Guy Low Price Electronic: 11 Jan 2010

Monday 11 January 2010

Relaxed Fit

I am a homeowner who lives in the country and is constantly fixing something. Whether it's woodworking or small construction projects, I tend to stress jeans in three places, the right pocket where my tape measure slides on, the back pockets, and the crotch area. The Riggs jeans are reinforced in all three areas. Also, I am 6'7" and weigh 260 lbs. Needless to say, it is difficult to find clothes that fit. I read about Wrangler's Riggs jeans in a magazine article about work clothing and decided to try them. The jeans I bought were size 40x36. I have been wearing them now for two months and have no complaints. The cloth is thicker and hardier than normal jeans, something I found helpful when cutting trees for firewood. The pockets are deeper (something I very much appreciate), and the build quality of the jeans is excellent - triple stitching in all the important areas. I think the part that really tops the whole deal off is the price. These jeans were priced at $27 with free shipping. Excellent product, excellent price. What more can I say? Riggs Workwear By Wrangler Men's Work Horse Jean, Antique Indigo, 40W x 32L

I normally don't write reviews, but these pants are great work pants that last. My husband wears these pants to work and they hold up wash after wash. Recommend them for anyone who is looking for a good work pant.

I'm a long-time user who really likes these pants.

They are very sturdy, comfortable work pants with a usable hammer loop. The crotch gusset and full cut make for easy, full-range movement. They are a little warm in the California heat but not unbearable - the trade you make for extra durability.

I have never worn through the Cordura-lined back pockets even though I often sit on the tools I carry in them.

The pocket patch on the right front pocket is supposed to protect against tape measure clip wear but it spreads the clip because of the extra thickness. A tape measure will not be secure if you change back to other pants after hanging it over the protector patch. Hang your tape on the watch pocket until you are a believer in the pants. Then move on to the pocket patch if you wish. I keep my tape on the watch pocket anyway because the tape is out of the way if I want to put my hand in my front pocket and it stays put better when crouching, climbing etc. The watch pocket edges have held up to this treatment so far. Something else has always gone before the watch pocket.

The watch pocket is spacious enough to be very handy for screws, nuts, washers, small bolts, power screwdriver tips, smaller drill bits, smaller nail sets, etc. I have big hands and fingers but can get stuff out of the watch pocket easily. It's nice not to have to fish for these things in a pocket full of change, keys, pocket knives and such.

The Work Horse model is the only Riggs denim version with a usable hammer loop. Other denim Riggs models offer hammer loops that are so tight that they could only be used for an upholsterer's tack hammer.

Some models provide the little pockets on the side of the right leg found in many carpenter's pants/shorts. I find the leg pockets really good for losing stuff when I hook my leg over a joist or a ladder rung so I opt for the Work Horse; no leg pockets but a hammer loop you can use.

I haven't tried the ripstop models even though they are probably cooler and are definitely lighter. They are pricey and I haven't convinced myself they would hold up to the abrasion which is the most common type of wear on the job.

Riggs Work Horse pants are the only pants I have chosen to wear on the job over the last four years of housebuilding.

These jeans are awesome! They are durable-yet comfy to wear. I love to work in these jeans. I plan to buy another couple pairs next paycheck. Just to let you know that these are good, thick jeans, so they take a while to dry when laundered (I dry them seperate).

I got these for my husband and ordered his normal size but the jeans are WAY baggy in the crotch, which makes them very uncomfortable for him. I bought 2 pairs and I'll be returning the pair he didn't wear - he's hoping a good wash in hot water will make the others wearable. They're perfectly good jeans otherwise (which is why I gave them 4 stars), maybe my husband is just too slim for them. He also won't wear his pants at the natural waist (he doesn't really have one!), he wears them at the hip so that might have something to do with it as well, although I don't know many men (blue collar-types like us especially) who wear their pants at the natural waist!

Excellent jeans. The reinforced front right and rear pockets are amazing. No more shredding denim because of a tape measure! Something the description didn't mention: The rear pockets are lined with Cordura. It's a plus if you're like me and end up with wrenches, screw drivers, and the occasional hammer in your back pocket. The fit seems about true to size, and unlike most jeans I've purchased recently there are seven belt loops instead of five. A small detail, but one I appreciate. I expect to be wearing these for quite a while.

I ordered these jeans for my husband to wear to work because the reviews said they were strong and durable. And wow, are they ever! My husband is hard on his pants. During the four years we've been together I've repaired the crotch seam in every single pair of his pants, often more than once. But he's had these for seven months now, wears them practically every day, and they're still as good as new. Even the fabric in the pockets has stayed intact. The only issue I have with them is that they are made of very heavy denim, so they take forever to dry.'

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Blackberry Pearl - tomtom, gps

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It's hard to believe that your GPS doesn't go flying off the dashboard when using this weighted beanbag mount, but it absolutely doesn't. And it's much easier to use than a suction-cup mount, particularly if you live in an area where you need to remove or hide your GPS. Portable Friction Beanbag Dashboard Mount

This GPS pad works great. I use it for a Magellan 4000 GPS and it holds it securely on the dash of my Honda van and also on a Nissan truck. It does not slide around or move even when breaking hard or stopping suddenly. It is easy to set off the dash into the floor when I need to get out and leave the vehicle. I highly recommend this mounting pad if you don't want to have a GPS mounted to your windshield.

