Sunday, 12 December 2010
Great Coffee - great coffee, percolators
Perked coffee is old school, to be sure, but a well-made cup of percolated brew is robust and satisfying in a way that drip coffee isn't. Not only does the percolation process provide a deeper and fuller mouth, I think, but a percolator, bubbling away, is a lovely sight and sound. If you don't like perked coffee, don't bother with any percolator. But if you are interested in something other than drip brew, consider this Farberware percolator. I'm not one to ooh and ahh over design, but this is a darned handsome piece of kitchen equipment. Take a look and the large picture and I will spare you the adjectives. :)The stainless steel construction makes it sturdier and heftier than thin-metal percolators you might buy in the camping gear section of a chain store. While the name "Yosemite" evokes coffee bubbling over a campfire, I'd probably not use this on a wood fire to avoid blackening. I mean, this thing really is shiny and pretty. But as heavy-duty as it is, perhaps it would clean up well.It's a capacious pot, making eight cups of coffee. The interior basket and rod are well made, fitting tightly together and clamping in place with the lock-down lid. It makes more coffee than my old electric percolator, but it does take up a burner on the stove-top.Lastly, should you buy this unit, remember: Perked coffe may be good, but it's a danged sight hotter than drip brew. Of course, you'll probably figure that out for yourself... Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Percolator
I have never had a percolator before I bought this Farberware percolator. I have always had drip coffee makers, which were ok, but expensive and I was trying to get away from plastic in the kitchen. I read all the reviews here and decided at this price I couldn't really go wrong and I was right. The Yosemite percolator makes a very smooth cup of coffee.A few things I have learned:Coarser ground coffee leaves less residue in the pot.I use a regular coffee filter and just poke a hole through the middle to stop any grounds from getting into the coffee.I turn my burner on high until it starts percolating, then down to med-low for approximately 7 minutes.I make sure my handle is not on top of the burner, but rather, just over the edge and it has never gotten hot. I have a smooth top range.After the coffee is done brewing, I pour it into a stainless steel thermos to drink throughout the day.I hand wash my percolator and have had no discoloration or scratching to the surface. You really can't go wrong with this purchase and it is really pretty sitting on the stove, too. I bought another one for camping.
During Hurricane Isabel I had no electricity and was able to make great coffee on my gas stove with this percolator. I use it daily now.
I found a replacement for the plastic top at Fantes.com -- part #11380, "Small Replacement Percolator Glass Top" for $1.99.
see:
http://fantes.com/percolators.htm#tops
If you wash it in the dishwasher, don't use the "heated dry" option as it will leave permanent water stains. Also, I found that this coffee is reheatable [once] and still tastes good, not muddy.
This is my first percolator. I originally bought it as a spacesaver. I have virtually no counterspace in my kitchen and thought it could just stay on my stove, which it does nicely (and it looks nice!). Thankfully, it comes with instructions, for those people like me who have no idea how to brew coffee this way.
I am very impressed with the flavor of the coffee, previously having only made coffee from drip makers and I enjoy not having to bother with filters. A small amount of the ground does end up in the coffee, but it sinks and doesn't affect my enjoyment of it at all... just don't drink the very last bit :) Also the handle stays nice and cool like you'd hope, but you definitely have to be careful not to touch the pot itself. It will burn, as you'd expect any steel pot that just came off the stove to do.
Now, the reason it only got four stars is due to the top. The plastic top of mine is usable, but deformed and difficult to screw in and keep screwed in. I can only assume that this is because it melted slightly early on (I don't remember receiving it that way). It hasn't gotten any worse and I have been using it for at least a year. I don't consider this a deal breaker though, since replacement tops can be bought at any kitchen store for fairly cheap. The lid, as other reviewers have noted, requires a small amount of force to take off. This actually makes me comfortable. I'm not worried that the lid may come off while the coffee is brewing, but that's me. I've never had a problem trying to get it off, but I also don't take the lid off til I'm ready to clean it, so I've never had the experience of being burned because it is on too tight.
Overall I really enjoy this product. It's a great price and as far as I'm concerned, its only shortcoming is a plastic top that can easily be replaced.
I purchased this coffee pot for my Aunt,who was unable
to find a small 6-8 cup percalator type in the stores.
She has used it for four months and is quite satisfied.
"It is very uncomplicated and brews to perfection,"she
stated.She is 93 years old and uses it daily.
I was happy I could find a gift she could use.
This would be a fantastic percolator if it weren't spoiled by the [inexpensive] plastic top that pulls off in your hand. You have to let the whole pot cool down before you can take the lid off. I was looking for great quality from Farberware. I wouldn't have minded paying a little more for a good, reliable, permanent glass top. I REALLY mind paying for a coffee pot that you have to pry the lid off of every time you use it. No good any time of day, but especially first thing in the morning. I threw mine out, and am mad every time I think about it, because I can't find a really good, basic percolator. - Coffee Maker - Coffee Pot - Great Coffee - Percolators'
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Bluetooth Usb - bluetooth usb adapter, bluetooth usb
So far, so great. I wanted something that would allow me to listen to audio coming from my laptop...currently we bicker about her not wanting to hear whatever I have playing on Youtube or whatever while she's cooking dinner or watching TV and I am working.
Or I want to do some work around the house and I want to listen to an online course or workshop...but just playing it on my laptop doesn't cut it since the audio won't project as I move room to room
Enter this product. Could not get any easier to install; even Homer Simpson couldn't screw this up. Just push it into your USB port and you are done. I didn't have to install anything. Worked great with my bluetooth earpiece (Jawbone which I also like). Problem solved. I can now listen to audio on my laptop anytime...whether my wife is watching TV or if I want to wander around our house.
Range seems to be about 30 feet depending on walls. Fairly easy for me to fix however if need be by moving my laptop.
