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3 |
Solid Joe for long-time fans
|
While it may disappoint those fans expecting another helping of "Look Sharp!" or "I'm the Man," the Joe Jackson Band's "Volume 4" is a solid album worth picking up for fans of Jackson's broader pop library. Except for jaded gems like "Little Bit Stupid," "Fairy Dust" and (arguably) "Awkward Age," most of the songs here would be more at home on later Jackson albums (whether "Night and Day" or "Blaze of Glory") than on "Look Sharp!" That said, the trio of "Chrome," "Love at First Light" and "Blue Flame" is a rewarding combination of balladry that longtime fans will appreciate, especially with repeated listens. Many of the other songs - "Take it Like a Man," "Still Alive," "Dirty Martini" - are merely passable in comparison with Jackson's other work. Nevertheless, this fan finds "Volume 4" a welcome return to rock and pop for a consistently solid songwriter and performer. The six-song live bonus CD is definitely a nice addition, although there is nothing revelatory here.
| 982 |
[
"While it may disappoint those fans expecting another helping of \"Look Sharp!",
"\" or \"I'm the Man,\" the Joe Jackson Band's \"Volume 4\" is a solid album worth picking up for fans of Jackson's broader pop library.",
"Except for jaded gems like \"Little Bit Stupid,\" \"Fairy Dust\" and (arguably) \"Awkward Age,\" most of the songs here would be more at home on later Jackson albums (whether \"Night and Day\" or \"Blaze of Glory\") than on \"Look Sharp!",
"\" That said, the trio of \"Chrome,\" \"Love at First Light\" and \"Blue Flame\" is a rewarding combination of balladry that longtime fans will appreciate, especially with repeated listens.",
"Many of the other songs - \"Take it Like a Man,\" \"Still Alive,\" \"Dirty Martini\" - are merely passable in comparison with Jackson's other work.",
"Nevertheless, this fan finds \"Volume 4\" a welcome return to rock and pop for a consistently solid songwriter and performer.",
"The six-song live bonus CD is definitely a nice addition, although there is nothing revelatory here."
] |
3 |
Better than expected
|
I bought this on a whim and was going to take it back after reading the reviews. However, my son saw it in the bag so I let him keep it.He absolutely loves this toy! He would give it 6 stars if he could. But, he's only 3 1/2 so I averaged his rating with mine and it got 3.Our toy seemed to be in OK working condition and has not broken anywhere after 3 uses. The bubble accordion did make bubbles, and the color waterfall worked fine. The thing that churns the water to make bubbles doesn't do much.Here are my complaints:You really need to buy the color dots to go with this. It came with a couple, which lasted about 2 minutes. The bubble stuff was quickly gone as well. Luckily I had some red color dots we used, and just used baby soap to make bubbles.The plastic parts seem flimsy. While mine hasn't broken yet, it definitely doesn't seem like it's going to hold up over time.It was worth buying because of how my son loves it, but overall I usually like a better quality toy.
| 982 |
[
"I bought this on a whim and was going to take it back after reading the reviews.",
"However, my son saw it in the bag so I let him keep it.He absolutely loves this toy!",
"He would give it 6 stars if he could.",
"But, he's only 3 1/2 so I averaged his rating with mine and it got 3.Our toy seemed to be in OK working condition and has not broken anywhere after 3 uses.",
"The bubble accordion did make bubbles, and the color waterfall worked fine.",
"The thing that churns the water to make bubbles doesn't do much.Here are my complaints:You really need to buy the color dots to go with this.",
"It came with a couple, which lasted about 2 minutes.",
"The bubble stuff was quickly gone as well.",
"Luckily I had some red color dots we used, and just used baby soap to make bubbles.The plastic parts seem flimsy.",
"While mine hasn't broken yet, it definitely doesn't seem like it's going to hold up over time.It was worth buying because of how my son loves it, but overall I usually like a better quality toy."
] |
3 |
Hmmm... not too creative
|
I was hoping that this would be some calming, middle eastern, spiritual music...well it was calming I guess, but boy is it monotonous (literally). It's the same tune over and over and over and over and over (didn't it annoy you to have to read "over and over..."? Well that's how I felt after listening to the CD)It's well known that repetitive sounds are soothing to the mind, so I guess in that sense you are getting "repetitive sounds". But you might as well just leave your kitchen faucet on all night if that's what you're looking for, rather than paying for a CD.I have to admit that the CD relaxed me into a deep sleep for the first 2 or 3 nights, but that effect just wore out from there on.The last thing I want to mention as that when I say repetitive "sounds", the sounds I'm referring to are two: that od and the water pouring in the background. Sometimes he throws in his voice. But I think anyone who took basic music in grade school could learn this piece in an hour.
| 982 |
[
"I was hoping that this would be some calming, middle eastern, spiritual music...well it was calming I guess, but boy is it monotonous (literally).",
"It's the same tune over and over and over and over and over (didn't it annoy you to have to read \"over and over...\"?",
"Well that's how I felt after listening to the CD)It's well known that repetitive sounds are soothing to the mind, so I guess in that sense you are getting \"repetitive sounds\".",
"But you might as well just leave your kitchen faucet on all night if that's what you're looking for, rather than paying for a CD.I have to admit that the CD relaxed me into a deep sleep for the first 2 or 3 nights, but that effect just wore out from there on.The last thing I want to mention as that when I say repetitive \"sounds\", the sounds I'm referring to are two: that od and the water pouring in the background.",
"Sometimes he throws in his voice.",
"But I think anyone who took basic music in grade school could learn this piece in an hour."
] |
3 |
ALMOST a good program.
|
Something like this is undoubtedly necessary, and Diskeeper MAY be the best available too, but it's buggy. The "set it and forget it" feature doesn't work at all; when an automatic defragmentation should begin, the program pops up a message saying it can't continue due to inconsistencies on the disk. The first two or three times this happened (this is on an XP Home system), I scheduled ChkDisk, rebooted, etc. But (a) there wasn't anything wrong with the disk, and (b) it didn't solve the problem with Diskeeper. Now, when I see that message, I open Diskeeper and start the defragmentation manually. Sometimes the program refuses to do a manually started defragmentation, saying there's an inconsistency; but there IS no inconsistency, and when I restart the defragmentation, it works just fine. In addition, directory consolidation does NOT put all the directories together, and it takes forever. The hard-drive is only 20% utilized, so don't start thinking of excuses for this!
| 982 |
[
"Something like this is undoubtedly necessary, and Diskeeper MAY be the best available too, but it's buggy.",
"The \"set it and forget it\" feature doesn't work at all; when an automatic defragmentation should begin, the program pops up a message saying it can't continue due to inconsistencies on the disk.",
"The first two or three times this happened (this is on an XP Home system), I scheduled ChkDisk, rebooted, etc.",
"But (a) there wasn't anything wrong with the disk, and (b) it didn't solve the problem with Diskeeper.",
"Now, when I see that message, I open Diskeeper and start the defragmentation manually.",
"Sometimes the program refuses to do a manually started defragmentation, saying there's an inconsistency; but there IS no inconsistency, and when I restart the defragmentation, it works just fine.",
"In addition, directory consolidation does NOT put all the directories together, and it takes forever.",
"The hard-drive is only 20% utilized, so don't start thinking of excuses for this!"
] |
3 |
An averaged rating
|
What I mean by "averaged rating" is that I've taken the five stars the show warrants and averaged it in with the miserable rating the packaging merits. Oh, sure...it's stunning and some genius spent lots of time at his computer coming up with the design. But face it: it's a pain in the proverbial butt, opening it to get at the discs and then reassembling all the components to close it when you put it back on the shelf...assuming you have enough shelf space to hold this turkey. What I plan on doing is buying several DVD sleeves and storing the discs in them, leaving the box and the heart-shaped top and the plastic cover, etc., in storage somewhere. (Can you imagine the complete AMOS & ANDY series, if it ever got packaged, having something similar? I can just picture Andy's derby or the Kingfish's fedora or Andy's cabbie cap...maybe all three...in a flip-top box. But the Guardians of Blackness will never permit that show to be packaged and sold, despite its brilliance.)
| 982 |
[
"What I mean by \"averaged rating\" is that I've taken the five stars the show warrants and averaged it in with the miserable rating the packaging merits.",
"Oh, sure...it's stunning and some genius spent lots of time at his computer coming up with the design.",
"But face it: it's a pain in the proverbial butt, opening it to get at the discs and then reassembling all the components to close it when you put it back on the shelf...assuming you have enough shelf space to hold this turkey.",
"What I plan on doing is buying several DVD sleeves and storing the discs in them, leaving the box and the heart-shaped top and the plastic cover, etc., in storage somewhere.",
"(Can you imagine the complete AMOS & ANDY series, if it ever got packaged, having something similar?",
"I can just picture Andy's derby or the Kingfish's fedora or Andy's cabbie cap...maybe all three...in a flip-top box.",
"But the Guardians of Blackness will never permit that show to be packaged and sold, despite its brilliance.)"
] |
3 |
14 songs only!
|
Only for diehard fans of the late grunge group Nirvana would this album since it includes an unreleased track called You Know Your Right which was the last track record by the group before Kurt's suicide in 1994. For only having 14 songs it should of had more like Negative Creep, Slappy, Scentless Apprentice, Drain You, Polly. The rest of the tracks on the album like In Bloom, Smells like teen spirit, Lithium, Rape me, Heartshape Box, About a girl, Been a son, all apologizes, the man who sold the world, pennyroyal tea can be found in Beach, Nevermind, and In Utero plus Unplugged album. There is no need for this album unless you want almost all of the hits with a few missing. It looks like Dave, Courtney, and Chris were just looking for a quick cash in and just throw this collection whoever did, I think it was Courtney mostly. It should of had videos or interview with Dave, Chris and former members of the band talking about Nirvana or at least live footage of the band.
| 982 |
[
"Only for diehard fans of the late grunge group Nirvana would this album since it includes an unreleased track called You Know Your Right which was the last track record by the group before Kurt's suicide in 1994.",
"For only having 14 songs it should of had more like Negative Creep, Slappy, Scentless Apprentice, Drain You, Polly.",
"The rest of the tracks on the album like In Bloom, Smells like teen spirit, Lithium, Rape me, Heartshape Box, About a girl, Been a son, all apologizes, the man who sold the world, pennyroyal tea can be found in Beach, Nevermind, and In Utero plus Unplugged album.",
"There is no need for this album unless you want almost all of the hits with a few missing.",
"It looks like Dave, Courtney, and Chris were just looking for a quick cash in and just throw this collection whoever did, I think it was Courtney mostly.",
"It should of had videos or interview with Dave, Chris and former members of the band talking about Nirvana or at least live footage of the band."
] |
3 |
Mentor of giants.
|
For me, billionaires are intriguing. For reasons I can't explain, I always seem to identify with their perspective on life and sifting through the Forbes list of the world's wealthiest people always provides me with an interesting investigation into the minds of the compulsively successful. Warren Buffet certainly falls into that category. While reading about Warren Buffet I came across the name Benjamin Graham. Low and behold discovering Graham, further uncovered Buffet. While the famous students of Graham have displayed their own unique brands of brilliance, there is no denying Graham's obvious influence on their methods. Graham seemed to be more of a numbers artist, than a mathematical genius. His love of fair play and honesty created a group of level headed investment strategist that have set the tone for decency for decades. While this is not Pulitzer Prize winning stuff, it is an intriguing retrospective about an artist disguised as a genius and who he inspired.
| 982 |
[
"For me, billionaires are intriguing.",
"For reasons I can't explain, I always seem to identify with their perspective on life and sifting through the Forbes list of the world's wealthiest people always provides me with an interesting investigation into the minds of the compulsively successful.",
"Warren Buffet certainly falls into that category.",
"While reading about Warren Buffet I came across the name Benjamin Graham.",
"Low and behold discovering Graham, further uncovered Buffet.",
"While the famous students of Graham have displayed their own unique brands of brilliance, there is no denying Graham's obvious influence on their methods.",
"Graham seemed to be more of a numbers artist, than a mathematical genius.",
"His love of fair play and honesty created a group of level headed investment strategist that have set the tone for decency for decades.",
"While this is not Pulitzer Prize winning stuff, it is an intriguing retrospective about an artist disguised as a genius and who he inspired."
] |
3 |
Strong and Heavy
|
I have a torn disc in my neck and have sever muscle spasms. The shoulder and neck piece is VERY heavy. I cant really sit up with and an be comfortable for too long.The belt piece has plastic on it for the buckle around the waist for lower back and it get warm so there is a concern there.I have a small microwave unfortunately and the only ones that fit to where I can get the heat evenly are the smaller ones.And if you have migraines you wont be able to handle the heavy smell if your like me and my girls when I am in pain...light and smells really bother me. Although they can be a benefit I have not used them that much since I recvd it and will keep it only cuz my girls might use it.For me I will look for the Original Bed Buddy that is a rice filled sock with handles on the end made of rope type material. It smelled light and worked well. I wish I had thought of doing a search before I bought this product BUT I am sure this may be a better fit for others but not for me.
| 982 |
[
"I have a torn disc in my neck and have sever muscle spasms.",
"The shoulder and neck piece is VERY heavy.",
"I cant really sit up with and an be comfortable for too long.The belt piece has plastic on it for the buckle around the waist for lower back and it get warm so there is a concern there.I have a small microwave unfortunately and the only ones that fit to where I can get the heat evenly are the smaller ones.And if you have migraines you wont be able to handle the heavy smell if your like me and my girls when I am in pain...light and smells really bother me.",
"Although they can be a benefit I have not used them that much since I recvd it and will keep it only cuz my girls might use it.For me I will look for the Original Bed Buddy that is a rice filled sock with handles on the end made of rope type material.",
"It smelled light and worked well.",
"I wish I had thought of doing a search before I bought this product BUT I am sure this may be a better fit for others but not for me."
] |
3 |
Starting to get obsessed
|
I am an admitted fan of all of Rowlands earlier works and she does a great job of translating Japan to a western mind. However in her most recent works she seems to be fixiated on the homosexual or bisexual aspects of the culture. Not so much in the way she writes about it or assigns it to her characters as much as the repetition with which she refers to it. I am a student of ancient Japanese culture and history and have no problem acknowledging this aspect of the sexuality of men and women in ancient Japan. That being said, I feel in her latest work exhibits some preoccupation with deviant sexuality that I did not either see the need for or I felt it as a distraction from the story. Again, the mention of it was not my issue. It is the constant referal to it which annoyed me. This was present in a few of her other recent works as well. I will continue to read her however, because she does the world of Japanese history justice and I loved the ending in perfumed sleeve.
| 982 |
[
"I am an admitted fan of all of Rowlands earlier works and she does a great job of translating Japan to a western mind.",
"However in her most recent works she seems to be fixiated on the homosexual or bisexual aspects of the culture.",
"Not so much in the way she writes about it or assigns it to her characters as much as the repetition with which she refers to it.",
"I am a student of ancient Japanese culture and history and have no problem acknowledging this aspect of the sexuality of men and women in ancient Japan.",
"That being said, I feel in her latest work exhibits some preoccupation with deviant sexuality that I did not either see the need for or I felt it as a distraction from the story.",
"Again, the mention of it was not my issue.",
"It is the constant referal to it which annoyed me.",
"This was present in a few of her other recent works as well.",
"I will continue to read her however, because she does the world of Japanese history justice and I loved the ending in perfumed sleeve."
] |
3 |
OK quality - iffy documentation
|
This is a very good replacement for the ice maker on my Whirlpool fridge. It's not an exact replacement, but it's definitely comparable. To me, "very good" means I didn't have to hack around to make it fit or function. The quality is just OK though.___________________Pros:* Makes ice!* Pretty simple to install* Plastic ice tray instead of the plastic coated metal tray of the OEM. (Plastic coating peeled off and corroded the metal tray and made weird ice. It's a good thing I'm done making babies, because it shed some pretty funky stuff into the ice!)* Good assortment of wiring harnesses and hardware included.___________________Cons:* The instructions were pretty slim and didn't even really apply to this model.* Not as well constructed as the original unit. Definitely more flimsy.* Makes ice pretty slowly. Our old ice maker would fill the bin in a day--even under daily use. This one hasn't filled it yet!* Drops the cubes straight down and doesn't hit the bin every time.
| 982 |
[
"This is a very good replacement for the ice maker on my Whirlpool fridge.",
"It's not an exact replacement, but it's definitely comparable.",
"To me, \"very good\" means I didn't have to hack around to make it fit or function.",
"The quality is just OK though.___________________Pros:* Makes ice!",
"* Pretty simple to install* Plastic ice tray instead of the plastic coated metal tray of the OEM.",
"(Plastic coating peeled off and corroded the metal tray and made weird ice.",
"It's a good thing I'm done making babies, because it shed some pretty funky stuff into the ice!",
")* Good assortment of wiring harnesses and hardware included.___________________Cons:* The instructions were pretty slim and didn't even really apply to this model.* Not as well constructed as the original unit.",
"Definitely more flimsy.* Makes ice pretty slowly.",
"Our old ice maker would fill the bin in a day--even under daily use.",
"This one hasn't filled it yet!",
"* Drops the cubes straight down and doesn't hit the bin every time."
] |
3 |
Gnosticism
|
I liked this book as it was easy to read and informative.I have always wondered why the Marcionite heresy would accept only an edited version of the Gospel of Luke, rejecting the other three Gospels, and after reading Pagels, I now have an idea. I will re-read the Gospels with the prespective of this book.She spends a lot of time on Valentinian Gnosticism in the last part of the book, which acoordingly drags. Valentinus was a heretic and much weirder than the book describes. His Aeon's, Bythos, Sophia, Horus, and, Ildebaoth, can, charitably, be thought of as metaphorical, but they have always reminded me of something from Lovecraft!YOG-SOHOTH! Cthulhu fhtagn!Valentinus was docetic, which is not mentioned, and a dualist who thought matter is intrinsically evil, which is glossed over.Enough. I liked and learned some things from the book so I reccomend it to serious students of early Christian doctrine. Gnosticism was heresy 1800 years ago and it still is today. 3 stars.
| 982 |
[
"I liked this book as it was easy to read and informative.I have always wondered why the Marcionite heresy would accept only an edited version of the Gospel of Luke, rejecting the other three Gospels, and after reading Pagels, I now have an idea.",
"I will re-read the Gospels with the prespective of this book.She spends a lot of time on Valentinian Gnosticism in the last part of the book, which acoordingly drags.",
"Valentinus was a heretic and much weirder than the book describes.",
"His Aeon's, Bythos, Sophia, Horus, and, Ildebaoth, can, charitably, be thought of as metaphorical, but they have always reminded me of something from Lovecraft!",
"YOG-SOHOTH!",
"Cthulhu fhtagn!",
"Valentinus was docetic, which is not mentioned, and a dualist who thought matter is intrinsically evil, which is glossed over.Enough.",
"I liked and learned some things from the book so I reccomend it to serious students of early Christian doctrine.",
"Gnosticism was heresy 1800 years ago and it still is today.",
"3 stars."
] |
3 |
Ghoul School
|
Timothy O'Rawe comes from the same school of film making as Lloyd Kaufman and the rest of the Troma Team, where less is never more. Every aspect of this no-budget zombie picture is exaggerated to a ridiculous extreme, with comically over-the-top characters, a goofy B-movie plot, and outrageous moments of gore. GHOUL SCHOOL enrolls a pair of would-be thieves who accidentally release a deadly poison into the campus water supply, turning the entire student body into a pack of ravenous fiends! There is no mistaking the film's many flaws, but fans of THE TOXIC AVENGER will find plenty to enjoy in its silly performances and intentionally terrible humor. With costumes and FX that were clearly influenced by Lamberto Bava's DEMONS, THE EVIL DEAD, and others, GHOUL SCHOOL manages to sneak in some impressive splatter for the budget. As Timothy O'Rawe's first and only film, it serves as a cheesy reminder of everything Horror fans loved from the 80s.-Carl ManesI Like Horror Movies
| 982 |
[
"Timothy O'Rawe comes from the same school of film making as Lloyd Kaufman and the rest of the Troma Team, where less is never more.",
"Every aspect of this no-budget zombie picture is exaggerated to a ridiculous extreme, with comically over-the-top characters, a goofy B-movie plot, and outrageous moments of gore.",
"GHOUL SCHOOL enrolls a pair of would-be thieves who accidentally release a deadly poison into the campus water supply, turning the entire student body into a pack of ravenous fiends!",
"There is no mistaking the film's many flaws, but fans of THE TOXIC AVENGER will find plenty to enjoy in its silly performances and intentionally terrible humor.",
"With costumes and FX that were clearly influenced by Lamberto Bava's DEMONS, THE EVIL DEAD, and others, GHOUL SCHOOL manages to sneak in some impressive splatter for the budget.",
"As Timothy O'Rawe's first and only film, it serves as a cheesy reminder of everything Horror fans loved from the 80s.-Carl ManesI Like Horror Movies"
] |
3 |
Canon Powershot
|
I bought one of these cameras for my mother and My husband gave me one since it is small and I can stash it in my purse and carry it with me everyday. It is an average camera if you want to take snap shots.If you use the large size settings it is very grainy. For the price it is a fun camera with settings for foliage, underwater, macro, pets and children, and many many more, some hidden so far in the menu you should read the manual or you will never find them.You can change to manual, ISO goes to 1600. The nice thing is when you change the settings you can actually see what will be shot on the view screen. Bump the F-stop up or down and you can actually see what it will look like before snapping the photo.A fun camera to play with and have with you those times you wish you had brought a camera but it will never ever even come close to replacing my Digital Rebel.Our Daughter has one also she has the SD750 and it has a larger view screen but seems to be the same camera.
| 982 |
[
"I bought one of these cameras for my mother and My husband gave me one since it is small and I can stash it in my purse and carry it with me everyday.",
"It is an average camera if you want to take snap shots.If you use the large size settings it is very grainy.",
"For the price it is a fun camera with settings for foliage, underwater, macro, pets and children, and many many more, some hidden so far in the menu you should read the manual or you will never find them.You can change to manual, ISO goes to 1600.",
"The nice thing is when you change the settings you can actually see what will be shot on the view screen.",
"Bump the F-stop up or down and you can actually see what it will look like before snapping the photo.A fun camera to play with and have with you those times you wish you had brought a camera but it will never ever even come close to replacing my Digital Rebel.Our Daughter has one also she has the SD750 and it has a larger view screen but seems to be the same camera."