Great. The square shape fits perfectly in the square inlay of my Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has a firm friction grip and doesn't tip over from the wight of my TomTom One XL (which is a large gps). The only thing with the product is that the suction cup from my TomTom usually has a firm suction to the windshield but did not stick well to this bean bag mount. I used the plastic adhesive disk that came with my TomTom and stuck it to this mount and now the suction cup holds perfectly.

If you are looking for a cheap mount this is the way to go. Material on the bottom feels frictiony if that makes sense, almost sticky but not. plastic on top is great for the suction cup. i was pleasantly surprised with this purchase. I had the old garmin bag mount which was wonderful and nice because i didn't have to worry about the suction cup. but my gps and mount were stolen along with my car, so i replaced it with this and i'm happy with it!

update

this thing has a tough time in cold weather. i have had it slide clear off the dash a few times when i turned a bit sharp. really not hard. my other mount didn't slide. once it warms up above 40 or so it sticks well and doesn't slide. but take caution if you live in a cold climate, this thing may go flying.

a dinosaur Garmin C330 which looks like a mini CRT TV. Although it only has a 3.5" screen, it is huge and heavy. This bean bag can hold almost any GPS provided it has a suction cup. It is pretty stable and has not slid from my dashboard ever since I started using it. Now I feel less distracted if I have to look at the GPS screen. I can focus my eyes in front of me by placing the GPS closer to me. The bottom surface has some kind of rubbery coating that grips firmly on any surface. We have been using the Garmin 3-rubber footed tripod before, on another C330 before it got stolen. This bean bag is less clunkier making it easier to carry from car to car. We have already given up on using the windshield where the GPS fell a number of times.

Looks:

Looks pretty nice, the color seems perfect for my gray/black, mahogany accented MDX dashboard. It is black underneath and dark burgundy on top. The sleek rectangular hard surface where you put the suction cup is black.

Size:

I don't think it is too big.

Very satisfied with this purchase. It works great.

I purchased this dash mount to use with my TomTomXXl 540S GPS unit. Not many mounts will work with TomTom's short mounting bracket & large 5" screen. Most that "would" work were expensive, or permanent. I also wanted it to be portable, to use in my other cars. Other mounting systems had mixed reviews, but this one seemed to fit the bill. Good reviews, cheep, couldn't be more simple to use!!! WOW!!! This product was the PERFECT SOLUTION!!! Fits my TomTom XXL 540S Like it was made for it, but I know it wasn't made for it because it dosn 't cost $$$$. When you put this mount on the dash, console, or wherever it stays there. It never moved on a 850 mi. trip thru the hair pin turns of the Sierra mountains and back country. I couldn't make this thing budge!! My dash is not very flat, but it dosn't matter. This is a bean bag design, so it conforms to most dash,or consoles. This has to be the best GPS friction mount on the market. I paid $9.95 on Amazon. Ordering was easy and delivery was very fast. I highly recommend this product.

Live in CA so can't attach the Magellan to the windshield, apparently. Did some research and decided this was probably the best value of the pads on the market. It's very stable on the dashboard because of its weight and the 'sticky' bottom-side. Construction looks sturdy and surface of the plastic plate provides an excellent seal with the suction cup on the GPS holder. The unit came within about three days after ordering it and that was with regular shipping. The size is a little bigger than I prefer but it would undoubtedly less stable if it was much smaller. All in all, it's meeting my expectations and the price was right.

I didn't know how well this pad would grip the dashboard. It has never slipped (even on a dusty dashboard) and leaves no marks. The convenience of the pad is that you can stow all signs of a GPS unit simply by unplugging the GPS and hiding the pad/GPS combination. With suction cup designs, unless you remove the window mounts, your are letting everyone know that you have a GPS in your car.

Do yourself a favor and just buy it! - Dash Mount - Tomtom - Gps - Dashboard Mount'

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Art Supplies - drawing, art set

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This set is perfect for begginners. I purchased mine and received it very quickly in order to complete a portfolio before my deadline. The set contained everything I needed for my drawings in graphite and charcoal.

The speed of delivery was exceptional and everything was in perfect condition when it arrived. The price was also very good. I would buy this again when I need to replace my old set. Pro Art 18-Piece Sketch/Draw Pencil Set

I am very pleased with the pencils in this set they draw beautifully, but I only give this product 3 stars because of the sharpeners, the charcoal sharpener is okay and sharpens the charcoal pencils cleanly, but the graphite pencil sharpener seems to be made of cheap plastic and it doesn't sharpen them as smoothly as it should. A good product if you already have or intend on purchasing a better pencil sharpener.

I have bought very expensive set of pencils that I do not like the way they 'feel' when I draw across paper, but these are smooth and comfortable I will be getting another set when I need them and I do not have to spend 20.00 or more on pencils or others I do not like.

For those who do not know about drawing pencils. There are different numbers and letters at the bottom of the pencils. I use the 2H for light sketching and to draw from the object to the vanishing point because the pencil is light on the paper and it erases easy. Then When I want to darken the lines I use the 2B which is the lightest of the B's for shading I use all the B's which are dark and for the darkest shadows I use 6B which gives the darkest shadow and good for stippling, (dots close together for dark shadowing and further apart for lighter shadowing).

I hope this makes sense for you. I am awful at explaining things.