Fantastic product for the price. Medialink - USB Bluetooth Adapter - Windows 7 Compatible (Newest Version Available - Bluetooth Version 3.0 Class 2)
First, let me tell you that I am a very senior citizen, no techie for sure. This is my first experience with Bluetooth technology, and it couldn't be a more satisfying one. Installing my Medialink USB Adapter could not have been easier. I'm using Windows 7 operating system. I simply followed the directions provided with my purchase. I inserted the the mini-disc and was imediately instructed to insert the USB Adapter into the USB port. Presto! Bluetooth was up and running. I then went to the Hardware and Sound Section in my control panel and set the sound default to Bluetooth. I can now get up and move about with out missing a word. The sound quality is terrific, and I am extremely hearing impaired. I love this product. You will too.
When I received this product and saw how small it was I thought the worst. After I plugged it in my usb slot I liked its size because I knew it wouldn't be knocked out easily like the longer flash drives are. Then the test came. It installed so nice and I couldn't believe how good it picked up my Bluetooth cell phone for easy transferring pictures and ringtones, etc. I am so impressed that I just ordered a second one for my printer so I can print copies from my laptop to my printer. Its so amazing how big results come from a small product!
Follow the directions and install the driver first. Installed quickly with out a hitch on two different Vista laptops and an XP PRO at work. The range is actually not bad. I bought a class one to try and get better range, it gave me about two feet. This does just as good a job and for less. I added a Amazon USB extension cable and now I can postion this so I can get better range from either my laptop at home or from my desktop at work. I can use my headset through out the lab at work so I can do the annual online training and still do my job. At home I use it to listen to Pandora through out the house and on to the front porch when I want to smoke. Priced right!
I have had the Medialink Adapter for about two hours, so I am unable to comment on its durability. But I can say that it is basically a plug-and-play piece of hardware. Step 1: plug the small device into a USB port on your pc. Step 2: Wait 30 seconds or so for the drivers to update (assuming you have an internet connection). Your computer is now bluetooth ready. It couldn't be easier. In case you don't have access to the internet, the package includes a disc so you can load the drivers manually. I am happy with this purchase.
Very impressive. As the product description states, this works in both Windows and Mac OSX.
So if your hardware doesn't have Bluetooth built-in, this is what you want. I am using it with my Apple Magic Trackpad.
To get this Bluetooth adapter working in Mac OSX, you do not have to install any software. But be sure to have your Bluetooth devices on and check your Network settings in System Preferences.
this is exactly what i was looking for, a Bluetooth device that plugs in and works. my other devices were unreliable but this one works 100% of the time. thanks for a great product. will definitely buy again in the future.
Have windows 7, plugged it in, windows found a driver, it works. What more can I ask for? Well one thing, when setting up a connection it is kind of quick to decide the attempt failed. WAIT!!! I am still typing in the 8 digit code you gave me, not failed! Okay it may not have been 8 digits(6-9???) but it took me 3 tries to get it(I am not the fastest on the phone keyboard, cut me a break). Other than that no complaints. - Bluetooth Usb Adapter - Bluetooth Usb - Bluetooth Adapter - Bluetooth Dongle'
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Dvd Player Carrying Case - portable dvd case, sony dvd player
This case worked out perfect. I used it on a 10 hour road trip. It held my 9in Sony dvd player perfectly no wigging at all. I hung it over the back of the drivers seat instead of between the front seats where the console is. It even has an inside pocket behind where the dvd player sits that holds any extra stuff. I put my wires and remote for the dvd player in the pocket. Case Logic PDVK-9 7 to 9-Inch In Car Portable DVD Player Case (Black)
I bought this case to use with my Brand new Sony DVP-FX950 and it fits perfectly.
I could store the Portable DVD Player, cables and remote control, everything that I need to keep organized and travel with.
Great quality.
I purchased this case for a nine inch Philips portable DVD player. The fit is very good with enough room on the side to plug-in the AC adapter. I suspect with a 10 inch DVD player, the fit would be tight. Installation was easy. There was one reviewer who commented that too many straps were required. I find this to be untrue. The number of straps is appropriate for stability and using the straps was extremely easy. The case has a separate compartment with plenty of room for additional AC adapters, DVDs, remote control, manuals, unused straps. Since security is a concern for some people and you may not wish to leave your DVD player in the vehicle unnecessarily, this carrying case is very convenient because you simply need to release the Velcro belt loop from the main horizontal strap, unsnap the two straps at the bottom, and your DVD player and case will be free in a matter of seconds. I would highly recommend this carrying case and if I ever need to get another DVD player, I would definitely purchase this item again.
Bought this to go with SOny 9 inch DVD player (950). Easy to mount in car. Could use a bit more storage space for extra DVD's but accommodates straps and cables with ease. DVD player fits good, the only problem is plugging in the AC Adaptor. But i managed to plug it in while mounted in the car, with a little tweaking.
I like the quality that I received for the money but the straps are kind of complicated and messy. They should have a better system not only for the car but in general to use it like outdoors. But overall you can protect your DVD player and somehow display it inside the bag.
I love this carrier. It is very easy to use. I like to take our dvd player down when I am nervous it could attract someone to break in our car. WIth this carrier is so easy to take off and hide it under my seat. It hold the player securely and stores a few dvds behind it. - Sony Dvd Player - Portable Dvd Case - Dvd Player Carrying Case'
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Micro Usb Cable - usb cable, usb
I bought this USB cable to plug my cell phone into its charger as well as into my computer. It won't stay in.
The Micro B end of the cable has a very huge box around it, which works ONLY IF the device you're plugging it into has a flat area around the edges. If your cell phone has a slight slant to the outer casing of the USB port, it will not fit in at all, or will constantly slide off.
The cable really should have had a narrow end, it really shouldn't be necessary to have a thick end on the cable! AmazonBasics USB Cable - 2.0 A Male to Micro B (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
When I was looking for a set of cables to charge my EVO 4g I looked at Sprint and then here. Amazon provides the same high quality as any OEM material at a price that can't be beat. I was able to purchase 3 of these cables and a car charger for the price of ONE charger through Sprint.
Pros
- they work; not all the cables you can buy at Amazon actually work for PC-phone data (hint - cheap, 1 meter long)
- build quality is fine
- the micro B end connector label is raised, which makes it easy to plug it in by feel; this is saving my phone jack lots of abuse
Cons
- these would be cheaper and generate way less trash if they shipped in bubble envelopes
Each of my two cables was packaged in its own cigar box. The cigar boxes came in an enormous box filled with lots of little air bags so nothing could rattle. I was astonished when I found my back-ordered cables inside. I thought I'd be in trouble for opening something my wife ordered.
