The matter on new books written here has been written in such a way that it facilitates easy memorization. This memorized matter can later be used.
new books For Your Reading Pleasure
eBooks: The Only Books?
Way back when the internet first learned to walk there was a famous aphorism encouraging it as it took each unsteady step: "Information wants to be free." Well, while the internet is not old by any stretch of the imagination, it is now upright, sturdy, and racing ahead, two legs strong and insisting: "Information wants to be on the internet!" The resounding boom of this proclamation initially caused other information-related industries--namely print media and publishing--to backpedal or just plain shake. Newspapers, luckily understanding the ramifications of the internet, quickly steadied their nerves and appeared online, first as supplements to their printed versions, then vice versa as their primary mode of distribution. Books, on the other hand, appeared slowly, initially at a crawl, but seemingly overnight are like the internet itself, already running.
In increasing numbers, books are now digitized; i.e. becoming eBooks. Though industry numbers vary, some sources already place eBook sales at 35% of the overall total of yearly book sales.
Book reviewers, likewise, increasingly shift their critical gaze away from traditional hardbound and soft-cover books to eBooks, which either appear solely in digital format, or as alternatives to their tangible world counterparts. And not only do eBook reviewers now regularly give resoundingly influential thumbs up or down to specific eBooks, but entire websites, including www.ebookreviews.net, are available to review, catalogue and otherwise provide information on eBooks in an increasing number of categories. In fact, the breath of reading materials contained within an eBook's pages already exceeds traditional (and at present most sought after, and thus lucrative) self-help eBooks to encompass even literature's canon (formerly only found gold-leafed and leather-bound) from Homer to Shakespeare.
Monster search engines, with Google? of course leading the charge (and Yahoo!, Microsoft's MSN, and bookseller Amazon.com in tow) are years into developing systems that will digitize the printed word. Despite copyright infringement lawsuits hurled like spears from traditional book publishers, steps have been taken to digitize several large libraries whose collections presently exist in the public domain (thus not subject to copyright law). Microsoft, for instance, is digitizing 100,000 such books from the British Library. Additionally, Random House recently became the first of the traditional publishing behemoths to realize their future, in part, relied upon selling eBooks, and began digitizing portions of their catalogue. Finally, Amazon.com is setting up a cheaper alternative, a "pay-per-view" system not much unlike checking books out of a library for a nominal fee.
In the future, many experts predict, if we read something, it will be read online and online only. Trusted offline information will be digitized to replace currently less trusted online information. Access to information will even be available for purchase piecemeal to accommodate specific needs and interests. Examples include a chef's recipe without his or her entire cookbook, a Bible verse without both testaments, a single chapter relevant to a student's research, and access to the foreign city a traveler will visit without lugging the guide for the entire country abroad.
But what is wonderful for the average Joe and Jane, Smith or Jones about the digitizing of information being but in its most nascent stages, is that opportunities abound for them to become primary movers and shakers, pioneering and (thus) profiting from this revolution. Now is the time to digitize the stores of information and know-how that you already possess. Don't know what I mean? Check out the wealth of information accumulating daily at www.ebookreviews.net to read how hundreds of others did exactly this: turned what they were good at or what interested them into an eBook now sold to and shared with likeminded people wanting to learn or benefit from another (and perhaps former!) Joe or Jane, Smith or Jones' expertise.
Otherwise, not interested in entrepreneurship? No problem. www.ebookreviews.net is still a wonderful place to begin your search for information. There are links to not only individuals selling eBooks they wrote, but to eBook exchanges and sellers promoting libraries worth of eBooks in an astounding number of diverse categories. Either way, you'll be onboard, running ahead with the knowledge that not only does "information want to be free" but it "wants to be online!"
Copyright 2006, Robert K. Blanc. All Rights Reserved. Reprint or reposting of this article permitted only in its entirety with the below resource box included and unchanged.
About the Author
About the Author
Robert Blanc is a frequent traveler and freelance writer, having covered current events, niche markets and subjects of personal interest for both online and traditional print publications. Recently enamored by the eBook phenomenon and the booming self-help industry, he regularly turns to www.ebookreviews.net to begin his searches for the latest information and eBooks currently on the market.
new books Items For Viewing
Saitek P990 Dual Analog Game Pad
Saitek P990 Dual Analog Game Pad
Instantly configure your pad's controls to the perfect set-up for First Person Shooter games with a single button press. The ergonomic controls with soft touch handles increase grip and comfort during hours of gameplay. Advanced programming is provided by Saitek Smart Technology (SST) software. System Requirement: Windows XP & XP64
Customer Review: Not as good as the last one, but...
I bought this controller to replace my old Saitek P880, the previous iteration of this controller, which finally gave out on me after four years of abuse.