Okay, so I ordered this kit on 1/4/11. I didn't expect it to be here in 2 days, because Amazon told me 4 days. It arrived at my doorstep in 2 days. No more. I opened it up, and was very excited about it. It had everything it said on the page, and it was just PERFECT for me. I immediately opened it up, and started drawing. I drew the best drawing of a Lamborghini that I had ever done, thanks to this kit. The kneaded eraser was perfect, although it us used up very fast (At least for me.) So that is my review, and if you are considering buying this, BUY IT. You won't be disappointed.

This is exactly what I was looking for. You'll get every type of pencil here. starting from 2h to 6B. extra benefit is you'll get eraser and sharpener ,plus charcoals. It's not only for beginners , proffesional can use it. I'll highly recommend this product.

Honestly, I'm far from the best artist and would hardly be the best judge of quality when it comes to a drawing utensil. For a beginner though, this set is an excellent launch point in learning to draw.

Wow!!! Ive had this product since 2010 and its still doing its job!!! I totally recommed this product for people who love to draw without the need of wasting too much money! For me I love drawing anime characters so getting these made me apreciate the work of anime artist everywhere even more!!!! - Sketching - Pencil - Drawing - Art Set'

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16gb Sdhc Memory Card - micro sdhc, micro sd card

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This micro SDHC card is the best in the US market. Samsung has developed a 32GB one but it is only available in Asia at the time of this writing. With that said, this is a good card. I bought it for my Blackberry Curve 8300. If you are going to use it for a Blackberry, make sure that you have the Blackberry OS 4.5 or later as it will not read the whole 16GB if you do not.

Even though this is a Class 2 card (the 16GB Class 4's, like the 32GB cards, are only available in Asia right now), it reads and writes fairly quickly. The card is fast enough to record and play videos on my Curve, and saving a couple minute video after shooting it literally takes seconds to write.

I have two minor gripes about this card, and they aren't that bad. One is the price. You can get an 8GB card for less than half of the price of this one. However, it is still "new" so that's the penalty for being an early adopter.

The other gripe I have is that with the Samsung reader (see the bundle Amazon sells with this card) will NOT format this card in anything other than FAT32. Now the Curve can't understand NTFS, so for me it's not a big deal, but for someone who may want to use this as take away storage, just be aware of that.

Other than that, I think this card is great. Also please note this card DOES come with an SD adapter. Don't let the Bulk Packaging fool you. If you have an SD card reader, you will not have to go out and buy a separate card reader for this. Save yourself the 5 bucks if you can. I hope this review was helpful. SanDisk 16 GB microSDHC Flash Memory Card SDSDQ-016G (Bulk Packaging)

The card arrived when they said it would. Took it out of the box and stuck it in my MP3 player, the Sansa Fuze (2GB model) and it recognized it immediately and I was able to start putting music on it (didn't need to format it). I put about 10GB of music on it which took roughly 2 hrs to load. After the initial upload of all my music. Adding a new album only took a couple of minutes. After I disconnect the Fuze from the computer it took approx 8-10 minutes to refresh the media library. I have the latest firmware update for the Fuze (maybe older firmware versions are slower - I don't know). The upload speeds didn't bother me because I'm only loading my whole library once and then its only a song/album or two at a time and that's only a few minutes. The card came with a SD adapter - so if you have a SD reader your set. I now have a 18GB MP3 Player!

I bought this card in February 2009 and it eventually failed by May 2009. I have of course only anecdotal evidence, but if you search around the Sandisk support forums and other places, you will find a lot of very upset customers complaining of the high failure rate of these Sandisk 16GB SDHC cards after a 2-3 months of use. To compound the problem, Sandisk only offers a 30 day return or refund period warranty on their flash memory cards which is atrocious in my opinion!! Unfortunately, most resellers here on Amazon only have a 30 day return policy as well assuming you have the product still in the original packaging. So overall, you are screwed if and WHEN the card does eventually fail. Thus, I recommend you not rely on this card to store important data like pictures and such. I unfortunately found this out the hard way. It just seems that this card is just not as reliable as advertised, and I am quite disappointed in the lack of at minimum one year manufacture's warranty for these cards by Sandisk. Buyer beware!!

I bought this six months ago (in January 2009) because it was the only 16GB micro SDHC card available. I needed it to dump as much of my music as I could onto my BlackBerry Bold. It has worked fine for the most part. However, if I were buying such a card today, I would search out at least a class 4 card and probably a class 6, both of which are now available here on Amazon (A-DATA MicroSDHC 16GB Class 6 Turbo With SD Adapter 16GUSDHC6 (Black); Sandisk 16GB Ultra microSDHC CLASS 4 / MobileMate micro Reader (SDSDQY-016G-S11M, Retail Package)).

To the extent that it is a problem, my BlackBerry scans this class 2 card when I do a restart -- and is sluggish during that time -- so because I have almost the entire card filled up, it can take the BB a good five minutes to scan the card because a class 2 card has a slower read speed. That's a good five minutes of unwanted sluggishness after a restart. A faster class 4 or 6 card would reduce that time considerably.

I bought this memory for my HTC Touch Pro. I wanted to sync my music with windows media center and backup another USB flash drive. This card should only be used for occasional file transfers. The class 2 card is painfully slow to sync anything. I would have gladly spend more money for a faster Class 6 microSDHC card if I was paying attention at the time of purchase.