I purchased 4 of these cables from amazon. Have received many of their basic usb cables before and been satisfied. Two of the four cables fried out from shorted wiring. Just the large usb was plugged in and nothing on the micro side. Have returned them and would not recommend these micro usb cables.
I bought this to replace a Kindle cord that broke within the first couple of weeks. This has also quit working after only a weeks worth of use. I'm done with Amazon made cords. I have owned three kindle cords that all quit working within a month. This one was even worse.
I will be moving to a more expensive and hopefully much more reliable product. - Usb Cables - Usb - Usb Cable - Cable'
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Certified Organic Grocery
I have been getting soy for my boys 8 & 10 with milk allergies and happened upon Zen Soy on Amazon. I loved the panda and thought let's try it. One of the best buying decisions I have ever made. My boys and I so love Zen Soy. The smooth creamy taste is awesome. They say it tastes just like ice cream. Now they request Zen Soy and say not other will do. My 10 year old said to never buy Silk again, he only wants Zen Soy.
I drink soymilk on a daily basis, but I usually buy the unsweetened variety. While this product is both affordable and portable, it is also extremely sweet. If you're not used to the super sweetness in your cereal, it might come as a surprise. It isn't un-tasty, but I wouldn't drink it everyday due to concerns of cavities and an upset belly.
Great to have handy in car while on the go. Requires no refrigeration. All flavors are very tasty.ZenSoy, Soy On The Go Chocolate, Organic Soy Milk, 8.25-Ounce Aseptic Packages (Pack of 15)ZenSoy, Soy On The Go Cappuccino, USDA Certified Organic Soy Milk, 8.25-Ounce Unit (Pack of 15)
ZenSoy has won me over as the best soy milk available. Ask my 7 kids (some of whom refuse to call it "soymilk" and prefer "soyjuice" as a more adequate name), and they all can agree ZenSoy tastes more like real milk... and even if they don't think it's like real milk, they still want it!
I prefer not to use containers that I can't recycle but sometimes you do what you can. These travel well and I prefer the taste over silk very vanilla. It seems a little less sweet. I don't drink them often so I'm not concerned with the sugar or calorie content.
I read 10 reviews that said this was the greatest soy milk product and 1 review that said it had a funny after taste and recommended the Silk Soy. I have to agree with the one review. I'm not sure what it is but it has almost a medicinal taste. I was ordering Silk but the subscription service on Silk Vanilla Soy was cancelled by Amazon. I'm not sure why. I tried this brand but it really is not a good substitute.
Who knew?
I received this yesterday and my 5 year old has already drank 3 boxes! We were supposed to take this on our road trip, and now I have to order more since we won't have enough! She is lactose-intolerant and this is a great alternative that doesn't require refrigeration. It doesn't taste like many of the soy milk I've tried and my husband and I enjoy it also! Highly recommend this product.
We love ZenSoy's Soy-On-The-Go soy milk! It's really convenient, with single-serving packages. Great for school lunches or any on-the-go situations. And, an easy go-to healthy drink for kids to grab at home. The packaging, with the cute panda on the box, is something that anyone can appreciate, especially kids with an interest in a "greener" planet.
Initially, we purchased this product for my son's milk allergy, but we all love it. We would buy this product even if food allergies were not an issue. It's a great choice. Consistently yummy and easy to enjoy.
I must admit I was a silk devotee as it was the best of all the brands I tried, and I tried just about all of them. Amazon was out of stock of it once and so was I so I tried Zen Soy; haven't been back since.'
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Pete Postlethwaite
Ben Affleck returns to his old stomping grounds--the working class neighborhoods of Boston--for his second directorial effort "The Town." A solidly constructed crime thriller, "The Town" is at its most successful when it's exploring the specific dynamics of the area in question. Affleck has a sense of the place, the language and rhythm of its inhabitants, that lend an authenticity to the film that elevate it beyond typical genre fare.
That's why he has achieved success working in an area and with characters identifiable to his own upbringing. His previous Boston efforts include "Good Will Hunting" (a screenplay Oscar for Affleck) and "Gone Baby Gone" (Affleck's acclaimed first feature as a director). "Gone Baby Gone," in many ways a standard detective plot, was a huge revelation for being surprisingly hard edged and cynical (it helps to be adapted from a Dennis Lehane book with similar qualities)--and it is that cynicism that made it one of my favorite films of its year.
Now adapting Chuck Hogan's "Prince of Thieves," Affleck casts himself as the stoic lead Doug MacRay. Raised in the Charlestown area, MacRay has been unable to break away from the legacy of his youth, his father, and local crime bosses. He runs a successful crew in robbing banks and armored cars. On a job gone wrong, a bank manager (Rebecca Hall) is temporarily taken hostage. When MacRay's best friend on the job (Jeremy Renner) becomes concerned she might know something to identify them--Affleck sets off to observe her as she lives uncomfortably close to the crew. But getting a little too cozy, he starts to idealize her as an opportunity to escape the life he now feels trapped in. One more big score and maybe he can get a fresh start.
Affleck plays the role with a tight lipped intensity and calm. It's left to the dynamic Renner to provide the menace and unpredictability within this tale. Turning on a dime, Renner is terrific here (as he almost always is--even in lesser films). Small roles by Chris Cooper, Blake Lively, and Pete Postlethwaite help illuminate how MacRay, while basically a decent guy, went wrong. Jon Hamm adepts himself well as MacRay's FBI foil. The cast is uniformly excellent, the action sequences are well choreographed, and the grittiness feels real and alive. However, the romance between Affleck and Hall (so inherent to the plot) is actually the least successful element of the film. The biggest lapse of logic comes after Affeck has identified that he's being tailed by the FBI. Instead of laying low--both for her sake and to appear uninvolved--Affleck continues to date Hall openly, even lunching in a sidewalk cafe. And when she learns the truth, I'm not sure her character has been developed sufficiently to make her choices appear logical.
