Thursday, 28 May 2009

Art Supplies - sharpie, airplane


I use Sharpies for labeling storage boxes, addressing packages, drawing and getting autographs. I always have a bunch on hand and have been drawing on my backpacks before it was a contest. The name brand "Sharpie" has become interchangeable for the item "marker" (like Kleenex for tissue or Q-tip for cotton swabs), but I never buy cheap-o store brand markers to save a buck because they dry out and the tips don't stay pointed. Rock on Sharpie! Sharpie Permanent Marker Fine Tip 8 Pack

Eight Sharpie pens for under a buck each is a good deal only if you throw these pens in with other items and pay now shipping. But in that case, go for it. Sharpies are the best markets under the sun, and always come in handy. The ink lasts forever, and the pens take last and last. Seldom do the tips go dry.

Shapie markers are simply the best permanaemt markers for just about any use. We use them for making quick signs in our shop, putting names on clothing (on the inside), and in the woodshop to indicate cut lines.



The colors are bright and do not fade over time. They are also pernanent, so some care should be taken.



Highly recommended!

I am not sure who is to blame here. I have been using Sharpies forever, but this batch was not a good one. 3 of the pens came dry! I shook them, left them upside down, etc, nothing worked. So I would still get sharpies, but next time I will not buy them online. You never know how long they were sitting in storage. - Permanent Markers - Markers - Airplane - Sharpie'


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British Comedy - british, bbc


--Sir Humphrey. The Yes, Minister episodes continue with Jim Hacker moving to #10 Downing Street, bringing along private secretary Bernard and, of course, reuniting with the newly promoted Sir Humphrey (whose sentences seem to get longer with each episode). The audio level is better on this set than on the previous one. The cover artwork is not as clean (there are scan lines through the images), but the back cover is very nice with new photos of the three main characters (no photos on the inside as there were in the previous 4-CD set). The 17 brilliant episodes begin with the 1984 1-hour Christmas special that illustrated the chain events elevating Hacker to #10. The special features include the Sir Humphrey's lengthy review of the Yes Minister Diaries, "Christmas at the Ministry" clip, a 1986 Paul Eddington interview, Jonathan Lynn interview, and profiles on the main actors as well as others. A touching biography of Paul Eddington (Nigel Hawthorne was featured in the first set) in also included. The bio includes scenes from 1950s Dixon of Dock Green, Adventures of Robin Hood, and many scenes from The Good Life and some insight on what Margaret Thatcher thought of Prime Minister Hacker. Eddington's wife, Felicity Kendal, Hawthorne, and Derek Fowlds are among those interviewed. It also includes very sad clips of one of Eddington's last interviews when he was suffering through the last stages of the skin cancer that took his life. He handled his illness with much courage and the interviews with his friends and family reveals how fondly he is remembered and how many lives he touched. This set is a must-have for Yes, Minister fans. I have yet to search for the "Easter Egg" the box promises, so happy hunting. Yes, Prime Minister: The Complete Collection

After watching all the Jeremy Brett "Sherlock Holmes" series, Ian Richardson in the "House of Cards," and now Nigel Hawthorne in "Yes, Prime Minister, I can truly say it will be difficult for an American not to become a (British) flag waving Anglophile.



The pure pleasure of this satirical comedy is not something that can be found on American TV. I enjoyed hearing the beauty of the English language the way it should be spoken.



This program will not be for all audiences, however, if one appreciates a sharp wit, clever irony, and a hilarious display of political chicanery, this DVD collection is a treasure.

The majority of people are falling over themselves to watch brainless, charmless and incredibly annoying AMERICAN comedy like Friends and Will and Grace. I've just watched the entire second series and half of the first of Yes, Prime Minister. This is a satirical, well-observed 80's comedy about the political machinations and workings of the British Parliment and the relationships between Minister's and civil servants. Nigel Hawthorne, Paul Eddington and Derek Fowlds are all superb in this. Great acting, script, and message that puts most comedy to shame and doesn't patronize the viewer or insult their intelligence. Highly reccomended

Absolutely wonderful. I dont think a political satire of this quality and wit has ever or would ever be produced for American television. In response to an earlier review, the "Yes, Prime Minister" and "Yes, Minister" series are not for democrats or Washingtonians alone. Anyone interested in political satire will appreciate and cherish these dvd's. The central theme fueling this wonderfuly written and performed series is the never ending conflict between the permanent unelected Civil Service(big government if you will)who administer policy and the elected, yet oh so temporary politicians(self serving populists if you will) who make the policy. There are valid and hilarious skewerings of all sides, all beliefs and all conceits. This is equal opportunity satire and well worth the rather high cost. Rather educational as well. A great way to learn about the basic workings of British democratic government. Many of the bits of humour and wisdom are as relevant here in the good old USA as they are over there.

"Yes, Prime Minister" is a wonderfully witty & devastatingly funny show, but I won't waste your time with a synopsis of the series - it is a delight & many reviewers have skillfully done so already. However, since no one else seems to have found it & I can't find it at imdb or moviemistakes or any other half-way competent sites revealing how the easter egg is to be accessed & what it contains, I feel it incumbent on me to do so here.