Bought this to upgrade my EVO 4G Android smartphone and have no complaints, works perfectly. Good value for the money (and now they're even cheaper!). Note when I bought mine it was delivered directly from Amazon (which I wanted as there are counterfeit cards out there).

I bought the SanDisk 16 GN Flash Memory card for use with my VHOLDR camera. To say that it took 3 months to fail is misleading. I only actually recorded on it a handful of times, maybe a dozen or so, before it failed. Extremely disappointed.

Recently I bought a HTC Desire smartphone and wanted more than those 4GB of memory HTC offers. So I wanted either the 32GB (so far only Class 2) or a faster 16GB. Almost about to buy a Class 6 16GB card, I saw this offer on a 16GB Class 2 from the trustworthy SanDisk. Only 23.11$ plus tax and shipping - all in all 30$ compared to 50+$ for a Class 6 or 130$ for the 32GB. That was an easy choise. Afterwards I have been transferring a lot of files to my phone... music, videos, pictures and so on. That way I have a very good idea of the transferrate, and it seems to be around 4MB/s. That's the same as Class 4 even though they only say Class 2. A very pleasant experience. That way I can only give 5 stars for the performance, since I didn't expect more than around 2MB/s. Considering the low price, it's full value for my money. I was very, very pleased with this purchase. - Micro Sd Card - Micro Sdhc - Sandisk - Micro Sd'

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Vented Shirt - vented shirt, bicycle accessories

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These are probably the nicest looking and best fitting zip-off-style pants I've seen; I have some other Columbia zip-offs I like, but these look smoother and fit really nicely, true to size.

The good: Lots of pockets with the right assortment of closures. One back pocket closes with a zipper, the other has a small velcro tab (not a flap, which are just plain silly and ugly for back pockets). Side pockets, the same; one zips, the other has a velcro-closed flap (OK for side pockets), and both are located nicely, not smack in the front or too far on the side. Even carrying spare batteries and filter for my cameras, along with maps in the side leg pockets didn't show a bulky mass because of the good location of the pockets. The fabric is comfortable and dries extremely quickly; not too thin, and the pockets are a tight netlike material that seems appropriate and works well.

The rest: These come with a fabric belt, which is actually pretty nice, but it goes through a tubular belt loop that runs all the way from one side to the other, with only about a 2-3" opening on each side of the front. If you carry cameras or other belt-pack items, this limits your choices of where to slide them for best comfort and usage. A nice arrangement in many ways, but it still limits your choices. The pants are so nicely made that I'd be hesitant to snip out a section of that belt tube so I can locate the camera where I want it, but I suppose it's possible.

This model is not the "packable" version (the ones that come with a reversible zipper on one back pocket, so you can gather the whole pair of pants into the pocket and zip it closed for backpacking). Minor issue for me, they're still packable, just not in that way. And, when you pack them that way, they generally come out as a wrinkled mess, so maybe it's just as well.

The bottom of the pant legs does not have the velcro/snap fastener that opens up the leg bottom so the removed pants leg will slide over a boot; you'll have to remove your hiking boot, though you may be able to slide it over a compact shoe. This does make it look nicer though, so it's a tradeoff for utility vs. appearance.

These are really "five star" pants, but I gave them four mostly because of the belt situation...and even that has both good and bad points. Highly recommended. Columbia Men's Silver Ridge II Conv Pant,Sage,34-30

I found these pants were true to size. They are somewhat baggy (on me), but I prefer them that way. I usually wear compression shorts underneath to prevent chaffing. They're lightweight and quick drying so I wouldn't hesitate doing water crossing in them. Columbia have put left and right labels on the zippers of the detachable leggings. I found this a little funny considering most people would be able to work it out themselves and it would have saved on material (just me nit-picking here). - Vented Shirt - Bicycle Accessories'

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Corded Rotary Tools

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Let me say for starters that I haven't been a big Black/Decker fan for a long time(Black and Decker quit making tough power tools around 1990-1991).If I wanted a power drill currently....I'd buy a expensive/sturdy drill.Secondly,I've used Dremel 395 models for a long time,yes I've found them to be expensive but they do the job.So what could be better than a Dremel tool?A Black & Decker RTX-these are twice the motor power of a Dremel Tool,very well designed and comfortable to use(has a very nice rubber grip for extensive handling options during use),has a universal collet to except a massive range of dremel and aftermarket accessories(including a threaded section for the Flex Shaft),and a cool Flip Lock system to making changing bits a one-handed operation.Did I mention the RTX is half the price of a Dremel Tool.This tool is huge competition against Dremel,and my hopes for the RTX model is that it will become a main staple by Black/Decker and more advanced models will be released years down the road.Get a B&D RTX and save yourself some money :) Black & Decker RTX-B 3 Speed RTX Rotary Tool with Storage Case

This is my second Rotary tool. I used the first one for almost 5 years without a hitch. The tool did not break, I miss used it. I could not wait to get my new one. I am a mechanic in a welding shop, have a home handyman service and, make knives as a hobby. I use my Black and Decker almost daily. I have purchased more accessories for it than all my other tools combined. I look at projects with how I can use the Rotary Tool in mind.

This is an outstanding tool, cheaper and stronger than Dremel. The shaft lock defeats the power switch when applied, well thought out.