In the scope of the picture, however, these are small gripes. "The Town" is most assuredly a successful and rich thriller for adult audiences. Affleck displays range and restraint as a director--and if that's not enough, there's a terrific cast working at the top of their game! Check it out! KGHarris 9/10. The Town
I went into this movie knowing absolutely about it, there was little advance hoopla that I can recall, that usually accompanies a major motion picture.
The idea of mask wearing, semi automatic toting nuns at once seems invigorating and slightly surreal, but the viciousness, and sloppy impulse control of one of the robbers played brilliantly by Jeremy Renner (of Hurt Locker) immediately brings us crashing into the reality of what's happening.
These hardened ruthless criminals hide behind a funny mask, and will eliminate anyone who gets in their way. So they kidnap the attractive female bank manager played adorably by Rebecca Hall for leverage, and let her go.
Upon checking her drivers license, and discovering she lives in their neighborhood, the psycho wants her eliminated to cover their tracks. Ben Affleck's character takes the card and decides to investigate her, and discover what she knows. One thing leads to another, and the lives of everyone involved starts to move in ever decreasing circles as the FBI investigation starts closing in.
The story is brilliantly told, and the theater audience responded to the irony of the conversations between the criminal and his unknowing victim.
Ben Affleck's character seems a little at odds with his criminal life, and you wonder why he is a bank robber, nevertheless he has a well developed dark side, and is very resourceful, resourceful enough to be the the architect.
But you also get the sense that here is a guy could go straight if he chose to, and that dilemma of wonder is what makes this movie so great. He makes the good choice of distancing himself from an addicted ex girlfriend, yet makes bad choices as well. But in order to get to that place of going straight he is forced to make criminal but understandable choices, some of which may surprise you.
You can tell that this is somewhat of a passion project. The movie is set in Boston as was Goodwill Hunting for which he won the Oscar for Best screenplay with Matt Damon. Here Affleck shows he is perhaps the under admired element of that partnership as he wears not only a mask but the multiple hats of Director, Actor, and Writer, and as the architect of this movie pulls all those elements together.
The Town is one of those movies that just works on every level, without falling into the trap of just another formula caper movie. In some ways the mask wearing robbers reminded me of the the Presidential mask wearing robbers of Point Break (Pure Adrenaline Edition)starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves.
As I think back on the best movies of the last several months I think of the over the top antics in Machete, the intellectual stimulation of Inception, and now the mystery and dilemmas of The Town. The Town manages to convey some Indie style while not following the typical Hollywood formula.
It would be remiss not to mention the brilliant ensemble cast, Jon Hamm of Mad Men as the FBI agent, and Jeremy Renner. Particularly though I found Rebecca Hall to be an amazing and beautiful talent. According to the imdb star meter her popularity has risen 570% in the past week. She also starred as Vicky in the Woody Allen movie Vicky Christina Barcelona, and I predict her star will continue to rise.
If you like this movie I think you will also love Point Break [Blu-ray]The Bank Job, and The Lookout, a personal favorite.
And at the end of the movie the audience applauded. I hope this was helpful. This is definitely one to catch in the theater. I think you will love it.'
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Laptop Bags - cover, macbook case
I was really excited to finally get a good hard shell cover for my Mac and one in such a vibrant color. I've gotten a ton of compliments on it already. Putting it on my laptop was very easy, just a few snaps, and taking it off for cleaning is also not difficult. The small inclining feet on the bottom do help with ventilation. My only tiny complaint is that the bottom part seems to adjust a tad especially when I lift it. I notice that one side frequently detaches a teeny bit, although this only requires a quick press to the side and it's back to being great. While I would like to give this project 5 stars, the fact that I am still a tad curious about the fit on the bottom piece makes me give it 4 stars instead. Still highly recommended though, especially in comparison to some of the other very expensive and tricky covers that are sold. GREEN mCover® Hard Shell Case for 13-inch aluminum A1278 MacBook Pro (13.3-inch diagonal screen, Black Keyboard)
I love the color and sleek look. Have had many compliments on this. My only complaint is that the case interferes with the power adapter so that it cam only be attached one way into the port, obstructing the Ethernet port. Thus when I need acces via Ethernet I can not charge the laptop.
I have never bought a cover for my mac and therefore gave mCover a chance. It has a simple look, the color is also great since I'm a fan of green. The product snapped easily to my mac and has not come off since. Since it has been on, I've bumped my mac while carrying it throughout the house such as a door. Although they were accidents, the cover fulfilled its job description on protecting my computer. I couldn't ask for more, I am extremely happy I purchased this cover for my mac.
I love the green color of this case. The cover was very easy to snap into place, but the fit seems to be just a tad "off." Whenever I open my MacBook Pro, it makes a sound as if the top and bottom covers were rubbing against each other. I think this cover needs to go back to the drawing board for a little adjustment, so that the opening of the laptop is quieter, without that rubbing sound.
Of all the accessories I ordered for my MacBook Pro, this was the one I was most looking forward to - I guess I allowed others' reviews of it to create greater expectations then it deserved, imo. It does what it's supposed to, it protects the unit; but I have since found myself wondering why I would take such a beautiful piece of equipment & cover it with cheap looking plastic?!! Yes, I want to keep the MBP protected and looking nice, especially since I'm hard on things, but I think I'd be much happier with a sleeker looking cover, even if it means a greater cost. [addition: since posting this review, I did look at others and found one I LOVE for just $5 more; I'll be selling this one very soon! I won't adjust my rating for this one; the fault is not with the product, but with my preferences and tastes; I would just suggest to prospective buyers that you think about how you want your elegant MPB to look with a cover, if you're not picky, this is a great bargain, and the choice of colors is good; if you want a little more style, there are nicer alternatives for just a little more $$]
The fit is good, although every time I open it I feel like I'm going to snap it off; it hasn't happened (yet), but that just adds to my overall hesitancy of the product. As others have pointed out, the plastic feet are hard to move up & down; seems that metal clips would have been of better use here, those could at least be 'replaced' or rigged if they broke off, whereas the plastic ones, once broken would not be easy to fix. I don't see myself using them much, if at all, so this isn't a concern for me, but it might be very important to someone else.