] |
3 |
Depends on Nursing Cup size
|
I bought the tank in size medium based on the reviews that this top runs big and is very long. It's true the top is long so you don't have to worry about the bottom riding up. I wish I would have bought a size or two larger. The tank fit great in the stomach and hip area, but the top of the tank doesn't provide enough support or coverage for larger cup sizes. I found that the straps dug into my shoulders even with adjustment and the top portion did not comfortably cover my cleavage. When worn under another shirt it created a line (like a panty line but for cleavage:(() on my front. Not very flattering. Also the inner lining was small so that it squeezed my breast so that I would leak milk although it does stretch with use... I really like the concept of the tank vs a nursing bra so I can pull up my shirt, nurse under a cover and not show my postpartum belly:( Again I'm large breasted, over DD. So that is why I can not recommend this tank for women of larger cup sizes.
| 982 |
[
"I bought the tank in size medium based on the reviews that this top runs big and is very long.",
"It's true the top is long so you don't have to worry about the bottom riding up.",
"I wish I would have bought a size or two larger.",
"The tank fit great in the stomach and hip area, but the top of the tank doesn't provide enough support or coverage for larger cup sizes.",
"I found that the straps dug into my shoulders even with adjustment and the top portion did not comfortably cover my cleavage.",
"When worn under another shirt it created a line (like a panty line but for cleavage:(() on my front.",
"Not very flattering.",
"Also the inner lining was small so that it squeezed my breast so that I would leak milk although it does stretch with use... I really like the concept of the tank vs a nursing bra so I can pull up my shirt, nurse under a cover and not show my postpartum belly:( Again I'm large breasted, over DD.",
"So that is why I can not recommend this tank for women of larger cup sizes."
] |
3 |
Not the greatest
|
I was a bit disappointed by the third installment of the "Sisterhood" series. Usually I can't put the books down because they grab my attention immediately, but that was not the case for this one. Of the four girls, I only found Bridget's story to be truly compelling, even if I did know how it was going to end. Tibby and Carmen's stories were all right, even though Carmen apparently hasn't learned from her past mistakes because she acted the exact same way as she did in books one and two. As a character, she doesn't grow until the very end of this book. As for Lena - who is usually my favourite "Sister" - I found her story to be a complete bore. The descriptions of her portraits did nothing for me.Though not as good as the first two books, hopefully "Girls in Pants" will make the series complete once the last book is out. It's a must for any fan of the books, but if you're new to the Sisterhood, this book isn't the place to start. Looking forward to "Forever in Blue!"
| 982 |
[
"I was a bit disappointed by the third installment of the \"Sisterhood\" series.",
"Usually I can't put the books down because they grab my attention immediately, but that was not the case for this one.",
"Of the four girls, I only found Bridget's story to be truly compelling, even if I did know how it was going to end.",
"Tibby and Carmen's stories were all right, even though Carmen apparently hasn't learned from her past mistakes because she acted the exact same way as she did in books one and two.",
"As a character, she doesn't grow until the very end of this book.",
"As for Lena - who is usually my favourite \"Sister\" - I found her story to be a complete bore.",
"The descriptions of her portraits did nothing for me.Though not as good as the first two books, hopefully \"Girls in Pants\" will make the series complete once the last book is out.",
"It's a must for any fan of the books, but if you're new to the Sisterhood, this book isn't the place to start.",
"Looking forward to \"Forever in Blue!",
"\""
] |
3 |
Great until the battery dies!
|
I loved this product for the first month or so. I run alot but am not that bothered about exact (to the second) timing/pace/distance etc) as long as I am with 1/2 a mile which this seemed to be very consistantly.I enjoyed the tracking features on Nike web site, it gave me new motivation to see all the nice graphs etc.BUT THEN one day a flashing icon on my ipod said the sensors battery was low. You can not replace the battery in the Sensor so I wrote to Nike since I only had about 50 hours of use on it. They said not our problem call Apple!. Took a long time to find out how to get a hold of Apple and in doing so found several formums with people experiencing the same prob. Finally got a hold of Apple, they said wither dens it in and we'll try to fix it and you should get it back with in about 2 weeks or go to an apple store (closest is about 1 1/2 hrs away!). Not what I had hoped as a resolution, but I intend to get it replaced and see if the next one works for longer.
| 982 |
[
"I loved this product for the first month or so.",
"I run alot but am not that bothered about exact (to the second) timing/pace/distance etc) as long as I am with 1/2 a mile which this seemed to be very consistantly.I enjoyed the tracking features on Nike web site, it gave me new motivation to see all the nice graphs etc.BUT THEN one day a flashing icon on my ipod said the sensors battery was low.",
"You can not replace the battery in the Sensor so I wrote to Nike since I only had about 50 hours of use on it.",
"They said not our problem call Apple!",
".",
"Took a long time to find out how to get a hold of Apple and in doing so found several formums with people experiencing the same prob.",
"Finally got a hold of Apple, they said wither dens it in and we'll try to fix it and you should get it back with in about 2 weeks or go to an apple store (closest is about 1 1/2 hrs away!",
").",
"Not what I had hoped as a resolution, but I intend to get it replaced and see if the next one works for longer."
] |
3 |
wacky, funny
|
President Johnson ("Larry Bob") orders two Marine chopper pilots, Almost-Captains Gearhardt and Armstrong, to fly to Hanoi where Jane Fonda ("Barbonella") will parachute in naked from an Air America C-130. Together, they will meet with Ho Chi Minh and General Giap ("Hoche" and "Geepster") to "end the war."Madcap dark comedy alternates between hilarity and grim realism. No structure that anyone could recognize, but some side-splitting dialogue.Exactly how this crew are to achieve the end of the war is vague. They are assisted by Gon Norea, a Panama-born Mexican who is a Cuban-Russian-British-American quadruple agent. On the way they must contend with vast forces who have much to lose if the war should end. Jane is induced to go by a promise that she can fire an anti-aircraft gun. All they know for sure is that if they fail, "and should happen to live," they "will be eating donkey dick on white bread in Leaveworth until the Sunday after the Second Coming."Got the drift?
| 982 |
[
"President Johnson (\"Larry Bob\") orders two Marine chopper pilots, Almost-Captains Gearhardt and Armstrong, to fly to Hanoi where Jane Fonda (\"Barbonella\") will parachute in naked from an Air America C-130.",
"Together, they will meet with Ho Chi Minh and General Giap (\"Hoche\" and \"Geepster\") to \"end the war.\"Madcap dark comedy alternates between hilarity and grim realism.",
"No structure that anyone could recognize, but some side-splitting dialogue.Exactly how this crew are to achieve the end of the war is vague.",
"They are assisted by Gon Norea, a Panama-born Mexican who is a Cuban-Russian-British-American quadruple agent.",
"On the way they must contend with vast forces who have much to lose if the war should end.",
"Jane is induced to go by a promise that she can fire an anti-aircraft gun.",
"All they know for sure is that if they fail, \"and should happen to live,\" they \"will be eating donkey dick on white bread in Leaveworth until the Sunday after the Second Coming.\"Got the drift?"
] |
3 |
THE NEW DEMON....
|
Seldom, if ever, a metal band departed so drastically from the style contained in its previous efforts like DEMON did with THE PLAGUE! They simpy quit with the straigh forwarded Britiavy metal of their two first albuns (NIGHT OF THE DEMON and THE UNEXPECTED GUEST - both classics) and changed thelves into a totally progressive rock band, totally filled with keyboards in all songs, quiting the dark lyrics and including politics an social questions instead! The result was a quite satisfactory album, much more complete and abrangent than the first two albuns, but lacking their punch. It's the kind of album that does no good for a band, due to the drastic change. I wond how the from Finland below (Roger) says this album is between AC/DC and Iron Maiden, if it is nowhere close to hard rock or heavy metal, besides the fact that AC/DC NEVER used keyboards (and Maiden very few), and DEMONS's THE PLAGUE is filled with keyboards from back to back, them being the main instrument!
| 982 |
[
"Seldom, if ever, a metal band departed so drastically from the style contained in its previous efforts like DEMON did with THE PLAGUE!",
"They simpy quit with the straigh forwarded Britiavy metal of their two first albuns (NIGHT OF THE DEMON and THE UNEXPECTED GUEST - both classics) and changed thelves into a totally progressive rock band, totally filled with keyboards in all songs, quiting the dark lyrics and including politics an social questions instead!",
"The result was a quite satisfactory album, much more complete and abrangent than the first two albuns, but lacking their punch.",
"It's the kind of album that does no good for a band, due to the drastic change.",
"I wond how the from Finland below (Roger) says this album is between AC/DC and Iron Maiden, if it is nowhere close to hard rock or heavy metal, besides the fact that AC/DC NEVER used keyboards (and Maiden very few), and DEMONS's THE PLAGUE is filled with keyboards from back to back, them being the main instrument!"
] |
3 |
Rainy Day Elton
|
When this album was released in 1976, EJ was the biggest entertainer in the world, but he was exhausted and frustrated with his celebrity. As a result, Blue Moves is easily his most introspective and sad album. Generally panned because it only included one "hit" (albeit one of the most beautiful songs he ever sang), "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," Blue Moves nonetheless is a hidden treasure that should not be overlooked by fans of Elton's 70s work. Among the highlights: gorgeous harmonies from Crosby & Nash on several tracks, an early session appearance from ace saxophonist David Sanborn, the lush orchestration of the London Symphony Orchestra, and some tasteful charts that stretch from introspective folk to gospel to R&B. Also, this is the best sounding EJ album, with a soft mix that accentuates everything from Elton's piano (of course) to Davey Johnstone's always beautiful guitar work to Ray Cooper's perfect percussion accents. This is a great rainy day album.
| 982 |
[
"When this album was released in 1976, EJ was the biggest entertainer in the world, but he was exhausted and frustrated with his celebrity.",
"As a result, Blue Moves is easily his most introspective and sad album.",
"Generally panned because it only included one \"hit\" (albeit one of the most beautiful songs he ever sang), \"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,\" Blue Moves nonetheless is a hidden treasure that should not be overlooked by fans of Elton's 70s work.",
"Among the highlights: gorgeous harmonies from Crosby & Nash on several tracks, an early session appearance from ace saxophonist David Sanborn, the lush orchestration of the London Symphony Orchestra, and some tasteful charts that stretch from introspective folk to gospel to R&B.",
"Also, this is the best sounding EJ album, with a soft mix that accentuates everything from Elton's piano (of course) to Davey Johnstone's always beautiful guitar work to Ray Cooper's perfect percussion accents.",
"This is a great rainy day album."
] |
3 |
atheism for dummies
|
I liked the movie, but like others here commented it was too short for a documentary. Also I agree with the comments that the director had a vendeta, specially with the poor guy who's the principal at his former Christian school. The information he intorduces is very basic and does not elaborate on it much. We know the Jesus Story and he spends too much time on that part! And the pagan gods segment, which might be new info to viewers, is very brief. I think it was just OK. I made me feel that this person has anger and felt duped by Christianity and that is not everyone's experice. Just as there is eveidence against a historicla JC there is al evidence for him, so this is a very subjective point of view.The tenents and beliefs of the Christian faith stand strongly, beyond the mythos of the virgin birth and resurection claims. And believe me, I'm far from fundamentalist. Sometimes anger and bitternes will blind us to the greater spiritual truth. But overall good effort.
| 982 |
[
"I liked the movie, but like others here commented it was too short for a documentary.",
"Also I agree with the comments that the director had a vendeta, specially with the poor guy who's the principal at his former Christian school.",
"The information he intorduces is very basic and does not elaborate on it much.",
"We know the Jesus Story and he spends too much time on that part!",
"And the pagan gods segment, which might be new info to viewers, is very brief.",
"I think it was just OK.",
"I made me feel that this person has anger and felt duped by Christianity and that is not everyone's experice.",
"Just as there is eveidence against a historicla JC there is al evidence for him, so this is a very subjective point of view.The tenents and beliefs of the Christian faith stand strongly, beyond the mythos of the virgin birth and resurection claims.",
"And believe me, I'm far from fundamentalist.",
"Sometimes anger and bitternes will blind us to the greater spiritual truth.",
"But overall good effort."
] |
3 |
A Classic "Rent Before You Buy"
|
First and foremost this game is extremely, extremely difficult. The single hardest game i have ever played. Now, im not one to complain about game difficulty, because often time an easy game you can beat in 3 hours is far worse than a very hard game. But, frankly, i don't know what capcom was thinking when they made this video game. Get to the end of a half hour board, fall victim to a nearly impossible boss, then start the board all over again. In my opinion its ludacris. As i said before, most action games are and should be challenging, but this game takes the expression to a level that i personally do not even want to be on. I will not spend Thirty minutes on a board, Die, then be forced to go through the entire board all over again. If You wanna spend an entire day or two on one board, go ahead and buy this game. I will be selling my copy of the game. The Graphics and gameplay are very good, but the structure of the game and the difficulty make this game terrible.
| 982 |
[
"First and foremost this game is extremely, extremely difficult.",
"The single hardest game i have ever played.",
"Now, im not one to complain about game difficulty, because often time an easy game you can beat in 3 hours is far worse than a very hard game.",
"But, frankly, i don't know what capcom was thinking when they made this video game.",
"Get to the end of a half hour board, fall victim to a nearly impossible boss, then start the board all over again.",
"In my opinion its ludacris.",
"As i said before, most action games are and should be challenging, but this game takes the expression to a level that i personally do not even want to be on.",
"I will not spend Thirty minutes on a board, Die, then be forced to go through the entire board all over again.",
"If You wanna spend an entire day or two on one board, go ahead and buy this game.",
"I will be selling my copy of the game.",
"The Graphics and gameplay are very good, but the structure of the game and the difficulty make this game terrible."
] |
3 |
Good But Not Great
|
I read Jennifer Government in two quick days; one a coast-to-coast airline flight and the other day waiting around a courthouse. It is good entertainment; fast paced, easy-reading. You won't want to put it down as a bad book.However, Max Barry could have pushed it so much further. The first 80 pages you marvel at how brilliant his ideas are, but then he gets bogged down in the transcontinental plot and all the characters. He runs out of steam a bit, and you wish that this could only be a draft. Acts II and III are not as hot as the opening. It's no Brave New World, but it is a good effort.Examples of what I mean: explaining Jennifer Government's tattoo, for one thing. It would have been so much cooler if EVERYONE were bar-coded--then Max Barry could have explored the strange connection between letting capitalism run free and yet eliminating personal freedom (i.e. tracking everything about everybody all the time for their buying habits etc.) Anyway, a good early novel.
| 982 |
[
"I read Jennifer Government in two quick days; one a coast-to-coast airline flight and the other day waiting around a courthouse.",
"It is good entertainment; fast paced, easy-reading.",
"You won't want to put it down as a bad book.However, Max Barry could have pushed it so much further.",
"The first 80 pages you marvel at how brilliant his ideas are, but then he gets bogged down in the transcontinental plot and all the characters.",
"He runs out of steam a bit, and you wish that this could only be a draft.",
"Acts II and III are not as hot as the opening.",
"It's no Brave New World, but it is a good effort.Examples of what I mean: explaining Jennifer Government's tattoo, for one thing.",
"It would have been so much cooler if EVERYONE were bar-coded--then Max Barry could have explored the strange connection between letting capitalism run free and yet eliminating personal freedom (i.e. tracking everything about everybody all the time for their buying habits etc.) Anyway, a good early novel."
] |
3 |
Really upset
|
Ok one I guess I was part of the select few who like the theatrical version. I liked the scene where he took on 4 guards to bust out like that. Only MM can pull that off but this scene is gone from the 2 disc unrated version. It's replaced by a disturbing rape scene with a new mental female patient, and two cheesy guards who decide to take the woman to Michael's room to be raped. Then he gets up after 15 seconds of them doing this bad rape scene, to crushing them to death. So if you are like me, and liked that particular part of the movie, then I would not pick this up. I am trying to find out if that scene is in the regular rated R version because I just do not understand how you take that scene out of the movie, to be replaced by this rape scene. If anyone else knows, would be very helpful. Other than that, it's a good 2 disc set, with good funny bloop takes, and deleted scene out takes. I just do not like the fact the break out scene is replaced with another scene.
| 982 |
[
"Ok one I guess I was part of the select few who like the theatrical version.",
"I liked the scene where he took on 4 guards to bust out like that.",
"Only MM can pull that off but this scene is gone from the 2 disc unrated version.",
"It's replaced by a disturbing rape scene with a new mental female patient, and two cheesy guards who decide to take the woman to Michael's room to be raped.",
"Then he gets up after 15 seconds of them doing this bad rape scene, to crushing them to death.",
"So if you are like me, and liked that particular part of the movie, then I would not pick this up.",
"I am trying to find out if that scene is in the regular rated R version because I just do not understand how you take that scene out of the movie, to be replaced by this rape scene.",
"If anyone else knows, would be very helpful.",
"Other than that, it's a good 2 disc set, with good funny bloop takes, and deleted scene out takes.",
"I just do not like the fact the break out scene is replaced with another scene."
] |
3 |
Wrong title, right subtitle.
|
The subtitle of this densly written book should be the title. Who Wrote the New Testament is a very densely written book full of interesting speculations on the evolution of early Christianity and the New Testament. The author presumes the reader has at least some knowledge of textual critism before reading this book, for example he discusses how the three edits(?), revisions(?) of the Q document affected the early Christ Cult, without describing the evolution of the document itself or the evidence for the various changes in Q.I did not find the writing style to be very engaging and often found my brain tuned out as I was reading.If you've got a strong foundation in the development New Testament Criticism, and you want speculation on the origin of the beliefs that make up Orthodox Christianity, this book may be for you.If you're looking for a review of where the books of the New Testament came from and why they were included in the Cannon, I sugguest you keep looking.
| 982 |
[
"The subtitle of this densly written book should be the title.",
"Who Wrote the New Testament is a very densely written book full of interesting speculations on the evolution of early Christianity and the New Testament.",
"The author presumes the reader has at least some knowledge of textual critism before reading this book, for example he discusses how the three edits(?",
"), revisions(?",
") of the Q document affected the early Christ Cult, without describing the evolution of the document itself or the evidence for the various changes in Q.I did not find the writing style to be very engaging and often found my brain tuned out as I was reading.If you've got a strong foundation in the development New Testament Criticism, and you want speculation on the origin of the beliefs that make up Orthodox Christianity, this book may be for you.If you're looking for a review of where the books of the New Testament came from and why they were included in the Cannon, I sugguest you keep looking."
] |
3 |
Voodoo Dolly
|
More overproduced songs to tease your hair by. I used to be a fan and saw The Cure live a few times back in the early eighties. They were great then but now they need a cure themselves. The songs on this disk go absolutely nowhere most of the time but some of the sound production is seductive. Robert Smith derailed his train a long time ago and can't see past his Elizabeth Taylor on 400 volts hairdo enough to realise it. He does ,as always have an interesting voice which makes him original enough to be better than most of the bands I slam in my reviews. I believe in natural selection for artists of all media and at least this guy does have business recording music.Tenench advise for Mr Smith is for an image overhaul (lose the lipstick and hairdo), do some soul searching and try something different for a change. I think Smith still has something to offer given the right spark of an idea to entice him away from the formula driven songwriting explored in the past decade.
| 982 |
[
"More overproduced songs to tease your hair by.",
"I used to be a fan and saw The Cure live a few times back in the early eighties.",
"They were great then but now they need a cure themselves.",
"The songs on this disk go absolutely nowhere most of the time but some of the sound production is seductive.",
"Robert Smith derailed his train a long time ago and can't see past his Elizabeth Taylor on 400 volts hairdo enough to realise it.",
"He does ,as always have an interesting voice which makes him original enough to be better than most of the bands I slam in my reviews.",
"I believe in natural selection for artists of all media and at least this guy does have business recording music.Tenench advise for Mr Smith is for an image overhaul (lose the lipstick and hairdo), do some soul searching and try something different for a change.",
"I think Smith still has something to offer given the right spark of an idea to entice him away from the formula driven songwriting explored in the past decade."
