price：$4.01
Presto
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (I thought this thing was going to be a complete Joke...) 『I was wrong...
I thought it was going to be a typical "As seen on TV" piece of junk. I could not IMAGINE cooking bacon in the Microwave. After all, anyone ever tried to cook a fresh hamburger in the Microwave? You get a grey, nasty-tasting chuck of... well, something.
But I said what the hell. It's only $14 and I get free shipping with Prime (free plug for Amazon there :))
This thing is brilliant in it's simplicity. I use a (40 second per slice) +10 sec cooking rule (+10 sec to make up for my weaker 900 watt Microwave).
The bacon comes out right between that soft, chewy and crisp, crumbling consistency that I like.
』
(the best) 『I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL OF THE BACON COOKERS AND THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST, AND EASIEST TO CLEAN UP』
(Will pay for itself) 『This thing will pay for itself VERY quickly. I absolutely love it! It's going to save me money not having to use paper plates and paper towels.』
(Great Product) 『I was very pleased with the results. I buy the thick-sliced bacon and was a little worried that I would get uneven cooking. Easy clean up also. Excellent product; a keeper.』
(Simple) 『I avoid the mess of frying up bacon, most of the time, even though I like it. This simple, fairly cheap little set of plastic pieces gets the job done quicker, easier, and you just rinse and run in the dishwasher, where it cleans up easily.』 『Bacon in the microwave? Most people would say when pigs fly! But thanks to the Presto PowerCrisp, it's easy to prepare crisp, extra-lean and undeniably delicious bacon right in your microwave, and without all the added fat. One-year limited warranty. Model 05100.』 『Bacon is excellent with Sunday brunch fixings or on a turkey club sandwich, but many don't cook it often at home because of the high fat content and the mess. The PowerCrisp just may change all that by providing a leaner and cleaner way to make bacon. This microwave bacon cooker cooks bacon either to a crisp or a soft consistency, depending on how much cooking time it's given it in the microwave. It has a pair of tent-shaped plastic racks that are easy to load by simply draping strips of bacon over them. The racks rest within a 2-inch-deep tray, which collects all the fat drippings as bacon cooks so the meat is not sitting in its own grease as with stovetop frying. And, as opposed to pan-frying, there is no splatter involved when cooking bacon in the microwave. Simply place a paper towel over the racks and it captures any grease and keeps microwave walls clean. The wraparound handle makes it easy to remove the PowerCrisp from a microwave turntable and dispose of hot drippings without burning hands. Slotted tops on the two plastic racks allow you to slide a knife through the racks to remove cooked bacon. The PowerCrisp cooks up to 10 strips of bacon at a time and both racks and the bottom tray are completely dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Presto covers this microwave bacon cooker under a two-year limited warranty.--Cristina Vaamonde』
price：$18.05
Delonghi
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Couldn't make it steam milk. Finally gave up.) 『The first one of these that I ordered was returned because it didn't heat up. Its replacement was just as bad. I tried several times to make cappuccino and there wasn't enough steam to even heat the milk, let alone froth it. The last time I tried (about the 4th), there wasn't any steam at all, even though I put in water way up past the steam marking on the carafe. I'm sending this one back for a refund. It did work fine for expresso, but that's not what I bought it for.』
(DeLonghi EC5 Cappuccino Maker) 『I sent this cappuccino maker as a gift to my daughter. Once she figured out how to disable the safety feature, she really loved it.』
(Great Espresso Maker) 『I purchased the Delonghi EC5 to replace my Mr Coffee Espresso Machine that decided to spew steaming hot water all over rather than into the cup.
This new guy works really well, the only thing I need to work out is getting more out of it. I've yet to push the limit of the reservoir. But overall it has been really impressive.』
(It's OK) 『DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Black
Unit makes a decent cup but it's a little inconvenient to make one. My Mr. Coffee did a much better job, but they no longer make that model.』
(Great Product for the Price!) 『Wanted great tasting cappuccinos and lattes without the headache sticker price of most espresso machines. Foamer works great (could be longer, only complain) and shots of espresso come out perfectly.』 『This sleek machine offers the utmost in quality and performance. This impressive machine features a two-cup adapter that allows you to make two delicious espressos simultaneously. The Swivel Jet frother produces a thick milk froth for authentic Italian cappuccino and latte. Coffeehouse quality for an enviable price, right in the comfort of your own home! Features: Two cup adapter allows you to make two espressos simultaneously Patented safety cap is steam-pressurized to ensure safe operation Swivel jet frother produces a thick milk froth for authentic Italian cappuccino and latte On/off switch with indicator light allows for easy operation』
price：$49.00
Zojirushi
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great Rice Cooker with Two Cooking Speeds) 『I am very pleased with this rice cooker. I bought it to cook white rice and do not plan to use it for other cooking. It does 2 important things very well in white rice cooking:
1) Two cooking speeds. The Quick Cooking gets the rice done and within 15-30 minutes which isn't bad. The Regular Cooking takes about 1 hour but the rice tastes so much good -- the best I have tasted and way better than any restaurant. I use the Regular cooking every time I wasn't in a hurry.
2) Keeping warm. The cooker is also great at keeping the rice soft and moist even while it is unplugged. This is important since we just unplug the cooker and bring it directly on our dinner table so that we don't have to get up and refill on our rice. (Yes we are a bit lazy but it is just nice to not have to get up so the family is sitting down together all the time.)
I would not hesitate to recommend this to others.』
(Loved the item) 『I love this rice cooker. I have purchased many others over the years but this has been the best. I love getting up in the morning and have nice warm rice for breakfast. The only problem so far is if you use the quick cook setting the rice seems to more dried out. But all in all I would recommend this rice cooker to anyone who loves warm rice though out the day.』
(How did I exist before this machine?) 『I can't believe it took me so long to get one of these. But I'm so glad I read the research and reviews. This is AWESOME!
I made Porridge the first day I had it and then Spanish Rice both were as easy as measure set and leave it alone.
Clean up was extremely easy and I just don't think I want to use anything else EVER.
Great product and does exactly what it says. Glad I read the reviews and knew to use the measuring cup provided for the best results.
』
(Fantastic Kitchen Appliance) 『I bought mine here from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. I live at very high altitude, almost 10,000 feet, so I was a little worried about how it might perform up here. We previously had a less expensive Aroma brand that was used weekly for many years, and it finally started giving out so I did my internet reseach and decided on the Zoji.
We have been using this thing every day since we bought it. From steel cut oats that are done when we wake up, to sushi rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, mixed rice, rice pilaf, risotto, I think we've done everything but try the cake setting, it's all been fabulous. I love the timer setting and being able to tell it to have the rice done at a certain time, and voila, it's done. I grew up on risotto, but the batch I made in the Zoji was the best I think I ever had. The oatmeal in the morning is awesome, with some butter, bananas and maple syrup. I don't think I've ever eaten anything that comforting before, you just feel so good after eating it.
We also bought the two recommended cookbooks. The rice cooker cookbook I like a lot, and never would have thought of all the different uses myself. We tried the lemon rice and it was incredible.
The only problem I have is that there are no leftovers, we eat everything that comes out of this machine.』
(Made in China not Stainless steel) 『My family and I were so excited to open our new rice cooker. I was nervous about the price then decided to purchase it anyways seeing that it says it is stainless steel. It is not. The removable lid is aluminum wich means that it will leach back itno the rice as it steams. I did not want aluminum. The tgc10 was not made in japan it was made in China. The rice was mushy no matter how I adusted it. It was not a matter of lost in translation because I can read and speak Japanese.
So bumbed that I'm out of all the Money.』 『Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer - Zojirushi NSTGC10』
price：$2.00
Ark 21
Usually ships in 1 to 2 days Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Amazing!) 『This is one amazing DVD! The previous 5 star reviews have said it all.
