Segway Human Transporter (HT) i Series
by Enroute Solutions Inc.
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: November 2002. World's first dynamically stabilized Human Transporter; forward and backward maneuvering guided by rider's natural motions.

The Segway Human Transporter (HT) is a truly 21st-century idea. A two-wheeled electric vehicle that's practical, efficient, slightly miraculous, and an undeniably fun way of getting around, it's as different from a bicycle or motorcycle as the original personal computers were from their lumbering, mainframe predecessors.

Control
In our tests, we rode the Segway HT in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Zipping along on the little platform was so steady and comfortable, we quickly forgot how much technology was at work to keep us balanced. The Segway HT moves forward with cues from your body language--the subtle leaning you use to balance yourself while walking or running. When you lean forward, the Segway HT goes forward. A walking lean produces a walking rate, a steeper running lean can bring the machine to its top speed of 12.5 mph. The Segway HT stops when you right yourself again.

Steering is controlled separately with a small twist-grip on the left handlebar. The Segway HT's two-wheeled design makes it quite agile--it can do sharp turns and turn completely in place. Sharper turns require slight leaning into the turns, as you'd expect, but the Segway HT helps by actively regulating turn responsiveness based on your speed. One small complaint: using a throttle-like control for turns instead of acceleration did take some getting used to, but the inconvenience was minor and went away over time.

Overall, we were surprised how quickly we were able to get comfortable on the Segway HT. A novice can be underway in seconds (with supervision) and ascending ramps and turning figure eights in minutes. After training and a few hours of use, a rider should feel comfortable with a wide range of activities.

Riding
The Segway HT moves briskly along on both paved and rough terrain, taking ruts and potholes bumpily but with no loss of control, even for the beginner. Modest hills were ascended with ease and without much discernable effort. All things told, the Segway HT seemed rugged enough to provide reliable transportation in pedestrian environments ranging from rural trails to the sidewalks of a congested city. And utility aside, it's worth stating that the element of machine-assisted balance was a continuous delight. We simply had more control over our movements than we previously could have imagined possible. This was particularly true on downhill rides, where our body language had a degree of command over gravity so unusual that it produced a dreamy, floating feeling.

The Segway HT is not a medical device; if you can't easily stand upright or endure some jostling on varied terrain, it will not solve these problems for you. But while the Segway HT cannot provide balance that the rider doesn't already have, its responsiveness brings a subtle beauty to the rider's movements. We watched more experienced riders start, stop, swoop, and turn as gracefully as figure skaters. In fact, the machine's ease of use could create some overconfidence. The Segway HT has not suspended the laws of physics--its wheels need traction. While the machine will keep itself level under almost any situation we could imagine, a careless rider who drops a wheel over a curb, or tries to turn too quickly on a slippery surface, certainly could take a tumble. Segway advises that riders wear a safety helmet (like a bicycle helmet) and start out in the Beginner mode before moving on to the faster settings.

User-Friendly Design
The Segway HT's controls are simple. A single round display on the handlebars shows either a smiley face (meaning "get on") or a frown face ("get off"). A graphic surrounding the face indicates the battery level. The Segway has no brakes--slowing down involves the same process as acceleration--and its gentle rate precludes any need for a speedometer. We timed its startup speed from the off position to ready to ride: pressing an encrypted "key" to the key port (the key looks like a large watch battery on a plastic fob), hitting the start button, and waiting for the smiley face to come up took a little more than one second.

This machine is clearly designed for close interaction with pedestrians. Its footprint is only a bit wider than a large man, so we were able to do things like ride comfortably in an elevator with another Segway HT rider and a pedestrian, with an almost disappointing lack of bustle or incident. The machine can haul 75 pounds of cargo and still support a 250-pound person, though you'll need touse the HT's soon-to-come mounted accessory bags for any serious buying trip.

Usability
Having ridden a Segway HT, we think almost anyone would be delighted to try this machine. Inevitably, however, one must ask about how usable it is. Clearly, it isn't a car: it won't carry multiple passengers or much luggage, go long distances, or protect you from the elements. Still, we thought of many circumstances where the Segway HT could be a fun and practical alternative to other modes of transportation. We can see potential users as regular folks traveling to and from work each day, students and professors in college towns, city dwellers who take many short trips, retirees in Sunbelt resort communities, vacationers traveling with RVs, and people with easy access to nature trails and walkways.

