Reviews Written By: A3S87ZOPB3UM9Nprovided by Amazon.com |
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 | Organic Buckwheat Pillow - Twin/ Standard Size (20" x 26") - 100% HAND CRAFTED - Fits perfectly in a Twin Pillowcase | |
 | "Depends on what you are looking for" | 2009-10-16 |
| THE BACKSTORY AND WHY I OPTED TO USE THIS PILLOW:
Eons ago, the pillow I slept with didn't matter. However with a minor neck issue that reoccurs, some problems with my jaw and reoccurring migraines, my neck has become a hot spot of issues. I have gone through the orthopedic pillows at $35-$50 a pop as well as inexpensive foam and feather pillows. Finally I had the opportunity to use a buckwheat pillow at a hotel in Japan. At the time, I thought it was the strangest thing. Felt like a pillow filled with little beads. The one I had was quite full as well and that makes it very hard. My first purchased Buckwheat pillow was a cheap one advertised on TV and was quite empty, but it gave me a flavor of what one would be like. I decided since the experience was in the direction of goodness to bite the bullet and get this one. So far, I like it. This pillow is quite full. Not as full as the Japanese one, which is a good thing, because the fuller a pillow is, the harder it is. So if you don't like the hardness you can remove some of the buckwheat hulls and put them aside in a ziplock bag. I understand after you use the pillow a bit, the buckwheat wears down and you might want to return some. Some points to ponder though: WHAT IT FEELS LIKE: Imagine you are sleeping on sand and under your pillow case is something you can shape. This is really the magic of a buckwheat pillow. It does not flex easy. You can shape a mound to support your neck, or a dishing out so you can sleep with your hands tucked up by your face. NOISE: When you move the pillow around with your ear on it, you can hear the grinding of the hulls on one another. It has never disturbed anyone sleeping with me, but I can hear it quite well. TEMPERATURE: If your head overheats, this pillow is cooler than a traditional foam or feather pillow and makes it nice to sleep with. ODOR: As I have allergies and often no sense of smell, I can't speak to any odor it might have. I thought one day I detected a slight odor, kind of a woody grass type of smell, but I'm not sure. I'm stating this as one reviewer complained about a strong odor. I don't feel it has a strong odor, but it might have a slight one. SIZE: For me the standard size worked best as I have a mix of Standard and Queen pillow cases. Each person might be unique here. If you use this for traveling, you might opt for a smaller size. | ||
 | West Bend 77204 Electric Can Opener, Red | |
| "Finally one that works" | 2009-09-14 |
| I never thought, I would begin a quest for a "reliable" can opener, but there I was. Nothing more frustrating than a simple thing that does not work.
SAGA OF THE OLD CORDLESS CAN OPENER: I owned one cordless can opener that I had for years...and then it stopped charging. I bought it's replacement and well, it did not live up to it's predessessor's performance and stopped charging less than a year after its purchase. I had two corded older ones that occassionally worked, but I found I often had to resort to our manual back up one. So I started looking around, reading reviews and found few cordless ones today last that long. In fact it seems my experience was a common one. So I gave up on the cordless ones and started my search for a corded one. LOCAL SHOPPING: I looked locally in many chain stores for a corded can opener that seemed sturdy and was reasonably attractive. Nada. Each seemed frail, ugly, cheap or imporportionately expensive. ONE POINT: TOP OPENERS LIKE THIS ONE VERSUS SIDE OPENERS. I considered the side opening can openers, but thanks to another reviewer opted not to buy one, as I do use the can top to drain tuna and mushroom water regularly. With the side opener the cover does not drop into the can. Also most side openers because of this, do not have a magnet to catch the cover. ONLINE SEARCH BASED ON RATINGS: Finally online, here I looked and this one by far had the most positive reviews and it was under $50. I would have a hard time justifying $50 for a can opener. It's major complaint, seemed to be that it was too exhuberant in it's grip and shredded the paper. Well, I can live with that, if it happens, as long as the paper does not end up in the food. FINALLY MY REVIEW: IT WORKS WELL. I've had this one, for about 2 weeks and maybe 5-7 cans now and I can say it works. I think this is a short time to write a review, but consider it a place holder. I will edit this review after about 50 cans. I have not experienced the shredded paper. I have noted that the magnetic latch can be pushed down to get out of the way and a few times, I have forgotten to lift it and wondered why I could not get a can in place. Once you do that you realize what is happening. This ensures that you will not use the can opener without the magnet catcher in place. The ones that push to the side can get left there and not get used. By that time your cover has dropped into your food. Two cool things it does: 1. Leaves a smooth edge inside the can when it cuts. That is great, especially on large coffee cans where you would expose your hands to that edge regularly. 2. Automatically once latched opens the can without having to hold it. Never had an opener do this well. This one does great. Its height and weight make this doable with many can sizes. SUMMARY: Let's face it, it's not rocket science. It's a can opener! But, when you have a simple thing that does not work, it is aggravating. This one works and it is priced well enough, to be okay. I think a bit on the high side but not exhorbitant. It looks nice and the entire, cutting assembly pops off, so it can be put into the dishwasher. The rest of the surfaces are smooth and easily wipe clean. (Especially if your son has a ravioli accident). NOTE: Chili season is coming up soon, so if I get about 50 more cans through this, I will add to this review. | ||
 | WESTBEND 77205WB White Electric Can Opener | |
| "Finally one that works" | 2009-09-14 |
| I never thought, I would begin a quest for a "reliable" can opener, but there I was. Nothing more frustrating than a simple thing that does not work.
