Xpressrc - xpressrc, xm radio

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Pros -

being able to view five different channels of audio simultaneously 30 minute buffer, being able to pause live radio

easy to read screen

several display options, large font, 5 channels, two channels, and normal full screen

easy to use out of the box, also very easy to install in your car

compatible with Altec Lansing speaker system (Altec Lansing XM3120)

Cons -

no color screen

not able to record individual songs



This is the fourth deck that I have owed since I have had XM Radio including the Roady XT, Inno, MyFi and I would have to say that the Audiovox Express R is worth purchasing if you like being able to view five different channels of audio simultaneously, while being able to pause live radio and having multiple ways that you can select to view the screen of the unit. It is very convenient for instance to be able to see two channels, the one that you are currently listening to and the channel that you previously were tuned to. Meaning that jumping back and fourth between two of our favorite channels is very easy because of the jump mode that is located on the dial.



In addition, it is convenient for the knob to be used as a dial as well as being used as a toggle that you can used to scan through all of the channels that XM provides. The screen is wide and easy to see whether it is day or night thanks to the automatic dimming feature that unit provides on the screen as well as for the buttons and the dial.



Some people believe that having a color screen on a satellite radio is imperative for it to be successful, but I really don't see that to be the case. Having owned the Inno for 6 months and using it at home, baseball games and in my car every day it grew annoying waiting for the graphics to load for the channel that you were trying to listen to when one of the songs that you selected as a Tune Select would come up. On this unit there is no waiting for the song to load, instead when you push the knob the song comes up very quickly without any lag time at all.



The Express R is really an impressive good-looking unit. With its glossy black body and its easy to read screen people really take note of it when they get in to my car. It's not too big to carry around, nor it is too small where the buttons would be hard to use when you're riding at 80 MPH down the freeway. The menus are very straightforward and most of the features on this unit can be used without reading the directions. Also, it is compatible with the Altec Lansing speaker unit, the same one that the Roady XT is used for. It really sounds great! Audiovox XMCK20AP Xpress-R XM Satellite Radio Receiver and Car Kit Combo

This unit is a bit clunky. A lot of wires for the function. So here is my two cents of a review.



First, the round button is somewhat easy to use if you like doing things backwards. The button advances options by being rotated like a dial. This is ok when you get the hang of the display. The main display is oriented like a semi-circle. The knob just doesn't flow right like you think it would to select options. Using the remote isn't easier either. Since the display on the actual screen is in a semi circle the menu either toggles clockwise or counter clockwise and opposite of your rotation of the dial.



Second, the user guide DOES NOT tell you that in order to decrease the noise static on the radio, you have to use BOTH the secure connect and the antenna. You do not need to purchase the secure connect as it comes in the box. When you look at the guide it says consult the secure connect manual... and there isn't a secure connect manual in the box nor is there a section in the main manual that tells you how to hook it up.



In order for the unit to work you have to plug in the antenna and then plug the secure connect cable into the fat mid section of the antenna cord. Basically create a "T" connection. Then clip the secure connect cable to your external antenna of your car. The opposite end of the antenna can be attached anywhere outside your car (magnet).



Select a station full of static first. Then sync the xm with that station using the options on the screen. You need a blank station basically because the XM system will not override an existing station.



NOTE; THE ICON IN THE BOOK IS DIFFERENT ON THE MAIN MENU FOR THE SYNC OPTION. PICK THE ONE THAT LOOKS LIKE A CAR ON THE MIDDLE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEMI-CIRCLE (see above).



Also when you call in to activate your unit, you must be in a clear area not obstructed by anything (trees, buildings, bridges...). I sat in an open parking lot to get my signal. It takes 15 minutes to have all the stuff download. If it does not work call back and an automated operator can send you the signal. Do yourself a favor, and call in at night that way it can work the next day when you need it...



ALSO, the box says that you will pay $9.99 if you register online and $14.99 if you register by phone. BUT, when you get online they try to tell you that it is a flat rate of $14. I called in to complain and they offered me $5 off and I was like nah I'll just send it back and they of course gave me the registration for $9.99.



