian Benson Page; Review: I hate to say it, because this author is one of my Goodreads friends, but I really did not enjoy this book that much. For starters, I do not like novels written in the first person, and much of the story is written this way. While the characterization of the antagonist is good, that of the protagonist and his "team" is wooden. The protagonist, Brent Dulac, is the urbane private investigator one commonly sees on television, dining in the company of spectacular women in expensive, gourmet French restaurants, jetting around the country looking for a killer, and writing AND publishing a print novel in eight months . I have known more than one P.I. personally and I can assure you most of them do not do these things. I also find it very hard to believe a 16-year old boy would chase an adult prowler alone, unarmed, and in the dark, as Dulac does early in the book. Some of his female compatriots, although they are given short shrift, are more interesting than he is. The novel is psychological, in that it revolves around an antagonist with a long-standing Oedipus complex that is still alive and well even though the object of his affection is long dead. To simulate her and satiate his desires, he kidnaps, rapes, and eventually murders girls who remind him of her. He is able to get away with this, courtesy of a huge, fortuitous inheritance that enables him to create false identities, go wherever he wants, buy whatever he wants, etc. (shades of Hannibal Lecter). As he travels around searching for victims, Dulac chases him around trying to stop him. The author alludes to many sexual situations and violence, but does little to actually describe them; thus there are very few really thrilling passages in the book, at least none that thrilled me. The ending is very abrupt and not satisfying in the least, obviously because a sequel is planned.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Zebra Affaire; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Fine Page; Review: The Zebra Affaire blends history and romance in a story about two people, one black and one white, who fall in love in 1976 South Africa during the apartheid regime. It is a beautifully written book by an author who not only has a suburb vocabulary and command of the English language, but also has lived in South Africa during this period of history and knows his subject first-hand. The prose is rich, almost too much so for a genre novel. As a reviewer, I would place it in the class of a literary work, and a very good one. The characters are well developed, and each of them fits nicely into the niche he or she was intended to fill. The narration is very detailed, almost too much so in some cases, and greatly slows the pace of the book, so if the reader is expecting a story similar to something Robert Ruark or Wilbur Smith might have written, he will be disappointed. There is very little action in the book. Its appeal lies in the characterizations and the fictional description of real historical events. The author, Mark Fine, is obviously passionate about his subject, and is not shy about expressing his own social and political views through the narration and the actions of the characters he creates in the work, but this in no way detracts from the reading experience. You may not agree with his stance on every issue, but you must respect the manner in which he presents them in this work. It is a worthwhile read as long as you are not expecting, as you might be led by the description, a thriller.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: View From the Sixth Floor:: An Oswald Tale; Author: Elizabeth N Horton-Newton; Review: This book combines elements of a mystery with a romance between two seniors, a North Carolina widow and her deceased husband's best friend, an enigmatic character who has a long-buried connection with the John F. Kennedy assassination. The story takes place in 2013, the fiftieth anniversary of Kennedy's death. The protagonist, Olivia Roberts, after watching several television programs about the assassination, becomes convinced that the accepted explanation of how it occurred might not be the truth. She becomes obsessed with the idea of traveling to Dallas and trying to discover the answers for herself. She enlists the help of "Bill", her next door neighbor, who had promised her husband he would take care of her after his death and who is currently her best male friend and confidante. Bill is reluctant at first, but agrees to accompany her on her odyssey. From this beginning, the mystery begins and romance blooms. Bill turns out to know much more about Kennedy's death than he originally averred before the journey started, and the pair become persons of interest by governmental agencies who are concerned they might make public events they prefer to keep classified. Harassed by government officials, they race to make their findings public before they are silenced. To me, this story is more a romance than it is a mystery or a thriller, but that is probably what the author intended. It was refreshing to see a story illustrating that two senior citizens can have the same type feelings and passion for one another as the twenty and thirty-somethings about which most romances revolve. The story is narrated in the first person, which I do not enjoy reading, but that is merely my own prejudice. I also believe it will appeal more to female than to male readers, as it is definitely written from a woman's point of view. The pacing is, unfortunately, uneven, being quite slow, almost to the point of boredom, in the beginning, and then accelerating faster and faster as the story progresses. The ending is somewhat contrived, in my opinion, with several inexplicable, serendipitous and fortunate events combining to create a happy ending. There are several minor misspellings and grammatical errors, but these do not materially detract from the story. All in all, the book is well written, and I would recommend it to those who would enjoy a mature romance blended with a little mystery and suspense. If half stars were possible, I would give it 3 1/2.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Collision Course; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Broadmeadow Page; Review: I enjoyed this book. Its description does not accurately depict the story, however. It is more a legal thriller, about a veteran white police officer, prosecuted for a questionable civil rights violation after shooting and killing a black criminal who turned out to be unarmed at the time of the shooting. An ambitious United States Attorney sees the case as a way to advance his career in politics, while a maverick defense attorney and the officer's friends rally around him in an attempt to clear him of the charges. The first sixty pages or so are backstory, somewhat more than necessary in my estimation, but some of this is necessary to set the stage for the courtroom drama that is to come. There is quite a bit of POV shifting, some of it somewhat jarring, but once the story really gets underway, it is hard to put down. The main characters in the story are fairly well developed -- the secondary ones less so -- there are so many that it was hard to do them all justice in a 360 pp. book. There is quite a bit of "cop speak" in the novel. Some of it gets a little tiring, but it is probably necessary for realism. The author has a writing style that I appreciate, blending drama and excitement with a dash of humor and a healthy dose of cynicism. All in all, I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys legal thrillers.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sniper's Honor: A Bob Lee Swagger Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Hunter Page; Review: When one reads a book by Stephen Hunter, he expects an exciting yarn, full of action in the form of Bob Lee Swagger. This book does not give the reader that. It's plot is far more complicated than any of Hunter's previous offerings, and much of it is coverage of an obscure historical event. Swagger is the protagonist in name only -- the activities of others take precedence. In this, if one is a Bob Lee Swagger fan, the book is a disappointment. It seems to me that Hunter has become bored with writing about Swagger himself, or he has decided that he needs to move on to more serious and complex novels. Maybe Bob Lee has just gotten too old to be a hero anymore, and this is Hunter's way of retiring him. The novel's primary plot is straightforward enough, but there are also three simultaneous subplots, each of them just as important, and this jumping back and forth, both in time and in POV, leaves the reader not really confused but not really satisfied either. I wish Mr. Hunter good fortune as he leaves Swagger behind and embarks on a new writing journey, but I was happier reading his prior offerings.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Once a Killer; Author: Visit Amazon's Martin Bodenham Page; Review: I hate to write semi-negative reviews almost as much as I hate receiving them, but this book was by no means the thriller that its title and description imply. There was heavy emphasis on the ins and outs of securities trading, a subject that the author obviously knows well, and if one wanted to learn about hedge funds without reading a text, this book would give him a start. However, there was too much meaningless dialogue and not enough action to keep a reader interested in turning the pages. I usually read a book in a night or two -- this one took me two weeks, simply because, although I wanted to finish it out of respect for the author, it did not hold my interest. The story is set in the USA, but many of the colloquialisms are obviously British, and do not sit well with an American reader as myself. The main plot line was straightforward enough, but the subplots were ineffective, the character development wooden, and the backstory "twist" that the reader needs to understand the protagonist's dilemma is not revealed until very near the end of the book. The author has only a rudimentary knowledge of firearms, probably gleaned from reading a book or from the Internet, and has probably never fired one himself, and it shows in his descriptions of all firearm-related actions. The ending of the story is contrived, weak, and abrupt, and leaves the reader with a "who cares?" attitude -- not the way for a "thriller" to end.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Extreme Prey (A Prey Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's John Sandford Page; Review: Not one of Sandford's best. Plot was contrived and somewhat hard to believe. The plethora of minor characters and different names made the story quite confusing. I had to keep going back in the book to see who was who. All in all, Sandford's earlier novels are far better than his current ones.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Something of Value; Author: Robert Ruark; Review: One of the books that made a lasting impression on me, first read fifty years ago, written by a man who actually experienced life in Africa, and more particularly, Kenya, firsthand. His narrative of the lives of two childhood friends, one a white Englishman and one a native black Kikuyu, tells the story of the violent Mau Mau uprising against provincial English rule in the mid-1950s. It is not a book for the faint of heart or the squeamish, but from other accounts I have read of Africa from the same period, it is quite accurate. As one would expect, the two main characters cannot and do not remain friends -- one will not survive -- but the main thrust of the story is not really about the two individuals but rather about the clash of two cultures, both old and well-established, without regard or apology for the shortcomings of either.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Carrier; Author: Visit Amazon's Holden Scott Page; Review: It was hard to get through this book, as it was full of fictional medical misinformation. The characters were overstated and hard to reconcile with reality. The premise was OK, even though well-used by others, but that's about it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: 33 A.D.; Author: Visit Amazon's David L. McAfee Page; Review: As a horror writer myself(Diavolino) I struggle sometimes with what is currently on offer, especially in the bestseller charts. I was attracted to AD33 by the cover, title and premise. I got the samples and for once felt the urge to buy the book. The first half is better than the second - there is a sense at times that the writing slackens and the editing not as sharp. But I wasn't overly bothered by this because it is such a good story. In parts the writing is inspired. It was only after I read it that I realised it is self-published and all I can say is well done that man. I have read many books of late that have been 'professionally edited' that fall short of AD33. If a big publisher signed McAfee I reckon we'd see him way up in the charts - but maybe he doesn't need them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Asylum Lake; Author: R. a. Evans; Review: Few books have the power to send shivers down my spine, but this did. Evans is a brilliant writer of horror. A mysterious lake, ruined lunatic asylum, brutal murders and Scrabble that writes its own warnings. Evans creates a real sense of uneasiness and explores the psyche. If you like horror as it should be, you'll love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Perfect Score; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Roebuck Page; Review: Ms Roebuck has walked a fine line with this sensitive gay romance and she's managed to avoid falling into the obvious traps. It's warm, gentle and the characters come alive. It's also not crammed with 'porn' unlike some and is the sort of book anyone can read and broaden their minds. I enjoyed it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Element Keepers; Author: Visit Amazon's E. P. Marcellin Page; Review: The storyline has been explained by others here so I won't dwell on that. Let me say that I admire E P Marcellin for her attention to detail in creating a fantasy world and characters that will appeal to lovers of Tolkien and Lewis. If anything, I personally found some of the detail too much but that is what readers of this genre generally want. So it should be a winner.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Revenge eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Catherine Cavendish Page; Review: If you look back at my review of Cavendish's first offering, In My Lady's Chamber, you will see that I said "Cavendish captures the atmosphere perfectly and demonstrates an ability to chill in the great British tradition". She proves herself yet again with her novella, Cold Revenge, which is a much more complex and clever tale, brilliantly executed in a manner that will delight lovers of Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected and the old Twilight Zone shows. I loved the fact that there is a message in here, and one frighteningly relevant in present times. It should be compulsory reading in the City of London and Wall Street.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hewhay Hall; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Roebuck Page; Review: I'll admit to approaching this book with some trepidation. The author's previous - and debut - novel was a male/male romance set in cowboy country. How would she handle a dark supernatural tale? The answer is: pretty damned well. Roebuck's writing style is different from my own but I have to say that in parts my skin crawled and that little icy bicycle ran down my spine. That was a pleasant surprise. We get some good characters, too. The barmy local medium is just like someone I know. And in true Roebuck style there's no skimping on the sense of place. A commendable foray to the dark side and I hope she'll follow it up with more.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lionel Asbo: State of England (Vintage International); Author: Visit Amazon's Martin Amis Page; Review: I ummed and ahhed over buying this book. I caught Amis being interviewed by a rather sycophantic Runcie on TV and decided I liked the author. Make of that what you will. What put me off was the lottery win. It seemed a bit naff, somehow. I finally bit the bullet and I'm happy to say I loved it. It is full of wit and wisdom, made me laugh out loud many times. I know Amis has had mixed reviews. Some are concerned that he cannot possibly know anything of life in council blocks, but the thing that bugged me and made me wonder was the 42 year-old grandmother. Not that she was a gran at 42 - but that she wore pink fluffy slippers. Surely leopard skin nylon, Martin?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let Me In; Author: Visit Amazon's John Ajvide Lindqvist Page; Review: I should have read Let The Right One In before I read Little Star (see my review) but only because this was Lindqvist's first novel. Fortunately, the two are stand alone and in terms of the stories can be read in any order, but I think writers who read them chronologically will appreciate the evident development of Linqvist's style and technique. There is much to be learned. I have to confess I am now a firm fan of this Scandinavian author, albeit late to the party. I saw the film of this book and enjoyed it, and even if it's a cliche I have to say that the book is better - far, far better - than the film. I wish someone would make a film and keep the whole story, sod the running time - it would be the best horror flick in history. Yes, it's a vampire story - but if you think you've had it up to the neck with vampires I urge you to think again. Let The Right One In is as much about the woes of social exclusion, loneliness, dejection, family dysfunction, bullying, alcoholism and coming of age as it is about blood sucking. As a divorced father there were times it pulled me up short and made me review my life. At the same time, Linqvist creates wonderfully round and weird characters but all of them totally believable. The pages are filled with pure horror of the multi-layered kind not seen since the early works of Clive Barker. And after all of this, I defy you not to feel sorry for the vampire.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Star: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's John Ajvide Lindqvist Page; Review: I read the book before I read the blurb and I'm glad I did. If I had read the blurb first, I may never have bothered to read the book and I would have missed something truly great. Don't get me wrong, that little synopsis is accurate, but what Lindqvist delivers is something far more chilling, far deeper, far more disturbing than those few lines would ever have you believe. After the first couple of chapters the reader knows something terrible and shocking is going to happen - but I defy anyone to guess what it is. I've said often enough when talking about my own writing that I am a slow writer; I'm a slow reader, too. So take as a sign of the brilliance of Little Star that I read it in little more than two days. The pacing is faultless. The prose (and this is, I guess, praise also for the translation by Marlaine DeLargy - so many translated works fail to lift the reader's spirits) is sharp, edgy and produces some memorable phrases (if this doesn't touch you, you're not human): 'If anyone who didn't know her had seen her getting on the train, that person would have seen a girl getting on the train. If anyone who knew her had seen her taking her seat, that person would have seen Teresa taking her seat. After all, nothing had really happened from the world's point of view, except that a girl had given up all hope. Hardly even worth mentioning.' Theres and Teresa are looking over my shoulder now as I write, making me nervous. With Little Star, Lindqvist earns his place as a master of horror, perhaps the best so far of the 21st century.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Vampire Shrink; Author: Visit Amazon's Lynda Hilburn Page; Review: Seriously, this is one of the funniest books I've read for a long time. The self-deprecating MC, Kismet the psychologist, is brilliant. She gives us a clever sideways look at the uptight materialistic USA of today, as well as poking fun at her own kind. "It seemed he'd had a close encounter with a protester - I couldn't imagine what anyone would protest about at a Star Trek convention.." And when the vampire presents her with a collection of exquisite gowns: "What is this? Vampire Cinderella?" "There was blood all over my living room. A trashed office and a living room that smelled like a used sanitary pad." There are plenty of vampires, lots of blood letting and some well-written sex scenes. Is it horror? Nope. This isn't going to have you pulling the duvet up tight around your neck or stringing garlands of garlic across the windows. But I don't believe that was ever the author's intention. I loved it and recommend it. Was there anything to pick at? Well, the final big scene, the ritual, I felt was rather mechanical and lacked the sparkle of the rest of the book, but it's a small point in an otherwise commendable debut novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bereft; Author: Visit Amazon's Chris Womersley Page; Review: Not horror, not in the strictest sense, but horrific nonetheless. This is a superb book, not only for the vivid reminders of the horror of war and the things mankind is capable of, but for the wonderful writing. I was unsure from the blurb if I would like it so downloaded the sample to my Kindle. It captured me from the first line and I have read the whole book greedily. This is not some dismal military tome, far from it, and the aspects of war are deftly woven into a peacetime story. If you're looking for something that gives pleasure through its language, buy it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Evil Seed; Author: Visit Amazon's Joanne Harris Page; Review: I've seen the film of Chocolat and enjoyed it. I'll put my hand up and say I haven't read the book. It's not really my kind of thing. And I'm sure Alan Titchmarsh meant well when he told Classic FM readers that Joanne Harris's latest book, Peaches for Monsieur le Cure (how do I find the sodding accent on here?!), is full of 'long and evocative descriptions of France and her food' but he made me doubt whether I was doing the right thing. You see, I was on my way to see Ms Harris at the SOA's annual Author's North Summer Social (if authors can actual attend anything remotely social). Long and evocative descriptions are not really my kind of thing. I have to say that I found Joanne's talk utterly inspiring, so much so that I came home and finished my 'work in progress' which had been doing a reasonable impression of an angry boil for the last month. And she delighted me - being something of a cross between the school teacher we all wish we'd had (though she is far too young in my case) and a sort of Victoria Wood. Were that all authors performed in public so well. Anyhow, before I'm likened to Ronnie Corbett again, what has all this got to do with horror? If I hadn't gone along last Saturday I probably would never have known that Joanne's first ever novel was a vampire story called The Evil Seed. That made me sit up a bit, and I dare say you too. It had gone out of print but once she became famous, there was a call to re-release it. And I'm glad about that. If you look at the reviews, The Evil Seed gets a mixed reception. One reviewer calls it 'turgid' - the kind of thing I might, in the past, have been known to say about long, evocative descriptions. I can only say that I loved it. This is a first novel, readers, and of course she's done things she wouldn't do now, maybe she privately cringes at parts, but it doesn't alter the fact that she creates a wondrous, dream-like, nightmarish horror. Yes, the prose is a little more flowery than I would normally praise, but in this case it works and adds to the haunting atmosphere. And the end did make me wonder if I'd had bit too much vin rouge, but that can't be all bad, can it? I hate tidy endings. Can it be compared to anything else? Well, Joanne says that her publishers hoped she was going to be the new Ann Rice. I dare she could have been if she'd used a lot more adjectives and adverbs. If you like a brooding Gothic horror, I think you'll love it. Now, you see, I might just be tempted to a little death by Chocolat...or Peaches...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pharaoh: A Novel (Jack Howard); Author: Visit Amazon's David Gibbins Page; Review: What happened to the fast-paced novels for which Gibbins is famous? This is sluggish and downright boring. The explanatory notes at the end of the novel are without doubt the best bit. Dr. Gibbins knows his stuff. It is just a shame that the title of the book is full of ancient Egyptian mystical promise. If it had been presented as a military story about the downfall of General Gordon of Khartoum it would have been more accurate. As it stands, Pharaoh is a mystery for all the wrong reasons. You can see my full review at New York Journal of Books. (I was provided with a free copy by the publisher for an honest review); Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: U.S. Polo Assn. Men's Graph-Check Button-Front Shirt; Brand: U.S. Polo Assn.; Review: For the price (I paid around $9) it is a decent shirt. The fabric is thin, and the fit is a tad baggy, even for a "regular" size. But what can you expect for less than $10? As a shirt for business casual it is fine. I will probably wear it beneath a sweater when I wear it to work.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eagle Men's Non Iron Regular Fit Solid Button Down Collar Dress Shirt; Brand: ; Review: High quality shirt, nicer than shirts I have bought twice the price. I plan to buy the "Eagle" brand in the future because I've been so satisfied with this shirt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eagle Men's Non Iron Regular Fit Solid Button Down Collar Dress Shirt; Brand: ; Review: High quality shirt, nicer than shirts I have bought twice the price. I plan to buy the "Eagle" brand in the future because I've been so satisfied with this shirt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eagle Men's Regular Fit Non Iron Pinpoint Solid; Brand: ; Review: High quality shirt, nicer than shirts I have bought twice the price. I plan to buy the "Eagle" brand in the future because I've been so satisfied with this shirt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eagle Men's Dress Shirt Non Iron Regular Fit Solid; Brand: ; Review: High quality shirt, nicer than shirts I have bought twice the price. I plan to buy the "Eagle" brand in the future because I've been so satisfied with this shirt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hi-Tec Men's Dexter Low Waterproof Multisport Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Shoe width is as expected - which, for hiking shoes, is a little bit wider and more roomy in the toe box compared to a normal sneaker. But the width is not tooo wide, so it's good. The length is a little shorter than expected. I usually wear a size 10 shoe, however I went with the size 10.5, which really fits like a size 10.25. If you are like me and are between sizes, order up. For mid-$40 range, this shoe is well built, and I could see it being sold for around $70 at your local retailer. The dark brown color is darker in person and looks better compared with the photo. I would buy again!