Go to the "special features" menu on disc 3 & move your mouse (if you're watching this on a computer) over to the line dividing the article on the left & the features menu on the right. Just to the left of the last item, "Trailers", a crudely drawn blue present will appear. Click on that & you will be given a clip from the "Christmas Morning with Noel" broadcast from 1987. It is of P.M. Jim Hacker bungling a holiday message to the viewers. Quite classic!

At almost 20 years old now, this award winning series still represents the finer aspects of great British comedy. Set in the 80's in which it was made, it satirically mirrors the politics of the era with a wry and subtle genius that is a joy to behold. All that said, a little familiarity with British politics, or the British culture in general helps tremendously. I am not surprised at the success of this series here in the States, but the uninitiated viewer may be being sold a little short on the finer aspects of the characters, and the dry humor. Jim Hacker (Paul Eddington) is the central character (following on from the Yes Minister series) thrust almost unwittingly into the limelight of the Prime Ministerial race, and sets about running the country with the same graceful ineptitude he applied to his previous ministerial post in the deparment of administrative affairs. Nigel Hawthorne is masterful as "Sir Humphrey" his "advisor" and head of the civil service who has his own agenda throughout, and plays all sides against the middle with varying levels of success. The final main Character is Hackers private secretary Bernard (Derek Fowlds) who often naively walks a middle line between helping the PM, but always being aware of his own allegiances to Humphrey (being a civil servant himself). This set begins with Hackers rise to power, and then contains all the subsequent episodes where the three characters play out some hilarious, and often thought provokingly satirical situations in a balanced and polished collection. Being a topically based political comedy obviously has its pitfalls, and those too young to remember the "Thatcher" years of British government, soviet spies, and the peaks and troughs of the economy during the 80's may view this a somewhat bland. I'm not suggesting for one minute that ANY viewer would not find great comedy in watching this collection, but it has to be said that it will almost certainly appeal to a narrower audience ultimately. Lots of extra's on the DVD collection and BBC video are to be congratulated on the excellent picture and sound quality of the presentation. Maybe not a "timeless" comedy, but a brilliant one none the less. Enjoy! - Politics - British - Bbc - Humor'


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Cordless Power Tools - cordless power tools, battery packs


I had to buy all new tools after all my ridgid tools were stolen by the damn dirty afghans. (I took them with me to do site improvements while deployed, they did not make it home.) I thought my ridgid tools were great, and a huge plus was that they had a lifetime warranty, however, they were constantly in the shop! so, after returning home empty handed i decided to switch up brands. my dad has Milwaukee, but i did not like his set, its just too big and bulky. He has the 28Volt set. their drill is powerful and all, but its like your holding a machine gun. I went with Makita's 18V set in white, and i love it! came with drill and impact, and wow, they both pack a punch. I work on steel doors and frames, so I am using them every day, having to charge batteries constantly. I bought a spare 3Ah battery joined with my two 1.5Ah that came with the set. Between the three batteries, I never lose work time waiting for a charge. I also use the hammer drill, angle grinder and now that i have the radio(which is frickin awesome!) I am thinking I need to purchase at least one more battery. either way, love this brand, and totally recommend it! Makita (1) DC18RA Charger & (2) BL1830 Batteries NEW - Cordless - Cordless Drill - Battery Packs - Cordless Power Tools'


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Fine Writing Instruments - makes a nice gift, fountain pens


I found myself missing my fountain pens after several years and found that most stores don't carry them any more. After scanning many other Parkers and Pilots I settled on this one which is only a little more expensive than some disposable fountain pens available online.



This is a nice writing instrument, with a good weight and size and writes decently. This is made by Cross for Franklin Covey also you are guaranteed good quality although not the same level as the 5 times more expensive genuine Cross line up. The chrome and black lacquer look nice for business use. The nib writes with medium thickness and the writing is smooth, especially if you don't let the ink dry by leaving the pen open without the cap.



It came in a ordinary plastic package so may not make the best gift. However, I bought it for my own use and I am very pleased with it's performance. It came with one black ink cartridge, so you should order more with the pen. I found more detailed pictures of this pen on the Franklin Covey website if you want a closer look. Franklin Covey Lexington, Fountain Pen with Medium Nib, Midnight Black Lacquer and Polished Chrome Cap, by Cross (FC0016IM-1MS)

I combed through several various pens below the $30 cap I was willing to spend on my first fountain pen, and even though this one had the least reviews they were all positive and I felt after looking at other photos online that this pen was the most striking and best fit for me. I write everyday for a few hours longhand and a few on the computer and ever since I received this pen less than a week ago I can't stop writing. Every time I look at the pen I have to pick it up and start writing. It has a beautiful ink flow and solved the main problem of ink 'skipping' as it always has on every other pen I have ever tried. The weight in your hand feels amazing, a nice little bit of heft but plenty light to be a natural extension of your hand. I have not had experience with other fountain pens so I cannot speak to the quality of the ink or the nib, but I can say I have had no trouble with anything it so far and am extremely satisfied. Perfect as far as I can tell and for how much I have spent on throwaway pens, half of which were crap, the price is a steal for a pen that is guaranteed with a lifetime warranty.

Good pen. Reasonably priced. My cursive is absolutely atrocious. Keyboard atrophy.

