Sunday 26 July 2009

Bathroom Faucet- Non Metal - delta, bathroom faucet- non metal


Although the picture is a little misleading, this is a polished chrome faucet. A rep from Amazon checked it for us on the Delta website to confirm that. It is even better in person. It adds beauty to our new bathroom and we couldn't be happier with the faucet or with the assistance of Amazon! This was a great price and free shipping..the reason we buy from Amazon...why go anywhere else? Delta Lahara 2538 Two Handle Centerset Lavatory Faucet, Chrome, (Not CA/VT Compliant)

Solid and impressive faucet for the price. Easy installation and performed flawlessly. Unlike some other more traditional faucet, this transitional device does not have an indicator for hot or cold water. This design element is not an issue for me, but it may take some getting used to when replacing an older faucet. Additionally, this is a pretty sizable faucet due to the high arch design and it may be distracting in a smaller bath setting.

I'm very satisfied with the design of this faucet. The high neck gives ample room to wash. I replaced both of our bathrooms with it. It was easy to install. The directions was easy to follow. Just simple tools needed. I highly recommend this.

Purchased 4 faucets as an upgrade for out bathrooms. This faucet is functional and looks great. The spout is arched which makes it nice for washing hands, etc. One of our 4 faucets had scratches on the top but amazon is sending the replacement. This is a nice heavy duty faucet and the size is larger than expected but it looks good that way. I have seen the same faucets at home improvement stores nearby for much more! I am happy with my purchase as soon as our replacement arrives.

Solid construction: no plastic.



Installing this faucet was simple. Removing the old one was difficult. I advise a good look at the connections that are already there, and checking your tool box to make sure you have the proper wrench or, better yet, a pair of long-nose vise-grip pliers.



Looks great! - Bathroom Faucet- Non Metal - Delta'


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Optics


Already for many years, this is a classic on optics. Almost any subject you can think of is covered in this book, in a fundamental way. That is its strength and its weakness: experienced scientists will find everything they need, but for students it is not a good book because it is far too detailed: they will get lost in all the mathematical details before they grasp the essence of the subject.



This problem also exists - to a lesser extent - for professionals who try to use the book to fill in a gap in their knowledge: they too will find themselves asking why they have to read so many (well thought-through) pages before the authors finally make their point.



My advice: use other books to study from, and use this book when you are already experienced and need a high-quality reference work.



A note for scienctists: please mention section numbers when referring to this book in your own publications. Principles of Optics: Electromagnetic Theory of Propagation, Interference and Diffraction of Light

This book is a classic with all problems associated. Half of the reference quoted have been written before the WWII. Very useful if you like to quote original papers. This book cover most topics of the classical optics but hardy cover modern topics.However, it is hard to read and use a weird notation. Certainly not useful for rapid referencing. Like the bible, use it only when you have serious problem to deal with.

This seventh edition of the famous classic standard book on optics is really neat! The notations, symbols became a little more modern than the previous editions. Also the shapes of the characters in the equations looks much more pretty so it helps reading, understanding. As most of you know, this has everything you need to study about, refer to classical wave optics. The only weak point of this book is the material covering geometrical optics. It's too abstract, mathematical and lacks modern treatment of optical designs, aberrations. But, regarding the wave optics, it's hard to find any flaws, downsides. Even though I am working on micro-photonic elements, I often need to refer to this book for some wave optics principles, knowledges. But this book alone does not cover the whole optics including optical design, photonics. If you want to have the best minimum combination of books covering the basics of the entire optics. I would recommend "Fundamentals of Photonics(Saleh)", "Modern Optical Engineering(Smith)" and this book.

It is just a rare book on physical optics based on Maxwell equations. Rarely a book states the assumptions,the validity of the equations, the principles and how the equations arrived. Certainly, it is a great book for postgraduates and researchers in physical optics not so for undergraduate students who don't want to go through all the mathematics.

It is of course the reference for optics, and is very complete and rigorous. I didn't learn optics from it, I only use itas a reference and I suppose that is its function.It feels a bit oldfashioned (for example, I haven't foundspeckel applications in the chapter on coherence) but I suppose that that is due to the fact that it is a classic.My other, personal, objection is that I hate Gaussianunits, I prefer by far SI units. Even Jackson finally conceded to switch to SI units, but Wolf clings on this Gaussian system.

This book is the most comprehensive and readable book in all my books collected in optics. I specifically like the chapters devoted to geometrical optics and the rigorous treatment of diffraction. I have do doubt at all in my assignment of five stars to this book. It is no wonder that many of the scientists and engineers in NASA have the book in their possession.

This classical reference in optics has been fittingly updated and enriched. A new edition of this must that should, however, be kept along the classic one. Apart from its historical connotation, the latter will be in fact highly appreciated for its clearer typography.

Yes - all classical (linear) optical concepts are in here, and yes, it's the 'bible', but it's very dated in its content, style and references, generally, and not very practical to use.



I wish Hecht - or someone like him - would re-write this classic as a more advanced version of his book.'