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Rosewill RFA-80-BL 80mm 4 Blue LED Case Fan; Brand: Rosewill; Review: i just received it, now, I thought it had only 1 fan that's why I ordered 2, it's okay anyway, I can keep it as spare; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kingwin FPX-001 Fan Controller 4 Channel w/ LED. Controls up to 4 Sets of PC Computer; Brand: Kingwin; Review: well, there is nothing to complain about, thx it arrived early than expected; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Acer G236HL Bbd 23-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor; Brand: Acer; Review: I love it, didn't expected to be this beauty, i thought the 25 inch will be an issue but no, i tried it and it's good let's just the lifespan of it, the stand is like what everybody says is s*** but for the price ok, no need to go for 27inch for 200$ extra 25 inch is more than enough; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kingston Digital 60GB SSDNow V300 SATA 3 2.5 (7mm height) Notebook Bundle Kit with Adapter Solid State Drive SV300S3N7A/60G; Brand: Kingston; Review: restart time 2sec, that says it all; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kingston HyperX FURY 16GB Kit (2x8GB) 1600MHz DDR3 CL10 DIMM - Black (HX316C10FBK2/16); Brand: HyperX; Review: works great no issues till now; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Intel Core i5-4690K Processor 3.5 LGA 1150 BX80646I54690K; Brand: Intel; Review: just made a stability test didn't go over 65c under full load, reached 4.2, i guess i got a rare one this is as per AID64 and real temp 370 snf cpu z at once, z170 and skylake still new so i don't want to be a test rat for it so i grabbed this cpu and the z97a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB SC GAMING, Silent Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2982-KR; Brand: EVGA; Review: my first gaming pc and this card was beyond expectations, i went with gtx 980 cause i'm 1 card type of person i don't want the hussle with sli drivers specially gonna be gaming only, running 1440p; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LTGEM Hard Headphone Case Travel Bag for Sony, Audio-Technica, Xo Vision, Behringer, Beats, Photive, Philips, Bose,; Brand: LTGEM; Review: It feels premium; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Ten Yards (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Recruit (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hollow Man (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Don't Say a Word (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: End of Days (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ned Kelly (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy Returns (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stepmom (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Waterboy (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CSI: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Knight's Tale (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie 3 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hidalgo (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Along Came Polly (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Faculty (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Big Bounce (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big Daddy (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CSI: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Bonus Material (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Cinderella Story (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CSI: Season 3 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Extended Edition (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Collateral (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: King Arthur (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alfie (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Flight of the Phoenix (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: After the Sunset (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CSI: Season 4 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Prince and Me (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Black Book (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: First Daughter (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Viva La Bam: Seasons 2 and 3 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepover (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raise Your Voice (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What a Girl Wants (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Without a Paddle (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brave New Girl (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New York Minute (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ella Enchanted (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bend It Like Beckham (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 13 Going on 30 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Surviving Christmas (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cabin Fever (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eurotrip (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Getting There: Sweet 16 and Licensed to Drive (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cellular (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ladder 49 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Laws of Attraction (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jackass: The Movie (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Virgin Suicides (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The United States of Leland (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Man of the House (2005); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Haggard (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CKY3 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CKY4 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CKY (Landspeed) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MTV: Jackass (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CKY2K (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Laguna Beach: Season 1 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Good Company (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Racing Stripes (2005); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Are We There Yet? (2005); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Vanity Fair (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Rwanda (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Garden State (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Manchurian Candidate (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: U.S. Marshals (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Collateral Damage (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Passenger 57 (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tango & Cash (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Congo (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stuart Little 2 (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stir Crazy (1980); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rising Sun (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Vacation (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: S.W.A.T. (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mo' Money (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Poltergeist (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grumpy Old Men (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clash of the Titans (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Evolution (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under Siege (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Liar Liar (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Planes (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Ship (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Silence of the Lambs (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lion King: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Boys II (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Encino Man (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Flatliners (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Others (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Flintstones (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park III (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Conan the Barbarian (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scorpion King (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Porky's (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blame It on Rio (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Cannonball Run (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cobra (1986); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bodyguard (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Nutty Professor (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trading Places (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy Returns (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Terminator (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Space (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Summer School (1987); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gremlins (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spies Like Us (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Natural Born Killers (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Dolittle (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Untouchables (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flubber (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Real Genius (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blade (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down Periscope (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Haunted Mansion (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eraser (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caddyshack (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Goonies (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Daddy Day Care (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The 13th Warrior (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride 2 (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Pie 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Weird Science (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snake Eyes (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bird on a Wire (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outbreak (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Gadget (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Street Fighter (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 48 Hrs. (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Navy Seals (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Next of Kin (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Trouble in Little China (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Heat (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Animal (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Enemy of the State (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starship Troopers (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batman Forever (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tin Cup (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Labyrinth (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What About Bob? (1991); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Perfect Murder (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Courage Under Fire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wayne's World 2 (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Singer (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Old School (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Out of Time (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Now (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Me (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Slap Shot: 25th Anniversary Edition (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bachelor Party (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Airplane! (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: X2: X-Men United (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: One Hour Photo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Morning (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Naked Gun (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Seabiscuit (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Something's Gotta Give (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wild Wild West (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Underworld (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Momma's House (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reign of Fire (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brewster's Millions (1985); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Turner and Hooch (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blade 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters 2 (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tears of the Sun (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beetlejuice (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phone Booth (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Resident Evil (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Panic Room (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Days of Thunder (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary (Rerelease) (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bringing Down the House (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Open Range (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: DIO: Evil or Divine (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fubar: The Movie (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Disturbed: M.O.L. (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hellboy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Ten Yards (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: BASEketball (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tommy Boy (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Andrew Dice Clay: No Apologies (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Jerk (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Abyss (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Backdraft (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eurotrip (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tombstone (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Animal House (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Godsend (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Punch-Drunk Love (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Amazon Women on the Moon (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kentucky Fried Movie (1977); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dragonheart (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wayne's World (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grumpier Old Men (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Cousin Vinny (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars Trilogy: Bonus Material (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cliffhanger (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coming to America (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blazing Saddles (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tomb Raider (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Daddy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Haunting (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Passion of the Christ (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Welcome to Mooseport (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walking Tall (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Man on Fire (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Girl Next Door (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mallrats (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Van Helsing (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elf (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chronicles of Riddick (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Around the World in 80 Days (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: This Is Spinal Tap (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Collateral (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Species III (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stripes (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Out for Justice (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hook (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Daredevil (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Overboard (1987); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Paycheck (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spaceballs (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Edward Scissorhands (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Entrapment (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Billy Madison (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Nine Yards (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Net (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Analyze This (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Psycho (1960); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries (Widescreen) (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hot Chick (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Transporter (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coyote Ugly (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Analyze That (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Amigos (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The One (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cradle 2 the Grave (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Replacements (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Demolition Man (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Negotiator (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Duplex (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Reloaded (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Santa (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Super Troopers (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Showtime (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The School of Rock (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Without a Paddle (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zoolander (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lilo and Stitch (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Airplane II: The Sequel (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Major League (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Clerks (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Spy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Children of the Corn (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Freddy vs. Jason (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Wedding (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hollow Man (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Not Another Teen Movie (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brother Bear (Theatrical Widescreen Version) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling Down (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python: The Life of Python (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Time Bandits (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: History of the World: Part 1 (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?: Special Edition (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Toy (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crocodile Dundee 2 (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Son in Law (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Time Machine (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Starfighter (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: St. Elmo's Fire (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Addams Family Values (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Joe Dirt (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Conan the Destroyer (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Murder By Numbers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Bug's Life (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Jewel of the Nile (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Breakfast Club (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bio-Dome (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rescuers (1977); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tron (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Night at the Roxbury (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ice Age (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Extreme Edition (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sword in the Stone (1963); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Treasure Planet (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crimson Tide (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Colors (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Basic (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: L.A. Confidential (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clockstoppers (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Security (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Above the Law (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Season 3 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Knights (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragnet (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shining (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Practical Magic (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Crystal (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Superman II (1980); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Secret of N-I-M-H (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Fish Called Wanda (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Knight (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Total Recall (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Uncle Buck (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Waterboy (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jumanji (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Boy Scout (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Highlander (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Winter Wonderland (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Terminal (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scooby-Doo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taxi (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catwoman (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shark Tale (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cannibal! The Musical (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shall We Dance? (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Advocate (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Revolutions (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Strange Brew (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Recruit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nine to Five (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Back to School (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Top Secret! (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Half Baked (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saw (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bride of Chucky (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shaun of the Dead (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play 2: Chucky's Back (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Medallion (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starsky & Hutch (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Joe Somebody (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Calendar Girls (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: UHF (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Agent Cody Banks (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Doors (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spawn: The Movie (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spy Hard (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Conspiracy Theory (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Snow Dogs (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beavis and Butt-head Do America (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shallow Hal (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Airheads (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hot Shots! (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stigmata (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just Married (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carrie (1976); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: True Lies (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Fellow Americans (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Bigger (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pet Sematary (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blade Runner (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Birdcage (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unforgiven (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tuxedo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kingpin (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gothika (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clue (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clueless (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kiss of the Dragon (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Orgazmo (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Grudge (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien vs. Predator (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Along Came Polly (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rundown (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt for Red October (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Season 1 (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bulletproof Monk (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 13 Going on 30 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Black Sabbath: Never Say Die (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Twelve (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Korn: Live (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 13 Ghosts (1960); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Casper (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Aliens: Collector's Edition (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien: Collector's Edition (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wrongfully Accused (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Noon (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mask: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heat: Special Edition (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now Redux (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Escape from New York (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Johnny Dangerously (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Young Guns (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Extended Edition (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Road Warrior (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ladder 49 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Happy Gilmore (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: RoboCop (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Season 2 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fifth Element (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Line of Fire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cheech & Chong's Still Smokin (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Season 4 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raw (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cheech & Chong's Next Movie (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jungle 2 Jungle (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maverick (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blade: Trinity (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Sabbath: The Last Supper (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Team America: World Police (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Firestarter (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mafia! (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Longest Yard (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Golden Child (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Judge Dredd (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Great Outdoors (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jackass: The Movie (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Twins (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bulletproof (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Dawn (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beethoven (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Adventures in Babysitting (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rescuers Down Under (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Black Hole (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Godzilla (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: AC/DC: Family Jewels (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drumline (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Short Circuit (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Men Can't Jump (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The NeverEnding Story (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hidalgo (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seed of Chucky (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blue Streak (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Pink Panther (1963); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Office Space (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Stepford Wives (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saving Silverman (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ransom (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Season 5 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arsenic and Old Lace (1944); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (1968); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: K-Pax (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hitch (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Signs (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Jury (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Constantine (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dude (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Elektra (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicken Run (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Punisher (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fantasia 2000 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Noise (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kiss the Girls (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kung Fu Hustle (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Out to Sea (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Summer Rental (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Assault on Precinct 13 (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hide and Seek (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 7 Seconds (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bound (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: XXX: State of the Union (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Space Cowboys (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Sheep (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sin City (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Longest Yard (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sony MDRZX100 Headphones (Black); Brand: Sony; Review: It's ok...