] |
3 |
Recommended Dosage???
|
I am not sure how anyone can take the recommended dosage. I started out my first day by just taking one pill at a time so I could see how it was going to affect my body. Boy oh boy, I am glad that I did. It really puts my body in overdrive. I don't get any jitters, but I am really fidgety. I can't sit still at all for 3-4 hours after taking ONE pill. I don't have any extra caffeine in my daily diet, so it is all coming from the one pill. The plus side is that is does help me get through my day. I have plenty of energy to workout and keep up with my 4yr old twins. It does seem to help keep the cravings away too...that is always a plus! I just started taking these 3 days ago, so I can't tell yet if they are helping with any weight loss. I will probably continue to take my ONE pill a day to see the 7 days through so I can weigh myself. If the results that I want are there, then I will still take the pills...but only ONE a day!!! I could NEVER take 2 pills, 3 times a day.
| 982 |
[
"I am not sure how anyone can take the recommended dosage.",
"I started out my first day by just taking one pill at a time so I could see how it was going to affect my body.",
"Boy oh boy, I am glad that I did.",
"It really puts my body in overdrive.",
"I don't get any jitters, but I am really fidgety.",
"I can't sit still at all for 3-4 hours after taking ONE pill.",
"I don't have any extra caffeine in my daily diet, so it is all coming from the one pill.",
"The plus side is that is does help me get through my day.",
"I have plenty of energy to workout and keep up with my 4yr old twins.",
"It does seem to help keep the cravings away too...that is always a plus!",
"I just started taking these 3 days ago, so I can't tell yet if they are helping with any weight loss.",
"I will probably continue to take my ONE pill a day to see the 7 days through so I can weigh myself.",
"If the results that I want are there, then I will still take the pills...but only ONE a day!!!",
"I could NEVER take 2 pills, 3 times a day."
] |
3 |
Sooo disrespectful!!!
|
In HIP-HOP there are few things that gets bigger than BEEF. In HIP-HOP "BEEF" can make you (ie. 50 Cent) or break you (ie. Ja-Rule).This "BEEF" in the GOODIE MOB is a total waste of creative mind space. Just the title of the album is SUPER wrong. And would be hard for any member of any group to hold his/her head up, take the high road and rejoin a group after a very direct diss. As you can see from the album cover. I take it that "CEE-LO" is 2nd from the left. Now thats just ICE COLD. This album is like going to a concert and one of the main attractions not showing up and they just let the music play in his part...BBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!In this case the "SUM" is bigger than the "PARTS". GOODIE MOB = Cee-Lo, Khujo, T-Mo Goodie, and Big Gipp, which has been functioning since 1995. Saying that to say this........ IF THE 4 NAMES ABOVE ARE NOT TOGETHER............ITS NOT GOODIE MOB.And after listening to this album, I'm not sure what it is. I do know its not....Goodie.
| 982 |
[
"In HIP-HOP there are few things that gets bigger than BEEF.",
"In HIP-HOP \"BEEF\" can make you (ie.",
"50 Cent) or break you (ie.",
"Ja-Rule).This \"BEEF\" in the GOODIE MOB is a total waste of creative mind space.",
"Just the title of the album is SUPER wrong.",
"And would be hard for any member of any group to hold his/her head up, take the high road and rejoin a group after a very direct diss.",
"As you can see from the album cover.",
"I take it that \"CEE-LO\" is 2nd from the left.",
"Now thats just ICE COLD.",
"This album is like going to a concert and one of the main attractions not showing up and they just let the music play in his part...BBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!",
"!!!",
"!!",
"In this case the \"SUM\" is bigger than the \"PARTS\".",
"GOODIE MOB = Cee-Lo, Khujo, T-Mo Goodie, and Big Gipp, which has been functioning since 1995.",
"Saying that to say this........ IF THE 4 NAMES ABOVE ARE NOT TOGETHER............ITS NOT GOODIE MOB.And after listening to this album, I'm not sure what it is.",
"I do know its not....Goodie."
] |
3 |
Nice atmosphere
|
It isn't so much "an education" as it is a teenage girl's fantasy, and as such it doesn't go very far. What was ostensibly Jenny's awakening pretty much becomes a period costume drama, capturing early 60s suburban London. I thought Carey Mulligan was very good as Jenny but you found out little about the other characters, including her parents who seemed a bit too gullible for such prim and proper Brits. Peter Sarsgaard adopts a disaffected attitude which seems to suit his character David, but not much to hang a hat on.There are many ways a story like this could have turned but in the end opts for a rather soft fall for young Jenny. I would have thought a girl with her "smarts" wouldn't have been so easily taken either. Palling around with David and his well-dressed friends would be good for a few kicks and set her above her classmates, but hard to imagine she was ready to throw her future away for this guy. Molina and Thompson are little more than props in this movie.
| 982 |
[
"It isn't so much \"an education\" as it is a teenage girl's fantasy, and as such it doesn't go very far.",
"What was ostensibly Jenny's awakening pretty much becomes a period costume drama, capturing early 60s suburban London.",
"I thought Carey Mulligan was very good as Jenny but you found out little about the other characters, including her parents who seemed a bit too gullible for such prim and proper Brits.",
"Peter Sarsgaard adopts a disaffected attitude which seems to suit his character David, but not much to hang a hat on.There are many ways a story like this could have turned but in the end opts for a rather soft fall for young Jenny.",
"I would have thought a girl with her \"smarts\" wouldn't have been so easily taken either.",
"Palling around with David and his well-dressed friends would be good for a few kicks and set her above her classmates, but hard to imagine she was ready to throw her future away for this guy.",
"Molina and Thompson are little more than props in this movie."
] |
3 |
Not Sure New
|
Received the "NEW" Nikon EN-EL3a battery and, as I have done with other NEW batteries, placed it in the charger for the several hour initial charge to ready it for use. Much to my suprise the charger showed that the battery was fully charged. I am suspicious about the "NEW" battery purchase because when I received the battery the NIKON box was in rough conditon (which could be from shipping), the typical battery useage instructions were missing (NIKON provides them inside every box), and the battery was fully charged (I have not purchased one fully charged before). I used the battery at Indianapolis to shoot the 2012 Pole Day time trials and it seemed to work fine for a few hundred shots then the charge began dropping off quickly. So the bottom line, I'm suspicious about my "NEW" battery purchase but not enough to return it. I'll stick to purchasing them locally and paying a little more but I'll have that "warm and fuzzy" feeling of picking a new one up off the shelf.
| 982 |
[
"Received the \"NEW\" Nikon EN-EL3a battery and, as I have done with other NEW batteries, placed it in the charger for the several hour initial charge to ready it for use.",
"Much to my suprise the charger showed that the battery was fully charged.",
"I am suspicious about the \"NEW\" battery purchase because when I received the battery the NIKON box was in rough conditon (which could be from shipping), the typical battery useage instructions were missing (NIKON provides them inside every box), and the battery was fully charged (I have not purchased one fully charged before).",
"I used the battery at Indianapolis to shoot the 2012 Pole Day time trials and it seemed to work fine for a few hundred shots then the charge began dropping off quickly.",
"So the bottom line, I'm suspicious about my \"NEW\" battery purchase but not enough to return it.",
"I'll stick to purchasing them locally and paying a little more but I'll have that \"warm and fuzzy\" feeling of picking a new one up off the shelf."
] |
3 |
Wouldn't recommend
|
I'm in the third house I've owned, and I've installed many ceiling fans. Getting them installed is always a challenge for one reason or another, and this one was no exception, though I encountered problems I've not had before. The blade mounting brackets were different than what was pictured in the installation booklet - they were flat with holes for the bolts to protrude but no threads to attach them. The provided bolts were about 1/4" long and did not protrude past the fan blades. The install booklet mentioned nuts, but none were provided. So, needed to make an impromptu trip to the hardware store to purchase nuts and bolts that would actually work (10-24 1/2 inch, for those of you who want your hardware shopping to be less impromptu). The fan's quality in general seemed cheap; I'm hoping that I get a few years of service out of it, but I have my doubts. It is very sharp looking, though, once I finally got it installed. It's no louder than any other fan in my house.
| 982 |
[
"I'm in the third house I've owned, and I've installed many ceiling fans.",
"Getting them installed is always a challenge for one reason or another, and this one was no exception, though I encountered problems I've not had before.",
"The blade mounting brackets were different than what was pictured in the installation booklet - they were flat with holes for the bolts to protrude but no threads to attach them.",
"The provided bolts were about 1/4\" long and did not protrude past the fan blades.",
"The install booklet mentioned nuts, but none were provided.",
"So, needed to make an impromptu trip to the hardware store to purchase nuts and bolts that would actually work (10-24 1/2 inch, for those of you who want your hardware shopping to be less impromptu).",
"The fan's quality in general seemed cheap; I'm hoping that I get a few years of service out of it, but I have my doubts.",
"It is very sharp looking, though, once I finally got it installed.",
"It's no louder than any other fan in my house."
] |
3 |
It's OK
|
"Time off for good behavior" is definitely different, I give it that.It starts out like your typical romance novel, down-on-her-luck heroine meets handsome hero.But Wanda is just too passive for me, never standing up for herself, just running to the next savior. When she's threatened by her ex husband, she never thinks about getting a gun to protect herself or anything, she just takes shelter somewhere else. She's just too much of a damsel in distress for me, depending on virtual strangers to take her in.She's got a mouth on her, that's for sure, just no actions to follow it up with.And then there's the missing romance...not that I like my protagonists to be going at it like rabbits, but a little sex is OK. I like more than "We did it 3 times" as a description.Overall, I was disappointed because the story starts out very interesting. Unfortunately it then loses steam and limps along, with a kind of 12-step program for the protagonist that didn't make much sense to me.
| 982 |
[
"\"Time off for good behavior\" is definitely different, I give it that.It starts out like your typical romance novel, down-on-her-luck heroine meets handsome hero.But Wanda is just too passive for me, never standing up for herself, just running to the next savior.",
"When she's threatened by her ex husband, she never thinks about getting a gun to protect herself or anything, she just takes shelter somewhere else.",
"She's just too much of a damsel in distress for me, depending on virtual strangers to take her in.She's got a mouth on her, that's for sure, just no actions to follow it up with.And then there's the missing romance...not that I like my protagonists to be going at it like rabbits, but a little sex is OK.",
"I like more than \"We did it 3 times\" as a description.Overall, I was disappointed because the story starts out very interesting.",
"Unfortunately it then loses steam and limps along, with a kind of 12-step program for the protagonist that didn't make much sense to me."
] |
3 |
The Band Has Some Fun!
|
Tommy Castro is a gifted guitarist with a soulful voice and, in fact, is one of my favorite live performers. However, judging from his last three CD's it appears that Castro is still cashing in on the notoriety brought to him from his Grammy winning "Right As Rain" and is becoming content producing cover CD's without any notable original material from Castro. On this CD, Castro joins with Jimmy Hall on the harp and saxophone, Lloyd Jones on guitar, Reese Wynans on B-3, Tommy Shannon on bass and Chris Layton on drums. It is a powerful line up to be sure and certainly one capable of producing more than what is here. Instead, what you get are some R&B morsels like James Brown's "Good Lovin'", the Johnny Winter staple "Be Careful With A Fool" and the Beatles "Help", among others. Overall, this ad hoc band is having a good time working through some soulful tunes coupled with a handful of Lloyd Jones' originals. Not Castro's finest recording but some good music nonetheless.
| 982 |
[
"Tommy Castro is a gifted guitarist with a soulful voice and, in fact, is one of my favorite live performers.",
"However, judging from his last three CD's it appears that Castro is still cashing in on the notoriety brought to him from his Grammy winning \"Right As Rain\" and is becoming content producing cover CD's without any notable original material from Castro.",
"On this CD, Castro joins with Jimmy Hall on the harp and saxophone, Lloyd Jones on guitar, Reese Wynans on B-3, Tommy Shannon on bass and Chris Layton on drums.",
"It is a powerful line up to be sure and certainly one capable of producing more than what is here.",
"Instead, what you get are some R&B morsels like James Brown's \"Good Lovin'\", the Johnny Winter staple \"Be Careful With A Fool\" and the Beatles \"Help\", among others.",
"Overall, this ad hoc band is having a good time working through some soulful tunes coupled with a handful of Lloyd Jones' originals.",
"Not Castro's finest recording but some good music nonetheless."
] |
3 |
Hopelessly contrived denouement
|
If someone had handed this brief novel to me without telling me its author, I would have guessed it was the work product of another Booker Award winner, J.M Coetzee. Booker judges appear to favor novelists who write taut, economical and hopeless tales. While Amsterdam evidences a master craftsman's work in the use of the language, the denouement challenges even a good faith effort at the willing suspension of disbelief. The contrived close is impossibly, fatally flawed by its farfetched implausbility despite the remarkable set-up by the author. The author evidences extraordinary skill in his minimalist style. With only a few brush strokes the characters come alive and are true to life. I haven't read a more lush or imaginative rendering of the composition of music since Proust's rich renderings of the "little sonata" of Vinteuil as played by Morel. Bag the Bookers and turn instead to Pulitzer winners, who seem to offer some semblance of a glimpse of hope for humanity.
| 982 |
[
"If someone had handed this brief novel to me without telling me its author, I would have guessed it was the work product of another Booker Award winner, J.M Coetzee.",
"Booker judges appear to favor novelists who write taut, economical and hopeless tales.",
"While Amsterdam evidences a master craftsman's work in the use of the language, the denouement challenges even a good faith effort at the willing suspension of disbelief.",
"The contrived close is impossibly, fatally flawed by its farfetched implausbility despite the remarkable set-up by the author.",
"The author evidences extraordinary skill in his minimalist style.",
"With only a few brush strokes the characters come alive and are true to life.",
"I haven't read a more lush or imaginative rendering of the composition of music since Proust's rich renderings of the \"little sonata\" of Vinteuil as played by Morel.",
"Bag the Bookers and turn instead to Pulitzer winners, who seem to offer some semblance of a glimpse of hope for humanity."
] |
3 |
starting to split
|
I've had this dark blue suit since end of April 2012. I swim laps 3x a week, but only for about 15-20 mins each time. The pool uses ozone, there is chlorine also but much less than usual. I always rinse the suit in warm shower water and once in a while will soap it up with ivory soap (bar). It's starting to split just below the point where I tie the draw string. The split is only about one inch, but I'm expecting it to spread. On the plus side, the suit fits well and hasn't faded nearly as quickly as the Speedo's I wore for years in the same pool. Usually by this time a dark blue Speedo would be faded to very light light blue, almost transparent, and wearing through in spots.There's an Australian company that makes this kind of swim suit with a heavier nylon, but last time I tried to find them they had moved to a different city and disappeared (at least on the internet). I never had a chance to order one from them, but that's what we need...heavy duty nylon swimsuits.
| 982 |
[
"I've had this dark blue suit since end of April 2012.",
"I swim laps 3x a week, but only for about 15-20 mins each time.",
"The pool uses ozone, there is chlorine also but much less than usual.",
"I always rinse the suit in warm shower water and once in a while will soap it up with ivory soap (bar).",
"It's starting to split just below the point where I tie the draw string.",
"The split is only about one inch, but I'm expecting it to spread.",
"On the plus side, the suit fits well and hasn't faded nearly as quickly as the Speedo's I wore for years in the same pool.",
"Usually by this time a dark blue Speedo would be faded to very light light blue, almost transparent, and wearing through in spots.There's an Australian company that makes this kind of swim suit with a heavier nylon, but last time I tried to find them they had moved to a different city and disappeared (at least on the internet).",
"I never had a chance to order one from them, but that's what we need...heavy duty nylon swimsuits."
] |
3 |
Pretty good as far as it goes
|
I found the combination of interweaving comments from an attorney and a psychologist to be very effective and was very encouraged as I began reading. As I progressed, however, I became somewhat disappointed for several different reasons and these reasons may not apply to other people (so take my rating with a grain of salt). First, a huge proportion of the book is dedicated to issues of childcare and child custody so for those of us without children, it's as if we bought a book that only has 60% of its content directed towards us. In this light, I thought that some of the financial issues were shortchanged a bit. Second, it seemed like a disproportionate amount of the material was directed specifically (or at least primarily) towards wives. Finally, I would have liked to have seen more attention paid to situations where there may be substantial issues of emotional problems and/or mental illness. Those exceptions aside, though, I thought this was a very well-done book.
| 982 |
[
"I found the combination of interweaving comments from an attorney and a psychologist to be very effective and was very encouraged as I began reading.",
"As I progressed, however, I became somewhat disappointed for several different reasons and these reasons may not apply to other people (so take my rating with a grain of salt).",
"First, a huge proportion of the book is dedicated to issues of childcare and child custody so for those of us without children, it's as if we bought a book that only has 60% of its content directed towards us.",
"In this light, I thought that some of the financial issues were shortchanged a bit.",
"Second, it seemed like a disproportionate amount of the material was directed specifically (or at least primarily) towards wives.",
"Finally, I would have liked to have seen more attention paid to situations where there may be substantial issues of emotional problems and/or mental illness.",
"Those exceptions aside, though, I thought this was a very well-done book."
] |
3 |
A bit annoying for my taste
|
I am not really a jazz fan, but I bought this after taking a jazz class in college.Putting aside the spiritual theme and the "John's Gift to God" comments, I just want to comment on the instrumental music itself. I always get the distinct feeling that it is just too repetitive (in the title track, for instance, that repeated four-note theme just starts getting monotonous), and a lot of the songs don't really end up going anywhere. I have a hard time with this style. It just sounds like a bunch of notes, nothing that I would term "catchy," nothing to latch onto and really remember after it's all done -- which is something I really like about the Dixieland, cool, and Swing styles of jazz music.I start thinking that if this instrumental music had been representing any other theme than Coltrane's so-called spiritual awakening, the album would not have gained as much respect. Taking the music alone, as instrumental jazz music, I have to admit that I grow weary of it fast.
| 981 |
[
"I am not really a jazz fan, but I bought this after taking a jazz class in college.Putting aside the spiritual theme and the \"John's Gift to God\" comments, I just want to comment on the instrumental music itself.",
"I always get the distinct feeling that it is just too repetitive (in the title track, for instance, that repeated four-note theme just starts getting monotonous), and a lot of the songs don't really end up going anywhere.",
"I have a hard time with this style.",
"It just sounds like a bunch of notes, nothing that I would term \"catchy,\" nothing to latch onto and really remember after it's all done -- which is something I really like about the Dixieland, cool, and Swing styles of jazz music.I start thinking that if this instrumental music had been representing any other theme than Coltrane's so-called spiritual awakening, the album would not have gained as much respect.",
"Taking the music alone, as instrumental jazz music, I have to admit that I grow weary of it fast."
] |
3 |
bad customer service
|
I like the look of this pack and play. It sits in my living room and it doesn't look like a child has taken over. I bought a piece of foam that fits snuggly and it does make for a good second crib in the house. It's relatively easy to put together, and we managed to do it before even reading the instructions. Now the bad: the bassinet is pretty small and our baby didn't like to sleep in it from the start. She was already too big for it by 6 weeks of age. Because this basinet is a bit small, sheets have to be ordered directly from Combi. I called to place an order for replacement sheets and I got the wrong item in the mail. Instead of sheets I got two outside covers, which I would never describe as sheets. The person on the phone kept blaming me for not describing the item the right way. I didn't get a receipt with the package, and even though they promised to send me a return receipt, I never got the receipt or a replacement. This company has very bad service indeed.
| 981 |
[
"I like the look of this pack and play.",
"It sits in my living room and it doesn't look like a child has taken over.",
"I bought a piece of foam that fits snuggly and it does make for a good second crib in the house.",
"It's relatively easy to put together, and we managed to do it before even reading the instructions.",
"Now the bad: the bassinet is pretty small and our baby didn't like to sleep in it from the start.",
"She was already too big for it by 6 weeks of age.",
"Because this basinet is a bit small, sheets have to be ordered directly from Combi.",
"I called to place an order for replacement sheets and I got the wrong item in the mail.",
"Instead of sheets I got two outside covers, which I would never describe as sheets.",
"The person on the phone kept blaming me for not describing the item the right way.",
"I didn't get a receipt with the package, and even though they promised to send me a return receipt, I never got the receipt or a replacement.",
"This company has very bad service indeed."