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Brake Pads


I've installed plenty of brake pads before, but this one is the first set that specifically says not to apply any sort of anti-squeek compound or disc brake grease on the back of the pads because it's supposed to have this thermoquiet technology. I followed the instructions and only greased the ears of the pads and installed them (they have built-in shims so just slap them on and you're good to go). After driving around a couple of hundred miles, I do notice slight brake squeel upon coming to a complete stop. I never had this sort of problem when installing other ceramic pads using standard shims and applying disc brake grease on the back of the pads and the shims. However, given the price I paid ($30) and the price they are today as I write this review (around $27), I'd say it can't be beat and you really can't go wrong for such a cheap price (hell, I'm thinking about stocking up on another set right now because it's only $27 right now). Otherwise it seems the pads are still decent and my experience might have been a one-off case. I did also put on new rotors for this brake job, so not sure if that has anything to do with the slight squeel. Anyway, the squeel is very slight and almost unnoticeable unless you really listen for it.



The one good thing about these Wagners are it comes with pad retaining clips. I've never seen that before in any other brands I bought. Wagner QC465A ThermoQuiet Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set

I have a 2003 Honda Civic EX Coupe, and these pads fit just fine. Now I just installed the pads together with some Brembo Blank Rotors I purchased on Amazon as well so I can't say these are 100% great brakes, but so far so good. I will be updating this review as I continue to break in the pads.



Anyway, I've gone through 2 sets of Honda Pads ($45+) and after doing a little research, I found out that the Honda pads are Semi-Metallic pads. I'm thinking those are a little rough on the rotors because I've had to machine my stock rotors twice and this third time I decided to change the rotors all together. I was deciding between these Wagner thermos and the Hawk Ceramics but the deciding factor was the price. The Hawks are almost $70 while these Wagner's are only around $30. Anyway, the mechanic that installs my parts always says to stay with stock pads because they're guaranteed to fit, but when he saw these he was blown away by their quality. He said it's a good design because the shims are and the ceramic pads are built together whereas the Honda ones are in two different pieces. These also come with replacement clips to replace the dirty stock ones as well. These new pads haven't squealed at all. Great purchase, great price!



*Will update as mileage increases.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cheap alternative set of brake pads. I've used a couple of different brake pads since i first got my civic and these are by far the best. Still prefer the OEM ones but these def come close to it.

I would like to thank Amazon.com for having this product available, I purchased this item last week and was shipped by Amazon direct from one of their facilities. They say don't buy after market parts for brakes because it makes noise and can ruin your rotor, but that is just not true, it was easy to install thanks to You Tube and now I just saved a lot of money. Before you buy do some research on the product, read reviews, ask some people and then make your decision ("use your common sense"). I am happy with my choice to use Wagner and Amazon made it possible for me to make my decision to buy this product. There are just too many products to choose. I had fun doing it on line because I was able to compare all the different brands, watch you tube videos on how to replace brake pads. I tell you guys and gals dont be fooled by the people from the repair shops, if you know what your doing and you studied it you will be ok. Thanks and happy shopping!'


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Electronic Lock - keyless deadbolt, schlage


I recently bought one of these for our home after we moved in. Now I don't need to fumble with keys every time I need to ket in the house, and I don't have to worry about kids losing or forgetting keys.



Like other schlage locks I have owned, this unit seems to be very well made, sturdy, and easy to install. The programming of codes is simple, and codes can be added or deleted just by using the keypad. Keypad use as far as entering codes or even updating codes is straighforward. The fact that a simple button push "lights up" the buttons at night is also cool.



The buttons are also epoxy-coated, so the numbers won't "wear off" thus revealing the codes used. I have a separate code for each family member, and can easily add codes if I have a contractor stopping by.



A key can be used to open the lock if for some reason the electronic part stops functioning (too cold from sub-sero weather, perhaps?). Since this is a Schlage lock, it can even be re-keyed so that the key you have matches the other Schlage locks your house may have. Schlage FE595VCAM619ACC Camelot Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock, Satin Nickel

The other reviews have covered the product very well, so I am just commenting on the battery life. My 9 volt battery that came with the lock lasted 1 month. I just assumed it had been sitting in the package and was near it's exp. date. The 2nd battery I installed was a fresh Everyready Alkaline 9 volt. It lasted a total of 4 months. There are only 3 family members in my house, so I don't think it is a matter of heavy use.

My point is that 4 months is a long way from the 3 years advertised so consider this when you are thinking of getting this lock.



4/5/09 Another update...3rd battery lasted less than 1 week and when it failed the door sat unlocked all day, not good. Will contact Schlage for replacement, but do not like to have to return things and pay shipping

I timed my installation of this at a surprizing 15 minutes, including removing the old doorknobs and reversing the handles on the keyless entry. Usually everything takes twice as long with me! The only hard part was deciding which door to put it on- the main house entry or an outbuilding I use a lot.



An earlier review stated that the lock shuts down for 5 minutes after four consecutive missed entries of combinations. I timed mine at 30 seconds shutdown, confirmed in the owner's manual.

The thing is made well, heavy duty even. Easy to program and delete combinations. I was hoping to gain entry a tad quicker by "swiping" a finger across four digits in a row, but this won't allow that; it wants a discret push of a number on the keypad with a very short time between entries. So it takes 3-4 seconds to open the door.

No complaints, but I await the day the 9V battery gives out and I have to remove the inside portion of this lock to replace it. Then I may have my first gripe!

P.S. - I paid $118 (on sale) for mine in bright brass at Lowe's, Jan.'09.