It is a variable speed even though there are 1,2,3, divisions. My only gripe is that awful cord that is showing up on many appliances.

It is permanently kinked. It causes trouble using and storing the tool. I have been replacing these cords on my tools with good quality wire,

the kind that used to be standard. These kinky cords are more trouble than "REBATES", which also cause me not to buy.

If manufactures want to make buyers angry, these kinky cords will do it every time!

This would be five stars except for the cheap cord.

I ordered this as a replacement for my Dremel rotary tool that died after using it for various art tasks 20+ years. I looked at Dremel's selections but didn't want to buy a whole kit, since I still have plenty of little bits, sanders, etc.

I only wanted the rotary tool itself, so when this one came up in my search I decided to buy it. The price and user opinions were big motivators.

So far I like this tool just fine. Noise is a little more than the Dremel... or perhaps it's simply a different pitch that I'm not used to yet. Although there are only three speeds on this Black and Decker tool, I really don't see a need for more. I like the thumb control for on-off better than the Dremel's variable switch on the side, which always felt a little awkward. The power cord on the B&D is slightly longer too, which I like.

One bit of advice if you're planning on using this with tiny drill bits like Dremel accommodates. You'll need to order a keyless chuck for this rotary tool, as the chuck that comes with the B&D only works with larger shafts. I simply robbed the keyless chuck from my old Dremel but if you don't have one, you'll need to buy it.

I still have and use my Dremel #245 and my Dremel cordless MiniMite 750, but after reading the other reviews on this black and decker I gave it a try and bought one. My Dremel 245 gets burning hot fast. Wow what a great alternative to Dremel models. My Dremel #245 would heat up tremendously after a short period of use. (Yes I checked the bushings on my Dremel 245 and they are still good on this unit). The black and decker with the 3 speeds was powerful and relatively not too noisy as well. It has a good feel to it, sure its only slightly more girth than a Dremel but the weight distribution and the rubberized plastic where you can hold it made it very comfortable in the hand. Black and Decker has a great alternative and it fits many of the Dremel accessories I have. I have yet to encounter one that didn't fit yet. I used it with my Dremel Chain Saw sharpening tool and it fits and screws on perfectly. Note the amazon description says storage case, its not a carrying case that comes with your Black and Decker, its a draw string black plastic pouch bag. The tool sort of fits in that bag. I guess to keep the cost down they opted to give you a pouch bag instead of a hard plastic carrying case, No matter. The tool itself is excellent. It has a 3 speed dial labeled L (12,000), M (24,000) , H (30,000) . Who needs more than that? I'm very happy with it. If you always had a dremel like me, give this black and decker a try and you will be surprised at the high quality of this rotary tool.

I bought the RTX because of the relatively low cost and its ability to accept the Dremel chuck# 4486. I use the tool for home maintenance and for my hobby of radio controlled sailplanes.

I like the continuously variable speed control. At the lowest speed it still has decent torque and works well for semi-precision machining.

With the Dremel chuck it makes a great hobby tool with quick tool changes.

So far, I like this tool a lot.

We just started using two of these in a manufacturing production application. Time will tell how long they last. But they work great so far. The design appears robust. The on switch at the top is really easy to use compared to the other brands we have that have the switch at the back. I noticed the 2amp motor doesn't bog down like the dremels we also have. The only price you pay for the power is that it feels heavier. No overheating problems for us when running on the medium setting. If these two continue work well we will get a couple more. Can't beat the price either.'

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Kindle Devices - core, exercise

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Like another reviewer, I cringed when I heard the latest book in the "New Rules" series was "for Abs."

However, this book is not just about getting "abs." In fact, you could trade out the word "abs" for mobility, performance, injury prevention, core, or back.

I bought this book because:

1. I trust Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove to rely on solid scientific research and admit their own biases or limitations.

2. The other "New Rules" books completely changed my approach to fitness, and the proof is in my increased strength, improved body composition, better mobility, and more restful sleep because I no longer over-train like a maniac. Plus, I eat many more calories and never gained an inch. Cosgrove & Schuler helped me realize I was undereating (common among female fitness buffs).

3. I suffer from some painful injuries from the bad old days when I over-trained, as well as from imbalances that I still need to work on. Yes, I have tried physical therapy, but I know I need a new approach to my workouts as well.

4. My husband also wanted the book. He struggled for years to achieve muscle gains, but only when we purchased and followed the original "New Rules" programs did he see real results.

5. Lou Schuler is funny.

The cover also promises that "New Rules for Abs" is a "myth-busting fitness plan for men and women who want a strong core and a pain-free back." Folks, this is not some cheesy book about getting a "six pack." This is a fitness plan that takes the long-term view, keeping your back and joints healthy for the long haul.

I love the dynamic warmups, as well as the tweaks to tried-and-true exercises. I also appreciate the "core challenge" notes alongside every exercise. They not only help explain the fitness philosophy behind the exercises, but they also help me visualize the movements more clearly so I can get more out of them. The pictures are excellent, too.

The workout phases look as challenging as ever -- if not harder than previous "New Rules" because of the additional core challenges. They are not just for "abs." Rather, they work the entire body.

Women: Do NOT hesitate to buy this book or any of the books in the "New Rules" series. Trust me. You will not get "bulky." You do not have the testosterone to make that happen. Hit the weights heavy and hard, and you WILL gain strength and confidence. You WILL get a tighter, leaner physique. And with this latest "New Rules" book, you will also protect your back and increase your mobility for all your other activities, even cardio.