Well-Built Construction
We had the opportunity to look into the guts of the Segway HT in its pre-assembled state. Inside it was clean and simple, and the few moving parts, such as the gears, struck us as rugged and well made. There are no cooling fans; the circuits and engine are cooled through their contact with the platform's heat-drawing aluminum casing. Each finished HT is tested both at the software level and for quality riding on an obstacle course in the assembly plant. See the technical specifications for more information.

Conclusion
We're convinced that anyone who tries a Segway HT will be smiling in minutes. The other advantage is that early purchasers will certainly be the first on their blocks to have one. But for how long? We think we'll all be seeing much more of the Segway HT in the future. --Erik Hammen

Pros:

• Very high build quality
• Environmentally friendly, extremely energy efficient
• Requires little storage space
• Newness factor--you've never ridden anything like this before
• Fun to ride, and looks cool

Cons:

• Purchase price may be prohibitive for many potential users, though the cost is partially offset long term by nominal upkeep
• Laws regarding legal riding areas (sidewalk versus street) vary from state to state
• Minor inconvenience: rubber plug-in protectors on the machines seemed a bit loose, flopping around a bit on the more rigorously used machines, inconsistent with generally excellent build standards
• Accessories, like carrying bags and lights, will not be available until spring 2003

From the Manufacturer
The Segway Human Transporter is the first transportation product to stand, balance, and move in the same way we do. It harnesses a unique technology called "dynamic stabilization"--the result of more than a decade of research, development and testing, and tens of thousands of hours in field trials--to constantly monitor and balance the Segway HT and rider.

The Segway HT allows riders to travel short distances in dense environments that would be prohibitive to other transportation devices. An amazingly elegant design makes the Segway HT a part of you, sensing subtle changes in your balance and responding immediately. The Segway HT has a level of maneuverability never before seen on wheels--it can balance in place, move forwards and backwards, and turn in place.

Purchase of a Segway HT includes a training session on its operation and features, in order to properly prepare a new rider for safe and enjoyable operation of this new technology.

See Segway HT Advantages.

About This Offer
Because of the unique and revolutionary nature of the Segway Human Transporter, we advise you to read Segway's Purchase, Safety, and Ownership Guidelines when considering placing a deposit. The guidelines describe the terms and conditions of sale, the product warranty, and the details of the Segway HT Early Delivery Contest. Also, the guidelines will help you understand any restrictions or regulations relating to its use in your state. After placing your deposit for the Segway HT, you will receive an e-mail from Amazon.com on behalf of Segway that has the contest entry form. ... Read more

Features

• World's first dynamically stabilized, self-balancing Human Transporter
• Forward and backward maneuvering is guided by rider's natural motions
• Easily navigates most walkable areas, including paved surfaces, dirt roads, grass, and inclines
• Emissions free, powered by rechargeable NiMH battery packs
• Fun to ride--a unique experience

Reviews (104)

Pure transport JOY!
Let me tell you, there is no better way for a human to be transported than the Segway Human Transporter.I was getting tired of walking on my legs, then I got an iSeries Human Transporter for my birthday.That day changed my life.I now can have any girl I want and have made millions on the stock market.How many human tensporters can do that for you?

There are many fake Human Transporters out there.This is the only Human Transporter that will fulfill all of your wildest dreams.

Keep an eye for the Segway Rocketpack Humanoid Flying Modulus.It is in the near future.

Wonderful Tour + Toy but...
It's not very functional.

I had the opportunity to tour Chicago downtown on one of the city architecture tours with segways for about three hours. I can't tell you how giddy I was to get on one. I had seen policemen patrolling around parks and airport with them. It took me about two minutes to get into the balance of it. The controls were very intuitive and easy to use. The whole system is sorta dummy proof. It shuts down itself if you get off it, it refuses to go past a certain speed limit (in fact, almost pushing you off of it after you reach a certain point), and it can stop on a dime.

After using it for a couple hours and after reading a couple reviews here, I have to agree- the segway isn't really intended for more than an expensive toy. It's not comparable to a mopeg or a bike. Our tour was about two hours and half long and at the end of it, my battery was almost at its end. We only went around the Lakefront and to Millenium Park and back to the Adler Planeterium, a mere area of a couple miles. And our batteries were dangerously low. The only way I can see myself using a Segway in an every day environment is if I happened to live like ten minutes from work. Past that, and the segway is pretty much a waste. It would take too long to charge and too expensive to replace the battery for it to be cost-effective. I could take a bus, train, or even bike to a destination for cheaper and faster.