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sony MDRZX100 ZX Series Stereo Headphones (Blue); Brand: Sony; Review: It's ok...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Belkin 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector with 6-Foot Power Cord and Telephone Protection, BE108200-06; Brand: Belkin; Review: High quality product!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kingston Digital DataTraveler SE9 8GB USB 2.0 DTSE9H/8GBZ; Brand: Kingston; Review: I hate to write negative reviews. I'm always trying to be focused on good things in general, but I swear to God, it's been a complete torture dealing with Kingston Data Traveler. After using it once or twice, it does not react at all. None of my computers (I have 4 computers) or my friend's computers recognize this 16 GB Kingston thumbdrive. Excuse me, but I HATE IT, because IT FAILED TO WORK TOO MANY TIMES!!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: CKITZE BA-4 Grounded European German Schuko Power Plug Adapter Adaptor - American USA to German, France, Russia & more; Brand: Ckitze; Review: Good Quality.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twisted Veins HDMI Cable 6 ft, 2-Pack, Premium HDMI Cord Type High Speed with; Brand: Twisted Veins; Review: I was searching endlessly for HDMI cables, looking for a quality one. Found this one, read reviews and gave it a shot. I DO NOT REGRET. Actually, I will say - DO NOT LOOK ANY FURTHER. Great quality HDMI Cables my friends. Simply GREAT!!! I mean REALLY GREAT! LOVE THE QUALITY. Thank you Twisted Veins!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Vienoula s Garden; City: Mykonos Town Mykonos Cyclades South Aegean; Review: This hotel was the perfect venue for a relaxing holiday.The pool area was excellent and the use of towels was a bonus. . Dimitri and all of the staff are friendly,hardworking and very helpfull.This is reflected in the hotel's comfort and cleanliness. Breakfast was good very well presented with plenty of choice. On returning to Mykonos we would not consider staying elsewhere. A little part of paradise. Keith & Lynn Co Durham; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saint Vlassis Hotel; City: Naxos Town Naxos Cyclades South Aegean; Review: We received a telephone call from Kostas the owner of the hotel on the morning of our first day's reservation,saying would meet our ferry from Mykonos,and this he did taking us to his hotel.On arriving at the hotel and being shown our room we were gobsmacked by the standard of accomodation.We had a king size bed with the most comfortable mattress we have ever slept on,also lovely clean bedding.The bathroom was also of a very high standard with lovely modern fittings,and a shower head the size of a satelite dish,nice toiletries and gorgeous new towels. All of the finishing touches have been thought of,the sockets are even next to the mirror ,the lighting in the room was also excellent. On returning to the hotel in the evenings we were greeted by candles lit in the entrance and stairways,a lovely welcoming touch. The breakfasts was very well presented and provided plenty of choice,you must try Kostas's Mams home made marmalade a treat.However the best assett to this hotel is Kostas himself, his lovely smile is always so warm and welcoming and nothing is a trouble to him,His phrase "always a pleasure" was sincere and heartfelt and he goes the extra mile to help recommendi various restaurants and willingly offering advice.We hope to see Kostas again some day and would not consider staying anywhere else other than his fabulous hotel. The pleasure was most definately ours Kostas. Keith & Lynn Co Durham; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Knowles House B B; City: Key West Florida Keys Florida; Review: My husband, myself and our three daughter's stayed for two nights in June. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by Les we had a great time. The house is fabulous, with such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, provided by Les, Paul and Christina's kind and caring attitude We felt very relaxed and at home in their company, as nothing was too much trouble to them. Our daughter's are all in their early twenties and not easily impressed, they were also blown away by the experience of staying at Knowles House, we even enquired about extending our stay, but as we expected from such a fabulous place, there were no rooms at the inn. None of us could think or suggest of any way to improve our stay, as it really is "Perfection in Paradise".; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ionian Star Hotel; City: Alykes Zakynthos Ionian Islands; Review: Myself, my sister and my mam stayed here for a week. The hotel was brilliant for a 3 star and surpassed our expectations. The room was fairly modern, with strong air-con, a fridge and a powerful shower. The rooms were cleaned every day to a very high standard. Breakfast was a good selection of breads, yoghurt, fruit which you could help yourself to and filled you up for the morning before heading to the beach. George and his wife are friendly and helpful and will always answer any questions you have. My sister had an accident while we were there and George kindly offered to go to the pharmacy in the next town to pick up her prescription which was extremely kind of him. The hotel was at the end of Alykes strip and although we were facing the road we didn't find it to be noisy and was in a great location. A lovely stay and if we come back to Alykes, we would not hesitate to stay again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alexandra Hotel; City: Kamari Santorini Cyclades South Aegean; Review: We have just arrived back from The Alexandra Hotel and had a brilliant week. This is not a 2* hotel whatsoever. All of the staff were lovely and very helpful. The rooms were exceptionally clean and very modern. The cleaners changed your towels and sheets everyday. The pool area is fabulous and must have been modernised recently. There was ample sunbeds for all in the hotel. Yes, the hotel is very near to the airport and the planes landing are quite loud but this did not affect our holiday in the slightest. Kamari beach is a 5-10 minute walk away where there are lots of nice restaurants and bars. There is a local bus stop 2 minutes away where you can catch the bus into Thira and then into Oia. We would definitely return to the hotel and recommend it to others.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: National Hotel Complex; City: Bendigo Greater Bendigo Victoria; Review: My wife and I stayed in the National Bendigo Apartments on the way to Melbourne. We booked a 1 bed apartment with kitchen facilities and parking. On arrival after a 7 hour drive from Canberra we were greeted with a barrage of info on where to park, how to park, how the different auto gate opening options worked and where the apartment was located. We found the apartment. Couldn't park the car as the garage was blocked with another car and some hotel storage trolleys. The apartment was on the ground floor. It was dark and spartan. It did have a spa. The bed was hard as in keeping with most hotels these days. Could hear the up stairs guests (the ones who took over the entire shared garage) running up and down the stairs and moving around. This was over priced and uncomfortable. Wi Fi was also poor.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grace Cottages; City: Uralla New South Wales; Review: My wife and I recently stayed at Grace Cottage for four days this month. This is our second visit to Grace Cottage and as before it was a delight. We were met by Gwen with fresh, warm home cooked bread. The cottage is comfortable and always spotlessly clean. This accommodation is very user friendly. Full size fridge/freezer, cook top and oven, plus microwave, dishwasher and washing machine. The view from the front deck is one of a beautiful rural vista. The site is quiet and private as well as being convenient to Uralla and only 20 min. from Armidale. This is a great place to spend some head clearing time away from the world.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pinnacle Apartments Canberra; City: Canberra Australian Capital Territory; Review: My wife and I stayed at the Pinnacles this week. The apartments are located in Kingston and is very handy to the parliamentary circuit and the restaurants. They have adequate secure off street parking and the place is reasonable easy to find. There are no elevators and we were on the third floor. Luckily we had little luggage. The apartment was room with full kitchen facilities. The overall impression is a little warn and dated but reasonable value for money. The bed was hard as usual, as so many beds are these days. At least the couch was softer.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Westhaven; City: Fox Glacier Westland National Park Te Wahipounamu West Coast Region South; Review: This is a typical road side motel. No frills or fancies, however, it was roomy and very clean. The bed was a bit too firm for me. At night it was quiet. The young man who was at reception was very helpful and pleasant. I have no real complaints. You get what you pay for and for us this was value for money. The pub next door has great food and releasable prices.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Arthur s Court Motor Lodge; City: Christchurch Canterbury Region South Island; Review: This was the last night stay at the end of our 2 week NZ tour. The room we had booked was spacious and well appointed. Cooking facilitates were also available. The reception staff were very helpful and polite. This motel, although on a busy road was fairly quiet. it was also close to a small but well catered shopping centre. In the morning it was an easy 20 min drive to the airport. Would happily stay here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rimu Lodge; City: Hokitika West Coast Region South Island; Review: After travelling from Christchurch my wife and I arrived at Rimu Lodge. We were greeted by our host Helen and were shown to our room. This room opened onto a very large deck with great views. Helen booked us into a nearby restaurant for dinner that night. Breakfast the next morning was more than adequate. We enjoyed our stay and would be more that happy to stay again if ever in NZ.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel Sydney; City: Sydney New South Wales; Review: My wife and I had an overnight stay in Sydney this week to see Vivid. We stayed at the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay. We have stayed here on a number of occasions and it has always been first class. The location to the Vivid light show was very convenient. Before setting out we had the 2 course set menu that the hotel had put for the Vivid event. The lady who, I think was in charge of the the restaurant that evening, was very helpful. She brought us maps of the Vivid festival routs and gave us some good tips on where to go and what to look out for. Really appreciated, thanks. This was a great idea of the hotel and it was good to see them getting into the celebratory mood of the Vivid event. The next day we had breakfast in the restaurant. Another delight. Once again we had a great stay at the Sir Stamford and will no doubt be back again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: APX World Square; City: Sydney New South Wales; Review: Stayed here on a Saturday night. Very noisy, rooms are ok but need refurb, beds too hard (slept on pull out bed, lumpy but softer). Convenient to city but not the best end of town to be in. Too many pubs and drunks. Was very noisy until about 0400 the Sunday morning. No parking available. Won't be back.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: THE FACE Suites; City: Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan; Review: Stayed at the "Face Suits" for 4 days on a resent trip to KL. Our suit was on the 48 floor. The suit was a 2 bed, 2 bath suit. It was very roomy, comfortable and clean. Facillities in the hotel were good especially the roof top bar and pool. Would be ahppy to return to this facillity.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breakout Motel; City: Cowra New South Wales; Review: My wife and I stayed at the Breakout Motel while on our trip to Cowra for the Cherry Blossum Festival. On arrival we receaved a warm welcome and shown to our accommodation . The motel is well situated to central Cowra yet reasonably quiet. The room we had was very comfortable and spotlessly clean. My only gripe would be that the bed could have been little softer. Otherwise, all was great. I would definitatly stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Central Park; City: Sydney New South Wales; Review: I stayed at the Four Points for an over night buisness trip in March. This is a new hotel and of a very good standard. The staff were very helpful and courteous. My room was very spacious, comfortable and modern. The bed was brilliant. Not like a rock that you come across in so many other hotels. My only grip is with the use of doonas on beds. Australia is one of the hottest countries on earth yet hotels insist on putting doonas on beds. Go figure. Anyway, apart from that the hotel is great. The surrounding area is modern and funky. Would definitately stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Royal Hotel; City: Bridge of Allan Stirling Scotland; Review: Booked this hotel via a groupon offer. Read the reviews and wasn't expecting much. But what a laugh we had, the weather helped with our stay (what a beautiful sunny & warm day), on arrival the staff at reception were very welcoming and friendly. Went up to our rooms, old and dated but clean, looked like our bathroom had recently had a refit, to a tight budget. Evening dinner in the restaurant was like a step back to the 70s. The decor and furniture looking very tired. Falty Towers levels of service made the evening an evening we will remember for many years. Being asked if we are ready to order our starter, after we had finished our main course was a particular highlight. On a positive note. We had a great nights stay, rooms clean, food okay for the price, my wife needs a Gluten free diet and they didn't need telling twice, breakfast was first class. But most of all, hats off the the management for keeping staff moral so high. From the first encounter at reception to the morning greeting from the housekeeper we passed on the stairs, all the staff were happy and friendly, even the poor lad who tried to make us eat to meals for the price of one.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Boscundle Manor Hotel Restaurant and Spa; City: St Austell Cornwall England; Review: We had popped down to Cornwall for a last minute break over the weekend. Hotel all booked we came across a Travel Zoo deal for a 6 course taster menu at the Boscundle Manor. With Travel Zoo, you have to phone the hotel or restaurant direct yourself and make the booking, not a problem, but we had left it a little late. So when we phoned the Manor to book ourselves in, they were already very busy for the night we required, but the lady on the phone checked with her manager and they squeezed us in for 8:30, a little later than we hoped but we were just glad we managed to get booked at all. On arrival, we were greeted by a very friendly Maître De, who showed us through to the bar/lounge. Pre meal aperitifs were ordered, before we were shown to our table in the main restaurant. My Gin & Tonic was the best presented drink I have ever had, the cucumber was shredded rather than sliced and what a difference. Like the rest of the Hotel, the restaurant is decorated and dressed in a warm and friendly manner, you very quickly feel at ease. Six courses were brought to our table over the course of the evening. From the Ham hock terrine to the Strawberry & Champagne jelly, every single mouthful was exquisite. I am not a big fan of Duck, but the Breast of Cornish duck deserves a special mention. I can’t imagine enjoying a better dish. Towards the end of the evening, the last two dishes were served by the head chef herself, a bit different but not a problem, in fact, it made a nice change to prim donna Chef’s parading around at the end of the night. Here I go again with my observations. But before I go on about the things I found strange or annoying, my wife and I will return to Boscundle Manor, in fact we have already looked at dates. First think I found strange, the table we were seated at was right next to a beautiful chest of drawers, but on the top of this chest of drawers was a mini music system with an AUX lead plugged into an iPod mini. The music was fine for the setting, but the “cheap looking” music system with its two speakers sat on the floor was not. For very little money, a professional installer would be able to hide this system away and fit the speakers in a more discreet way. Then there was the coffee. A 30 minute wait for two cups of coffee at the end of the meal is just a little too long. The evening had been fantastic; the staff were all very professional, the food was beyond my expectations. So when we are the last people in the restaurant, why does it take so long to make a coffee? But like I said. Observations. They didn’t distract from a beautiful evening.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Feathers Hotel Woodstock; City: Woodstock Oxfordshire England; Review: My wife and I stayed at the Feathers over the May bank holiday. And a very pleasant bank holiday it was too. I had wanted to stop hear for some time, as I am a bit of a Gin fan and the Feathers has a world record for the most Gins in one bar. We arrived mid-afternoon, checked in by a very friendly and helpful receptionist. Our room was on the top floor, with a view down the main road to Blenheim Palace. A nice clean room, very compact but just fine for a one night stay. A nice touch was the Jelly Beans in a glass jar. After a wander round the town, we returned to the hotels rear patio, where we spent the rest of the afternoon sat in the sun perusing the Gin menu. We had booked in for the taster menu that evening and had heard (via Trip Advice) that the portions are a little on the small side. Well, the night we were there the portions were fine; after all it is a “taster” menu. It was a most enjoyable night, the waiters were friendly and chatty and the food was of a high standard. If you are passing through the Cotswold’s or visiting Oxford, you won’t find many places better that the Feathers Hotel to finish your day at. This is the sister hotel to The Lord of the Manor in The Slaughters, Cotswolds. If you get a chance give that a visit too, best breakfast I have ever had at a hotel and a cheese board to die for. Negatives, can’t think of any.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Langley Castle Hotel; City: Langley on Tyne Hexham Northumberland England; Review: We had our wedding reception at the castle 19 years ago and have only been back once for dinner in the proceeding 19 years. Well what a waste of 19 years. The stay was all we could ask for and more. I booked the hotel via a Groupon deal; this was for a Castle View room in the new rooms in the garden. Not a problem, they looked good on the internet and the reviews were all fine for these rooms. But on arrival at the Castle I recognized the General Manager (Anton) from my last visit, and believe me, once you meet him you will never forget him, a very warm and welcoming character. I introduced myself and my wife, explaining that we had our wedding reception here all those years ago. Well, what can I say, but thank you Anton. He had a look at which room we were booked into and offered us a free upgrade to room 1 (our original wedding night room). Obviously it has had a makeover in the past 19 years since our last stay, but it still wows you the first time you walk in. From the four poster bed to the fantastic full height arch window. The bathroom has also had a refit, with one of the best showers I have ever used. Evening dinner was a joy, a four course a la carte menu which we pushed to five with added cheese and biscuits with a glass of port, at a small extra cost. The following morning after a most enjoyable breakfast, we had the battlement tour, with a history of the Castle and its owners over the years. Well worth hanging around for after check out. But the best part of our stay. The Staff. From Anton to the happy chap who fills the wood stock next to the fire. I would be hard pushed to find a happier group of people. The young gentleman who gave us our Battlements Tour was very knowledgeable, not just about the Castle but also Northumberland. Would I stay again, you bet I would. And next time we will try the Castle View rooms. We hear the Castle at night, looks fantastic from the garden rooms.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coriander Cottages; City: Fowey Cornwall England; Review: This just has to be the best self catering accommodation I have ever stayed in. 5 Star all the way. On arrival we were greeted by a very friendly Colin King. After a relaxed introduction to the cottage and some helpful tips on things to do around the area, Colin left us to settle in, with instructions to call him if there was anything he could help with. No need, everything was perfect. We then had the best 4 days holiday of our lives. Every day we looked forward to returning to Coriander cottage. One one of the evening the weather turned cold and wet, so a good excuse to light the log burner and settle down with a bottle of red. Colin's advice about the walks was spot on. We walks into Fowey and Golant, both well within 30 minutes. I almost don't want to submit this review, as more people will get to know about this little bit of heaven. Can't wait to return. Thank you so much Colin, we have had the best 4 days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Ideal Magic Spectacular Magic Suitcase; Brand: Ideal; Review: Was a great gift for 10 year old girl!! Was the hit of the party. Simple tricks for her and her 6 year old sister. Later at Christmas they put on a great magic show for us.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LEGO Friends Olivia's House 3315 (Discontinued by manufacturer); Brand: LEGO; Review: My 10 year old Granddaughter loves this set, It is hard to believe that she takes the time to get every detail right. A great gift for for a self motivated child.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LEGO Friends 41039 Sunshine Ranch (Discontinued by manufacturer); Brand: LEGO; Review: Can not go wrong with Legos.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LEGO DUPLO Town 4962 Baby Zoo Building Set; Brand: LEGO; Review: My 18 Month old grandson just loves these!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Playhut Thomas the Train Play Vehicle; Brand: Playhut; Review: My Grandson almost 2 loves it, matter of fact he just left from being here 4 days and he made to make one more trip inside before he left. The best part about within 2 minutes after he left I had it folded up and put in bag that came with it and put away till his next visit. There is a video you can google on line they shows how easy it is to fold up. Great Item!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Never Go Back: A Jack Reacher Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Child Page; Review: Typical Jack Reacher!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Illumination in the Flatwoods; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Hutto Page; Review: Great information about the wild turkey common to the south Georgia - Florida panhandle region!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brotherhood of War 02: The Captains; Author: Visit Amazon's W.E.B. Griffin Page; Review: A fun read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You; Author: Visit Amazon's John Burke Page; Review: A must read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in "Healthy" Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain; Author: Dr. Steven R Gundry M.D.; Review: Very informing!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: TechCraft BAY4632B 46-Inch Wide Hi-Boy Flat Panel TV Credenza - Black; Brand: Techcraft; Review: Our TV sits WAY on the other side of the room... but it was the only place to put it. We needed a sturdy, good looking stand that would support a good-sized TV plus our various other electronics. Solid construction and blends well with our other furniture.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moda Home American Wonderland Cotton Tablecloth USA Map Staycation; Brand: Moda Home; Review: Whether you love the vintage-look, or have children (or grandchildren) who would be kept busy looking at the map of the United States, this is a purely fun tablecloth that will make you smile. With moderate care (no heavy-duty or frequent washing) you should be able to enjoy this tablecloth for years to come. Hint for those with "young-uns" and grape juice: Consider putting a clear plastic cloth OVER the cloth one to preserve the tablecloth from permanent staining.); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haier MWM0701TB Compact 2/3-Cubic-Foot 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black; Brand: Haier; Review: My son needed a microwave for his college room that was 700 watts or less. This met the requirements. We had it shipped directly to his college and it arrived in fine condition.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rutland Fireplace Insert Insulation Fiberglass, 1-1/2-Inch by 10-Feet; Brand: Rutland Products; Review: Although there may be some sealing and/or insulation material included with your new glass door, it's a good idea to buy more. My husband installed our new firescreen and found that he needed almost all of the extra fireplace insert seal we purchased.