Having just purchased a new home and in need of replacing the locks, we did a great deal of research on the various companies before settling on Schlage. Of course, they are a decent mid-level quality lock and there are much more secure, and much less secure lock ratings than found within this line (i.e., commercial, etc). We selected this keyless lock to use on an outdoor utility/laundry shed with the intention of being able to access laundry the laundry room easily without the need for keys. It has been wonderful, and we enjoy the bronze colored finish a great deal. I have heard that it can peel and crack, so be sure to keep your receipts in a safe place, or your original packaging, should you need to send it back to Schlage for warranty work (there is a lifetime warranty, as far as I am aware).



The lock is easy to program and uses a 6 digit master code for this purpose. You can store 2 four digit entry codes in the lock at at time, and they can be changed using the 6 digit code. As others have mentioned, this is useful when contractors need access to the home. For example, we were able to have the sprinkler system repair guy do some work on the house because of this.



As for the battery life, I can't comment much on it, except to say that we are still on the battery that came with the unit and it has been about 2 months. I would note, however, that we do not use this system on an entry door to the main house. Rather, it is in a location where it is not used every day. Nevertheless, we live in a very hot climate, which usually kills batteries at a faster rate, and have not encountered a problem with the lock as of yet.



Thus far, we have been very pleased. If I encounter any problems, I will be sure to update the review, but at present, I am very satisfied. A note of caution - be sure to retain the instructions included with the lock, as they contain the 6 digit code necessary to change the entry codes. If you happen to misplace this, you will need to take the lock apart to get the code, as it is inside of the lock.

I had all the same positive reactions listed by others when I installed this. After I had been using it about six months, the 1-4 digits stopped working - when I pressed them nothing at all happened, though all the other buttons worked. This was intermittent for a while and then they quit altogether, taking me back to using a key. I called Schlage and was told that they recommend replacing the batteries every three months. Wonderful! Anyhow, I replaced the battery and guess what?! Now none of the buttons work at all! I have messed with the connections and all, but have been unable to revive it. So how do you send a lock in for repair? Just leave your door unprotected when you send it in? Anyhow, I misplaced my receipt, so I'm totally out of luck. I guess I'm just back to living with fishing out my key every time I need to get in. - Keyless Deadbolt - Keyless Lock - Keyless Entry - Schlage'


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Country Music - david nail, blues


I really, really wish this great artist was coming around on one of the concert stops that I've got tickets for this coming summer. He was on tour with Lady Antebellum last fall and my daughter and I got the pleasure of getting to see him then. He just pours so much emotion into his songs and it shines through in all of the music he has done.



Let it Rain is but the latest example, following up on his debut album: I'm About To Come Alive.



In Let it Rain, David Nail is joined with background vocals from another talented young artist: Sarah Buxton. Buxton has her own work out there to enjoy (see for example: Sarah Buxton), but she sounds wonderful here providing background to Nail's own smooth sound.



Let it rain, let it pour... let it come down on me. As with Nail's earlier work, this is just the right mix of blues and country and was easily a purchase for me (not from this site, sorry :-( ) Give it a sample listen and see what you think. Let It Rain - Blues - David Nail'


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Micro Usb


I read the customer review which stated that the adapter was used with a Nokia N810 to read flash drives. This implies that it is a host adapter, so since I did not see others listed as OTG host adapters I took a chance on it. When I got it and tried it on my Archos A70 it was not able to read flash drives. I decided to disassemble the adapter and when I did, I could tell that pin 4 of the micro USB connector was not connected to ground so it is not a host adapter. I will rewire it and test it out but I am sure it will work.



Please note that the vendor never stated that it was a OTG Host Adapter. So to be fair it works perfectly as advertised. I suspect that the previous reviewer simply got an adapter which was manufactured by a different vendor and was an OTG Host Adapter. Micro USB Male to USB A Female Adapter

Purchased this to connect a USB keyboard and mouse to my Xoom. The adapter arrived with the USB A side metal bent inward, so any USB plug is a very tight fit. This could easily be corrected with a pair of pliers, but I prefer the connection tight instead of too loose.



If you're buying this for use with a Xoom, be aware that you do need the Android 3.1 update in order to use USB keyboards and mice.

I don't know if the manufacturer changed the build for these adapters, but I could not get this product to work on my 3.2 Motorola Xoom. Reading the other reviews, I thought it would be a safe gamble since the price was low. I bought two just in case, and none of my USB peripherals (keyboard, camera, flash drives, PS3 controllers) showed any signs of connecting.



In regards to build quality, the adapters are average. The body feels solid and the female USB end is snug, however the male micro USB end wiggles a good amount when connected to a Xoom. This is because the Xoom's port is recessed in the device, and the adapter's body is not tapered at all (as you can see from the product images.) At first I thought this might have accounted for my lack of success, but clearly others were able to get it to function correctly.



I work in IT and own several Android devices, so I am somewhat experienced with these things (though I am sure some would disagree!) Based on this and the amount of effort and research I have put in, I would suggest you avoid this product. Personally, I am going to eat the loss and just buy the official Motorola cable.



As an afterthought, I was going to see if the adapter works at all by connecting my phone to my PC. Unfortunately I do not have a male-to-male USB cable on hand so I cannot verify if these are complete duds or just not OTG specced. Who knows, maybe I got unlucky and both of my adapters were duds to begin with.