This is not a rip on the Segway technology. I just think the machine isn't made to be very functional. On our ride around the parks, I noticed how poorly it performed on uneven ground (gravel, water, grass). Every little bump was almost a thud when I crossed them. I had to be watch out for cracks and crevices when riding it. Things I wouldn't have done if I was riding a bike. This is all based on my experience with the iSeries. I haven't used the rugged version of the Segway and can imagine it would be better but at a thousand more, it's kinda a moot point.

Overall, I'm glad I got a chance to ride a Segway. I was dying to try one. I couldn't contain the smile I had, as I zoomed past staring strangers and an embarassed girlfriend. But, I couldn't see myself buying one, even though, I work and live in downtown Chicago.

This human transporter is alright by me
Well, let me be the first to tell you that The Segway Human Transporter is a wonderful innovation. I'd been waiting a good while for a quality human transporter, and finally, I felt my waiting had paid off. This baby hit the market, I quickly dished out the 5K needed, and the transporting began. Everything was great, laziness was at an all time high, I really felt like the future was now. "Look at me and my transporter" I'd shout, then I'd turn and mumble to myself, "You fools and your walking and non-space age way of transporting." Life was peachy. Then it came, my boss, Gargon IV, said there was a dilemma on the planet Xaoton 99. I was all over it. I had my Segway transport me, (bet you didn't know it was capable of galactic transport) all the way to Xaoton, with the Segway making the trip quite comfortable and relaxing. I arrived at Xaoton and things were all messed up. I soon found myself in a sticky situation, but it was nothing that the Segway couldn't get me out of. Things got ugly. To make a long story short, the Segway overcame a highly advanced Xaotion army with highly highly evolved technology and all kinds of super high tech lazer guns. So the planet of Xaoton 99 came to peace in the end and everyone was happy

And boy was I glad that my knees didn't catch a lazer because I just wouldn't look as cool anymore on my Segway without the lower half of my legs. The Segway is an amazing improvement in human transporting, it's amazing we can look ahead to the wonderful world of hover transporters travelling warp 10. The Segway Human Transporter is a great start, now lets keep the ball rolling.
... Read more

Asin: B00007EPJ6
Subjects:  1. Computerized cart; iseries;Two-wheeled platform; ht;h t;    2. Motorcart; Motion machine ;htiseries;Standing vehicle; transport    3. segwue; sague; sigue; sigway;sigwey;thingy;transportation    4. i-167; dean; kamen; kaamen; kaman;deka; first;167;    5. invention; new;self-balancing;travel;navigate;eye167;pedestrian   

Star Trek Deep Space Nine - The Complete First Season
by Paramount Home Video
Average Customer Review:
DVD (25 February, 2003)
list price: $129.99 -- our price: $116.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Of all the spinoff TV incarnations of Star Trek, Deep Space Nine had the hardest job persuading an audience to watch. By all accounts, Gene Roddenberry had concerns about the idea before his death in 1991. It took two more years to develop, and when it finally aired in 1993 reasons for that concern were evident right away. The show was dark (literally), characters argued a lot, no one went anywhere, and the neighboring natives were hardly ever friendly. Yet for all that the show went against the grain of the Great Bird's original vision of the future, it undeniably caught the mood of the time, incorporating a complex political backdrop that mirrored our own.

In the casting, there was a clear intent to differentiate the show from its predecessors. Genre stalwarts Tony Todd and James Earl Jones were considered for Commander Sisko before Avery Brooks. The one letdown at the time was that Michelle Forbes did not carry Ensign Ro across from The Next Generation, but when the explosive Nana Visitor defiantly slapped her hand on a console in the pilot episode, viewers knew they were in for a different crew dynamic. In fact, the two-part pilot show ("The Emissary") is largely responsible for DS9's early success. Mysterious, spiritual, claustrophobic, funny, and feisty, it remains the most attention-grabbing series opener (apart from the original series') the franchise has had. The first year may have relied on a few too many familiar faces--like Picard, Q, and Lwaxana Troi--but these were more than outweighed by refreshingly detailed explorations of cultures old and new (Trill, Bajoran, Cardassian, Ferengi). As it turned out, Deep Space Nine was the boldest venture into Roddenberry's galaxy that had been (or ever would be) seen. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Box set
• Dolby

Reviews (151)

Mixed, brilliant series
Here are my reviews per episode:

+: Distracts from the Dominion War Story.
++: Takes place in the context of the Dominion War Story.
+++: Provides some significant or referenced event for the Dominion War Story.
++++: The Dominion War Story
*:Really Bad
**: Pretty Bad
***: Pretty Good
****: Really Good

Emissary, Part I***,++++
Sets up show.
Emissary, Part II***,++++
Sets up show.
Past Prologue *,+++
Kira and Bajoran's former underground.lntro Garak.
A Man Alone *,+
Anti-changling bigotry.
Babel *,+
A virus disrupts speech.
Captive Pursuit *,+
A gamma quadrant alien befriends O'Brien.
Q-Less*,+
Q and Vash on DS9.
Dax *,+
A Trill Trial
The Passenger **,+
Murderer cheats death.
Move Along Home *,+
Stupid aliens, game.
The Nagus *,+
Grand Nagus puts Quark in charge.
Vortex *,+
Alien criminal tells of other changlings.
Battle Lines *,+++
The Bajoran Kai dies then lives as two tribes forever battle.
The Storyteller *,+
O'Brien leads village.
Progress **,+
Cranky bajoran farmer Brian Keith.
If Wishes Were Horses *,+
Fictional characters come to life.
The Forsaken *,+
Lwaxana falls for Odo.
Dramatis Personae **,+
Alien influence pits Kira against Sisko
Duet ****,++
Kira versus a Cardassian war criminal.
In the Hands of the Prophets **,+++
Extremist Winn versus Keiko's teachings.

Incredible Series, but why is Paramount so greedy?
I saw this series when it first aired and I have seen it in syndication many times since. I even watch it now on the Spike channel. It is by far one of my favorite Star Trek's or any TV series for that matter. The last few seasons were especially exciting. It is amazing how you watch the characters grow over the years. I can't say enough positive things about this series. Sisko, Nerys, Odo, Jadzia, Worf, Quark, Bashir, and Garak added wonderful characters that really made a difference to me. The guest stars were great too. The directing, cast, stories, sets, music, and the rest the production are first class all the way. If you are a fan of SciFi and not buying a number of other TV series, buy this set.


Now that said, I would like to say Paramount needs to be slapped up side the head for being so greedy. I can buy a season of ANY other Non-Paramount series for half or less the price. Why are you making us fans of Star Trek suffer? Do you think, oh they are Star Trek fans, they will pay anything? Give us some credit. I am not buying this series unless you lower the price. I bought all the original Star Trek series and even three seasons of Next Generation. But after spending over $650 for six seasons I realized this is absurd. I bought six seasons of Stargate SG-1, a great series, for under $300 with tax. Here's a concept Paramount, sell it reasonable so you will make more sales and your customers will appreciate you.

Good start to the series
I have never seen deep space nine before watching this whole dvd although I have seen most of the next generation and voyager. I decided to get it after going through the whole seven seasons of voyager. It is different because it is set on a space station although there are episodes where action take place outside the station...like a trip thrpough the wormhole to the Gamma quadrant. I think the first two episode of this first season are the best. They are really excellent episodes. They say this series gets better as you go along but the first was pretty good but not quite great. ... Read more

Asin: B00005JLF5
Subjects:  1. Television   

Live in Concert
by Elektra
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 1999)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

With just a pair of CDs--Tigerlily and Ophelia--in her solo-career arsenal, Natalie Merchant isn't an artist you'd expect to release a live album. Perhaps Merchant is fond of playing live, which shows throughout these 11 tracks despite her relaxed, unflappable vocal delivery. The former 10,000 Maniacs frontwoman leads an amped "Wonder" and then coos into "San Andreas Fault"; the latter is expansive and dramatic, a direction Merchant is exploring that's alternately off-putting and charming. Merchant's version of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" is even more philosophical and meditative. Add to that a languid take on Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush" and you have a full-scale portrait of Merchant's mindset. The ever-somber music is limited in its emotional scope, but there are few performers in mainstream pop who excel more in that range. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (57)

Awesome!
Everything about Live in Concert is great:Natalie's beautiful voice, the arrangements and the songs.My only complain is that she didn't include more songs from Ophelia on the record.Besides that, this album is perfect.

Dull, drab, and barely worth listening to
Barely, I say, because three songs DO stand out as fine performances: her rendition of the 10,000 Maniacs song "Gun Shy," a nice performance of "Seven Years," and a fantastic cover of "Gulf of Araby."