If you have poor penmanship like I do, a fountain pen will be unforgiving for you.

Ink flows smooth though.

Got tired of crappy ballpoints.

Only reason I give it 4 out of 5 stars is because there are the even higher quality Cross fountain pens that go well over 100 dollars.

Disclosure, I am not an expert at all on fountain pens. I know very little about them. However, I write a lot. A LOT. And I am very particular about my pens. Up front the pen looks great, not too flashy but it still stands out. it has a very clean professional appearance to it. It feels well on the hand with just the right amount of weight. The pen writes smoothly and leaves a clean thick even line across the paper. Even my ugly handwriting looks a little better just because of how consistent and smooth the flow is. As a beginner with fountain pens myself I would definitely recommend this as a starter pen, and a very good pen overall for the price.

Hey Friends,



I just started writing with fountain pens and bought this one for my brother for his birthday. It didn't come with any ink, so I checked the instructions that came with the pen. It says: "Replenish with international standard size fountain pen cartridges." I thought that is what my pens took, but those cartridges didn't fit. I ordered a package of Monteverde international size cartridges, and no matter how hard I squeeze the cartridges in there, they just will not fit. Any advice? What other size cartridges should I try? My brother's birthday is next weekend, and I'd hate to have to give him a pen that doesn't work :(



Thanks,

Frustrated - Waterman - Makes A Nice Gift - Bulow - Fountain Pens'


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2009 Amazon Frustration-fre - belt, garmin


The bad: I've broken two of these already (with a Garmin GPSMAP 60Csx, but I doubt that matters)...not by any harsh use, but just by bending over. They are not very sturdy. They break in exactly the same way, the track cracks just above where the button sits. Once this happens, the GPS can pop out easily without you even knowing it. They really should be made stronger.



The good: They work great (until they break). Very quick to attach/detach GPS.



I'm considering ordering a Carabiner Button Clip (Garmin 010-10481-00) as an alternative, but I have not tried that product. Garmin Belt Clip for Geko 101, Geko 201 and Geko 301 (010-10380-00)

I have been using this clip for about 5 years with Garmin 60 series GPS units (it fits most Garmon models, despite what the product description above says). I use it to mount the GPS on my shoulder, clipped to a backpack shoulder harness. In that location I have never had any issues with breakage, etc. I occasionally use the clip as a belt clip, again with no problems. The design clip makes it easy to remove and re-attach the GPS one-handed. Use a little blue Loctite or similar on the button threads to make sure it doesn't unscrew.

A nice handy clip for a gps. However, it is prone to breakage. It does get rough treatment on hikes. I broke the clip that came with my Garmin gps. I bought three clips through Amazon in order to have backups.

This is my second belt clip. When I purchased my Garmin 60CSX about a year ago I read reviews about the belt clip being fragile. I used the clip for several months without any problems. This fall I was at a Phillies playoff game going up steps and the GPS caught a railing tearing it off my belt and breaking the belt clip. Had I not had the lanyard looped around my belt the GPS would have dropped 3 stories. My advice is when using the belt clip, always secure the lanyard to something on your clothing or belt.

The belt clip holds the GPS button securely but has a somewhat narrow clip itself. Meaning that it will clip well to thin straps, etc but doesn't do so well on thicker or wider straps and can easily be knocked loose. Having your apprx $300 GPS fall off your pack onto the rocky ground isn't going to make your hike more enjoyable.

I've broken 3 of these, twice when I didn't notice, and my GPS was on the verge of falling out. All times in winter, so cold may be an issue. Still I don't know of any alternative. I love how the clip works.

It works well for me although other reviews state they can break if worn on a waist belt.

I wear on backpack shoulder straps instead.

Garmin has a list of compatible GPS units this will fit.

You find your GPS portable on their products page and then click on accessories.

Their website will reorganize time to time but presently the list of

compatible devices is at:

Amazon deletes URL links so I put in a partial URL

(add a ps after the beginning htt below so the link starts out https before the colon)



[...] - Clip - Garmin - 60csx - Belt'


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Aaa Battery - duracell, aa


I'm pretty used to buying batteries online and finding they had been made long before I ordered them (had some CR123 with experations the next month from another vendor). In at least my case, my batteries from this vendor show a production date of 3/30/10...and I ordered them on April 18th. You can't get any younger batteries (exp is Mar2016). I'll be checking this distrbutor out for the rest of my battery needs. Duracell Coppertop AA Batteries, 28-Count

I got these about three weeks ago, and still haven't used them up yet. So many batteries. Awesome. So far, they've lasted about four times as long in my Canon digital point-and-shoot than my Energizer rechargeables. And they're on track to outperform the regular Energizers in my Xbox controllers. I think I'm a coppertop convert. The price is pretty good, too--probably not the absolute cheapest, but these are real Duracells (not knockoffs) that are far from their expiration date.

If you check out local stores, you will find these are at least a bit below retail sales price for these batteries. Batteries will always be around the same price, but a few dollars off is worth getting them through Amazon!

Although I'm sure my local fire department will cringe if they read this, I buy these things for our backups for our fire alarms and they last over 4 years! Wow! Now if I buy a knockoff brand, or even Energizer, I can only get 18 months out of them before they start squealing to be replaced. Plus, this 8 battery pack makes it awfully simple to have them around when it comes time to change them, and it's the right number for my house. Love these Duracells! Highly, highly recommend!