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pleasant Hearth Edinburgh Glass Firescreen Gunmetal - Small; Brand: Pleasant Hearth; Review: We had an old, leaky brass firescreen that did not match our decor, nor did it keep smoke out of the room! We decided on this as we had polished nickel handles on doors and cabinets as well as black furniture and a black metal and slate table. This firescreen was a perfect complement to those, as well as echoing the squares and rectangles on our media cabinet doors. My husband (a handy engineer) had no trouble with the installation and I would suspect that anyone with some mechanical aptitude could do the same. Using some extra fireplace insert seal, he completely sealed and insulated the firescreen and we have had no problem with smoke leaking from it, even though our fireplace is rough brick.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wooden Mallet 12-Inch 2-Peg Coat Rack, Light Oak; Brand: Wooden Mallet; Review: I wanted a coat rack for the wall in our front hallway that would not only accommodate the jackets and scarves and debris we used each day, but that was attractive enough to match the furniture in the area. This fit the bill.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 100% Egyptian Cotton Sateen Pillow Protectors, Hidden zipper to Keep Pillow Clean & Dust Free, Pillow Protector (White/Queen (20x30)); Brand: Lacozee by DownTown Company; Review: A good pillow protector is vital if you have expensive (or favorite) pillows. These definitely fit the bill and are well-worth the money.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GelPro Ostrich Comfort Floor Mat, 20-Inch by 36-Inch, Black; Brand: GelPro; Review: This fit our kitchen perfectly! I needed a longer mat that we could place in front of our stove and the countertops on either side. It fit perfectly and provides much needed comfort when working at the stove. It may be pricey.... but it is worth it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EverRouge Memory Foam 20-Inch by 32-Inch Bath Rug, Burgundy; Brand: EverRouge; Review: This is not cotton. If you don't mind artificial fibers, this would be fine, but I was specifically looking for a bath mat with cotton.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Silicone Basting Brush and Pastry Brush for Kitchen, BBQ, Grill, Baking and Cooking; Brand: Kitchen Joy; Review: Fun, funky color and works great. Bonus is that it cleans up much more easily than bristle brushes!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Golden Hands 54-Inch Standard Ironing Board Cover; Brand: Golden Hands; Review: Best ironing board cover I've found. It's heavy fabric and will stand up to daily use.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Hallowed Murder (Jane Lawless); Author: Visit Amazon's Ellen Hart Page; Review: I don't know who I liked more, the lesbian sleuth Jane Lawless or her slightly overweight (yeah!) buddy Cordelia! More than just a "whodunnit," this book is part character study, part Minnesota travelogue, and very much a good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One for the Money (Stephanie Plum, No. 1) (Stephanie Plum Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Janet Evanovich Page; Review: I loved this one so much I went right out and bought the next in the series. The lead character -- bounty hunter Stephanie Plum -- is one of the most original and fascinating protagonists I've read so far. She's funny and tough at the same time, and Lori Petty "plays" her to perfection. I can't imagine a better reader for this book. I just wish it had been unabridged!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant; Author: Visit Amazon's Anne Tyler Page; Review: I guess I'm in the minority around here, but I found this book tedious and joyless. I didn't grow to like ANY of the characters or care about what happened to them. I have very much enjoyed Anne Tylers' other books and recognize that she is a major talent. Her observations are keen and her prose is flawless, but not even she could bring this family of bickering, simpering and aimless people to life for me. I will confess that I didn't make it to the end -- I listened to the audio version and made it to the 6th tape before realizing that life is too short to waste on books you don't like.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cuba; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Coonts Page; Review: This review refers to the unabridged audio version, read by Michael Prichard. I thought this was going to be a political/spy thriller but it turned out to be more of a war novel, with far too much description of Tomahawk missles, F15 fighter planes and warheads (for my taste at least). In addition, it was extemely slow going for the first 4-5 tapes. I almost gave up on it. It did get a little better in the second half, but I don't think Coontz has an ear for dialog, especially then he's using it to have a character expound on political themes (no one *really* talks like that!). This is apparently one of a series of "Jake Grafton" novels but I've never read any of the others (have you noticed that heros in these books always have names like Jake and Buck ... aren't there any heroic Leonards or Marvins in the world?) One great line I will always remember is: "Either he was telling the truth or a liar of Clintonian proportions." The reader was very good, but I did have one complaint. The chapters are apparently broken up into sections, which shift from one subplot to another. The reader never even paused between them, so it took a few sentences to realize it switched "story." Yet, between chapters, he paused so long I thought the tape had come to the end. But that's a relatively minor flaw. All in all, this book was good enough to keep me listening to the end, but wouldn't cause me to run out and buy any other Coonts novels.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: July's People; Author: Visit Amazon's Nadine Gordimer Page; Review: I really had to make an effort to figure out her sentence syntax and structure. It's unconventional to say the least (and sometimes just plain ungrammatical). But the story itself is fascinating and kept me riveted. I kept thinking what it would be like to be plucked from my comfortable, secure middle class life and dropped into the African bush. In that way, the success of the book for me, particularly in light of its unsatisfactory ending, had more to do with getting me to think about the situation rather than the book itself. I'm not sure if that makes sense to you, but it's the only way I can describe it. Bottom line is that I kept reading (if it had been really bad, I would have discarded it on page 5) and the impressions it made will stay with me a long time. And I may even give Gortimer's other books a try. But I still couldn't give it an unqualified recommendation.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Rosenfeld's Guide to Alternative Medicine: What Works, What Doesn't--and What's Right for You; Author: Isadore Rosenfeld M.D.; Review: I cannot comment on most of this book, but I have first hand experience and knowledge of chiropractic and acupuncture, and have found NUMEROUS errors and misinformation about both fields in this book. This destroys any credibility this book might have had. While he pretends to review and even recommend some alternative approaches to health, Rosenfeld merely repeats (ad nauseum) the medical party line that drugs and surgery are best. His statements about the possible side effects of chiropractic, for instance, are ludicrous. Every medical and scientific study done has shown chiropractic to be far safer than medical treatment, which kills more than 100,000 people each year. If you want to learn about alternative care, read a book by an alternative care provider -- not a mouthpiece for the medical and pharmaceutical industries.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Unleash the Warrior Within: Develop the Focus, Discipline, Confidence, and Courage You Need to Achieve Unlimited Goals; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Mack Machowicz Page; Review: I'm a middle aged woman whose biggest battle in life has been with my weight. I don't care for the testosterone-laden metaphors for business and life, and have little interest in martial arts. Yet this has to be one of the most powerful and helpful books I've read in a long time. MACHOwicz (can you believe that name!!!) fills the book with very practical steps on how to identify the "targets" in your business and life, and how to approach them with the mindset of a Navy Seal. I did that and have accomplished more in the past two months than I have in the last couple of years put together. The only weakness in the book is that some of the analogies to military action are difficult to apply to non-military "targets" and I wish he had given a few more examples, particularly of the CARVER procedure. Still, that's such a minor complaint that I couldn't bring myself to lower the rating by even one point. By the way, if you like this kind of book, check out Michael Janke's "Take Control" and "Power Living." Janke is also an ex-Navy Seal and his books are written in the same vein.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Take Control: Master the Art of Self-Discipline and Change Your Life Forever; Author: Michael Janke; Review: We know what we have to do to have a better life, but too often we don't know how to get it. We're distracted by the "follow your bliss" mind-set and forget that if something is worth having, it's worth working for. I used to think I had no self-discipline, but this book helped me realize that we all have it; it is a skill that can be honed. Being the cheapskate I am, I borrowed the book from the library. After I checked it out for the 4th time, I realized it was worth purchasing. I re-read sections now and then for re-enforcement. Janke isn't the most eloquent writer, but that's a plus in this book. You're not getting a bunch of pretty words -- you're getting hard hitting and practical advice on how to take control of your life. While some of it may be fairly commonplace, the way he presents it -- relating it to his experiences as a Navy Seal -- makes is very powerful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shinju; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Joh Rowland Page; Review: This was my introduction to Sano Ichiro (and Rowland's books) and I was fascinated with the descriptions of 17th century Japan. I've done a bit of historical reading into that era (early Shin Buddhism) and found this book was accurate and richly descriptive. As for the character of Sano, I understand some of the other comments that he wasn't "heroic" enough for a Samurai. But that was one of the things that made him interesting to me. He is a quite "average" man who gets caught up in a system that can easily swallow him whole. The book, although it had a few minor flaws, was intriquing enough for me to read several more of the series and it's interesting to see the way Sano's character develops. I just finished the fourth book in the series (The Concubine's Tattoo) and look forward to all the others.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Concubine's Tattoo; Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Joh Rowland Page; Review: I started with Shinju and I'm working my way through the whole series. I very much enjoy them, although I think this is the weakest so far -- which doesn't mean it isn't good! Although I'm glad that a female character (Sano's wife) has been added, I hope it doesn't turn into a "Nancy Drew" type thing. I'm sure there were exceptions to the rule, but the women of the era (as Rowland herself points out time and again)didn't have the freedom to roam around investigating murders. (I'm a big fan of women detective fiction, so it's not that I am against a female character!) Also, like many other readers here, I found this book's sex scenes a bit too graphic and unnecessary (not to mention out of character for Hirata). Finally, I hope Rowland eases up on the Chamberlain Yanagisawa character. The problem with a powerful nemesis is that either he IS powerful, and can destroy his adversary -- or he's NOT powerful and therefore not a threat. You can't have it both ways. But enough of the carping and complaining over minor points. The book, like her previous ones, is a fascinating one that didn't deter me from continuing the series.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Smoke: A Novel About the Next Papal Conclave; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew M. Greeley Page; Review: It may be unfair of me to rate and review this book, since I didn't finish it. But the fact that I couldn't get past page 50 or so tells it all. I've liked some of Greeley's books in the past, but this one was so dull and preachy that I didn't know -- or care -- who was who or what was happening. The characters were pure stereotypes and the dialogue was as unbelievable as I've ever read. Who talks like that!!! Life's too short to waste on books you don't really like, so my advice is to pass this one by.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Resting in the Bosom of the Lamb; Author: Augusta Trobaugh; Review: Have you ever read a book filled with so many interesting people, and such a fascinating environment, that you didn't want it to end? That's how I felt about this title, which was my introduction to the work of Augusta Trobaugh. Her descriptive passages are detailed and keenly observant -- you can close your eyes and "see" the entire scene. It's filled with heart, soul -- and humor (the passages with Miss Cora and Maggie are hilarious and poignant at the same time -- a rare accomplishment). I've always had a weakness for Southern writers, and Trobaugh is a worthy successor to Eurdora Welty. I can't wait to read all of her novels!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring; Author: Tracy Chevlier; Review: Taken one element at a time, this book has little to recommend it. The plot is very thin. The characters are for the most part either uninteresting or unpleasant. There is no action and little dialog. Yet, somehow these elements combine to make a surprisingly good -- even great -- book. Part of the credit goes to the writing and part to the innovative and imaginative concept. I can just picture the author looking at Vermeer's painting and wondering, who was she? We've all done that. Yet, Tracy Chevalier went a step further and created a possible reality that rings true while never pretending to be anything but imaginings. An incredible accomplishment. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at a Vermeer painting without thinking of this book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cloud of Sparrows: A Novel (Samurai Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Takashi Matsuoka Page; Review: I am a great fan of historical fiction set in Japan and China, and have read many excellent books of that type. This one is a disappointment. It is one violent scene after another, with a body count that must be measured in the thousands. The "heroes" -- to use the term loosely -- are all coldhearted murderers. One's culture doesn't change that fact. Are we to admire them? Like them? Understand them? I could not, and therefore was left with reading about people who merely went from one bloody scene to another. The book is sadly lacking in real insights into the Japanese culture of that age -- there is far more depth to it than mere barbaric Samurai blood thirst. If the author's intention was to show us how horrid Japan was at that time, he succeeded. But if the book had been written by a Westerner, the author would have been called a racist for such a one-sided depiction of Japanese culture and life. All in all, not a book I can recommend.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Women of the Silk; Author: Visit Amazon's Gail Tsukiyama Page; Review: Like so many other reviewers here, I have read many stories set in pre- to post-revolution China. There was a fascinating twist in this book, namely the class of women working in the silk factories. These unmarried women broke many taboos and lived unusual lives. Unfortunately, the writer never brings the women or their times to life. She narrates the story in a dry, cliche-ridden manner, with stilted, unnatural dialog. Even the "dramatic" climax comes and goes without much drama. It's like a show-and-tell with no "show" ... I sincerely hope her subsequent books delve into equally interesting topics, but that her writing skills develop to a level that can do them justice. In the meantime, I would recommend "Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China" by Jung Chang, "Bittersweet" by Leslie Li , or anything by Amy Tan. Barbara; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beneath the Ashes:: An Alaska Mystery; Author: Visit Amazon's Sue Henry Page; Review: I've read many of Sue Henry's books and enjoyed most of them (they've also have turned me into an Iditarod and Yukon Quest fan). But this one is not up to her usual standards. Not only don't you care for any of the characters, but the denouement is so convoluted and implausible that I was left thinking "HUH????" I feel rather disloyal saying all this, since she's one of my favorite authors, but I wouldn't want anyone reading this and judging her series by this one volume. Try "Murder on the Iditarod Trail," "Murder on the Yukon Quest," or "Termination Dust" (one of my favorites) before giving up on her.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress; Author: Dai Sijie; Review: This is a gentle, delicate book that is written in a seemingly simple style but has unexpected depth to it. I was enchanted by the stories and characters Sijie presents -- the images of the two protagonists watching a film in order to retell the story to their villagers; of making their way down a trecherous path to share a book with the little seamstress; the old man sucking his "jade oysters"; and the headman announcing the time on the new watch. Each episode is a gem!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Persian Pickle Club; Author: Visit Amazon's Sandra Dallas Page; Review: There are really two books here. First, there's the warm, funny and at times poignant story of people living through the despression in drought-striken Kansas. This is the good book, filled with wonderful observations of life and friendship. Then there's the "murder mystery" which is far fetched and totally unnecessary. Frankly, I couldn't have cared less "who done it" and would have been much happier having the entire book devoted to the everyday life of these intriquing characters. It didn't need a mystery to "liven" things up. The mystery doesn't totally ruin the book, but it does weaken what would have been an insightful character study.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Foyle's War (4 DVD Set); Author: Anthony Horowitz; Review: This is a near-perfect television mystery series. Every element is outstanding: the ensemble acting, the plot and character development, the dialog, the set design -- EVERYTHING. How often do you watch a tv show, a mystery at that, and shed tears over the death of a character, or at the sheer poignancy of a situation? Each episode contains a mystery that is solved by the end, but I cared less about the "who dunnit" aspect that by the entire story surrounding the mystery. We see what it was like to live in Britain at the start of the war; what it was like to sail off to Dunkirk to help bring the boys back; what people went through to buy food and petrol. It's a history lesson that deals with topics far more fascinating (...). It's the story of people trying to live their lives and do their jobs despite the most horrendous events. Best of all, the show has people you grow to really like and respect: Foyle, Sam and Milner. I can't wait for Series 3 to be aired (...).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City of Dreams: A Novel of Nieuw Amsterdam and Early Manhattan; Author: Visit Amazon's Beverly Swerling Page; Review: The first section of this book starts out interestingly enough, but just as you begin to know and care (albeit slightly) about the two main protagonists, you warp into another time zone a two generations in the future. The next batch of characters comes to the fore, only to be replaced in short order by others. The cycle continues, without ever really developing anyone's character. Even when you do learn more about them, you don't CARE about them or their problems. They are all either thoroughly unpleasant ... or they are victims. The fact is, according to this book, just about everyone in New York at that period was greedy, selfish, corrupt or perverse. Wives killed their husbands, husbands beat their wives. White, black and red savages. Stupid and heartless medical doctors (okay, that one I can believe). Rape. Murder. Torture. And the author seemed to relish serving up as much graphic sex and violence as she could. If the story had been set in contemporary times, the book would have been considered a big trashy "Peyton Place" wannabe. But because the author threw in just about everything she ever read or heard about early New York (far TOO much!), it's acclaimed as a great historical novel. But to me, a novel's greatness isn't measured by how many historical facts and anecdotes you can jam into 600 pages. It's measured by the empathy you have for the main characters, and the insights it offers into human nature and the human condition. By those criteria, the book fails miserably.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ahab's Wife: Or, The Star-gazer: A Novel (P.S.); Author: Visit Amazon's Sena Jeter Naslund Page; Review: I have read several of the other reviews here and noted that, for many, the book was over long and could have benefited from some more severe editing. Perhaps, then, for once an abridged version is an improvement. I did not read the unabridged text, but made an exception to my usual rule and listened to the abridgement (approx. 6 hours running time). I found it fascinating and beautifully written. The characters were finely drawn, despite the shortening of the content, and the book felt complete, not chopped up or episodic, as happens so often with abridged versions. The reader, Maryanne Plunkett, was excellent, making it sound as though the protagonist was actually telling the tale. I particularly enjoyed some of the "sideline" elements of the book, such as the references to Unitarianism and Universalism (I am a UUer) and to Maria Mitchell, one of my historical heroes. All in all, I enjoyed the book and think it might be just the ticket for those wanting to taste the flavor of the original without wading through all seven courses.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Templar (Knights Templar series); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Jecks Page; Review: I have mixed feelings about this book. It has tremendous promise, with two interesting (though not yet fully developed) characters and the relationship between them to form the core of the stories. But the book read like a first draft. It needed editing, polishing and paring down to bring the story to life. For instance, as many others have mentioned, Jecks tends to use the same phrases, words and sentence constructs repeatedly. The most noticeable (and annoying) of these was his constant use of the phrase "as if"(as in: "...it seemed as if the whole city was there..." or "it seemed as if the people of Paris know ..." I'll wager he's used that term a thousand times through the book. This is no exaggeration - he used it 11 times in the first two pages! Sometimes, he uses it twice in a single sentence. Jecks also doesn't seem to understand the need to establish a consistent point of view. Although he normally uses the third person point of view (Simon), he lapses occasionally into the omniscient POV, letting us in on the thoughts of various characters. This would be fine, but you can't be selective in that point of view - if we are to be privy to a character's thoughts at all, we should have access to them always. You can't, on one page, tell the reader what a certain character is thinking, then hide that characters' thoughts from the readers at a more critical point of the story. The book also suffers from the common "sit down and I'll tell you the whole thing" ending, where all the motivation, etc., is summarized in a long (VERY long) explanation at the end. Then, there is the problem of typos in the text (like "trail" for "trial.") Not a major flaw (I'd hate to be judged on MY typos!) but another indication that the book was not thoroughly edited. Finally (and the following may be considered a SPOILER, so be careful), I am not sure I can consider one of the main characters a "hero" after reading the ending and knowing what he did. I don't care about the motives. Knowing this person was so cold blooded as to kill the way he did will make it difficult for me to accept him as one of the main protagonists in future novels. I already have two more in the series in my library and I may very well read them someday. But unlike many of the other historical mysteries in my collection, I doubt if I'll be in a big rush to get to them. By the way, if you like historical mysteries in the Cadfael mold, give the books by Kate Sedley a try. They're a bit hard to come by, but they are excellent and have one of the most likeable protagonists I've come across yet. They are among my favorite books in the genre.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mini Motherpeace Round Tarot Deck & Book Set; Author: Karen Vogel; Review: I love the Motherpeace deck and I used it for many years. I recently bought this set from Amazon, hoping to replace my old deck. I was surprised to find that it is NOT a full sized deck -- it is a "mini-deck." This is not mentioned in the description of the product. I had to remove the shrink wrap to find this out, and then Amazon hit me with a $15 charge when I sent them back for a refund. OUCH ..... UPDATE: Amazon did eventually refund my money, since their description was not complete.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: River God; Author: Wilbur A. Smith; Review: Okay, so the narrator -- Taita -- is a bit too good to be true, but since he was supposedly telling the story, wouldn't it be expected that he would make himself a bit larger than life? That's part of the enjoyment of this book, which never takes itself too seriously but still packs a wallop. All the characters, in fact, are idealized as they would be through the eyes of someone like Taita. But I came to care about them and grieved over them when they died. There is a great deal of humor in the book as well, which is needed to balance out the epic drama and violence. Smith did a masterful job of story telling. I don't know enough of Egyptian history to know if the story is "accurate" (although who really can tell?. If you're looking for history, try the non-fiction section. But if you're looking for a "good read" with the feel of historic authenticity, then give this a try.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: River God, a Novel Of Ancient Egypt; Author: Visit Amazon's Wilbur Smith Page; Review: Okay, so the narrator -- Taita -- is a bit too good to be true, but since he was supposedly telling the story, wouldn't it be expected that he would make himself a bit larger than life? That's part of the enjoyment of this book, which never takes itself too seriously but still packs a wallop. All the characters, in fact, are idealized as they would be through the eyes of someone like Taita. But I came to care about them and grieved over them when they died. There is a great deal of humor in the book as well, which is needed to balance out the epic drama and violence. Smith did a masterful job of story telling. I don't know enough of Egyptian history to know if the story is "accurate" (although who really can tell?. If you're looking for history, try the non-fiction section. But if you're looking for a "good read" with the feel of historic authenticity, then give this a try.