I have a question for anyone reading this. I am from Canada and ordered the DVD from amazon.ca but it came in the PAL format not the NTSC advertised and I can't play it on my DVD player. I returned it but they resent another PAL. Sigh. I kept it b/c it does play on my computer. If this DVD from amazon.com is truly NTSC, I will order from amazon in the U.S. CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF THIS DVD IS TRULY NTSC FORMAT? Thanks so much!』
(A Delightful Bellydancing DVD) 『BDSS: Live in Paris features the world's most popular and lovely bellydancers in a videotaped show in France. The highlights of the DVD were Amar Gamal and Kaeshi performing, Dondi Dahlin in her "Marylin" dance number, and a Bollywood-style routine. I simply love this edition of the Bellydance Superstars series and recommends anyone who is a bellydance fan to buy it.』
(The best performance of the BDSS) 『BDSS has not been the same since Ansuya&Amar Gamal left the BDSS. This is my favorite BDSS DVD by far. Every belly dance must have it.』
(Excellent!) 『I loved this DVD. Fabulous dancers, wonderful choreography, and filled with more numbers than I would have expected. Beautiful costumes, dancing, and altogether terrific.』
(Most enjoyable) 『I think this show was great.I have watched it several times and I never get bored with it.The costumes are beautiful,the dancing is wonderful.I enjoyed this better than the I.M.E.D. taped shows that I have. It was definitely worth the money.I highly recommend it,for pure enjoyment,if you like to watch belly dancers perform.』 『Film presents the Bellydance Superstars live as they perform their much acclaimed show at the famous Parisian music hall The Folies Bergere. The music features the most respected names in Arab music including live percussion with Wassan Pharoom and master drummer Issam Houshan.System Requirements:Running Time: 122 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: MISCELLANEOUS/SPECIAL INTEREST UPC: 618685009296 Manufacturer No: 18685009』
price：$1.01
Bescol, Ltd.
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (look behind the curtain) 『I just happened to be reading the google for Haru No Kyoku and came to this Amazon page. I read the review by Crazy Fox and was going to make a note to avoid this album if I saw it.. and it turns out this album was what prompted my google for Haru No Kyoku.
It appears the album on this page was originally "Classical Japanese Koto Music", performed by the Izumi-Kai (not Zumi-Kai) Original Instrumental Group, Everest 3206. The playlist is identical. I'm not sure why Crazy Fox felt the quality lacking, as the vinyl album I have on the turntable as I type is as rich in sound as any other well-produced album. I also find the competence of the musicians equal to any other masters of the koto.
Of course, I'm rather new to traditional Japanese music so perhaps my ears are not as discriminating. In any event, the vinyl album from Everest has no hum or background noise and nothing gets in the way of enjoying the ensemble. Just passing this on in case it helps someone.
By the way, the liner notes *are* pretty useless, unless you have no idea what Japanese music is. Like, if you're from another planet, you would be able to gather some sense of what instruments are used and a vague idea of how the music is composed. But for the all the value you'd get out of these notes, they should have saved the printing costs.
(The comment form made me enter a rating. I have not listened to this CD and cannot comment on it or rate it. I am talking about and highly recommending the album from Everest this CD appears to come from.)』
(Not Exactly the Greatest Koto CD Ever) 『You know, I hate to badmouth this CD. It was the first CD dedicated to koto music that I could get my hands on back in the old days, and I listened to it lovingly many a time. But there's just no way around the fact that it is mediocre.
First of all, the sound quality of the CD is flat and dull, and there's this low level hum in the background. The information on the disc is minimal, so there's no way to tell if it's a CD rerelease of an old LP--but even if it is, one can remaster the thing so it doesn't sound like a bootleg or something. As for the music itself, the performance is competent enough but a bit generic and uninspired; sometimes the pace at which they are playing seems overly slow, like just a bit quicker than the pace I used to go when I was practicing the koto as a beginner and amateur--that said, they do pick it up some in "Midare" and this is one of the stronger tracks on the CD.
The liner notes are utterly unhelpful and tell you pretty much nothing about what you're supposed to be listening to. Never mind information on the individual tracks, it doesn't even tell you much of anything about the koto itself or its music, instead sticking to the vaguest bland generalizations about "Oriental Music". You'd never guess from the notes that most of these musical pieces were composed in the 1600's by Yatsuhashi Kengyo, the guy who pretty much made koto music as we know it today (imagine a CD saying "here's a 5th Symphony from Germany" without telling you it's Beethoven's!). Worst of all, the performers aren't even given credit and remain anonymous; while not koto maestros, I'm sure they did their level best, and their efforts deserve acknowledgment. Finally, while we're on the subject, the CD cover totally gives away the lack of care that went into this product: a Kabuki actor has about as much to with koto music as Arnold Schwarzenegger has to do with a piano piece by Chopin.
About the only thing this poor CD has going for it are the musical selections themselves. These are all good old standard classics of the koto repertoire and are the basic essentials for an appreciation of this great form of music. Of course most of them can now be found on better CDs (I'd especially recommend "The Art of the Koto, Volume One").
So unless you just want a cheap CD to play as background music in your Japanese restaurant or are a manic collector who just has to have every koto CD ever made, pass this one up for better things.』 『Koto Music Of Japan by Zumi-Kai
This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Haunting and Enchanting) 『This CD is a rerelease on these shores of a recording that the Gramaphone Company of India first released in 1968 and never let go out of print. Listening to this Hindustani (northern India) classical music with Western ears, I can understand why it is considered a musical treasure, for the musical spell woven by Shivkumar Sharma (santoor--an 87-stringed instrument that is related to a hammered dulcimer), Brijbushan Kabra (guitar), and Hariprasad Chaurasia (flute), with support from Manikrao Popatkar on tabla, is universally haunting and enchanting. I regret that I did not first encounter this music three decades ago, but better late than never. Highly recommended.』
(Relax to Soothing Classical Music from India) 『Call of the Valley (1995) is a classic album fully remastered. Instrumental impressions of dawn to dusk in a Kashmiri valley are presented on Santoor (hammered dulcimer), flute, acoustic guitar, and tabla. The music is relaxing and soothing, good for meditation, background sounds, or just for taking it easy and allowing your mind to float in bliss.』
(A good CD with a couple of great tracks...) 『But not the best of the collaborations between P. Hariprasad and P. Shivkumar. The sound quality is also somewhat poor. In certain tracks the tabla only comes through on one side. I would recommend getting The Valley Recalls vol. 1 first. There you will find better sound quality, more meditative, spiritual, beautiful playing. It's an amazing CD.』
(Timeless Classic!) 『Years ago I wore out my old copy of this album on LP and was glad to see it back on CD. This album is as refreshing to hear now as it was the day it was released. The bonus tracks are wonderful additions!
This recording is a real testament of the artistry of Pandits Chaurasia, Sharma and Kabra that they were able to break new creative ground while remaining faithful to their Hindustani classical tradition. It remains on of the most approachable albums of Indian classical music for Indians and non-Indian alike. A family favorite!!』
(Unalloyed Pleasure.) 『A real 'find' this one. I bought this via its inclusion in "1001 Albums To Hear Before You Die" and its discovery, alone, justifies the purchase of the book.
Although unmistakably Indian in origin(and is indeed classified as Indian classical music), the music is, nonetheless, instantly appealing in a way that reaches beyond national boundaries. Most people would be familiar with the Indian music of Sitar and Tabla. So perhaps the most immediately striking thing is the prominence of the Kashmiri Santoor(a hammered dulcimer) and flute which, along with Guitar and Tabla weave their, at times complex and at others simple, but always gorgeous patterns together.
The music is beautifully soothing and relaxing but never threatens to fall into muzak territory, rather it has a gentle intensity which focuses the listeners attention while allowing them to be carried off to some other place...It is also very engaging and never 'difficult'.
I certainly don't consider myself any sort of an expert on Indian classical music and some will tell you that there are greater works and finer examples of the form but most people would agree that this is an excellent introduction to the genre. But regardless of category It is certainly some of the most incredible music I have heard in a long time. 』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Don't buy this tape) 『This videotape is responsible for taking an hour of my life that I will never get back. The viewer is forced to watch a series of drunk white tourists "do India," and never gets a chance to enjoy the rich culture and beauty that is South India. I am honestly shocked that the Lonely Planet, whose travel guides have helped me tremendously in my travels through Africa and Central America, would put their stamp on such a terrible product. There must be a better resource to help the traveler navigate the natural, cultural and spiritual wonders of the region. This video is trash! Don't waste your money.』
(Trifling, bigoted video.) 『I purchased this video to watch with my extended family at Christmas. My parents, sister and I are from South India, but the inlaws, niece and nephews are all American. I thought this tape might be a nice way to share some images of our country and to spark questions and discussion among the kids. I was thoroughly disappointed and really wished I'd never bought it.
