Thursday, 8 January 2009

Bellydance Instruction - belly dance instruction, belly dance


Ok. I wanted to write a more detailed review. But, geez, I just don't want to stop the DVD! (that should tell you something!)



WDNY just released Rachel Brice's latest piece, Serpentine. It's a 2-DVD set, divided into a drill/yoga section and a dance/choreography section. I received an advance copy as I review DVDs for several different places and cannot emphasize enough just how good this one is. I'd say it's hands down her best DVD yet as it finally has what I know I've wanted to see for so long - a comprehensive overview of her own unique signature style. The other DVDs were great (one is a historic gem that has the baseline material and moves that are the building blocks for tribal fusion; the other is a bible for tribal style arms), but both seemed to lack that unique quality of Rachely goodness - her fluid technique, nifty combos, and dance mechanics.



Well, if you want to learn her signature style, it's all here - from the yoga she uses to prepare her body to the drills for strengthening to the actual movements arranged in not one but two sample choreographies. You can read the info on exactly *what* it has (the descriptions on amazon, the back of the DVD case, etc will give you the lowdown), but I can tell you from viewing it that the quality is excellent and really well done. WDNY brings in their specialty of creating an easy to follow format, presented in several variations that will allow you to choose how you want to practice, which is a very nice touch. My favorite part? Drills of course. Overall, I'd say that the drills alone on here are excellent and fairly unique in terms of building up strength for traveling (I really enjoyed that section) and footwork as well as tribal fusion style shimmy drill. Every Rachel workshop I've attended (and I've had the pleasure of going to about 5 or so) have featured yoga and drills with a delicious focus on technique and you'll find that in this DVD. I like to think of it as a Rachel Brice workshop in a box - an excellent DVD that follows her in-class teaching format exactly.



So the first DVD is drills and yoga. But, beyond that, there's an entire second DVD that includes two choreographies, each of which is broken down and explained, along with Rachel performing each individual choreography in full costume (don't worry there are two *additional* performances too so you can get your Rachel fix). The breakdowns assume you have knowledge of tribal fusion and basic bellydance movements - this portion of the DVD is definitely not for beginners. The combos are presented clearly, but quickly, so you will need to make sure that you know the movements as not all of the individual moves are broken down. Again, this will not be an issue if you have a good working knowledge of the dance. At times, it is pretty challenging (something along the lines of "now you're on relevee...and traveling back with this foot pattern/arabic. and let's layer the arabic on. and then when you're comfortable with that, here are the arms and the 3/4 shimmy on the up to go with it...whew!). But often the layers are presented in pieces, so you can work with what you *can* do before adding on the extra pieces. The nice thing is that the setup facilitates you learning Rachel's more complex combinations - the combos are broken down, and there's a "practice loop" section for you to jam out to. One choreography offering is fast and cheeky, and one is slow and slinky, so you're really getting the best of both worlds. And, in the tradition of WDNY DVDs packing in as much material as possible, there are two smaller classes on the second DVD, a yoga for backbends (FINALLY!) and a lecture class.



Overall, a great DVD (but you probably expected that). If you're into tribal fusion style in general, this is definitely one to pick up. I know, I know - lately there have been lots of other DVDs on the market now that will give you wonderful material as far as combos and movements, but I promise you that this is THE one to own if you're looking for Rachel/the Indigo technique and dance form. And a good yoga practice for bellydancers. And some excellent drills. You get the idea ;)



You will like this DVD if:

* You would like to improve your bellydance practice by adding in yoga and drills (these will benefit dancers of any style)

* You are interested in refining and perfecting tribal fusion technique

* You are interested in improving dance footwork, leg strength, isolation, and shimmies

* You would like to learn some new tribal fusion choreographies and/or combinations

* You're a huge Rachel Brice/the Indigo fan :)



Again, DVD 1 recommended for dancers of all levels, DVD 2 for those who are intermediate or higher level Serpentine - Belly Dance with Rachel Brice :: Bellydance Technique & Yoga for Strong, Relaxed & Sinuous Movement

Rachel Brice's "Serpentine" DVD is full of superb instruction, both in belly dance and yoga, for the beginner and any serious student who wants to have perfect technique as a basis for their movements. The yoga warm-ups and strengthening exercises add to the belly dancing by giving agility and power to areas of the body most needed in belly dancing, like a flexible, strong back, and in facilitating the isolations in the torso.



Disc 1 is all about technique. It trains your body in the basic steps, from arm movements to a tremendous shimmy drill that starts slow and builds to become a marvelous workout. These exercises build muscle tone, good posture, correct breathing, and everything you need to advance in learning the art of belly dancing. Rachel also gives you a "menu" of how you can best use this 2 DVD set, with a daily selection to make the most out of your practice, depending on how much time you have to give to it.



Disc 2 has 2 choreographed pieces to learn. Starting with a wonderful performance, and then breaking it down so it can be learned in sections. There is a section of "practice loops" which is very useful, so you can repeat each section until you know it by heart. The first piece is lively with a touch of humor, and the second piece is slow and sensual. Both are terrific and as taught by Rachel, easy to assimilate. There is a final yoga practice on Disc 2 for relaxation and to cool down which is great to do, and there are some "Lecture Classes" which are not to be missed!



The music is excellent and some of it unusual. It includes the Balkan brass band Brass Menazeri Brazen and Vranjski San, percussion dance rhythms from Helm Itneen: Tribal Dance/Tribal Drums and Tribal Dance * Tribal Drums, and the beautiful "Whisper Hungarian in My Ear" by The Toids. The DVD set concludes with 2 exquisite performances by Rachel. Her elegant, sumptuous costumes, and her sublime beauty and grace are a marvel to watch. - Tribal Fusion - Belly Dance Instruction - Serpentine - Belly Dance'


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29 Inch Inseam - mens jeans, pants


I've been wearing the Dickies double-knee work pant for about 5 years now and wouldn't trade them for the world. Unlike normal khakis, these pants are highly durable, extremely comfortable with extra room in the legs, they do not suffer from static cling, and they repel stains expertly. What I like best, though, is that they look nice enough for wearing in a business casual environment, while standing up to the wear and tear of work requirements. Dickies Men's Loose Fit Double Knee Work Pant, Black, 36x32

Don't buy this for going out for a walk. These are for hard and dirty work. These are made of a super thick nylon material with a stain resistant coating which gives it a plastic-like feel and sheen.