For the most part this is still a good, solid controller, except for one factor - The D-pad, compared to the one on my P880, feels incredibly cheap and sometimes sticks, and did so right out of the box. The feel of the other buttons is similar or identical, but the D-pad is rather annoying for games I use it in when it triggers. Mind you, it's maybe one time out of a hundred and fifty or so, but still annoying when it happens.
For the record, I use the controller for the games Phantasy Star Universe and Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst, which are both third-person action games, and the d-pad is used only for menus. For what it's worth, if you play Phantasy Star Universe, this is the only controller I've found that actually has enough buttons for all the functions you can map to a controller, finally removing my need to still use the keyboard for certain things.
If you like controllers with six face buttons rather than the four-button layout that seems to be more common, this is a good one to get, just mind that there can be issues with the D-pad. If your game doesn't use the D-pad, then there isn't a problem I can think of.
Customer Review: Solid control but poor programming software
Overall i am pleased with this gamepad. It works great as long as the game itself has a good control setup of its own as i found the downloadable programming software to be somewhat frustrating. it really isn't very user friendly or pretty(just a minor grip). for some reason assigned buttons just randomly won't do what they are supposed to and have to be reassigned and then still might not work. it shouldn't be difficult or take this much effort to program a controller. however once setup it is very nice.
Collected Recipes Cookbook-Botanical Treasures Binder
Collected Recipes Cookbook-Botanical Treasures Binder
Create your own cookbook from your recipe clippings! The Collected Recipes Cookbook Binder features 36 2-sided magnetic pages to protect your recipe clippings from spills and yellowing, 8 tab dividers with categories and handy pockets to make it easy to keep your recipe clippings organized, and a 3-ring clip which makes it easy to add or rearrange pages as needed. Measurement and food equivalents are printed on the inside for easy reference.
Left Behind Eternal Forces CD-ROM
Left Behind Eternal Forces CD-ROM
Left Behind: Eternal Forces is a real-time strategy based on the best-selling "Left Behind" series. Join the ultimate fight of Good against Evil, commanding Tribulation Forces or the Global Community Peacekeepers, and uncover the truth about the worldwide disappearances! Wage a war of apocalyptic proportions and decide the fate of the world! Robust single player experience across dozens of New York City maps - Fighting in Chinatown, SoHo, Uptown and more! Play multiplayer games as Tribulation Force or the AntiChrist's Global Community Peacekeepers with up to eight players via LAN or over the internet
Customer Review: Many lies about this game. Better than a lot of people claim.
First of all, let me be adamant that THERE IS NO "CONVERT OR KILL" IN THE GAME. Sorry for the caps, but it's necessary to be firm against the lies being spread about this game. From the game manual, to the game itself, to the game and company websites, it is made very, very clear that "convert or kill" is NOT the goal of the game. The goal of the game is to save people from the Antichrist. In fact, here's is a direct quote from the manual: "YOUR GOAL: Save as many people from the clutches of the Antichrist as possible. Your purpose is absolutely NOT to wipe out the enemy forces." The manual does briefly touch on very rare circumstances where you might be forced to fight defensively and kill or be killed, but your best (and often your only) offense and defense is spiritual warfare, i.e. using non-combatant singers and recruiters to turn units to your side (or at least neutral).
Furthermore, the game is neither racist nor sexist. While the units all look alike, this is simply for the sake of convenience and to avoid confusion. Any "Muslim names" people have complained about are a non-issue as there are many, many other types of names. Some have complained that female units can't become builders and this makes the game sexist, but they ignore the fact that only female units can become the most powerful units in the game.
As far as the game itself, it makes you plan moves and think out strategies instead of massing soldiers and weaponry to slaughter your enemies. It's very fun when you get the hang of it (and realize that unlike traditional gaming, brute force isn't the best option and can often be the worst).
Left Behind Games has been very faithful to players and has made sure to issue several patches to address technical and gameplay concerns. The game as it is now with all patches installed is very stable and easily playable.
The game's appearance is above average with top-notch recreations of New York City streets right down to street signs (which are readable!), mailboxes and banks of payphones. The advertising in the game is minimal and hardly noticeable when you are concentrating on playing.
In short, "Eternal Forces" is a very good offering from a brand new company and a brand new genre.
Customer Review: The game that should be Left Behind. Waste of money!