When I first bought my macbook pro I looked at the cases apple sold. They were too expensive and I didn't want to spend $50 on one. I looked on ebay and found these. My friend bought one last year and it fit perfectly and also came with a silicone keyboard. I decided to buy one also and for my sister too. I love how theres tabs on the bottom so you can raise the laptop from overheating. Saves me money from buying a laptop cooler.
I bought my mom this case to protect her new MacBook Pro, and when she received it she was amazed! She LOVED it! AND, what's more, she was able to put it on properly all by herself... which amazed ME! It looks great, fits great and even protects great! I had a lot more selection with mCover and I *personally* like the fact that it cost less than HALF the price of the more famous brands sold at nearly every Mac outlet!
I had been searching for a cover to go on my macbook for a really long time when I ran across this one. Green is my favorite color, so of course that's the one I chose. I couldn't be happier! It snaps on super easy (even my 3 year old knows how to do it) and it looks great. I love how you can still see the apple. The only downside, which is not a big deal, is that one of the legs that help set up the macbook gets stuck sometimes. All you have to do is wiggle it a little and it goes back straight. Several people have commented on how nice this cover looks and some even thought I had purchased a new computer. I highly recommend getting one of these, not only for personality, but for the longevity of your computer as well. - Green - Case - Cover - Macbook Case'
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cover Laptop Bags - cover, macbook case
Chicago - chainsaw sharpeners, chicago
The motor vibrates and causes the chain to change positions when grinding. All plastic allows for too much tolerance in critical positioning of the chain. Hence, some links are ground deeper than others because the plastic flexes too much. No way to positively set both left and right links exactly the same depth. Took it back to Harbor Freight and got my money back. Bench or Wall-mount Electric Chain Saw Sharpener
THIS IS a very generic sharpener marketed under a number of names. Price varies from 25.00 to 75.00-- all the same. Is it cheap? Yea. Does it work? You bet! You have to understand the mechanical setup that grinds to the stationary chain. With care and practice, you can do nearly as good as a 250.00 machine. And that is infinitely better than you can hand-file, and most of the time you are cutting with the saw. The slight imperfections that might occur due to vibration and play in the grinding arm are insignificant once you learn the machine. I have sharpened 100s of chains with one of these units. No complaints yet. I actually modified mine to accept 4 1/2" grinding wheels. That gives me a huge range of grits, wheel thickness, which I use to coarse grind damaged chains. While the adjusting knobs and chain clamp/vise are flimsy; they can be cinched down to work. For a homeowner, this unit is fine for the price less than 30.00. Cutting with sharp, balanced chains makes for a better running saw. That saves you time and money. If you have this tool you will likely keep 2-3 spare chains sharp; and that will last most of you guys, a lifetime.
This is way faster and more accurate than sharpening by hand. If I wanted to sharpen chains for a living I would have a $600 machine, but for my purpose this is fine. The plastic casing does allow some flex. A little practice and patience and it works just fine.
For 29.95 this is a very good sharpener. It is not as exact as a high price sharpener, but if you pay attention and use some creativity in retarding the chain movement it does a great job. Yes, it is more work than a $100+ machine and perhaps not as exact, but if you want that quality of sharpening, then of course spend the extra money. For my use around the farm this is a great machine at the price.
I have mounted two of these sharpeners, one with the stock 1/8" wheel, and one with a 3/16" wheel, for .375" chain and 3/8" chain. I agree with some reviewers that the unit is flexible. By that I mean that by applying pressure you can grind deeper, or grind out more of the tooth. This is actually an advantage; when one tooth has been damaged, you can grind away a little more tooth (and make up for it next sharpening.). When I'm out harvesting firewood, I use a Husky 61 for felling and bucking, and a Shindaiwa 357 for limbing. I keep an extra sharpened chain with me for each saw.
Before firewood season, I sharpen about 8 chains for each saw. I first go thru and sharpen all the left hand cutters, then switch the grinders over and sharpen all the right hand cutters. With a little practise you can get good on this grinder.
Critical components such as the chain stop arm and the grinder head stop are made of thin, extremely flexible plastic which in the case of the chain stop arm permits a side-to-side flexion of 1/4", rendering the entire tool utterly worthless for the intended task. Either pay more for a significantly higher quality chain grinder or continue using your file, which although time-consuming at least allows you to sharpen the chain teeth correctly. Also consider the Dremel chain-sharpening attachment, which allows similar accuracy as a file but with far greater speed. A waste of money, and yes it's made in China.
Cheap, flimsy piece of junk, and I only say "junk" so that my review doesn't get deleted. I've bought a ton of stuff from HF through the years, a lot of it I still have and use from time to time. This thing is way below HF's usual standards. I know how to sharpen a chain, yet my saw would not cut much better after I used this thing than it did beforehand. I think the problem is that there is so much flex that I cannot get a consistent angle from tooth to tooth. I'd rather do it by hand than use this thing; I'm going to spend about $100 and get a decent one. Don't waste your time or money with this thing. - Chainsaw Sharpeners - Chicago'
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Shoot Digital Cameras
The pictures come out really well and almost professional looking. The camera responds well, feels really comfortable in the hand, with the controls easily accessible and responsive. I was looking for an inexpensive camera like the Nikon P100 but without too many picture taking compromises and without AA batteries. So the X90 fits the bill, yet, the missing lens thread, manual pop-up flash and the childish scene options interface make it a bit awkward overall. I am tempted to keep it though because it is pretty fast in startup, while less so in flash charging, light weight and capable of tremendous zoom. It looks great here on Amazon but rather amateurish once I opened the box. Of course, I shouldn't expect that much from a camera in this price range, and perhaps I should just appreciate the terrific picture quality this baby is capable of - so thanks Pentax, a job well done albeit it a bit lacking in some regards, Wish I really could have that Fuji E900 in an upgraded version, but the Pentax X90 will do for now.