Lou Schuler & Alwyn Cosgrove: If you are reading this, I want to thank you. You have no idea how much your books have changed my life. I am forever grateful to have stumbled upon the first "New Rules," and I can hardly wait to get started with this latest edition.

Edited to add: The book mentions Valslides for dynamic stabilization exercises. Instead of spending ~$40 on the "Valslides," get these: Waxman 4704095N 9-1/2-Inch by 5-3/4-Inch Reusable Oval EZ Sliders, White. You will only pay $12.95 (as of 1/12/2011) for four, and they work the same.

I want to add that I have gone through the A & B workouts in Phase 1. I thoroughly enjoy them, and more importantly, I am gaining insights into my imbalances (which are deeply ingrained since I was born breech with damage to my hips, and hence, have had hip issues my entire life. The hip issues have had a domino effect--setting off a host of issues with my knees and back, all of which were irritated further by my training methods in the past). Since starting Phase 1, I feel my left hip & glute engaging more than it ever has. Now, I am not claiming some miraculous recovery here. It is subtle, but a leap forward all the same. For the first time in awhile, I feel a spring in my step. Some of the core movements were not new to me per se, but they have subtle tweaks or more sets than I am used to. I also have really enjoyed the warm-ups, even though I look like a dork doing them.

Finally, some have critiqued the lack of nutrition information. I can see how that is an issue for some readers, but for me it was not. I am quite familiar with manipulating macros and calories. That is why I did not address it in my initial review.

UPDATE: I am now working in Phase 2, and I'm thrilled with my progress on mobility, form, and strength. As I mentioned previously, I have suffered from lifelong, serious issues with hip mobility. The dynamic warm-up movements in the New Rules of Lifting for Abs have helped me tremendously. It was not until I practiced & practiced with the "squat to stand" movement that I *finally* changed my movement patterns for a squat. I could never lower myself far into a squat before, in part because of hip mobility and in part because I just did not understand how to make it a hip movement (that might not make sense to those without mobility issues, but it will make sense to fellow breech babies out there, I suspect). To make matters worse, I lacked the necessary core strength, even though I had included core work for years. I *thought* had core strength, but I was wrong about that.

Now, I can finally execute a squat! Hooray! And my squats continue to improve and deepen. And wow, I love the offset squats with the uneven dumbbell load. OK, that last one is really a love-hate thing. :)

Likewise, I have struggled for a long time to increase my weights on certain exercises, always hitting a plateau where I would suffer injuries or just not be able to increase. I think this was due to form issues, core weaknesses/imbalances and mobility problems. I am increasing weights regularly again, and that feels great.

Most importantly, I just feel more "mobile" in general. I walk more gracefully, stand taller, and suffer less pain. I can jaunt across the street if I need to without wrecking my knees for the day.

It's really funny how I will be doing something, and suddenly, I will realize I am moving differently before ... and I can correlate that new pattern to something in the warm-ups or workouts in this book. The movement suddenly "clicks," and I see even greater improvements. The New Rules of Lifting for Abs: A Myth-Busting Fitness Plan for Men and Women Who Want a Strong Core and a Pain-Free Back - Health - Abs - Exercise - Core'

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Replacement Filter - replacement filter, replacement in-refrigerator wate

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This is LG's discontinued 5231JA2006A, NOT the current 5231JA2006B. I replaced my older filter when this arrived from Amazon and it works, but the current version is an improvement over this one. The problem with this filter is the price they are demanding for a discontinued product. I paid way too much for this filter as it is inferior to the current item that is available on the market. Unfortunately, the vendor doesn't make it clear exactly which filter one is purchasing, since the current product's item number appears in parentheses here on Amazon (and, as I recall, on the vendor's website). I recommend finding the current filter and paying the few extra dollars as it is superior to this one. LG 5231JA2006A Refrigerator Water Filter

5231JA2006B (or LG LT600P)is the newer and BETTER replacement filter for 5231JA2006A, and is only about $45. This seller is trying to make a killing selling the "original/old filter" to people who don't know any better. This older filter is only about $35 at most sites that still have it for sale.

After reading the debate here about the original "A" filter and the newer "B" filter, I called LG.

They stated there is absolutely no difference in the two filters, as far as performance and filtering capabilities.

I put off searching for a new LG refrigerator water filter and then typed in the model number and there it was through Amazon.com. It arrived fast with installation directions and was working right away. The price also seemed to be a good deal. I will get future ones from there too.

The filter appears to produce clean, clear, pleasant smelling water. It was priced better at Amazon than any where else, arrived early and in good condition. I really don't think there is much more you can ask for in a water filter unless you were going run tests on it and it failed, which I doubt. My refrigerator stops making ice cubes when the filter is out of date so I try to keep an extra on hand. I am very happy with the filter and pleased my refrigerator is back to making ice cubes!!

This is the exact replacement for the factory original. We have lousy water quality here and I cannot drink water from the tap. This filter works very well. It does remove odor and the water taste is excellent. The price, while expensive, is a lot less than the big box stores.