I just recieved this game for Christmas and was really excited to get it. That was untill I played it! The movies put out by this series are impressive the game is a total waste of money. In the first part of the game you are told to: "Beware of the evil musicians, their screaming guitars will take your soul away!" And you are literally killed by these evil rockstar musicians and kicked out of the game. Your only defense is to pray really hard, or kick someone (Not much of attack when people are coming at you with weapons!) Oh, and by the way there are literally dotted lines drawn in most of he city so that you can not advance beyond those points until it lets you! And to walk you have to keep clicking on the walk button and then move your mouse to where you want to go. Your character keeps saying stupid things like: "I'll go!" or "That's a good idea!" (He says this every time you make him move!) Graphics are basic and when you push on your letter buttons (On the keyboard) they make sounds but your character does nothing. P.S. Most Christians do not believe that rock music will take your soul away! I kept the free Left Behind Book and I threw the game away! I don't know who made this game, but they should deffinately look into a new field of work!
Quickbooks Premier Prof Services Edition 2008
Quickbooks Premier Prof Services Edition 2008
QuickBooks: Premier Professional Services Edition 2008 offers accounting and business planning tools tailored for professional services firms. In addition to saving time on routine tasks like tracking billable time, invoicing clients, and processing payroll, Professional Services Edition makes it simple to monitor business performance. Reports that track billable hours and project profitability help you stay on top of your business. With QuickBooks Premier, you'll have the tools and insights to grow your business!
Customer Review: Quickbooks Prem Prof Serv
Not as good as I had hoped. I had hoped I could tailor the program more to my needs in providing professional services. However, after one weekend of work, I was ready to take a crowbar to the program.
Quickbooks is a good, inexpensive accounting product, but you had better work the way it wants you to and take time to go through all the tutorials before trying to use it.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Lord Voldemort has returned, but few want to believe it. In fact, the Ministry of Magic is doing everything it can to keep the wizarding world from knowing the truth - including appointing Ministry official Dolores Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. When Professor Umbridge refuses to train her students in practical defensive magic, a select group of students decides to learn on their own. With Harry Potter as their leader, these students (who call themselves "Dumbledore's Army") meet secretly in a hidden room at Hogwarts to hone their wizarding skills in preparation for battle with the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters. . New adventure - more dangerous , more thrilling than ever - is yours in this enthralling film version of the fifth novel in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. A terrifying showdown between good and evil awaits. Prepare for battle!
DVD Features:
Featurette
Other
Customer Review: "Phoenix" Delivers
After a somewhat disappointing fourth installement, the folks across the pond have delivered a good film, and a fairly faithful adaption.
The acting is as good as I've come to expect from the talented stars, and a couple new additions shine as well. Evanna Lynch plays Luna perfectly, and Imelda Staunton is a great addition to the cast as Umbridge. I thoroughly hated her guts, which, of course, is just right.
David Yates, while not the best so far, has talent...Half Blood Prince should be good.
The fighting in the end is magnificient! We hadn't really seen wizards doing battle yet, and this just shows how cool it can really be.
The music, while not extraordinary, is good enough to help the film's quality.
Overall, a good, fun film. If anything, it'll really made you thristy for the sequel...
Customer Review: Excellent Adaptation
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4) is my favorite of the series, but this one came pretty close. It was a great adaptation, considering how long the book is.
Pretty much everything worked great for me, except the first scenes of the dementor attack, i think it could have been so much better and more intense.
The rest is great, Imelda Stauton was amazing as Dolores Umbridge, a great performance, i hope they bring her back for the seventh movie, would be great to see her again.
It doesnt have much action but is ok, is mostly character driven. The trio has improved their craft, especially Daniel Radcliffe, although the best of the three is still Emma Watson.
The special effects were incredible, especially in the ministry battle, wich in my opinnion was the best scene of the movie. The music was great.
Overall a good movie, the DVD is great, could have had more extras like the goblet of fire dvd, but is satisfying.
Schoolhouse Rock!: Grammar Rock (Animated)
Schoolhouse Rock!: Grammar Rock (Animated)
There are two types of Schoolhouse Rock fans. Type A: those who--inspired in the '70s and '80s by "Conjunction Junction" and "Interjections!"--went on to become grammar gurus, copyeditors, and computational linguists. And type B: those who--less inspired by grammar than by catchy refrains--can still sing lines that today sound less than P.C.:
Though Geraldine played hard to get (uh huh),(Geraldo, if you'll recall, is a goat.) No matter. Both kinds of fans will enjoy revisiting these Saturday-morning shorts--and hopefully this video will find its way into classrooms, to boot. Clever teachers who grew up on this stuff will know how to make Schoolhouse Rock fans (ideally of type A) out of the next generation, too. --Erik Macki
Geraldo knew he'd woo her yet.
He showed his affection,
Despite her objection,
And Geraldine hollered some interjections!
Customer Review: Great Refresher for Adults
I work with many adult college students who do not remember basic grammar. I often recommend they buy this for a quick, basic grammar review. It sounds silly when I first say it, but this is a fun and memorable way to understand grammar. Many students report watching it with their children. It's also very helpful for ESL students.