They are not particularly comfortable. The front of the waist is not contour cut, so it feels very high. If you like the front of the waist low, beware the it's cut on the same level as the back and these will be hanging around your butt-crack level (and the pant legs will be dragging on the ground), else be prepared to wear them like Steve Urkel... might as well get suspenders for them to keep them that high.



I wish work clothes would be made a little more comfortable. It only makes me want to rip it off and put on my normal casual clothes once I don't have to wear it.



Also note that this comes with an odd (foul earth) smell from the factory that takes a few washes and a lot of airing out to get rid of.

I work outside in the heat and these are much cooler than jeans. The multi-use side pocket is a bit below my hand. These have no coin pocket. Also, since the front pockets are cut more vertical than jeans, the set of keys I have hanging from my belt don't stay in the pocket all the time. Not perfect, but when trying to stay cool while working outside in 100 degree heat, they sure beat jeans.

My husband has now had 2 pairs of these pants we got these because the others wore out after wearing them as work pants for 2-3 years. He wears them everyday. He loves them and says that they are very comfortable

These pants are great for any line of work. And with amazon prices you can't beat them. My only complaint is that when you get them, they have a funny smell out the box, but after washing them it goes away.

These pants arrived very quick. I ordered 5 of them and they were individually wrapped neatly. They had all the tags on them as if they came straight from the factory. I'm glad with my purchase. They fit very well and I'm very satisfied. - Jeans - Mens Jeans - Flat Front - Pants'


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Accessories - girls, hats


This is a really cute hat that we got for our little 4 year old friend. The lights flash realy bright blue and green, cool for night time, but really bright. Overall its cute and fun. Inside the hat are thin covered wires that attach to the lights...in the long run these will probably be pulled out by a 4 year old, but fun in the mean time. Also, that had is firm, yet can dent if smooshed. Children's Purple Blinking Tiara Cowboy Hat - 2 flashing lights

Interesting mix of princess and cowgirl. This is very cute. It's made for kids but fit me. Probably would work for most adults with small heads. I wore it as part of a costume and it was a big hit. The blinking lights really made it stand out!

This is a cute idea but it's cheaply made. The edging began coming off as soon as we took it out of the box. I don't recommend this for small children because of the lighting unit under the hat. We put duct tape over it so that our 3 yr old wouldn't mess with the wires. - Costume - Girls - Hats - Cowgirl'


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Divers Watch - invicta, 52mm


Dont get me wrong I like this watch and its got a massive 52 mm case. My only problem is that its not swiss made like the watch in the picture , insted it says swiss movt. which means the movt is swiss but it was made in China and not subjected to the superior quality control standards of the Swiss. So anyways I checked the model numbers just to make sure It was the same watch and it was but I suspect the watch in the picture is a older version but since then Invicta has cheaped out and started making them in China to save money , but the retail asking price is the same $ 575.00 which seems kind of shady to me.

Since my original review amazon has corrected and updated their pictures to say " swiss movt " insted. Invicta Men's 4338 Russian Diver Collection Black Watch

I purchased this watch as addition to my collection of affordable watches that I don't just store in box but also can wear.

This watch is large at 52mm but it is not uncomfortable on wrist. The weight is amazing for its size. The numbers and hands are very bright at night and can be clearly seen.

The rubber bracelet is very comfortable and not irritating skin. However, it is unusual short for the watch this size. I have wear it on the third hole from the end. But it's not a problem (at least from me) but some people with larger hands might not be able to fit this watch.

The price is also right in a spot for quart movement swiss made watch. If you can see my previous reviews, I always like quartz watches (though recently I purchased few mechanical watches). I am "time-accuracy freak" so having perfect time is must for me and this watch keeps perfect time.

The only thing that this watch is missing is a second hand. But because I am not wearing this watch at time when seconds play much difference, I am ok with it as well.

I am highly recommending this watch to men with medium to large size arm/wrist. Men with small hand may find this watch too heavy and too large.

If you are looking for a nice, somewhat dressy looking diver's watch, this might fit your needs. While the yellow or orange are certainly showy, this one is just casual enough but does not look as if you just came out of the water. I have been wearing mine for three days now and am really enjoying it. It is a large watch but is not uncomfortable. You will certanly have no trouble seeing the time during the day or night (nor will anyone else that is sitting around you). It is holding good time and I assume that it will continue to do so. If you are looking for a nice price on a big diver, take a closer look at this watch.

I almost passed over this beauty because I normally like more complicated dials such as chronographs. While searching the web for watches, every time I saw this watch I stopped and stared. This watch is art in simplified form. It doesn't even have a second hand! The big black face and narrow bezel showcase the oversized arabic numerals and large markers all done in luminous green. Everything you see on the dial is luminous, and I mean everything!- including the divers helmet, the Invicta name, every letter, and even the date window is outlined. To top it off the entire face is encircled with a luminous band. Awesome. No other watch lights up like this one. On the side of the case opposite the crown is the engraved Invicta name. The rubber strap is high quality and extra thick. The bezel, case, barrel inserts, and buckle, have the appearance of polished black onyx against the flat black color of the strap. The coin edging around the bezel looks great from the side. Another thing Invicta is doing right is that as they make the larger watches they are keeping all of the dimensions proportional. As they get wider they also increase in depth sitting higher on the wrist. I've seen other brands that look like little flat pancakes from the side. Not appealing to me. Invicta watches are great quality overall. If your getting into large watches no one has more styles than Invicta, and that goes for their regular size watches as well. By the way I have a 7 1/4 inch wrist which is small, and I can wear up to 52mm in the Invicta line. Don't be afraid to give the larger watches a try. Good luck!