UPDATED
After taking a number of shots with the camera over the past few weeks I can say that it performs remarkably well. Sure, it's not a professional camera but the clarity is astounding at this price point. The image stabilization is world class IMHO. Both at macro and tele, the camera performs excellently. There were a few situations in which it underperformed. A friend's Samsung P&S was able to get better backlit portrait shots (the background came out much better - but that same Samsung did a terrible job with any other portrait shot so Pentax left it far in the dust overall), and I had to adjust the flash to -2.0 to reduce the strength. The default settings of the camera have the flash set for super bright and white balance to wash out most colors. This is adjustable once I became familiar with the menu options. What I really, really like about it is that it remembers all your custom settings. I have one at Program, Scene, and Manual. Each time I want to take three different shots to get a variety of results in difficult lighting conditions, all I have to do is turn the dial to another mode and it automatically returns to my previous setting. When I couldn't get a good outdoor portrait shot of my wife, I turned to Manual mode, adjusting the aperture such that I got good exposure with the flash and in the background. The options are virtually endless! The camera says it's made in Indonesia if that is important to you. Excellent job Pentax!
PROS
Numerous customization options for the beginner and advance amateur
Superb image stabilization
Relatively small size
Excellent fit and grip for average size hands
Excellent image quality for the price
Li-Ion battery for large number of shots
CONS
Awkward menu options, takes many clicks to get what you want (but that's too be expected considering how many options there are)
Awkward lens cap (comes off easily)
Build quality average, when you shake the camera you can feel the lens moving about a little
Charging unit comes with separate cord. The plug should have been built in for easier carrying (like Panasonic in same price class).
No lens thread. This is actually a major disadvantage because a polarizing filter could make lots of outdoor pictures with this camera much better than they already are. In this economy, Pentax should have taken the trouble to put a thread in, even if it were plastic, IMHO.
UPDATED JANUARY 12, 2011
Since Amazon has it back in stock, let me expand a bit on my experience with it. After several months of extensive use, I no longer find the lens cap issue to be a big problem. Even though I put the camera right into a shoulder bag with other items or in a backpack or briefcase, the lens has yet to get scratched by anything. The cap comes off quite easily, but that's actually an advantage too, I flip it off with a finger of the same hand that's holding it. The viewfinder is excellent and gives you all the info you need. I make much more use of it then I thought in the beginning.
Image quality in wide angle mode is pretty amazing overall. The only problem I find is with the panoramic function. It could be just me but I have the hardest time lining up the overlapping parts. The camera guides me through the process so it should be a piece of cake but the results are always off somehow.
Now that I live close to the beach I take more wildlife and surfing pictures. Chromatic aberration is noticeable especially at the longest zoom setting in higher contrast situations. I love the long zoom, rarely do I take pictures in between the wide angle and farthest zoom setting.
VIDEO
I have yet to get any useful video out of the camera. It's always overexposed and jittery. Don't buy this if you're planning to shoot video with it! Pentax X90 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 26x Super-Telephoto Triple Shake Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD'
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Starter Sets - starter sets, manduka yoga mat
This is the best yoga mat in town.
It is a sturdy rubber mat similar to industrial fatigue mats for hard floors.
The Black Mat pro is a perfect yoga mat.
A closed cell rubber, it is easy to keep clean and looks good too.
After a little break-in, the mat grip improves and is a pleasure for my Yoga practice.
The mat has a lifetime gurantee and you can't go wrong here.
The mat: Lays flat, nice grip, and won't fold under the weight of a real man.
I am over 6 feet tall and decided on this size vs. the huge 84 inch mat.
In a perfect world, another 3 inches would have nailed it. It's fine overall.
You do get extra width on both sizes and that is great for flow positions.
Since the mat is transported daily to the studio, I wanted some portability.
Women like it too.
Included here, a large Manduka MatSak. Nicely constructed, with large dual compartmens. There is also a zippered net compartment for keys, wallet etc.. The main bag area has plenty of room for the mat.
The 2nd main compartment can carry accessories or even a change of clothes.
A Natural cotton strap is of high quality along with a heavy duty buckle.
Woven for strength and comfort, this is a super strap.
Need a block? They even include a natural cork block. More top shelf quality.
A sweet set-up of pro level yoga gear, from the best name in Yoga equipment.
This is a nice value which should satisfy most yogis.
Namaste! Manduka Black Mat Pro Deluxe Yoga Package (Graphite, Thunder)
The Black Mat is a very high quality mat - I attend a minimum of five yoga classes/week, so this mat gets plenty of use. At the start, there is a finish that will make this mat very slippery with the least amount of sweat, but by lightly scrubbing the surface, and with regular use, the finish will wear off. The mat will still be slippery with lots of sweat, so if you perspire a lot (like I do) you will need to invest in mat towel.
Some people have had trouble with the zipper on the bag, but it has been trouble-free for me for seven months now. There is a second pocket that I can fit my strap and mat towel in.
The block is very useful. I'll use it after a long day of hunching over my computer at work by placing it between my shoulder blades and laying back with my arms over my head for a slight backbend. I did need to buy another to practice press-up handstands, but I got that one in a Gold Box deal!
The strap is great! Using it, I was able to teach myself to go into Eka Pada Rajakapotasana. Love this prop!
All-in-all this is a great deal on some very high-quality yoga gear.
I'm a yoga instructor & I have tried many, many yoga mats over the years. The Manduka Black Mat Pro is like the Cadillac of yoga mats, but generally with the price tag to go with it. I think it is phenomenal that Amazon offers this package! The mat is perfect, the bag is not only high-quality, but it looks great & is very useful with the additional side zipper to carry keys, mat cleaner, whatever! The block is super high quality, as is the strap. One of my favorite Amazon purchases ever!!
This is a great package. Manduka rarely goes on sale and will last forever, so it's an investment in your practice for a long time! I got this package super cheap when there must have been a freak pricing error, but even at the $121 I would have bought it.
The mat's extra 2" width makes it feel very stable. It will last forever. Remember to wipe it down prior to your first use so you get the stickiness right off the bat. I still use a yogitoes skidless on it for Ashtanga, but I sweat a lot. It feels great and it very supportive, way better than other decent mats I've had before. I can also do standing balancing poses on it even though it's 1/4" thick, which is great.