] |
3 |
2 years later, same disc problem
|
Just wanted to FYI people to a few things -First the Disc 1/Disc 5 Final Cut/Workprint problem is NOT exclusive to Amazon.com.Second it wasnt a 'small' batch. It was a large batch.Third almost 2 years later, this problem is STILL happening.I just bought this set from Target for $29.99. Disc 1 labeled "Final Cut" is actually the Workprint Disc 5. I called Warner and a new BRD will arrive in 1-2 weeks, no charge and I dont have to return anything.ONLY THE MOST HARDCORE FANS should endevour this task. You're 50/50 on getting the correct discs in the set. And with gas being ~$4 a gallon, can you afford driving back and forth 1-4x? If you are a completist like I am, you want ALL the cuts, so you have to invest 1-2 weeks getting the Final Cut (it's worth it BTW) or you can just buy the 2-disc Final Cut Blu-Ray if you just want the final version (and best version).I gave this 3 stars since the movie and quality is great. But 2 years later, the quality control is STILL crap.
| 981 |
[
"Just wanted to FYI people to a few things -First the Disc 1/Disc 5 Final Cut/Workprint problem is NOT exclusive to Amazon.com.Second it wasnt a 'small' batch.",
"It was a large batch.Third almost 2 years later, this problem is STILL happening.I just bought this set from Target for $29.99.",
"Disc 1 labeled \"Final Cut\" is actually the Workprint Disc 5.",
"I called Warner and a new BRD will arrive in 1-2 weeks, no charge and I dont have to return anything.ONLY THE MOST HARDCORE FANS should endevour this task.",
"You're 50/50 on getting the correct discs in the set.",
"And with gas being ~$4 a gallon, can you afford driving back and forth 1-4x?",
"If you are a completist like I am, you want ALL the cuts, so you have to invest 1-2 weeks getting the Final Cut (it's worth it BTW) or you can just buy the 2-disc Final Cut Blu-Ray if you just want the final version (and best version).I gave this 3 stars since the movie and quality is great.",
"But 2 years later, the quality control is STILL crap."
] |
3 |
Deeply silly
|
Even for uptight 1961, this film plays a bit dumb. Think about it. The impossibly sexy Natalie Wood, who was married to Robert Wagner at the time, plays a supposed virgin who goes nuts over her love for the young Warren Beaty, who would go on to make a career out of driving every woman in Hollywood nuts. Both stars were in their 20s here, but were attempting to play late high school teens. The crux of the whole thing is their repressed desire for sex, which not only sends Natalie to the loony bin for almost 4 years, but sends Warren back to the farm where we find him married to some dumb pizza waitress with a dirty baby crawling on the floor of their farmhouse. Oh, and it's supposed to be 1928-29 when the stock market crashed. The look of the film is interesting on 1080p DVD. Both stars were very pretty in their heyday. But the ridiculous 'plot' can only make you laugh today. Still, how many movies nowadays are based on a few lines of William Wordsworth poetry? None.
| 981 |
[
"Even for uptight 1961, this film plays a bit dumb.",
"Think about it.",
"The impossibly sexy Natalie Wood, who was married to Robert Wagner at the time, plays a supposed virgin who goes nuts over her love for the young Warren Beaty, who would go on to make a career out of driving every woman in Hollywood nuts.",
"Both stars were in their 20s here, but were attempting to play late high school teens.",
"The crux of the whole thing is their repressed desire for sex, which not only sends Natalie to the loony bin for almost 4 years, but sends Warren back to the farm where we find him married to some dumb pizza waitress with a dirty baby crawling on the floor of their farmhouse.",
"Oh, and it's supposed to be 1928-29 when the stock market crashed.",
"The look of the film is interesting on 1080p DVD.",
"Both stars were very pretty in their heyday.",
"But the ridiculous 'plot' can only make you laugh today.",
"Still, how many movies nowadays are based on a few lines of William Wordsworth poetry?",
"None."
] |
3 |
Unprofessional, but worthwhile
|
Although I haven't read any other books by Rick Atkinson, I have no doubt that he is an excellent writer, but in this case, he let his personal feelings of disdain for the Bush administration overshadow his professionalism. In some cases, for instance the latrine grattiti, he purposely distorts the attitudes of our military troops to make his point "that President Bush deceived the American public." He had a unique opportunity to really show what it is like to be an American soldier in combat, but he fell short. I say this because I've spent over 20 years in the US Military and have been very heavily involved for the past three years with Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The troops out here have been and still are very excited about helping the Iraqis to share the same freedoms we have in America. Many of the troops I deal with daily volunteer to extend because they feel they're making a difference and they enjoy the challenges of the combat environment.
| 981 |
[
"Although I haven't read any other books by Rick Atkinson, I have no doubt that he is an excellent writer, but in this case, he let his personal feelings of disdain for the Bush administration overshadow his professionalism.",
"In some cases, for instance the latrine grattiti, he purposely distorts the attitudes of our military troops to make his point \"that President Bush deceived the American public.\" He had a unique opportunity to really show what it is like to be an American soldier in combat, but he fell short.",
"I say this because I've spent over 20 years in the US Military and have been very heavily involved for the past three years with Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.",
"The troops out here have been and still are very excited about helping the Iraqis to share the same freedoms we have in America.",
"Many of the troops I deal with daily volunteer to extend because they feel they're making a difference and they enjoy the challenges of the combat environment."
] |
3 |
Informative but slightly tilted
|
This novel is basically written as two different nonfictional thrillers in one. The first is the historical upbringing of a young nation and the events that led to the aggressions between Pakistan and India. In my opinion this part of the book is nicely written and is more of a historical outline rather than an opinionated article, even though the authors do put some witty comments explaining these past events. The second part of the novel is a little more opinionated, explaining the current drift of Pakistan with religious factors involved. This part of the book seems a bit one sided and doesn't put all the perspectives on the table. I have lived in Pakistan and the religious extremism is defiantly does not represent the majority of the country. This is a good reference book to read in order to understand the current situation with Pakistan and the American so called War on Terrorism but is defiantly not the only source on should use to understand such a deep topic.
| 981 |
[
"This novel is basically written as two different nonfictional thrillers in one.",
"The first is the historical upbringing of a young nation and the events that led to the aggressions between Pakistan and India.",
"In my opinion this part of the book is nicely written and is more of a historical outline rather than an opinionated article, even though the authors do put some witty comments explaining these past events.",
"The second part of the novel is a little more opinionated, explaining the current drift of Pakistan with religious factors involved.",
"This part of the book seems a bit one sided and doesn't put all the perspectives on the table.",
"I have lived in Pakistan and the religious extremism is defiantly does not represent the majority of the country.",
"This is a good reference book to read in order to understand the current situation with Pakistan and the American so called War on Terrorism but is defiantly not the only source on should use to understand such a deep topic."
] |
3 |
Somewhat entertaining...
|
This movie had some good fight scenes, but those were marred by the fantasy wire-fu HK likes to throw in their films nowadays. Gah, it's irritating to see some guy floating across the screen his legs flailing. I know it's part of Chinese fiction/fantasy, but people *can't fly*. Why do they associate martial arts mastery with having supernatural powers? Bruce Lee must be rolling in his grave.Wire-fu aside, some of the fight scenes were pretty good. The story was halfway decent, although there's a problem with the pendants the kids were wearing since childhood; they didn't have flash cards when the children were young. They didn't exist. That whole concept was flawed. The villian was lame. A vendetta over getting paralyzed by a covert operative. Why is it that they show the guy on the front of the DVD standing? I don't get it. Where's the consistency?I'd like to see more attention to plot and non-wire-fu action instead of a corny plot with huge holes and guys that fly.
| 981 |
[
"This movie had some good fight scenes, but those were marred by the fantasy wire-fu HK likes to throw in their films nowadays.",
"Gah, it's irritating to see some guy floating across the screen his legs flailing.",
"I know it's part of Chinese fiction/fantasy, but people *can't fly*.",
"Why do they associate martial arts mastery with having supernatural powers?",
"Bruce Lee must be rolling in his grave.Wire-fu aside, some of the fight scenes were pretty good.",
"The story was halfway decent, although there's a problem with the pendants the kids were wearing since childhood; they didn't have flash cards when the children were young.",
"They didn't exist.",
"That whole concept was flawed.",
"The villian was lame.",
"A vendetta over getting paralyzed by a covert operative.",
"Why is it that they show the guy on the front of the DVD standing?",
"I don't get it.",
"Where's the consistency?",
"I'd like to see more attention to plot and non-wire-fu action instead of a corny plot with huge holes and guys that fly."
] |
3 |
Captain Blood.
|
This is a game is which the player is in charge of a ship and sets about the seas in search of his kidnapped family. You can become a privateer, a pirate, a trader, or anything in between. You can plunder ships or cities. You can also court Governor's daughters. There is a separate type of play for ballroom dancing, dueling, naval combat, land combat, navigating, treasure hunting, and more. The game is entirely open-ended. It has beautiful graphics, a wonderful story-line, and is much fun. So what is not to like? Well....My main complaint is its lack of realism. It is not just the fact that when you stick a rapier into someone he only staggers back as if the blade is not sharp; the main problem is that nobody duels properly: Yourself and your opponents pull back blades before thrusting, and make absurdly large swings. There are lots of minor problems aside from that, but as a fencer who studies the history of dueling, that type of cartoon fighting will always irk me.
| 981 |
[
"This is a game is which the player is in charge of a ship and sets about the seas in search of his kidnapped family.",
"You can become a privateer, a pirate, a trader, or anything in between.",
"You can plunder ships or cities.",
"You can also court Governor's daughters.",
"There is a separate type of play for ballroom dancing, dueling, naval combat, land combat, navigating, treasure hunting, and more.",
"The game is entirely open-ended.",
"It has beautiful graphics, a wonderful story-line, and is much fun.",
"So what is not to like?",
"Well....My main complaint is its lack of realism.",
"It is not just the fact that when you stick a rapier into someone he only staggers back as if the blade is not sharp; the main problem is that nobody duels properly: Yourself and your opponents pull back blades before thrusting, and make absurdly large swings.",
"There are lots of minor problems aside from that, but as a fencer who studies the history of dueling, that type of cartoon fighting will always irk me."
] |
3 |
Edgy Electro-Pop-Rock
|
Mixing Industrial music, the structure of pop music and some incredibly emotional lyrics is not easy, but Trent does it very well on Pretty Hate Machine.Admittedly, this record is horrendously 'poppy', at least in how it is structured, but the fact is that the music is still very good, although far more minimalist than his later works. The standout tracks are Head Like A Hole, Terrible Lie and Sin, all of which have emotional intensity and a great sound. Many other songs, for my taste, are too slow or too poppy but this record is still very enjoyable. If you have never heard NIN before, this is probably a good place to start.The electronics are at least remotely understandable (before he started being ultra avant-garde and experimental, which ruins some of the songs on later albums) and they do their purpose. However, one song ("Down In It") is nothing less than a rip off of Skinny Puppy's "Dig It." The guitars are less thrashy than Broken's or The Downward Spiral's.
| 981 |
[
"Mixing Industrial music, the structure of pop music and some incredibly emotional lyrics is not easy, but Trent does it very well on Pretty Hate Machine.Admittedly, this record is horrendously 'poppy', at least in how it is structured, but the fact is that the music is still very good, although far more minimalist than his later works.",
"The standout tracks are Head Like A Hole, Terrible Lie and Sin, all of which have emotional intensity and a great sound.",
"Many other songs, for my taste, are too slow or too poppy but this record is still very enjoyable.",
"If you have never heard NIN before, this is probably a good place to start.The electronics are at least remotely understandable (before he started being ultra avant-garde and experimental, which ruins some of the songs on later albums) and they do their purpose.",
"However, one song (\"Down In It\") is nothing less than a rip off of Skinny Puppy's \"Dig It.\" The guitars are less thrashy than Broken's or The Downward Spiral's."
] |
3 |
A Singularly Unpleasant Book
|
An acquaintance once explained to me that he envisioned hell as a complete separation from God and therefore from all forms of love and goodness. _Naked Lunch_, by William S. Burroughs, explores the delusions of a drug addict trapped in such a hell. There is no plot that I could detect and no character development - in fact there are barely any characters at all. There are, instead, a series of nightmarish episodes involving torture and psychological manipulation, science devoid of morality, sinister conspiracies, sexual perversions, murder, degradation, and excretory functions.At the time of its publication, _Naked Lunch_ was unprecedented and it had great political, social, and literary significance: according to a note by the editors, a 1966 ruling that the book was not obscene in the legal sense "marked the end of overt literary censorship in the United States." Notwithstanding its significance, I found no pleasure in its pages and I doubt that many readers will.
| 981 |
[
"An acquaintance once explained to me that he envisioned hell as a complete separation from God and therefore from all forms of love and goodness.",
"_Naked Lunch_, by William S.",
"Burroughs, explores the delusions of a drug addict trapped in such a hell.",
"There is no plot that I could detect and no character development - in fact there are barely any characters at all.",
"There are, instead, a series of nightmarish episodes involving torture and psychological manipulation, science devoid of morality, sinister conspiracies, sexual perversions, murder, degradation, and excretory functions.At the time of its publication, _Naked Lunch_ was unprecedented and it had great political, social, and literary significance: according to a note by the editors, a 1966 ruling that the book was not obscene in the legal sense \"marked the end of overt literary censorship in the United States.\" Notwithstanding its significance, I found no pleasure in its pages and I doubt that many readers will."
] |
3 |
Good book but incomplete
|
Very easy to understand language, I read through it in 1 night. My overall review is positive.But few things which I didn't like are :1. Author keeps talking about the "Magic Formula" over and over again as if it is some wizardry. If he had kept a professional tone and just explained the concepts, it would have left a much better impression than sounding so cheesy.2. I call it incomplete, because he should have dedicated a chapter on how you would use the "Magic Formula" starting from what you do after you see the 30 stocks. He could have walked us through buying those and probably monitoring how they are doing instead of holding the losers and winners blindly for a year.3. Finally, the 30 stocks that were shown to me from the website, 3 were very shady and even almost falling into penny stock land with major drops in prices. I would have loved it if next to your picks you provide commentary on how they really fit the magic formula.Overall still a good read, I think.
| 981 |
[
"Very easy to understand language, I read through it in 1 night.",
"My overall review is positive.But few things which I didn't like are :1.",
"Author keeps talking about the \"Magic Formula\" over and over again as if it is some wizardry.",
"If he had kept a professional tone and just explained the concepts, it would have left a much better impression than sounding so cheesy.2. I call it incomplete, because he should have dedicated a chapter on how you would use the \"Magic Formula\" starting from what you do after you see the 30 stocks.",
"He could have walked us through buying those and probably monitoring how they are doing instead of holding the losers and winners blindly for a year.3. Finally, the 30 stocks that were shown to me from the website, 3 were very shady and even almost falling into penny stock land with major drops in prices.",
"I would have loved it if next to your picks you provide commentary on how they really fit the magic formula.Overall still a good read, I think."
] |
3 |
Pity, Pity,
|
The "broken hearts club" is a group of men who's women have dumped them. The men have been brought together by a psychologist, Dr. Brainbridge who seems to be encouraging their hatreds to grow with each meeting of the club. One of the members takes on the role of encouraging the other to exact revenge by hurting/killing the women they have loved. The detective working the case is called Con Man by his friend and partner, Mickey. The two of them are the two riches cops in the city which doesn't seem to have a lot to do with anything in the story, however Conrad Voort's biggest connection to the plot is that his own lover has just told him that she wants out of their intense relationship. As he begins to investigate the murders his concern for his lover grows as he finds that she is going to the psychologist who is hosting the Lonely Hearts Club meetings. It's a plot with a twist but one that has been used elsewhere with more depth and interest. The book is an ok read.
| 981 |
[
"The \"broken hearts club\" is a group of men who's women have dumped them.",
"The men have been brought together by a psychologist, Dr.",
"Brainbridge who seems to be encouraging their hatreds to grow with each meeting of the club.",
"One of the members takes on the role of encouraging the other to exact revenge by hurting/killing the women they have loved.",
"The detective working the case is called Con Man by his friend and partner, Mickey.",
"The two of them are the two riches cops in the city which doesn't seem to have a lot to do with anything in the story, however Conrad Voort's biggest connection to the plot is that his own lover has just told him that she wants out of their intense relationship.",
"As he begins to investigate the murders his concern for his lover grows as he finds that she is going to the psychologist who is hosting the Lonely Hearts Club meetings.",
"It's a plot with a twist but one that has been used elsewhere with more depth and interest.",
"The book is an ok read."
] |
3 |
Great photos, but.....
|
While the photos are beautiful, the book was rather disapointing to me. First, as one other reviewer pointed out, it is not really a history or discussion. It is a list.... a lengthy list of names, with a paragraph or two for each designer, followed by another list of their films. This list is sometimes lengthy and sometimes only 1 or 2 films. Very British in the selections, too, since the editor was British. Second, it was published quite a while ago (Originally published in 1987, corrected and updated in 1991....though what motivated them to omit major designers like Motley at that point is very unclear.) and it does not even have an epilogue to bring us closer to the present. But I should have caught that it was a Dover publication. Otherwise I would have known that it was published 'as is' or more accurately 'as it was' at that time. Fine for some things, but a disappointment here. However, the phots are super, and for the most part extremely sharp, clear images.
| 981 |
[
"While the photos are beautiful, the book was rather disapointing to me.",
"First, as one other reviewer pointed out, it is not really a history or discussion.",
"It is a list.... a lengthy list of names, with a paragraph or two for each designer, followed by another list of their films.",
"This list is sometimes lengthy and sometimes only 1 or 2 films.",
"Very British in the selections, too, since the editor was British.",
"Second, it was published quite a while ago (Originally published in 1987, corrected and updated in 1991....though what motivated them to omit major designers like Motley at that point is very unclear.) and it does not even have an epilogue to bring us closer to the present.",
"But I should have caught that it was a Dover publication.",
"Otherwise I would have known that it was published 'as is' or more accurately 'as it was' at that time.",
"Fine for some things, but a disappointment here.",
"However, the phots are super, and for the most part extremely sharp, clear images."
] |
3 |
Cheap reprint from public domain
|
Filiquarian Publishing, LLC published this book under the idea that it is in "public domain status." Meaning, it is not any better than you would find online. The book is readable, but emphasis (bold or italics) are done by an underscore before and after the word(s). Example: "_His_ is the lightning flash, we sang. _His_ is the deep, salt sea." (page 82) To me, it is annoying to read it this way. You occasionally find extra quotation marks and a double dash (--) in the place of an ellipsis (...). On page 41, you get all of the above.The binding is right up there with self-published titles. The cover is as basic as it gets, and has no text on the spine (see picture.) The back cover has merely a UPC barcode. On my copy, the glue they used for the spine was pressed out and made a rather strange bind. By strange, I mean cheap-looking.Anyway, if you are looking for an inexpensive copy of this book and don't care about the bindery or text issues, then this book is for you.
| 981 |
[
"Filiquarian Publishing, LLC published this book under the idea that it is in \"public domain status.\" Meaning, it is not any better than you would find online.",
"The book is readable, but emphasis (bold or italics) are done by an underscore before and after the word(s).",
"Example: \"_His_ is the lightning flash, we sang.",
"_His_ is the deep, salt sea.\" (page 82) To me, it is annoying to read it this way.",
"You occasionally find extra quotation marks and a double dash (--) in the place of an ellipsis (...).",
"On page 41, you get all of the above.The binding is right up there with self-published titles.",
"The cover is as basic as it gets, and has no text on the spine (see picture.) The back cover has merely a UPC barcode.",
"On my copy, the glue they used for the spine was pressed out and made a rather strange bind.",
"By strange, I mean cheap-looking.Anyway, if you are looking for an inexpensive copy of this book and don't care about the bindery or text issues, then this book is for you."
] |
3 |
Great Show/Sub-Par DVD Quality
|
Like the reviewer before me, I have to say that the quality of the DVD's in this set is sub-par. (The content, as any fan of the show already knows, is fine.)The DVD's exhibit artifacts and jerky motion despite my having an excellent Sony upconverting DVD player and 40" Sony Bravia LCD connected via HDMI.None of my other DVD's have these issues...whether my 50 or so movies or the half dozen or so series (Sopranos, The Wire, Seinfeld etc.)This is not in any way to say the shows are unwatchable or unenjoyable. It is merely an observation that the quality of the engineering etc. leaves much to be desired.I don't think these are knock-offs as they were purchased directly from amazon.com...however, had they not been on sale for $94 (and had I not had a gift certificate to further lower the price) I'd have returned the set to amazon. I only decided to hold on to it as my wife is a big fan and doesn't mind the minor glitches (which I find somewhat annoying and distracting).
| 981 |
[
"Like the reviewer before me, I have to say that the quality of the DVD's in this set is sub-par.",
"(The content, as any fan of the show already knows, is fine.)The DVD's exhibit artifacts and jerky motion despite my having an excellent Sony upconverting DVD player and 40\" Sony Bravia LCD connected via HDMI.None of my other DVD's have these issues...whether my 50 or so movies or the half dozen or so series (Sopranos, The Wire, Seinfeld etc.)This is not in any way to say the shows are unwatchable or unenjoyable.",
"It is merely an observation that the quality of the engineering etc.",
"leaves much to be desired.I don't think these are knock-offs as they were purchased directly from amazon.com...however, had they not been on sale for $94 (and had I not had a gift certificate to further lower the price) I'd have returned the set to amazon.",
"I only decided to hold on to it as my wife is a big fan and doesn't mind the minor glitches (which I find somewhat annoying and distracting)."