SAGA OF THE OLD CORDLESS CAN OPENER: I owned one cordless can opener that I had for years...and then it stopped charging. I bought it's replacement and well, it did not live up to it's predessessor's performance and stopped charging less than a year after its purchase. I had two corded older ones that occassionally worked, but I found I often had to resort to our manual back up one. So I started looking around, reading reviews and found few cordless ones today last that long. In fact it seems my experience was a common one. So I gave up on the cordless ones and started my search for a corded one. LOCAL SHOPPING: I looked locally in many chain stores for a corded can opener that seemed sturdy and was reasonably attractive. Nada. Each seemed frail, ugly, cheap or imporportionately expensive. ONE POINT: TOP OPENERS LIKE THIS ONE VERSUS SIDE OPENERS. I considered the side opening can openers, but thanks to another reviewer opted not to buy one, as I do use the can top to drain tuna and mushroom water regularly. With the side opener the cover does not drop into the can. Also most side openers because of this, do not have a magnet to catch the cover. ONLINE SEARCH BASED ON RATINGS: Finally online, here I looked and this one by far had the most positive reviews and it was under $50. I would have a hard time justifying $50 for a can opener. It's major complaint, seemed to be that it was too exhuberant in it's grip and shredded the paper. Well, I can live with that, if it happens, as long as the paper does not end up in the food. FINALLY MY REVIEW: IT WORKS WELL. I've had this one, for about 2 weeks and maybe 5-7 cans now and I can say it works. I think this is a short time to write a review, but consider it a place holder. I will edit this review after about 50 cans. I have not experienced the shredded paper. I have noted that the magnetic latch can be pushed down to get out of the way and a few times, I have forgotten to lift it and wondered why I could not get a can in place. Once you do that you realize what is happening. This ensures that you will not use the can opener without the magnet catcher in place. The ones that push to the side can get left there and not get used. By that time your cover has dropped into your food. Two cool things it does: 1. Leaves a smooth edge inside the can when it cuts. That is great, especially on large coffee cans where you would expose your hands to that edge regularly. 2. Automatically once latched opens the can without having to hold it. Never had an opener do this well. This one does great. Its height and weight make this doable with many can sizes. SUMMARY: Let's face it, it's not rocket science. It's a can opener! But, when you have a simple thing that does not work, it is aggravating. This one works and it is priced well enough, to be okay. I think a bit on the high side but not exhorbitant. It looks nice and the entire, cutting assembly pops off, so it can be put into the dishwasher. The rest of the surfaces are smooth and easily wipe clean. (Especially if your son has a ravioli accident). NOTE: Chili season is coming up soon, so if I get about 50 more cans through this, I will add to this review. | ||
 | West Bend 77203 Electric Can Opener, Metallic | |
| "Finally one that works" | 2009-09-14 |
| I never thought, I would begin a quest for a "reliable" can opener, but there I was. Nothing more frustrating than a simple thing that does not work.
SAGA OF THE OLD CORDLESS CAN OPENER: I owned one cordless can opener that I had for years...and then it stopped charging. I bought it's replacement and well, it did not live up to it's predessessor's performance and stopped charging less than a year after its purchase. I had two corded older ones that occassionally worked, but I found I often had to resort to our manual back up one. So I started looking around, reading reviews and found few cordless ones today last that long. In fact it seems my experience was a common one. So I gave up on the cordless ones and started my search for a corded one. LOCAL SHOPPING: I looked locally in many chain stores for a corded can opener that seemed sturdy and was reasonably attractive. Nada. Each seemed frail, ugly, cheap or imporportionately expensive. ONE POINT: TOP OPENERS LIKE THIS ONE VERSUS SIDE OPENERS. I considered the side opening can openers, but thanks to another reviewer opted not to buy one, as I do use the can top to drain tuna and mushroom water regularly. With the side opener the cover does not drop into the can. Also most side openers because of this, do not have a magnet to catch the cover. ONLINE SEARCH BASED ON RATINGS: Finally online, here I looked and this one by far had the most positive reviews and it was under $50. I would have a hard time justifying $50 for a can opener. It's major complaint, seemed to be that it was too exhuberant in it's grip and shredded the paper. Well, I can live with that, if it happens, as long as the paper does not end up in the food. FINALLY MY REVIEW: IT WORKS WELL. I've had this one, for about 2 weeks and maybe 5-7 cans now and I can say it works. I think this is a short time to write a review, but consider it a place holder. I will edit this review after about 50 cans. I have not experienced the shredded paper. I have noted that the magnetic latch can be pushed down to get out of the way and a few times, I have forgotten to lift it and wondered why I could not get a can in place. Once you do that you realize what is happening. This ensures that you will not use the can opener without the magnet catcher in place. The ones that push to the side can get left there and not get used. By that time your cover has dropped into your food. Two cool things it does: 1. Leaves a smooth edge inside the can when it cuts. That is great, especially on large coffee cans where you would expose your hands to that edge regularly. 2. Automatically once latched opens the can without having to hold it. Never had an opener do this well. This one does great. Its height and weight make this doable with many can sizes. SUMMARY: Let's face it, it's not rocket science. It's a can opener! But, when you have a simple thing that does not work, it is aggravating. This one works and it is priced well enough, to be okay. I think a bit on the high side but not exhorbitant. It looks nice and the entire, cutting assembly pops off, so it can be put into the dishwasher. The rest of the surfaces are smooth and easily wipe clean. (Especially if your son has a ravioli accident). NOTE: Chili season is coming up soon, so if I get about 50 more cans through this, I will add to this review. | ||
 | Not Becoming My Mother: and Other Things She Taught Me Along the Way | |
 | "Not quite right yet..." | 2009-07-16 |