So I rolled the dice on this one and thought 'why not', worst decision ever. It doesn't work on the xoom and you should be wary of those comments that say it does. I purchased two and neither functioned with the xoom so I went to best buy and opted for the Motorola camera connection kit, it worked flawlessly. Lesson: you get what you pay for. Oh and shipping sucked balls, I hate DHL.

I read a previous review stating that this works with the xoom. Me (being in he tablet market baught a xoom) baught one and this adapter and surely enough it didn't work. So DONT BUY THIS. (I have version 3.2)'


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Personal Accountability


In Unusually Excellent, John Hamm writes compellingly, convincingly, and accessibly about the time-worn bedrock principles of leadership. Peppered with sports analogies and sprinkled with germane and interesting business anecdotes, Hamm shows us time and again that the most successful leaders are committed to a personal set of core principles that generate power--and a following--through authenticity. It's a reminder to all of us, regardless of whether we hope to helm a Girl Scout troop or a Fortune 500 firm, that having a strong moral compass--and committing to the direction that that compass points--is a timeless lesson we'd all do well to heed.



Unusually Excellent certainly is that, but it also happens to be unusually engrossing, enlightening, and entertaining. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Unusually Excellent: The Necessary Nine Skills Required for the Practice of Great Leadership

This is fundamentally a practical guide for leaders to realize their full potential. This book packages diagnosis, case studies, and actionable tools for leaders to achieve their best. It's a fabulous read - inspiring & exceptionally useful. Highly recommended.

My mentor and a fellow CEO sent me a copy of Hamm's book. Hamm's career allowed him to see many of the technology industry's "unusually excellent" leaders up close, and in this book he shares a practical framework for great leadership.



It's a quick read and the framework is useful to understand the core qualities that separate average leaders from unusually excellent leaders. Hamm's model notes that competence is only 1/3 of the battle, with credibility and consequence rounding our the model. Self-awareness, trust, a compass to navigate challenging decisions, the ability to share and empathize...are all EQ level traits. Pure competence, IQ, is not enough. Lehman, Enron, AIG....all companies full of high IQ people who lost their way and operated without a compass.



Hamm's book celebrates self-awareness and authenticity as key tenets of leadership. It's worth reading.

In Unusually Excellent, John Hamm aims to provide a reference book rather than some glitzy and shallow airport biz book. He hits a bullseye. The back to the basics approach is perfect. This book is logically organized, well stated and supported with memorable real-life examples. Unusually Excellent is on my "must read" recommendation list for colleagues, friends, and any recent grad starting a career.

Many leadership books ignore the necessary practice of management, and management books ignore the essentials of leadership. Hamm's model considers both simultaneously.



At times, our strengths and weaknesses as leaders can blind us to the whole tapestry of leadership/management requirements and skills. We focus on what we are particularly good at (or bad at) and forget about the other critical elements, or the context of legacy. The Unusually Excellent model is straightforward and complete, and a great framework within which to consider personal strengths and weaknesses.



Even though I wouldn't know a one wood from a putter, the golf and other sports analogies worked for me, and clearly were authentic for Hamm. The model is grounded with compelling stories that bring out the "color" behind the model.



The observations in the book match my own experience as a leader. Several times, I made notes in the book as I read along, only to find that point was coming in the next paragraph! The real-world business examples - successes and failures - were also very compelling.



Unusually Excellent is an engaging read that will give you new insight into the totality of skills necessary for the integrated discipline of leadership and management.

I believe that John Hamm's book, Unusually Excellent, exposes an unmet need for today's top executives who are facing unprecedented and unpredictable challenges. They are continually in the pocket to use a football metaphor and are just not thinking as clearly or seeing the broader picture. This is the point in time where they are most in danger of doing something stupid and where, as John puts it, they need to be able to habitually do the basics of leadership well (a la the 9 leadership essentials). Practicing the coaches tips contained in Unusually Excellent to strengthen their leadership muscle memory when in the pocket would be priceless and seen as a smart decision.

Unusually Excellent is a must read for every student and practitioner of leadership. This very well organized book is based on John's incredibly diverse background -- as an operating executive, a start-up CEO, a venture capitalist and a leadership coach among others. These experiences have given John a unique point of view on the practice of leadership which he brings together in a compelling and practical manner in "Unusually Excellent".



I am one of the fortunate few to have benefited from knowing and learning from John. I am delighted that he has decided to write this book and share his insights and experiences with a wider audience. This book has already found a prime spot in my personal collection of classics on management and leadership. Highly recommended.

I purchased Unusually Excellent last month off of Amazon and after reading it have ordered and given away another 10 copies. This is a text book on the practical study of leadership. I have found it helpful to re-read chapters to make some of the lessons and observations stick! I hope many many leaders in business and government read and learn from this book. It would also be great if it found its way into some B-School classrooms!'