Unfortunately, between the three mentioned tracks is listless filler, songs that were slowed down from their orignal album-slowness.

This isn't the Natalie Merchant of the 80s or early 90s. Seems she's aged twenty-five years since then, as the performance aspect of her show is gone, and replaced by sleep-inducing nothingness.

something's missing...
I've seen Natalie in concert 3 times (once with Lilith fair, and twice solo) and this album doesn't capture what I saw at her concerts.Since this is a Natalie Merhcant album, she should have performed more of her solo stuff.The vocals are beautiful and the album is pretty, but it's so downbeat.It doesn't capture the amazing and fun performer that Merchant is. ... Read more

Asin: B00002MZ2G
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Moulin Rouge (Double Digipack)
by Twentieth Century Fox
Average Customer Review:
DVD (14 October, 2003)
list price: $26.98 -- our price: $20.23
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

A dazzling and yet frequently maddening bid to bring the moviemusical kicking and screaming into the 21st century, Baz Luhrmann's MoulinRouge bears no relation to the many previous films set in the famousParisian nightclub. This may appear to be Paris in the 1890s, with can-candancers, bohemian denizens like Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo), and ribaldryat every turn, but it's really Luhrmann's pop-cultural wonderland. Everyone and everything is encouraged to shatter boundaries of time and texture, colliding and careening in a fast-cutting frenzy that thinks nothing of casting Elton John's "Your Song" 80 years before its time. Nothing is original in this kaleidoscopic, absinthe-inspired love tragedy--the words, the music, it's allbeen heard before. But when filtered through Luhrmann's love for pop songs and timeless showmanship, you're reminded of the cinema's power to renew itself while paying homage to its past.

Luhrmann's overall success with his third "red-curtain"extravaganza (following Strictly Ballroom and William Shakespeare'sRomeo & Juliet) is wildly debatable: the scenario is simple to the point of silliness, and how can you appreciate choreography when it's beendiced into hash by attention-deficit editing? Still, there's something genuinebrewing between costars Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman (as, respectively, apoor writer and his unobtainable object of desire), and their vocal talents are impressive enough to match Luhrmann's orgy of extraordinary sets, costumes, and digital wizardry. The movie's novelty may wear thin, along with its shallowindulgence of a marketablesoundtrack, but Luhrmann's inventiveness yields moments that border onecstasy, when sound and vision point the way to a moribund genre's joyouslywelcomed revival. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• DTS Surround Sound
• Widescreen
• Dolby

Reviews (1799)

Good points
I really enjoy these discussions and this wondeful film. It is totally about love. It's such a magical film like some people have written.

I'm a Lesbian but this movie makes sense even to me. Nicole is so beautiful and Ewan is so charming.

I love this film.

I'm in heaven
I live the typical big city life and the work days just blend into each other. I have had three breakups in three months.

This movie I saw for the first time over the weekend. Even though it's really a chick flick I find it to be so powerful and magical. I remember what true love is like even in ups downs and arounds. Nicole and Ewan are perfect together.

This is a great old kind of Hollywood movie with new visuals and sounds.

Eh......
My jaw nearly fell out of its socket (if it has one. does it?) when I saw the top-notch artistry that was put into this film. The sets, costumes, cinematography, and singing in it are possibly the best ever to grace the movies. I would hold out for a widescreen high def TV to experience the magic of the creative team behind it. Nicole Kidman was gorgeous as the pitiful whore who dreams of a better life. I love the way she speaks/sings.
Unfortunately, the thing that keeps me from loving this movie (and even then, only moderately liking it) is the very bizzare screenplay. What was with Ewan McGregor and his "Children of the Revolution" friends dressed up in lederhosens singing "The Sound of Music?" And why did a green fairy version of Satine fly out of a whiskey bottle? After that, many scenes reminded me of a classic Warner Bros. cartoon - fast and wacky. Then they would hit the brakes and we'd have Satine hacking up a blood clot. Also, I love (really I do) the idea of having modern songs in a musical set near the turn of the century. But a few of the songs, especially that neo can-can number, just didn't fit.
But these important setbacks just added to the enjoyment of such crowd-pleasing scenes as when Christian and Satine sing the beautiful, soaring Elephant Love Medley, lost in their world of dewy romance that could never be.
Most people (unlike me) will either love it, or hate it. I could take it or leave it. But give me the soundtrack any day. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QZ7U
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