I tend to buy batteries based on two prime criteria. First, lithium for units that will have a long down time (since lithium holds its charge well over time, I hate to be surprised by an emergency flashlight that doesn't work); alkaline, for everyday appliances (it doesn't last as long, but the cost benefit ratio is beneficial). Second,I shop for a good price. Duracell alkalines are top of the line batteries that I prefer for all my everyday item, like remotes, clocks, mini-amps, etc. This particular offering is a great price, that I haven't matched anywhere.

Very highly recommended.

Live in foothills. After going through 3 days of no power and new storm coming, looked for D batteries and they were all sold out. Like the convenience of having enough and the price was right at Amazon!

Although I mostly use nimh cells these days for their higher current capacity and their green qualities of not being thrown away, there are things that still need alkaline batteries. Remote controlls can run 2 years on a set (although the eneloop cells are an option). Some flashlights need the 1.5 vs the 1.2 volt difference in alkaline cells and nimh. Also some times you don't have 4 charged up batteries ready to go, so alkaline is the alternative you pay for not keeping a set charged up.



I bought these when I bought my dad a weather station - it had about 5 outdoor devices, all used 2 ea alkaline batteries to run the radio remote weather sensors that transmit to the base station which used 4 AAs for backup if AC fails.



These are fresh date code, healthy cells and fill the bill just fine when you need them. NOTE - in some places where the outdoor equipment was hard to get to (have to climb on roof) I used the L91bp lithium alternative Energizer L91BP-8 Lithium AA Photo Battery (8-Pack) which you get about 8 cells for the price of 20 here, but they last 8 times longer, saving alot of trips to the roof to change the batteries. The down low sensors got alkaline cells instead. It's important to choose the right cell based on intended use, and this is one example. Also I have a temp sensor in the refrigerator that runs on lithium cells due to the low temp - they work fine at freezing temps, and will radio the temp to the weather station which has alarms set if the freezer fails. - Aa - Battery - Duracell - Aa Batteries'


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Carpenter Pants - pants, jeans


I got these for Christmas for my husband. They are true to size, don't shrink too much and fit perfectly. If you order a 32 it is really a 32 (which I'm finding is harder and harder to find with pants). He has been wearing them a lot and they seem to wash/wear nicely.



If you haven't had Dickies pants before you should note that these are a bit stiffer than regular denim. Dickies Men's Loose Fit Carpenter Jean, Stone Washed, 34x30 - Levis - Cargo Pants - Pants - Jeans'


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1080p - panasonic 50 inch plasma


With SONY and JVC no longer manufacturing their phenomenal high-end CRT HDTVs, and Pioneer out of the Plasma business, the pursuit of picture quality is not as simple as it once was. Rest assured, however, that there are still a handful of manufacturers (i.e. Panasonic, Samsung, LG, ...) still investing in Plasma technology, because LCD is a giant leap backwards in terms of picture quality. When Pioneer - the previous undisputed leader in picture quality - left the industry, they sold their Plasma technology to Panasonic. While the amount of Pioneer technology (if any) present in Panasonic's current line-up is a matter of debate, most critics will agree that Panasonic currently holds the crown for picture quality.





Viera Size Segmentation (VT30 vs. GT30 vs. ST30)

------------------------------------------------



I was in the market for a VT30 this year... however, in the United States, Panasonic's size options are quite restrictive. In Europe, all lines of plasma from the X up to VT are available in 42", which is the perfect size for me.



In the United States, each of the 3D model lines has a different starting size:



VT30: 55" - 65" (Industry leading black level, less buzzing, better speakers, 96 Hz mode for 24p, ISF calibration, ...)

GT30: 50" - 65" (Better black level, +1 HDMI port and VGA input, THX certified)

ST30: 42" - 65" (Entry-level 3D TV)



S30: 42" - 60" (1080p 2D plasma, worse motion clarity than ST30 and no 3D support)

X3: 42" - 50" (720p 2D plasma)



Unfortunately, I can barely fit a 50" TV where I have my GT30. I made the conscious choice of buying a TV slightly larger than I would have liked, because the GT30 buys you THX mode (which does a _really_ good job with skintones), an extra HDMI port, and a slightly lower black level than the ST30.





Picture Quality

---------------



Getting back to picture quality, I have a SONY Super Fine Pitch FD Trinitron (CRT) set in my bedroom that I use as a benchmark for image quality.



The GT30 does not have the pure black level or white performance of the CRT (or even many local dimming LCDs). However, color accuracy and black gradiation (i.e. being able to see fine details in shadowed scenes) are actually better than my calibrated CRT.



Unenhanced motion clarity is indistinguishable between the two sets, and the GT30 earns a lot in this respect when it comes to displaying 24 fps material (48 Hz mode causes flickering, but even with simple 3:2 pull-down, the TV displays 24p video well).



Panasonic has added a more advanced Motion Smoother this year, with two levels - it creates artificial motion enhancement similar to LCD 120/240 Hz, and therefore has limited appeal.