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Home Schooling


I was having a bad week. Everything I did turned to mush. I went to sharpen a pencil and my manual crank plastic pencil sharpener broke off the wall in my hand. It was a piece of junk to start with but still it was distressing. This time I found a far better selection of manual pencil sharpeners. I decided to get the metal pencil sharpener that I remembered from my parochial school days. I picked this one because it was all metal but not too expensive. When it came in the mail, I was instantly pleased. It is shiny and sturdy and does a nice job of sharpening pencils without requiring a battery or power cord. What more do I need? It is a nice trip down memory lane for me. Lots of mischief happened at the pencil sharpener in my school. And it works like a dream! Charles Leonard Inclusive Pencil Sharpener, Multi Hole, 8 Sizes, Silver, 1 per Box (89508)

This pencil sharpener works great. I was happy with the sharpener itself, but the description says that it was supposed to ship with mounting screws. It DID NOT come with mounting screws (as another commenter previously mentioned). Luckily, I had some hardware in my shop and got it mounted anyway. Not that I would send it back over some 10 cent screws, but it's the principle that matters. Other than the missing mounting screws, the product is great.

Also, FYI: The product is made in China. (I did not find the country of origin listed in the description when I bought the sharpener.)

You'd think finding a good pencil sharpener in 2011 would be a breeze. Yet I have gone through probably 10 in the last three years and none of them sharpened well. I tried cheap hand sharpeners, battery powered ones, and electric ones. They would break the lead, not sharpen evenly, or just not sharpen at all. So, I decided to go old school with a wall mounted manual pencil sharpener. This item is heavy duty and installs easily. I did switch out the screws with more durable ones. The ones it comes with are more like decorative screws and I'm sure it would have ripped out of the wall in no time. But, once the screws were switched, it installed perfectly and easily sharpens pencils to a perfect point. I'm thrilled. Who would have thought a pencil sharpener would make me so happy, but I'm just happy to have something that finally works well.

Like many others, I have a use for #2 pencils. I own a wood shop that builds guitars. Sharp pencils are a mandate for me for layout, and the mechanical ones just get broken or run out of lead always at the wrong times.

I have had little plastic sharpeners, electrics, even used my face sander a number of times. None of them did the job in my rough environment. I finally went looking and found this unit. When it came, I was absolutely, totally pleased at the results. Yes, I know it only has one sharpening wheel, but it is the traditional type of 40 years ago that has many, many blade surfaces on it. And the best part is the wheel is mounted on the pencil shaft holder so that the pencil always stays in line with the sharpening wheels. My first few through were so sharp, so nice, it was like going back to grade school. (Long, long time ago.)

It's all steel, with a steel handle. Great unit!

For the price, this is the one. Only gripe, dump the little worthless mounting screws and use something at least 3/4" long to mount it. I mounted mine to a wooden leg on one of my benches and could not be happier. You will not be dissapointed.

Probably more heavy-duty than others available, but not as heavy-duty as I thought from the pictures. Works great though and I'm sure it will last for years. It's a little difficult getting the mounting screws in because of the small base, (you have to angle them). Definitely leaves my "electric" sharpener in the dust so I'm glad that I can finally get rid of my wimpy electric one........

This is a great old fashioned pencil sharpener. Not as good as the ones in school in the old days but does a good job of sharping a variety of sizes of pencils and since it is attached to the desk or wall it is easy to find all of the time.

Having 2 small children, one starting Kindergarten a reliable and easy to use pencil sharpener is a MUST! I grew up with a heavy duty metal one in our basement and after 30+ years of use it still works like a champ.



I purchased this model because of the all steel construction and NO plastic parts that can break in the mechanism.



It works great. I'm sorry to see that it doesn't have 2 grinding gears like the older school models do, but it seems to work just fine with a little more lever turning than I recall from the double gear models.



I discarded the enclosed screws and used some beefier ones that will hold better.



I think my only two critisims of this sharpener as of now is that when mounted to a wall you can hand the shaving collector vertical (up and down) on the unit but it tends to want to twist off a bit while using it, so each time you have to snug it back in place, more of an annoyance than a flaw.



Also with the single gear grinding it tends to shave more wood off one side of the pencil than the other, which sometimes causes the lead to break on that side easier or makes it harder to write on the woodier side, but that may also be due to cheaper pencil construction these days.



Overall I'm happy with it, and I hope it holds up to the many days of school pencil sharpening to come.

Over the past few years I have bought various pencil sharpener's from Wal-Mart and the like. They all ended up in the trash. This one seems to be trustworthy just like the one's I remember from school. I have had it for around a month now and my quite destructive 7 year old son enjoy's using it, and has yet to destroy it--so I am happy.'


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Fresh Whole Rabbit - lol, milk


Once upon a mid-day sunny, while I savored Nuts 'N Honey,

With my Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 gal, 128 fl. oz., I swore

As I went on with my lapping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at the icebox door.

'Bad condensor, that,' I muttered, 'vibrating the icebox door -

Only this, and nothing more.'



Not to sound like a complainer, but, in an inept half-gainer,

I provoked my bowl to tip and spill its contents on the floor.

Stupefied, I came to muddle over that increasing puddle,

Burgeoning deluge of that which I at present do adore -

Snowy Tuscan wholesomeness exclusively produced offshore -

Purg'ed here for evermore.



And the pool so white and silky, filled me with a sense of milky

Ardor of the type fantastic of a loss not known before,

So that now, to still the throbbing of my heart, while gently sobbing,

I retreated, heading straightway for the tempting icebox door -

Heedless of that pitter-patter tapping at the icebox door -

I resolved to have some more.



Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,

'This,' said I, 'requires an extra dram of milk, my favorite pour.'