Hope this helps. It took me two days to figure out all this by myself but I love my unit and I love the option of having my own selections for radio and not this garbage we hear on the regular ratio. The only thing is that you have to catch the good shows and there isn't an independant urban option nor is there a neo soul option. You can also record a playlist of sorts... bascially you can record a broadcast if you want a song to repeat. Hit the round button a few times to brin up the record option and when ready play back the sequence. WARNING; If you change the channel you loose the recorded set and start recording the new station.



Not a bad buy. Watch the price, I got my unit for $30 so either try to search for the unit and see if there are cheaper options.



WPHEW!! - Xm Radio - Xm - Xpressrc - Xm Receivers'

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Score Keeper - counter, lap counter

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I was looking for something to count my laps around the track. This thing has no clip and is chubbier than a couple bars of motel soap. It escapes me why they can put 2GB of music in a tiny player that easily and inconspicuously clips to your shirt but you can't find a small easy to carry device that counts to 100.



Should have read the dimensions more carefully. Be sure you do the same. Sportline Walking Advantage 386 Digital Tally Counter

We use this product as a occupancy tally for a tavern to comply with fire codes. Only complaint is no loop to attach a lanyard. Not too huge and not tiny enough too lose. Plus it has a battery door for replacement.

The 386 Digital Tally Counter works great and its easy to use. It came fast and in perfect shape. Its made to last. I love it.

Thanks

Patrick Moore

What arrived wasn't what was pictured. It's bigger, and sort of upside down "L" shaped. Model number printed on the package was accurate, so I guess it's technically what it is supposed to be-but it doesn't fit in my hand as comfortably. Other than that, it works fine, has a backlight, counts up and down. I don't anticipate it lasting more than a couple of years. It is cheap. If I could find a well made (non mechanical) counter, I would happily pay more for it. But, I haven't found such a thing yet. Until then, this will do.

This counter is accurate and the display is easy to read, but I had ordered a counter to use for extended periods of time, and this just didn't work for me. The buttons were just a bit too difficult to press if using it quickly or continuously.

We bought these, not for walking, but for keeping score in a silly game that we play. They work really well the way we're using them. We had a slight issue in the beginning because the plastic battery strip didn't come all the way out of one, so we had to take the back off and get it out ourselves. When we put the batteries back it, it didn't work right away, and we had the take them in and out a few more times before it turned on. Now the LED backlight on that one doesn't work at all, no matter how much we fiddle with the batteries. It doesn't make a huge difference for what we use them for though. The beeping sound is great, so that we can be sure scores are tracked accurately. We are overall very satisfied with this product.

I guess if I ever receive the product I can tell you how great it is; but since I have not received the product that is going to be impossible. So far this is 2 products that I have ordered and not received. - Lap Counter - Counter - Score Keeper'

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Portable Vehicle Gps - gps mount, portable vehicle gps

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I was pretty excited about getting this pad. It was short lived. I set it up in my car, mounting the new gps mount to the center. Later I headed to the store and turned the corner and then gps unit fell forward, still attached to the mat. Come to find out that the mat is "USE ONLY SOFT VINYL" dashboards - mine is leather! This IMPORTANT information is located BEHIND the mat and you would never know this until you cut open the packaging. Mine is being returned...bummer. Bracketron UFM-210-BL NavMat II Portable GPS Dashboard Mount

I wanted a non-permanent place to put the gps on my dash. I also didn't want something very bulky. This mat works great! You hardly notice it's there. The edges of the mat don't stick to the dash the way a permanent adhesive would, but it has not moved around on any trip. I would certainly recommend this dash mount.

This Bracketon UFM -210-BL worked great for me. I was tired of having my Sony NV-U 94T GPS leave rings on my windshield. A telltale sign for thieves as well it was very difficult to clean the marks off of my windshield. I liked this dash mount because it did not leave marks on my windshield. I also liked the Bracketon dash mount because it allowed me to mount my GPS unit lower and obstruct my view less.