The program has a squeamish, racist and condescending attitude toward India and Indian people. At every location, the peppy hostess speaks almost exclusively to other white tourists, often about what a hopeless mess India is (but still cool to visit when you're "finding yourself" on a budget). When Indians are depicted, it's as tragi-comic relief or chaotic backdrop. The camera stays longer on a shot of cockroaches in a train's sleeper car than it does on the program's single, poorly focussed shot of the great temple at Madurai, a masterpiece of world architecture. To add insult to injury, the photography is substandard and the coverage of "sights" rushed and arbitrary.
South India is a really special place, and this tape does no justice to it whatsoever. India is not America and India is not for everybody. But if you are committed to going there or to learning more about it, please avoid Lonely Planet's ridiculous and insensitive travelogues and take the time required to get a deeper, more balanced and historically contextualized sense of one of what is one of the most ancient, interesting, rich and complex countries in the world.』
(South India by host Justine) 『An excellent way to get a glimpse of South India. A very honest, non-biased presentation.』
(Explore South India) 『Wow, oh wow. This is perhaps one of the best episodes of Lonely Planet.
Justine explores South India, and gives the viewers a chance to really see what it's like. She starts her journey in Madras (in South East India) and eats lunch in restaurant where 3,000 people eat each day. Justine goes to the cinema to experience one of the local films, and later she watches a Hindu parade. Moving west, Justine ends up in an elephant sanctuary in Goa whenre she helps bathe the elephants.
Justine then takes a boat thru some waterways -- for something like pennies a day, and ends up in an Ashram where she get a hug from a mothr figure/guru. And she finally ends up on an island off of the western coast of India. The beaches look amazing.
This episode has been voted as the viewer's #1 favorite on the Travel Channel.
Also note that the VHS tapes of Lonely Planet episodes contain a couple more minutes of footage than the episodes that air on television.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (If I Were Going to Be a Movie, Which One Would I Choose?) 『Creative, yet not bogged down with heavy storylines, outragous plot twists and heavy-handed acting. This is a pleasure to view from minute one till the credits role.
Practically everyone will be able to relate to at least one (1) of the characters. The entire plot is a build-up for the ending, which in my case, has torn away a piece of my heart. I never expected the wind-down and ending. I must have looked like a Deer caught in the headlights as the last minutes of the story unraveled.
Beautiful... Heartwarming... Funny... Realistic. My choice of the movie to be!』
(ABSOLUTELY STUNNING FARRELL) 『I put together a list of must see movies for Gay Pride Day and guess what, this one headed the list. Colin Farrell gives an absolutely amazing performance as Bobby, the young man who must choose between Jonathan, his life-long love, and Claire, Jonathan's soulmate, with whom Bobby eventually has a child. Sissy Spacek shines in the role of Alice, Jonathan's mother. But the real star, of course, is Michael Cunningham who, here and in The Hours dares to show the complexity of all human relationships, which cross gender definitions and barriers. My movie list was comprised of films with positive characterizations of gayness--in other words, no Brokebacks. A Home at the End of the World fits perfectly.』
(a poignant search for home--and the true meaning of family) 『A Home At The End Of The World caught my attention and never let it go until the end. This film packs an emotional wallop and there's some mighty fine acting by a talented cast. The script doesn't lack much, either; and the casting was very well done. The cinematography shines especially bright in the upstate New York scenes and the choreography is very impressive. I especially like the character development that takes place over time.
When the action starts we meet nine year old Bobby Morrow (Andrew Chalmers) who clearly has a warm relationship with his older brother Carlton (Ryan Donowho). Unfortunately, Carlton is killed suddenly in a very tragic accident and thus begins the long chain of events that leave Bobby Morrow without parents or any siblings in this world. By the time Bobby is a teenager, he is essentially adopted by the family of his friend Jonathan Glover (Harris Allan). Jonathan has his eyes on Bobby; and Bobby seems to enjoy spending romantic time with Jonathan as well. Look also for a brilliant performance by Sissy Spacek as Jonathan's mother Alice.
After a few years, Jonathan heads to New York by himself. When Bobby (now played by Collin Farrell) turns twenty-four, he also moves to New York after Jonathan's father tells Bobby to spread his wings and fly. Twenty-four year old Jonathan (now played by Dallas Roberts) welcomes Bobby--and so does Jonathan's roommate and platonic girlfriend Clare (Robin Wright Penn).
It isn't long, however, before we see complications. Although Jonathan truly still loves Bobby deep down; Bobby falls in love with Clare and Clare feels the same way about Bobby. At this point the movie delves into the dynamics of a three way relationship with love at varying levels as a year or two more pass by. In addition, Jonathan isn't exactly "saving himself" for Bobby; he often spends time alone with other men he's just met.
When Clare is pregnant with Bobby's child, the threesome decides to buy a house in Woodstock, New York (they figure it won't be too much unlike Greenwich Village where they have been living) and soon Rebecca is born. All through this time we see more developments in Jonathan's family; and that adds to the richness of the picture.
Of course, from here the plot can go just about anywhere. What happens after they move to Woodstock? How will Clare, who loves the city a great deal, adjust to Woodstock in the countryside? What about Bobby and Jonathan--how does their relationship play out? And what happens after they open a small restaurant--will it be a success? Watch and find out!
The DVD has a bonus about the film featuring comments by director Michael Mayer and the principle actors in the cast. There's the theatrical trailer as well.
A Home At The End Of The World dares to explore subject matter that isn't exactly mainstream; but I admire their bravery and they pull this off in very good taste. This is also a sophisticated, honest look at the fluidity of human romantic preferences that can take place in life. It also showcases the story of three people searching for their own homes and families outside of the family into which they were born. I highly recommend this motion picture.』
(Truely good) 『The movie was really good with good performance by the Actors. Who would have thought Colin Farrell was ever involved in something as thought provoking as this subject matter. Well done.』
(I really wanted to like this movie) 『I really wanted to like this movie. I had read the book,and the book was amazing!! The movie changed a lot of the main story line, and it became a mish-mash of ridiculous scenes. If you did not read the book, you might enjoy this, for those of us who did, stay away from this film. 』 『Colin Farrell takes a break from action flicks (S.W.A.T.,Alexander) to makeA Home at the End of the World, an intimate film based on a novel by Michael Cunningham (author ofThe Hours). As a boy, Bobby (played as an adult by Farrell) loses both parents and his beloved older brother, ending up more-or-less adopted by the family of his best friend, Jonathan (played as an adult by Dallas Roberts). Jonathan's feelings for Bobby go beyond friendship; Bobby is open to the possibilities. Bobby follows Jonathan to New York and falls into a relationship with Clare (Robin Wright Penn,The Princess Bride). The three form an alternative family, move out to the country, and discover that even alternative families have their dysfunctions. Bobby is so innocent and open he sometimes seems like a pansexual Forrest Gump, but Roberts, Wright Penn, and Sissy Spacek give rich performances.--Bret Fetzer』
price：$2.95
Sony Pictures
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (XXX - Blu-Ray Edition Review) 『I have the DVD version and recently purchased the Blu-Ray. The upconvertion DVD image is not as good as the Hi-Def blu-ray one, but the blu-ray image is not as crystal clear as i've already seen in other blu-rays. If you like this movie (just like i do) this blu-ray is a must have. I forgot to mention that the sound really rocks !!!』
(Good transfer to blu ray) 『I like this movie.funny,sexy xplosive.etcc... This is a good transfer to Blue ray disc. I have the regular dvd and when you compare both, blue ray rocks!!!! 』
(Diesel Is Decent) 『Vin Diesel is a pretty good guy to play these new action-heroes. He's a big, muscular macho guy who men can look upon with some respect and the ladies can fall for. Unfortunately, a number of these testosterone-filled action films, including this one, are somewhat moronic in nature. However, they are undeniably entertaining.