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Time Traveler's Wife; Author: Visit Amazon's Audrey Niffenegger Page; Review: NOTE: This review refers to the abridged audio version. I do not care for time travel books and I do not care for "romance" novels. Yet somehow this book, which contains a time traveling man and is most assuredly a story of romance and love, was intriquing enough to keep me riveted until the very end. The characters are nicely developed and thoroughly likeable, with minor players perfectly filling in the spaces. Niffenegger's prose is poetic without being inaccessible or stilted -- it flows with a naturalness that was enhanced by the dual narrators. It was interspersed with humor that kept it from becoming maudlin. Somehow, Niffenegger even made the time traveling believable! While abridged versions are usually worthless (would you read the 'Reader's Digest' condensed version of a print book?), this book might actually have benefited from being shortened. Had it been much more than 12 hours, it might have dragged and started getting repetitive. If you choose to read or listen to it, be patient and persevere. It took me a while to "get into it," and figure it out, but once I did it was worth the effort. Be aware that there are graphic sex scenes, so if that's something you try to avoid, you might want to pass on this. But they're done tastefully for the most part. All in all, an enjoyable, better than average book that will appeal more to romantic women than to sci-fi reading men.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One-Minute Wellness: The Natural Health And Happiness System That Never Fails (BODY BY GOD); Author: Visit Amazon's Ben Lerner Page; Review: In the past, I've found myself following health book advice for a day or two (a week at the most), then giving up. But this book gives practical information you can REALLY put into effect in your daily life. Even I can manage a minute a day. I also like the way the book is written ... half of it is an interesting fictionalized story; the other half is the "advice" book. The two halves mesh together perfectly so we can see an example of how the tips work in real life. I think the author is absolutely right that we need to take responsibility for our own health, and that our dependence on the medical industry is part of the global health problem we're facing. If we can find a way to get healthier without drugs and surgery, we'll be much better off. The advice in this book can help us to just that. Bravo to Drs. Lerner and Loman for this excellent book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Peace at Heart: An Oregon Country Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Barbara Drake Page; Review: I usually read books like this once, then trade them in. But this is a "keeper" to be read again and again. It works on many levels and for many people. First, if you've ever thought about moving to the country, it is full of solid information on everything from wells to livestock. But it's also so full of humor and sensitivity, a true love of nature and an adventurous spirit that it makes great reading even if you're a metropolitan-ite. The book had particular appeal to me since the author lives, and wrote about, an area not far from my home; one of my favorite places (Yamhill county, Oregon). If only she'd sell her farm to me!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hard Currency; Author: Visit Amazon's Stuart M. Kaminsky Page; Review: Personally, I think Kaminsky is one of the finest mystery writers to ever set pen to paper, and his Porfiry Rostnikov series is top notch. This one is no different, although a bit more grusome than most. The biggest problem I had with this book was not the writing, but the narration by Blackstone Audio's Barrett Whitener, who manages to make just about every character sound like a cartoon character. Gone is the world-weary voice I always associated with Rostinikov, as read by Mark Hammer, who does the series for Recorded Books, Inc. Each character -- even the stern "Vampire" Karpo (one of the greatest characters in mystery series!) -- has a lilting, high pitched voice that fails to convey his stern, disciplined manner. And what was the narrator thinking when he did the voice for the pathologist! Just awful. In addition, when the Cuban characters speak Spanish, it's a total disaster because Whitener obviously can't say "adios" convincingly. I realize it's always difficult to change readers mid-stream once we've become used to one person. But the transition can be make if the second reader is talented and tries to maintain the same general characterization as the preceding books. But, unfortunately, Witener does not appear up to the task or was completely unfamiliar with the characters in the series. Part of the blame, of course, has to go to Blackstone audio (which normally produces excellent audio versions) and the director. But whoever's fault it is, it made the book nearly intolerable to me. To really enjoy this book -- or any of Kaminsky's Rostnikov books -- be sure to get the Recorded Books, Inc version of this book, with Hammer's narration.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Prodigal Son (Roger the Chapman Mysteries); Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Sedley Page; Review: I'm a huge fan of the Chapman mystery series -- I think they're the best historical mysteries written, with the possible exception of the Cadfael stories. This may not be the absolutely best of the series (I rather liked Roger when he was a callow youth) but it still is far better than most in the genre. It has a real flavor for the times, and the main character is as charming as ever. He's grown through the books but never has lost his basic goodness. The story is complex without being overly complicated and the dialog and descriptions are carefully rendered. The ending was a bit of a surprise, which is a good thing. All in all, I don't think any fan of historic mysteries will be disappointed in this series. If possible, start at the beginning and follow through in order since you get to see Roger's character develop.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dork of Cork; Author: Visit Amazon's Chet Raymo Page; Review: I don't know what I enjoyed more, the actual story of these fascinating characters, or the sheer beauty of the language. I quickly came to know and care about all the people here: Frank, whose dwarfism makes him ugly in his own and others' eyes; Bernadette, his mother; and all the others who revolve around them like planets around the stars. Perhaps it does getsa bit too philosophical at times, and probably should have been about 50-100 pages shorter to avoid the continued reiteration of the theme, but when the writing is so alluring, how can I carp about length?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Smithsonian Collection of Old Time Radio Mysteries; Author: Lawrence Nepodahl; Review: From spooky to absolutely hokey, this collection of radio mysteries from the 1940s is a wonderful glimpse into entertainment before the advent of the tube. Almost as interesting as the mysteries themselves are the commercials and public service announcements (such as the one for War Bonds by Orson Welles). An excellent collection, with performances by Richard Widmark, Orson Welles, Edmond O'Brien, Dinah Shore, Basil Rathbrone and Jack Webb.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Angela Lansbury's Positive Moves: My Personal Plan for Fitness and Well-Being; Author: Visit Amazon's Angela Lansbury Page; Review: There are many great tips in this book, but the best part (for me) was the series of morning stretching exercises that take only a few minutes and really get the kinks out. Lansbury includes info on exercise, diet, mental and emotional health, and general wellness.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catilina's Riddle; Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Saylor Page; Review: This was my introduction to this series and it was good enough to make me want to read others, but I hope they aren't quite so heavy on the history lessons. Huge sections of the book slow to a crawl while the author innundates us with minutae of Roman politics and history. If I *were* interested in those topics, I'd read a non-fiction book! When the book focuses on the the main characters, it proves to be extremely interesting. I liked Gordianus the "Finder" and his family and think Saylor is a particularly fine wordsmith. I am encouraged by several of the reviews to hope that other entries in the series deal more with everyday life in Rome than with the political intriques of the day. As a fan of historical fiction, this ranks higher than most (although for ancient Rome, I prefer the Marcus Didius Falco Mystery series by Lindsey Davis, and Kate Sedley's "Chapman" series retains its status as favorite among all historical fiction).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Letters of a Woman Homesteader; Author: Visit Amazon's Elinore Pruitt Stewart Page; Review: I listened to the audio version of this book and after the first part, I went online to check to see if this was actually taken from real letters or just a modern novel. It was so interesting and so well-written that I couldn't believe it wasn't the creation of a novelist. But no, they are the authentic letters of an incredible woman. Ironically, she apologizes in her letters, for writing too much. If only she could have known that a century later, people around the world would be wishing she wrote even more. If you choose the audio book, try to get the Sound Room Publishers version, narracted by Kate Fleming. It is far superior than Blackstone Audio's version read by Rebecca Burns (who does a good job, but whose voice is too much like a young girl's to express the wisdom and experience that Fleming projects).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Boy-Bishop's Glovemaker (Knights Templar); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Jecks Page; Review: I've read each of the Jecks "Templar" books in order, so this is my 10th one and the weakest so far. It is so convoluted, with so many characters milling about, that it's hard to keep track of the multiple plot lines. Jecks also appears to have tried to fit in every detail he'd learned about Cathedral life -- much of it irrelevant to the story. Of course, it's important for writers to research their subject, but they need to know which material to discard as well as which to include. Jecks piles up minutae until it overwhelms the characterization and plot. There is a repetitiveness about the book, too, with the main characters going over (and over and over) the same information and questions. He probably could have told the same story in half the length. I've also noticed that, in the last few books, the focus is placed less and less on the main series characters -- Baldwin and Simon, and their respective families. Having invested so much time in getting to know these protagonists, it's annoying to have them play background roles. Yes, I'll go on and read number 11, but I'm not sure how many more volumes I'll wade through if things don't improve.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Year 1000: What Life Was Like at the Turn of the First Millennium, An Englishman's World; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Lacey Page; Review: This is one of the most "readable" history books I've come across. To say that it is entertaining is NOT a criticism, but a compliment. Why does history have to be dry and pedantic in order to have value? I learned more about life at the turn of the 1st millennium than I have in reading a dozen other more scholarly tomes. This is the way history SHOULD be written. Naturally, it is not absolutely complete and all-encompassing (though, given the dearth of contemporary material, most writings are merely speculation anyway). But it is an excellent starting point. If you are intriqued, the books 7-page bibliography should suffice for additional reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pictures from an Expedition; Author: Visit Amazon's Diane Smith Page; Review: This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, which incorporated fascinating facts about history and geography with some of the most memorable characters to come along in modern literature. I cared about these people and came to know them and want to know more about them. As one other reviewer commented, the book ended all too soon! Smith not only creates a credible world, but tells the tale within an imaginative framework. I'm off to find other books by this wonderful author!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Canterbury Tales; Author: Geoffrey; Coghill, Nevill (translator) Chaucer; Review: I've long wanted to read The Canterbury Tales but it's a daunting task to get through the print version. Listening to a narration makes it far more accessible. I tried a different audio version and gave up part way through the first tape -- the reader was awful! It took a while to track down this version, which is far far superior. The narrators are among the best in the business (any regular audio book listener will recognize the names of the readers, George Guidall, Davina Porter, Barbara Rosenblat, et al). The enliven the book and make it quite easy to understand (well, relatively so!) Best of all, each tale is preceded by an explanatory introduction that helps to explain the story to come, and adds a few interesting bits of background that enhance the experience. If you are ever tempted to read this famed work, this is the way to go!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Canterbury Tales With Portraits-In-Miniature By Arthur Szyk; Author: Geoffrey; Hill, Frank Ernest Chaucer; Review: I've long wanted to read The Canterbury Tales but it's a daunting task to get through the print version. Listening to a narration makes it far more accessible. I tried a different audio version and gave up part way through the first tape -- the reader was awful! It took a while to track down this version, which is far far superior. The narrators are among the best in the business (any regular audio book listener will recognize the names of the readers, George Guidall, Davina Porter, Barbara Rosenblat, et al). The enliven the book and make it quite easy to understand (well, relatively so!) Best of all, each tale is preceded by an explanatory introduction that helps to explain the story to come, and adds a few interesting bits of background that enhance the experience. If you are ever tempted to read this famed work, this is the way to go!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Over the Gate (The Fairacre Series #5); Author: Visit Amazon's Miss Read Page; Review: It's hard for me to be completely objective about this book since I am a tremendous fan of Miss Read's books and enjoy every "trip" I make to Fair Acre and environs! This one is actually a series of stories concerning disparate characters from the past and present who live in the Fair Acre area. Each is woven beautifully into the narrative with rare skill and charm. You'll meet some memorable people and go from laughter to tears ....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Prophetess: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Barbara Wood Page; Review: This review refers to the abridged audio version. This abridgement is a prime example why I normally do NOT read abridged versions! The story is so chopped up that it sounds more like a summary. In one scene, for instance, the heroine has escaped and is in another country - without any info on how she got there. Even putting aside the problems inherent with abridgements, though, the plot of this book was so full of clichs and preaching that it was almost unbearable at times. How many books (and movies) are we going to have with a beautiful, young, single historian/archeologist (who, of course, all by herself makes an important find that will turn all religion upside down) then hooks up with a handsome, young, single male (who may be a friend or a foe) to save the find from the evil government/church hierarchy. And, naturally, the two fall in love, sleep together, and solve all the puzzles at the end. Zzzzzzzzzz........ I happen to be a feminist who applauds attempts to balance the gender scales in religion, but books like this are just laughable. Another pet peeve is that the author's references to the internet were, in turn, completely outdated and absolutely absurd. POSSIBLE SPOILER: For instance, with one keystroke, she's supposedly able to transmit a file to "every one of the millions of computers linked to the internet." Why not just have her capable of flying? If an author is going to include science and technology, make it real. All in all, a big thumbs down, especially for the abridged audio version.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: My Sister's Keeper; Author: Visit Amazon's Jodi Picoult Page; Review: There are many things that are excellent about this book, including an eloquent writing style that manages to shift points of view with skill and ease. All of the characters are fairly well rounded, even though there are quite a few of them. And, of course, there is the extremely thought-provoking plot line. However, I felt the book suffered from two weaknesses. One, the book was far too long and ended up going over the same ground too often. At some point, I wanted to start skimming, shouting "Okay, we get it!" I think it could have been cut by at least a quarter without sacrificing anything. Two, the ending seemed completely 'tacked on.' As many others have pointed out, the ending is the most serious flaw in the book. POSSIBLE SPOILER: By choosing this out-of-the-blue plot twist, the author has taken the easy way out. No one has to make the big decision -- it's made for them. The whole point of the book was to show how this type of decision is so incredibly hard but has to be made. But when the moment of truth comes, Picoult can't make the decision as more than the characters in her book. She has to come up with an implausible "deus ex machina" type plot device that spoiled the entire impact of the book for me. That's not to say the book isn't worth reading -- it IS! But I think I'll always remember it as "that great book with the lousy ending", rather than "that great book."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Sister's Keeper; Author: Visit Amazon's Jodi Picoult Page; Review: There are many things that are excellent about this book, including an eloquent writing style that manages to shift points of view with skill and ease. All of the characters are fairly well rounded, even though there are quite a few of them. And, of course, there is the extremely thought-provoking plot line. However, I felt the book suffered from two weaknesses. One, the book was far too long and ended up going over the same ground too often. At some point, I wanted to start skimming, shouting "Okay, we get it!" I think it could have been cut by at least a quarter without sacrificing anything. Two, the ending seemed completely 'tacked on.' As many others have pointed out, the ending is the most serious flaw in the book. POSSIBLE SPOILER: By choosing this out-of-the-blue plot twist, the author has taken the easy way out. No one has to make the big decision -- it's made for them. The whole point of the book was to show how this type of decision is so incredibly hard but has to be made. But when the moment of truth comes, Picoult can't make the decision as more than the characters in her book. She has to come up with an implausible "deus ex machina" type plot device that spoiled the entire impact of the book for me. That's not to say the book isn't worth reading -- it IS! But I think I'll always remember it as "that great book with the lousy ending", rather than "that great book."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barnaby Rudge (Vintage Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Dickens Page; Review: This is a review of the BBC Radio dramatization version of this book. The story is a good one, filled with politics of religion, sympathetic characters and Dicken's inimitable prose. However, this audio version is WAY over produced, with blaring, overly-dramatic music that seemed reminiscent of the worst grade B silent films. The actors screamed, ranted, raved and wept hysterically more than they spoke. Unless someone already knows the basic plot and characters, they may have difficulty following the action (particularly, as a previous reviewer pointed out, the thick accents will be hard for Americans to decipher.). The entire production needed to be toned down quite a bit for Dicken's voice to be heard above the clamor. It might be better to read the book in this case.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Tournament of Blood (Knights Templar); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Jecks Page; Review: At one point in this book, toward the end, protagonist Sir Baldwin exclaims "Good God, not another death! Will there never be an end to this." I know just how he felt. One death is heaped upon another in this overly complicated tale and the resolution to them all, while no doubt in keeping with historical reality, was unsatisfactory to me. I have read all of Jecks' prior books in the series, and own all the rest, to be read in turn. Yet, while I finish all of them (an indication of their merit, considering I don't waste time on books I consider poorly written or plotted) I never am completely happy with them. As I've mentioned in my review of another Jecks book, one problem to me is that he needs a far better editor and proofreader. Misspellings and inconsistent spellings abound. One glaring example: in his Author's Note, he explains why he chooses to use the old spelling for the town of Okehampton (rather than the new version, Oakhampton). Yet, throughout the book, the new spelling is used! A small but niggling detail. In addition, there are times when I feel Jecks goes overboard to parade all the research and facts he's learned, including all the terminology he can cram into the book. Yet, he uses other words and phrases which, while possibly having their roots in medieval Europe, sound false and anachronistic. SPOILER AHEAD ... My biggest complaint about this book is that Jecks fails to provide key information that allows us to play detective and solve the mystery. The killer is "Mr. X" but "Mr. X" is in actuality "Mr. Z" Yet, throughout the book, he switches perspective to both characters and there is never any thought or action to betray the latter. I'm probably not making too much sense, but if you read the book, you'll understand. I don't want to give away the whole thing. Suffice it to say, I felt the ending was a bit of a cheat. Yet, despite my complaints, I finished the book in just a few evenings and will go on to read more of Jecks. They're not perfect. In fact, they're not among the best historical mysteries I've read, but they have decent, evolving characters that make for an enjoyable read. If you like this type of book, try the Chapman mysteries by Kate Sedley. Not as hard edged as Jecks' but engaging and historically accurate.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Larissa's Breadbook: Ten Incredible Southern Women and Their Stories of Courage, Adventure, and Discovery; Author: Visit Amazon's Lorraine Johnson-Coleman Page; Review: When I first started reading this book, I couldn't help thinking that the stories being told -- purportedly by ten Southern women -- didn't sound "real." They sounded false to me, a collection of stereotypes and cliches that didn't ring true. Half way through, I did a little checking and found out that they WERE false. That is, the book is a collection of fictionalized stories. Even the supposed narrator, a 13-year old girl Larissa, was a fictional creation. That would have been okay with me (especially once I realized it) but unfortunately they all SOUND fictional! But even given that major flaw, I really liked the book for the recipes and the artwork. Where else would you find a recipe for Cherokee Corn Pones, Sally Lunn bread, Challah, and Banana Tea Loaf all in one place!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Baudolino; Author: Visit Amazon's Umberto Eco Page; Review: NOTE: This review is for the unabridged audio version. I hesitated to tackle this book since I've found some of Eco's previous books to be a bit difficult to understand (I'm not the most intellectually gifted reader!) But this one was extremely entertaining (except for a short period in which he gets into heavy theological discussion which verges on sermonizing). Most of the book is the interesting and often hilarious telling of the adventures of a young man named "Baudolino" who goes on a quest for the Holy Grail. Having the book read by the talented George Guidall (one of the best narrators in the business) was a big help and the entire book, although long (19 hrs!) went quickly. In some ways, I didn't want the adventures to end. I'm sure literary critics will discover and discuss all sorts of hidden meanings and symbolism that I missed. Who cares? I had fun reading it and consider it 19 hours very well spent!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Vile Justice (Mystery of Ancient Egypt); Author: Visit Amazon's Lauren Haney Page; Review: I'm a fan of this series and enjoyed this one every bit as much as the previous books. The main character, Lt. Bak, is well rounded and likeable, as are the other "regulars" in the series cast (although we don't get to see too much of his right hand man, Imsiba, in this one). Some people said they found this book slow, but I'm not sure that's such a terrible thing. After all, this IS a police procedural, although set in ancient Egypt. You aren't going to have high speed chariot chases or shoot outs. It's more intellectual than that, but I still found it fast reading. I'm not enough of a historian to know how accurate the book is, but it has the "ring of truth" which adds to the pleasure of the novel. All in all, a good read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iron Hand of Mars; Author: Visit Amazon's Lindsey Davis Page; Review: I agree with the other reviewer that this is *not* a conventional murder mystery. However, for me, that was part of its charm. It IS part mystery, but it's also part action adventure, part thriller, and part history. All together, it combines to create a great addition to the Falco series, with enough of each element to keep things interesting, and author Davis' unique brand of anachronistic humor to prevent the story from taking itself too seriously. Even I have to admit that the journey -- a la The Odyssey -- was a tad too long for comfort and the meeting with the priestess Veleda was a let down. But what book does not have a few flaws? This one has fewer than most and I will look forward to reading the next book in the Marcus Didius Falco series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Assassin's Touch: A Thriller (Sano Ichiro Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Joh Rowland Page; Review: I've read all the books in this series, but this may be the last one. I acknowledge that this may stem more from my personal preference in reading than to Rowland's writing, but the evolution of the series is more of a devolution in my mind. In the beginning, Sano was a noble and interesting character, surrounded by equally fascinating secondary characters like Hirata and, later, Reiko. As the series progressed, the plot lines involving political intrique have become repeatative and boring for me. The characters have become darker and less sympathetic, and the entire mileue is more sordid and ugly. It's just TOO much after a while. Gone are any of the humanizing scenes of private life and the absence of any humor makes the story a task rather than a joy. In addition, the injection of perverted sex in each of the last few books -- and graphic sexual scenes -- has made the books less to my liking. Again, those who like these darker, broody stories will no doubt have a much better opinion of this latest entry in the series, but those who prefer their fiction a bit lighter may share my dismay at the change in the Sano books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Hundred Years of Solitude; Author: Visit Amazon's Gabriel Garcia Marquez Page; Review: Despite the widespread acclaim and great reviews for this book -- including the people here on Amazon.com -- I just couldn't get into it. The characters -- many of whom share the same or similar names -- were as confusing as the plot, and the narrative seemed disjointed. I never came to care about any of the people (which is why, to be honest, I gave up about half way through). I tried to accept it as a "fairy tale," but there was a lack of charm that left me cold and unmoved. In addition, some of the wording was so awkward that I wondered if it were, perhaps, an error in translation. Whenever I dislike a book that is this popular, I have to accept the fact that the problem may be ME and not the book. Maybe I'm just not intellectual enough to "get it." Or maybe I wasn't patient enough to get to the good parts. Or maybe I'm just simpistic in my tastes, preferring a straight-forward story told in a more linear fashion, with characters who I can like and care about. Doubtless, I'm not the only one who falls into those categories and if you do, too, then you might want to pass on this one.