I had been planning on purchasing a new watch for a while now. I don't normally wear watches, instead I just use a cell phone to get the time. But my new phone has a screen lock that is a bit of a hassle to get unlocked JUST in order to see the time, so I started looking for a watch.



I have seen different Invicta watches on Amazon before and really liked some of them. I didn't know much about them so I started doing some research and found that most people say the quality is very good for the price.



After looking at quite a few of them on the Invicta Store here on Amazon I stumbled across the Russian Diver. I really liked the looks of it as soon as I saw it. Then I saw the size at 52mm and was a bit startled. That's a LOT of watch!!!



I ended up ordering it while it was a Deal of the Day and I'm really happy I did. As usual, shipping was super fast and the packaging was exceptional.



When I opened the watch I was immediately taken by the size of the watch. 52mm as a size seems large when you're using a ruler...but when you actually see the size of this gigantic watch it will probably catch you off guard. Not only is it wide, it's also pretty "deep." What I mean by that is it sticks off of your wrist quite a bit.



The face of it is beautiful. Every detail of it just works. The numbers fit with the face perfectly, the hands fit perfectly, the date fits in wonderfully and doesn't look out of place, and the green surround offsets the black of the watch excellently.



The black metal is awesome. It's shiny and subtle at the same time, which in my opinion is great because you need the color to be slightly subtle on a watch this size.



I've read many opinions on different websites that suggest that the chain for the canteen cover doesn't fit the watch very well, but I disagree. I think the chain does a great job of finishing off the overall aesthetic of the piece. I wouldn't ever think of taking the chain off of mine.



The overall weight of the watch on the wrist is definitely more than I'm used to. Like I said, I don't normally wear watches and when I do they aren't anywhere near as large as this one. The weight takes some getting used to, definitely.



I've only had the watch for a short while, but I've already gotten several compliments on it. It's definitely a piece that draws attention to it. People see you and are instantly drawn to it.



All in all, I'm extremely pleased with the purchase. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Invicta watch, and the 5 year warranty that comes with the timepiece through Amazon is a wonderful addition. - 52mm - Invicta - Russian - Divers Watch'


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Audio-video Kits - analog, video games


I'm an old school musician. Good ears. Good cables have always been a must: Always just for durability and insulation. But the new high tech very expensive types that enhance bass or treble? This is a newer concept. I compared video cables on my DVD player: Component. Both Monster. One 30 dollars the other 120$. There was enough of a difference to gulp and buy the 120$ one. Because of this difference I tried with audio. These audio cables do make a difference if you have the equipment that "hears" the response. If you have expensive equipment it makes no sense to get cheap cables. Like putting low octane fuel in a Ferrari. If you don't care or the equipment is general quality then any Monster will cover you for insulation. It always makes sense to get better cables that come with the equipment. These cables are the lowest of the high-end types that enhance the quality of the sound in specific ways. Good enough for me. They sound great. Crisp and rich. Gives me a bit more volume also. And just to note: These cables have an arrow on them which tells you which way the sound needs to travel. The arrow points toward the player from the source. Monster ULT I600-4 Ultra 600 RCA Stereo Cables (4 feet)

I have used every version of Monster's audio interconnect cables and the THX version has two issues that should be "fixed". When connecting to the RCA jacks the turbine-cut connector is too stiff and too tight and you risk damage to the RCA jack and your fingers. I used 3 pair of these to make the connection for SACD and each of the 6 varied from hard to near-impossible to push on (they all had to be "stretched" by putting them on a non-functioning RCA jack where I could at least get leverage, but inconsistent fit and difficult even then). This exposed the second issue; the connectors are big and just barely fit side-by-side as is required in a analog multi-channel array (SACD or DVD). And this array makes getting all 12 connectors secured (6 on each end) a ridiculous task. I appreciate the need for a good secure connection but this is not it.



OK the cables are good once on and function perfectly on the SACD playbacks. The price is good but you do get what you pay for...inexpensive AudioQuest would have been 3 times higher...$180 v $60.

I've read reviews complaining about the "overly tight fit". I disagree completely. You want them to be on tight and grip well. The turbine cut collar will open up slightly if you twist clockwise as you insert or remove them, as soon as you stop twisting it chomps down again. These are very rugged cables: they're stiffer than most and the RCA connector is longer than most, make sure you have room behind your gear before you open up and install a bunch of sets of them. They have a directional arrow for the signal direction. I don't know why, there certainly isn't a diode in them. I guess all cords come with magic in them now. Do they sound better? I'm not sure, but willing to believe they do. I didn't A/B test them, but they sound great. I have then between an Arcam CD player and a vacuum tube Audio Research preamp, and from that preamp to a vacuum tube Audio Research power amp.

When I got a new flat screen TV, I wanted to make sure I had the best cables for audio. The clips are strong and obviously more durable than your basic cables. The gold-plated connectors ensure full signal transfer with no glitches. Because these cables are 2-way balanced bandwidths, your treble and bass signals are much clearer and crisper with no `crackles' or `drop-outs'. If that weren't enough, you would pay more than three times this price at any electronics store. Good stuff, plus THX (George Lucas) approved.



Caution: This model is only four feet in length!

Here's a review on these Monster Cables I bought. So many people buy these cables but at full retail then they review and complain about them being over priced. I buy them at discounts like this, I mean it's $16 for a $50 retail cable. why not buy it? it's like buying a $2 cable that just works. With these you get the cable with extra insulation, Gold color connectors, super tight connection, a nice looking jacket around the internal wire(s), they look good and hey you can even tear em' apart if you want to lol. anyway, I've stuck with Monster just because it's a good looking and good cable and you can get them cheap. I'll never pay full retail for any of them nor will I ever come close to it, that's pointless when you can get them at a price like this. I've personally never had any problems with them, but they are very tight connecting.