This is the fourth time that I have purchased the replacement filter for our LG Refrigerator-Freezer. They last six months and do a good job in keeping our water options clean. It would be nice if the cost was less. - Replacement Filter - Replacement Water Filters - Replacement In-refrigerator Wate - Refrigerator Filter'

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Pin Nailer - pinner, pin nailer

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I recently purchased the Freeman PP123 23-Gauge Pinner. I was going to spend a whole lot more on a well known brand to see what all the hoopla was about with 23-gauge pinners. Having owned several air nailers from 18-15 gauge by Bostitch, Campbell Hausfeld, Makita, Milwaukee, Black & Decker, Porter Cable, & Senco I would have gladly purchased one from those manufactures that make a 23-gauge pin nailer. The Freeman caught my eye because the price and because of the fact that they advertise a 7 year warranty so I went ahead and purchased the Freeman. The packaging was great and consisted of the pinner fully assembled with air coupler already assembled on to the unit with dust cap. It also came with a bottle of oil, a belt hook, a pair of safety glasses, 3 allen wrenches to maintain the unit, and a very well written owners manual and warranty card. I bought some bostitch 23 gauge pins and they fit fine in the Freeman pinner. I have only used about 30 pins as a trial, but I must say I am very impressed with the Freeman pinner. It is well built and drives the pins well. A few annoyances with the pinner is the safety switch under the trigger in which you must rotate to fire a pin, but once it is out of the way you can shoot as many pins as you like, also if you get a jam you must use an allen wrench and remove 2 screws to remove the nose plate to remove the stuck pins(this has not happened to me yet), also you must set the size pins you use on the magazine, but not too big an issue especially since some pinners twice the price have that feature. One more thing there is not a non marring tip on the Freeman so do not put too much pressure on the stock you are using or it will leave a mark, but if you don't put any pressure it will barely mar the finish(depending on how hard the stock is). I would like to put something on the tip to be able to apply a little pressure, but I am not sure what to put yet. All in all it is a very good pinner for the price and has exceeded my expectations for the price and would recommend it. Freeman PP123 23 Gauge 1-Inch Pinner

This is an inexpensive pinner that does all it needs to do. Well made and strong. Be sure to play on some scrap wood first. I put pins all the way through oak with it. The only negative is that it doesn't come with a case and the company doesn't seem to offer one. Its still a five. I'll live without the case. This is as good or better thna the P-C. Spent the extra money saved on pins.

The pinned works well, at least it did for the first 300 pins or so, then it stopped, air started leaking out of the trigger assembly. It has a 7 year warranty but I only have this one pinned and need it for the furniture I am building. I have been unable to find a source for parts, apparently they are not available, but then again it is only $60 for another one.....maybe that is what I will do......The o rings are what is probably wrong but there is no source for ordering new ones.......Grex or Senco, or even Porter Cable would probably have better customer support.....but it is only $60.00

I've used this pinner for scotia, small detail returns, repairing chips and splits, and even crown moulding. Although some people have complained about the lack of active safety and non-marring tip, these are features that shouldn't be on a micro pinner. While other brands, like Grex, make pinners that shoot up to 2" pins, the chance of deflection with a 23ga pin at that length is pretty high.

This pinner is a practical tool that does everything it advertises...and does it well!

Luke

ProudlyBuilt.com - Tools, Reviews, Tips, Tricks, Websites Tailored for Contractors

Great for the frugal handyman! My husband looked like a kid in a candyshop when I bought this for him. He is now even more pleased after using it several times on all of those larger "honey-do" projects! - Nail Gun - 23 Gauge - Pin Nailer - Pinner'

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File Folders - manila, file

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Amazon price for a box of 100 folders is unbeatable. But I found them to be thinner than the Smead or the higher grade Pendaflex. Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase. Good value, but the folders may not hold up as long as the thicker ones. Pendaflex Essentials File Folders, 1/3 Cut, Top Tab, Letter, Manila, 100 Per Box, (752 1/3)

I am a recent Amazon guy and I can't tell you how happy I am that I found this deal. As for the file folders...they are file folders. Just as strong as the ones I use at work. No tax, cheap price, quick shipment = happy customer.

Maybe I'm missing something, but the Office Depot brand folders (1/3 cut top tab manila folders) are only $5.99 for 100ct. Why would you pay 3x the price for an equivalent item? Amazon usually has great prices of office supplies but I think I'll stick with the Office Depot on this one..

These are manilla left center and right tab assorted folders of 100. They are a great bargain for the price and aren't as heavy as say Mead folders. That being said, They are fine for general filing of papers and letters. A great buy for someone who needs alot of files at a low price.

Inexpensive and serviceable. Best of all, not only three tabs but also three folds for expanding. I always find the expansion of the two-fold type to be either too small or too large. Three is just right for some reason. I speak from vast experience.

To make it short and sweet...this folders come with no issues there sturdy, they don't rip or bend easily (as compared to any average folder) and the label spaces are more than sufficient for most if not all labels. Considering this type of product is more just an "Up" or "down" vote. I give it an UP vote. - File Folder - Manila - File - Office Supplies'

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Yoga Mat

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Having heard about how awesome Manduka mats are from all sorts of sources, I was super psyched to find this light, portable version of the big, honking Mat Pro. Mine arrived today, and I promptly took it to my hot yoga class. I am slightly underwhelmed by the product, I have to be honest. I have compiled a list of pros and cons for the mat, and thus shareth them with you now...