To the icebox I aspired, motivated to admire

How its avocado pigment complemented my decor.

Then I grasped its woodgrain handle - here I opened wide the door; -

Darkness there, and nothing more.



Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,

Doubting, dreaming dreams of Tuscans I had known before

But the light inside was broken, and the darkness gave no token,

And the only words there spoken were my whispered words, 'No more!'

Coke and beer, some ketchup I set eyes on, and an apple core -

Merely this and nothing more.



Back toward the table turning, all my soul within me burning,

Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.

'Surely,' said I, 'surely that is something at my window lattice;

Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -

Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -

'Tis the wind and nothing more!'



From the window came a stirring, then, with an incessant purring,

Inside stepped a kitten; mannerlessly did she me ignore.

Not the least obeisance made she; not a minute stopped or stayed she;

But, with mien of lord or lady, withdrew to my dining floor -

Pounced upon the pool of Tuscan spreading o'er my dining floor -

Licked, and lapped, and supped some more.



Then this tiny cat beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,

By the grand enthusiasm of the countenance she wore,

Toward the mess she showed no pity, 'til I said, 'Well, hello, kitty!'

Sought she me with pretty eyes that seemed to open some rapport.

So I pleaded, 'Tell me, tell me what it is that you implore!'

Quoth the kitten, 'Get some more.' Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz

He always brought home milk on Friday.



After a long hard week full of days he would burst through the door, his fatigue hidden behind a smile. There was an icy jug of Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz in his right hand. With his left hand he would grip my waist - I was always cooking dinner - and press the cold frostiness of the jug against my arm as he kissed my cheek. I would jump, mostly to gratify him after a time, and smile lovingly at him. He was a good man, a wonderful husband who always brought the milk on Friday, Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz.



Then there was that Friday, the terrible Friday that would ruin every Friday for the rest of my life. The door opened, but there was no bouyant greeting - no cold jug against the back of my arm. There was no Tuscan Whole Milk in his right hand, nor his left. There came no kiss. I watched as he sat down in a kitchen chair to remove his shoes. He wore no fatigue, but also no smile. I didn't speak, but turned back to the beans I had been stirring. I stirred until most of their little shrivelled skins floated to the surface of the cloudy water. Something was wrong, but it was vague wrongness that no amount of hard thought could give shape to.



Over dinner that night I casually inserted,"What happened to the milk?"

"Oh,"he smiled sheepishly, glancing aside,"I guess I forgot today."



That was when I knew. He was tired of this life with me, tired of bringing home the Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz. He was probably shoveling funds into a secret bank account, looking at apartments in town, casting furtive glances at cashiers and secretaries and waitresses. That's when I knew it was over. Some time later he moved in with a cashier from the Food Mart down the street. And me? Well, I've gone soy.

One should not be intimidated by Tuscan Whole Milk. Nor should one prejudge, despite the fact that Tuscan is non-vintage and comes in such large containers. Do not be fooled: this is not a jug milk. I always find it important to taste milk using high-quality stemware -- this is milk deserving of something better than a Flintstones plastic tumbler. One should pour just a small dollop and swirl it in the glass -- note the coating and look for clots or discoloration. And the color -- it should be opaque, and very, very white. Now, immerse your nose in the glass and take a whiff. Tuscan transports you instantly to scenic hill towns in central Italy (is that Montepulciano I detect?) --- there is the loamy clay, the green grass of summer days, the towering cypress. And those gentle hints of Italian flowers -- wild orchids, sunflowers, poppies. Then, one takes in the thick liquid and lets it roll across and under the tongue -- what is that? perhaps a hint of a nutty Edam cheese? With Tuscan, you feel the love of every dairyperson involved -- from the somewhat sad and deranged farmhand shovelling steaming cowpies to the bored union milk maiden dreaming of leaving this soul crushing life behind for a job waiting tables for obnoxious American tourists in Siena. But not too fast -- sip gently, slowly, or one is in danger of not only missing the subtleties of the milk's texture and its terroir, but -- if chilled too long -- also of giving oneself a blinding ice cream headache. Nay, savor the goodness that only dairymen and dairywomen working at the apex of their craft can deliver. Tuscan is best drunk young -- no, no, don't cellar this gem -- I guarantee you'll be sorry if you do. I recommend pairing with freshly baked macadamia nut scones. Milk Expectorator gives this one a 92. - Milk - Amazon Oddities - Comedy - Lol'


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Interval Training


I love the timer. Absolutely awesome product. I would have rated this product 5-stars, but the included manufacturer's instructions are ridiculously awful. Luckily, I found instructions on the amazon.com site from another purchaser that he was kind enough to link. A real life saver.



GymBoss would do themselves and their public a great service by either publishing (and including with the timer) a very good user sheet OR putting up a web page with all of the great uses for the timer and exactly how to take advantage of them with well thought-out instructions provided to help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Just a thought.... Gymboss GB2010 BLACK SOFTCOAT

I really like the stronger vibrate mode on this black Gymboss for when I'm in the gym and don't want to use the beep alert. The softcoat gives the timer more grip as well which makes it feel much more durable.