You can always depend on one thing in these type of movies, from the "biker movies" of the '50s to today's films: the hero will always be a rebel against authority and any laws of the land. Also, an even more-recent theme is to have the government actually employ the rebel to get the job done because their men are unable to accomplish what this ultra-tattooed macho man can do! It's so much garbage, but it has its moments and Diesel still is a likable hero of sorts.
Like Arnold Schwarzenegger before him, and Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris and then "The Rock" and now Jason Stratham, these kind of muscle-men have fairly clean mouths and at least some ideals.
For pure action, the movie succeeds because, in the end, it does entertain which is the name of the game. 』
(Sensory and Escapist's Action-packed visual paradise) 『The cast is sexy, the music hot- the setting (Prague) is exotic and beautiful- not for those seeking deep and interpretive value, xXx is a terrific way to get away from it all and live vicariously through shallow, uncomplicated characters while enjoying lots of action, well-shot cinematography, and Vin Diesel just being his sexy-self.』
(TATTOOS AND ATTITUDE) 『XXX is a unique style of action film that blends pop culture and New-Age rock to create a rather enjoyable action/spy film for the audience of the 21st century. Actor "Vin Diesel" stars as "Xander Cage", the stereotypical outcast and "menace to society" of what was then the present day. He lives by his own rules,loves extreme sports and detests the law.He is soon captured by the authorities and given his choice of fates,he may either rot in prison or infiltrate a Russian gang known as "Anarchy 99" to discover and hopefully stop their sinister plan. XXX does showcase some very well crafted stunts and action sequences along with some great laughs and enjoyable character moments along the way. However, many people label this film as being "stupid" in regards to action and acting,and while XXX does occasionally throw out the sarcastic one-liner and unrealistic stunt that action films are known for,one must quickly remember how XXX came to be. First, XXX was directed by "Rob Cohen", who also directed "The Fast and the Furious". Secondly, in efforts to make an action film for the new generation, what better man to cast than the star of Mr. Cohens recent hit film, actor "Vin Diesel". So if you're looking for an enjoyable and unique action alternative then XXX is the right movie for you. Simply put, it's 007 with tattoos and an attitude.』 『Movie DVD』 『Vin Diesel is no James Bond, and he doesn't want to be. That's whyXXXannounced Diesel as the adrenalin-junkie Bond of the PlayStation generation, copying the Bond formula so shamelessly that this action-packed silliness wouldbea Bond movie if it starred Pierce Brosnan. Reuniting Diesel with hisFast and the Furiousdirector Rob Cohen,XXXhas an attitude (if not a brain) all its own, plucking Diesel's Xander Cage from his celebrity as an extreme sports renegade, recruited by a National Security Agency big shot (Samuel L. Jackson) to foil a nasty Czech villain (Marton Csokas) who's eager to depopulate Prague with remote-controlled biological weaponry. Toss in a sulky, sultry Russian agent (Asia Argento) and you've got extreme Bond-age for anyone who thinks tuxedos are passé. With a handful of eye-popping action sequences,XXXlaunched a movie franchise with a cool guy, another cool muscle car, and plenty of box-office sizzle.--Jeff Shannon』
price：$14.98
Funimation
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Even more than flowers) 『With every new film, Koreeda Hirokazu (After Life, Nobody Knows) shows himself to be one of the giants of modern Japanese film. He seems to have inherited the space left behind by Itami Juzo (Tampopo, Supermarket Woman) telling Frank Capraesque tales of kindness and affection overcoming insurmountable odds, creating a world where life's bitterness is always tempered by the sweet and simple joys that life can provide.
Koreeda is definitely a stylist, and it should come as no surprise that his take on the samurai genre, "Hana" (Japanese title "Hana yori mo naho," or "Even more than flowers.") has this same bittersweetness. With this film, Koreeda has taken one of Japan's most recognizable stories, a tale told for more than two hundred years and always with a fist pounding the chest and a grim face, and turned it into a sweet love story.
The story is Chushingura, known in English as the "47 Ronin." The real-life tale of the loyal 47 Ronin who avenge the death of their Lord Asano has been re-told and filmed countless times since the incident occurred in 1701. The title of this film is actually a reference to the event, being a snatch of a poem recited by Lord Asano before his enforced ritual suicide. "Though we may regret the scattering of the flower petals in the wind, even greater is the regret in my heart."
Koreeda has used Chushingura as the decoration for his main story, of a samurai named Soza (Okada Junichi, who appeared in an early made-for-TV adaptation of "Chushingura") who has been charged with the vengeance-killing of the man who slew his father. Soza's father, a proud samurai, was killed not on the battleground but in a dispute over a game of Go, and the clan looks to Soza to reclaim his father's honor and to prove himself as a samurai. Soza, however, is not a violent man, and has whiled away three years pretending to seek the killer while actually whiling his time away in the dire poverty of a series of row houses, and getting to know the people living there.
Life in the row houses allows for an ensemble cast, including a few of the 47 Ronin who are hiding out and plotting their revenge. Soza strikes up a friendship with a neighbor named Osae, (Miyazawa Rie, who had also appeared in a previous adaptation of "Chushingura.") and her orphaned son, who looks on Soza as a father-figure. A three-stooges like trio of comedy relief try to figure out how they can increase their excrement, which is sold to farmers and pays for the New Year's mochi. In a plotline straight out of The Goonies, a cruel landlord plans to evict all of the tenants of the row house unless they can come up with the back-rent all of them own. Cue the wacky plan and let the hijinks begin.
The only film I can really compare "Hana" to is Kurosawa Akira's The Lower Depths. This is a story of love and life amongst the lower classes, and of those who face the demands of their station as opposed to the whispers of their hearts. It is a peaceful, quiet film with no action and no dramatic conclusion. And it is beautiful. The music is especially delightful. I am not sure what kind of instrument is playing but I love the sound and it fits perfectly with the tone of the film.
If you like Koreeda's films and the message that he sends, then you will fall in love with "Hana." I certainly did. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that all samurai films need heavy-hitting heroes and bold drama to make for a great film experience. 』
(Lighthearted and entertaining, "HANA: The Tale of a Reluctant Samurai" is a rare kind of samurai film) 『Hirokazu Kore-Eda is an award winning director known for his films "Aruitemo aruitemo", "Wonderful Life", "Dare mo Shiranai" and "Maboroshi no Hikari" released a film to theaters in Japan in 2006 titled "Hana Yori mo Naho".
VIDEO&AUDIO:
"HANA" is presented in 16:9 and the picture quality tends to show some differences. Some that try to make the film look aged and then sometimes you get picture quality that is good. But for the most part, picture quality for the DVD is good. Cinematographer Yutaka Yamasaki is able to capture the beauty of Japan but also the grimy and dirty row houses and livelihood of the peasants in the area. The set design in making sure things look quite realistic was really impressive.
As for audio, the film is presented in Japanese 5.1 Surround Sound and English Stereo. For the Japanese audio, the film is primarily dialogue and music driven, so you can expect a lot of the film to be front and center channel driven while certain scenes such as a rain storms utilizing the surround channels. Dialogue is clear and understandable and I did. The English dub is included and I listened to a small part of it and for the most part, FUNimation Entertainment is known to hire good voice actors for their anime and for the most part utilize them for their live action films. Personally, I'm not very into English dubs of Asian cinema but it is offered for those who can not stand films with subtitles.
Subtitles are only in English.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"HANA: The Tale of the a Reluctant Samurai" comes with the following special features:
* Opening Day Stage Greetings - (3:15) The Director and cast is interviewed in front of an audience during the opening screening about the film. * Original Trailer - (1:46) Three theatrical trailers (in Japanese but with English subtitles). * FUNimation Entertainment trailers - Trailers for FUNimation Entertainment live action films and anime series.
JUDGMENT CALL:
Lighthearted and entertaining, "HANA: The Tale of a Reluctant Samurai" is a rare samurai film that you will ever see presented in this manner.