The bag is awesome. Well made though the zipper sticks a bit. It has two long, zippered pockets plus a stash pouch for keys, etc. So much better than the crazy-making cinch-top designs that pull on the rubber of the mat! I like the fig color ok.
I would recommend this package, though you might need two blocks to get started if you're doing lifts and/or restorative poses. Be sure you get the exact same ones if you do purchase another block!
How do you know the difference between a good company and a great one? The great ones are the ones that make good on their errors. My order was wrong and the correct items were lot available for weeks. I was pretty upset with the order but online fitness went above and beyond to make sure I was happy. I recommend them because everyone makes mistakes but not everyone admits it and does whatever they can to make the customer happy. - Yoga Mats - Starter Sets - Manduka Yoga Mat - Yoga Mat'
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Wireless Network - streaming, blu-ray
Having reviewed previous LG Blu-ray players, including the vaunted BD390, our expectations for the BD570 were pretty high and happily, LG does not disappoint. While some of LG's competitors (notably Pioneer and Sharp), think audio/video performance is the only thing that matters, LG embraces the idea that convenience and choice of media and distribution format are also important to many consumers. So the BD570 includes one of the richest media playback offerings of any Blu-ray player, including internet streaming from Netflix, CinemaNow, VUDU and Pandora. The player also supports DLNA networking so it can access audio and video files on a home network as well. For those who have a library of videos on their computers, the BD570 supports Divx, Xvid and MKV files as well as a number of other formats and codecs.
As far as load times are concerned, the BD570's are decent but not winning any speed records. It offers a 17 second overall bootup time (while it loads all of the aforementioned content options in the menu) - this makes it 3 seconds faster than the Pioneer BDP-320 which offers no multimedia options. Standard DVDs load in about 12 seconds, Blu-rays in 23 seconds, and BD-JAVA-heavy Blu-ray Discs like "Pirates of the Caribbean" in 32 seconds. This is pretty close to parity with the fastest models of 2009 (including OPPO's BDP-83) but it seems like they could have improved things a bit with this whole new generation of players.
In terms of performance, the BD570 delivers Blu-ray Discs in excellent audio and video clarity (as it should), and performs most of the difficult tasks of DVD upconversion right as well - excellent diagonal filtering and 3:2 cadence detection, for example. But it does not handle noisy source material very well (its noise reduction processing could use some work). Overall, as a DVD upconverter, it's very good but not outstanding.
What is outstanding is the built-in 802.11b/g/n WiFi wireless networking. For us this worked right our of the box connecting to our wireless router, and streaming VUDU's 1080p HDX movies like nobody's business. And although the remote looks almost upside down compared to many other BD player remotes, the button layout is actually quite comfortable with the most popular buttons in easy reach of your thumb, and transport buttons (play/pause/FF/REW) raised and angled for improved ergonomics.
Overall, with its built-in WiFi, DLNA networking, multimedia playback and internet streaming offerings, combined with solid Blu-ray playback, the BD570 offers a good blend of performance and convenience for a fairly affordable price. Our complete review of the BD570 is available on Big Picture Big Sound (dot com). LG BD570 Network Blu-ray Disc Player
I have been waiting for this to come out for a few weeks now (seems like longer). I am tired of using stereo cables and s-video to connect my laptop to my TV every time I want to watch something from my computer. I looked for other "home media server" options originally, and ultimately found a Samsung product similar to this one. It seemed great at first, but after reading some reviews I was skeptical. Then, C-NET reported the imminent release of the LG BD750, which they saw at the 2010 CES.
The best features in my opinion, aside from the fact that it plays Blu-ray discs, is that it can stream Netflix right out of the box and also stream media from your networked computers. I set up the BD570 last night and played around with it a little. DVD playback seemed fine. Setting up the Wi-Fi connection wasn't too difficult, either. It would have been much easier if our Wi-Fi SSID were being broadcast. Also, toggling to upper case letters on the on-screen keyboard for SSID/password input wasn't immediately obvious. The built-in Wi-Fi is a definite plus, though; the Samsung I was looking at came with a Wi-Fi dongle that you had to plug in via USB and set up (seems like Wi-Fi was an afterthought). If your modem or router/access point is located close enough to your entertainment center, you could even connect the LG via Ethernet for even better streaming throughput.
Setting up Netflix was a cinch. They provide you with an activation code; you log into your Netflix account on your computer and type in the code, and presto. You can then browse through your Instant Queue, or browse by category, etc. (Other products with similar features, don't let you watch un-queued movies. That is, you have to add them manually on your computer before they appear on your TV queue.) The quality seemed pretty decent--perhaps slightly more pixelated than hooking up my laptop Netflix stream to the TV via s-video. This might just be a matter of tweaking aspect ratio settings on the TV and/or BD player. Also, the movie cover art seemed a bit slow in loading while browsing through titles, but no biggie.
Streaming shared media on network computers via LG's Home Link feature works great, but it took a bit of tweaking to get it set up. A couple of different shared items appeared immediately when I loaded Home Link. One was labeled "COMPUTERNAME/Username" and the other was a directory of all shared documents. The former was some form of "media server" protocol, which I couldn't get to work (I tried enabling media streaming in Windows 7 settings, to no avail). The latter directory tree, once opened, showed all empty folders (Documents, Pictures, Movies, Downloads--i.e., all "My Documents" sub-folders, but all empty). I had "Homegroup" sharing enabled for a number of different folders in Windows 7 settings, but Home Link couldn't access their contents until I added "Guest" as a user in the Share settings for specific folders. Once that was done, I was instantly able to browse and stream movies, music, and pictures. I tested a couple of DivX and MP3 files, and they seemed to run great.
All of this file-sharing trouble may be my unfamiliarity with the new Windows 7 networking lingo and how to configure settings properly without sharing everything with the world. Others may find it much easier to connect and stream media. Also, bundled with the LG player is a disc containing some Nero software called Home Essentials, I believe. It's a way to share files over a network using DLNA. I'm not sure how it works, or whether it's any good, but now that I've got Windows networking figured out, I might leave good enough alone.