I fell in love with Monster Cable when I first got into serious A/V more than 10 years ago. Their 600 series is their "good" line out of "good, better, and best" but don 't liet that turn you away. The construction and copper in these are still FAR better than that of a normal cable and even other so called premium cables. Heavy guage/High purity copper wiring, a rigid external jacket to prevent damage, and 24ct gold connections make these cables a must for any person serious about their sound. - Video Games - Analog - Rca Cables - Monster'


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Home Décor Accents - decals, wall stickers


We purchased this for our 3 month old daughter. Thrilled with the price and product. Easy to apply and remove. I was able to put them up and if i didnt like the look i moved them around. It was fun being creative. it gives you instructions on where to apply each sticker but because of the room size that i was decorating i needed to move some of the tree limbs around. i made the tree taller and shortened the limb length. i also place the animals and flowers throughout the room to give it a more woodsy feel. Will definetly buy the same type of stickers again for when she gets older and wants to change her room around. Another benefit is we no longer need to repaint the room because these stickers add the color and energy that we were looking for. Would definetly recommend these to a friend. Great price compared to other sites we looked at. RoomMates RMK1439SLM Scroll Tree Peel & Stick Wall Decal MegaPack

I researched other sites that sold wall decals before buying these. The walls in our home are all textured so I was worried that they wouldn't stick.



I was relieved and very satisfied with them. They stick fairly well, but you still need to smooth them out and press them against the wall from time to time.



Highly recommend and would buy this brand again. Cute design and you get quite a few decals for the price!

When I first put on these stickers I looved the look and my 8 month old daughter squealed in delight at the owls, flowers and colors in general.

However, it was pretty hard to arrange everything in place without some amount of removal and re-sticking. The scrolly branches are very thin and so re-sticking did not work well and they started to peel off. So I thought, ok, maybe this would do better if someone could apply them at one go so maybe I am partly to blame. But the description and other reviews do lead you to believe that resticking is not an issue at all.

After a few days however, even the branches that I got right in the first go started to peel off. Granted my walls are not satin smooth, they have a very light grainy texture, but again the description leads you to believe that sticking is a problem only on heavy textured walls.

I would have given it a 1 star because I wake up every morning and have to run my hand over the branches to re-stick them which is such a pain. but I had to give them credit for getting the design right - it is delightful!!! Now they just need to work on a better glue for the sticker.

This is the first review I think I have ever written. I just love this item. I purchased it for my daughter's nursery. We have the Brooke bedding from Pottery Barn and this matches so well. As a few other people had mentioned, it's not that tall. I think the directions show that you need 58" of wall space. Anyway, I have a chair rail up in the nursery, so placing this decal on the top portion over the chair rail worked perfectly! I made one of the leaves on the top turn down a bit more so it wouldn't be touching the ceiling, and it looks amazing! If you get up close and examine it, you can tell that it is not a true mural, but it really looks very nice. Oh, also, it doesn't take long at all to do it. I had my 9 month old daughter and 3 year old son in the room running around acting crazy while I was doing it, and it probably only took an hour, hour and a half total. I highly recommend checking this out.

They stuck to my knockdown (textured) walls! I was a bit apprehensive at first, thinking that I might have to return them because the walls are textured but they stuck with no problem even after peeling and replacing. The shipping was fairly quick, received about a week after ordering. Everyone loves it, including my daughter. Only improvement could be a better diagram to work with on where to place pieces.

This made the whole room. Really nice that it also covered the push pin holes left in the wall by my older daughter. My 4 yr old absolutely loves this. So far, she hasn't bothered it. I put it up several weeks ago and it is still very secure.

No mess, beautiful result and a lot of people thinking that I actually painted this on the wall!! lol ... Perfect decoration item, super easy to apply.... totally worth the price! Plus, it's HUGE! :) Will totally by other similar items in the future :)

I was very happy with this purchase. It is colorful, cute, easy to put together and will be on my daughter's wall for years because it is good for a baby's, toddler's or kid's bedroom. Worth every penny I paid !

I looove my daughter's wall decal! We bought it for her nursery in Utah, and then when I moved, I peeled off the stickers and put them on the mirrors in the house to transport them to South Carolina. When we got here, her room had textured wall paper and they STILL stuck to the new wall!! Everyone comments on it. I love it!!!

We live in an apartment and can't paint, so I bought this to add a little color to the walls of my daughter's room. It took me and my sister about 1.5 hours to get it put up, well mostly my sister because I was busy with the baby. Our walls are pretty textured, so I was worried it wouldn't stay up, but it's been fine. Even the pieces that we peeled off and repositioned have stayed great. Glad we bought it. - Childrens Rooms - Wall Decor - Wall Stickers - Decals'


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Portable Dvd Players - car dvd player, portable dvd players


This is a great compact and light dvd player for the price. I was in the market for an inexpensive portable dvd player for my 2-year-old son. I also have the TFDVD7008, but my son kept touching the inside of the player that dvds don't play properly anymore. However, because I liked it so much, I decided to buy another one. I can't comment on all the technical features because I basically use it to play my son's favorite dvds, but I like that it's small, compact, and light. I can fit it in my bag and take it with me wherever I go. The battery life is about 4 hours, which is plenty! I like that it has a rubber grip on the bottom, so the player doesn't slide around on a table (the 7008 didn't have that). I only wish there was a menu button on the player itself and not just on the remote because I don't really use the remote. I also wish there was a way to store the remote in the player itself. That would be nice. Other than that, I really like this dvd player. Coby TFDVD7009 7-Inch Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player (Black)

I felt skeptical about the brand COBY which I always thought was a low quality brand. The design of the DVD player is kind of ugly and the screen is small. But I give this product 5 stars.



- The price is fantastic. A DVD player is technology that will clearly be useless in a few years, so I wanted a cheap device.