] |
3 |
Solid 360 Game
|
I bought this at EB because I heard that it was good and it looked cool. I brought it home and was satisfied. It had awesome graphics, great weapons, easy to use controls, and cool looking enemies. I particularly enjoyed the grappling hook thingy. Xbox Live was fun too. Now you now the good; now onto the bad.Bad*If you thought Halo 2 was short and were upset about it then you'll be smashing windows over this. Very short. Only eleven missions. I beat it in two days on normal after only buying the game on the very first day I started playing it. Very mad about this.*Weak story. After watching the first few cutscenes I just skipped them from then on.*I really liked playing the story mode for the first third, as it was just as the game was described. After that it was like playing Robotech or Transformers because you were fighting or in giant robots and that was annoying.OverallI liked it. Besides its major flaws it is a solid 360 game. Would buy a sequel if it came out.
| 981 |
[
"I bought this at EB because I heard that it was good and it looked cool.",
"I brought it home and was satisfied.",
"It had awesome graphics, great weapons, easy to use controls, and cool looking enemies.",
"I particularly enjoyed the grappling hook thingy.",
"Xbox Live was fun too.",
"Now you now the good; now onto the bad.Bad*If you thought Halo 2 was short and were upset about it then you'll be smashing windows over this.",
"Very short.",
"Only eleven missions.",
"I beat it in two days on normal after only buying the game on the very first day I started playing it.",
"Very mad about this.*Weak story.",
"After watching the first few cutscenes I just skipped them from then on.*I really liked playing the story mode for the first third, as it was just as the game was described.",
"After that it was like playing Robotech or Transformers because you were fighting or in giant robots and that was annoying.OverallI liked it.",
"Besides its major flaws it is a solid 360 game.",
"Would buy a sequel if it came out."
] |
3 |
Not that intimidating
|
The book starts off with the graduation of Rudy Baylor, the main character, from a Memphis college. Rudy gets a case of an insurance agent Great Benefits cheating a family whose son is about to die as the insurance company failed to pay up the cover for his bone-marrow transplant. The case goes to Rudy just before he takes up his bar exam to become a licensed lawyer. Once he passes the bar, he and a friend named Deck, the so-called paralawyer, decide to challange the insurance company being represented by one of the most expensive and well known firms in Memphis. Rudy's graduation, the pre-trial events were kinda droning along. The only likeable part of this novel by Grisham was the trial itself. Even the trial was practically far-fetched because judge Kipler is fully biased towards the plaintiff. This is normally not what happens in court. Grisham kinds makes a mockery of the legal system. But it is a little fun to read. Recommended if you have nothing else to read.
| 981 |
[
"The book starts off with the graduation of Rudy Baylor, the main character, from a Memphis college.",
"Rudy gets a case of an insurance agent Great Benefits cheating a family whose son is about to die as the insurance company failed to pay up the cover for his bone-marrow transplant.",
"The case goes to Rudy just before he takes up his bar exam to become a licensed lawyer.",
"Once he passes the bar, he and a friend named Deck, the so-called paralawyer, decide to challange the insurance company being represented by one of the most expensive and well known firms in Memphis.",
"Rudy's graduation, the pre-trial events were kinda droning along.",
"The only likeable part of this novel by Grisham was the trial itself.",
"Even the trial was practically far-fetched because judge Kipler is fully biased towards the plaintiff.",
"This is normally not what happens in court.",
"Grisham kinds makes a mockery of the legal system.",
"But it is a little fun to read.",
"Recommended if you have nothing else to read."
] |
3 |
Not exactly new
|
I searched long and hard for an interesting retrospective/coffee table book about Lacrosse as a gift for my husband. He has played back in high school, college, and still coaches our children on many teams today. I thought this would be a good choice for him since it included some historical background and some photos/chapters that included some of his lacrosse college contemporaries from the 1990's. This book was a good choice for him. However, at $80 and listed as "new", I expected the book to be in better condition. I'm not in the habit of buying anything used online. This book has definitely been sitting around for many years. It looked weathered and had discolored edges and bent corners on the cover jacket. It even had a few sticky stains inside. I paid the higher price of $80 because it was advertised as "new". I could have paid less for another copy. "New" should mean "new", not sticky or yellowed with age. Good book, but disappointing condition for the price.
| 981 |
[
"I searched long and hard for an interesting retrospective/coffee table book about Lacrosse as a gift for my husband.",
"He has played back in high school, college, and still coaches our children on many teams today.",
"I thought this would be a good choice for him since it included some historical background and some photos/chapters that included some of his lacrosse college contemporaries from the 1990's.",
"This book was a good choice for him.",
"However, at $80 and listed as \"new\", I expected the book to be in better condition.",
"I'm not in the habit of buying anything used online.",
"This book has definitely been sitting around for many years.",
"It looked weathered and had discolored edges and bent corners on the cover jacket.",
"It even had a few sticky stains inside.",
"I paid the higher price of $80 because it was advertised as \"new\".",
"I could have paid less for another copy.",
"\"New\" should mean \"new\", not sticky or yellowed with age.",
"Good book, but disappointing condition for the price."
] |
3 |
Life with Hesher
|
I've known guys like Hesher. Chain-smoking, tattooed, long-haired, stoner douche-bags. It's easy to instantly dislike Joseph Gordan-Levitt playing said douche-bag, but of course, this the movies and life-lessons must be learned, so Hesher turns out to be an o-k guy, just with douche-y (sic) qualities.Life is in major suck mode. Young T.J. (Brochu) and his Dad (Wilson) are in mourning. Along comes Hesher (Gordan-Levitt) an uninvited guest, who makes himself at home in their garage. Grandma (the terrific Piper Laurie) doesn't mind at all, in fact, no one seems to mind. T.J. has a crush on a check-out girl (Portman) and they form a friendship. All of these lives intertwine throughout, leading the story into humility, sadness, and redemption.Hesher is a sweet film. Nothing Earth-shattering, by any means, but a semi-quiet (except when inside Hesher's heavy metal van) story about dealing with life. The cast does a great job with director Susser's debut film.Worth a rental.
| 981 |
[
"I've known guys like Hesher.",
"Chain-smoking, tattooed, long-haired, stoner douche-bags.",
"It's easy to instantly dislike Joseph Gordan-Levitt playing said douche-bag, but of course, this the movies and life-lessons must be learned, so Hesher turns out to be an o-k guy, just with douche-y (sic) qualities.Life is in major suck mode.",
"Young T.J. (Brochu) and his Dad (Wilson) are in mourning.",
"Along comes Hesher (Gordan-Levitt) an uninvited guest, who makes himself at home in their garage.",
"Grandma (the terrific Piper Laurie) doesn't mind at all, in fact, no one seems to mind.",
"T.J. has a crush on a check-out girl (Portman) and they form a friendship.",
"All of these lives intertwine throughout, leading the story into humility, sadness, and redemption.Hesher is a sweet film.",
"Nothing Earth-shattering, by any means, but a semi-quiet (except when inside Hesher's heavy metal van) story about dealing with life.",
"The cast does a great job with director Susser's debut film.Worth a rental."
] |
3 |
Its ok
|
The Get Up Kids are great band who deserve alot of credit, just not for this album so much. Though the guitars and the drums change on every song it sounds like the vocals are all the same. Talking about breaking up and how hard it is. This is a good emo album but could use more topics of disscusion. I know your heart is broken because someone left you, but we are spending are money, or our time downloading you, so we want to hear something diffrent. Some of the lines are heart felt the first time and second, but when I hear them the 84 time over I begin to become board. Emo is a hard place to be because your songs are suppost to be emotional but you have to be careful not to bog them down. This isnt a record I suggest you play if you are sad, and not if your extremely happy because it will make you sad. It's an ok album but if they want to step up to the true emo like TAKING BACK SUNDAY, or SOMETHING CORPORATE, they need to stop wining and just play some good music.
| 981 |
[
"The Get Up Kids are great band who deserve alot of credit, just not for this album so much.",
"Though the guitars and the drums change on every song it sounds like the vocals are all the same.",
"Talking about breaking up and how hard it is.",
"This is a good emo album but could use more topics of disscusion.",
"I know your heart is broken because someone left you, but we are spending are money, or our time downloading you, so we want to hear something diffrent.",
"Some of the lines are heart felt the first time and second, but when I hear them the 84 time over I begin to become board.",
"Emo is a hard place to be because your songs are suppost to be emotional but you have to be careful not to bog them down.",
"This isnt a record I suggest you play if you are sad, and not if your extremely happy because it will make you sad.",
"It's an ok album but if they want to step up to the true emo like TAKING BACK SUNDAY, or SOMETHING CORPORATE, they need to stop wining and just play some good music."
] |
3 |
Can pass it by
|
While the book has some very eloquent language and few memorable scenes, I felt everything in between was particularly mediocre. The story is a little demented with a 15 year old boy in a sexual relationship with a 30-something woman, but soon you forget the age difference and are caught up with the passion and unlikelyhood of their sordid romance. I have yet to meet a 15 year old who behaves like our hero, Michael. Parts of the story were too absorbed in legal issues and Hanna's trial and I felt myself drifting in and out. It never really captured my full interest. The book is jumps around without any explanation of how we arrived at the next stop and I felt I never got an actual feel for any of the characters. I was disturbed by the abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion and felt the emphasis (and better writing) was wasted on the affair between Hanna and Michael. If you're searching for something to read, give this a try, but only after you've exhausted other sources.
| 981 |
[
"While the book has some very eloquent language and few memorable scenes, I felt everything in between was particularly mediocre.",
"The story is a little demented with a 15 year old boy in a sexual relationship with a 30-something woman, but soon you forget the age difference and are caught up with the passion and unlikelyhood of their sordid romance.",
"I have yet to meet a 15 year old who behaves like our hero, Michael.",
"Parts of the story were too absorbed in legal issues and Hanna's trial and I felt myself drifting in and out.",
"It never really captured my full interest.",
"The book is jumps around without any explanation of how we arrived at the next stop and I felt I never got an actual feel for any of the characters.",
"I was disturbed by the abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion and felt the emphasis (and better writing) was wasted on the affair between Hanna and Michael.",
"If you're searching for something to read, give this a try, but only after you've exhausted other sources."
] |
3 |
Damned average
|
The Beautiful and Damned is a Naturalist novel that recounts the slow dissolution of Anthony Patch, heir to a large fortune, and his charmingly immature, hedonistic, and impulsive wife Gloria.There's something a little "off" in this novel--even saying the title out loud requires an odd caesura. The plot has a feeling of artificial inevitability. Early on, it's easy to sympathize with Patch, even to root for him, but at times his thought processes and actions are so maudlin that one wants him to just *fall* already. Gloria is a fine and interesting character, but by and large the peripheral characters are closer to caricatures.The book's strength is its prose, natural and authoritative, never self-consciously clever to an annoying extent. Fitzgerald's pacing is steady; occasional meandering narrative passages are fished quickly out of the water with dialog and plot events.All in all it's a fairly good book, worth a read if you're NOT looking for the near-great Gatsby.
| 981 |
[
"The Beautiful and Damned is a Naturalist novel that recounts the slow dissolution of Anthony Patch, heir to a large fortune, and his charmingly immature, hedonistic, and impulsive wife Gloria.There's something a little \"off\" in this novel--even saying the title out loud requires an odd caesura.",
"The plot has a feeling of artificial inevitability.",
"Early on, it's easy to sympathize with Patch, even to root for him, but at times his thought processes and actions are so maudlin that one wants him to just *fall* already.",
"Gloria is a fine and interesting character, but by and large the peripheral characters are closer to caricatures.The book's strength is its prose, natural and authoritative, never self-consciously clever to an annoying extent.",
"Fitzgerald's pacing is steady; occasional meandering narrative passages are fished quickly out of the water with dialog and plot events.All in all it's a fairly good book, worth a read if you're NOT looking for the near-great Gatsby."
] |
3 |
Great sleep over flick!
|
I have grown up with the Friday the 13th movies, I always watched them at slumber parties and stuff like that. Watching the original makes me nostalgic. It's probably one of the better ones in the series.The film doesn't have a lot of plot but some of the scenes are quite chilling, especially the creepy bathroom scenes "chh chh chh ha ha ha". The acting by the unknown teen cast is just passable, some of the dialogue is kinda cheezy, but it is worth sticking around for the 15 minute finale alone. It is my favourite part of the whole movie when Betsy Palmer delivers her unforgetable, over the top performance as Mrs Voorhees. Its funny how you watch a bunch of amateurs acting for most of the movie and then along comes Palmer, she has more talent in her little finger than the rest of the cast put together, pity she wasn't given a bigger role, she deseves more.I like Halloween much better but this is pretty good, I will always have a place on my shelf for Friday the 13th.
| 981 |
[
"I have grown up with the Friday the 13th movies, I always watched them at slumber parties and stuff like that.",
"Watching the original makes me nostalgic.",
"It's probably one of the better ones in the series.The film doesn't have a lot of plot but some of the scenes are quite chilling, especially the creepy bathroom scenes \"chh chh chh ha ha ha\".",
"The acting by the unknown teen cast is just passable, some of the dialogue is kinda cheezy, but it is worth sticking around for the 15 minute finale alone.",
"It is my favourite part of the whole movie when Betsy Palmer delivers her unforgetable, over the top performance as Mrs Voorhees.",
"Its funny how you watch a bunch of amateurs acting for most of the movie and then along comes Palmer, she has more talent in her little finger than the rest of the cast put together, pity she wasn't given a bigger role, she deseves more.I like Halloween much better but this is pretty good, I will always have a place on my shelf for Friday the 13th."
] |
3 |
destiny was only half fulfilled
|
When I heard the girls were back, I was expecting the talent I heard on their old albums (Survivor). But I was disappointed by what I heard with the new album. Destiny was only half fulfilled, with quite a few flaws.The best song on the album is definitely "Lose my Breath". I was expecting all the other songs to sound that good, but they didn't. Beyonce's talent surpasses that of Kelly and Michelle by a lot. She's attractive, talented, and the backbone of the group. Kelly is pretty talented too, but her voice isn't nearly as good as Beyonce's (in my opinion). But you get good results when you have them share verses and their voices blend well together.Now Michelle is something else. Her voice is really different than Kelly's and Beyonce's. I'm not saying it's not good, but when listening to their songs, hers stands out and you listen much closer. She should stick to gospel music because I don't think she's Destiny's Child material.so overall, I'd rate this album 3/5.
| 981 |
[
"When I heard the girls were back, I was expecting the talent I heard on their old albums (Survivor).",
"But I was disappointed by what I heard with the new album.",
"Destiny was only half fulfilled, with quite a few flaws.The best song on the album is definitely \"Lose my Breath\".",
"I was expecting all the other songs to sound that good, but they didn't.",
"Beyonce's talent surpasses that of Kelly and Michelle by a lot.",
"She's attractive, talented, and the backbone of the group.",
"Kelly is pretty talented too, but her voice isn't nearly as good as Beyonce's (in my opinion).",
"But you get good results when you have them share verses and their voices blend well together.Now Michelle is something else.",
"Her voice is really different than Kelly's and Beyonce's.",
"I'm not saying it's not good, but when listening to their songs, hers stands out and you listen much closer.",
"She should stick to gospel music because I don't think she's Destiny's Child material.so overall, I'd rate this album 3/5."
] |
3 |
surreal and disturbing
|
"Brazil" is the second feature film by Terry Gilliam, of Monty Python fame. If you're familiar with Gilliam's extremely off-the-wall animated sequences from his work with the Monty Python Group, and/or have seen his first feature-length film (Time Bandits, from 1981) then you might be able to imagine what sprouts from his creative consciousness in his second full-length film.Starring Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond, Michael Palin, Bob Hoskins, Michael Palin, and Ian Holm, "Brazil" is a sci-fi fantasy and black comedy that defies clear explanation (just as you might expect from Gilliam); rife with visuals and creative lunacies that amuse, fascinate, and horrify.Bryce stars as Sam Lowry, a bureaucrat in a futuristic world, whose boring life changes after his lovelorn daydreams of a woman he's never met draw him unwittingly into an increasingly surreal world that, since the making of the film over 25 years ago, foreshadows a possible future for us all.
| 981 |
[
"\"Brazil\" is the second feature film by Terry Gilliam, of Monty Python fame.",
"If you're familiar with Gilliam's extremely off-the-wall animated sequences from his work with the Monty Python Group, and/or have seen his first feature-length film (Time Bandits, from 1981) then you might be able to imagine what sprouts from his creative consciousness in his second full-length film.Starring Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond, Michael Palin, Bob Hoskins, Michael Palin, and Ian Holm, \"Brazil\" is a sci-fi fantasy and black comedy that defies clear explanation (just as you might expect from Gilliam); rife with visuals and creative lunacies that amuse, fascinate, and horrify.Bryce stars as Sam Lowry, a bureaucrat in a futuristic world, whose boring life changes after his lovelorn daydreams of a woman he's never met draw him unwittingly into an increasingly surreal world that, since the making of the film over 25 years ago, foreshadows a possible future for us all."
] |
3 |
Typical Diane Carey.
|
As usual, Diane Carey tells a fascinating story, with excellent plot, characterization, and pacing. Unfortunately, also as usual, Diane Carey tries overhard to be a "wordsmith", making continuous attempts to use words in clever and unusual ways, and failing miserably at it. Her word choice is distractingly odd and frequently just wrong. She has a near-pathological aversion to the phrase "he said", using such replacements as "he bolted" (while not moving), and "He appraised", as well as many more; I could fill a page and more with odd word choices that she makes in an attempt to avoid commonplace phrases. Mind you, I understand the desire to avoid repetitive use of common phrases, but Ms. Carey has a real tendancy to go so overboard in the attempt, and has so little talent for doing it fluently, that it is truly distracting and makes it hard to focus on the story, which is actually a very well-conceived and fascinating story that I would have liked to see better-told.
| 981 |
[
"As usual, Diane Carey tells a fascinating story, with excellent plot, characterization, and pacing.",
"Unfortunately, also as usual, Diane Carey tries overhard to be a \"wordsmith\", making continuous attempts to use words in clever and unusual ways, and failing miserably at it.",
"Her word choice is distractingly odd and frequently just wrong.",
"She has a near-pathological aversion to the phrase \"he said\", using such replacements as \"he bolted\" (while not moving), and \"He appraised\", as well as many more; I could fill a page and more with odd word choices that she makes in an attempt to avoid commonplace phrases.",
"Mind you, I understand the desire to avoid repetitive use of common phrases, but Ms.",
"Carey has a real tendancy to go so overboard in the attempt, and has so little talent for doing it fluently, that it is truly distracting and makes it hard to focus on the story, which is actually a very well-conceived and fascinating story that I would have liked to see better-told."
] |
3 |
Tedious
|
I must admit that I have not finished reading this book yet. I am a big fan of the Chili Peppers but not rabid like tattoo on my ankle kind of fan. I have most of their CDs but have not seen them in concert yet (not for lack of trying though). I was intrigued about a short synopsis in which Kiedis speaks of his tendency to destroy his body with drugs and then seeking out the healthiest foods. I purchase the book on my kindle to read as we were traveling across country. I was hooked in the first chapter. The following narrative about a life of freedom, excess in drugs and sex were riveting. But I stalled a little over half way through. It became tedious and really very similar to the antics of any addict except of course Kiedis is famous. I am really hoping to return to the book over the Christmas break and wrap this up but this is the first time I have not read a book cover to cover in one sitting. I will hopefully return to this review and update it with more stars.
| 981 |
[
"I must admit that I have not finished reading this book yet.",
"I am a big fan of the Chili Peppers but not rabid like tattoo on my ankle kind of fan.",
"I have most of their CDs but have not seen them in concert yet (not for lack of trying though).",
"I was intrigued about a short synopsis in which Kiedis speaks of his tendency to destroy his body with drugs and then seeking out the healthiest foods.",
"I purchase the book on my kindle to read as we were traveling across country.",
"I was hooked in the first chapter.",
"The following narrative about a life of freedom, excess in drugs and sex were riveting.",
"But I stalled a little over half way through.",
"It became tedious and really very similar to the antics of any addict except of course Kiedis is famous.",
"I am really hoping to return to the book over the Christmas break and wrap this up but this is the first time I have not read a book cover to cover in one sitting.",
"I will hopefully return to this review and update it with more stars."