Overall, my impression of the BD570 is very positive. The only reason I've given this only 4 stars is the slightly cumbersome nature of the setup process for home networking, and because some of the language used in the menus is not 100% clear (not overly technical, just poor English). We have had very good experiences with LG products--bought an LG fridge, washer, and dryer in the past 6 months or so--and I'm so far pretty pleased with this new addition. As the first to review the product, at least on here, I hope people will find my experience and remarks useful.
One final caveat: I have not tested any of the other Internet-enabled functions, such as Pandora, YouTube, etc. If they're anything like the Netflix function, then they should be easy to set up and use. - Blu-ray Player - Streaming - Wireless Network - Blu-ray'
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Womens Watch - sport watch, womens watch
Bought watch for my wife for Mother's Day. After wearing it to work after just a few hours she noticed that the metal band had scratches and worn away. Just from resting her arm on her desk and doing normal computer work, etc. Day 2 was even worse, day 3 looked even worse. So we are returning it. Tommy Hilfiger Women's 1780954 Stainless Steel White Dial Sport Watch - Tommy Hilfiger - Sport Watch - Womens Watch'
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Ipad Accessories - ipad cover, ipad folio
Like others, I was looking for a better, more professional looking iPad case than the Apple case. All in all, if that is what you're looking for, this is a great option. The materials, quality of construction, and protection versus slimness are great. I love the look of it. I love the different angles at which you can set the iPad. It is ideal for typing or viewing videos. The iPad is snuggly held.
However, there are two draw backs that leave me scratching my head as to how such thought could go into the construction and such obvious problems could be overlooked.
The first is the location of the clip next to the power/docking port. The connector is slightly larger than the space given and every night I have to slide the iPad out of the case just barely to get cable connected. Not a huge deal, but a minor frustration repeated daily.
Second is the inability of the cover to fold back all the way. I bought my iPad to do a lot of reading in addition to typing and videos. If you are looking to do the same, this will be a frustration. You either have to read with the cover open (which is more bothersome than it sounds) or once again slide the iPad out of the case.
All things considered, I'd still make the purchase, but I can't believe the designer didn't correct these simple annoyances to such a great case. Toblino: Leather iPad Case (Folio Convertable Case Multi-angle Stand For The Original Apple iPad)
After seeing the video review I decided to spring for this case. FINALLY A GOOD IPAD CASE!!! Really well made and very sturdy. I previously had the Apple case which no matter what I did collected junk all over it. This guy really puts the Apple case to shame. We show our wedding photography portfolio to clients via iPad lately [[...]] and this just makes it look so much more professional. Highly recommended.
Its way better then Apples brand, and most other cases. But it lacks versatility. Its great for using on counters, or watching videos on it and just laying it on fold 2 of the positions. The leather is of good quality. and it holds the ipad well in the case.
The only beef I have is if you are using it to read or browse the internet the flap gets in the way and I wish it would just fold back behind it.
After seeing several other cases in person and scouring the internet, I bought this case and am very happy with it.
+ The leather is much nicer than other plastic cases.
+ The slide-in design is far more secure and low-profile than other snap-in designs. In addition, one doesn't have to snap the two lower corners out each time you want to set the iPad up in the stand. The lower corners are protected, but slide out from their guards effortlessly.
+ The closure is a simple friction clasp that is easy to open and close and has no moving parts, magnets, velcro, etc. to fail or fall off.
- For displaying images, it would be nice if there were a third notch that would allow the iPad to stand almost vertical (near 90 deg) while in landscape mode. As it is, the most vertical notch keeps the screen at about 65 deg. However, you can just set the iPad up outside of the last notch and get it to stand nearly vertical. It's not as stable out of the notch, but I haven't had any problems with it slipping out of position.
- While holding the iPad with the case open, the cover doesn't fold back completely on itself. This means that it forms a little wedge that can be slightly awkward to hold at first. In landscape mode this is no problem, you just hold it so the spine of the case is on top and the cover just flops down on itself as far as it will go. In portrait mode if you grasp it on the spine side, you're holding a big wedge. If you grasp it on the open side without holding the cover, it flaps around. I've found that if I pop the iPad out of the bottom corner guards as though I'm going to set it up in the notches, and then grasp the spine of the case, the wedge of the case alone is a comfortable place to hold the iPad in portrait mode.
Overall it's the best iPad case I've seen, and it's a good price. The couple minor quirks kept me from giving it 5 stars, but they're fairly easy to deal with to get full functionality from this product.
absolutely the best case for Ipad. Initially it may not seem like a big deal, but once you use it you'll love it. went through three different ones and none was not even close to this. $25 is such a steal for real leather. please buy it. you'll love it. first time that i ever gave a review on amazon, but felt compelled to since I had really hard time finding the perfect case for Ipad. Hoping to help someone else.
I bought this after extensive online hunt for a good and practical cover for my iPad. Every other cover was either too thin to provide any protection or too bulky to maintain the aesthetic appeal of this gadget.
Pros:
1. Snug fit...doesnt cover even a millimetre of the screen and is tight enough to prevent the iPad from slipping out.
2. Inherently good design ensures it doesnt cover any of the ports, speaker or buttons.
3. 2 step stand...perhaps the most practical feature of this cover (once you start using the gadget regularly, you will realise how necessary it is to be able to prop it up) and also the one sorely lacking in other covers...(although the product description and some other reviews mention it as a 3 step stand, I happen to use the upright and semi-inclined position far more than the fully inclined one.....so cant comment about that).
4. Slick snap shut feature......this too might seem trivial but if you wanna carry your iPad in any bag you would want its cover to not flip open and let in objects in between the cover and the screen. Plus it manages to do this without any ugly button or velcro!
5. Leather....though not the rich Italian type, its far better than the hideous synthetic covers which attract dust.
6. Value for money.....at 25 bucks (29 with shipping) it is way better than the official iPad case which costs 40$ and doesnt have any of the above features.
Cons:
Cant think of any! - Ipad Cover - Ipad Folio - Ipad Accessory - Ipad Leather Case'
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