Customer Review: Schoolhouse Rock! Grammar Rock
Here's a quick fix or review for those children struggling with understanding grammar. Because of the easy tunes and rhyming lyrics, children will quickly remember the correct ways to use nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, subjects, and predicates. Because of the age of the product, it has inherent problems. Grammar usage rules have changed over the years, so children may pick up some weak or incorrect ideas on usage. Although many of us remember "Conjunction Junction" with great delight, children need to recognize the new list of conjunctions. The video tends to stress passive writing over active writing. Bits of the language in the "Adjective" song allow kids to belittle or mock others. But the joy of learning through music--even with dated lyrics--allows for a meeting ground where parents can add to the learning process.
Persuasion
Persuasion
Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Review: Simply THE BEST Version of Jane Austen's PERSUASION
In my opinion, this film is the very best version of film adaptations of Jane Austen's PERSUASION. The casting seems perfect and the subtle physical transformation of Amanda Root (Anne Elliot) is incredible. Having recently seen the new PBS/Masterpiece Theater version (didn't like the casting on that one), I think that the only place that it excelled over this version was in making the relationship between Mrs. Clay and cousin Elliot clearer--that the cousin wanted not only to marry Anne so he could inherit the estate, but to also have Mrs. Clay as his mistress on the side to prevent her from marrying Sir Walter Elliot and possibly producing a male heir to beat him out of the property. That flaw was probably due to some footage ending up on the cutting room floor. Overall, however, this earlier version is vastly superior and may be my favorite adaptation of all the Austen novels to date.
Customer Review: I am persuaded...
Let me state up front that I have never read Jane Austen's novels but I've watched almost every version of her novels put to film. I was confused in places when I watched for the first time this 1995 version of Persuasion with Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root, but a second viewing clarified -- and I've watched and loved it many times since (however, I've mused that this version would have been even better had Andrew Davies written the screenplay). I love to watch the subtle play of emotions on the characters' faces, which reveal the thoughts and feelings people of that era would never utter aloud. I was so looking forward to watching Rupert Penry Jones' Captain Wentworth in the new rendition of Persuasion because I loved him in his small but memorable role in the excellent film, Charlotte Gray. But I was disappointed in the entire production, especially in the casting of plain Sally Hawkins. I would never for a moment believe that Penry Jones would be attracted to, never mind pine for, her. I was also disappointed in Penry Jones' rather wooden performance (though I think he had the deck stacked against him by the screenplay and the way that film was shot). I found the final scene of Hawkins running through the streets ridiculous and her way-too-long-lead-up-to-a-kiss with Wentworth contrived. What most disturbed me about the new film and the other new film versions of the Austen novels released this season (Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey, although I thought Northanger Abbey the best of the three; I haven't seen Sense and Sensibility or Emma yet) is that everything feels forced -- the action is too fast and "choppy." Sally Hawkins is plopped onto the back of the carriage like a sack of potatoes, versus the subtle caress of Ciaran Hinds' hands on Amanda Root's waist as he helps her into the carriage, followed by the embarrassed expression on her face as she looks back at him and as he turns away to hide the caring his action revealed. Time and time again in this 1995 version, you can see the subtle emotions on the characters' faces because the camera lingers appropriately. This is only one of countless moments of genuine feeling that is totally lacking in the new version. Is it that we're losing in our increasingly fast-paced results-oriented world -- reflected in many current films -- the ability to let life and feeling unfold according to its own natural rhythms? I was not persuaded that the characters in the new version were real at all. Thank goodness I have my wonderful 1995 version to watch again and again.
Pixar Cars Movie Moments: Stanley & Red
Pixar Cars Movie Moments: Stanley & Red
Disney Cars Supercharged Movie Moments Red & Stanley
new books in the news
It's got everything you want from a Bond film
Fri, 17 Nov 2006 04:55:53 GMT
'Fast Show' star and writer of the 'Young Bond' books, Charlie Higson gives his verdict on Casino Royale …
John Banville - Director’s Cut - hotpress.com (subscription)
Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:22:12 GMT
John Banville - Director’s Cut hotpress.com (subscription), Ireland - It’s certainly true if you’re doing an extended piece – I write mostly now for the New York Review of Books and that’s three or four thousand words, ... |
A net value: Online communities help manage your money (The State)
Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:00:13 -0800
Dan Hassenplug’s monthly expenses used to include around $300 for lunch and three or four books bought from Amazon.com. Now he’s plugged into a new breed of social network that helps him manage his finances. “When you see a graph that says you averaged $10 a day for lunch — about $300 for the month — well, that’s a lot of money,” said the 24-year old design manager from Geneva, Ill. Now he’s cut … Source:A net value: Online communities help manage your money (The State)
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new books For Your Reading Pleasure
eBooks: The Only Books?