"HANA: The Tale of a Reluctant Samurai" is quite an interesting film. Where most samurai films are about the fighting, the bushido way or getting revenge, Director Hirokazu Kore-Eda does things differently and poses the question, why get revenge?
I've read on the Internet that Kore-Eda was inspired by the events of 9/11 and with many people, there is this mindset of "an eye-for-an-eye". In this case, the main protagonist, Soza, who is one of the sons that is asked to exact revenge after his father is killed over a petty disagreement during a game.
Soza knows he must avenge his family's honor but at the same time, living at the row houses and away from his own family who are very stuck on getting revenge and restoring the family's name, those at the row houses and were former retainers of their Lord are just more focused on surviving and getting by with what they have. Those who were once samurai's who killed are now trying to make a living and raising their family.
He questions morality and what has he accomplished in his life. He spent three years of his young life for looking for his father's killer and yet, he has not lived life. At least his father got to teach him how to play a game of "Go" but now that he has grown close to a family, he wants to give back. But the film also makes the viewer see how Soza who finds his father's killer, also observe the life he has with his own family and having a newborn and a young boy. And you can tell Soza is tormented because as much as he wants revenge, he also has compassion. Very rarely do you see a film that shows the protagonist's foe in such a way.
On the pop culture end, Rie Miyazawa has always been a spectacular actress and she's coming a long way since her younger years and has become one of Japan's most popular actresses to have in a film. As for the main star, Junichi Okada, it's quite interesting because I have followed his career as a singer in the boy band V6 (and Coming Century) and he's always been the more serious of the younger members and his television roles seem to have reflect that. But for "HANA: The Tale of a Reluctant Samurai", he brings a sense of emotion through his eyes and facial expressions of a confused character. He does a great job of playing the role of Soza.And the film also stars a good number of well-known talent from Japan and even comedians as well.
If there was one thing that some may complain about is the film's duration. It is a long film at 2:08 minutes and it's not an action film where the time goes by quickly. So, this is one of those films where you want to make sure you that you are fully alert, wide awake and ready to take in.
The film is very lighthearted in nature and one should not think this is your average samurai movie because it's not. "HANA: The Tale of a Reluctant Samurai" really deconstructs the legend of the samurai but with good balance of comedy drama makes this film worthwhile.』
(Hana: The Anti-Samurai Movie) 『This movie follows a young samurai as he goes from strict adherence to the samurai code by seeking vengeance for the death of his father to a dawning realization that there's more to life than simply an honorable death.
As others have mentioned, there's very little action in this movie. Only two very short sequences, neither of which follows the classic samurai sword fight scenario. Instead, there's a great deal of comic dialog and situations.
It's a good film. Although somewhat long, the only place it really drags is during a rather long digression that focuses on a secondary character. I believe the director is trying to use the digression to show that the role of peasants in the era was not always as simple and lacking in tragedy as the rest of the film portrays, but it mainly serves to interrupt the main story and further slow the pacing.
Still, an entertaining film well worth watching.』
(Eh. Not my kind of movie.) 『I am not a Samurai-movie connoisseur but...I did not really enjoy the movie. The music of the movie seemed too modern for the genre. Also, since the Japanese speakers did little gesturing during conversations, it was difficult at times to discern who was speaking especially in a group setting. The plot was rather slow and not terribly interesting. The only bright spot was the audience's glimpse into the Japanese life at the tail-end of the samurai era. If you like slow movies in the samurai genre, you may enjoy this film.』
(USA cannot compete) 『This film is just why American Directors like Quentin Tarentino steal the basics for their own films, then re-name them as Tarentino did with Killl Bill, which was a direct rip off of Lady Snow Blood, another good Japanese film copied with diligence, even to the music. Tarentino then gave credit to Kung Fu Movies for his inspiration. It will be just a matter of time, that a Hollywood director will steal Hana and call it something stupid and market it as an American piece of Genius. I personally will stick to Japanese Directors doing what they do best.』 『What happens when those charged with taking life begin to cherish it?The year is 1702. Peace has settled over the squalor of Edo and the swords of the once-mighty samurai have been sheathed across Japan. In an era when dogs are more esteemed than the colorful peasants that inhabit the slums Soza a young warrior better with books than blades is on a quest to avenge his murdered father and restore honor to his family name.As the blood debt looms sensitive Soza must decide: to kill or not to kill? Amidst growing love shattered honor and the simple beauty of the cherry blossom Hana celebrates the joys of even the most difficult of lives.System Requirements:Running Time: 127 minutesFormat: DVD Genre: FOREIGN/ASIAN Rating: PG UPC: 704400096105 Manufacturer No: 0』
price：$9.98
Xenon
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Why haven't I seen this on HBO) 『I think this documentary is very good with showing real porn stars talking about the life of being a porn star, how scary it is and getting tested for AIDS, this should win an Oscar.
I also recommend y'all buy "Thinking XXX" the dvd.』
(Insightful!) 『Having always been fascinated with the adult film industry and the people not only in front but also behind the cameras; I must say that this is a pretty good film.
Lots of different interviews with people like Randy West and Nina Hartley, who have been around and working since the early 80's (at least!); as well as a lot of other interviews with the newer up and comers.
"The Secret Lives of Adult Stars" covers a wide range of topics and touches a lot of bases. Everything from views on penis size, AIDS, condoms, strippers turned porn goddesses, the role of the men, directors, couples in the biz, stalkers, fans... you name it...and there is probably a section of the documentary that deals with the subject.
If you interested in seeing lots&lots of interviews by some of the industries leading names.... and the subject matter&behind the scenes knowledge is something that interests you, then this reviewer would strongly suggest checking this movie out.
Just keep in mind...this IS a documentary - not a porno.
Recommended!』
(inside the biz) 『This documentary bombards you with so many opinions and facts that it takes effort to digest all of the information. You learn a lot about this industry that is usually secretive. They interview male and female stars, however, like much heteropatriarchal works, this shows lots of female nudity and no male nudity. This is true despite interviewees saying the business is trying to attract more (straight?) female viewers. Unlike many documentaries, this one included optional Spanish subtitles. For those who want to know about this business, this is a must-see. It may also be good to see along with reading Jill Nelson's anthology "Whores and Other Feminists." The topic of erotic labor is finally getting the serious attention that it merits. One Eurasian actress is interviewed, but this film shows no Black or Latino porn actors or actresses. It was very Eurocentric and doesn't discuss white privilege and the abundance of blonde actresses in this arena.』
(Very Good) 『Very good insight into the world of a real life porn star. This DVD takes you behind the scenes like no other more from the down to earth human side.I would recommend this DVD!!!! 』 『Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 01/10/2006』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Spicy Indomie Noodles) 『Really like these - much better than the instant noodles available at the local supermarket.』
(Great Noodles and Shipped fast!) 『I loved these noodles as a kid but couldn't find them in stores anywhere. I was nervous to order them online but the seller sent them quickly. They were packaged well to keep them fresh. I will order more from this seller once I finish my case!』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Gooy treats from Japan) 『I found this product at Epcot in Japan(duh) and bought b/c it looked funky. It looked and felt (through the packageing) like uncooked cookie dough.So i bought only one packqage. We didn't eat any till we left the park(stupid I know) Well i LOVED IT!!!! (so does my mum) I was soooo happy I was able to find them online. I have tried the melon and oragne flavors also. Orange not very orange taseting but i love the strawberry and melon. I keep buying more when I run out.』
(WARNING: BUGS!!) 『These contain insect extract. It is not listed on the sellers page, but it is listed on the package.』
(fantastic) 『Fast delivery, and a great product. I will be ordering from this dealer again soon.』 『Ing: Maltose,Sugar,Glutinous rice powder,malt oligo sugar,broad bean,emulsifier.』
『Our premium decaf Genmai teas are a blend of carefully roasted brown rice and decaffeinated green tea using an all natural european process. This method removes 99.5% of the caffeine while preserving the antioxidants. Enjoy its toasted nutty flavor and aroma. We're sure you'll experience this tea to e wonderfully flavorful.20 Tea Bags』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Works as advertized) 『Bought this and two 1T hard drives. My setup is a PC workstation, MacBook, Sonos music system and HP deskjet USB printer. It takes some intermediate PC skills to setup. I installed the latest firmware and software from the Promise website. The system is working as advertised. It's basically acts as a server with 1T storage (in addition to the USB port).