Physical Appearance

-------------------



Typically I do not care about the physical appearance of a television (which is why I still prefer high-end CRTs to flat panels), but the design of this TV is definitely worth mentioning... compared to last year's GT25 model, this TV is lightyears ahead.



The bezel has been shrunken on all sides of the panel, and the depth is equally impressive. Were it not for the speakers, and clunky stand, this TV would be about an inch deep. As a result, the television requires "break out" cables to attach analog audio/video devices, and the total number of analog inputs has been reduced to 3 (Component, Composite and VGA D-Sub). This does not bother me at all, since the only analog device I have connected to any of my TVs is a Nintendo Wii. The extra HDMI port more than makes up for it.



I would also like to give kudos to Panasonic for putting the power button on the FRONT of the TV this year (it was on the side last year).





Long-term Value (Viera Connect)

-------------------------------



Viera Connect is a promising new feature for 2011, that is essentially an evolution of Viera Cast.



Consumers can look forward to a growing software base in the future (as Software Engineers like myself develop software for the new open platform). The beauty of this new platform is that it operates independantly of official firmware release schedules. This is important, because firmware updates for aging products are few and far between - 2010 and older Viera models will likely NEVER receive support for Hulu, etc...



With this TV, two or three years from now, consumers can still download new or updated Viera Connect applications from the Viera Connect marketplace. Another thing I found nice about Viera Connect's marketplace, is that you can buy TV accessories (such as 3D glasses, SD cards, etc...) directly from software built-in to the TV, and rest assured that the product is compatible with your particular model.





Sound

-----



Sound quality leaves room for improvement. This being the second-to-highest model from Panasonic, lacks the sub-woofer and higher quality speakers found on the VT line.



Adding insult to injury, US Viera televisions do not have analog audio out, so to improve the audio quality you must connect them to an A/V receiver (which also draws a lot of power) that supports optical S/PDIF.



In future years, I hope that Panasonic will consider improving the sound quality on the GT line.





Power Consumption

-----------------



Power consumption is good, but definitely not great. This is the only performance measurement that local dimming LED backlight LCDs come out on top in. That said, Panasonic has redesigned the construction of their panels this year, to improve phosphor response time (reduces 3D cross-talk), and improve luminous efficiency. Remember that this TV uses tinted 3D glasses, which darkens the picture... so brightness is important in 3D.



As a result, brightness is up, and power consumption is down vs. last year's model. Unfortunately, one consequence of the new design is "fluctuating brightness," which occurs when the TV transitions from a bright scene to a dark scene - in extreme cases, it can take the TV multiple frames to recognize the change in brightness and adjust its image processing. This was irritating at first, but I hardly notice it anymore.





Plasma Buzz

-----------



On a final note, I have noticed a lot of people complaining about plasma buzz. I feel obligated to point out that the buzz is especially bad within the first 100-200 hours of operation, and decreases somewhat over time.



There are a number of factors that play into the buzzing, including altitude, viewing distance and picture settings. Granted operating altitude is not easy to change, but the buzzing can be reduced by sitting farther from the TV set, and dialing down the contrast setting (buzzing is directly related to how bright an image is).



A lot of people have TVs too large for their viewing distance and have contrast set way too high, and only ever realize it when plasma buzzing or dithering becomes a nusiance.







Pros and Cons

-------------



-----

Pros:

-----



Plasma image quality



* Pure black level is not as good as CRT or local dimming LCD, but...

images with light and dark areas really shine



--> No blooming between nearby light and dark areas (LCD)

--> No image geometry warping related to brightness (CRT)



* Excellent motion clarity without artificial techniques like 120/240 Hz



THX mode



* Accurate skintones

* Almost no picture setting tweaks required to get exceptionally good image quality



Consistent black level



* Panasonic claims that the black level will not rise after 1000+ hours of operation with 2011 models, due to manufacturing changes.



Power consumption vs. Screen brightness SIGNIFICANTLY improved over 2010 models



* In fact, it is so good that the 50" GT30 actually qualifies for Energy Star 4.0



Viera Connect



* New in 2011, free/paid applications can be downloaded through the TV and the selection of applications will grow over time.





-----

Cons:

-----



Viera model lines segmented by size in the US



* Could mean buying a TV that is too large



Average speaker quality on ST30/GT30



* US Viera models do not have analog audio out



--> Requires a dedicated power-hungry A/V receiver to improve on TV's speakers...



Power consumption



* Improved in 2011, but still nowhere near local dimming LCD performance



Fluctuating brightness



* Movie enthusiasts may find the delay in bright image processing frustrating...



--> I have found the issue has almost no negative impact on gaming performance, or general TV viewing.



Netflix Performance



* Given the state of the Netflix app on Viera Connect as of June 2011, audio noticably stutters...



--> Mitigated by the fact that Viera Connect will allow users to download an updated version of the

Netflix app whenever the bug is fixed.







Calibration

-----------



For those who are interested, I have had my GT30 professionally calibrated in THX mode.



If you do not want to shell out $300+ to schedule a calibration on your set, but still want the best picture quality possible, the most important thing you can do is dial the color setting down to around 45. The default THX settings over saturate colors, and if you become used to the over saturated colors, you will never appreciate the advantages of a properly calibrated THX mode. Also, do not use C.A.T.S.! If you have a viewing environment that has varying levels of external light, you would be much better off maintaining two sets of picture settings. In my case, between night and day, all I need to do is adjust my contrast from 60 to 45. C.A.T.S. can detect differences in brightness, but it messes with more than just the white level.