No Strings Attached
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 March, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Despite millions of album sales, 'N Sync are an obvious No. 2 to label mates the Backstreet Boys. Fittingly, they try harder--too hard, in fact--through most of their second non-Christmas disc, No Strings Attached. The quintet and Strings' dozen-plus producers fill these 47 minutes with bland ballads by Diane Warren and Richard Marx, mildly funky workouts like a cover of Johnny Kemp's "Just Got Paid" and the muddled "Space Cowboy," and gimmicks such as "Digital Get Down" that hardly lend credence to whatever career-longevity claims they might want to lodge. This is a guaranteed smash, but judged on the merits of its weak material and less than compelling vocal performances, No Strings Attached should be long forgotten by the time the Backstreeters' next CD arrives. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (1854)

The master of doom!
This is great music! No one makes me feel more boring that these guys! They are masters of sadness!

no
sure i enjoyed this crap when i was 7 or 8. how many harmonies do they need? this genre of music is pure crap. i'm into mainstream, but not this horrible pop/dance/rnb disaster.well yeah, no ones gonna shoot you, but if your over 8 and listen to this, your musical sense is blatantly messed up.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED!!
I remember this album when I was in the 7th grade. I played this album constantly and fell in love with the album. The group set a new pop music benchmark with this album. The songs not only display their wide musical range,but also showcase their artistic growth. JC Chasez wrote and produce four of the album's tracks. This album has been certified 11x Platinum. Remember,this was 2000. ... Read more

Asin: B00004NRPZ
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Euro-Dance    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Teen Pop   

Breyer Horses Gift Set - Seabiscuit - The Improbable Equine Hero
by Breyer Horses
Average Customer Review:
Toy (16 July, 2003)
list price: $44.99 -- our price: $44.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (5)

its ok...
It is beautiful, and durable, but none of the tack that I have actually FITS on the horse! I don't have that racetrack tack, but I'm sure that that won't fit either.

Breyer Model Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit is a racehorse who won many races and you see this is Seabiscuit not Man O War. Seabiscut is a great Breyer model and is very fun to play with and will go nicely with race tack to be ready to run a huge race track. P.S Man O War is Seabiscuit's father.

Seabiscuit
I think seabiscuit would be good for kids 8 and older. Also I think he is good for anyone who loves him. helooks just like seabiscuit. ... Read more

Asin: B00009IMBK
Sales Rank: 14505
Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Horses   

Go Fly A Kite 32004 Flamingo Windwheel
by Go Fly A Kite
Average Customer Review:
Lawn & Patio
list price: $30.00 -- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• 13.5 by 16 inches; includes fiberglass ground stake
• Windwheels utilize a patented locking hub system to keep all moving pieces together
• Made of durable polyester fabric; fiberglass skeleton
• Bright fade resistant colors
• Whimsical flamingo design

Reviews (4)

"If ya think ya got to have it, go for it."
Flamingo's don't come cheap, but this one is, and that is what makes the difference.That is, the difference is whether you should buy such a novelty item.

Do you know someone coming or going to Florida or the Islands?Don't they need a reminder?How could one forget when looking at this very large brightly color pinwheel Flamingo.I say very large because I had trouble getting it into the back of my SUB vehicle.I had to take out a few pins out from the tail first.

I purchased at ..full.. price a similar pinwheel bird.It seemed to go together so simply.I found the trick is getting it to stay together.For such a large pinwheel it is on a very slim pole which nicely goes into the ground.

Being in Florida we usually have balmy breezes, but nothing seemed to move the tail's wheel.Once the wind did find the tail, I believe it could have ground corn, or moved time backwards.The strong gusts of wind would in time send parts of the tail flying in all directions.The front part of the bird would then bend to the ground.Then usually a cat would pounce on it, bringing it to the ground.

This is a fun item and with a little adjustment should work just fine.One might want to either glue or make sure the tail pinwheel parts are securely inserted into their proper holes.I would also suggest permanently erecting the pole, with a brace for the pole's two part connection.

For the low price, bright colors, and rapid slick movement,take a chance and watch a bit Flamingo Pinwheel happiness.

This Bird Really Flies!
I like bright colors. I like things that move. I have a whole bunch of pinwheels and other bright colored decorations that spin in the wind, and I thought this would be a great addition.

It was far more difficult to assemble than the simple pinwheels. The various parts hold thier shapes and curves through the tension of the plastic framework. It's difficult to not only get the tension, but then insert the pieces of the frame into each other.