Way back when the internet first learned to walk there was a famous aphorism encouraging it as it took each unsteady step: "Information wants to be free." Well, while the internet is not old by any stretch of the imagination, it is now upright, sturdy, and racing ahead, two legs strong and insisting: "Information wants to be on the internet!" The resounding boom of this proclamation initially caused other information-related industries--namely print media and publishing--to backpedal or just plain shake. Newspapers, luckily understanding the ramifications of the internet, quickly steadied their nerves and appeared online, first as supplements to their printed versions, then vice versa as their primary mode of distribution. Books, on the other hand, appeared slowly, initially at a crawl, but seemingly overnight are like the internet itself, already running.
In increasing numbers, books are now digitized; i.e. becoming eBooks. Though industry numbers vary, some sources already place eBook sales at 35% of the overall total of yearly book sales.
Book reviewers, likewise, increasingly shift their critical gaze away from traditional hardbound and soft-cover books to eBooks, which either appear solely in digital format, or as alternatives to their tangible world counterparts. And not only do eBook reviewers now regularly give resoundingly influential thumbs up or down to specific eBooks, but entire websites, including www.ebookreviews.net, are available to review, catalogue and otherwise provide information on eBooks in an increasing number of categories. In fact, the breath of reading materials contained within an eBook's pages already exceeds traditional (and at present most sought after, and thus lucrative) self-help eBooks to encompass even literature's canon (formerly only found gold-leafed and leather-bound) from Homer to Shakespeare.
Monster search engines, with Google? of course leading the charge (and Yahoo!, Microsoft's MSN, and bookseller Amazon.com in tow) are years into developing systems that will digitize the printed word. Despite copyright infringement lawsuits hurled like spears from traditional book publishers, steps have been taken to digitize several large libraries whose collections presently exist in the public domain (thus not subject to copyright law). Microsoft, for instance, is digitizing 100,000 such books from the British Library. Additionally, Random House recently became the first of the traditional publishing behemoths to realize their future, in part, relied upon selling eBooks, and began digitizing portions of their catalogue. Finally, Amazon.com is setting up a cheaper alternative, a "pay-per-view" system not much unlike checking books out of a library for a nominal fee.
In the future, many experts predict, if we read something, it will be read online and online only. Trusted offline information will be digitized to replace currently less trusted online information. Access to information will even be available for purchase piecemeal to accommodate specific needs and interests. Examples include a chef's recipe without his or her entire cookbook, a Bible verse without both testaments, a single chapter relevant to a student's research, and access to the foreign city a traveler will visit without lugging the guide for the entire country abroad.
But what is wonderful for the average Joe and Jane, Smith or Jones about the digitizing of information being but in its most nascent stages, is that opportunities abound for them to become primary movers and shakers, pioneering and (thus) profiting from this revolution. Now is the time to digitize the stores of information and know-how that you already possess. Don't know what I mean? Check out the wealth of information accumulating daily at www.ebookreviews.net to read how hundreds of others did exactly this: turned what they were good at or what interested them into an eBook now sold to and shared with likeminded people wanting to learn or benefit from another (and perhaps former!) Joe or Jane, Smith or Jones' expertise.
Otherwise, not interested in entrepreneurship? No problem. www.ebookreviews.net is still a wonderful place to begin your search for information. There are links to not only individuals selling eBooks they wrote, but to eBook exchanges and sellers promoting libraries worth of eBooks in an astounding number of diverse categories. Either way, you'll be onboard, running ahead with the knowledge that not only does "information want to be free" but it "wants to be online!"
Copyright 2006, Robert K. Blanc. All Rights Reserved. Reprint or reposting of this article permitted only in its entirety with the below resource box included and unchanged.
About the Author
About the Author
Robert Blanc is a frequent traveler and freelance writer, having covered current events, niche markets and subjects of personal interest for both online and traditional print publications. Recently enamored by the eBook phenomenon and the booming self-help industry, he regularly turns to www.ebookreviews.net to begin his searches for the latest information and eBooks currently on the market.
new books Items For Viewing
Saitek P990 Dual Analog Game Pad
Saitek P990 Dual Analog Game Pad
Instantly configure your pad's controls to the perfect set-up for First Person Shooter games with a single button press. The ergonomic controls with soft touch handles increase grip and comfort during hours of gameplay. Advanced programming is provided by Saitek Smart Technology (SST) software. System Requirement: Windows XP & XP64
Customer Review: Not as good as the last one, but...
I bought this controller to replace my old Saitek P880, the previous iteration of this controller, which finally gave out on me after four years of abuse.