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Handweaver's Pattern Directory; Author: Visit Amazon's Anne Dixon Page; Review: I seldom buy books new, full priced. I'm far too cheap for that (and besides, I'd rather spend my money on yarn or fiber!). But I am SO very glad I splurged on this one and pre-ordered it so I'd get it as soon as it came out. It is an incredible resource for weavers. Each of the patterns is accompanied by a sharp photo of the sample, with "close up" views of many. The directions are clear and in keeping with standard Interweave publications (as in Handwoven). There are short but valuable chapters on general weaving, supplies, yarns, etc., although the emphasis -- and the value -- is on the patterns. I've been a weaver for about 20 years and I own a fairly substantial library of weaving books and have owned, at one time or another, nearly every issue of Handwoven and Weaver's Journal magazines. Yet there were still many patterns in this book I do not think I've ever seen. The patterns are categorized by types, from simple tabby and twills to complex distorted weft , bronson and even hand manipulated weaves. All are threaded for a four-shaft loom. See "customer images" under the photo above for a scan of a sample page. The physical layout and design of the book is excellent as well. With the heavy duty spiral binding, it lays flat for easy reference and there is even a pull out "flap" in the back with the "legend" for the patterns, so you don't have to flip back and forth to figure out the drafts (although they're very intuitive and standard). This book should serve me well for my next 20 years of weaving, which means it will cost me slightly more than a buck a year! That's an investment well worth making.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good King Harry; Author: Visit Amazon's Denise Giardina Page; Review: Giardina has done a marvelous job of getting us a richly textured portrait of Henry, the man as well as the king. So skilled is she that it's hard at times to know where history leaves off and her imagination takes off (for instance, Merryn was NOT an historic character, but Oldcastle was). I have to admit being just slightly disappointed that Henry's Agincourt speech paled in comparison to Shakespeare's famous "band of brothers" soliloquy, but that's to be expected. The main thing about this book is that you really begin to care about Harry and the people around him. You feel you understand him and even pity him. Of course, whether the real Henry V was as honorable is another whole matter. But if I wanted only facts, I would have checked the non-fiction section. A good rousing and yet thoughtful tale.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 7 Minutes of Magic: The Ultimate Energy Workout; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Holden Page; Review: The workouts in this book may be good for most people, but if you're really out of shape or elderly, many will be difficult to do. Most require getting down on the floor and call for a lot of flexibility. There are no instructions or illustrations for modified positions.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The 4-hour Workweek: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich; Author: Visit Amazon's Timothy Ferriss Page; Review: Author Tim Ferriss makes SOME good points in this book, but I had such a visceral negative reaction to his whole attitude that it is difficult for me to evaluate the content objectively. His brash, egotistic, in-your-face, know-it-all personality gets in the way of his message. Plus, he comes across as being quite amoral. For instance, he admits he won a kickboxing championship by dehydrating 'til he lost enough weight to be placed in a lighter class of fighters, then rehydrated enough to greatly outweigh his opponents. "Poor little guys," is his self-satisfied conclusion. Is this the person I want to take life or business lessons from? I also have to question his advice that we can outsource work by hiring third-world workers to do our jobs for us, and then charge our clients big bucks for "our" work. His chapter on "outsourcing life" actually points to Howard Hughes for examples! Finally, his idea of great vacations is to spend time on "adventures" in countries where the dollar stretches further seems unrealistic to me. Maybe he knows a lot of people yearning to -- as he put it -- live like a rock star -- in a penthouse apartment in Buenos Aires, but most of us seek a more meaningful existence. The book is splattered with the kind of self-congratulatory "wit" (e.g.: "walking on my legs and keeping my thong on the inside have worked just fine thus far...") that makes the author come across as a spoiled, self-centered and obnoxious 30-something who has a lot of growing up to do.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Colors of the Mountain; Author: Visit Amazon's Da Chen Page; Review: This review refers to the abridged audio version of this book -- UGH. I am fascinated with books about China and life under Mao. However, I couldn't get through the first tape of this book, for two reasons. One was the reader, Daxing Zhang. His stilted, halting and monotone delivery made it unpleasant to listen to. He evidently is not a professional narrator and it shows. Even a great book can be ruined by a poor reader. And, believe me, this doesn't even come close to being a great book. The storytelling is dull and self-pitying and the language is, in turns, overblown and cliched. My biggest problem, however, was the author's attitude. Don't get me wrong: I abhor what Mao and his "cultural revolution" did in China. But it's more than a bit ironic when someone from the upper classes (the author's family were landlords and owned several buildings) complains when their property, power and status is taken away. The author's stated contempt for farm work, for instance, shows the type of elitist attitude that spurred the revolution in the first place. Never once (at least in the part of the book I managed to listen to) did Da Chen appear to have any empathy for the working classes that were oppressed under the pre-revolution days. Again, I must emphasize that I do NOT agree with the goals of or methods used by Mao's Communist regime, but nor can I generate a great deal of sympathy for once-rich whiners who feel, for the first time in their lives, the sting of poverty and disenfranchisement.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Samurai William: The Englishman Who Opened Japan; Author: Visit Amazon's Giles Milton Page; Review: I found this to be a superbly written book, filled with fascinating details and enough excitement to fill a novel. Using quotes from contemporary sources, Milton brings history to life by focusing on the human elements rather than dry chronology. I can't wait to read the rest of Milton's books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book); Author: Visit Amazon's Don Miguel Ruiz Page; Review: I must be getting cynical in my old age, but I just can't accept this as anything more than four bits of common sense advice (like "Always Do Your Best") couched in a lot of New Age gobblygook. Don't get me wrong -- I **AM** a "new thought" believer and have a large collection of New Age spirituality and self help books, but this one is all hype and no substance. And sorry, but if the author is the chosen transmitter of ancient Toltec wisom, then I'm a Vestal Virgin. Be sure to buy my book on ancient Eqyptian wisdom (Rule one: Never kill a hippo on the Nile). Just $14.00, as seen on Ophra.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mindfulness Meditation - Cultivating the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind; Author: Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D.; Review: This unabridged version contains 7 tapes; 6 are the unabridged version of the book covering: ** What is Mindfulness? ** An Experience of Being Alive ** The Miracle of Breathing ** Preparing the Soul ** Cultivating Non-Doing ** Being in Your Body ** Everyday Meditation ** Movement Meditation ** Responding to Stress ** The Mind-Body Connection ** Wholeness and Oneness The last tape is a bonus tape with two guided meditationss. The only problem is that the book is narrated by the author (almost always a mistake) and a woman with one of those overly-regulated "soothing" voices. If you can get past the reading, the contents are a good introduction to a somewhat westernized view of meditation.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pepys' Diary (Classic, HighBridge); Author: Visit Amazon's Samuel Pepys Page; Review: I chose to listen to this book because I felt I "should" be better acquainted with what can arguably be called the most famous diary in history. I looked upon it as a chore that would improve my mind. I may have, indeed, improved my mind but it turned out to be no chore! What an absolute delight. I've read many historical novels that weren't half as exciting, funny and fascinating as this book. I kept having to remind myself that this man REALLY lived through all these things -- the plague, the great London fire, the machinations of the court. Plus, his willingness to expose in frank (and sometimes bawdy) detail his personal life, health, sexual dalliances, etc., brought *him* as well as his times vividly to life. I doubt if trying to read through the actual diary would be as much fun, but the editors' careful selection of entries culled out the best bits while never losing continuity. And what more can I add to the praise of Branagh as narrator? The man is a phenomenal talent and shows it in this book. Never over-acting, he manages to convey a perfect tone (for instance, just the hint of a whisper at the more personal parts, as though Pepys was confiding in us). All in all, this book convinced me that improving my mind doesn't HAVE to be tedious.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Life Stories: Profiles from The New Yorker; Author: Visit Amazon's David Remnick Page; Review: I very much enjoy profiles of interesting people and had high hopes for this book, but it's awful. In fact, I gave up on about the fourth tape. I managed (with great difficulty) to get through part of the article on Richard Pryor but the vulgar language made me stop. Granted, that might be appropriate for a piece about Pryor, but I think it would be possible to write an interesting biographical sketch without it. The article on Ernest Hemingway was the most boring and meaningless piece of tripe I've ever read. How could ANYONE make Hemingway seem deadly dull? By recounting an almost minute by minute, blow by blow, excursion in New York to buy a coat. What was the author thinking???? The short article on Katharine White was okay, but nothing special and actually more about the writer than her subject. The article on Mr. Hunter's Grave, which was a 'non celebrity' piece, was overly long and exceedingly dull, with very poor narration. That's when I decided life is too short to spend listening to books like this. If this is the best The New Yorker can do, it's no wonder I don't subscribe!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation; Author: Visit Amazon's Joseph J. Ellis Page; Review: NOTE: THIS REFER REFERS TO THE UNABRIBED AUDIO CD VERSION First of all, I'm not going to get into the controversy over whether this book is totally accurate historically. If I knew that, I'd be writing a history book rather than reading one. The fact is, no one can be 100% sure of everything that happened or was thought 250 years ago. That issue aside, it's an interesting book but it gets bogged down in far too much detail and analyses. It isn't scholarly enough for a truly academic treatise, but not "entertaining" enough for a popular history. It may therefore bore some readers who prefer a more humanized anecdotal telling and infuriate purists who want proven facts rather than occasional speculation. The reader is good, but his voice tends to take on a droning quality if listened to for long periods. There is not enough differentiation for the quoted passages, so it's sometimes hard to tell what is a historical quote and what it the author's statements. From reading other reviews, I think it's safe to say that this is book may be too lengthy and "boring" for young students (which may be a sad commentary on both our youth and our school system) yet not scholarly enough for serious American history fans. The problem is, who's left?; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crash Profits: Make Money When Stocks Sink and Soar!; Author: Visit Amazon's Martin D. Weiss Page; Review: This book has a great deal of valuable advice and Martin Weiss is an extremely reliable expert. HOWEVER -- This is the EXACT SAME book as his previously published "Crash Profits." They simply changed the title! I can find absolutely no updated or new information in this one. There is a mention of this on the back cover but you normally only get to see that until you've bought the book. I really hate when publisher's do this!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sporting Chance; Author: Visit Amazon's Elizabeth Moon Page; Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, The Hunting Party and was particularly delighted with Moon's choice of a smart and capable 80-year-old woman as a major character. (NOTE: be sure to read Moon's "Remnant Population" for another outstanding depiction of a strong older woman). This entry in the series as not as satisfying for me since there was little interaction between Lady Cecelia (the old lady who owns the yacht) and Capt. Serrano. Still, there was enough action and character development -- not to mention plain ol' good writing -- to keep the book interesting and enjoyable. However, I had a major disappointment toward the end. SPOILER COMING, SO DON'T READ FURTHER UNLESS YOU'VE FINISHED THE BOOK ... . . . . . I hated the fact that at the end, Moon suddenly (through the magic of 'rejuv') transformed the 80-year old Cecelia into a 40-ish, red-headed beauty. Granted, better that than a 20-something space-faring bimbo with large breasts, but was it really so horrible to have an elderly woman who looked her age be a central figure? I'll read the third in the series but I can't say I am looking forward to it as much.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches: A Practical (and; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff Yeager Page; Review: Years after the publication of "The Tightwad Gazette" and a hundred or so other "frugal living" books, it's hard to understand how this got published, let alone became so popular. It really doesn't have anything new to offer and the humor is, well, sophomoric at best. The biggest problem I had with the book (other than the fact that I have a great deal of difficulty taking 'frugality' advice from someone who has nearly a million dollars in assets as a cushion, who manages to buy the best quality tools and vacations in Iceland) is that some of the advice is unrealistic. Yes, you probably *can* limit your food purchases to only those items that sell for $1 per pound or less, but you'll end up eating the lowest quality hamburger and white balloon bread. Where in the world can you buy cheese for a dollar a pound? Coffee? Bread? Tomatoes, even. And if you follow Yeager's advice, you'll spend four hours trying to fix a plumbing problem when you could work three hours and pay someone to do it for you. That's a net loss of one hour just so you can say you fixed the toilet yourself. Maybe a middle aged "tool man" might think this is the best answer, but it doesn't make sense for most of us. Also, some of the advice would have to be taken retroactively in order to be useful. That is, it's all well and good to say "start young" when you ARE young. But if you're a bit older, that advice isn't very valuable, is it? That's not to say there are no good tips in the book. There are a few, but I get the feeling the book's success is due more to the author's ability to hype the book and himself as the "ultimate cheapskate." Still, if you can get it cheap or from the library, it's worth the quick read through to reinforce those things you already know. Maybe.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Winning Colors; Author: Visit Amazon's Elizabeth Moon Page; Review: The first of the Heris Serrano novels, Sporting Chance, was very good, with interesting characters who -- for the most part -- were not the stereotypical sci-fi heroines. I particularly liked Cecelia, the 90-year old yacht owner. The second in the series -- Hunting Parties -- was a bit of a disappointment, particularly the ending (in which Cecelia was "rejuved" into a 40 year old!). The plot was overly complex with little interaction between the two female protagonists, and too much info on equestrian events. This, the third of the trilogy, wasn't even good enough to hold my attention past the half way mark. So much yak yak yak! And I'm sorry, but I just can't believe that this civilian yacht is suddenly going to wage fierce battles as if it were a star ship out of some Star Wars movie. The premise is weak, the characters are cookie cutter, and the dialogue is boring. Moon is a talented writer and her "Remnant Population" was one of the best sci-fi books I've read in a long long time. But this series, sadly, ran out of steam quickly and I am glad she didn't continue with it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Jump the Shark; Author: Visit Amazon's Jon Hein Page; Review: I had to laugh at some of the reviews. Oh my! I do think some people took this simple little book a bit too seriously. It's just a nostalgic look back at some old television shows and the author's opinions (stated in a breezy style) about when they started going downhill. I agreed with many of his chosen moments, and didn't agree with others. The whole book took less than an evening (like most people, I skipped the shows I'd never watched). My partner and I laughed and had a fun time remembering some of these shows and debating the moment they "jumped the shark." This particular book is the TV Edition and does NOT contain info on music groups, historic events, etc.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Earthly Joys; Author: Visit Amazon's Philippa Gregory Page; Review: There is much to love in this book, not the least of which is Gregory's gorgeous use of language and fine character development. There is a strong sense of time and place, with a firm grounding in history without it sounding like a senior thesis! I do think it could have been quite a bit shorter. There were huge sections that simply reiterated what we already knew or sounded more like "padding" (I suppose it has to be 500+ pages to warrant a $16 price tag). Like many other readers, I was annoyed with the protagonist for allowing himself to become so besotted by his love (I would have felt the same if his love had been a woman). Then again, I'm not a particularly sentimental type and if my lover had treated me that way, I would have been "outta there." But I'm a 20th century woman and I can't expect a servant in the 1600s to act the same way! The homosexual content didn't bother me in the least. In fact, I'm amazed to see even a few people writting here saying that they had a problem with it, particularly since none of them mentioned having a problem with the murders, the injustice, or the war that takes 4,000 lives. I do think I'll read the sequel, although I think I liked John the father better than the son. The woman who is introduced late in the book, Hester, seems like she'll make an interesting addition to the plot later on!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Curse of Silence: A Mystery of Ancient Egypt; Author: Visit Amazon's Lauren Haney Page; Review: Unless there really is such a thing as reincarnation, there's no way Haney could KNOW what it was like to live in ancient Egypt. But you'd never know it from reading her books. I swear, you can just about see the Nile, taste the dates and feel the heat of the desert. Lt. Bak is as real as any contemporary cop, yet without the annoying anachronisms found in some other books of this genre. The secondary characters are also well defined; Haney's use of language is superb. I am "working" my way through the entire series and they haven't disappointed me yet.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Re/Uses: 2,133 Ways to Recycle and Reuse the Things You Ordinarily Throw Away; Author: Visit Amazon's Carolyn Jabs Page; Review: This is a handy reference book on all the ways you can reuse stuff you'd normally throw away -- from beer cans to pantyhose! Some of the ideas are a bit weird (making a mini funnel from an eggshell!), but many are actually quite creative and interesting. It's an older book (1980) so it seems a bit outdated at times, but the basic info is timeless.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 44 Scotland Street (44 Scotland Street Series, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Alexander McCall Smith Page; Review: I couldn't even finish this one. Although I love Smith's "Ladies Detective Agency" series, ""44 Scotland Street" has none of the charm and personality of those books. Partly, I think, is the locale. I have a preference for either historical mysteries or those set in remote, unusual or "exotic" locations. Somehow, an apartment in contemporary Scotland just doesn't cut it (the Highlands, maybe....). Despite my enjoyment of his previous series, I've always felt that Smith's main talent isn't really his literary skills but in his ability to develop interesting characters and express his love of Botswana. Without those unusual characters and place, the result is a dull, "ordinary" book. I may end up judging some books unfairly since I don't see them through to the end unless I'm really taken by them. But there are just too many really good books to spend time on the second rate ones. This book just didn't make the cut.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Now You See Me...: A Novel of Suspense (Molly Blume); Author: Rochelle Krich; Review: I finished the book, which means it couldn't have been TOO bad, but I'm not sure I'll bother with any of the others in the series. The information about Judaism, and particularly Orthodoxy, was the best thing about the book. However, the mystery fell apart for me as one "surprise" followed another. Too many twists and somewhat unbelievable turns, together with last minute "revelations" made it less than satisfying. Also, Krich tends to go into too much irrelevant details for many scenes, giving a blow-by-blow description of events that don't add anything to the plot. For instance, her description of making quiche bordered on what you'd find in a culinary mystery! These scenes tended to bog down the story without adding anything to the plot or the character development. Finally, there was a particular problem with the audio version of the book. Long passages recount internet chat room conversations, replete with LOLs, ROLFs, OMGs, etc. I'm sure these aren't too bad when reading the printed version, since the reader can quickly scan the "chat" and get an idea of what's being said. But several minutes of recorded chat room transcription borders on torture. Again, not a BAD book, but not to my liking.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Professor and the Madman; Author: Visit Amazon's Simon Winchester Page; Review: THIS REVIEW REFERS TO THE UNABRIDGED AUDIO VERSION: Before reading (well, listening to) this book, I would have found it difficult to believe that the story of the making of a dictionary could be interesting! But it is. It's full of fascinating, if sometimes sad, characters as well as a wealth of information about how the greatest dictionary in the English language came to be (that story, in itself, is amazing). The author's use of language is superb and -- even more astounding -- he reads the book as well as any professional reader (a rare talent!). I simply loved this book! I've already read Winchester's book "The Map That Changed the World," and I can't wait to read ALL his books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Riddle Of St Leonard's: An Owen Archer Mystery; Author: Visit Amazon's Candace Robb Page; Review: The entire series up to this point is excellent, with interesting and credible characters and complex (but not overly convoluted) plots. Robb does a great job of adding quite a bit of historical information without the books sounding like history textbooks! This entry in the series is another superb novel -- lots of twists and turns and intrique, combined with a welcome emphasis on some of the normally "secondary" characters. By the fifth book, many series get stale. This one hasn't. If you like this, try the Chapman novels by Kate Sedley. They're sometimes hard to find, but worth the search.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Secret (Unabridged, 4-CD Set); Author: Visit Amazon's Rhonda Byrne Page; Review: For the longest time, I refused to buy this book. It was overhyped and appeared a direct rip off of all those "DaVinci Code" inspired clones. But after beginning to study Unity School of Christianity and other new thought teachings, I gave in to my curiosity -- and I'm glad I did. The ideas presented here are NOT new and are definitely no secret. They are precisely what are taught by Unity as well as Religious Science and other New Thought groups. However, the book, and the movie (which at first viewing seems hockey beyond belief) provide a truly uplifting and motivational approach to the teachings. It's like having your coach give you a pep talk about life. If this had been my first introduction to the power of the law of attraction (or the law of mind action, as Unity puts it), I do not think I would have accepted it very well. Devoid of almost all spiritual basis and depending on a very superficial and partially erroneous scientific explanation, it would not have satisfied me. However, having already established an understanding (albeit an incomplete and ever changing one) of the way the universal intelligence works through and in us, I was more open to the messages in the book and film. So far, I *have* had interesting results. Are they simply the product of positive thinking? I don't know. But I will continue working with the principles and see what happens. I'm keeping an open mind -- which you definitely need to get anything out of this book. I will say that I'm amazed at how many people are so close-minded that they disregard even the *possibility* that this human potential exists, without even trying it for themselves. I thought the first rule of any rational, scientific, endeavor was to be objective. Without trying something, how do you KNOW it won't work?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sacred Secrets: Finding Your Way to Joy, Peace and Prosperity; Author: Paula Godwin Coppel; Review: I am a student of Unity teachings and love many of their books (particularly the earlier ones such as Cady's Lessons in Truth). Having very much enjoyed "The Secret" I was looking forward to this book to expand on the spiritual element that was somewhat missing there. However, I was very disapppointed. Some of the essays are VERY VERY good. A few are quite poor and actually contradict the basic teachings of Unity or are confusing. Most, though, sound simply like quickly written rehashes of the same ideas, replete with repeated (and sometimes trite-sounding) phrases. By the end of the book, it was all repetitive. I got the distinct feeling that Unity rushed to get this into print in order to respond to (and possibly take advantage of) the popularity of The Secret. But rather than seeking out some of the more powerful writers and Unity ministers around the country, they drew from their own bureaucracy. Most writers hold high-level positions in the Unity administration and some, I think, are more used to writing business reports than spiritual essays. Even the editing suffered because of this apparent rush to print. At one point, the word "profit" is used when "prophet" was meant; we are told to "plummet the depths" instead of "plumb" them, etc. This is NOT a big problem (don't want to focus on the bad!), but it is an indication that care was not taken with the book. I am not saying that readers won't get anything from the book. I just felt that, after being familiar with Unity teachings, this didn't add anything.