Setup: I set it up as a RAID 1 device (can be RAID 0). So I have only 1T of storage but both drives contain the same information - which is safe for any drive failure. I plan to investigate switching out another 1T drive monthly so I can have a backup stored in a fire/water proof safe. The USB printer is working for both the PC and Mac.
Music files: I store all of my music files on it which I use iTunes on my PC to manage. After installing the iTunes addon and adding the Promise server to my Mac server list my Mac iTunes shows the server as a shared device - which allows it to play any song on the drive. The Sonos configuration was easy and is working perfect (update the music idex after installing new music files.)
Other files: I will put our photos and video files on the drive. And other house hold files that are important (Quicken, letters,...).
Overall it has been working good for my setup.』
(Junk if you're on a Mac) 『What a major waste of time. No drivers on their site, no tech support who know a damn thing about Macs, NO true USB connectivity. This thing is cheap piece of junk. I spent the better part of a day on the phone with these guys and nobody knows nothin' about using this product with a Mac, even though they ADVERTISE this on the box. I'm thinking of filing a lawsuit against these guys.』
(Impressed) 『I did some research and my friends recommended the D-Link 323 but while at Fry's a customer rep recommended the NS2300N. I went along and decided to try it. Setup took literally 5 minutes and i had the RAID 1 set up with a network drive on the network. I uploaded 20G of data and it wasn't super fast but i think the reason is my laptop not the device. The best thing i liked about this device is how quit it is. Almost full silence. I'm still a bit disappointed though about the USB Print Server, a feature that did not detect my printer. I'll be calling their customer support and figure out a way to make it work. Otherwise, i'm going to have to return it as i know the D-Link has that feature and it works great. i got this device at Fry's for $199 + 2 500GB hard disks for $89 each.
If I get the USB print server option to work, this device is deffinitly worth the money.』 『SMARTSTOR NS2300N - 2-BAY NAS WITH SATA RAID1 FOR SOHO/SMB.ENGLISH&ASIA.PROMIS』 タイトル『 Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", Asia, apparel, Japan, design, robe, fashion, kimono, "traditional dress" >
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price：$9.95
SHOPZEUS
『Professional "Brite White" fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall. Designed to reproduce vibrant detailed images. Our mouse pads have white fabric top with the 100% genuine black rubber base (not the cheap foam your seen on other advertisements).』 タイトル『 Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", "palm trees", scenery, sea, seashore, Asia, Burma, landscape, beach >
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great Board&Stones For The Price!) 『Wow! What a great set. It was delivered very quickly by Yellow Mountain Imports and was packaged very well too. The board itself is very decent quality and the stones are lovely to play with. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to start playing Go or as a gift.』
(A quality, economy, starter board with good stones.) 『Board is made of light-weight wood that is put together so well it is difficult to tell that it is not a solid piece of wood. The size makes it easy to carry and the board sizes make for quick games. The semi-convex pieces have a good feel for synthetic material and stay in place during play. The board, however, is sensitive to dings and spills. The plastic cases the pieces are shipped in are not good for permanent storage since the tops do not lock, nor do they have the esthetic appeal of Go bowls. The booklet shipped with the board helps make this a good gift, and it is also a good reference for beginners. This company is an excellent source for Go equipment. The shipping cost could be less, but the packaging was very thorough and protective.』
(nice !) 『This kit is especially good for beginners since on one side is a 9x9 board and on the other side is a 13x13 board.Standart 19x19 boards usually make it difficult to properly learn and practice go,and at times it can be scary really.That's why beginning to learn on a 9x9 board and then continuing on 13x13 board makes it much easier and fun to learn.In my opinion,you should buy a 19x19 board only after you master these two boards.I initially bought this board to both practice and teach how to play go to my friends;and so far so good.
The board itself has a smooth and nice feeling to it.The wood is good quality as far as I can tell,and seems pretty durable.The stones are much better than I've anticipated.You can always go ahead and buy cheaper go kits out there,but it's really difficult to find one with good stones.They will either be plastic which is not durable at all,or glass that's easy to break.However,the stones that come with this board seem like they will really last.And they can actually produce that snap sound when you play them on the board.As strange as it might be,that sound is pretty important for most of the go players.It just makes it more entertaining I suppose.
Overall this is a very good kit for those who want to learn or practice.I really suggest you don't buy any go kit just because it's cheaper.This one is worth the price.The reason why I didn't rate it five stars is because I haven't used it for a long time yet,so I don't know how the board and the stones will actually turn out in the future.You might not use it for that long though,since you would want to move on to the standart size board eventually.』 『This goban, along with our special new ''hi-tech'' stones, is perfect for learning Go, introducing Go to a friend or family member, practicing Go problems, or for quick Go games. On one side is a 13x13 board and on the other is a 9x9 board. Why play on a learning board? On a standard 19x19 board the possible combination of Go positions approaches infinity, and a game can last for hours - keep your skills sharp by playing on a smaller board when you don't have time for a full length game. Even if you already have a standard 19x19 goban, you'll appreciate the informality and convenience of this small board. This board is paired with a set of ''hi-tech'' stones. Our new ''hi-tech'' Go stones are made of a starch compound that is engineered to be antibacterial, biodegradable, perfectly shaped, economic and absolutely indestructible. These stones will never mold, chip, break or shatter. Also included is a booklet on how to play go, "The Way to Go", by Karl Baker.』
『Released by Bandai Asia exclusively for the HK Gundam Expo on Dec 19 2003.』 タイトル『 Yunzi SINGLE CONVEX Stones and Jujube Bowls for Go >
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price：$52.99
Yellow Mountain Imports
『This is a set of Yunzi professional Go stones, China's finest. If you haven't played with these stones before you'll find it to be a completely different experience than playing with glass or plastic stones. The stones have a balance and deep coloring that is instantly noticeable, and leave an audible ''snap'' as you place them on the board. The texture, symmetry, and precision of these Go sets is captivating and sublimely captures the essence of the game. These stones are "single convex." One side is flat with a slight rounding on the edge, the other is fully rounded. Whether to play with single convex or double convex is a matter of personal taste. In general, Chinese Go players prefer these single convex stones for their feel and much louder snapping sound when played. The Yunzi stones are matched with a pair of bowls jujube date wood bowls, golden silk lid liners and a vinyl carrying case. Each bowl is hollowed out from a single piece of wood. In addition to their natural beauty, they are highly durable, keep their shape over time and are unaffected by moisture, making jujube one of the best woods for go bowls. The handy carrying case will keep your bowls scratch free and prevent those stones from falling out when moving about.』 タイトル『 THRTL CONTROL ADJ SCREW >
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price：$2.95
ASIA SURGE ENT. CO. LTD.
『THRTL CONTROL ADJ SCREW』 タイトル『 RUB BAT STRAP F/80-92FLT >
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price：$6.95
ASIA SURGE ENT. CO. LTD.
『RUB BAT STRAP F/80-92FLT』 タイトル『 FRT BRK LINE "T"44311-80 >
price：$11.11
Presto
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Presto Shoe Polisher) 『Great shoe polisher. Heavy duty. Does a great job. I would recommend this polisher to anyone. I shine all my shoes the same day. Shining 20 pairs of shoes is a formidable job. This polisher does an excellent job.』
(Shines shoes so they look like they just came out of the box) 『I've been looking for a good electric shoe polisher for years, but it is surprisingly difficult to find a really good one. That is, until I stumbled across this one. It is easy to use, but powerful enough to make my shoes look like new each time I use it. Shining shoes always has the potential to be a messy proposition, but this polisher makes it about as neat and easy as possible. I like how everything is stored neatly in the tray, how easily the attachments can be put on or removed, and the speed with which I can finish the job. And because it's corded and not battery-powered, it has enough power to buff my shoes to a mirror-like shine. It's fairly quiet, too. I really can't find any drawbacks to this product at all. It does what I need it to do, and it does it well. The price couldn't be beat, either.』
(Had High Hopes) 『I was hoping to reall like this polisher and overall it is a good quality device but I have not really had much success with it. It definately is powerful but the white softpad is low quality. Everytime I want to polish with it, it sends little bits of the white material flying.