| Having read all of Ruth Reichl's books, many other books she wrote forwards to and being a regular follower of her editorials in Gourmet magazine, I have often felt uncomfortable about her characterizations of her mother. Her mother was often portrayed in a very negative light and condescended to. This book was prompted by her discomfort in doing so, in all those books and after finding some journals her mother wrote. Still this slim volume of 112 pages is lacking. Given the number of edits to publish a book and the number of readers it took to get it into print the previous volumes, I find it amazing, that they continued into printing with this negative portrayal. However considering controversy provides titillation, I'm sure artistically these passages slamming her Mother had merit. In retrospect however I can see where family might not take to kindly to them. In this book Ruth writes that in her Mother's journals she discovered her Mother was forced in 1940s and 50s fashion to conform to societal morals that were constraining. She must marry to be successful and raise a family. No other path was considered acceptable, despite the fact, her own mother dream of a musical career had been thwarted. Additionally, based on some of the situations that her mother caused, it seems clear, her mother was not well mentally. I can imagine as a child what that was like to live with. However, how many of women are fully happy with the treatment received by our parents? Especially Mothers and Daughters. This would not be such a cliché if this friction was unheard of. Given that Ruth, found her mother Mim's journals and her frustration plus, she had reason to believe her mother was not well, I would have expected a book more in the line of an apology to her mother. She plainly tells the story of her mother's life and her unfulfilled dreams. She also tells of their estrangement in her later years which makes it all the more tragic. But, I don't feel her treatment at the hands of her Mother is really forgiven. Her Mother is now dead, no new acts can be perpetrated, yet I felt the scars of the old ones are still being picked at. It is hard for her to understand that acts of her Mother were not directed at her. Mind you, she got the fall out that a more stable parent, would have tried to avoid. But, not being accepted is "Oh so personal". She too felt the sting of her Mother not accepting her career choices, and that is the finally irony. Her mother was just continuing on the treatment received, hence the abused becoming the abuser. This book is well written Ruth Riechl is a great author. However instead of outing the skeletons in the closet, I feel she just cracked the door, I suspect we will hear about this again. | ||
 | Home Cooking : A Writer in the Kitchen | |
 | "Practical cooking" | 2009-07-03 |
| Not a new book by any means, but a good one none-the-less. Laurie Colwin, was a writer who used to do some writing for Gourmet magazine. I always enjoyed her articles, until a chilling note in Gourmet magazine announced she had died. Given that, I had wondered what some of her books were like. This is the first of her's I've read. This book is more of a recollection of various different cooking/eating experiences. We've all had them, but we may not have Laurie's passion or experience in the kitchen. It is a pleasant book to read and weaves through many of her early experiences, as well as some many years later. Imagine this book as a collection of conversations you might have with someone over a transatlantic flight. One story weaves into the other until you have a patchwork of a person's life relative to a single topic. In this case; cooking, relative to home cooking and entertaining on a small scale. Laurie was a practical cook by all accounts and this comes through in her recipes and writing. The only complaint I might have is some of the recipes are not specific enough. Some of the quantities are left "to taste". Having not made some of the items before, it is hard to judge what "to taste" would be... She was an excellent writer. I will miss her Gourmet magazine articles and it saddens me that I have only a limited number books of hers to read in the future. | ||
 | Tastes of Paradise : A Social History of Spices, Stimulants, and Intoxicants | |
| "You are what you ingest..." | 2009-06-25 |
| The premise of this book is that various substances when introduced into use have changed the society in which they were used.
The substances covered here, are Spices, Coffee (and to a small extent Tea), Cocoa, Liquor and some harder drugs. Additionally there was some mention of the importance ritual played in these substances. Drinking rituals could form a book of their own. I'm wondering if the substance has to be intoxicating, in order for people to create such elaborate rituals around it. This is an easy read and provides some graphics that show how these digestives were incorporated into the art of the time. I'm not sure; given the print quality in a softcover book, that the pictures do them justice. However, I think there could be less pictures, as many were repetitive. What struck me the most is that how these items played such a social role, in coffee houses and in defining social castes. Granted Coffee as a beverage enabled the drinker to remain sober (as opposed to the beer drinker), but it is amazing how such a connotation was put on what you digested. The Coffee drinker was considered Protestant and the Cocoa drinker often Catholic. In the times these were introduced that was an important distinction. Also what was interesting, was the level of medical thinking at the time and how often substances were thought to provide mutually exclusive benefits, such as causing you to be more alert, but providing relaxation as well. I'm sure some addicted smokers could attest to that, but these values inevitably were considered for all these substances at one point in time. I'm wondering in several years if a similar document were done, on processed sugar and fast food, which play such a part in our society today what the findings would be. | ||
 | Ascending Peculiarity: Edward Gorey on Edward Gorey | |
| "Very repetitive, could have been 1/4 it's length for content" | 2008-08-22 |
| First of all, I didn't really know who Edward Gorey was, prior to reading this. I had seen the book on the shelf at the bookstore and a few of the passages caught my eye. However I did know his work and this explains some of my confusion at reading his books...He was not quite sure what they were about either.
I found the sections to be incredibly repetitive. Essentially this is a collection of interviews with Edward Gorey over the years. He is a very interesting and to some degree an intentionally eccentric man. I think the book would have been better had it been a new biography referencing these interviews, rather than a verbative repeat of the same information over and over. You can see why interviewing can be so boring for the person being interviewed...The same questions, the same answers. It is an interesting book and inexpensive. If you are a die hard Edward Gorey fan, I'm sure you will gobble it up. For the rest of us, we are left with a whole lot of dry facts and only a smidgen of flavor of who this curious man was. | ||
 | MFC-5440CN 5-in-1 Color w/ Networking | |
| "Its okay for the price" | 2004-12-18 |
| First of all, there are few, or maybe no other printers out there that you can just hook up to your network and just start using. Mind you, if you have a print server (Usually if bought separate this is about sixty to seventy dollars) this is not an issue, but many print servers only make the print part of the multifunction machine useful and do not include the scanner for network availability. To me this was a big thing, as I did not want to have this printer in the same room with my computer.