After completing a 2K+ road trip - excellent choice for my needs - allows gps to sit between steering wheel and dash in wife's car avoiding view obstructing windshield mount. Price was far better than local.

I REALLY wanted to like this product because its a great concept and seems to be very well made. The problem is, it doesn't work in my car or with my device, but that's not to say it won't work with yours. The mat is very flexible, which may help on slight dash contours with a lightweight device attached to it, but I bought it to hold the car dock for my Droid X, which is rather large, and is heavy with the phone in it. Also, my car is a 2002 Volvo S40, which has no completely flat dash area. While the flexible mat conforms to the dash fine with nothing on it, when I put my device on it (after properly preparing the surface), the airspace under the non-flexible part (where the plastic suction mount is in the middle) is enough to create a gap that gets bigger and bigger until the whole thing falls forward in about 5 min. So now I just use the original suction cup on the window and mount it low in the bottom left corner of my windshield. Oh well, it was with a try.

I drive a 2009 Honda Fit and this pad stays in place in a nook in the dashboard between the radio and instrument lights (has to be placed on the dash at an angle, but I bought this for function, not form). I drive the Fit pretty hard, taking most entrance/exit ramps at twice the average speed, and this thing hasn't even hinted at a problem. To emphasize, I'm using the "nook" aspect of the dashboard to keep it from sliding. The textured surface of the Fit dash probably wouldn't be optimal for this thing sticking without help. The things I like about this: 1) works as advertised (GPS doesn't topple--even with my driving), 2) keeps the GPS out of my windscreen view, and 3) my GPS doesn't fall off the freezing cold windscreen anymore. - Gps Mount - Portable Vehicle Gps - Gps - Dashboard Mount'

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Kids Crafts - creativity, craft kit

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I have 3 daughters ages 9, 10, and 12. They have tried making bracelets before and got bored very fast. Not the case with this item. They have had it for over a month now and are still creating bracelets. I have had to purchase more string for them but the foam discs have held up very well. They have also learned different patterns and made their own. This is a great rainy day activity even though my girls have sat on the porch on nice days and weaved away. Easy to learn, hard to put down. Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit

Let me just first say that I bought this to make bracelets with my 3 year old daughter. She has been into the simple stringing of beads to make bracelets and I thought this might be fun for her. Not only is it fun for her, its fun for me too. She needed my help for the first bracelet, but now she can make them on her own and they come out perfect every single time. We got this less than a week ago and she has already made over 10 bracelets on her own. I love that it comes with 4 different designs. The only thing I wish was there were additional designs you could buy!! Other than that, this is an awesome product and should it ever need replaced due to wear & tear, I definitely wouldn't mind!

This is so great for all ages! I bought it for my 8 year old girl. I thought it was hard at the beginning, but once you get it, it was a piece of cake! I ended up making bracelets too!! I really reccomend this!

We bought this for our 7 year old daughter for her birthday hoping to interest her in a new hobby that would encourage her creativity (and keep her hands busy). The manufacturer suggests this product for 8-12 year olds and I would generally agree (based on dexterity and attention span). However, some younger children, especially those that have the attention span and can repeat a pattern with their hands fairly reliably, will be able to master this activity. Our 5 1/2 year old daughter has given it a try but needs help every once in a while when she gets off the pattern.



We've noticed that the girls don't have as much problem with the circular looms. However, they've had difficulty getting the bracelets from the square looms to come out uniformly. It seems to be a matter of learning how to keep uniform tension on the floss and weave consistently. Not difficult; it just takes a little attention and practice.



The "suitcase" contains four foam looms (2 square and 2 round); 22 skiens of floss; 2 small containers of beads (clear, and multicolored); a beading needle; and instructions.

* Each loom has two patterns (one on each side) for a total of 8 patterns. The finished pattern design is printed around the center hole of the loom, and the notches are painted with the suggested colors used to create the pattern. It's easy to substitute out colors to create your own color schemes. After several months, we've noticed the paint start to rub off the notches on the foam looms (bound to happen over time). Repainting with nail polish may help though we haven't tried that yet.