] |
3 |
A decent enough game
|
I dunno. Four days after buying this game, I'm still not sure if I really liked it. The gameplay's great, and I *think* I like the simplified magical system.The biggest problem is the "What do I do now?" factor. The bizarre non sequiturs, like jumping through a seemingly solid wall to get an item needed to progress. Going to random, far-away (it's a huge castle!) places looking for a key needed to get to the next section of the game (and then trying to figure out which locked door the key goes to.) It's not a difficult game, just frustrating and a little unfair, since there's very few clues provided by the game. It's like the game makers said, "Hey, just toss em something randomly and let THEM figure it out - it'll increase play time!" Sure, but I don't like spending my play time frustrated.The graphics are great. Sound's not THAT lame, but it's not CotM. Controls are just as good as the previous games. Ah,it could've been a classic game, had it been better designed.
| 981 |
[
"I dunno.",
"Four days after buying this game, I'm still not sure if I really liked it.",
"The gameplay's great, and I *think* I like the simplified magical system.The biggest problem is the \"What do I do now?",
"\" factor.",
"The bizarre non sequiturs, like jumping through a seemingly solid wall to get an item needed to progress.",
"Going to random, far-away (it's a huge castle!",
") places looking for a key needed to get to the next section of the game (and then trying to figure out which locked door the key goes to.) It's not a difficult game, just frustrating and a little unfair, since there's very few clues provided by the game.",
"It's like the game makers said, \"Hey, just toss em something randomly and let THEM figure it out - it'll increase play time!",
"\" Sure, but I don't like spending my play time frustrated.The graphics are great.",
"Sound's not THAT lame, but it's not CotM.",
"Controls are just as good as the previous games.",
"Ah,it could've been a classic game, had it been better designed."
] |
3 |
Worth watching, but flawed
|
This was indeed a monumental project, but not perfectly handled. Of course, John Huston was an atheist, and this needs to be taken into consideration. He did soften parts of this to portray more typically human reactions, especially with the scenes between Abraham and his son Isaac, than the Bible portrays.The portrayal of God seems accurate enough. But to portray the devoutness of the human characters would take a more devout director. The result is a lack of conviction in some scenes.This lack of conviction therefore will disturb many drawn to the movie who will see that this isn't truly filmed as a portrayal of actual history. It comes across more as a dramatization of myth, and the viewer's reaction therefore will depend on that viewer's perspective.As spectacle, it avoids the DeMille type excess. As acting, Huston himself does take the spotlight with his portrayal of Noah.Seen without great expectations, one will find it suitably reverant and still entertaining.
| 981 |
[
"This was indeed a monumental project, but not perfectly handled.",
"Of course, John Huston was an atheist, and this needs to be taken into consideration.",
"He did soften parts of this to portray more typically human reactions, especially with the scenes between Abraham and his son Isaac, than the Bible portrays.The portrayal of God seems accurate enough.",
"But to portray the devoutness of the human characters would take a more devout director.",
"The result is a lack of conviction in some scenes.This lack of conviction therefore will disturb many drawn to the movie who will see that this isn't truly filmed as a portrayal of actual history.",
"It comes across more as a dramatization of myth, and the viewer's reaction therefore will depend on that viewer's perspective.As spectacle, it avoids the DeMille type excess.",
"As acting, Huston himself does take the spotlight with his portrayal of Noah.Seen without great expectations, one will find it suitably reverant and still entertaining."
] |
3 |
It is your destiny!
|
Ah, the dude movies on the 90's. You have movies like Three Ninjas, Surf Ninjas and Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles. What do all these movies all have in common? There are just down right fun! I'll admit the story line of Surf Ninjas is a little simple minded, but you can't help but enjoy it. And, it's one of those kid movies that you can make fun of. I watched this movie a lot as a kid. It was one of my favorites. Don't ask me why? But, like I said earlier, its simple. You'll laugh at it in spite of yourself. I'd have to say the Leslie Nielsen and Rob Schneider are the real stars of the show. Rob Schneider is funny no matter what movie he's in. And, the thought of Leslie Nielsen as an evil warlord who will stop at nothing to keep our ninja warriors from reaching their destiny is too hilarious to be true. Throwing in an old beach boy's song with a twist does add to the fun. If you are looking for a fun, ninja crazy good time then look no further, Dude! Its your destiny!
| 981 |
[
"Ah, the dude movies on the 90's.",
"You have movies like Three Ninjas, Surf Ninjas and Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles.",
"What do all these movies all have in common?",
"There are just down right fun!",
"I'll admit the story line of Surf Ninjas is a little simple minded, but you can't help but enjoy it.",
"And, it's one of those kid movies that you can make fun of.",
"I watched this movie a lot as a kid.",
"It was one of my favorites.",
"Don't ask me why?",
"But, like I said earlier, its simple.",
"You'll laugh at it in spite of yourself.",
"I'd have to say the Leslie Nielsen and Rob Schneider are the real stars of the show.",
"Rob Schneider is funny no matter what movie he's in.",
"And, the thought of Leslie Nielsen as an evil warlord who will stop at nothing to keep our ninja warriors from reaching their destiny is too hilarious to be true.",
"Throwing in an old beach boy's song with a twist does add to the fun.",
"If you are looking for a fun, ninja crazy good time then look no further, Dude!",
"Its your destiny!"
] |
3 |
Changing Brains
|
The good news...This movie definately has it's riveting moments, it really had me going for awhile, my heart beating, my palms sweating so to speak. I also appreciated the spirited performances of both Ben Affleck and Samuel Jackson. Ben Affleck managed to shed some tears, hoping for that Oscar nomination. Ok now the bad news.... There were a couple of parts in the film that were so unrealistic. Like the part when Ben Affleck is being sh**-canned by his father in law, afterwards he turns on the fire alarm and all the water begins to spray the office!?! Please give me a break, no one would do that in real life. He would have left that office, got in his car and cried the whole way home. The most far fetched thing about this movie is these two men would have ended up killing each other for the things they did. They would not have become friends at the end and try to help each other out. The ending of the movie is what ruined it for me, it was phony and hollywoodish....
| 981 |
[
"The good news...This movie definately has it's riveting moments, it really had me going for awhile, my heart beating, my palms sweating so to speak.",
"I also appreciated the spirited performances of both Ben Affleck and Samuel Jackson.",
"Ben Affleck managed to shed some tears, hoping for that Oscar nomination.",
"Ok now the bad news.... There were a couple of parts in the film that were so unrealistic.",
"Like the part when Ben Affleck is being sh**-canned by his father in law, afterwards he turns on the fire alarm and all the water begins to spray the office!?!",
"Please give me a break, no one would do that in real life.",
"He would have left that office, got in his car and cried the whole way home.",
"The most far fetched thing about this movie is these two men would have ended up killing each other for the things they did.",
"They would not have become friends at the end and try to help each other out.",
"The ending of the movie is what ruined it for me, it was phony and hollywoodish...."
] |
3 |
little paper lanterns
|
These are very difficult to assemble. It felt like an anger management test, really frustrating. After I got the 4th one assembled, it seemed to go a little easier, I thought, until I poked a hole right through the little lantern. You have to put the metal hangers inside, and it's as if they just won't fit. They are small, about a 3 1/2" diameter. You just have to "wrestle" with the hangers, 'til finally, they go in place.I must admit, they were really cute, once they were all done, but I dont' want to try that again. I completely destroyed one lantern, and tore 2 others through the process. I think the assembly is something you have to practice and get good at, and I don't think the manufacturer should expect people to figure it out, as you can't help but tear a couple in the learning process. No instructions for the assembly, just for the light replacement. They will work for what I bought them for, but I would not buy them again unless they were already assembled.
| 981 |
[
"These are very difficult to assemble.",
"It felt like an anger management test, really frustrating.",
"After I got the 4th one assembled, it seemed to go a little easier, I thought, until I poked a hole right through the little lantern.",
"You have to put the metal hangers inside, and it's as if they just won't fit.",
"They are small, about a 3 1/2\" diameter.",
"You just have to \"wrestle\" with the hangers, 'til finally, they go in place.I must admit, they were really cute, once they were all done, but I dont' want to try that again.",
"I completely destroyed one lantern, and tore 2 others through the process.",
"I think the assembly is something you have to practice and get good at, and I don't think the manufacturer should expect people to figure it out, as you can't help but tear a couple in the learning process.",
"No instructions for the assembly, just for the light replacement.",
"They will work for what I bought them for, but I would not buy them again unless they were already assembled."
] |
3 |
A new experience
|
Yes, I've heard Julius Caesar a number of times via NPR and have two CDs. I confess I gave this DVD only three stars because I don't yet "dig" it. While the costumes and scenery are stunning to look at (mostly) and while I understand that, like Idomeneo, the singers are costumed in what might have been expected in the late 18th C, it always strikes me as quite odd - I mean, all that labor and money when a couple of sheets might do very well.I'll accept that Dame Janet is superb, but I believe I was expecting a more powerful voice (yes, I know that's dumb). I'm not crazy about counter-tenors, but in this case, I was surprised that I longed for David Daniels.The English (and I bought it FOR that reason) was very off-putting and I very much missed the Italian. The English, to me, made the opera sound just awfully stodgy. It may take me a while to like this DVD, but I'll watch it from time to time until I've determined that it and I are hopeless or that I really like it.
| 981 |
[
"Yes, I've heard Julius Caesar a number of times via NPR and have two CDs.",
"I confess I gave this DVD only three stars because I don't yet \"dig\" it.",
"While the costumes and scenery are stunning to look at (mostly) and while I understand that, like Idomeneo, the singers are costumed in what might have been expected in the late 18th C, it always strikes me as quite odd - I mean, all that labor and money when a couple of sheets might do very well.I'll accept that Dame Janet is superb, but I believe I was expecting a more powerful voice (yes, I know that's dumb).",
"I'm not crazy about counter-tenors, but in this case, I was surprised that I longed for David Daniels.The English (and I bought it FOR that reason) was very off-putting and I very much missed the Italian.",
"The English, to me, made the opera sound just awfully stodgy.",
"It may take me a while to like this DVD, but I'll watch it from time to time until I've determined that it and I are hopeless or that I really like it."
] |
3 |
passable for what it was
|
John Tucker Must Die was a surprise to me. Why? Because the movie didn't fall for the usual tricks that teenager movies normally do- immature violence, lots of dirty swear words, and sex. All those topics were surprisingly avoided and instead the writers opted to go for a much more acceptable and cleaner storyline. Did it work? Well, sort of.I have to agree with the reviewer who mentions the similarities to Saved By The Bell. It was pretty much just like that old TV show in every way. As a young adult, I'm happy my teenage years are over and don't want to think about the past and the way I used to be back then, so for people who are also in the same boat, you probably won't find anything about the movie to really win you over. You'll just think "Oh yeah, I used to act like that" and be done with it. In other words, this movie will only be funny to a teenager, and no one else will care.A decent movie for teenagers, but not the greatest film ever made, that's for sure.
| 981 |
[
"John Tucker Must Die was a surprise to me.",
"Why?",
"Because the movie didn't fall for the usual tricks that teenager movies normally do- immature violence, lots of dirty swear words, and sex.",
"All those topics were surprisingly avoided and instead the writers opted to go for a much more acceptable and cleaner storyline.",
"Did it work?",
"Well, sort of.I have to agree with the reviewer who mentions the similarities to Saved By The Bell.",
"It was pretty much just like that old TV show in every way.",
"As a young adult, I'm happy my teenage years are over and don't want to think about the past and the way I used to be back then, so for people who are also in the same boat, you probably won't find anything about the movie to really win you over.",
"You'll just think \"Oh yeah, I used to act like that\" and be done with it.",
"In other words, this movie will only be funny to a teenager, and no one else will care.A decent movie for teenagers, but not the greatest film ever made, that's for sure."
] |
3 |
Solid clock-radio
|
I've owned four of these models for at least three years now - one at work, one in each of our two kids' rooms and one in the master bedroom.Pros:I like the features and controls on this unit. I've had no problem setting the alarm (waking to either the radio, CD or buzzer), changing CD play mode (repeat, shuffle), setting the clock (including a nice, one-button daylight savings time setting), even without the manual. We use the unit as our morning alarm every weekday with no problems.There's a generous number of radio pre-sets - 10 FM and 5 AM.The snooze button is nice and big.I like the inclusion of weather radio bands, but note that the TV audio bands won't work anymore with the switch to digital TV signals last year.Cons:There's been some reliability issues - one unit completely died about a week ago - no power when plugged in. The one at work stopped playing CDs about two years ago.Three stars overall - start with four, with one taken away for reliability issues.
| 981 |
[
"I've owned four of these models for at least three years now - one at work, one in each of our two kids' rooms and one in the master bedroom.Pros:I like the features and controls on this unit.",
"I've had no problem setting the alarm (waking to either the radio, CD or buzzer), changing CD play mode (repeat, shuffle), setting the clock (including a nice, one-button daylight savings time setting), even without the manual.",
"We use the unit as our morning alarm every weekday with no problems.There's a generous number of radio pre-sets - 10 FM and 5 AM.The snooze button is nice and big.I like the inclusion of weather radio bands, but note that the TV audio bands won't work anymore with the switch to digital TV signals last year.Cons:There's been some reliability issues - one unit completely died about a week ago - no power when plugged in.",
"The one at work stopped playing CDs about two years ago.Three stars overall - start with four, with one taken away for reliability issues."
] |
3 |
Entertaining light read
|
A five volume series may seem a daunting commitment but I assure you these are quick enjoyable reads. In the second installment, the young Ramses becomes Pharoah following his father's death and must build his own legacy. Surrounding by an interesting circle of friends and protectors (Moses, Setau the Snake charmer, a lion), Ramses organizes his faculty from unlikely persons, using instinct as much as intellect. His perspicaciousness, however, awkwardly misses the fact his brother, Shaanar, plots against him. In an interesting entanglment, Shaanar and others against Ramses become involved with a sorceror, Ofir, who claims to travel with the rightful heir to the throne, a descendant of Akhenaton, a pharoah who attempted to lead Egypt into monotheism.The dialogue can be a little too pat sometimes but the characters are entertaining enough to excuse this oversight that may be the fault of the translator. Recommended for those who like their fantasy a bit unconventional.
| 981 |
[
"A five volume series may seem a daunting commitment but I assure you these are quick enjoyable reads.",
"In the second installment, the young Ramses becomes Pharoah following his father's death and must build his own legacy.",
"Surrounding by an interesting circle of friends and protectors (Moses, Setau the Snake charmer, a lion), Ramses organizes his faculty from unlikely persons, using instinct as much as intellect.",
"His perspicaciousness, however, awkwardly misses the fact his brother, Shaanar, plots against him.",
"In an interesting entanglment, Shaanar and others against Ramses become involved with a sorceror, Ofir, who claims to travel with the rightful heir to the throne, a descendant of Akhenaton, a pharoah who attempted to lead Egypt into monotheism.The dialogue can be a little too pat sometimes but the characters are entertaining enough to excuse this oversight that may be the fault of the translator.",
"Recommended for those who like their fantasy a bit unconventional."
] |
3 |
It's Ok
|
It's a toy for the imagination as it virtually does nothing but lights up and makes sounds.I suppose a child would enjoy it.Simple lights and sounds seem to fascinate them.Trying to write with this thing will take some time getting use to, because it is so big and fat.Why are there pen nibs any way?I don't ever see Dr whO using his sonic screwdriver to write with.A couple of things to note, It is bigger once you actually get it in your hands than it looks in the advertisements.BEWARE! You will not get the item in the discription.The description reads that the sonic Screwdriver is part of a package that includes a wallet with physic paper.It does not,People who buy this after reading the description will be dissappointed when they realise the discription is for another product that went out of production a year ago.And all you are going to get is just whats picture A lone sonic screwdriver.Even after numerous reviews citing this error the discription remains the same.
| 981 |
[
"It's a toy for the imagination as it virtually does nothing but lights up and makes sounds.I suppose a child would enjoy it.Simple lights and sounds seem to fascinate them.Trying to write with this thing will take some time getting use to, because it is so big and fat.Why are there pen nibs any way?",
"I don't ever see Dr whO using his sonic screwdriver to write with.A couple of things to note, It is bigger once you actually get it in your hands than it looks in the advertisements.BEWARE!",
"You will not get the item in the discription.The description reads that the sonic Screwdriver is part of a package that includes a wallet with physic paper.It does not,People who buy this after reading the description will be dissappointed when they realise the discription is for another product that went out of production a year ago.And all you are going to get is just whats picture A lone sonic screwdriver.Even after numerous reviews citing this error the discription remains the same."
] |
3 |
Loved it but.....
|
For four years now I have used the first two sections of the book (literal and critical comprehension) to teach college prep Reading Development classes and the last section (affective) comprehension for the AA degree students. It was a very useful text and I particularly enjoyed the affective comprehension part. "Story of An Hour", "Salvation" "The Somebody" and "Indian Education" were the best stories for me and for the students. I enjoyed the "A & P" and the Whore of Mensa found in the older edition as well.I found it fell short of a few things. Firstly the poems were not very interesting. Secondly I would have liked more cartoons and advertisements in the affective comprehension section. The text seems unbalanced, too much in section 1 and not enough in section 3. Finally I would have liked to see more challenging questions especially in the affective comprehension section.Loved the text but for me some improvements need to be made to make it a truly 5 star text.
| 981 |
[
"For four years now I have used the first two sections of the book (literal and critical comprehension) to teach college prep Reading Development classes and the last section (affective) comprehension for the AA degree students.",
"It was a very useful text and I particularly enjoyed the affective comprehension part.",
"\"Story of An Hour\", \"Salvation\" \"The Somebody\" and \"Indian Education\" were the best stories for me and for the students.",
"I enjoyed the \"A & P\" and the Whore of Mensa found in the older edition as well.I found it fell short of a few things.",
"Firstly the poems were not very interesting.",
"Secondly I would have liked more cartoons and advertisements in the affective comprehension section.",
"The text seems unbalanced, too much in section 1 and not enough in section 3.",
"Finally I would have liked to see more challenging questions especially in the affective comprehension section.Loved the text but for me some improvements need to be made to make it a truly 5 star text."
] |
3 |
The other Larks...
|
Not the Larks who had the hit with "The Jerk", but the Philadelphia-based Weldon McDougal group. Basically, a minor one-hit wonder, this group scored only with "It's Unbelievable" in 1961. With the turnover of group members, the lack of marketable material and little promotional power behind them, there was little daylight seen by this group's output after their first hit. The disc contains the title hit plus a number of non-charted sides and alternate versions.Sound quality varies considerably as the source material was a mix of master tapes and vinyl, some of it fairly well worn. A few tracks (10,11,12,17) are in stereo, having been remixed from the original session tapes. Unfortunately, the flagship song is a fairly noisy disc dub so there is little improvement sonically over other available sources for this song.While mostly of interest to collectors, this new collection does offer fans a retrospective of this early rock-era Pennsylvania vocal group's recordings.
| 981 |
[
"Not the Larks who had the hit with \"The Jerk\", but the Philadelphia-based Weldon McDougal group.",
"Basically, a minor one-hit wonder, this group scored only with \"It's Unbelievable\" in 1961.",
"With the turnover of group members, the lack of marketable material and little promotional power behind them, there was little daylight seen by this group's output after their first hit.",
"The disc contains the title hit plus a number of non-charted sides and alternate versions.Sound quality varies considerably as the source material was a mix of master tapes and vinyl, some of it fairly well worn.",
"A few tracks (10,11,12,17) are in stereo, having been remixed from the original session tapes.",
"Unfortunately, the flagship song is a fairly noisy disc dub so there is little improvement sonically over other available sources for this song.While mostly of interest to collectors, this new collection does offer fans a retrospective of this early rock-era Pennsylvania vocal group's recordings."
] |
3 |
Better Than I Had Expected
|
Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, is best known for her unaccompanied junket to the Holy Land, when she was about 76-80 years old. While there, she acquired what were represented to be relics of Christ's life, crucifixion, and resurrection (pieces of the True Cross, nails therefrom, etc.), which she dutifully sent back to Europe and Constantinople. Like modern day pilgrims to the Holy Land, she delighted in souvenirs. The fact that the Roman Army leveled Jerusalem in the Jewish War of 69 AD, thus making relics difficult to find, seems to have had little impact upon her credulity or that of the Readers Digest, which produced this film.Technically, the video is beautifully produced, and provides a nice tour of the Holy Land and some of its major sights, although the PBS ones are preferable.Gullible readers or those amused by relics, may wish to buyRelics: The Shroud of Turin, the True Cross, the Blood of Januarius...History, Mysticism, and the Catholic Church.
| 981 |
[
"Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, is best known for her unaccompanied junket to the Holy Land, when she was about 76-80 years old.",
"While there, she acquired what were represented to be relics of Christ's life, crucifixion, and resurrection (pieces of the True Cross, nails therefrom, etc.), which she dutifully sent back to Europe and Constantinople.",
"Like modern day pilgrims to the Holy Land, she delighted in souvenirs.",
"The fact that the Roman Army leveled Jerusalem in the Jewish War of 69 AD, thus making relics difficult to find, seems to have had little impact upon her credulity or that of the Readers Digest, which produced this film.Technically, the video is beautifully produced, and provides a nice tour of the Holy Land and some of its major sights, although the PBS ones are preferable.Gullible readers or those amused by relics, may wish to buyRelics: The Shroud of Turin, the True Cross, the Blood of Januarius...History, Mysticism, and the Catholic Church."