This is a so-so printer. By now you have probably all seen in other reviews that once this printer's head wears out it is toast, there is no replacing it. Even if the printer were shot you would still have a fax and scanner to use. Printers by then will be even cheaper. I had a Brother MFC7150C prior to this and the replaceable head wore out in a about 2 years with really heavy use. This is the oddity with Brother, the head is resident in the printer and not in the replaceable cartridge. They say this makes the cartridges cheaper, but I don't find that it makes that much of a difference in the price, especially, if you have to foot the bill for a a hundred dollar head. Mind you this is probably why they opted not to make this printer have a replaceable one. Sturdyness of this printer is a bit light, the paper cartridge seems frail and is somewhat prone to jamming. The software was a bit buggy and I had to get updates on the web right away. I installed this in a network where the computers used Window XP and 2000. There was a little bit of messing around, but it quickly got to working. Given the price it seems like a good buy and I paid a little more than the current price listed here. The print quality isn't that crisp but okay for reference and college level documents. If you want it for a professional presentation this may not be good enough. However one thing to consider, is given the fact this is not a Picture quality printer, you might also own a picture quality printer and any professional documents could be made on that one, so this printer's quality wouldn't be an issue. Another reason I bought this printer is that the scanner has both a flatbed and feed option. This is cool if you want to scan an article or recipe in a book as well as copy or fax loose paper. My old Brother had only the feed mechanism and this is not useful if you want to scan a bulkier item. However, if you only have a flat bed and have lets say 10 documents to scan, a flatbed can be a chore. This is the best of both worlds. All in all a good buy considering the price. | ||
 | Eureka Boss Cordless Bagless Upright Vacuum, Model No. 570B | |
| "I love this thing, I have now bought 3 of them." | 2004-12-18 |
| I love this little vacuum. When I bought it due to a sale, I thought it would be a neat item for my Mom and grandmother but hated to buy them one until I knew it was a good thing. Well it is a great thing, and availability can be an issue at times. If you are planning on more than one and they are available now, buy it now.
It is simple to assemble. Snap on the handle and slip in the battery plug it in and voila you are in business. That is after you charge it a day or so. The cup to empty it clicks off easily and pouring out the dirt and cleaning off the filter simple as can be. The filter cannot be installed backwards, but you should pay attention how to reinsert it, so you don't have to fiddle with it. If you have used other bagless vacuums this can be chore on some. This little machine will have sufficient enough charge to do 3-4 rooms for a quick pass. Amazing how well it does. Due to its flexibility due to no cord you will grab it more often and your house will be cleaner for it. Also on stairs it is wonderful. The hand slides in with the push of a button and is very light to use. The only improvement would be if it had a hose attachment. That would come in handy. Does it do as good a big vacuum No, but a lot better than you would think. Only one warning, if you vacumm a lot of dog hair, there is a possibility it will jam in the back where the vacuum bends. There is a little door here to open and unjam. Works great, once you know it is there. | ||
 | GE 26928GE1 900 MHz Analog Cordless Phone - white | |
| "Great phone for several reasons" | 2004-11-10 |
| I bought this phone for my parents who are older (70-80) The two features that prompted me to buy it are: 1. One combination talk and off button. My parents previous phone had both a talk and an off button and many times after a conversation, they would mistakenly press the Talk button instead of the Off button, effectively leaving their phone off the hook, sometimes for hours. 2. Prominence of the volume buttons. When one person needs greater amplification than the other this gets adjusted often. Visibility of this control is important. After they received the phone the curved hourglass shape made it easier to hold. Additionally, the black numbers on translucent buttons made them easier to see. Strangely enough this was better than black on white when compared to an old phone they had. Time will tell though if these rubberized buttons will have the numbers wear out however, as a previous phone did. The only negative and it was one I was aware of prior to purchase, is that you cannot answer the phone from the base station. Given the price this is not expected. Given the price overall the sound quality and features this phone have make it an excellent deal. | ||
 | An Affair of Love | |
| "Exceptional movie" | 2004-03-15 |
| I have a fondness for foreign films. They have a way of treating a subject matter in such a different way at times. This movie was no different. It has an innocence and viewpoint that had it been an American film, would have been entirely different. Also the age of the actors is refreshing that they are not in their 20s. These are mature adults. This is something I like in foreign films. Here in the US, youth dominates the movies scene. You almost forget there is life after 30. This movie is done as an interview after the fact and through flashbacks. It is about a man and a woman that meet anonymously through an ad in a magazine. The woman had placed an ad, in order to fulfill a fantasy. They meet over several months and over time a relationship develops. The actors are perfect in this story. The one scene with the two in bed where they opt for "normal sex" is so innocent, that you forget these are two strangers who have met for sex at that time for over 6 months. It is touching and cute in a way. As odd as the premise is, this story is about relationships and how life can complicate our illusions. Some times what can never be; holds more promise than what is. A very unique and compelling movie. | ||
 | Scrabble PC | |
| "Simple game and educational as well" | 2003-07-07 |
| This is a simple game by today's standards, however, it is not only a joy to play, but somewhat educational too. I think it improves your use of words as well as your spelling. You also get introduced to new words as well. As a fan of Myst and more convoluted and time-robbing games this is one that I can veg out on with an hour or so to waste. It helps me relax and is not to demanding on my time. On my 733 Pentium machine with Windows Me it works wonderfully. On my home network I can play against my son and daughter in different rooms. Nice game, simple to understand, use and works well on my computer. What more could you want.... | ||