I had been doing tabata exercises before and thought I was doing great until I got my timer. The intervals keep me on schedule so much better than watching a clock. I can put my efforts into my routine and not in clock watching and I can tell I am doing so much more intense workouts now. The new black color is great- soft feel to the finish. I keep it clipped to my pocket edge and don't have to keep looking at it-it beeps to tell me when time is up. I would give the gymboss a 5 Star rating. Gymboss GB2010 BLACK SOFTCOAT

This little gadget is far superior to any sports watch I've owned. It can be used for intervals or as a stop watch. I do interval HIT weightlifting and bodyweight workouts and I'm really hooked on Gymboss. I don't have to worry with setting my watch on the computer or glancing at it from time to time. Moreover, I can set the Gymboss to time my exercises and my rests and time needed to go to the next exercise. This is a terrific feature.



The beep or alarm can be set to be loud or softer or even vibrate or any combination of these. It's really well made and nice looking. When you have it on you forget you're wearing it until it goes to work. It uses one AAA battery and when not used for several minutes, it goes into sleep mode to save any drain on the battery.



Setup takes just a bit of time to learn. The instructions that come with the unit are not great. But the website is rich with video instructions and a PDF file you can download. I found that by watching the videos I quickly got the hang of what the buttons are and how to set it up and use it. Be sure and watch these videos before you use your Gymboss. You'll be glad you did.



I next did a short workout. I set the number of exercises I would do and the amount of time for each one plus the time I needed to go to the next exercise. It's great not to have to watch the clock or count reps or worry about the time. I do slow reps and really don't count reps. I'm more concerned with the intensity and time. So I love the Gymboss.



Some features of Gymboss include:



* One or two different time intervals from 2 seconds to 99 minutes

* Auto mode keeps repeating through intervals

* Set up to 99 rounds

* Manual mode acts as countdown timer

* Stopwatch Function

* Alarm by beep, vibration, or both

* Alarm duration of 1, 5, or 10 seconds

* Size of a small pager (1 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches)

* Water and shock resistant

* AAA battery required



Gymboss helps you maximize, Anaerobic endurance, Cardio endurance, Increased VO2max, Muscle strength, size, and endurance and

Fat loss. I can't imagine doing a workout without Gymboss. It's quickly become my fitness buddy. I can't imagine any workout that wouldn't be more powerful with this little gadget, no matter what fitness program you use. There are many ways to use it so it will increase the intensity of your workout and let you concentrate on accomplishing your fitness goals.



Gymboss will count sets, reps, even the length of time you take for a rep if you want that. In fact, if you need to time anything, you can easily do it with this little thing. The rubberized exterior is really great too. No fingerprints on the unit. Has a nice tactile feel to it. I also appreciate the fact that the phone number of customer support is clearly written on the back of the unit. What a great idea! A few quick instructions are also written on the back on the clip. The clip, by the way, is a really good one. Very durable.



There is one thing about the timer that I don't like. I often do the PACE program. In that program, each interval is for a different amount of time. There's an exertion time and a rest time, etc. Each exertion and rest time is different. The Gymboss can't be used for this type of timing. I have an interval timer on my watch that does the job nicely. So, I use that. So, at least to me, that's somewhat of a limitation to the Gymboss.



Highly recommended.



-- Susanna K. Hutcheson

My older Gymboss timer died an early death due to a leaking Gatorade bottle in my gym bag...there wasn't that much liquid spilled actually, but I guess it was very fragile as a few other reviewers have noted. So I kind of HAD to replace it with this one.



1. Appearance: much nicer looking black softcoat, compared to my previous plain silver plastic model. The lettering/styling is nicer-looking, too.

2. Tactile ergonomics: that softcoat makes a HUGE difference! The older model often felt liable to slip out of my fingers esp. if they were sweaty from a workout.

3. The buttons are made of a harder and rougher-textured plastic, so they feel more solid and less slippery than the old ones.

4. Recessed REBOOT pin-button...I don't remember the old one having this.

5. Instructions: seem easier to read and understand.



Unfortunately I had already thrown away the old timer, so I can't verify #4 and 5. The general user interface is still not nearly as intuitive as it could be, but for some reason it feels simpler or more streamlined with this new model.



Overall I am very happy to get this...for my Tabata workouts (wind sprints and occasionally, stuff in the gym) this nifty little timer is indispensable! Ordered it from e Bay, saved a few bucks on the shipping.'


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Dvd Cleaner - cleaning, cleaners


The Scotch Disc Cleaner is a neat little cleaner. It does not purport to remove scratches, and it doesn't, but it does do a very great job at cleaning smudges, fingerprints, dust and other crud from a DVD or CD playing surface. Every time I rent a DVD, it is undubtedly plagued by the last renter's fingerprints, dog drool, etc. I always pop a rented disc into this cleaner, and in ten seconds it is spotless. It prevents irritating frame freezes and shifts while watching a movie, and keeps my home DVD player and car CD player (which is very sensitive to smudges) playing flawlessly. Scotch Disc Cleaner for CD and DVD

We rent DVDs from Netflix (they're great!) and we borrow them from the library. In order to preserve the life or our DVD Player, we clean everything that goes into it.



I used to get the cleaner at Best Buy, but no one local seems to have it anymore. I've tried some other types, even Scotch brand, but this is my favorite. I just spray and spin the DVD in the contraption. I don't worry that I might damage the DVD because the cloth I'm using isn't soft enough or I'm not using the right amount of cleaning fluid.