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Gift of Sanctuary: An Owen Archer Mystery; Author: Candace M. Robb; Review: I can do little but agree with other reviewers who found this book a bit confusing, both for the large number of characters and names (many of which were both similar and unfamiliar) and the overly convoluted and multiple plot lines. In addition, I missed the interaction of Owen with other series "regulars" such as his wife Lucie, the inn keeper Bess, et. al. Of course, Robb -- even at her weakest to date -- does a decent job of story telling, with authentic details and interesting characterizations. If her previous books hadn't set the bar so high, and raised my expectations, I might have given this book four stars. I'll definitely continue with the series and hope they get back to more familiar and enjoyable ground.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her; Author: Visit Amazon's Melanie Rehak Page; Review: This is an amazing book that weaves the history of the Girl Sleuth into the fabric of American society, showing the impact the series had on women's culture and the impact our culture had on it! It delves deeply into the actual creation and writing of the mystery series, with emphasis on the Stratemeyer family who gave birth to her, as well as the other ghost writers who served as surrogate mothers (and fathers!) to Nancy. But it goes far beyond just a history of the book series. It also gives fascinating insights into the mores of the day, from the 30s all the way to the 80s. I found it fast moving, interesting, and extremely well written. Highly recommended!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Something to Live For: Finding Your Way in the Second Half of Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard J. Leider Page; Review: If you buy this book thinking it will be full of practical ideas for finding a purpose for the "second half" of you life, you may be somewhat disappointed. There are interesting explorations of the authors' personal discoveries about life's meaning, but after you get past the stories about their "in-venture" trip to talk with African Elders, there isn't much meat left on the bone. Their advice can be simply summed up with one word: volunteer. Don't get me wrong, this is great advice, but it takes them a long time to get to that point. Perhaps this volume should have better been classified under sociology rather than "Personal Growth" or self help. It is also very male oriented, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, men are often overlooked in personal growth books except in a business context. But the lack of a feminine perspective (only 16 of the 83 or so people listed in the index are women) means that many of the aging problems specifically faced by women are not dealt with. Interestingly, the African trip was a "men's group" trip and the African elder council was all male as well. Even the animal analogies involve bull elephants; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Remembering Hypatia: A Novel of Ancient Egypt; Author: Brian Trent; Review: I got to about page 70 before giving up on this one. I just couldn't get into the characters, partly because -- for me -- there was too much "romance" and too little history. Or perhaps it was merely a case of wrong expectations. I assumed, from the title that it was set in ancient Eqypt while in fact it takes place in 414 A.D., a period in which I have little interest. I should have realized that, but I have to admit I was unfamiliar with the history of the Great Library of Alexandria or Hypatia herself. I do applaud the author for tackling such a challenging topic and for obviously wanting to shed light on this incredible woman.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hidden Latitudes; Author: Visit Amazon's Alison Anderson Page; Review: There are two stories told here -- that of Amelia Earhart and her experiences being stranged on a deserted island after crashing her airplane with her navigator, and that of a young married couple nearly shipwrecked on that same island but unaware of her presence there. When the story focuses on Earhart, it's fascinating and heart breaking, the story of a woman left to survive for 40 years on her memories and ingenuity. When the story shifts to the couple, it's far too soap opera-ish. Frankly, you never grow to know or like this whiney couple enough to care much about their problems. Still, the author is a skilled wordsmith and although leisurely paced, the novel has enough evocative descriptions that the story will stay with me a long time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: QuickBooks 2010 The Official Guide (Quicken Press); Author: Visit Amazon's Leslie Capachietti Page; Review: I found the QB2010 program VERY complicated and not terribly intuitive, but this book really helped. I was able to learn the basics very quickly and then use it as a reference to look up specific tasks. The index is very complete. I can't compare it to other books about QB2010 since I've never used anything else, but I can't imagine I'd need anything else anyway. The screenshots were good, too -- large enough to see clearly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Before & After: How to Design Cool Stuff; Author: Visit Amazon's John McWade Page; Review: I used to subscribe to the Before & After magazine and also purchased all his back issues AND his books. Everytime I need an idea, an inspiration, or a clear explanation of a technique, I turn first to these. He had (has) an incredible eye for design and his before and after samples are a wonderful way to spot my own errors and learn to correct them. I highly recommend this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Steampunkery: Polymer Clay and Mixed Media Projects; Author: Visit Amazon's Christi Friesen Page; Review: The essence of steampunk is a Victorian view of a mechanized future world, full of steam-driven mechanical devices and "scientific" instruments. This is an interesting book, full of whimsical and even fantastic creatures, but it's not really "Steampunk" (although I have to admit, the work has many interpretations). But making a lizard shape and gluing a gear onto it doesn't make it steampunk. The book Steampunk Style Jewelry comes closer to the mark.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Green Man (Roger the Chapman Mysteries); Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Sedley Page; Review: I love Kate Sedley's writing style and the Chapman series has been my all-time favorite, but I have to (reluctantly) agree that this one is not up to her (or Roger's) usual high standards. The descriptions are interesting, but the plot goes nowhere. Roger Chapman is left asking himself the same questions over and over, voicing his suspicions and all the possible alternate scenarios, but never smartens up enough to figure anything out. About 3/4 of the way through the book, a murder livens things up a bit, but it turns out to be little more than a red herring for the outlandish conclusion, which appears thrown together hurriedly. Sedley put out three more since this one and I will without hesitation try the next one and probably, out of loyalty if nothing else, read any more in the series that she writes. But I have to hope she gets back on track and forgets the royal intriques and has Roger solve some good old fashioned murders!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Master Butchers Singing Club: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Louise Erdrich Page; Review: The book itself -- long and leisurely paced -- is pleasant enough, with interesting characters and the lovely, intricate use of language I've come to expect from Erdrich. However, the "Audible" version of the book is read by the author and that was a big mistake. I wish publishers would forbid writers from reading their own work. Erdrich uses a far too soft spoken (almost whispery) voice, with little intonation or vocal variety. In addition, she does what so many non-professional narrators do: use an overly careful enunciation so that every word is spoken oh so precisely, with every syllable given the same weight. It sounds too static and "read." In the hands of a gifted narrator, the book would have been greatly improved.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Midsummer Crown (A Roger the Chapman Mystery); Author: Kate Sedley; Review: The Roger the Chapman series was, for a long time, my favorite historical mystery series. However, the last 3-4 books have been big letdowns. Perhaps that's the inevitable fate of almost all long-running series. This one "jumped the shark" for me when Roger started getting involved in Royal affairs. I found the stories so much more interesting when they involved the average people of medieval England rather than the machinations of Dukes and Kings and such. This particular book -- the Medsummer Crown -- has several major flaws which go beyond simply my personal preference for normal folk: for the majority of the book, nothing of interest happens. Rogers walks around confused and inept, continually losing the people he's following, missing clues and moaning about the case. Then there are the totally incredible coincidences, like having the major suspects just happen to sit at the table behind him in an obscure London inn and discuss the entire case and their plans for him. I can't go into more details without revealing spoiling, but suffice it to say that it strains the reader's credulity to the breaking point. Finally, the plot is extremely similar in many ways to the Green Man (again, I can't give details but many of the plot contrivances are EXACTLY the same and Roger even aludes to them in the book!) The ending is unsatisfying and implausible. Sorry, Ms. Sedley. Your first dozen books were great and for them, I'll always be thankful. But here's where Roger Chapman and I part company.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One; Author: Visit Amazon's Margaret Lobenstine Page; Review: This wasn't a bad book and, if it had been the first one on the topic I'd read it would have I'm sure gotten a higher score. But I've read (and re-read) the much superior book by Barbara Sher called "Refuse to Choose" on the same subject. Sher's book is, quite frankly, far more informative and full of practical advice. I was, in fact, a little amazed that the author of this book didn't give at least some credit to Sher for the ground-breaking work she did helping those of us who are "scanners". Still, if it's the only or first book you get, it will give you some reassurance and information -- then go and get Sher's book!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Power of Self-Healing: Unlock Your Natural Healing Potential in 21 Days; Author: Dr. Fabrizio Mancini; Review: The market has been flooded with 'self-healing' books lately, which invariably have the word power or secret in the titles. They vary in value from worthless to life-changing. This one definitely falls closer to the life-changing end of the continuum. I admit up front that I am hardly unbiased - I have known and worked with Fab for many years and have a deep and abiding respect for him as a chiropractor, an educator and a communicator. Putting aside my personal bias as much as possible,however, I can honestly state that the book is filled with valuable information and very practical advice on how to give yourself a health "make-over" so your body can begin to express its fullest potential. If you've read a lot of health and wellness books, some of this will be old news to you, but the true-life stories, coupled with the scientific findings, gives the information a vitality and accessibility that is missing from many other books. I can honestly recommend this book for all those people who are constantly sick with one thing or another and don't want to continue exposing themselves to risky medicines and medical procedures.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Become Who You Were Born to Be: We All Have a Gift. . . . Have You Discovered Yours?; Author: Visit Amazon's Brian Souza Page; Review: All self-help books, including this one, has some good info in them. Many people will read and respond positively to this one and find it to be valuable. I didn't, partly because of the message and partly because of the messenger. Souza says he came to the realization that he was too concentrated on the wrong things -- making money, gaining power, and being "successful" in ways that weren't really important to him. But throughout the book, his concentration is on making money, gaining power and being "successful" in the traditional ways. For instance, early on, he puts a dollar amount on the research he put into the book, as though that kind of effort can be judged by how many digits come before the decimal point. In one of his "role model" examples, he tells how a guy named Howard Schultz left the corporate rat race and "fell hopelessly in love" with a delightful little coffeeshop with a violinist playing Mozart at the entrance. The ambiance of the mom-and-pop type place charmed him. So what did he do? Eventually, he bought them out and turned it into Starbucks. That's true success? Not for me -- taking something wonderful and turning it into a mega billion dollar chain with sterile clone-stores that have become the epitome of self absorbtion and isolation in a crowd isn't what I call a paradigm I want to follow. I'm not saying that the whole book is like that, but that's the tone he sets from the start and nearly every one of the stories he tells is about people becoming rich and famous. Nothing wrong with being rich and famous, but maybe some of us were born to be "comfortable" and happy instead. The book didn't address that for me.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories From The Animal Kingdom (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's Jennifer S. Holland Page; Review: For the past couple of years, I've gathered photos of "unlikely friendships" to use as my computer desktop wall paper. Many of the ones in this book were therefore familiar to me. But others, if not unpublished on the web, are at least not commonplace. Just leafing through the book at the photos brings smiles to my face. The stories are a wonderful added bonus. Granted, some of the stories are short and sketchy (mainly those in which the animal interaction was short-lived) but most were amazing. Holland is a very good writer, who doesn't get overly sentimental or anthropomorphic about the animals. She tells the story based on the facts known, and only gives some speculation of the emotions involved. All in all, if you've ever smiled at seeing a picture of a dog and cat cuddling together (or a tiger and a piglet!) you'll love this enchanting book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ammonite; Author: Visit Amazon's Nicola Griffith Page; Review: This is a marvelous novel, with three-dimensional characters and great use of language. Don't let the fact that it takes place on an all-woman world prejudice you against (or for) this book. The lack of men isn't the focus and the women are as varied as any dual-gender population can be! I'm not sure if it was the author's intention but for me, the story was really about the search for one's authentic self. I'm reaching an age (63 this year) where I'm like Marghe and Danner -- journeying into a new and strange world, wondering who I really am, searching for my true name, and nature. It was a delight to follow Marghe, Danner and the others as they found their place.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cook This, Not That! Easy & Awesome 350-Calorie Meals; Author: Visit Amazon's David Zinczenko Page; Review: YIKES! I love eating out but I'm glad it's only a once-in-a-while treat. It's okay to eat a 2,000 calorie meal twice a year, but twice a month -- or week -- would be disaster. The information this series of books has about the calories and fat of popular restaurant items is amazing and eye opening. But even without all that, the recipes are great on their own. I do not eat pork or beef, but there are enough meatless, fish and poultry recipes to make the book worth the price. Almost every recipe has an excellent photograph (I love that!) as well as basic nutritional info (cals, fat, sodium), plus cost (which, of course, will vary widely depending on the quality of the ingredients you use). I have a large collection of recipes, cookbooks, and even recipe programs so it's unusual for me to find a cookbook with more than just a few recipes of interest. But I literally ran out of sticky flags marking all the ones I found in this book. I hope they make a new edition every year!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Advanced Style: Older & Wiser; Author: Visit Amazon's Ari Seth Cohen Page; Review: When I began a blog about older women, I searched and searched for images of mature ladies who were stylish, fashionable, independent, "authentic" and confident. They were harder to find than diamonds in a teacup. There just weren't very many -- even in stock image sites. Then, I discovered Ari Seth Cohen's Advanced Style site and found the role models I needed. This book is more of the same thing you'll find on his blog site -- women who are beautiful (in a special way!) and stylish (and some, downright outlandish). The photos themselves are great, with none of the stupid "model" poses with pouty lips and ridiculous postures. These are exceptional women, but REAL women too. In truth, few of us will ever be able to pull off the type of style they do, but as I thumb through the book, I almost THINK I can, and that's what counts. I'm inspired and delighted by all of them. The only slight disappointment I had (which prevented me from giving the book a full 5 stars) is that so many of the photos are ones already published on the site. Still, being able to have them all in a one beautiful book makes up for the repetition.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Door Into Ocean (Elysium Cycle); Author: Visit Amazon's Joan Slonczewski Page; Review: I enjoyed this book, although (having read feminist sci-fi since the 70s) there were no surprises here. In addition, it was quite a bit too long with long stretches where nothing happened to advance the plot or develop the characters. I also was amazed to find that the main "love interests" were between males and females, despite the fact that most of the story takes place on an all-female planet. Female partners are discretely referred to as 'love sharers' with very little more said about that. Oh well, I suppose I'm nitpicking since, all in all, it was a good story with interesting characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bead One, Pray Too: A Guide to Making and Using Prayer Beads; Author: Visit Amazon's Kimberly Winston Page; Review: Other than a brief mention of prayer beads in other cultures and religions, the book is limited to Christian rosaries. This isn't necessarily a BAD thing, if that's what you're interested in. But if you want info or designs for a wider variety of prayer beads, this isn't the book for you. I like "A String and a Prayer" better. It doesn't have a lot of nice color photos (this one doesn't either, actually) but it has tons more varied information. In addition, this one has very few actual projects to bead.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Wizard; Author: Visit Amazon's John Varley Page; Review: NOTE: This is a review of the unabridged audio version... Since I enjoyed the first in the trilogy, I assumed the second would be more of the same. Unfortunately that isn't the case. Keep in mind that this is a LONG book (380 pages; 15+ hours in audio) yet the plot is sparse. It's a fairly generic "quest" story -- a group of disparate people on a long and difficult journey to reach a dangerous goal. The Cirocco Jones and Gabby characters are back, but so changed as to be unrecognizable. Gaea is crazy as a loon and I had to wonder who her "world" has managed to continue to survive given her capriciousness. Given the lack of real plot, the emphasis in on character development, which I found lacking. We get to know the characters in the first few chapters and little changes. The most tiring part of the book, for me, was Varley's new-found obsession with sex and genitalia. There is nothing vulgar or salacious here, but it's boring to hear constant references to penises and vaginas. We get far more info on the sex life of everything from the blimps to the humans to Titanides than I cared for. At one point, Varley even describes part of the landscape as looking like a vagina. Oh, please! There were a minor problem with the audio version as well. Far too many of the female characters end up sounding like little girls, with that annoying high pitched affectation. Otherwise, the narrator did an adequate job. All in all, the book was a disappointment but I *did* listen to all 15 hours, so I can't say it was a terrible book. In fact, I'll probably try Demon (part 3) as well.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Queen Hereafter: A Novel of Margaret of Scotland; Author: Susan Fraser King; Review: NOTE: THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE UNABRIDGED AUDIO VERSION Leisurely paced, character-driven novels can be as riveting as action-packed mysteries. However, this book fails to achieve that and instead is so slow and empty that it tested my patience. At more than 12 hours, it is twice as long as it could have (should have?) been to tell the sparse tale of a period in the life of Scotland's Saxon queen, Margaret. The lengthy descriptions of Margaret's gowns, her pious devotions, her generosity, etc., become repetitive and boring. In addition, like most overly pious individuals, she is tedious and tiresome. For most of the book, she does almost nothing except pray, fast, plead with her husband king to be more charitable, redecorate the castles, and mope around in a guilt-ridden stupor. This is NOT the description of a powerful or vibrant queen. Perhaps that's really how she was, but it doesn't make for good reading. The other characters were more alive, though they too did little throughout the book and I was left with a "who cares" feeling toward them all. Finally, the narrator really did a poor job on Margaret. Her voice was weirdly halting and robotic ("I ... am ... a ... queen"). It was an annoying distraction. She did far better on the other characters. I have read a number of historical novels set in this same era and this doesn't live up to its promise.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Habitation of the Blessed: A Dirge for Prester John, Vol. 1; Author: Visit Amazon's Catherynne M. Valente Page; Review: This is a weird book. Really really weird. In fact, at the start, it was just too over the top for me and I almost gave up on it. I'm glad I didn't because it turned out to be an incredibly lyrical and compelling story. It got even weirder, but as I progressed, I accepted all that and went along for the amazingly fantastical journey. I won't bother going over the plot and characters, since other reviewers have done a far better job of that than I could do. But I will add my only slightly reserved recommendation for this unusual book. It will NOT appeal to everyone, that's for sure. But if you're willing to expand your imagination you might have a lot of fun with it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Never Stop Holding Hands: And Other Marriage Survival Tips; Author: Visit Amazon's Shara Grylls Page; Review: This book is "just" a collection of quotes the author asked her family and friends to send to her in celebration of her wedding. Some are famous quotes from poets, the Bible, etc., some are funny (and some try to be but aren't) and many are words of advice. It doesn't sound like it would make a good book, but it does. It's an absolute delight and there are so many meaningful quotes that it's worth re-reading. By the way, some descriptions of this book label it a "Christian" book but it really isn't-- it is for EVERYONE in love or in a relationship.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 30 Delicious Poke Cake Recipes; Author: Visit Amazon's Lori Burke Page; Review: I can't believe this, but I'd never heard of a "poke cake" until I downloaded this Kindle book. I was pleasantly surprised to find the answer -- and the recipes in this book will give me plenty of ways to try this unusual dessert. I particularly like the ones with custard, cream filling, fruit, etc, rather than with Jello (did you know that the Gelatin in Jello and other similar products is made from boiled bones, skins and tendons of animals? YUCK). They do sell vegetarian gelatin so I might even those recipes one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Muffin Tin Meals:: Quick, Clean and PFOA-Free; Author: Visit Amazon's Maggie Ingles Page; Review: I'd never heard of (or even thought about) making "mini meals" in muffin tins but this short cookbook convinced me it's worth a try. The recipes are clever and easy, with almost identical cooking technique. Once you try a few from this book, you can invent your own as well. I'm glad I downloaded this one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Sarek; Author: Visit Amazon's A. C. Crispin Page; Review: This review is of the Audible unabridged version: I've been a ST fan since TOS ... and still am (except for the latest round of 'dark' movies). I used to read every ST book as soon as it was released. This is the first one I've read in years and maybe it's just a case of not being able to go back again. Frankly, I thought the writing was amateurish -- almost on a class with a fanzine. The overly emotional narration was a further drawback for me. I'm definitely in the minority here, but I just couldn't get into this book and when Amanda started waxing nostalgic over her moon-struck romance with Sarek, I had to stop and move on to a different book. Hope you like it better than I did!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek Sarek; Author: A.C. by Crispin; Review: This review is of the Audible unabridged version: I've been a ST fan since TOS ... and still am (except for the latest round of 'dark' movies). I used to read every ST book as soon as it was released. This is the first one I've read in years and maybe it's just a case of not being able to go back again. Frankly, I thought the writing was amateurish -- almost on a class with a fanzine. The overly emotional narration was a further drawback for me. I'm definitely in the minority here, but I just couldn't get into this book and when Amanda started waxing nostalgic over her moon-struck romance with Sarek, I had to stop and move on to a different book. Hope you like it better than I did!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rocco's Real-Life Recipes; Author: Visit Amazon's Rocco DiSpirito Page; Review: I know this is called "Real Life Recipes" but I'm not sure whose "real life" he's talking to. Personally, I don't consider crab stuffed tuna part of most people's "real life" given the fact that both crabmeat and fresh yellowfin tuna are selling for about $30-40/lb. Not MY real life, that's for sure. But the real problem I have with this cookbook is that the recipes are pretty much the same as you see everywhere. If he does vary it, the variations seem more forced than "real life." For instance, his chicken marsala is plain chicken marsala with wild mushrooms instead of standard mushrooms. Big deal! I don't need a celebrity chef cookbook for that kind of wisdom. Next thing I hated about the book is that just about every ingredient is "branded." I have no idea if he or his publisher got kickbacks for this type of product promotion, but I don't really think there is any benefit for readers to specify Bertolli (copyright symbol) oil, Amore garlic paste, or Libby's sliced potatoes! Finally, I would have thought that by now publishers would have realized that most cookbook buyers want photos of each dish (or at least of MOST of them). This book has two sections of color photos but all the others are black & white photos of things like ingredients, people eating, closeups of bottles (with the label showing, of course), or the author cooking, etc. What a waste. Anyway, in my opinion this book is certainly NOT worth the paper it was printed on and definitely not the $19.95 it lists for new.