For the most part this is still a good, solid controller, except for one factor - The D-pad, compared to the one on my P880, feels incredibly cheap and sometimes sticks, and did so right out of the box. The feel of the other buttons is similar or identical, but the D-pad is rather annoying for games I use it in when it triggers. Mind you, it's maybe one time out of a hundred and fifty or so, but still annoying when it happens.
For the record, I use the controller for the games Phantasy Star Universe and Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst, which are both third-person action games, and the d-pad is used only for menus. For what it's worth, if you play Phantasy Star Universe, this is the only controller I've found that actually has enough buttons for all the functions you can map to a controller, finally removing my need to still use the keyboard for certain things.
If you like controllers with six face buttons rather than the four-button layout that seems to be more common, this is a good one to get, just mind that there can be issues with the D-pad. If your game doesn't use the D-pad, then there isn't a problem I can think of.
Customer Review: Solid control but poor programming software
Overall i am pleased with this gamepad. It works great as long as the game itself has a good control setup of its own as i found the downloadable programming software to be somewhat frustrating. it really isn't very user friendly or pretty(just a minor grip). for some reason assigned buttons just randomly won't do what they are supposed to and have to be reassigned and then still might not work. it shouldn't be difficult or take this much effort to program a controller. however once setup it is very nice.
Collected Recipes Cookbook-Botanical Treasures Binder
Collected Recipes Cookbook-Botanical Treasures Binder
Create your own cookbook from your recipe clippings! The Collected Recipes Cookbook Binder features 36 2-sided magnetic pages to protect your recipe clippings from spills and yellowing, 8 tab dividers with categories and handy pockets to make it easy to keep your recipe clippings organized, and a 3-ring clip which makes it easy to add or rearrange pages as needed. Measurement and food equivalents are printed on the inside for easy reference.
Left Behind Eternal Forces CD-ROM
Left Behind Eternal Forces CD-ROM
Left Behind: Eternal Forces is a real-time strategy based on the best-selling "Left Behind" series. Join the ultimate fight of Good against Evil, commanding Tribulation Forces or the Global Community Peacekeepers, and uncover the truth about the worldwide disappearances! Wage a war of apocalyptic proportions and decide the fate of the world! Robust single player experience across dozens of New York City maps - Fighting in Chinatown, SoHo, Uptown and more! Play multiplayer games as Tribulation Force or the AntiChrist's Global Community Peacekeepers with up to eight players via LAN or over the internet
Customer Review: Many lies about this game. Better than a lot of people claim.
First of all, let me be adamant that THERE IS NO "CONVERT OR KILL" IN THE GAME. Sorry for the caps, but it's necessary to be firm against the lies being spread about this game. From the game manual, to the game itself, to the game and company websites, it is made very, very clear that "convert or kill" is NOT the goal of the game. The goal of the game is to save people from the Antichrist. In fact, here's is a direct quote from the manual: "YOUR GOAL: Save as many people from the clutches of the Antichrist as possible. Your purpose is absolutely NOT to wipe out the enemy forces." The manual does briefly touch on very rare circumstances where you might be forced to fight defensively and kill or be killed, but your best (and often your only) offense and defense is spiritual warfare, i.e. using non-combatant singers and recruiters to turn units to your side (or at least neutral).
Furthermore, the game is neither racist nor sexist. While the units all look alike, this is simply for the sake of convenience and to avoid confusion. Any "Muslim names" people have complained about are a non-issue as there are many, many other types of names. Some have complained that female units can't become builders and this makes the game sexist, but they ignore the fact that only female units can become the most powerful units in the game.
As far as the game itself, it makes you plan moves and think out strategies instead of massing soldiers and weaponry to slaughter your enemies. It's very fun when you get the hang of it (and realize that unlike traditional gaming, brute force isn't the best option and can often be the worst).
Left Behind Games has been very faithful to players and has made sure to issue several patches to address technical and gameplay concerns. The game as it is now with all patches installed is very stable and easily playable.
The game's appearance is above average with top-notch recreations of New York City streets right down to street signs (which are readable!), mailboxes and banks of payphones. The advertising in the game is minimal and hardly noticeable when you are concentrating on playing.
In short, "Eternal Forces" is a very good offering from a brand new company and a brand new genre.
Customer Review: The game that should be Left Behind. Waste of money!