You may be tempted to set the Black Level setting in "Advanced picture" properties to dark because it looks more natural, but this causes black crushing (loss of detail in dark video). Try to learn to live with lighter blacks (this can be especially difficult if you are used to high-end CRTs) and you will begin to appreciate the amazing black performance of Plasma technology. Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT30 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV - Panasonic 50 Inch Plasma'


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Defectivebydesi


I have owned both Kindle 1 and Kindle 2, so I'm already committed to the basic idea: e-ink reading in a slim form factor with excellent connectivity to a large selection of books and subscriptions. I have come to rely on my Kindle experience, and it has seriously enhanced my reading.



The DX was not an obvious upgrade for me, but two features put me over the edge: the larger screen, and the native PDF reader. I now have the DX in my hands, and can report PROS, CONS, and NEUTRALS:



PROS:



-- the larger screen is a definite plus. I use the larger type size on my Kindle 2 (older eyes), and at this type size I get far more text per page on the DX. This makes the whole reading experience more book-like (and should be a boon to people who buy large-print books.)



-- the screen is also sharper and crisper than my Kindle 2 in a side-by-side comparison: the text is darker, and the contrast is much better, making for better visibility overall.



-- on a side note, the larger screen also makes it possible to read poetry on the kindle, even at large type sizes. On earlier Kindles, the smaller screen cut off lines, so that you would lose the sense of when the poet ended the line. On the DX, you can see the whole line exactly as the poet meant it, with the cut-off in the right spot.



-- the PDF reader works as advertised, and is extremely convenient. PDF documents appear on the DX exactly as they do on a computer screen. Moreover, you can drag and drop your documents directly to the device using the USB cable (or use the for-a-fee email if you absolutely must.) The only downside: at least for the documents that I've used so far, I cannot adjust the type size as I can with native Kindle documents.



-- screen rotation also works as advertised: it operates as a mild zoom on both graphics and text and offsets slightly the downside of not being able to adjust the typesize on PDF documents. One nice design touch: the four-way navigation stick introduced on the Kindle 2 is rotation-sensitive, and will move as expected relative to the screen rotation.



-- more of the device space is devoted to the screen, while the white plastic border around the screen seems to have shrunk, both in general and compared to the proportion of screen to plastic on the Kindle 2. I like this (but see below about the keyboard).



-- storage: I like the increase in storage space, and don't mind the lack of an external storage card. I can see some people having trouble with this, but only those folks who either a) must regularly carry around PDF documents totalling more than 3.5 GB of space or b) must have nearly 3500 books regularly at their fingertips. I fall in neither category.



CONS:



-- price: it's expensive, as you can tell pretty quickly. If you value the larger size, and the native PDF reader, these features may justify the roughly 30% premium you pay for the DX over the Kindle 2. In truth, the DX SHOULD cost more than the Kindle 2, and a 30% premium isn't unreasonable. But, for my money, Amazon should drop the price on the Kindle 2 to $300 or so, and charge $400 or a little less for the DX. Still, I bought it, and will keep it at this price.



-- one-sided navigation buttons: all of the buttons are now on the right side, and none are on the left. I'm a righty, so I shouldn't complain, but I found myself using both sides on the Kindle 2. Lefties have reason to complain, I think.



-- One-handed handling: I often read while I walk, with my Kindle in one hand, and something else in my other. Because of the button layout, this will be more difficult on the DX.



-- metal backing: I miss the tacky rubberized backing on my Kindle 1. When I placed my Kindle 1 on an inclined surface, it stayed in place. Not so my Kindle 2 and now my DX. This is not a complaint specific to the DX, but it's still there.



NEUTRALS (i.e. things worth noting):



-- weight: the DX is heavier, noticeably so. This is only an issue if, like me, you regularly use the kindle with one hand . . . and even so, it's still doable.



-- keyboard: the keyboard has 4 rows, and not 5: the top row of numbers from the Kindle 1 and 2 has been merged into the top qwerty row, so that numbers are now only accessible with an alt-key combination. The keys are vertically thinner too, so that the whole keyboard is no more than 1" tall (compared to over an 1.5" on the Kindle 2). At the same time, the keys themselves are a bit easier to press, a bit more protruding than on the Kindle 2. For someone with big fingers (like me), this will be a slightly harder keyboard to use, but only slightly.



That's all I can see. Overall, the pluses outweigh the minuses for me, and I'm satisfied with my purchase. I can now think of using my DX for work documents on a regular basis, because of the PDF reader. The screen size and screen rotation make the overall reading experience more immersive.



Overall, the DX feels more like text and less like device and comes closer to the stated goal of the Kindle: for the device to disappear, leaving only the joy of reading. Kindle DX, Free 3G, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 9.7" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology

This review was written back when the DX first came out and--as has been brought to my attention--needs to be updated a bit. I will indicate where things have changed for the better within the body of the review:



I owned the K1 and then the K2 and love them both, so I was really looking forward to the DX. My plan was to use the DX at home, and keep my K2 for carrying all over creation with me. It wasn't long, though, after my DX arrived the day before yesterday before disappointment set in.