- There is a "hack" to make this a multi-region player. google it.

- Its sturdy. My 3 year old and 20 month old kids were not able to destroy it in a 3 week vacation.

- Its easy to use. Really, idiot proof.



Cons

- Battery life is short. I bought an Energizer external battery pack

- Does not come with car charger or case

- I would have liked some way to lock the buttons so my kids can press things while the movie was playing.



I am planning on buying 1 more so each kid can have their own!

I got 7009 in retail store. I liked the picture quality so I picked one. First thing I noticed when opened the box, that there is no TV cable and Car adapter. Even here on this site in description of Accessories there is not ones. And then it became THE problem. I couldn't find it anywhere and ended up with buying two cables: One for audio (3.5mm stereo to 2 RCA) and one for video (3.5mm mono to 1 RCA). Last one I could find only in Radioshak Store. All together came to $12. Car charger for Coby on Amazon about $8. So $60 for DVD plus this accessories will come to $80. You count. This is the price of Sony DVD portables with such an accessories included. Besides that DVD screen menu all blur - horrible but ok, because film quality is pretty clear. You can adjust contrast and brightness for your comfort. Good thing is pretty useful remote control with what you can also turn on/off player distantly. It plays multi formats. So in my case 5 zone is needed and it worked well. Anti skip system is in work. Even some disks that my 8 year old Panasonic couldn't read Coby did. You can go between 4:3 and 16:9 ratio. TV out put works very well - nice quality. And it works in the car of cause with COBY CA-709 adapter (don't forget switch to 9V). Battery life (regardless it size) was enough at least for 2 movies and DVD was still on.Screen opens on certain angle only but you still can see clear if you sit aside (means you can share). There is inconvenience in charging. You have to turn off unit and plug in to wall charger. So if you watch movie in the car with batteries down then you stopped the engine your kids won't be happy I guess. It plays also MP3 and regular CD's. There are no additional slots like for memory sticks or USB. Controls on DVD is ok but a little confusing. Better use remote control.

All in all it's ok but I really wish those accessories would be included. As for unit life, how long it last - cant tell yet. Time will show.

I'll keep it short. Bought this along with the Coby car charger and the $15 case. All worked well during two 10-hour car rides with kids, but the volume control is on the right side of the player and is difficult to access when it is in the case. Also, the volume can't be adjusted from the remote. Finally, the remote is worthless if you have this thing in the case attached to a seat as the sensor is located on the front of the DVD player which is covered by the case. The sensor for the remote should either be located where the DVD is inserted or the remote should be RF instead of IR.

I recently purchase the Coby TFDVD7009 7-Inch Portable DVD player. The DVD player plays purchased DVDs just fine. I wanted to use it to watch previously recorded TV shows which I have recorded on my DVD recorder. The Coby does not play recorded DVDs. I have called the Coby company and Toshiba( my recorder is a Toshiba) and each company blames the other for the fact that it will not play my recorded DVDs. I am disappointed in this aspect of the Coby, but will keep the player for use in the car.

I ordered this based on the reviews for my 3 yr. old grandaughter, so far today we haven't been able to play even 1 movie through, it skips and stops all the time.We have only tried to use it on 4 different movies and it's 5 hrs out of the box. I will be sending it back unless the company sends me a new one soon. Hopefully the company will back the warranty up as this is very easy for her to use.

I brought this for the sole purpose of having it to show my 2 year old son his cartoons and educational programs via dvd, especially when on a lengthy car trip.



easy to use and what i didnt realise is that it has its own built in re-chargeable battery which is great. Great price for the features and brand.



so far no complaints, just need to figure out how to secure it onto the backseat car pull down tray.



Amir (Trinidad, Caribbean)

This piece of junk arrived working, but with a screen that was almost completely dark. I was only able to make out a very faint picture. Using an LED flashight I was able to find the brightness setting on the screen and it did not help. I called Coby directly and they told me the only fix was to disconnect the battery for an hour and retry. Well, the problem is that once you unplug the battery the connection is so cheap that it won't reconnect. Basically, this item is junk...I was hesitant buying something from a company I have never heard about..now I have to go through the RMA process..Oh joy! I'd stay away from this item if I were you and go to your local store and buy a Sony or something else. Hope this helps! - Dvd Player - Coby Dvd Player - Car Dvd Player - Portable Dvd Players'


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Mcguire-nichola - equipment, mcguire-nichola


The McGuire Nicholas 31001 set of three bags is exactly what I needed to carry an assortment of small accessories such as my Stanley 3 Piece Cushion Grip Nail Set and a few odds and ends that otherwise would be misplaced or lost in my McGuire Nicholas Builders Tool Bag. Three bags, three sizes, three colors - if I can't find what I need now I never will. McGuire Nicholas comes through again with another quality product. ~ The Boss McGuire Nicholas 31001 3 Small Bags, Two Black, One Grey

I really wanted to like these bags -- and at first glance, they looked perfect. However, within minutes of stuffing them with various things from my tool bag (opening and closing 3-4 times each), two of the zippers failed.



Two words for you McGuire: YKK Zippers.

These zipper bags are great for holding your smaller knives, tools, or whatever so you can get to them without hunting through the bottom of your larger toolbox or bag. As soon as I received my order, the bags were full and I plan on getting more.

These three bags are tough, come with both belt loops (if you wanted to wear them at your hip) and a ring for clipping and hanging from something else. I used one immediately to hold my Kindle accessories, such as the USB cable, Kandle book light, headphones, etc. I've used the larger one for travel papers and a wallet, while attending a convention. These are tough, high utility bags. If there is any complaint, it's that the zippers on the large bag aren't as easy to close as I'd have hoped. This is probably because they are large toothed, tough, utility style zippers - good for durability, less so for ease of use.



Considering the price, this purchase was AN EXCELLENT DEAL!