 | Bejeweled & Alchemy | |
| "This is a cool set of games" | 2003-04-08 |
| This is a nice set of games for someone who has about an hour or so of time, to dawdle. These games don't turn your brain to mush, but challenge you to recognize patterns and make strategic choices. Also the Bejeweled game I find very pleasant to look at. Unlike games like Myst (which I absolutely love), you will be playing this inexpensive game over and over. | ||
 | Corona Clipper AL8260 32" Professional Stratashear Bypass Lopper with 2-1/2" Cutting Capacity | |
| "Spectacular" | 2002-07-06 |
| If you need loppers and are balking at the price of these, consider the fact you will buy many of the other kind just to match the durability of these. When I got these, I had gone through several pairs of both steel and wood handled ones. A friend of mine says these are exactly what they use at work... And he works in a golf-course. Talk about heavy duty. The only concern I have is as duable as they look and feel, they may lead a person to abusing them. Comparison shop and these will always be the winner. | ||
 | Your Love Life and Reincarnation: Why The Past Is Affecting Your Present and How To Fix It | |
| "Solid relationship advice with a twist" | 2002-07-05 |
| This book has a unique concept, not just reincarnation, not just relationships, but combining the two for further understanding. What was particularly interesting was asking the reader and/or patients to suspend believe, just for a moment to go with the flow. If you think about it, how many of us know why or how are computer works, but none of us question that it does. This is not a unique concept if you think about. Given that, the author gives some really solid interesting information and advice when it comes to relationships. Some of it is pure common sense, some shows a unique insight into the psyche. This book is divided into several sections. SECTION II SECTION III SECTION IV SECTION V SECTION V1 What was very interesting in the end, the author addresses the skeptics as well. Let's face it. Some of this may be a stretch for some, and for others may make perfect sense. As was commented in Ian Stevensons' book Old Souls. In the eastern world Reincarnation is consider as a fact for many religions and no proof is necessary. In the western world Reincarnation is not considered as possible, and no proof is enough. Hence very little research is funded or has been done to bring this to light, as one considers it unecessary and the other a waste of time. Even if you are not ready to take a leap of faith and consider this your first and only life, this book has solid relationship information, I have not seen duplicated elsewhere. | ||
 | Kodak 8107120 Premium Picture Paper, Satin, 8.5"x11", 15 Sheets | |
| "What can I say but "WOW"." | 2002-02-21 |
| I have an Epson 890 printer which I bought for printing digital photos at home. It has a roll attachment and an excellent reputation. I did reviews twice on this printer. It was this printer I used to print with this paper. EARLIER EXPERIENCES WITH KODAK PAPER WERE NOT GOOD. EPSON PAPER IS NOT ON EVERY SHELF THOUGH: KODAK IS: KODAK GIVES YOU THE SOFTWARE YOU NEED TO OPTIMIZE ALL THE PRINTERS OUT THERE: FREE SOFTWARE ON THEIR WEBSITE: PRINTED BOTH ON EPSON PAPER AND ON KODAK PAPER EXAMPLE OF SAME PRINT (3MP CLOSE UP OF AN AFRICAN VIOLET): LONGER LIFE: So now, I have to eat my words from earlier Epson printer reviews. I have added a P.S. to them. You can not only use Epson paper with an Epson printer, but you can use Kodak too and possibly with better results. Try it yourself like I did. Now I can buy some of the the cool options I see out there locally too. | ||
 | Epson S041465 Borderless Photo Paper | |
| "Wow, great results" | 2001-11-30 |
| Believe me paper matters. When you put the wrong paper in your printer, you get very weird results. P.S. This review was before I had used Kodak's One Touch to better Pictures. Please see my Kodak Paper review prior to making your buying decision. I was really impressed with what Kodak did. REVIEW IS BASED ON USE ON THE EPSON 890: NICE QUALITY IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT USES PAPER AND PRINTER INTERATION: EASIER TO FIND ON THE WEB THAN IN THE STORES: Great product... Enjoy. | ||
 | Fellowes 98032 PDA Travel Portfolio | |
| "Pretty handy but size is odd" | 2001-10-22 |
| I struggled with the usefulness of this PDA holder versus the smaller one also made by Fellowes. What opted me to purchase this one is that I found it on a "sale" table at a local Office store for 1/3 the price here. In the worst case, I waste a little money, try it out and then buy the smaller one. The reason I was looking at the Fellowes cases is because I wanted a case besides the one provided by @migo that would protect the screen of my PDA without having to slide it out of. I also wanted a means to carry a pen and either a pad of paper or batch of post it notes. This case came with a pad as well as a pen holder. CASE WILL HOLD THE FOLLOWING: Considering the size of this case it would be nice if it had a spot for money or a zippered section for additional security. CASE SIZE: QUALITY: All in all this is a decent product but, I'm not sure its size meets my needs for the long run. It is too small for travel and too big for day to day. | ||
 | Stretching Lessons: The Daring That Starts from Within by Sue Bender, ISBN 0062516825 | |
| "A book to savor and internalize" | 2001-10-09 |
| After reading Everyday Sacred, I looked forward to this next book of Sue Benders. I was not dissappointed. READ THIS BOOK SLOW AND THINK ABOUT WHAT SHE IS SAYING, HOW IT PARALLELS YOUR OWN LIFE SEVERAL MAIN THEMES WE SET OUR OWN LIMITATIONS NO LESSONS JUST STORIES OF ENLIGHTENMENT A thoroughly enjoyable journey. | ||
 | Epson Stylus Photo 890 Inkjet Printer | |
| "Very impressive" | 2001-07-17 |