The black attachment is fine but is not meant to buff and seems a bit harsh for soft leather. Also the storage tray seems kind of cheap, I would have preferred a decent case to move it around. All in all, I will use it here and there but am not impressed with it.』
(Produces a good clean shine) 『This is a good, simple piece of hardware. The price is fair, and the storage tray is handy.
I like it, and think it's the best option- but have two minor criticisms: -It would be nice if there was a folding case for this polisher - You can't really stack this on a stock shoe shine kit with slanted foot rest(for which my other tools and polishes are contained), nor vice versa
-The brush bristles don't stick out as far as the plastic head, which can scratch your shoes while spinning if you aren't careful(you can of course buff that back out, but wastes time). A small soft cap would be handy to avoid that(you can't have the polisher on when brushing as that wheel is large).』
(CaptainSim) 『The Presto Electric Shoe polisher works as describe. The machine is reliable, good build quality and provide a nice professional shine. The foam applicator used to place the polish on the shoe is cheap. That why a gave it four stars. The foam came off after a 5 usage. Luckily, I had purshase some extra. However, the quality and value for this product is above average.』 『ShineOn Electric Shoe Polisher quickley polishes and buffs with a motorized control for a perfect shine every time. Power switch controls motor and releases brushes. Complete shoe care kit includes power handle, two polish applicators, two polishing brushes, two buffing pads, and a handy storage tray』
『The Asia Mary Jane flat from Camper is a delicate, feminine shoe with an attractive, detailed upper. Easy to wear for all-day comfort, the Asia resembles a ballerina's slipper with an elegant, dainty strap across the ankle and a simple, slip-on design. Pair this shoe with capris, breezy skirts, or almost any summer outfit.』 タイトル『 BEZEL KIT FOR FL SPEEDO'S >
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price：$10.95
ASIA SURGE ENT. CO. LTD.
『BEZEL KIT FOR FL SPEEDO'S』 タイトル『 TRANS MNTING PLT 86-99 ST >
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price：$24.95
ASIA SURGE ENT. CO. LTD.
『TRANS MNTING PLT 86-99 ST』 タイトル『 BATT TOP CVR 73-86FXE WG >
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price：$15.95
ASIA SURGE ENT. CO. LTD.
『BATT TOP CVR 73-86FXE WG』 タイトル『 Golden Asia Solar #ST709-STAND UP FS Stainless Steel Solar Stake Light >
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price：$115.99
GOLDEN ASIA SOLAR INDUSTRIAL
『Four Seasons, Solar Promotional Solar Stake Light , 1 White LED, One 600 Mah 1.2V AA Ni-Cd Battery, Running Time Up To 8 Hours On Full Battery, 6-8 Hours Exposure To Full Sunlight For Full Charge, Using Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells For Maximum Charge, Built In Light Sensor That Will Turn Light On Automatically At Night Time, Include 4 Decorative Films For 4 Seasons, Display Box.』 タイトル『 Bamboo Elegance Decorative Steel Switchplate Cover >
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price：$8.99
Decoration Sensation
『We also offer a wide range of matching decoupaged switchplates and outlet covers, nightlights, drawer knobs, tiles, mouse pads, and unique housewares. We guarantee your complete satisfaction or money back. We are sure you will be delighted with these unique items. Items will arrive via USPS and a tracking # will be sent to you.』 タイトル『 House of Asia Imports HUK13 Adong Table Lamp, Dark Brown >
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great International Surge Protector!) 『It is really hard to find a surge protector that works on foreign electricity. I travel to countries where the power is often "dirty" so I'm loathe to charge my camera, etc. without one of these.
Not only does this one work everywhere, but it also has two plugs: American and European round two prong, which works in some other countries, e.g., India, in places where they have new style outlets.
This does NOT mean that it will fit all outlets globally, which is what the reviewer who wanted to use it in Australia was really complaining about - for that, you need an adapter.』
(NOT for other countries!) 『I live in the United States, and I was hoping to use this for travel to Australia. Because it says you can use the product in Australia. So I bought one of these with the thought that it will let me plug in my computer in Australia outlets, or any other outlets I might have.
That is NOT the case. It appears that it will allow you to plug in almost any other country's outlets into it, but the only prongs on this device are for the US or some rounded plugs. I'm not sure where the rounded plugs go to, but it's not Australia or the UK. There's also a tab at the top that says "UK" on it, but I've pushed, pulled and messed with it, and I have not been able to get any results from it.
It does work US-to-US as a surge protected. I've got it to work for my iPod, no problem. But, if you're like me, you're not buying this device because it works in the US, you're buying it to work outside the US. Also, if you know what the rounded plugs are for, I'd certainly appreciate any input on what they're good for.』
(Great nifty little gadget) 『I'm ever so pleased with this, it's small, and very handy, and serves as a surge protector as well. Other travel adapters only let you plug in your appliances in other sockets, but this one actually protects your notebook, mp3 player, camera battery charger etc. against unexpected power surges. It's light, yet durable, and very reliable, since it's a Philips.』 『PHILIPS World Combo Power Adapter&Surge Protector:
Converts plugs in countries the world over while providing surge protection.
Adapter plugs in Europe, Asia, Australia and US』
This Adult Plus Size Geisha Girl deluxe costume includes: a red satin nicely printed kimono, a red polyester slip dress, a gold lame belt with string tie, a folding fan, and a black wig.Note:if returning this item, for sanitary reasons, the wig included cannot be opened. No exceptions.Available in Size: Plus (fits up to 16-18 - up to 190 lbs.)
『Our standard t-shirts are made of 100% cotton and preshrunk (ultra cotton heavyweight). We typically use Gildan Activewear but at times may substitute with other brand name t-shirts. We carry thousands of t-shirts with sayings. To view additional t-shirts please visit our storefront on Amazon (Shopzeus.com) and search for t-shirt.』 タイトル『 Cubavera Men's Wedding Linen Four-Pocket Guayabera Cuban/Mexican Shirt in Wedding White >
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price：
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Ideal for the Tropical Themed Wedding. Please see otherWedding White Collection
Originally worn by Cuban guava tree growers, the guayabera shirt was adopted by businessman in 1950s Havana and exported by visiting tourists. The Guayabera shirt (gwai-a-Ber-a) is one of the most authentic symbols of Latin Culture. Distinctive for its two vertical pleats, four spacious pockets and embroidery detail, designed to be worn un-tucked.
The guayabera shirt is a traditional Cuban shirt, popular in Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe. It is also referred to as a Mexican Wedding Shirt, cigar shirt, bowling shirt, or Cuban shirt.
In Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Panama, guayaberas are generally considered the most popular attire for beach weddings.
The guayabera is also often an acceptable form of office wear as a means of coping with hot weather. It is flattering, comfortable, and it makes you look and feel good even when the weather is hot and humid making it perfect attire for any occasion in the summer.
price：$4.80
Mariner Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Strange but true story) 『I picked this book up at the Wichita Public Library after finding it on Amazon.com. I'm in the middle of two other books, which OBVIOUSLY weren't as interesting as this was. Several B-24 crews bailed out over Borneo during 1944, were picked up by the local natives, and later (Much Later) taken back to their bases by the Australian commandos. A locally born, Dutch Bureaucrat named William Makahanap was instrumental in helping the men safely stay, and later get out. Another guy named Pangeran Lagan also helped a lot. These boys had been head hunters back in the 1930's and used the ambushes of the Japanese army as a way to "refresh" their long house decorations. I think that Borneo is mostly Islamic now, and the guys helping our airman out were primarily Christian. Great story and well written.』
(A odd and interesting bit of history from the Pacific Front in World War II) 『"The Airmen and the Headhunters" is a well-researched telling of the story of two sets of American fliers (one Army and one Navy) who were shot down over Borneo by the Japanese. The survivors end up living with the Dayaks, the famous headhunters of the highlands of Borneo.