I just recieved this game for Christmas and was really excited to get it. That was untill I played it! The movies put out by this series are impressive the game is a total waste of money. In the first part of the game you are told to: "Beware of the evil musicians, their screaming guitars will take your soul away!" And you are literally killed by these evil rockstar musicians and kicked out of the game. Your only defense is to pray really hard, or kick someone (Not much of attack when people are coming at you with weapons!) Oh, and by the way there are literally dotted lines drawn in most of he city so that you can not advance beyond those points until it lets you! And to walk you have to keep clicking on the walk button and then move your mouse to where you want to go. Your character keeps saying stupid things like: "I'll go!" or "That's a good idea!" (He says this every time you make him move!) Graphics are basic and when you push on your letter buttons (On the keyboard) they make sounds but your character does nothing. P.S. Most Christians do not believe that rock music will take your soul away! I kept the free Left Behind Book and I threw the game away! I don't know who made this game, but they should deffinately look into a new field of work!
Quickbooks Premier Prof Services Edition 2008
Quickbooks Premier Prof Services Edition 2008
QuickBooks: Premier Professional Services Edition 2008 offers accounting and business planning tools tailored for professional services firms. In addition to saving time on routine tasks like tracking billable time, invoicing clients, and processing payroll, Professional Services Edition makes it simple to monitor business performance. Reports that track billable hours and project profitability help you stay on top of your business. With QuickBooks Premier, you'll have the tools and insights to grow your business!
Customer Review: Quickbooks Prem Prof Serv
Not as good as I had hoped. I had hoped I could tailor the program more to my needs in providing professional services. However, after one weekend of work, I was ready to take a crowbar to the program.
Quickbooks is a good, inexpensive accounting product, but you had better work the way it wants you to and take time to go through all the tutorials before trying to use it.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Lord Voldemort has returned, but few want to believe it. In fact, the Ministry of Magic is doing everything it can to keep the wizarding world from knowing the truth - including appointing Ministry official Dolores Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. When Professor Umbridge refuses to train her students in practical defensive magic, a select group of students decides to learn on their own. With Harry Potter as their leader, these students (who call themselves "Dumbledore's Army") meet secretly in a hidden room at Hogwarts to hone their wizarding skills in preparation for battle with the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters. . New adventure - more dangerous , more thrilling than ever - is yours in this enthralling film version of the fifth novel in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. A terrifying showdown between good and evil awaits. Prepare for battle!
DVD Features:
Featurette
Other
Customer Review: "Phoenix" Delivers
After a somewhat disappointing fourth installement, the folks across the pond have delivered a good film, and a fairly faithful adaption.
The acting is as good as I've come to expect from the talented stars, and a couple new additions shine as well. Evanna Lynch plays Luna perfectly, and Imelda Staunton is a great addition to the cast as Umbridge. I thoroughly hated her guts, which, of course, is just right.
David Yates, while not the best so far, has talent...Half Blood Prince should be good.
The fighting in the end is magnificient! We hadn't really seen wizards doing battle yet, and this just shows how cool it can really be.
The music, while not extraordinary, is good enough to help the film's quality.
Overall, a good, fun film. If anything, it'll really made you thristy for the sequel...
Customer Review: Excellent Adaptation
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4) is my favorite of the series, but this one came pretty close. It was a great adaptation, considering how long the book is.
Pretty much everything worked great for me, except the first scenes of the dementor attack, i think it could have been so much better and more intense.
The rest is great, Imelda Stauton was amazing as Dolores Umbridge, a great performance, i hope they bring her back for the seventh movie, would be great to see her again.
It doesnt have much action but is ok, is mostly character driven. The trio has improved their craft, especially Daniel Radcliffe, although the best of the three is still Emma Watson.
The special effects were incredible, especially in the ministry battle, wich in my opinnion was the best scene of the movie. The music was great.
Overall a good movie, the DVD is great, could have had more extras like the goblet of fire dvd, but is satisfying.
Schoolhouse Rock!: Grammar Rock (Animated)
Schoolhouse Rock!: Grammar Rock (Animated)
There are two types of Schoolhouse Rock fans. Type A: those who--inspired in the '70s and '80s by "Conjunction Junction" and "Interjections!"--went on to become grammar gurus, copyeditors, and computational linguists. And type B: those who--less inspired by grammar than by catchy refrains--can still sing lines that today sound less than P.C.:
Though Geraldine played hard to get (uh huh),(Geraldo, if you'll recall, is a goat.) No matter. Both kinds of fans will enjoy revisiting these Saturday-morning shorts--and hopefully this video will find its way into classrooms, to boot. Clever teachers who grew up on this stuff will know how to make Schoolhouse Rock fans (ideally of type A) out of the next generation, too. --Erik Macki
Geraldo knew he'd woo her yet.
He showed his affection,
Despite her objection,
And Geraldine hollered some interjections!
Customer Review: Great Refresher for Adults
I work with many adult college students who do not remember basic grammar. I often recommend they buy this for a quick, basic grammar review. It sounds silly when I first say it, but this is a fun and memorable way to understand grammar. Many students report watching it with their children. It's also very helpful for ESL students.