| I did a review after I first set it up and ran several photos through. Now I have run two sets of color cartridges and 2-1/2 rolls of 4" photo paper and several greetings cards through it and I am even more impressed. PRINT QUALITY EQUIVALENT TO SILVER HALIDE BUT LIFE MAY NOT: As I said in my earlier review a professional photo-evaluator, had recommended this printer to me, as its print quality looks almost like a silver halide print. One concern however, is storage. It is my understanding ink-jet prints though they may look equivalent to that of silver halide, do not have the life span. Only time will tell. EASY TO USE I make my living evaluating items for ease of use and this printer impressed me. One concern I had when I first realized you had to change some of the parts of the printer for 4" roll paper was ease of doing this, as it was placed up on a shelf and not easy for me to access. I was pleasantly surprised. PAPER LOADING THOUGH AT FIRST IS CONFUSING GOES TOGETHER NICE: The Epson printer has a two-piece assembly for the back paper-loading section. One part is made to accept two different assemblies. One for sheet paper, and the other for roll paper. Once you first install this piece, it goes in easy. Initially it was a little confusing from the instructions. However, since you have to change part of this to put in the paper roll, I had a chance to do this at least 10 times. I'm happy to say, loading the paper on the roll and dropping this into the back of the printer is easy to do. Given where I put my printer this could have been a nightmare. The printer once the roll paper is placed here and placed toward the back of the printer virtually self loads. The book does a nice job telling you how to setup the "film factory" software to maximize this usage as well. The 4" roll paper once done can be advanced to cut and then put back in loaded position or in position to remove from the printer. All it takes is one button push for each and the printer does the work. INK CHANGE MID-PRINTING: This was amazing. My ink ran out right in the middle of a large print run for photos on the 4" wide roll paper. I anticipated wasted paper or a need to prematurely change the ink. Luckily Epson thought this all out for me. Once the ink was exhausted the printing stopped and cued up the ink cartridge. It also gave me plenty of warning if I had no cartridge on hand. Each print I did, I was shown the status of the ink cartridges. When it ran out, it stopped nicely after a print and told me it could go no further. At that time I could advance the picture to cut if I wanted to and then requeue the paper. It offered me instructions (which I used) to change the cartridge and nicely showed me each step, including removing the strip that protects the contacts. Once the cartridge was changed it resumed the printing job. Ironically, once this happened when I could not attend to it, and it patiently waited for over 8 hours for me and then went like clockwork when done. EASE OF FINDING INK-JET CARTRIDGES AND EPSON PAPER Needless to say, once you get the printer, you will need to purchase replacement cartridges. I'm finding it easier to find the cartridges online. However, I'm sure speciality stores would have these cartridges, but they are not in grocery stores like some of the HPs and Canon's are. As far as the paper, I'm also not finding it as plentiful in the real world as online. Online is amazingly cheaper as well, even considering shipping. Key is buying enough at one time. FOR BEST QUALITY USE EPSON PAPER: It makes a major difference when you use Epson paper with this printer. If you want the best quality, this is what you should do. This is not saying other papers won't work, but the results may be unexpected. On one of the other competitor's paper, I tried, I got an iridescent 3D effect, when I tried it. Not good. P.S. This review was before I had used Kodak's One Touch to better Pictures. Please see my Kodak Paper review prior to making your buying decision. I was really impressed with what Kodak did. COMPARISON: I have owned a Lexmark, Brother and HP printers and have never been so impressed at the quality of the product as I have been with this printer. The external construction is solid, the initial use was seamless and its end product is exceptional. Nice job! | ||
 | Epson S041458 Borderless Photo Paper | |
| "Great product when paired with Epson printer" | 2001-06-17 |
| I've used a whole packet of this paper now on my Epson 890 printer. I'm very impressed. P.S. This review was before I had used Kodak's One Touch to better Pictures. Please see my Kodak Paper review prior to making your buying decision. I was really impressed with what Kodak did. GREAT FOR SINGLE SHOTS ON PRINTER This product is especially good for one or two photos that you want to print out. For more than that at one time, if your printer can use it, I would recommend the roll paper, as it prints faster since it doesn't have to cue up the individual sheets. I haven't yet used the 4 up paper that places 4 pictures on an 8X10 yet so I can't speak for that. I would imagine like the roll paper, you can make faster prints than 1 at a time. EPSON PRINTER MUST BE OPTIMIZED FOR EPSON PRODUCTS Epson optimized their printer to work best with their product however, I never realized how much different it would look. Side by side I ran copies on this paper and a competitor's paper on my printer.The difference was amazing -The Epson paper print was crisp clear and looked like a standard silver halide photo. -The competitor's paper print, looked cartoonish. The colors were not set right and the sheen was all weird looking. Given they were the same shot, the same ink, it was surprising how much difference paper would make. If you have an Epson printer and you want to see what all the hoopla is about, make sure to use Epson paper. BE SURE YOU CAN USE THE BORDERLESS FEATURE TO GET TRUE 4x6 PRINTS Not all printers can handle borderless prints, so be sure you have one that can, if you want to make a 4X6 size print. If not, you can get the other Epson product that has perforations, that reduce the print down to 4X6. Same great quality, while compensating for the printer you have. Given the price and convenience, this is a nice little batch of paper. | ||
 | Ink Jet Cartridge - Multicolor - T008201 | |
| "Great refill for a wonderful product" | 2001-06-12 |
| I've had my Epson 890 for a couple of weeks now. Finally, I had an opportunity to print all those digital pictures that have been piling up in my computer. I made about 40-50 4X6 photos from one color cartridge. I knew I would be running out quick, as I had a lot to do, so I orded the extra cartridge when I got the printer. This is great because now you can share your digital pictures on the fly with people who don't have a computer. When the ink cartridge ran out in the middle of my run of 4" roll paper pictures,it just stopped told me to change it, offered to walk me through the process (I took the offer) and then started right back up where it left off. Nice, simple and easy. I like that. No ruined photos, no wasted paper. Replacing the ink was as simple as: 1. Open the lid 2. Respond to the computer's offer to position the ink cartridge head. 3. Open the lever of the color cartridge. 4. Take out and discard the old cartridge. 5. Open the new cartridge packaging, remove the blue tape. 6. Place the new cartridge in its spot and relatch. 7. Close the lid. 8. Tell the computer you are done, and you're off. | ||