Borneo was largely unmapped and unknown to the West. It was, and still is, one of the remotest locations on earth. Most of Borneo's interior is like the old line, "You can't get there from here." Well, you can if you jump out of an airplane.
The author, Heimann, does a good job of giving the reader a feel for the Dayak way of life, but the shortage of maps makes the story of the soldiers being moved from village to village for their protection a frustrating experience. At times, the story bogs down in a series of descriptions about a series of malarial infections, boils that need lancing and endless rice-based meals.
Don't let that stop you from reading this book, though. Any student of World War II should pick this one up just to learn one of the more interesting tales from a remote location in a truly world war. 』
(Another Story of Human Courage) 『I've read dozens of stories of ordinary men and women who rose to extraordinary heights during World War II and this is another. I appreciate the extensive research the author did and her intention to be fair and correct about the actual happenings. The young American men who endured so much are to be commended but the Dayak people who knew they were risking everything were amazing. They could not have only lost their lives but those of their families as well as their property when they defied the Japanese. Many also risked losing their souls by reverting to their headhunting practices after being converted to Christianity. This is indeed a story of strength of the human character. Although clearly written I did find it a little hard to keep all the unfamiliar names of people and places straight but that's my fault! Did get a tad wearisome a few times but realized that day-to-day existence of the downed fliers was necessary to provide the reader with the what it was like to just sit and wait for rescue while enduring hunger and physical ailments. And we complain about a hangnail and dinner being late!』
(Cuttin' Heads) 『I first heard of this amazing story by reading Tom Harrison's (World Within: A Borneo Story) account of his expedition into the wilds of Borneo to conduct a covert mission against the occupying Japanese. It is very unfortunate that Harrison's book is now out of print. I highly recommend it, try the local library. Harrison mentions the lost and found airmen in just a little more than passing. Judith Heimann makes an attempt to give the story it's full due. While I agree with the positive reviews here in that the story is certainly one of interest. Headhunters tend to draw people's attention as do downed airmen in jungles. But I found the writing a bit stilted and detached. Heimann certainly appears to have worked very hard for a long period of time in her research. Maybe in an effort to be sure she was presenting only the facts, some of the compassion was lost? The extent of the headhunting by the inhabitants seems to be in question. As I recall from Harrison's account, originally published in 1959, he seemed to make it clear that there were only some isolated incidents. Perhaps due to the fact that Harrison's account was published just over ten years after the war, he chose to be more discreet about it in order to curb any possible reprisals? Wartime or not, headhunting had long been discouraged by the ruling governments of the land. Heimann's account includes a description of the airstrip that Harrison was in charge of as having been lined on both sides with the heads of the enemy. Granted it was a short strip, but that, in addition to the many other descriptions of headhunting activities, does not sound like isolated incidents. Heimann relied heavily on oral accounts of relatives of the players involved in this chapter of history. Could it be that the passing of the years had made them feel safe about telling of the true extent of the headhunting? Or was it exaggeration or even nostalgia for something that was lost forever. The spoils of the hero's of the past? 』
(An incredibly interesting account) 『I am always looking for fresh perspectives on the war. This book dealing with exploits of some headhunters, a few American Airmen and some Australian special forces is a good beginning. The book follows all concerned from cowed natives and inexperienced soldiers to effective resistance fighters.
Overall-Not just about the war but a surprising amount of incidental information about the various tribal groups on the Island of Borneo highly recommended 』 『
November 1944: Their B-24 bomber shot down on what should have been an easy mission off the Borneo coast, a scattered crew of Army airmen cut themselves loose from their parachutesâonly to be met by loincloth-wearing natives silently materializing out of the mountainous jungle. Would these Dayak tribesmen turn the starving airmen over to the hostile Japanese occupiers? Or would the Dayaks risk vicious reprisals to get the airmen safely home in a desperate game of hide-and-seek?A cinematic survival story featuring a bamboo airstrip built on a rice paddy, a mad British major, and a blowpipe-wielding army that helped destroy one of the last Japanese strongholds,The Airmen and the Headhuntersis also a gripping tale of wartime heroism unlike any other you have read.
price：$5.12
Vintage
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (I am glad such a book was written..) 『I remember reading this book years ago. I am not sure I quite agree with the juxtaposing Homer with Orientalists except in the sense that Homer was from Europe, and there has been the idea of Greece being connected to the Occidental world, and Asia Minor and areas outside of the Occidental world was a curiousity and also full of wild barbarians. Many people from the West study Arabs and Arab culture using lens that strips away from our humanity. They take away the diversity and portray as some curious monolith. No civilization is monolithic. We Arab Americans are not of one mind and nor Arabs who live in the old country. We are people. We want to be viewed with a humanistic lens, and I think Said's Orientalism touches on that. It would be nice to have a more down-to-Earth book where an Arab-American speaks of certain stereotypical perceptions we have to deal with. In America, people are encouraged to support diversity when it comes to black people, gay people, but when it comes to Arabs they often see Arabs as one. If you drink, then someone assumes you are not a Muslim born Arab, you are a Christian. Should I assume someone is an atheist becuase they have had sex before marriage unlike what the Bible teaches? No. It would be shallow of me to do so. The West and the East need a bridge, and the divisions are based on illusions. That's what Dr. Said believed. I was very proud of his writing and his humanity. We need more like him. 』
(A Must Have for Cultural Anthropologists.) 『Theory is usually incredibly dense and boring, but Said present his complex arguments in an interesting and relatively easy to understand format. I've checked this book out from the library so many times for so many papers I can't believe I just got around to buying my own copy. Honestly, I could not have gotten through graduate school without this book. Thank you Edward Said!』
(exceptional!) 『An exceptionally well-written, very intelligent book- an essential read. Said not only wonderfully contextualizes orientalism by drawing on a myriad of texts, but examines it with a critical eye. This book is one of the most important books written in the post-modern erea.』
(Masterful work!) 『Masterful work by Dr. Said. This book was written twenty years ago, but the hypothesis remains relevant today. The book reveals an urgency to better understand the Arab/Muslim world for those in the West!』
(Read this book with an open mind.) 『I believe that Said has been attacked by favorers of opposite views and different thinkers in a biased way without paying attention to what he can offer. It is inevitable that a book like Orientalism with such a controversial topic will create responses the way this one did. Regardless of the emotional responses that works in this line create, Said has done a great job documenting the well researched history of the West's view of the east --the Orient--, and how it has been shaped by the past interests, tensions, and alike. 』 『The noted critic and a Palestinian now teaching at Columbia University,examines the way in which the West observes the Arabs.』
price：$5.12
Berkley Trade
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (De-focused onto two plots, not Cussler's best effort) 『Dark Watch by Clive Cussler was not as interesting as his other works. This abridged audio book was the story of modern day pirates who take not only the cargo of a captured ship but they also take the ship itself. Throw in some international slave traders and you have what seems like two books going at the same time with only minimal interactions.
The book would have been better if it focused on one story and then developed it in greater detail. I am still a big fan of Cussler. This one is not his best work.』
(Dark Watch) 『We found it very enjoyable and entertaining. The plot moves and the action is continuous. The Oregon Files series continues to be great.』
(Great book in series.) 『This is the third book of the series I have read, and I am really not sure of the order written. I stumbled onto the series while browsing at a used book store. This is the best of the three I have read but have enjoyed them all. Great adventure, plot twists and I like Cussler's characters.』
(Wrong Facts .. again) 『Good yarn as Clive Cussler goes but it appears somebody didn't check the facts....again. SIKH is a race AND a religion which does not relate to Islam. No Sikh would call his son Mohammed nor in his last minute on earth call out to Allah. I enjoy the reads but get annoyed with the wrong information. Call it nit picking but I expect more from Mr Cussler and am irked by these minor mistakes found in Dark Watch as well as Sacred Stone.』
(excellent book) 『The book took a while to come, but it is an excellent book in excellent shape. The seller delivered as promised.』 『Trade Paperback』
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