Don't get me wrong, there is a LOT to like about the DX:



1) Pictures are awesome on it, if the publisher formats them properly.



2) Those who complain about darkness of text on their K2 (a problem I've never had, btw) will be thrilled by the DX's very dark text.



EDIT: LIKE THE KINDLE 3, THE DX NOW SPORTS A NEW E-INK DISPLAY THAT HAS MUCH BETTER CONTRAST, SO TEXT & PICTURES REALLY "POP."





3) The ability to rotate the screen is great. Gives you a closer look at things like maps and charts.



4) The browser is a bit faster than on the K1 or K2, though that isn't saying much--it is still very clunky to use.



EDIT: THOUGH STILL CLUNKY, THE BROWSER *HAS* BEEN IMPROVED FOR EASIER USE. BUT STILL DON'T PLAN TO DO A LOT OF WEB SURFING WITH IT.





5) But web pages look pretty good on the DX.



6) It holds 3500 books.





BUT.....the DX just isn't all that. It has drawbacks that are really making me consider sending it back before my 30 days are up:



1) First and foremost, while it is true that it natively reads PDFs, it is really only a PDF *viewer*. You can't change the font size on PDFs, links will not function on them, and the ability to magnify pictures doesn't work on them either. So you better have LARGE fonts on your PDF before you load it. Looking at the PDF in horizontal mode helps a bit, but not by much.



EDIT: WE NOW HAVE THE ABILITY TO ZOOM IN ON PDF DOCUMENTS, WHICH HELPS IN READING THEM--BUT IT WOULD STILL BEHOOVE USERS TO USE LARGER FONT SIZES IN DOCUMENTS BEFORE CONVERTING TO PDF FORMAT.







2) The DX is too big to hold comfortably. It's not really all that heavy, but it is top heavy and you feel a pull on your hands. And that pull is really evident if you try to use the keyboard while holding it--you practically have to lay the DX down flat, it becomes so difficult to type.



3) They merged the number keys with the QWERTY keys (losing a line of keys). What development genius thought it would be helpful and an "improvement?" To go to a location within a book you have to click Menu, choose "go to," then click the Symbols key, choose the numbers you want, then close Symbols before you can choose "location." Whew! Or you can click Alt + the letter button at the top that corresponds to the number you want. Joy.







4) Before my DX came, I really didn't think this would bother me at all, but I have to say: I really HATE the fact that the "next page" button is only on one side. I mostly use the left hand button. And yes, with the DX's rotation ability you can turn it upside down, placing the "next page" button on the left side.... However, when you do this, the button is so high up that you have to slide your hand (not your thumb, your whole hand) up in order to turn the page. May sound nit-picky, but it is truly a PITA to break off reading to do it. Not only that, but having the keyboard at the top makes it even more top-heavy than when it is right side up!



5) when you rotate the DX so that it is horizontal, the "next page" button is either at the bottom or the top--in either case you can't just flick your thumb and change the page. Again, a PITA.



6) If you leave the rotation feature on "Auto" when you are not using your DX it drains your battery, so you must remember to turn the feature off when you stop reading.



7) Still no folders. An organization nightmare three times bigger than that of the K2 (which itself had increased the same problem on the K1): the possibility of storing 3500 books but only being able to sort them by author, title, and "most recent first."



EDIT: AMAZON HAS NOW GIVEN ALL KINDLE USERS THE ABILITY TO CREATE "COLLECTIONS." THIS LETS YOU ORGANIZE YOUR BOOKS BY GENRE OR WHATEVER YOU LIKE, SO THAT'S A BIG HELP. HOWEVER, FOR SOME STRANGE REASON, UNLESS YOU RESORT TO FIXES LIKE PUTTING SYMBOLS BEFORE THE COLLECTION NAMES WHEN IN "VIEW BY COLLECTIONS" IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ALPHABETIZE THEM! I WOULD HOPE THAT THIS GETS FIXED IN THE NEAR FUTURE WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE.







I will be fiercely debating with myself in the next week or so, on whether I really want to keep the DX. It is so disappointing. It has the potential of being a really great e-reader...but as it stands now, it isn't. It's OK. But for $489, it should be a lot more than merely OK.



EDIT: I DID END UP RETURNING MY DX THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE PRICE HAS SINCE DROPPED--IT NOW COSTS $379--BUT IT *STILL* ISN'T ALL THAT.'


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Kristin Scott Thomas - english comedy, jessica biel


Between world wars, the Whittaker's estate is sinking; only the iron will of Mrs. Whittaker staves off bankruptcy while she awaits her son John's return from the continent. To her dismay, he brings a bride: an American widow who races cars. The bride, Larita, thinks she and John will visit and then go to London, where he'll work and she'll race. But John is to the manor born, and mother is nothing if not a master at plans and manipulation. Soon it's all-out war between mother and bride, with John's father, a burnt out veteran of the Great War, in the bride's corner ineffectually. Mother has a plan to join with the neighboring estate; only Larita is in her way. Based on the original play by Noel Coward, 'Easy Virtue' encompasses sharp wit, romance and drama; and although it is set in 1920s England, it is far from the typical period drama that might be expected. Biel has a captivating presence, bringing classic Hollywood glamour to the movie. A thoroughly enjoyable British comedy. Easy Virtue

...I know the cost is going to be a killer. To summarize quickly before a long worded review - this is your typical solid Sony BD presentation of a good film, so I suppose one will have to weigh out how much they love the content.