I probably get about 75 - 100 cleanings before I buy a new one. I swear some people use DVDs to blow their nose, so these are some dirty DVDs I'm cleaning.

This product does clean fingerprints and stains succesfully but dont expect much from the very fragile plastic device since it starts cracking and getting loose very soon. Not for removing heavy stains or scratches.

I purchased another brand disc cleaner at a video game store. The package claimed that it worked on dvd players. It did not work, and hoping to save the money of replacing the dvd player, I tried the Scotch Disc Cleaner. It worked like a charm and now I do not have to replace my dvd player. I highly recommend this product.

This may not be new information, but this product is extremely fragile. I used it once before it broke. There's a plastic ring that keeps the cleaning wheel in position so it can latch onto the gears and spin. Immediately after I used it the first time, the ring came off, so the cleaning wheel fell on the disc and scratched it (which was a bit counterproductive as I had purchased this to improve the performance of my CDs). I tried sticking the ring back on, but everything I used to get it to stay blocked the wheel from spinning. Now, if I hold it in just the right angle, I can get my CDs in without the wheel falling off, or the disc falling off the base. Which was good for a few more cleanings. But then it stopped cleaning the outside edge of the discs. The middle part cleans fine, but it doesn't seem to touch the edge at all. So much for clean, shiny discs that work properly.

I looked at many disc cleaners and their reviews before deciding to purchase this one, and I was not disappointed.



One of the main things that makes this one fantastic is the direction of cleaning. The design allows for the direction of the cleaning strokes to go from the inside of the CD out towards the edge instead of around the disc, which is the recommended way of cleaning discs from disc manufacturers.



The cleaning fluid smells like regular rubbing alcohol, so it would be cheap to refill the little spray bottle. Alcohol is great at dissolving grease and smudges (like from fingerprints) and also evaporates quickly so the disc comes out dry or almost dry.



Putting dirty discs in your CD and DVD players can cause the optical reader to get dirty faster and shorten the life of your player (or at least the lens, for those who repair rather than replace). Most of the movies I watch are checked out from the local public library, and I can definitely tell the difference in playing quality (even for lightly scratched discs) since I've started using the Scotch Disc Cleaner.

Quick, simple and easy to operate. Works manually with Excellent results. (Took me a moment to figure out opening it the first time.) Comes with spray on liquid cleaner that could be made at home for continued using of the item. - Cleaning - Disc Repair - Cleaners - Dvd Cleaner'


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Cold Weather Accessories - cold weather accessories, driving cap


I have a big head and find it hard to find hats that fit. XL sometimes will do it but I prefer 2XL. This is the first time I tried [...] and am glad all the positive reviews were spot on! This hat is very good quality. The adjustable strap works great and does not detract from the aesthetics. The hat just feels soooo comfy and it looks sharp. Buy one! Big Wool Blend Newsboy Cap-Dk. Charcoal W07S38E

Well I must say this is a fabulous hat. The picture was accurate to the color. Very comfortable. Wool is very soft. Seems it's well made. Time will tell. Even has a nice new smell:) It was shipped to my house in no time. Earlier than estimated delivery. They even gave me a free pen:) I'm very pleased with my nice new hat.

If you need a size XL or XXL, this is the cap for you! It is a true size XL and it is adjustable to fit size XXL. The inside of the cap is fully lined so it is really warm. The outside of the cap is stylish. I would buy another, but it looks like this one will last several years. Big Wool Blend Newsboy Cap-Dk. Charcoal

This hat is perfect! I like the aesthetics of styles from generations past. I had this on my wish list for some time but was just hesitant to buy something I cannot try on. It fit well, and then I discovered the back flap is velcro (and well hidden) and got it to fit perfectly now. I'm a young guy, and I don't get paid much.. so I tend to choose my purchases carefully. I couldn't be happier with this hat. The day I wake up after a night of drinking and realize I have lost this hat, or it's been stolen by a woman (the fate of many hats that once belonged to me) I will immediately replace it!

Had been looking for a large newsboy hat like this. But like a previous reviewer stated, wish it was a little slouchier on the top. Also, the lining should be gray/black not tan because it does show a little around the band. Overall, I am satisfied with the hat. But, it's not the go to hat I was looking for.

I bought this hat for my husband for Christmas. He has always admired this style of hat. I was not sure of his head size but when I read a few reviews and saw that it was adjustable, I thought it might work. It worked perfectly. My husband likes the hat very well, he was able to adjust it for a custom fit. I will probably be buying more in the future. Amazon came through for me again.

I was looking for an oversized newsboy cap, and found this one. It is a nice cap, and the adjustable band is a good idea. I would have preferred it to have a bit more material in the top, making a more "slouch" in the cap, but it is still very nice. One other thing, unfortunately, was that the hat not the same color, as the one displayed. It is actually lighter in color, but was still worth the purchase price.

The hat is made of strong material and shipped quickly. It even has an adjustable strap. I bought it for my brother for Christmas and everyone says he looks very dapper in it and he adores it. It's a very nice hat!

They sent a hat which matched the color of the hat I ordered AND NOTHING ELSE; no vents, two cheap straps on the side vs. elastic, no liner, a weird head band, no bill snap,...... They said to send it back, throwing good money after bad. - Driving Cap - Cold Weather Accessories - Flat Caps - Best'


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