These bags couldn't be any more useful. There are endless applications for each of them. Specifically, I've found the cocoon bag is perfect for a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, razor, and a few other odds and ends for traveling. The other ones are perfect for outdoor uses, keeping small items separate, safe, and in your possession. They are made of strong, durable material, have heavy-duty zippers, and are extremely well-priced in my opinion.

Have had these bags for a couple months now, and the zippers on one of the three bags is already inop, and the zipper on another bag does not function well. While the bags are inexpensive, I would look for a different set with better zippers.

I had purchased some of these bags in the past, local store switched to a nylon version, instead of the cotton canvas. I was happy to find these online, until they arrived and are now made from cheap nylon material, and not the cotton canvas as advertised.



Don't buy these if you are expecting cotton canvas! - Equipment - Tool Bag - Accessory Bag - Mcguire-nichola'


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Active Pants


Bought this skirt in 6 and the actual waist circumference is 1.25" larger than the sizing marked on the garment tag.

Also bought a size 4T baby banz pink swim skirt and the waist circumference of the skirt is 1.5" larger than the sizing marked on the tag.

Disappointed will be returning and likely buy directly from Baby Banz as looks like there is little difference in pricing.



Also bought shirts and they appear to be correctly sized and fit well. Baby Banz Swim Skirt with Bikini Pant Attached, Pink/Green/Print, Size 4'


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Compact Camera - compact camera, digital camera


I bought this camera in May 2010. Given the price, it took a while for me to take the plunge (I am not rich). Prior purchasing this camera, I was using DSLRs including Nikon D40, D90, Pentax K100D Super and others. I wanted something light and small without sacrificing image quality. While M4/3 format has quite a few capable offerings (Panasonic GF1, Olympus Pen) I was/am not quite convinced that this is something I wanted to invest in. With Sony Nex, the range of small cameras with DSLR like image quality has increased and this is good for all of us.



Now on to the Leica X1:



I have used this camera heavily in the past four months and have taken over 4,000 shots. In my recent trip to Europe I took over 2,000 pictures in 8 days. If you want to stop reading at this point and get to the bottom line, here it is: This camera's image quality is stunning. The details, sharpness, colors and tonality is astounding. It surpasses my Nikon D40/ + Nikon 35mm f/1.8D combination by a wide margin (yes, I realize that D40 is 4-5 times cheaper). The output of the X1 easily matches Nikon D300/D300S.



Details:



Now that we have covered image quality, let us talk about other things.



- Out of camera JPGs: Usable, but do not reflect what this camera is capable of. If you are a JPG shooter, do not bother with this camera.



- DNG (RAW) Quality: The X1 is king-kong here. Processed properly in Lightroom (which is included in the price of X1), the resultant output from the DNGs is simply breathtaking. It would not be a stretch to say that X1 can easily stand upto the likes of Canon 5D Mk II at lower ISO (100-400). A friend of mine, who is an experienced photographer remarked that the outout of the X1 has a cinema like feel.



- AF Accuracy: Very accurate. In particular, the spot focus mode is very impressive and allows you to have a pin-point focus on a dot if you want to.



- Color Accuracy: Spot-on. While in Germany, I stopped at a camera dealer. They were demonstrating comparison shots (actual prints, not on screen) taken with the X1, G11, D90 and others taken under same conditions. The picture was that of a building across the street so I could see in real life what the subject looked like. X1 had the most accurate output: it was the only camera to have captured accurately very light pink tinge of color the wall of the building. The others had it all white.



- Metering: Just like AF, very precise. Spot metering enables you to meter based on a very small area.



- Shutter Noise: Very quiet. Perfect for shooting in church, museums or other places where shutter click sounds are frowned upon. So quiet in fact that X1 provides a "false" acoustic signal to simulate shutter click - I keep this disabled.



- High ISO Quality: Upto ISO 800 is perfect. ISO 1600 from X1 is better than ISO 800 output of entry level DSLRs and all of the current M4/3s. I have taken some pretty good ISO 1600, long exposure (4sec, 8 sec and more) shots of Niagara Falls at night with the X1: this camera just does not get noisy. X1 maxes out at ISO 3200 which is a bit noisy but usable and much better than the likes of GF1 or Olympus Pen M4/3rs. In the compact camera world, Sony Nex is the only real challenger to the X1 in high ISO output quality at this time.



- Zoom - this is to check if you are reading carefully. X1 has no zoom.



- Ease of use / weight: X1 really shines here and this combined with the image quality would be the most important reason to get the X1. Dedicated buttons for speed, aperture, ISO, AF, WB, etc make changing settings very fast. Grip is ok and I have not felt the need for the separate hand-grip that Leica sells separately. One handed operation is easy. I have done many hours of shooting with one hand when it was raining on a recent trip and I had an umbrella in one hand and the X1 in other. Try that with a DSLR. I simply cannot imagine going out with a heavy DSLR and lenses now (unless I was a pro and did wedding shoots or other paid assignments that require loads of gear).



- AF Speed / Writing speed: As covered in various reviews on numerous web sites, the AF speed is slow. There is quite a lag when you press the shutter and the time it takes for the camera to capture the shot and write it to the SD card. If AF speed/writing speed is paramount to you, do not buy this camera.



- Writing mode: DNG (RAW) + JPG or JPG only. It is very strange that one cannot choose DNG only mode. In my case, I always capture both DNG and JPG. Having a JPG allows me to have a reference point when processing DNGs.



- Image Stabilization (IS): Inferior as compared to cameras with optical stabilization. I don't use it. My Canon S90 has a much superior IS. If IS is a must for you, get a tripod instead of relying on the X1's IS. I keep IS switched off.



- Battery life: average. If you intend to do a full day's worth of shooting, a second battery is a must. You can good non OEM batteries from eBay for $20 or so. No need to pay over $90 for "original Leica" battery.



- Flash power: Inadequate for shots that need it as a primary source of illumination. Does not bother me as I rarely do shoots that rely on a powerful flash. X1's flash is adequate for fill purposes.