Pros:

-Folds up crazy small (seriously, it's like a light sweater)

-Light weight

-Same "stickiness" as other Manduka mats, so it's got good grip

Cons:

-It's REALLY thin. When I read other reviews taking about how thin the mat was, I was like "Psh. It can't be THAT thin. What wusses!" No, but seriously, it's 1-2 mm thick. So, basically, you're doing yoga on a sticky floor. This would be a terrible choice for pilates, or if you have joints in need of cushion.

-At least in my vinyasa flow class, this mat did not grip to the floor well. I had to readjust it 4 times in 30 minutes, to keep from running into my neighbor's mat. Also, since it's not all that grippy with the floor, when in down dog (or any position that puts stretching stress on the mat), the mat bunched up around my hands and feet. Bummer!

In conclusion... This is a good option (I guess) for people who travel a lot, or who have to take public transit to their yoga classes... but if you can help it, go with one of their other, sturdier, thicker mats.

Hope this helps! Manduka Standard Superlite Yoga Mat, Acai

I swear by my Manduka pro and have recommended it time and again to my students, so I was excited to try the Manduka travel mat, and chagrined at how disappointed I was. It is just too light and bunches up underfoot, offering pretty much the same non-support as the cheapest mats out there. But you will pay a lot more for it.

I like it. It's sticky and I appreciate that it is non-toxic, but... it it is heavier than the Gaiam one that I saw at REI and smells a little funny. (My full size Manduka also smelled funny at first, so maybe this will go away if I air it out.)

To be honest if I saw both of them in a store I probably would have bought the Gaiam but it's not worth sending it back.

As a yoga teacher who travels for a living, I have paid my fair share of "overage fees" at airports due to the bulk and weight of my yoga mat amongst other things. FINALLY, Manduka has developed an incredibly "lean" mat that actually folds up just like a sweatshirt, taking up the same amount of space. and weighing as much as my hiking shoes. Even better, when the mat "unfolds" it has no creases and never loses its grip! GENIUS! Now when I teach my workshops and trainings, I can travel with less "baggage," and still have everything I need for practice!

I travel A LOT and thought this would be great-- I thought I could lay it on top of another mat, taking advantage of cushioning without having to carry it around. But this thing, woo, it was useless. It was so thin and flimsy, it stuck to my foot, bunched up at every movement, and was totally un-useable. Usually, I love Manduka products (I LOVE the ProLite and would bring it everywhere if it weren't for luggage limits) but this (and the EcoLite) was really a downer.

I bought this mat because I commute via bicycle to the studio where I work and needed a lighter and smaller alternative to my regular mat. That being said I did expect the mat to be thin and really more of an extra layer of grip than a cushy landing pad. I was not prepared for the incredibly thin surface this mat is. To be fair I AM a bony person, but I should not walk away from a class with deep tissue bruises on my hips and knees. The surface is very grippy, I like the orange peel texture. I read other reviews that complained of an odor but I felt the natural rubber smell was much more conducive to a class than the toxic smell most other mats have. I am a little concerned with the stability of this product over time because i am already noticing some wear lines where I had folded it to fit into a bag.

Overall I won't be returning the product because I need a travel mat and this one is passable. I will be shopping around before I purchase another or make a recommendation to my friends.

A great travel mat if your of the none super sweaty yoga styles (if you sweat a lot you can probably just use a towel). I like to use it to throw over studio provided mats. So far it appears durable, no visible flakage. Great for my needs. Just an FYI, probably couldn't fold it down to fit in a purse, unless the purse is large but would work in a suitcase.

I just purchased because I want to continue practicing my yaga when I travel. It is a really sticky mat and its quality is beyond I could explain. I just use it on the carpet and it is enough to give me some cushion that I will not hurt my knees when doing some poses. Love it!

I love this yoga mat. I fly over 100,000 miles a year, and had been looking for something that travels well. By that I mean it must fit into my carry-on regime. I've had a great inflatable zafu for some time, but the right mat had been elusive.Enter the Manduka. It is the only compromise I've found that's acceptable. It packs really well: I fold it into my roll-aboard easily with my other things. You're never going to get that full-cushion experience and still be super-mobile. Accept that. I haven't given up my regular mat when at home and around town.I have no problem with the padding when placed on concrete for yoga. I also meditate, though, and sitting on the mat over concrete or bricks is definitely when I wish I had more underneath. But it is surprising how often you can find better alternative surfaces while traveling. You adapt!The rubber smell, for me, went away after a couple of months. It never bothered me.

I've had this mat for over 6 months and use it 3-4x/week. It's my main yoga mat and I really like it. As someone whose daily commute requires me to go across town and back (using a combination of walking, buses and trains), this mat is perfect. I shove it in my backpack with my yoga clothes and am good to go. I can't imagine dragging a regular, cumbersome yoga mat (along with all the other stuff I carry) all over town, every day. If you drive everywhere, then this mat probably isn't even necessary.

I don't have any problems with it scrunching, and love that's it's super-tacky. If I'm on my knee in a pose, I'll sometimes just put a blanket (which all yoga studios seem to have) under my knee.

One thing to keep in mind about this mat is that it actually folds. There are other travel mats that are thin or light, but you still need to roll them up and carry them somehow. The fact that this mat folds and can be put in a backpack is the best thing about it.

I definitely plan on buying this mat again once my current one wears out :)'

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