Customer Review: Schoolhouse Rock! Grammar Rock
Here's a quick fix or review for those children struggling with understanding grammar. Because of the easy tunes and rhyming lyrics, children will quickly remember the correct ways to use nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, subjects, and predicates. Because of the age of the product, it has inherent problems. Grammar usage rules have changed over the years, so children may pick up some weak or incorrect ideas on usage. Although many of us remember "Conjunction Junction" with great delight, children need to recognize the new list of conjunctions. The video tends to stress passive writing over active writing. Bits of the language in the "Adjective" song allow kids to belittle or mock others. But the joy of learning through music--even with dated lyrics--allows for a meeting ground where parents can add to the learning process.
Persuasion
Persuasion
Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Review: Simply THE BEST Version of Jane Austen's PERSUASION
In my opinion, this film is the very best version of film adaptations of Jane Austen's PERSUASION. The casting seems perfect and the subtle physical transformation of Amanda Root (Anne Elliot) is incredible. Having recently seen the new PBS/Masterpiece Theater version (didn't like the casting on that one), I think that the only place that it excelled over this version was in making the relationship between Mrs. Clay and cousin Elliot clearer--that the cousin wanted not only to marry Anne so he could inherit the estate, but to also have Mrs. Clay as his mistress on the side to prevent her from marrying Sir Walter Elliot and possibly producing a male heir to beat him out of the property. That flaw was probably due to some footage ending up on the cutting room floor. Overall, however, this earlier version is vastly superior and may be my favorite adaptation of all the Austen novels to date.
Customer Review: I am persuaded...
Let me state up front that I have never read Jane Austen's novels but I've watched almost every version of her novels put to film. I was confused in places when I watched for the first time this 1995 version of Persuasion with Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root, but a second viewing clarified -- and I've watched and loved it many times since (however, I've mused that this version would have been even better had Andrew Davies written the screenplay). I love to watch the subtle play of emotions on the characters' faces, which reveal the thoughts and feelings people of that era would never utter aloud. I was so looking forward to watching Rupert Penry Jones' Captain Wentworth in the new rendition of Persuasion because I loved him in his small but memorable role in the excellent film, Charlotte Gray. But I was disappointed in the entire production, especially in the casting of plain Sally Hawkins. I would never for a moment believe that Penry Jones would be attracted to, never mind pine for, her. I was also disappointed in Penry Jones' rather wooden performance (though I think he had the deck stacked against him by the screenplay and the way that film was shot). I found the final scene of Hawkins running through the streets ridiculous and her way-too-long-lead-up-to-a-kiss with Wentworth contrived. What most disturbed me about the new film and the other new film versions of the Austen novels released this season (Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey, although I thought Northanger Abbey the best of the three; I haven't seen Sense and Sensibility or Emma yet) is that everything feels forced -- the action is too fast and "choppy." Sally Hawkins is plopped onto the back of the carriage like a sack of potatoes, versus the subtle caress of Ciaran Hinds' hands on Amanda Root's waist as he helps her into the carriage, followed by the embarrassed expression on her face as she looks back at him and as he turns away to hide the caring his action revealed. Time and time again in this 1995 version, you can see the subtle emotions on the characters' faces because the camera lingers appropriately. This is only one of countless moments of genuine feeling that is totally lacking in the new version. Is it that we're losing in our increasingly fast-paced results-oriented world -- reflected in many current films -- the ability to let life and feeling unfold according to its own natural rhythms? I was not persuaded that the characters in the new version were real at all. Thank goodness I have my wonderful 1995 version to watch again and again.
Pixar Cars Movie Moments: Stanley & Red
Pixar Cars Movie Moments: Stanley & Red
Disney Cars Supercharged Movie Moments Red & Stanley
new books in the news
It's got everything you want from a Bond film
Fri, 17 Nov 2006 04:55:53 GMT
'Fast Show' star and writer of the 'Young Bond' books, Charlie Higson gives his verdict on Casino Royale …
John Banville - Director’s Cut - hotpress.com (subscription)
Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:22:12 GMT
John Banville - Director’s Cut hotpress.com (subscription), Ireland - It’s certainly true if you’re doing an extended piece – I write mostly now for the New York Review of Books and that’s three or four thousand words, ... |
A net value: Online communities help manage your money (The State)
Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:00:13 -0800
Dan Hassenplug’s monthly expenses used to include around $300 for lunch and three or four books bought from Amazon.com. Now he’s plugged into a new breed of social network that helps him manage his finances. “When you see a graph that says you averaged $10 a day for lunch — about $300 for the month — well, that’s a lot of money,” said the 24-year old design manager from Geneva, Ill. Now he’s cut … Source:A net value: Online communities help manage your money (The State)
write a book
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