- Build Quality: Good. Not stellar, but good.



Overall:



A camera's sole purpose is to take photographs and if final image quality in a small package is the deciding factor then X1 is the king of the hill as of today. Strange as it may sound, I feel that the only real contender in this space is the Sony Nex PROVIDED that Sony can come up with a good lens that actually does justice to the excellent sensor of the Nex series. X1 is not for you if you need loads of "features" in a camera: Panasonic and Sony will be a better fit you if you want "features".



Buy the X1 if you absolutely need a small camera with top of the line image quality right now. On the other hand, if you have a half-way decent camera already, then wait till the holiday season - I am expecting/hoping that Sony or some other independent lens maker will come up with a decent lens selection for the Nex that will narrow the gap with the X1. In any event, my X1 will be a keeper simply because of the excellent images it has allowed me to capture that will be treasured for a long time. I feel liberated by not having to worry about changing lenses, zooming or "features". I just take my X1 and start shooting. Leica X1 12.2MP APS-C CMOS Digital Camera - Photography - X1 - Digital Camera - Compact Camera'


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Grill Accessory - accessory, grill parts


The thread size was not mentioned in the product description. I needed an adaptor that had the 1 lb. propane male threads on one end and the SMALL LP threads on the other. This item has the large threads which thread straight into the large refillable tank, not the end of a split regulator. Century 8850 Hard Nose Propane Adapter - Barbecue - Grill Parts - Accessory - Weber'


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Alternative Medicine - body mechanics, posture


This is by far the single best source for healing back pain that I have seen. I hurt my lower back pretty badly doing heavy deadlifts after too long of a layoff (entirely my fault, I know), and pursued a wide variety of different treatment methods. I had previously been exposed to other postural/ alignment methodologies in an attempt to get rid of chronic injuries, which had been helpful, but nothing was as poignant, simple, or direct as Gokhale's work.



There are three outstanding aspects of this book:



1. Gokhale clearly identifies what ideal posture and alignment looks like, and backs this up with numerous photos.

2. Gokhale's method is very, very simple, and once learned, becomes integrated into your everyday life. I know of other methods where you have to spend 30-45 minutes per day doing exercises - this method requires very little extra bandwidth once you have learned it.

3. The book itself is beautifully laid out, with a balance between illustrative photos and explanations.



Considering the amount of time and money I've spent pursuing other treatment methods, this is a ridiculously good value. Don't discount it just because it is so inexpensive! I bought a copy for my parents, and two extra books as I constantly have them loaned out. If you are seeking to get rid of chronic pain, this is my #1 go-to recommendation. 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: Natural Posture Solutions for Pain in the Back, Neck, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and Foot (Remember When It Didn't Hurt)

This book has been very helpful to me, not just for the back, but also for my hip, knee, and feet. This is a beautifully illustrated and designed book, with very clear directions and explanations, using many diagrams, photographs, and visualization techniques to move the body as a whole, integrated unit.Included are sections on sitting, standing, walking and sleeping. There are also sections on helpful exercises and stretches, and troubleshooting guides with each chapter.

The sections on hinge-bending and the anteverted pelvis were especially helpful. You can watch a 53 min. talk by the author on youtube by looking up her name. Another good book on this subject is one by Stuart McGill, but it is much more scientific and doesn't address walking, sleeping, feet and knees. Esther's book is much more user-friendly with the same science and more anthropology to back up her method.

This book offers a natural, simple solution to chronic back pain. No special machines or contraptions or surgeries are required. Instead it teaches healthy posture. Esther Gohkale studied posture in countries such as India, Burkina Faso, and Portugal, where people have very back-demanding life styles, but suffer very little back injury or pain. Her book offers an anthropological study, with color photographs of beautiful, healthy backs from around the world, in ancient and modern times. She offers clear, simple instructions to help anyone achieve healthy, pain-free posture.



I've tried chiropractors, massage, physical therapy, yoga, and Pilates for my chronic back pain, and each helps to a degree, but none eliminated the painful "bungee" cord running between my shoulder blade and spine. Gokhale's methods of "stretch sitting" and "stretch lying" have provided me the most lasting relief of anything I've tried, and they are the simplest techniques of all!



This book is well worth the investment--it's only a fraction of the cost of a massage or chiropractic visit, and it's provides fascinating reading and vital healing. Best of all, it extends hope that anyone can free themselves from chronic pain, no matter how cramped or stooped you've become.

Esther Gokhale's book "8 Steps to a Pain Free Back" is a marvel.. At first glance it appears to be just another self help book on how to relieve common back pain. Upon reading it however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is the most comprehensive and helpful book I have yet come across. Gokhale's technique which is grounded in sound anthropological study; as she explains, our back problems are largely the result of our cultural habits. Apparently, only five to ten percent of people in certain other countries suffer from back pain, yet in American that number jumps to almost ninety percent. Why such a difference? Ms. Gokhale explains that poor habits and incorrect training are to blame; and her technique for proper posture goes way beyond conventional American teachings. A victim of debilitating back pain and surgery herself, Ms. Gokhale both understands the pain many of us are going through, and genuinely wants to help.

Her book is wonderfully illustrated with the most specific "how to" techniques I have encountered. She not only guides the reader through not only what to do and what you should be feeling, but also explains symptoms of overdoing any given technique. She identifies specific muscles that need to be engaged for stability and strength in support of the discs. The book explains safe techniques for sitting, lying, bending, lifting and walking, activities we do all day long. She shows us how to preserve our knees and protect our hips as we age. As a person who has been doing yoga and seeing chiropractors for years in an attempt to overcome my own back injuries, I can safely say that this book has been incredibly effective in allowing me to resume a normal, pain free lifestyle. Once you begin integrating Ms. Gokhale's methods into your life you will be hooked and find yourself making corrections to your positioning all day long. I highly recommend this book; it will create great habits that will last a lifetime.