] |
3 |
Evocative jazz for the non-jazzy
|
I'll admit it -- jazz is not my area of expertise. But one day, as the laundry was laundering and I had the satellite TV set to the digital music channels, I came across an immediately gripping sound. The ID at the bottom left corner of the screen named this artist and disc, and I jotted it down. When I finally ordered it, all I remembered about it was that its flute had reminded me of The Animals' "Spill The Wine." Listening to it, I am transported to some sort of timeless otherworld. Laws' plays his flute like Jimi played guitar. That is to say, with abandon and a supreme confidence that his explorations are nothing but a dance with the Muse, simply a sound of joy and grit and ethereal magic for which he is a vessel. Put this on and let it envelope you. Its timeless wash of blue-shaded jazz lives somewhere near Getz and Gilberto, albeit with more soul. The three stars reflects my ignorance of the genre...I'm unsure whether this is "good jazz," but I know I like it.
| 981 |
[
"I'll admit it -- jazz is not my area of expertise.",
"But one day, as the laundry was laundering and I had the satellite TV set to the digital music channels, I came across an immediately gripping sound.",
"The ID at the bottom left corner of the screen named this artist and disc, and I jotted it down.",
"When I finally ordered it, all I remembered about it was that its flute had reminded me of The Animals' \"Spill The Wine.\" Listening to it, I am transported to some sort of timeless otherworld.",
"Laws' plays his flute like Jimi played guitar.",
"That is to say, with abandon and a supreme confidence that his explorations are nothing but a dance with the Muse, simply a sound of joy and grit and ethereal magic for which he is a vessel.",
"Put this on and let it envelope you.",
"Its timeless wash of blue-shaded jazz lives somewhere near Getz and Gilberto, albeit with more soul.",
"The three stars reflects my ignorance of the genre...I'm unsure whether this is \"good jazz,\" but I know I like it."
] |
3 |
First Hour 2 - Second Hour 8!
|
That's how I rated this film overall. If you can get through the first hour of this prequil, you will be pleasantly surprise by Master Yoda himself.The movie would have been much better for me if they would have recast Anakin Skywalker. That actor had no depth, wined all the time and just couldn't act. Fortunately he had Natalie Portman next to him that gave a stellar performace and for me - she acted for both of them. More credit to her.It was just long and slow for the first hour and fifteen minutes and then the action picked up. Once that did, Obiwan and Master Yoda rocked the screen. Very cool.Of course the movie is filled with Merchandise opportunites, but, guess what, that's why it was made. (Be real George.) Unfortunately for Star Wars fans, my belief is that SPiderman will do much, much better. It had a much more believable teen romance/relationship in it.I will give credit that Attack Of The Clones is much better then The Phantom Menance. Sorry again George!
| 981 |
[
"That's how I rated this film overall.",
"If you can get through the first hour of this prequil, you will be pleasantly surprise by Master Yoda himself.The movie would have been much better for me if they would have recast Anakin Skywalker.",
"That actor had no depth, wined all the time and just couldn't act.",
"Fortunately he had Natalie Portman next to him that gave a stellar performace and for me - she acted for both of them.",
"More credit to her.It was just long and slow for the first hour and fifteen minutes and then the action picked up.",
"Once that did, Obiwan and Master Yoda rocked the screen.",
"Very cool.Of course the movie is filled with Merchandise opportunites, but, guess what, that's why it was made.",
"(Be real George.) Unfortunately for Star Wars fans, my belief is that SPiderman will do much, much better.",
"It had a much more believable teen romance/relationship in it.I will give credit that Attack Of The Clones is much better then The Phantom Menance.",
"Sorry again George!"
] |
3 |
WORKS WELL BUT...
|
This is my second convection oven of this design. The other one, which I purchased years ago, the motor gave out, so I disposed of it.The Flavorwave Deluxe works fairly well, but doesn't do everything that the company says.My first gripe is, if you try to cook frozen food, like the infomercial says, it takes much much longer to cook, while they give you the impression that you can go from the freezer to the oven, that's true, but the cooking time increases greatly.My second complaint, they tell you that it's not necessary for you to flip what your cooking, not true, you do need to flip, otherwise the bottom won't be properly cooked.And last but not least, because there is not much heat circulating on the bottom, you can't cook frozen pizza in this oven, the bottom crust will not get brown and crispy, but will be soggy and raw.If you flip your food, and allow extra time for food to cook, because their cooking times are not accurate, then this is a fairly good product.
| 981 |
[
"This is my second convection oven of this design.",
"The other one, which I purchased years ago, the motor gave out, so I disposed of it.The Flavorwave Deluxe works fairly well, but doesn't do everything that the company says.My first gripe is, if you try to cook frozen food, like the infomercial says, it takes much much longer to cook, while they give you the impression that you can go from the freezer to the oven, that's true, but the cooking time increases greatly.My second complaint, they tell you that it's not necessary for you to flip what your cooking, not true, you do need to flip, otherwise the bottom won't be properly cooked.And last but not least, because there is not much heat circulating on the bottom, you can't cook frozen pizza in this oven, the bottom crust will not get brown and crispy, but will be soggy and raw.If you flip your food, and allow extra time for food to cook, because their cooking times are not accurate, then this is a fairly good product."
] |
3 |
I WAS IN THIS MOVIE
|
Watching this film brought back great memories of visiting the set and eventually being selected as an extra in this film. It was made during the summer of 2000 here in Houston. I knew some of the cast and crew members and just happened to visit them the night of the shoot when they told me about some film being made. Anyway, it was this film. I also didn't realize that I was in the same film with Napoleon (a member of the legendary 2Pac Outlaws group). My high school classmate choreographed the kung fu moves and had a small cameo in the film as well. I thought the acting was cool. I did learn a lot of things while on the set.As for the movie, itself: after watching it, I thought that the acting could have used a little more work. But, the film was still watchable and enjoyable. I still watch it to this day and memories start flowing through my mind. Give this film a try. You might like it. I certainly enjoyed being a part of it as well as liked it when I watched it.
| 981 |
[
"Watching this film brought back great memories of visiting the set and eventually being selected as an extra in this film.",
"It was made during the summer of 2000 here in Houston.",
"I knew some of the cast and crew members and just happened to visit them the night of the shoot when they told me about some film being made.",
"Anyway, it was this film.",
"I also didn't realize that I was in the same film with Napoleon (a member of the legendary 2Pac Outlaws group).",
"My high school classmate choreographed the kung fu moves and had a small cameo in the film as well.",
"I thought the acting was cool.",
"I did learn a lot of things while on the set.As for the movie, itself: after watching it, I thought that the acting could have used a little more work.",
"But, the film was still watchable and enjoyable.",
"I still watch it to this day and memories start flowing through my mind.",
"Give this film a try.",
"You might like it.",
"I certainly enjoyed being a part of it as well as liked it when I watched it."
] |
3 |
mostly eerie, a bit inept
|
This film has a lot going for it, a thoroughly downbeat mood, lush but not overly-pretty cinematography, an outstanding use of sound for suspense, and some stunning and truly creepy sequences. All of these have aged well for this viewer and zombie fan. The lack of any depth of emotional involvement and the police-versus-youth schtick hasn't, and comes across as heavy-handed, even for its time. Overall, though, it's worth watching and wading through the padding and sequences of cars driving through the foggy countryside. The first appearance of a zombie, heralded first by sound and empty spaces (and in broad daylight) is classic, even if it feels more derivative than homage to a similar scene in the influencial NIGHT OF THE LVING DEAD. The gore, while mostly of the "far too loose parts stuffed into a hollowed torso" variety, is effective as well. The flashbulb sequence is delightfully classic Euro-horror as well. Also, bonus points for the great intro by the director.
| 981 |
[
"This film has a lot going for it, a thoroughly downbeat mood, lush but not overly-pretty cinematography, an outstanding use of sound for suspense, and some stunning and truly creepy sequences.",
"All of these have aged well for this viewer and zombie fan.",
"The lack of any depth of emotional involvement and the police-versus-youth schtick hasn't, and comes across as heavy-handed, even for its time.",
"Overall, though, it's worth watching and wading through the padding and sequences of cars driving through the foggy countryside.",
"The first appearance of a zombie, heralded first by sound and empty spaces (and in broad daylight) is classic, even if it feels more derivative than homage to a similar scene in the influencial NIGHT OF THE LVING DEAD.",
"The gore, while mostly of the \"far too loose parts stuffed into a hollowed torso\" variety, is effective as well.",
"The flashbulb sequence is delightfully classic Euro-horror as well.",
"Also, bonus points for the great intro by the director."
] |
3 |
Not what I was expecting
|
I've had this rack for over a year and I wouldn't go so far as to say this rack is a piece of crap but it does have some issues. First off, the brackets that come to fasten the basket to the rack mounts on the top of the car are absolutely the worse things ever designed. I have to strap my camping gear and luggage through the basket to the factory installed roof mounts so that it doesn't slide. I would suggest buying new brackets to attach it. Secondly, if you leave it on your vehicle, like I do, the color fades fast and rust starts to show up. I will be sandblasting mine and repainting it within the next few weeks. What I was disappointed by was its lack of aesthetics...it just doesn't look all that phenomenal on top of my Tahoe. It is fairly shallow and doesn't fill the roof like I had hoped for. I am planning on adding lights and possibly looking for an extension to change the looks. However, it does keep stuff from sliding and with the right brackets it is solid.
| 981 |
[
"I've had this rack for over a year and I wouldn't go so far as to say this rack is a piece of crap but it does have some issues.",
"First off, the brackets that come to fasten the basket to the rack mounts on the top of the car are absolutely the worse things ever designed.",
"I have to strap my camping gear and luggage through the basket to the factory installed roof mounts so that it doesn't slide.",
"I would suggest buying new brackets to attach it.",
"Secondly, if you leave it on your vehicle, like I do, the color fades fast and rust starts to show up.",
"I will be sandblasting mine and repainting it within the next few weeks.",
"What I was disappointed by was its lack of aesthetics...it just doesn't look all that phenomenal on top of my Tahoe.",
"It is fairly shallow and doesn't fill the roof like I had hoped for.",
"I am planning on adding lights and possibly looking for an extension to change the looks.",
"However, it does keep stuff from sliding and with the right brackets it is solid."
] |
3 |
No Doubt about it
|
This would get 5 stars if it was released in 87 but...It's very apparent that Gwen worked hard to separate her solo release from anything she and her bandmates, NO DOUBT, had released before; It's almost too apparent. The fact that it's over-saturated with 80's influence makes it difficult to listen to over and over again. The Cd is pure Stefani though and she laces every track with her signature style and flavor so it gets 3stars alone for that. But surprisingly the best songs are the very mainstream ones like the Dr Dre produced Rich Girl (sample) and What You Waiting For...and there isn't any heavy or deep track. And while no one probably expected any similar song to "Don't Speak" even the upbeat, party tracks dont compare to "it's my life" or "Hey Baby" other NO DOUBT songs. Overall a good cd but it's more bubbly and poppy than i expected. No Doubt lovers probably would be disappointed but 80s fans and Gwen fans will probably love it....for a little while anyway.
| 981 |
[
"This would get 5 stars if it was released in 87 but...It's very apparent that Gwen worked hard to separate her solo release from anything she and her bandmates, NO DOUBT, had released before; It's almost too apparent.",
"The fact that it's over-saturated with 80's influence makes it difficult to listen to over and over again.",
"The Cd is pure Stefani though and she laces every track with her signature style and flavor so it gets 3stars alone for that.",
"But surprisingly the best songs are the very mainstream ones like the Dr Dre produced Rich Girl (sample) and What You Waiting For...and there isn't any heavy or deep track.",
"And while no one probably expected any similar song to \"Don't Speak\" even the upbeat, party tracks dont compare to \"it's my life\" or \"Hey Baby\" other NO DOUBT songs.",
"Overall a good cd but it's more bubbly and poppy than i expected.",
"No Doubt lovers probably would be disappointed but 80s fans and Gwen fans will probably love it....for a little while anyway."
] |
3 |
MY GRADE: B minus.
|
The Muppets are back. The tale begins with a younger and unknown Muppet idolizing the old cast and inspiring Kermit the Frog to come out of retirement and get the old gang back together. Once they're together the old gang works at earning enough funding to reopen their theater. There's singing and music and lots of nostalgia for those who remember the original series but where's the humor? The movie reminded me of one of the more flat episodes compared to the good ones that made laugh hard in several spots. Cameos by several known actors. It was fun enough but it didn't have the magic of the original series. Don't worry about my opinion in affecting the next one, though. I'm sure there will be one as it won Best Song in 2012 by the Academy Awards. The budget for this film was $45M and it made a tad over $145M.CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B minus to B; STORY/PLOTTING: C plus to B minus; HUMOR: C; SINGING/MUSICALS: B minus to B; WHEN WATCHED: yesterday; OVERALL GRADE: B minus.
| 981 |
[
"The Muppets are back.",
"The tale begins with a younger and unknown Muppet idolizing the old cast and inspiring Kermit the Frog to come out of retirement and get the old gang back together.",
"Once they're together the old gang works at earning enough funding to reopen their theater.",
"There's singing and music and lots of nostalgia for those who remember the original series but where's the humor?",
"The movie reminded me of one of the more flat episodes compared to the good ones that made laugh hard in several spots.",
"Cameos by several known actors.",
"It was fun enough but it didn't have the magic of the original series.",
"Don't worry about my opinion in affecting the next one, though.",
"I'm sure there will be one as it won Best Song in 2012 by the Academy Awards.",
"The budget for this film was $45M and it made a tad over $145M.CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B minus to B; STORY/PLOTTING: C plus to B minus; HUMOR: C; SINGING/MUSICALS: B minus to B; WHEN WATCHED: yesterday; OVERALL GRADE: B minus."
] |
3 |
No new tales to tell
|
First I want to mention, that I was a huge Alarm fan from the time they released 'Declaration' all the way to the underrated 'Raw' album. I was even a founding member of the first official European Alarm fan club. However, as much as I wanted to rant and rave about this new album, I actually got rather bored with the CD quickly. Someone mentioned, that this 'new Alarm' sounds nothing like the 'old' Alarm - but I completely disagree. Here are the same huge 'Rock' anthems that we heard on 'Strength' or 'Eye of the Hurricane'.... unfortunately though, the originals were better (in my opinion). I thought 45 RPM was a step forward, but the rest of the album just doesn't cut it for me. On many occasions, the album sounds like a bad U2 copy. The production is uninspired and the lyrics are rather dull. If you want to add another item to your 'Alarm' collection, then go ahead with this one, otherwise buy 'Declaration', 'Strength' or the remastered 'Electric Folklore Live' CD.
| 981 |
[
"First I want to mention, that I was a huge Alarm fan from the time they released 'Declaration' all the way to the underrated 'Raw' album.",
"I was even a founding member of the first official European Alarm fan club.",
"However, as much as I wanted to rant and rave about this new album, I actually got rather bored with the CD quickly.",
"Someone mentioned, that this 'new Alarm' sounds nothing like the 'old' Alarm - but I completely disagree.",
"Here are the same huge 'Rock' anthems that we heard on 'Strength' or 'Eye of the Hurricane'.... unfortunately though, the originals were better (in my opinion).",
"I thought 45 RPM was a step forward, but the rest of the album just doesn't cut it for me.",
"On many occasions, the album sounds like a bad U2 copy.",
"The production is uninspired and the lyrics are rather dull.",
"If you want to add another item to your 'Alarm' collection, then go ahead with this one, otherwise buy 'Declaration', 'Strength' or the remastered 'Electric Folklore Live' CD."
] |
3 |
TRUSTWORTHY IN COLONIAL NY
|
Set in Dutch Colonial NY State, this tale of homespun courage is gently paced for young readers, with accurate, historical detailing of life during the French and Indian War. When Father departs with the local militia, only young Edward is left to defend the family's humble farm and log cabin. His farsighted mother helps him position and load an old Spanish matchlock gun--just in case the Indians get through. But could a woman and two children survive an attack by Native Americans bent on murder, arson and revenge? What scene of devatation will await their father upon his return to the family homestead? Based on a true story of Dutch/American bravery, this short book is enhanced by Paul Lantz' vivid B/W and color illustrations. The theme--the inborn desire of people to be free to follow their own dreams and pursue happiness in their own way--reflects America's proud heritage of goal-setting and physical hardship in order to carve one's own path out of the wilderness.
| 981 |
[
"Set in Dutch Colonial NY State, this tale of homespun courage is gently paced for young readers, with accurate, historical detailing of life during the French and Indian War.",
"When Father departs with the local militia, only young Edward is left to defend the family's humble farm and log cabin.",
"His farsighted mother helps him position and load an old Spanish matchlock gun--just in case the Indians get through.",
"But could a woman and two children survive an attack by Native Americans bent on murder, arson and revenge?",
"What scene of devatation will await their father upon his return to the family homestead?",
"Based on a true story of Dutch/American bravery, this short book is enhanced by Paul Lantz' vivid B/W and color illustrations.",
"The theme--the inborn desire of people to be free to follow their own dreams and pursue happiness in their own way--reflects America's proud heritage of goal-setting and physical hardship in order to carve one's own path out of the wilderness."
] |
3 |
MY GRADE: C plus to B minus.
|
Two CIA buddies end up pursuing the same romantic interest and using their spy skills and resources to try and one up each other. It's a hit or miss romantic comedy that has a couple of clever moments but is otherwise engaging for it's strong cast than it's well plotted tale. Some of the spy moves were not terribly realistic and took away from the tale for me, too.Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy star in this love triangle. Yes, that was Angela Bassett in the picture as the boss. Seth Rogen, Sam Worthington and Bradley Cooper were all offered male leads but declined.The budget was $65M and it made over $165M at the Box Office.CINEMATOGRAPHY: B; STORY/PLOTTING/EDITING: C plus to B minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: C plus to B minus; ROMANTIC CHEMISTRY: B minus; WHEN WATCHED: end of October 2012; OVERALL GRADE: C plus to B minusSPOILER: Yeah, sneaking into her house and moving in her peripheral vision several times didn't work for me. She would have seen him. Duh.
| 981 |
[
"Two CIA buddies end up pursuing the same romantic interest and using their spy skills and resources to try and one up each other.",
"It's a hit or miss romantic comedy that has a couple of clever moments but is otherwise engaging for it's strong cast than it's well plotted tale.",
"Some of the spy moves were not terribly realistic and took away from the tale for me, too.Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy star in this love triangle.",
"Yes, that was Angela Bassett in the picture as the boss.",
"Seth Rogen, Sam Worthington and Bradley Cooper were all offered male leads but declined.The budget was $65M and it made over $165M at the Box Office.CINEMATOGRAPHY: B; STORY/PLOTTING/EDITING: C plus to B minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: C plus to B minus; ROMANTIC CHEMISTRY: B minus; WHEN WATCHED: end of October 2012; OVERALL GRADE: C plus to B minusSPOILER: Yeah, sneaking into her house and moving in her peripheral vision several times didn't work for me.",
"She would have seen him.",
"Duh."
] |
3 |
problem for citations,
|
Because of a problem I've experienced, not yet resolved or paid attention to by Amazon, I've cut my use of the device.My problem relates to its use for one purpose -- citations to text other than by "location." What I've pointed out to Amazon, by phone, is that when contemplating an ebook purchase I'd like to know whether the ebook will show page #'s for text or my notes.This is important for me because I use citations when writing. I cannot assume that those who read what I write will have an ebook to check my cite or will be near libary with a hard copy or an ability to call up an interlibrary loan.I understand that book publishers chose whether they will provide an ebook that will call up page numbers as well as locations, e.g., with David Brooks' new the Human Animal and I know the publisher's decision isn't something I, as an individual, can change.However, I do believe that Amazon should find a way to indicate what I seek when I call up a book from the "store."
| 981 |
[
"Because of a problem I've experienced, not yet resolved or paid attention to by Amazon, I've cut my use of the device.My problem relates to its use for one purpose -- citations to text other than by \"location.\" What I've pointed out to Amazon, by phone, is that when contemplating an ebook purchase I'd like to know whether the ebook will show page #'s for text or my notes.This is important for me because I use citations when writing.",
"I cannot assume that those who read what I write will have an ebook to check my cite or will be near libary with a hard copy or an ability to call up an interlibrary loan.I understand that book publishers chose whether they will provide an ebook that will call up page numbers as well as locations, e.g., with David Brooks' new the Human Animal and I know the publisher's decision isn't something I, as an individual, can change.However, I do believe that Amazon should find a way to indicate what I seek when I call up a book from the \"store.\""
] |
3 |
No Miracles, but a Few Surprises
|
Long past the point where we can expect miracles of them, Aerosmith, on their 13th studio release Just Push Play, still have the power to surprise. JPP isn't as good as latter day releases like Pump and Get a Grip, but it's a far cry from the wan Nine Lives. Skip track one, "Beyond Beautiful", with its Zeppelin-esque strings (only about 25 years too late, guys), and get straight to the "Walk This Way" re-write of the title track. Before you complain about reliving past glories, notice that your foot is tapping and your head is banging. This is Shaggy as metal god, and that's not such a bad thing. "Jaded," the first single, is a great Beatles cop. "Under My Skin" pops and crunches (just how leathery is your skin, Steven, that a girl can live in it?) And, of course, there are ballads; some wonderful ("Luv Lies"); some not (I especially dislike "Fly Away from Here"). Across the board, the rock is primo, the mid-tempo is high grade, and everything else varies in quality.
| 981 |
[
"Long past the point where we can expect miracles of them, Aerosmith, on their 13th studio release Just Push Play, still have the power to surprise.",
"JPP isn't as good as latter day releases like Pump and Get a Grip, but it's a far cry from the wan Nine Lives.",
"Skip track one, \"Beyond Beautiful\", with its Zeppelin-esque strings (only about 25 years too late, guys), and get straight to the \"Walk This Way\" re-write of the title track.",
"Before you complain about reliving past glories, notice that your foot is tapping and your head is banging.",
"This is Shaggy as metal god, and that's not such a bad thing.",
"\"Jaded,\" the first single, is a great Beatles cop.",
"\"Under My Skin\" pops and crunches (just how leathery is your skin, Steven, that a girl can live in it?",
") And, of course, there are ballads; some wonderful (\"Luv Lies\"); some not (I especially dislike \"Fly Away from Here\").",
"Across the board, the rock is primo, the mid-tempo is high grade, and everything else varies in quality."