* The skiens of floss can get used up pretty quickly (only 22). We've found that the local sewing/craft store sells a pack of 50 skiens for around $10.

* We haven't used the beading needle, so I can't comment there. The beads, however, are the right size for the floss and the kids fingers (bigger than seed beeds, smaller than pony beads). My girls haven't shown much interest in incorporating the beads into their projects. They seem to get caught up in the rhythm of the weaving and forget to use them. I would caution that the container lids don't secure down - they slip right off. I would suggest finding another container with a snug lid or taping the lids down to prevent spilled beads.

* The instructions are fairly easy to follow. As has been mentioned by others, the YouTube videos are helpful, especially for those that learn best by watching others. A ruler for measuring out floss has been printed on the fold-out instructions, so all you really need is a pair of scissors for cutting the floss and a pen/pencil (for creating the first loop).

* We still keep the materials, looms, and supplies in the "suitcase" which has proven to be durable.



As our girls have used the product, we've found that they favor the round looms and bracelets over the square. I think this is largely because (1) the weaving rhythm is more continous on the circular looms, (2) it's easier to keep constant tension on the circular looms, (3) the consistent tension yields a more uniform and finished looking product, (4) the round bracelets are usually faster to complete (our experience has been 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the round bracelets compared to 3 for the flat bracelets), and (5) the girls favor the heart and flower designs produced by the circular looms.



Our girls have had a fun time creating bracelets for friends (boys and girls) and themselves. They seem to enjoy planning out the colors and trying to invent new patterns. I would agree with the reviewers who would have liked to see additional patterns. We've also used the floss to create our own knotted/braided/woven bracelets using patterns we've found elsewhere on the web.



Overall, a fun product that was worth the $17.50 we paid for it!

Gave it to my 9 year old God daughter. She and her friends loooove this one. It is a bonding experience for them. Inspires creativity, sharing and fun times. The price is really good, so there is nothing to loose here. Instructional and enjoyable...and it keeps them busy :)

My daughter received this kit for Christmas, and has really enjoyed making bracelets. The kits comes with a full rainbox of colors, and the instructions are easy to follow. The addition of beads makes things a little more messy and complicated, but the end result is worth it. A great gift for girls between the ages of 6-15. - Craft Kits - Creativity - Craft Kit - Bracelets'

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Martial Arts - philosophy, martial arts books

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'Living the Martial Way' is a valuable book that should be read by serious martial artists.



The author explores a wide range of issues including the mental/'spiritual' aspects, history, philosophy, strategy/tactics, and many others. This work is particularly valuable to those who do not have the good fortune to have an instructor who is a traditionalist. Those martial artists who have such a teacher have undoubtedly gotten a dose of most of the best of this volume. Those without such a mentor will doubly benefit from Morgan's instruction.



Here is the breakdown of this book as I see it:



The Good

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

1. Lots of interesting history.

2. Excellent material on the ethical principles, loyalty, honor, etc.

3. Philosophical roots of the martial arts.

4. The benefits of training, particularly as it applies to seeking ecellence in other areas of one's life.

5. A good section on strategy and tactics.

6. Excellent commentary on internal vs. external motivations.

7. A good response to religious based objections to martial arts training.



The Not So Good

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

1. Too much discussion of 'face' including some rationalization for inappropriate responses to a loss of face.

2. Some discussion of revenge and suicide that should have been treated strictly as historical instead of some weak justification of these as applied to the modern world.

3. The author is rather elitist in his view of warriors being superior to pretty much everyone else on the planet. Although this part included some good observations, it was overdone.



Overall, I would recommend this book for any martial artist. Additionally, I think that a lot of the information would be interesting and valuable even to non 'warriors'. Living the Martial Way : A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think

This book is a masterpiece. It is a great guide for the martial artist and fills in many gaps in his or her training. For example, Morgan has a chapter on Honor. He is right when he states that we in the martial arts "world" hear the word "honor" often, but, never have its definition articulated to us. He gives a groundwork of tenets (obligation, justice, and courage)and builds a thesis as to why these tenets are important to martial artist of all belt ranks. Even though I think his tenets are incomplete, but neverless insightful; it is a great start, and he is the first to forcefully lay down such a well reasoned view.The book is full of training ideas and incorperating the martial arts into one's "everyday" life. I often refer to this book when I have not lived up to one of the tenets and strive to be a better martial artist and after reading this book, a better man.