I read this book in conjunction with a class given by the author, and all I can say is Wow!!!!



The author has studied posture and movement in cultures that do not have the high level of back pain we have in our culture, and come up with a simple method of improving posture. The information is presented persuasively and is broken down into simple principles. The book is clearly (and beautifully) illustrated.



But the amazing part is that the principles work. The difference for my low back pain, and neck pain, and foot pain is remarkable. Now I can sit at a computer all day and have my back feel GOOD at the end of the day! I wish someone had taught me these principles when I was five. This book is well worth the investment for anyone who has back pain, or who wants to try to ensure that they don't have back pain in the future. - Movement - Posture - Body Mechanics - Neck Pain'


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Traditional Vocal Pop - broadway singers, great music


So much has been written about Garland's private life that over time it has been increasingly difficult to reach through her notoriety to experience the art she created. The 1961 Carnegie Hall Concert provides the listener an opportunity to do just that.Although the recording includes several examples of Garland's conversational rapport with her audience, the emphasis is on the music. And here, from the moment the orchestra begins an excitingly arranged overture, we find a degree of electricity, authority, and artistry that equal and quite possibly best any other performer of the 20th Century.Although her range was not remarkable, Garland's voice possessed tonal qualities that set her apart from any other singer of her era, but more importantly Garland's voice was an instrument of incredible emotional nuance. Whether tossing off an up-beat throw-away such as "You Go To My Head," a scorching torch ballad like "The Man That Got Away," or the belter's classic "Swanee," one is always acutely aware of what seems to be an instinctively flawless phrasing specifically designed with you personally in mind, unavoidable, inevitable, and inescapable.If you never listen to, or own, any other Garland recording, it must be this one. Forget about all the things you've read, all the documentaries you've seen, the mythology and iconography--interesting as such may be, Garland's completely overwhelming talent doesn't require reference to anything except itself. Lock the door, draw the curtain, turn off the telephone--and simply experience the single finest live concert recording of the 20th Century. Judy At Carnegie Hall: Fortieth Anniversary Edition

Simply put, this recording documents one of the greatest triumphs of Garland's career. The quality of the recording is excellent. That night Judy came out to a standing ovation and if you turn the volume up just a little and listen carefully you can even hear fans chanting a chorus of "Judy! Judy! Judy!" over and over again. Garland then goes on to sing 26 songs, including some jazz, and wows the audience with her performance. Her rapport with the audience is excellent and the fact that Garland concerts were scripted is impossible to notice here. At the end of the second CD of this two CD set there is a long instrumental of "Over the Rainbow." It was at this time that fans rushed to the apron to shake hands with Judy or at least touch her hand or wrist for even just an instant of a second. How I wish I could have been there that night! Many stars flew in expressly for the occasion. Judy does two encores of After You've Gone and Chicago; they are exquisitely well done. At one point Judy "wonders" if the audience is getting tired--how they scream NO! Then she comments that perhaps she should keep singing and that they should all stay all night--and they SCREAM FOR MORE WITH DELIGHT! PLEASE, get this two CD set--I can't see how you or anyone could possibly regret this purchase. A strong BUY!

Forget anything you've read about Judy Garland..this concert recording will reveal the human being--the artist like no other source material. Your heart will sing...then it will break..then it will sing again. I'm not even an avid fan, but the honesty...the humanity contained in every track of this performance is NOT to be missed. A real treasure for fans of music, 20th Century Pop culture and celebrity bio.

This is, without a doubt, the best recording that Judy made in her lifetime. Thank God that it was recorded and that we're blessed to have such a terrific CD. I don't think that there is anything more that can be said, but that lady was pure magic. She was so talented, and had accomplished so much in her lifetime, she can be compared to a shooting star. She was a super-nova that burned bright and quick, and as scarecrow(Ray Bolger) said, she just wore out.



Judy achieved super stardom in films,records,radio,television, and, of course, live performances. She was indeed a multi-media superstar. Judy Garland had mass appeal, from her show biz cronies, to presidents, to middle class folks, and even to the poor who had to scrimp up and save there money a long time for a ticket. She had a love affair with the public: They loved her, and she loved them right back. It really does show in this CD. It's not quite just the songs that she sings, or the way she sings them, but the way the rapturous audience responds to her, and how she interacts with them.



Throughout her career, the press had dubbed her the queen of comebacks, but it was more than that. Like her character Esther Blodgett in A Star Is Born, she indeed had the knack for being in the right place at the right time. She was not only born with an incredible ability to sing and entertain, but, seemingly,she could catch lightning in a bottle, too. She did that many times in her lifetime, especially with Oz, and here too at Carnegie Hall.



In this 2 set CD, she sings most of the songs that made her famous(including the #1 movie song of all time:Over The Rainbow) and some not attributed to her like "Stormy Weather", and "Puttin' on the Ritz". She not only sings every note letter perfect, but she sings it all with her trademark great style, and full gamut of emotions. She makes every song her own. Many have said (including George Cukor) that Judy was a fabulous raconteur. And I'm delighted to say, that I never new Judy was such a gifted comedian. Her wonderfully self-depracating stories are quite hilarious. (The only draw back is sometimes you have to turn up the volume in between sets to get the complete gist of them)



One of the best moments in the concert is when Judy is almost done singing but of course is called back for her encore.(one of many songs) She is singing "Chicago", and when she gets to the part "I saw a man dance with his own wife, and you would never guess where?", somebody ,as if on cue (but you could tell it was spontaneous) shouts out "where!". That interaction totally uplifts a near exhausted Garland and she shreds that song and tears down the house!



A friend once told me that he saw Garland performing at the Hollywood Bowl. During her performance, it started to pour rain. The concert went on, and as Garland sang "Over The Rainbow" the rain let up a bit, the sun started to peek out, and above a rainbow appeared! Like I said , the lady was pure magic. - Great Music - Broadway Singers - Classic Lounge - The Best'


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