I felt this to be a great comedy presentation of a 1920s Brit piece that came across on Blu beautifully. The English countryside estate (a lovely looking acreage and interior) is filled with a wonderful cast of snobs, naive youth, seasoned work staff, and a comic relief father played perfectly by Colin Firth. He was the strong point of the movie and I laughed almost every time he spoke. The story follows the introduction of an American wife into this mix played adequately by Jessica Biel. As the weeks progress we get to see a spattering of visuals, comedic schticks, and life lessons learned by all until the surprising end. I do not feel the criticism I have read here and elsewhere is valid since this is meant to be a light take on this sociological experiment, yet exquisitely preserved.



The overall colors were a little drab, but some of the landscape exteriors and one interior dance scene showed some vibrancy. The TrueHD was fine, and actually played best when the music was active (which is being interjected often). The supplements were thorough for a film like this, including:

* 5 minutes of 4 deleted scenes - would have been fine left in the film.

* 8:30 minutes of bloopers - they were actually funny and seemed appropriate for the extras inclusion since this was a humorous film.

* 6 minute New York Premiere Featurette - more of an ad plug with some red carpet interviews and too many film clips.

* Commentary by the director and writer - this was actually one of the better ones I have heard in some time. The director dominates the track with a plethora of great info, and the writer actually provides a solid back-up to his material; they gelled just right. Was nice to hear a team on a commentary instead of a competition or a mess of constant interruptions.



I liked the film and it plays very well in the store. The display catches a great deal of attention with the props, music and attire, plus everyone performs quite well. Four for the film and one for the extras. Did not see the original material (play, book) to compare so I think all the negative press is misplaced as a stand alone film, and Biel was not that bad - she did fine for what the role was. Enjoy.

I loved watching this movie. If you have seen some of Noel Cowards work done before (Relative Values), you'll remember the humor he brings to the plate. Stephan Elliot truly had his hands full with four great cast members! You will laugh, you will be upset, you will be astonished and that it what makes this movie such fun to watch! It's been described as "meet the very posh british parents" but I think it's much, much more. And, a great performance of the Tango done by Jessica Biel and Colin Firth!

I am always looking for a movie that I can watch that will entertain me and sometimes, help chase away the blues. I am generally not a romance movie fan, so I nearly passed this movie by. I did watch this movie however, and boy was I glad that I did. The plot very entertaining and the scenery, the clothes, the actors were all eye candy. The music selected for the movie helped set the tone. Was it a socially important movie? No, not unless you think that bringing a smile or laugh to someone has value (which obviously I do.) This movie is what it is. You either get it...or you don't. A big thumbs up, in my book.

"Easy Virtue" made it to number 95 on The London Times List of 100 Worst Films of 2008. Based on the play written by Noel Coward in 1924 (when he was only 25 years old), the film borrows a lot of lines from the original nearly verbatim. However, the end result departs vastly from the intent of the playwright and criminally underuses the dramatic talents of Collin Firth (the Father) and Kristin Scott Thomas (the Mother). But, let's start at the beginning:



An adventurous American widow (Biel) marries a very young scion of English landed gentry (Ben Barnes, who in real life is actually one year older then Biel; they try to pull off Biel's "cougar" illusion by dying her hair grey and blond). The lad introduces his new bride to the family and all hell breaks loose. Unsurprisingly to the viewer, the match is ill-conceived and ends just like we think it is going to end... though not until we have been treated to some predictable familiar hi-jinx, a stiff tango and, well... an equally stiff Chihuahua.



While the play clearly delivers Coward's views on rampant hypocrisy amongst better off English classes, the point our filmmakers are trying to make is not equally obvious. The script seems downright schizophrenic, as if the writer could not decide whether he was writing a comedy, a drama, a romance, a "who dun the Chihuahua", or something else all together. Instead of loathing, we feel pity for the supposed "bad guy", the lad's mother. With a disinterested cheat for a husband and a twit for a son, she is single-handedly trying to preserve what is left of the family's dignity and fortune. What a lonely task that is... Verdict: the script fails this film BIG TIME! It is difficult then to blame Biel for her character's vacuity of emotions. Lacking personal charisma and unsupported by the script, the actress fails to project the strength of a protagonist. The veterans, Firth and Thomas, have nothing to do but go thru the motions of displaying boredom and British stiff upper lip, respectively.



Easy Virtue is not void of saving graces: there are some witty dialog exchanges, mainly taken from the play itself, and of course there are the breathtaking sets, the costumes, and the jazz era music that make the film worthy of a one time view. Alas, another sublimely balanced "Gosford Park" this is NOT... - Ben Barnes - Kristin Scott Thomas - Jessica Biel - English Comedy'


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Kristin Scott Thomas - english comedy, jessica biel ben barnes Kristin Scott Thomas - english comedy, jessica biel