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rocco's Five Minute Flavor: Fabulous Meals with 5 Ingredients in 5 Minutes; Author: Visit Amazon's Rocco DiSpirito Page; Review: I can't understand how any "celebrity" chef gets away with making a recipe calling for already prepared foods. I mean, throwing store-bought pierogi in with ham, mustard, dandelion greens and sour cream and calling it "Pierogi with ham, dandelion greens, and sour cream mustard sauce" (I'm not kidding!) is hardly the kind of inspired recipe I'd expect from someone who is supposedly a great chef! Other recipes call for everything from pre-cooked potatoes to prepared Fra Diavolo sauce, from a "commercially roasted turkey" to rotisserie chicken, and even frozen pigs in a blanket -- not to mention canned cream soup. On the other hand, he includes odd ball and obscure ingredients like Tallegio cheese,squid, and semi di melone pasta. Maybe they go with the pigs in the blanket! I also found the photographs completely ridiculous. Although there is a section of color photos showing a few of the actual dishes (something almost every cook likes to see), most of the pictures and blurry black and white photos of individual ingredients (I can't see how the book benefits from a b&w photo of peppers!) or of people eating, hands, a close up of a burner -- WHAT for??? All in all, this book -- in my opinion -- isn't worth $1.95 let alone the $19.95 it listed for new.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Song of Achilles: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Madeline Miller Page; Review: The author demonstrates her literary skill with a beautifully written narrative, full of the poetic cadence of Homer. Even her use of oft-repeated phrases was reminiscent of the Iliad and the Odyssey. It is what kept me listening to the audio version of this book. HOWEVER ... the story bordered on the dull. I had absolutely no problem with the homosexual relationship between the two protagonists, but it was boring. Patroclus' mooning over Achilles was okay when he was a boy, but it got a little tiresome as they aged. I would have been just as bored (and annoyed) if this had been a hetero relationship. Patroclus' character never seemed to develop past his infatuation with Achilles. Achilles was, in turns, a petulant child and a blood thirst killer. I just didn't LIKE either character -- and that made it difficult to like the book. Still, the writing and the excellent narration of the audio version were enough to keep me going to the end, which is more than I can say for many of today's books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The A-Team: Season Two; Brand: George Peppard; Review: I'm glad they decided to go ahead and release Season 2 of the A-Team... My only complaint is that there seems to be a problem with one of my discs. Disc 1, side 1. "Diamonds in the Dust", totally locks up my player(s) and starts to pixellate right around the 40:00 minute mark. I've contacted Universal with my problem, to no avail. Has anyone else out there had this problem too? People are also reporting playback problems with Knight Rider and Magnum P.I... Also, Universal seems to have "dumbed down" this set, releasing it by awkwardly putting all episodes on 3 discs instead of 4, and supplying cheap plastic cases. Come on! I was just wondering if anyone else out there has experienced playback problems? I have a one year old JVC, a Panasonic, and of course my DVD-ROM drive, and the disc hesitates in the same spot on all three of my players... Other than that, at least we DID get season two. I hope they get their act together for season three.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kentucky Fried Movie VHS; Brand: Evan C. Kim; Review: This movie was the first pairing of the Zucker Brothers and was originally released in 1977(saw it at my now defunct local Drive-In). It pretty much pokes fun at TV commercials and the political climate of that time, and the quirky satire of 1970's America. I had the original pressing of this DVD(which went bad but replaced by Anchor Bay free of charge), and like Airplane!, I found that it gradually grew on me after repeated viewings and catching all those puns that I had missed before. However, those unfamiliar with the Zucker Brothers and their witty style might not fully appreciate the comedic value of this movie, or the topics and subjects they are mocking at. Yes, the material is somewhat dated by today's standards, and admittedly this is one of those comedies that you either "get" or you don't. However, if you're like me and you appreciate a good hearty laugh and sheer silliness that lets you forget about the world's problems for awhile, then you just may want to add this movie to your collection. And who can forget the now famous "Show Me Your Nuts" phrase, which ranks right up there with Airplane's "Don't Call me Shirley"? LOL. A good movie to add to your collection, but those under 30 might want to steer clear as they probably won't get the joke... A trip down memory lane-or should I say Zany lane? And don't forget: I'm not wearing any pants! Film at 11.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kentucky Fried Movie; Brand: Evan C. Kim; Review: This movie was the first pairing of the Zucker Brothers and was originally released in 1977(saw it at my now defunct local Drive-In). It pretty much pokes fun at TV commercials and the political climate of that time, and the quirky satire of 1970's America. I had the original pressing of this DVD(which went bad but replaced by Anchor Bay free of charge), and like Airplane!, I found that it gradually grew on me after repeated viewings and catching all those puns that I had missed before. However, those unfamiliar with the Zucker Brothers and their witty style might not fully appreciate the comedic value of this movie, or the topics and subjects they are mocking at. Yes, the material is somewhat dated by today's standards, and admittedly this is one of those comedies that you either "get" or you don't. However, if you're like me and you appreciate a good hearty laugh and sheer silliness that lets you forget about the world's problems for awhile, then you just may want to add this movie to your collection. And who can forget the now famous "Show Me Your Nuts" phrase, which ranks right up there with Airplane's "Don't Call me Shirley"? LOL. A good movie to add to your collection, but those under 30 might want to steer clear as they probably won't get the joke... A trip down memory lane-or should I say Zany lane? And don't forget: I'm not wearing any pants! Film at 11.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Laverne & Shirley: Season 5; Brand: ; Review: This is typical of how big studios operate, and why I'm becoming increasingly frustrated and disillusioned with supporting them. What is the problem, Paramount? Of course it figures you're going to cheat us out of the best season that contains some of the most memorable episodes: (Murder on the Moose-Jaw Express, Why Did the Fireman?, and The Diner--just to name a few). Or perhaps they're going to pull a stunt like Fox did with the Mary Tyler Moore series? Whatever happens, you can bet your bottom dollar that when(and if) season 5 is released it will probably be edited, just like "Happy Days" was. In summary, I never thought much of Paramount and this is just one reason why. As far as Laverne and Shirley goes, I agree with the other reviewers. I could careless about the California episodes. Let's just release the last season of the "Milwaukee Years" and call it quits. It was all downhill after that anyway. Come on Paramount. Get with the program--literally. Sincerely, A VERY frustrated fan.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Titanic 2; Brand: Shayne Van Dyke; Review: I'll try to keep this review as brief and concise as possible. I wasn't expecting much from this, after all made-for-TV movies don't usually get my hopes up in the first place. Often times the scripts and plots are less than realistic, the acting leaves a lot to be desired, and it's one of those things you turn to watch when you've got nothing better to do. Enter Titanic II... From the opening scenes of the surf-boarder taking advantage of(falling?)ice from a glacier in the Antarctic, I knew I was in for a real treat. Basically, the premise of the movie is that a new vessel, Titanic II, is making her maiden voyage exactly 100 years after the first tragedy. Along the way, a massive tsunami PUSHES an iceberg into her path and of course all hell breaks loose. I kid you not when I say that this might have been the most utterly pathetic boring movie I've ever had the misfortune of watching. The "special effects" looked like they were done by a high school drama department. They relied so much on computer imaging and enhancements that the ship ended up looking like a cartoon at times. The acting(haha)was so bad that it was funny--there were scenes that were meant to be tragic and dramatic where I literally found myself howling with laughter(case point: the scene where one of the extras walks up to Shane Van Dyke and yells "It's all your fault!") I DARE anyone not to laugh... This movie is full of shenanigans and tomfoolery from beginning to end. It's basically a bunch of people running around a doomed "vessel" having absolutely no point or purpose. Even Bruce Davison's normally passable acting is painful to watch here. The characters spend most of the movie running around like chickens with their heads cut off. I can't say I blame them. Had I been acting in this, I would've wanted to jump ship too(pun intended). Virtually everything is wrong here. Nothing "feels" or looks real. From the dining-room scenes which look like they were shot in a high school gymnasium, to the "engine room" with its CONCRETE walls--it just doesn't work folks. Like I said, after the saga was finished, I couldn't believe what I just witnessed. Not only is it(IMO)an insult to a great liner, it's an insult to the memory of all who perished on her. It certainly begs the question of why this movie was allowed into production in the first place? Like other reviewers have said, the acting is horrid, the storyline is completely ridiculous and nonsensical, and after all is said and done, everyone looks like they are standing around just waiting for their paycheck from this thing. Due to those factors, this perhaps ends up being one of the funniest(in a bad way)movies ever made. I laughed so hard several times I nearly soaked my pants. Trust me folks, don't waste your time. Even if your curiosity peaks, pass this one up. How they even got away with this garbage mystifies me.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Laverne & Shirley: Season 5; Brand: ; Review: FINALLY, after a four-year gap and believing that Laverne & Shirley was shelved indefinitely, Season 5 is upon us. Paramount left many fans in suspense and wonder of whether or not the series had been abandoned, and I had honestly lost all hope that we'd ever see S5 released. We need not worry anymore! This long-awaited set focuses on what I(and many others)consider to be the best season yet. The two-parter "Murder on the Moose-Jaw Express" will finally be seen in its entirety(not the edited version that was shown on reruns), the much anticipated "Diner" episode where L&S go to work for Lenny & Squiggy running a greasy-spoon diner and of course everything that can go wrong does, to the tragic "Why did the Fireman?" episode, starring a then unknown Ted Danson as Laverne's boyfriend who ends up being killed in the line of duty. That particular episode displayed how versatile the characters could be at times, mixing comedy in the face of tragedy, yet somehow it seemed to work here which is more that can be said about many other TV shows today. However, with that said, I think this should be a wrap, folks. Frankly something changed when the series and characters moved to California, although the first season in Burbank had a few funny moments(the earthquake episode), and the girls misadventures working at Bardwell's Department Store, it was all downhill from here. The very atmosphere of the show changed. I could never quite put my finger on it, but something just didn't seem "right" after the move out west. The new format, change of scenery, and chemistry between the new characters just never seemed to "click"(I always found Rhonda(Leslie Easterbrook)to be annoying as hell and I don't think her character added much to the plot or scripts). Many agree that the show definitely lost something. I say perhaps release the 6th season as a reminder of how great the "Milwaukee Years" were, and then call it quits. The show pretty much had run its course by that time. Ed Marinaro left after only 1 season in California, Betty Garrett left by 1981, Cindy Williams left in '82, and Michael McKean was missing from the final episodes. This is usually the first clue that a series is essentially on borrowed time. Everyone was jumping ship and by the time Eddie Mekka's character bid farewell to the cast, the show had honestly become unwatchable by then. In any case, this is THE one we've all been waiting for and I'm glad CBS/Paramount finally caved in to our demands and heard our voices. Others have previously mentioned how the series was not very well received on DVD and that's why they've been slow in coming with the subsequent releases. Personally I think Laverne & Shirley caters to a certain demographic. Namely Generation X'ers and their parents who grew up watching it(remember the Happy Days/Laverne&Shirley/Three's Company lineup), and working class folks who found the "blue collar" theme of the show easy to relate to. Sure some of the episodes have aged better than; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Laverne & Shirley: Season 6; Brand: Dick Patterson; Review: After Paramount/CBS finally caved in to public pressure (and at times outright demands) for the fifth installment of Laverne & Shirley to be released following a four-year gap, it seems they decided to go ahead and release the sixth season after all. This is where it all started going south, folks(or West depending on your opinion--lol), and what ultimately led to the series cancellation two years later. After losing their jobs at Shotz Brewery due to automation, the girls decided they've had enough of Milwaukee and pack up their belongings to start anew in California. They move from the meager basement apartment on Knapp Street to settle in a split-level dwelling in Burbank, CA. The rest of the gang decided to pull up stakes, so L&S figured it was time for a fresh start too. They hitch a ride across the country with Lenny & Squiggy--who also decide to settle in the same building. Instead of shouting up a dumbwaiter, we now see the gang keeping in touch with one another via a cubby hole situated underneath the stairway. We meet two new cast of characters: hunky landlord Sonny St. Jacques(Ed Marinaro who curiously enough only stuck around for one season), and lighter-than-fluffy airhead Rhonda Lee, played by Leslie Easterbrook who professes to be an "actress/model/singer/dancer". The girls' blue-collar background clashes with that of Rhonda's, who is constantly making a nuisance of herself by hosting swanky parties and, interestingly enough, driving Lenny and Squiggy to the point of sexual frustration. Of course the guys have no luck getting lucky with her, hence their plots and schemes to try and get Rhonda to date them always backfired... Their choice for employment in the Golden State is a department store called "Bardwell's", run by a no-nonsense, strict to the point Boss named Mr. Hildebrand (played by veteran performer Norman Bartold). They are employed as gift-wrappers in customer service and are constantly seeking ways to earn promotions/raises, all to no avail. The chemistry between these new characters was a little choppy at times, and I question the wisdom of adding the character of Rhonda-Lee, who always came across as the stereotypical "dumb blonde" talking about herself in the third person and proclaiming to be an actress in high demand around the Hollywood area. For such a "big star" to be living in a modest apartment building was curious enough, but I always cringed whenever she was given any real screen time. There was just something about her demeanor that turned me off. The character of Sonny, however, was a fresh addition to the cast, and he made sure his tenants were always safe and sound in their new surroundings, especially after an earthquake on the girls' first night had them reconsidering their move to California... Frank and Edna have already relocated prior to the girls' arrival, opening up a western themed BBQ restaurant called "Cowboy Bill's". Edna would eventually divorce Frank the following season after (supposedly) running off with a new beau and leaving Frank to wallow in his misery. Betty Garrett left after the; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Laverne & Shirley: Season 7; Brand: Archie Hahn III; Review: As another reviewer previously mentioned, it looks like they are going ahead and releasing the remainder of the series after all. Once this season is released, that leaves only Season 8 to complete the set. With that said, it took nearly 10 years for us to get the entire collection on DVD, likely held up by legal issues and licensing/royalty fees for all the guest performers that starred over the years. In any case, it'll be nice to have the complete collection once and for all, and we've certainly waited long enough to get to this point. Season 7 is the last official season with Shirley. Cindy Williams, pregnant with her first child and also in a contractual dispute with Paramount at the time, opted to leave the series early in the eighth season, her character being written off after she "moved" overseas to be with her army-doctor-husband, Walter Meeney. Betty Garrett and Ed Marinaro have already jumped ship here and their characters are absent for the remainder of the series. (Marinaro went on to star in "Hill Street Blues" while Garrett had previously committed to another project). Rhonda-Lee (Leslie Easterbrook) is given about the same amount of screen time, and Lenny and Squiggy, along with Frank and Carmine, are also still present. This is the season that officially "ended" the series, IMO. Season 8 without Shirley was a disaster, and though Penny Marshall tried hard to hold the show on her own, the nail was already in the coffin. Michael McKean all but vanished from the final episodes without explanation and Eddie Mekka's character moves away to the Big Apple to audition for a part in the Broadway production of "Hair." All in all, Season 7 exemplifies just how much the show had departed from the format of the "Milwaukee Years", with major changes in both the casting and writing of the scripts, which only served to bring on the beginning of the end. It is what it is. There were few stand-out episodes in this season, although the one starring Richard Moll as a bankrobber with Shirley getting framed for robbery in the process, was pretty good. There was also an episode where Laverne somehow ended up in a lobster tank that was also pretty comical from what I remember. But that's about it, folks. This is the season when the writing started to suffer, and the plots often became nonsensical. Evidently, it was obvious the writers/producers were desperately trying to keep the show afloat, but it just wasn't working anymore. The episodes were getting more ridiculous and the writers were simply running out of ideas. With two characters already gone and another major cast member soon making an exit, that left Penny Marshall with no real "sidekick". The writing was on the wall, the show was on borrowed time. The end was nigh. I'm also curious to see whether or not some of the music has been changed again, as we saw happen in Season 6. There was also a big chunk from the "Malibu Mansion" episode that was; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Laverne & Shirley: The Eighth and Final Season; Brand: Penny Marshall; Review: So, here we arrive at the series finale of Laverne & Shirley, arguably the weakest link in the sitcom's historic 8-yr run. In summary, there really isn't much to say about this particular season. Cindy Williams was only present for the first two episodes. "Window on Main Street" is worth a few good laughs, however the other episodes after her exodus were fairly substandard. We see Laverne dealing with Shirley's sudden departure, and after getting fired from Bardwell's, see her accepting a job at an aeronautical facility. We also see her sentenced to death row in a case of mistaken identity? (2 part episode). I kid you not. It's in this season where we discover (sort of) why Edna left Frank, Laverne apparently now has "ghosts" in her apartment, we saw how Michael McKean mysteriously vanished from the final episodes for some never-explained reason, Squiggy has no real point or purpose, Rhonda-Lee tries her darndest at singing and playing a trumpet for some big-shot executive hanging out in Cowboy Bill's, Frank decides to run for city council (and of course loses), and Eddie Mekka basically realizes his career in California is on the skids and decides to move off to NYC to try his luck on Broadway instead. That about sums it all up in a nutshell, folks. Season 8 is a perfect example of why they should have called it quits after season 7. Once Cindy Williams made her exit, the series should have been cancelled outright and the time slot filled with re-runs. The show had become a shadow of its former self, the writing and storylines ridiculous, and everyone looked liked they were just standing around waiting for their final paychecks so they could move on to other endeavors. In retrospect, the show was way past its prime at this point and the lack of any new material--or characters--was the final straw. Interestingly enough, Penny Marshall's biography, "My Mother Was Nuts", discusses the strange circumstances surrounding seasons 6-8, and why ABC quietly dropped the series from its lineup. Marshall herself admits the program was a total DISASTER in its final season. It was almost like the writers/producers simply lost their way. This show deserved so much more, and a way better grand finale, IMO. At least we'll have our memories of what was once the most popular sitcom on prime-time TV. Glad we now have the entire collection on DVD however, even though it took us 10yrs to finally reach the end... And that's a wrap, folks. Laverne & Shirley rides off into the sunset of golden comedy classics. I have to admit, the restoration on most of these DVD sets has so far been very well done, however there WAS some obvious editing done here and there, so be aware there might be some missing segments or footage on certain episodes. In any case, the reproduction here is quite impressive. Pictures are clean and crisp with minimal graininess, colors are bright and vivid. Look for special guest stars Shecky Greene, James Belushi, Adam West, Jay Leno, Carol Kane,; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Joanie Loves Chachi: The Complete Series; Brand: Scott Baio; Review: It's been a LONG time (over three decades now) since the much-hyped Joanie Loves Chachi first aired on network TV, basically a spin-off from Happy Days which initially held much promise, but was ultimately short-lived as the series failed to gain momentum and never really found its niche or target audience. The premise of the series features Joanie & Chachi together and now living in Chicago as they try and pursue a music career. Al (Al Molinaro) tags along too and apparently has gone from managing greasy-spoon diners to an upscale Italian restaurant, where Joanie and Chachi (and apparently the others) made their residence upstairs. The charming Ellen Travolta plays the role of both mom and mentor here, and we have Art Metrano rounding out the pack as their goofy, yet loveable manager. As you might have guessed, the chaos and pressures of trying to kick start a career in showbiz along with a rather eccentric manager that kept booking them in dud after dud venues, causes the usual hilarity and silliness to ensue here. Sure, some of the plots and storylines were a little over the top, but it was all very kitschy. Looking back now, the show wasn't half as bad as I remembered it, but the formula never really seemed to work. Perhaps the series was simply an anachronism, a sitcom that was conceived outside its time and place? Whatever your feelings and opinion, it's sure to evoke a few smiles as you take a stroll down memory lane here. After dismal ratings, ABC decided to pull the plug. It was all over after only 17 episodes. However, I think it's still worth watching if only for the entertainment value and nostalgia. And who didn't like the catchy opening theme? All in all, I give it a 5 out of 10. Not the best sitcom ever devised, but hardly the worst. It seemed to grow on me as I watched and recalled all those old episodes again. This is the kind of stuff you curl up on the couch with on a rainy/dreary day. Give it a chance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Poltergeist; Brand: Sam Rockwell; Review: I don't know what I can say, other than this remake was completely unnecessary and downright ridiculous. Although it is VERY loosely based on the 1982 film, that's where any resemblance ends. Matter of fact, the only thing the two films have in common is the title. The house, the characters, the plot, everything about this movie was just plain wrong. The casting of characters was downright bizarre, and there's no chemistry between anyone. The mother comes across as a frustrated housewife, the oldest daughter as a spoiled brat, the son as having serious emotional problems, and the youngest daughter who the ghosts are all so eager to catch, doesn't come across as believable or convincing at all. Sam Rockwell, the dad, was just not suited for this role, period. He goes through the entire movie looking like he's ready to bust up laughing at nothing in particular. Even the cheesy "special effects" just don't have any scare factor here. There were scenes that were meant to be scary or dramatic that actually had the opposite effect. I found myself cracking up more than a few times. All in all, I give it a big resounding "F". This movie was boring, ridiculous, pointless, and completely unnecessary. A total turkey. I donated my copy to the Goodwill.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Baker's Hawk VHS; Brand: Clint Walker; Review: The film, "Baker's Hawk", opened to mixed/negative reviews in 1976, with critics hounding the sentimental and "sappy" nature of the movie's plot. However, I think what they failed to grasp was the central meaning behind it all, the message that one CAN be different and still leave their mark on the world. The notion that some people which society might define as "odd" or "creepy" is oftentimes nothing more than a ridiculous stereotype that is usually fueled by misinformation from the media, or just idle gossip that unfortunately many small communities thrive on and are notorious for... The premise of the film takes place in 1876, and features "The Baker" of Baker's Hawk, which refers to a young Lee Harcourt Montgomery, the son of Clint Walker and Diane Baker, who finds an injured and abandoned hawk in the woods. Montgomery takes what he thinks is a bold chance and goes to the cabin of Burl Ives, who has a reputation among the locals as being an eccentric, old "crazy man." In truth, he's simply a reclusive hermit who just happens to prefer the company of animals a lot more than humans, and the people around his neck of the woods certainly don't give him any reason to think or believe otherwise. But he does warm up to young Montgomery, and the two of them form a special bond collaborating on mending the injured hawk back to health... Meanwhile, the grown-ups have some problems of their own. Clint Walker is up against a town who wants to form a "vigilante committee" because they don't like certain elements coming to their area. The head vigilante is, of all people, Alan Young who plays a shop keeper, but who really had no idea what he started. Eventually, Walker becomes deputy of the town to county sheriff, Taylor Lacher, and that sets everything up for a dramatic confrontation. Baker's Hawk is a heartwarming family film, the kind that is sorely lacking in today's "sex/violence" for entertainment culture. It's also an educational tool that people, no matter what their life circumstances, background, upbringing, or how "different" society perceives them to be, can perhaps become one of your best friends and should be treated with respect and dignity regardless. It also teaches a fine lesson about taking the law into your own hands, and the consequences thereof. The movie was filmed primarily in Utah, therefore contains some truly gorgeous cinematography filmed on location in Utah's national parks. The scenes with Ives (who made this movie IMO) and Montgomery, along with the animals, are the best part of the film. This is the kind of movie you curl up with on the couch during a rainy, dreary day. A cup of cocoa, some cookies, a blanket, and maybe the company of a good friend or close family, makes for some good, old-fashioned entertainment. They don't make movies like this anymore. Too few and far between. Enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
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