This is a must read book and a book to be owned by anyone who considers themselves a warrior. I require its reading by all of my Black Belts and recommend it to all my students. This book explains in detail the essential elements of a true martial artist/warrior. It is not about the skill of fightinhg, yet more importantly about the moral and ethical obligation to self.This book should be required reading in all police and military academies. I think, it is one of the five major books regarding the martial arts. The Martial Way is one in which the practitioner can excell in life and the constant pursuit of excellence in all of life.The mind, body and spirit must be trained as one and function as one in all pursuits. This book will assist one greatly in acheiving the mental balance of the Martial Way.

The title says it all. Written with authority, this book navigates the modern warrior through the minefield that he will have to walk as a result of being a martial person in a world full of those who are not. The writings help to keep one out of the traps that many of us fall into as a result of not having the mentorship that we truly need. Using his knowledge of primarily eastern warrior traditions such as bushido (Japanese chivalry), Morgan covers all of the issues that warriors grapple with and then gives the answers that true masters have been teaching for over 1000 years. His research is thourough, his writting style formal yet easy to understand. He goes into the social history surrounding the ancient texts refered to (such as "The Book Of Five Rings", "The Art Of War", etc) and in doing so helps the western reader adjust his outlook so that the classic texts are more easily understood and applied. Beyond that, Morgan thoughroughly covers such topics as:



The Warrior Mindset

The Foundations Of Honor (Obligation, justice,

courage, face)

Loyalty

Restraint

Revenge (when is it justified, how to conduct it with

honor)

Fitness

Nutrition and diet

Aerobic capacity and flexability

Religion and Mysticism

etc.



While few modern warriors will agree with EVERYTHING he says, this is by and large the information you have been in need of.

All in all a complete book from start to finish. Highly recomended.

I would highly recommend--regardless of the system of martial arts you study-- Living the Martial Way by Forrest E. Morgan. This book will change your whole outlook on how you study martial arts and will teach you how to develop attitudes based on ancient Asian martial arts. It is a manual for the way a modern warrior should think.This is the most influential book I have ever read. I sincerely recommend it as a "must read" for any student of martial arts or anyone interested in a noble way of living.

Recently I read and reviewed a book called "The Karate Dojo" by Peter Urban. Written in the mid-1960s, it's a snapshot of a bygone martial arts era. Mr. Urban portrayed an ideal dojo training situation that would enable one to become a "weaponless weapon." "Living the Martial Way" has a similar focus on achieving the status of a "modern warrior." However, it goes a lot farther by offering detailed practical and philosophical steps to that end. Combined, these steps constitute the "Martial Way." It's not for the faint of heart.



The book is broken down into three aspects of the Martial Way: The Way of Training, The Way of Honor, and The Way of Living. In Part One, the author discusses how a warrior trains. Practicing once or twice a week for a couple of hours won't cut it. Instead, the warrior should rigorously train in their chosen martial art every day, and augment their core style with additional study in other disciplines. Part Two delves into the warrior's internal path by focusing on developing the foundational character quality of Honor. Finally, Part Three deals with a mixture of the practical and spiritual aspects of the Martial Way, including physical fitness, mysticism, and personal bearing.



Mr. Morgan provides a comprehensive path towards warriorship. For the most part, his guidance is clear and practical. However, there are a couple of debatable areas. For example, some of the circa 1990 diet and exercise information Mr. Morgan promulgates is a bit stale in 2007. Even so, the author's general admonition to eat right and exercise are timeless, so consult some newer resources to implement his recommendations. Also, I was a bit taken aback by his almost religious zeal towards becoming a warrior. To be sure, excellence requires much work, pain, and sacrifice. But many desire a more balanced life, and I'm not sure one could fully pursue the Martial Way and have a family life. Indeed, you'd probably have to be a celibate monk to truly achieve warriorship (for all I know that may be a requirement, since Mr. Morgan isn't forthcoming on his family life).