 | Panasonic RN505 Rechargeable Micro Cassette Recorder with Voice Activation System | |
| "Excellent performance, confusing controls and instructions" | 2001-02-05 |
| This recorder is very small and highly sensitive. Not having experience with the newer recorders this was a surprise. The picture does not do it justice for its petite size. It measures 7/8" wide, 2-5/8" wide (including button tops) and 4-5/8" tall. This would be an easy fit for a front shirt pocket with plenty of room for extra pens. The exterior of this recorder is plastic, not metal as the silver color might suggest. Long term use may wear off the silver color, but I haven't had mine long enough to tell. It looked a little cheaper than I expected it to. However, a metal exterior would have made it heavier and certainly more expensive. While learning to use the recorder I found the directions left a lot to be desired. Showing how to put the batteries in and charge them may seem okay in a single graphic, but when it came to recording and playback with the multitude of settings possible they were virtually useless. It took a number of times for me to realize that if you record using VAS (voice activated system), in order to play normal speed you have to move the middle switch from VAS/FAST PLAY to OFF. This is because this switch controls the recorder in both record and playback modes. This was not intuitive and a real no-no as far as usability. If you want to record and then replay in normal speed right away, you can't just rewind and play, you have to rewind, change this setting and then hit play. Odds are then when you go to record again, you'll forget to put it back into VAS. I don't like the way they implemented this. I found the sound quality to be excellent for my uses which are primarily in a single average room size with little background noise and only a couple of voices. However, this recorder boasts that with the Sound Level Equalizer (SLE) setting this can be used in classrooms and larger conference type settings. I plan on trying this but haven't yet. The additional speed settings also seem a plus to play back, if you have a lot of notes to review. I did find the VAS (voice activated system) worked real well. I'm not a slow talker and it did not clip my first words at all. It promptly stopped when speaking stopped too. Much I'm sure will depend on the volume you set. The sensitivity you set it at will most likely effect this performance. Recorder volume uses the same volume knob that you also use to hear the playback. I found this confusing in the instructions as well. Even though the knob has no numbers the intructions give you numbers to set the volume knob at to record various sounds by. You have to guess what the range of 1-10 are based on playing with the knob. I can't speak to how it will perform in larger room or noisier environment as I haven't tried this yet. Having a charger and AC cable is a worthwhile addition. The batteries and charger unit add about $15 value to the unit above the recorder it self. Since the RN305 unit is similar to this and about $28, you have to decide if the addtional Sound Level Equalizer and this battery and charger assembly add $21 more value to you. It was to me. | ||
 | Libbey Flare 16-Piece Beverage Glass Set, Cobalt Blue | |
| "Beautiful glasses" | 2001-01-26 |
| This is a beautiful set of glasses. The cobalt blue is intense. Though they are priced inexpensively the quality and experience drinking out of these glasses seems extraordinary. The sizes provided in this set of glasses is a welcome addition to your table. At 4-1/2 inches tall holding 14-1/2 ounces and 6 inches tall holding 17 ounces, these two sizes are perfect for most beverages. Most sets provide you with three graduated sizes of 6 each and the smallest is always just a little too small. This set of 8 of each size acknowledges what most people need. The feel and the weight of these glasses complement the intense color. They are thick enough so you have a comfortable rim to drink from. This thickness makes them a slightly heavier glass that feels really durable. Originally I was worried the top flare may make them more suseptible to tipping, however, this does not seem to be true. The combination of weight and flare seemed to be balanced enough to give you a stable glass. At home my teenage children vie for who gets the blue glasses, so I know it isn't just me. | ||
 | User and Task Analysis for Interface Design | |
| "A handbook you will dog ear from use" | 2000-12-16 |
| First of all, I have not read this book cover to cover. I have used it as a manual for task analysis in bits and pieces. Eventually, I will read it cover to cover, as it deserves this attention and I need the information. I was recommended this book by a colleague and since recommended it at least a dozen times myself to fellow human factors engineers and software/system designers. It had the answers to many of the practical questions I was asking and being asked. This book gives practical advice on how to analyse a task based on the "things that need to be done" to the "people that need to do them". Based on the recommendations, these are not "pie in the sky" ideas but practical tips from the people that do this work day to day. If you read through the table of contents that Amazon provides you will find most if not all of your questions on how to go about this type of work answered within the pages of this book. Briefly the Chapters are broken up into main segments of this type of work: 1. Introducing User and Task Analysis for Interface Design UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF USER AND TASK ANALYSIS 2. Thinking about Users 3. Thinking about Tasks 4. Thinking about the User's environment 5. Making the Business case for site visits GETTING READY FOR SITE VISITS 6. Selecting techniques 7. Setting up site visits 8. Preparing for site visits CONDUCTING THE SITE VISIT 9. Conducting the site visit-Honing your observational skills 10.Conducting the site visit-Honing your interview skills MAKING THE TRANSITION FROM ANALYSIS TO DESIGN 11. Analysing and presenting the data you have collected 12. Working toward the interface design 13. Prototyping the interface design 14. User and task analysis for Documentation and training Appendix A: Template for a site visit plan Appendix B: Resources Appendix C: Guidelines for User-Interface Design The appendices are a collection of very useful information to jog your memory while doing a site visit as well as some general user interface guidelines. This makes for a nice checklist to check if you forgot anything. Not only is this book chock full of good tips, advice and an idea of how to structure this type of work, but it was designed well visually. The fonts and typography are pleasant to look at and the examples, graphics and important points are well illustrated. I guess they did a good job of analyzing the task of the reader as well. | ||