] |
3 |
Interesting, but disappointing
|
I should have known from the jacket, all the people selected had far more than 15 minutes of fame, but the topic is intriguing so I read it anyway. One had over 25 years (by any conservative account of time) in the spotlight. After reading the book, I got the idea the people were selected because the authors had access to them and not because they illustrated anything significant about the aftermath of fame.The authors devote far more text to the RISE to fame and TIME OF fame than to the aftermath of fame. What little analysis provided by the authors is limp. Gerry Cooney is the only one providing any depth on subject stated in the title. Jim Wright gives a perspective of what drives someone to achieve fame in politics.I gave this 3 stars (and not one or two) because the stories were interesting and have value, especially the ones on Susan McDougal and Melvin Dummas. But the book does not fulfill the promise of the title which is a promise that deserves to be filled.
| 981 |
[
"I should have known from the jacket, all the people selected had far more than 15 minutes of fame, but the topic is intriguing so I read it anyway.",
"One had over 25 years (by any conservative account of time) in the spotlight.",
"After reading the book, I got the idea the people were selected because the authors had access to them and not because they illustrated anything significant about the aftermath of fame.The authors devote far more text to the RISE to fame and TIME OF fame than to the aftermath of fame.",
"What little analysis provided by the authors is limp.",
"Gerry Cooney is the only one providing any depth on subject stated in the title.",
"Jim Wright gives a perspective of what drives someone to achieve fame in politics.I gave this 3 stars (and not one or two) because the stories were interesting and have value, especially the ones on Susan McDougal and Melvin Dummas.",
"But the book does not fulfill the promise of the title which is a promise that deserves to be filled."
] |
3 |
A Letdown
|
Wilco seems like a band that is lost. I was eagerly anticipating this release, especially after the surprisingly good "Live In Chicago", but it seems to lack the wit and energy of their previous releases. I am probably one of the few who really liked "A Ghost Is Born" (it's like a fine wine- it gets better with age!), which had some very energetic and creative tunes ("Handshake Drugs", "Hummingbirds"), something that is sorely lacking in "Sky Blue Sky". Sadly, SBS actually put me to sleep! All the songs sound similar; none really stands out. That being said, I gave it three stars because: it's Wilco, and even a bad Wilco release is better than most everything else that is out there; the instrumentation is just wonderful, these guys actually know how to play their instruments; there are flashes of new sounds and styles, as the tone was more bluesish and jazzish. Here's hoping that this is is just an anomaly and not an indication that Wilco has slipped into mediocrity.
| 981 |
[
"Wilco seems like a band that is lost.",
"I was eagerly anticipating this release, especially after the surprisingly good \"Live In Chicago\", but it seems to lack the wit and energy of their previous releases.",
"I am probably one of the few who really liked \"A Ghost Is Born\" (it's like a fine wine- it gets better with age!",
"), which had some very energetic and creative tunes (\"Handshake Drugs\", \"Hummingbirds\"), something that is sorely lacking in \"Sky Blue Sky\".",
"Sadly, SBS actually put me to sleep!",
"All the songs sound similar; none really stands out.",
"That being said, I gave it three stars because: it's Wilco, and even a bad Wilco release is better than most everything else that is out there; the instrumentation is just wonderful, these guys actually know how to play their instruments; there are flashes of new sounds and styles, as the tone was more bluesish and jazzish.",
"Here's hoping that this is is just an anomaly and not an indication that Wilco has slipped into mediocrity."
] |
3 |
Is this realistic ?
|
I have a freind who plays Texas Holdem all the time. I thought I should brush up on this game so I wouldn't go broke on poker night.Not ever playing this game with real people I was wanting something very realistic. All though the cards are pretty hard to see; unless your sitting right on top of your monitor. I slowly progressed up the ranks to season mode. Like your other reviewer stated. As long as You stay patient You can easily place/win money in the season modes. The closer You get to playing " Chris Moneymaker " the more your opponents cards are drawing trips and full houses almost back to back !! Good poker players always say that there is so much skill involved in texas holdem. But there really is quite a bit more luck involved than they would like to freely state.In this game You can get cash prizes for placing seventh in a table of ten? If You can't place seventh out of ten players,please don't play Texas Holdem for real money.Unless the buy-in is $5.00 Tim
| 981 |
[
"I have a freind who plays Texas Holdem all the time.",
"I thought I should brush up on this game so I wouldn't go broke on poker night.Not ever playing this game with real people I was wanting something very realistic.",
"All though the cards are pretty hard to see; unless your sitting right on top of your monitor.",
"I slowly progressed up the ranks to season mode.",
"Like your other reviewer stated.",
"As long as You stay patient You can easily place/win money in the season modes.",
"The closer You get to playing \" Chris Moneymaker \" the more your opponents cards are drawing trips and full houses almost back to back!!",
"Good poker players always say that there is so much skill involved in texas holdem.",
"But there really is quite a bit more luck involved than they would like to freely state.In this game You can get cash prizes for placing seventh in a table of ten?",
"If You can't place seventh out of ten players,please don't play Texas Holdem for real money.Unless the buy-in is $5.00 Tim"
] |
3 |
Not your average romance
|
This is my first Susan Andersen book to read. Although I would have to say I found the author's style of writing in this particular book on the humorous side, it wasn't romance in the usual manner. I doubt any man in his right man would want to depend on a woman for physical protection, although I know there are women who are capable. We're talking how this made Nick look to the female fans of Andersen(at least for me). She made him him look like a wimp right off the bat, which was a turnoff for me to start with. They were jumping into sex too often and didn't leave room for much of a story plot. Everyone likes sex in a romance novel, but this one went to extremes. About the only thing that seemed to be realistic in this novel was the politican, J. Fitzgerald, and his behavior. I didn't care for the plot, but I found the book to be an amusing read and found myself laughing at times. I think the author has talent with words so I'll probably read some more of her work.
| 981 |
[
"This is my first Susan Andersen book to read.",
"Although I would have to say I found the author's style of writing in this particular book on the humorous side, it wasn't romance in the usual manner.",
"I doubt any man in his right man would want to depend on a woman for physical protection, although I know there are women who are capable.",
"We're talking how this made Nick look to the female fans of Andersen(at least for me).",
"She made him him look like a wimp right off the bat, which was a turnoff for me to start with.",
"They were jumping into sex too often and didn't leave room for much of a story plot.",
"Everyone likes sex in a romance novel, but this one went to extremes.",
"About the only thing that seemed to be realistic in this novel was the politican, J.",
"Fitzgerald, and his behavior.",
"I didn't care for the plot, but I found the book to be an amusing read and found myself laughing at times.",
"I think the author has talent with words so I'll probably read some more of her work."
] |
3 |
Difficult to rate...
|
I bought this CD for the Penderecki...I'm a big fan of his dissonant music, and so I love Polymorphia, the String Quartet and the Kanon (Canon). The Penderecki pieces dominate the score, and timewise probably take up about half the disc, considering it's only 44 minutes long.I also enjoy the Crumb and Henze piece, although they're quite short. (If you're feeling drowsy and need to be alert...play the Crumb piece at full volume...guaranteed to wake the dead!)I would give this disc a 5 star rating except for:1) The price2) The short playing time3) The fact that it's only available as a Japanese import, and the booklet is written totally in Japanese!My advice is that if you can find the Penderecki pieces elsewhere (I know you can find the SQ...the others may be more difficult since many Penderecki discs seem to be out of print) then I'd bypass this disc.If money is not a concern (and you're fluent in Japanese!) then I think it's an excellent disc and would recommend it.
| 981 |
[
"I bought this CD for the Penderecki...I'm a big fan of his dissonant music, and so I love Polymorphia, the String Quartet and the Kanon (Canon).",
"The Penderecki pieces dominate the score, and timewise probably take up about half the disc, considering it's only 44 minutes long.I also enjoy the Crumb and Henze piece, although they're quite short.",
"(If you're feeling drowsy and need to be alert...play the Crumb piece at full volume...guaranteed to wake the dead!",
")I would give this disc a 5 star rating except for:1) The price2) The short playing time3) The fact that it's only available as a Japanese import, and the booklet is written totally in Japanese!",
"My advice is that if you can find the Penderecki pieces elsewhere (I know you can find the SQ...the others may be more difficult since many Penderecki discs seem to be out of print) then I'd bypass this disc.If money is not a concern (and you're fluent in Japanese!",
") then I think it's an excellent disc and would recommend it."
] |
3 |
Handy but not the ultimate.
|
What one really needs is a handy holster on your belt to carry a reacher while standing on a ladder, so when you are putting together furniture or doing other assemblying or when up on a step ladder installing telephone wire for your Tivo or computer modem around the top of a wall next to the ceiling above the doors and windows and trying to hold the wire in place with one hand, hold a staple gun in the other, and tuck the wire up with the other hand! By the way that last hand belongs to your helper who is standing firmly on the floor steadying the ladder while you hold on precariously. ;o0But this clip will also do to carry a reacher, which is really needed when you drop something while assembling furninure and need to pick up those pesky screws or bolts that you inevitable drop, so then, you don't hsve to bend over, and srand on your head to pick up the one that rolled under the furninture or otherwise is "hiding in plain sight."! :o) Thats's what themagnet is for.
| 981 |
[
"What one really needs is a handy holster on your belt to carry a reacher while standing on a ladder, so when you are putting together furniture or doing other assemblying or when up on a step ladder installing telephone wire for your Tivo or computer modem around the top of a wall next to the ceiling above the doors and windows and trying to hold the wire in place with one hand, hold a staple gun in the other, and tuck the wire up with the other hand!",
"By the way that last hand belongs to your helper who is standing firmly on the floor steadying the ladder while you hold on precariously.",
";o0But this clip will also do to carry a reacher, which is really needed when you drop something while assembling furninure and need to pick up those pesky screws or bolts that you inevitable drop, so then, you don't hsve to bend over, and srand on your head to pick up the one that rolled under the furninture or otherwise is \"hiding in plain sight.\"!",
":o) Thats's what themagnet is for."
] |
3 |
No more bagless for me!
|
I bought this vacuum cleaner more than a year ago and here are my pros:- does a great job getting up the dirt- is lightweight and easy to carry from room to room- the hose wraps itself up- the controls are easy to access and use- the head is flat enough to slip under low chairs- and all the other stuff people have said is great about it.My one con is that it is bagless. So, as someone else said, it makes quite a dust bowl when it gets dumped, and even worse, the filter is a bear to clean. It takes me a good 30 minutes just to get most (not all) of the dust and cat hair out of the filter after one use (and, yes, I do vacuum regularly). If I decide to wash the filter then I can not use the vacuum for at least a day waiting for the filter to dry out. The filter is not something you can replace cheaply like a bag would be so you have to either clean it or else let it get REALLY clogged up with dust. I am very sorry I bought the bagless model and I will never do so again.
| 981 |
[
"I bought this vacuum cleaner more than a year ago and here are my pros:- does a great job getting up the dirt- is lightweight and easy to carry from room to room- the hose wraps itself up- the controls are easy to access and use- the head is flat enough to slip under low chairs- and all the other stuff people have said is great about it.My one con is that it is bagless.",
"So, as someone else said, it makes quite a dust bowl when it gets dumped, and even worse, the filter is a bear to clean.",
"It takes me a good 30 minutes just to get most (not all) of the dust and cat hair out of the filter after one use (and, yes, I do vacuum regularly).",
"If I decide to wash the filter then I can not use the vacuum for at least a day waiting for the filter to dry out.",
"The filter is not something you can replace cheaply like a bag would be so you have to either clean it or else let it get REALLY clogged up with dust.",
"I am very sorry I bought the bagless model and I will never do so again."
] |
3 |
Not Great, Not Bad
|
In all my years of seeing movies(13 years) I have never seen a movie shot down more than this one. But it isn't that bad.It not the best video game movie of all time. Mortal Kombat is. But the movie had some life to it. Being a fan of movies like Star Wars, Top Gun, Starship Troppers, I though this movie was about two stars less then them(They are all five star movies).Why did the movie do so bad? Simple:1) Do adults go to see video game movies? No. 2) People walk in and say "An appetizer for Star Wars", and leave. 3) No big name actors. 4) Movie was too short(Good sci-fi's last 2 hrs). 5) The beginning was a bit boring, which gets people leaving the theatre before the movie gets good. It didn't get good until about 45 minutes through the movie. 6) Matthew Lillard's (Maniac) overreacting to his friend's death.But I think that despite all of the above, the movie had some life to it, and to be honest, I've seen, or know about, 50 other movies that were worse than this.
| 981 |
[
"In all my years of seeing movies(13 years) I have never seen a movie shot down more than this one.",
"But it isn't that bad.It not the best video game movie of all time.",
"Mortal Kombat is.",
"But the movie had some life to it.",
"Being a fan of movies like Star Wars, Top Gun, Starship Troppers, I though this movie was about two stars less then them(They are all five star movies).Why did the movie do so bad?",
"Simple:1) Do adults go to see video game movies?",
"No.",
"2) People walk in and say \"An appetizer for Star Wars\", and leave.",
"3) No big name actors.",
"4) Movie was too short(Good sci-fi's last 2 hrs).",
"5) The beginning was a bit boring, which gets people leaving the theatre before the movie gets good.",
"It didn't get good until about 45 minutes through the movie.",
"6) Matthew Lillard's (Maniac) overreacting to his friend's death.But I think that despite all of the above, the movie had some life to it, and to be honest, I've seen, or know about, 50 other movies that were worse than this."
] |
3 |
Disappointing for the Price
|
We purchased these floor mats because (a) they are known for high quality, (b) they are custom-fitted to your vehicle, (c) they cover most of the floor, and (d) they are made in USA. These mats have nothing to hold them in place, except for the hole that goes over the anchor that some vehicles have in the floor (ours does not). Because they are form-fitted and extend all the way from the center hump to the side wall, you would expect them to stay put, but they are fairly thin and lightweight and slick on the bottom and they tend to slide forward and backward. To combat this, we tried using nonskid foam liner, but that didn't work. Then we anchored it to the truck's carpet with screws, with some success, but it is not an ideal solution. These mats would be better is they were made of a heavy, rubbery material or if they had the little spikes on the bottom to hold them in place (like the cheaper mats have). Otherwise, they fit well, look good, and seem to be well made.
| 981 |
[
"We purchased these floor mats because (a) they are known for high quality, (b) they are custom-fitted to your vehicle, (c) they cover most of the floor, and (d) they are made in USA.",
"These mats have nothing to hold them in place, except for the hole that goes over the anchor that some vehicles have in the floor (ours does not).",
"Because they are form-fitted and extend all the way from the center hump to the side wall, you would expect them to stay put, but they are fairly thin and lightweight and slick on the bottom and they tend to slide forward and backward.",
"To combat this, we tried using nonskid foam liner, but that didn't work.",
"Then we anchored it to the truck's carpet with screws, with some success, but it is not an ideal solution.",
"These mats would be better is they were made of a heavy, rubbery material or if they had the little spikes on the bottom to hold them in place (like the cheaper mats have).",
"Otherwise, they fit well, look good, and seem to be well made."
] |
3 |
Some What Pleased?
|
I didn't expect much for the price I paid which after I got it I thought that to be a bit much. This a unit that I believe shouldn't be sold for more than 45-50 dollars at most. The buttons or old style cassette player type and they are flimsey to push, I don't expect them to last a very long period of time before one or more falls off or breaks off. I expected to have a counter on it that would operate on both deck A and B not just on B deck. So far the mechanics of it is holding up along with the electronics of it, has great sound quality and is easy to use, of which I guess is do to its simplicity. I use it to transfer tapes to CD, DVD and MINI DISC and get a good copy however I have yet to Dub a tape on it yet. Over all it's a good home use deck, but the price of $74.00 is a little high in my opinion. If you buy this unit I personally hope the best for you and hope you understand although it says "PRO" on it, it is anything but that. Good luck with your purchase!
| 981 |
[
"I didn't expect much for the price I paid which after I got it I thought that to be a bit much.",
"This a unit that I believe shouldn't be sold for more than 45-50 dollars at most.",
"The buttons or old style cassette player type and they are flimsey to push, I don't expect them to last a very long period of time before one or more falls off or breaks off.",
"I expected to have a counter on it that would operate on both deck A and B not just on B deck.",
"So far the mechanics of it is holding up along with the electronics of it, has great sound quality and is easy to use, of which I guess is do to its simplicity.",
"I use it to transfer tapes to CD, DVD and MINI DISC and get a good copy however I have yet to Dub a tape on it yet.",
"Over all it's a good home use deck, but the price of $74.00 is a little high in my opinion.",
"If you buy this unit I personally hope the best for you and hope you understand although it says \"PRO\" on it, it is anything but that.",
"Good luck with your purchase!"
] |
3 |
Interesting but not necessary
|
The Road to Dune is intended to give the reader an appreciation of the evolution of thought that resulted in the classic novel Dune by Frank Herbert. Only a small portion of the book actually addresses this, that namely being the letters back and forth between Herbert and the editor. The novel 'Spice Planet' is interesting as it is based on the original outline for Dune that Frank Herbert had created, but the story is only of middling quality. It would've been more meaningful to simply include the original outline then to try to create a new (and rather confusing) tale that falls very short of the final novel. The outtakes from Dune and Dune Messiah are interesting, if only to see what wound up getting pulled by the editor. The short stories again are interesting, but not all that great. I think this book is really intended for the hardcore fan, but even then I think it's only so-so and definitely not necessary to the readers appreciation of Dune and the Dune series.
| 981 |
[
"The Road to Dune is intended to give the reader an appreciation of the evolution of thought that resulted in the classic novel Dune by Frank Herbert.",
"Only a small portion of the book actually addresses this, that namely being the letters back and forth between Herbert and the editor.",
"The novel 'Spice Planet' is interesting as it is based on the original outline for Dune that Frank Herbert had created, but the story is only of middling quality.",
"It would've been more meaningful to simply include the original outline then to try to create a new (and rather confusing) tale that falls very short of the final novel.",
"The outtakes from Dune and Dune Messiah are interesting, if only to see what wound up getting pulled by the editor.",
"The short stories again are interesting, but not all that great.",
"I think this book is really intended for the hardcore fan, but even then I think it's only so-so and definitely not necessary to the readers appreciation of Dune and the Dune series."
] |
3 |
Simpson's Void
|
"Touching the Void" is indeed a remarkable story of survival. Joe Simpson's ordeal is vividly recaptured by director Kevin McDonald. McDonald's rather straightforward style, with the real Joe Simpson and Simon Yates recounting their harrowing experience climbing, and then descending, the beautiful but brutal, Suila Grande, in the Peruvian Andes, works well here. If there is hole in this story, and I think there is, it's in Simpson himself. He's one cold fish, so it's hard to work up a real measure of empathy. You half expect him to quote Nietzsche at some point. No doubt he would tell you this bleak attitude toward life and death is what kept him going. Maybe, but you get the sense that this heroic effort is being told by a mechanical man - and he was that way before Simpson cut the rope. The only time I really felt for Simpson, was when he fell into delirium, and was plagued with memories of a bad song. It's only then that his control slips, and seems human at last.
| 981 |
[
"\"Touching the Void\" is indeed a remarkable story of survival.",
"Joe Simpson's ordeal is vividly recaptured by director Kevin McDonald.",
"McDonald's rather straightforward style, with the real Joe Simpson and Simon Yates recounting their harrowing experience climbing, and then descending, the beautiful but brutal, Suila Grande, in the Peruvian Andes, works well here.",
"If there is hole in this story, and I think there is, it's in Simpson himself.",
"He's one cold fish, so it's hard to work up a real measure of empathy.",
"You half expect him to quote Nietzsche at some point.",
"No doubt he would tell you this bleak attitude toward life and death is what kept him going.",
"Maybe, but you get the sense that this heroic effort is being told by a mechanical man - and he was that way before Simpson cut the rope.",
"The only time I really felt for Simpson, was when he fell into delirium, and was plagued with memories of a bad song.",
"It's only then that his control slips, and seems human at last."
] |
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