Overall, I was challenged by "Living the Martial Way" to take my budo practice (and my faith as a Christian) to a higher level and integrate it deeper into my life. However, I'm not as dismissive of the twice weekly practitioner as Mr. Morgan is. Because for years that was my training regimen at the kyu (colored belt) level. Mr. Morgan might dismiss me as a mere "martial artist" (see page 25). But I've realized many personal benefits from that level of practice. Even so, now that I'm a ShoDan assistant instructor I agree with him that a deeper level of commitment is needed. I must be a good role model for my students, and that requires more intensity on my part. That's why I added boxing to my "doctrinal core" of karate over a year ago, and also the reason I'm reading many books about the martial arts.



I recommend "Living The Martial Way" as a necessary text for the martial artist. It will affirm the dedication of the serious practitioner, and perhaps challenge the not-so-serious one towards a more profound level of commitment. In addition, you may wish to augment this book with "Clearing Away Clouds" by Stephen Fabian, "The Making of a Butterfly" by Phillip Starr, "The Martial Way and Its Virtues" by F. J. Chu, "The Martial Spirit" by Herman Kauz, and just about anything by Dave Lowry. - Guide - Karate - Martial Arts Books - Philosophy'

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Travel Rods

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I was not only pleased with this but fascinated. I own 15 travel rods & this is the best. I have it paired with a Cedros 80 reel with 50 lb. Braid to use with boat fishing. I plan to test drive it in Maine next month. It does cast well. I tossed a jig about 80' with the Medium tip. Great detail with a solid look describes this instrument. Great carrying case and I like the two tip option for the rod. Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod (15 - 40 Lbs, 7-Feet, Medium-Light)

I like this rod for saltwater fishing for bigger fish. I was fishing in the Keys in March and worked the shallow reefs. The rod is too heavy for that. Most fish I caught were in the 10-16" range. However, I caught a 12" blue runner on a lighter rod and used it as barracuda bait. For that I used the Okuma rod with the 40lb tip. It was ideal for that. I got a strong hit from a 3' barracuda, but he didn't take the hook enough to set it. Nevertheless, for that kind of fishing, the rod is great.

Had to ship to Hawks Cay Marathon Fl.Just a little to long in break drop mode to fit in suit case (I did bring 2 Okuma travel rods and 2 TRL travel rods)not enough room for gear and clothes. But they are good strong rods that I will use in my local NJ saltwater waters.'

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Horse Supplements - horse supplements, horses

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I work in the publishing industry and am always skeptical about bias towards advertisers in any publication. Horse Journal has completely removed that from the equation and offers wonderful, unbiased information that is helpful for any level of horse owner. I read it cover to cover each month. They give wonderful and explanatory product reviews and great articles about basic horse care from bedding to veterinary care. If you only receive 1 horse publication, this should be it! Horse Journal (1-year auto-renewal)

Monthly reviews of various horse products with straight forward ratings and comments. Recent products included fly sprays, various supplements, etc. The articles offer pros and cons of each product, manufacturer info and the cost. Wish they had more pages because what is there is very helpful.

I like this Journal. It's informative and packed full of tried and true products. It's an equine consumer reports and I trust their reviews. In order to cut back on expenses I let all my equine magazines expire except my Horse Journal.

I have been subscribing to The Horse Journal for over 4 years and have found the articles to be very informative. This magazine has no advertising and has something for every horseperson. You'll read the latest finding on a particular health issue, questions and answers to and from the vet, and a consumer report on a particular product. I save my issues as I have had to refer back to them when an issue arises at the barn. We had one horse suffering from severe rainrot. I was able to pull the past issue that dealt with this problem and show the owner. This magazine follows much of the AAEP findings - you won't be sorry you subscribed. - Horse Magazine - Gift Idea - Horse Supplements - Horses'

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