 | Brother LC02M Ink Jet Cartridge (Magenta) | |
| "Magenta cartridge for Brother printer" | 2000-11-05 |
| The separate cartridges in these printers are a great idea. I used to hate throwing out the whole color cartridge in the other printer I had. However, since each of these cartridges run out all at different times, if you use this printer a lot the warning light that a cartridge is almost running out of ink seems to be on continuously, as each time it is a different one. | ||
 | Brother LC02C Ink Jet Cartridge (Cyan) | |
| "Great cartridge to a great printer" | 2000-11-05 |
| The separate cartridges in these printers are a great idea. I used to hate throwing out the whole color cartridge in the other printer I had. However, since each of these cartridges run out all at different times, if you use this printer a lot the warning light that a cartridge is almost running out of ink seems to be on continuously, as each time it is a different one. | ||
 | Red Shoe Diaries - The Movie | |
| "This was a very good movie" | 2000-08-27 |
| As an X-files fan, I have listened to and read a number of articles where David Duchovny referred to the Red Shoe Diaries, so I thought I would check it out. When I read information on the tape I thought it was just another sex-oriented storyless movie. Finally, I decided, on the strength of those references to give it a shot. I don't regret it. There is sex no-doubt and pretty artfully done, but that's not really what the movie is all about. The only thing I didn't like was the character Alex's breathy phlegmatic voice. However, given the movie, it may have been done delibrerately. The movie starts out surprisingly enough with the funeral of the central character Alex. Jake (David Duchovny's character) is obviously the significant other. The reactions of some of the family and friends are odd. Friends are supportive, but the one family member the mother, is obviously accusational. After her funeral, while gathering Alex's clothing and shoes from where they lived, Jake stumbles on some diaries written by Alex. Here he reads not only of her admiration and love for himself but of another man in her life. A shock you can well imagine. A surprise as well when you have read of the satisfaction she has with her life and with Jake. As he reads on, she describes the situation of her meeting the "other man; Tom". Girls lets face it, he is an eyeful. This is a psychological movie in the sense that you have to understand and you will as you watch the movie, that Alex is a woman that is always being controlled by other people. Based on comments by Alex, she often lets people take control. When Jake meets her mother after their engagement, it is easy to see where this all began. Her descriptions of her youth only reinforce it further. Too often when relationships are forged, so are the roles, and the person in control, remains the one in control. Alex in her relationship with Jake was unable to change the balance of power. It was no doubt Jake was in control, though hardly overbearing and from what I saw, also adoring and gentle. With the new situation with Tom, she hoped to have a situation she could control. She wanted to call the shots. This did not work out the way she hoped it would. Alex realized in the situation with Tom, that is was not him, that was the problem, but her when the balance of power began to shift. The ending was inevitable and the only time she could exercise control and not lose it. Jake after finding these diaries and reading them seeks out Tom, to understand why. Through a travesty of a basketball challenge and interruption of well meaning friends a one-on-one match becomes a one sided conversation where Jake tears at Tom's philosophies in life, seeing him as only a philandering ladies man. If not for the "cheerleaders", he may have gotten different answers. Needless to say, Jake wants to know what Alex saw in Tom. He also trivializes Tom's interest in Alex. Tom is unaware that Jake was Alex's fiance. Tom is also unaware that Alex is dead. This scene and the later scene where Jake tells Tom of the death of Alex, while presenting him with the red shoes Alex bought from him, is a well done example of the possessiveness and grief of men. You wonder if Jake is more upset by Alex's death or that Tom owned a part of her that Jake could not have. Similarily it seems Tom reacts. I found the movie had an interesting insight into why people do what they do. The character's of both Jake and Tom, never get the point. Especially when it is apparent Jake continues to seek answers, even after being given them in Alex's diary. I also see how things can go horribly wrong. Before you look outside, you must look inside. Easy to say, not so easy to do. Given the nature of the other follow ons to this movie (they seem pure erotica) I may not see them, but I'm sure glad I saw this one. Please note I saw the rated R version. I'm not a prude but like to have a story in a movie that I'm going to dedicate 2 hours to. | ||
 | Memoirs of a Geisha : A Novel | |
| "I'm not a Japanese culture buff, but this was a great book." | 2000-06-19 |
| After reading newspaper reviews on this book all giving it high praise, I decided to give it a shot. I had a hard time putting it down, it was enthralling. It has been awhile since I read a book that has so taken me out of my day to day life, and to one so much different. It was so well developed and described I could see what Japan and it's people looked like as the character lived it. This book excels in details from the application of the Geisha's makeup, the wrapping of the obi, to the involved hierarchy of the Japanese culture at that time. These are not senseless details but brought out in a way that one things about things that catch your eye. It was so subtly done it was like you were in the character's mind, while they were thinking. I found the relationships between the characters well developed. They grew with each subsequent line as well. When I finished the book I was a bit lost, as it had so captured my imagination. It has opened my mind up to a small portion of Japanese culture that I had no ideas about. Besides just being a story about a specific type of person (a Geisha) this is a very involved story about how she became a Geisha, the people she knew and the formative points in her life. On just this alone the book would be captivating. Adding in the fact that so few Westerners have any idea what the Geisha culture was at that time, was a major plus. I really enjoyed the book and recommend it highly. | ||
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