After I assembled it, it looked magnificent! When I made the tail spin by hand, it looked beautiful. All the parts moved smoothly. I was sure that it had been worth the effort to put it together.

I stuck it in the yard near some pinwheels. Nothing. It pretty much just sat there, every now and then turning a little bit. Obviously a little more wind was needed. A couple days later, my wish came true -- sort of.

It was a moderately windy day. I looked outside and saw my pinwheels spinning with delight. Then I looked towards the flamingo. All that was left was the bottom half of the stake. The bird was in four pieces scattered across my side yard. I still haven't found the top half of the stake. I think it fell under my deck, not to be seen for a few years.

All in all, I was very disappointed. I'm probably just going to stick with simple pinwheels for now.

Cute, but.....
I thought that this was a cute yard decoration, however, with any wind it comes apart and is difficult to put back together.Even though there has not been any windstorms and it is in a protected area, after about two weeks of display, it has come apart and I cannot put it back together again. ... Read more

Asin: B00005V568
Sales Rank: 215
Subjects:  1. Outdoor Décor    2. Yard Art    3. Lawn & Garden Ornaments   

Occidental Leather 5055 Stronghold Suspension System Suspenders
by Occidental Leather
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
-- our price: $66.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• No more slip & slide inch straps
• Extremely comfortable
• Even load distribution
• Easy on & off, one size fits all
• Thick heavy leather straps

Reviews (8)

Very comfortable. Can't work without them anymore.
I bought these in 2000. Still using the original set. They've held up really well. I'd never used suspenders before I got this and didn't know what a difference they made. Now I can't wear the bags without them. I have them permanantly fastened to my belt. The leather loops moved around too much for me. One tip for prospective buyers: After the wearing in period recommended in the instructions, use some thread locking compound on the post screws. You will lose them if you don't. When you do lose them, fear not! You can buy replacements at better hardware stores for about 55 cents each. I carry a couple spares. Well worth the money in my opinion.

Will Keep You Wet
I really get a lot of enjoyment wearing my Occ.5055, great weight distribution on the shoulders, and adds to the "professionalism". One problem wearing such a rig in sunny southern Calif. Is that it has a tendency to draw out excessive moisture from your body, the "yoke" covers a great deal of you back and after wearing it the first few consecutive days I developed a skin rash dead center of my back and on my front shoulders. Aside of this, I still wear it cause it's hard to find a alternative system with the same "qualities". As for the "rivets" stop by any hobby shop and pick up a few extras or do like I did, use large "aluminum" pop rivets to pin down your bags/holsters.

If only more products worked this well....
I'll admit it--I'm a snake-hipped electrician.You've all seen it before:toolbelt working the pants down towards the knees, tidy whities riding high.It's not a pretty sight.I had tried the usual suspenders that can't take the load, always getin the way, and come unclipped at a strong glance.When I first heard about the Stronghold suspension system, I was definitely interested--if a little leery of the $70 price tag.That'salmost whatI had invested in my whole toolbelt.
Well, I took the leap and boy howdy am I glad I did.The workmanship is first rate, the materials are hard-coresolid, and the design is impeccable.I've had my Strongholds for almost three years of daily use now, and they are still going strong.
The padded yoke distributes the bag's weight evenly across my shoulders, even when the bags are unevenly loaded.I can leave my belt unsnapped in the front for greater ease of movement or easy shedding, and my tools are still right at hand.There's a heavy duty hanging ring conveniently located on the padded yoke, so I can set a nail in astud and hang the whole affair up off the ground atlunch time.Like another reviewer, I find the chest strap the perfect place to hang my cel phone.
My toolbelt has velcro on the belt that keeps the individual bags in place, so I had no problems with thesupplied four beltloops sliding, unlike other reviewers.I'm glad I used the beltloops, as it allows me to disassemble the entire belt for rearranging pockets or washing.
My only nit to pick with thisproduct is that Occidental Leather should provide extra rivets.I bunged one up when first setting up my suspenders, and it took careful work to salvage it.Having a spare set, as other reviewers have noted, would be handy. ... Read more

Asin: B00002251M
Sales Rank: 527
Subjects:  1. Work Wear    2. Clothing    3. Suspenders   

Toro 51598 Ultra Blower
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $89.99 -- our price: $74.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

With 225 mph of maximum force, the Toro Ultra Blower is a three-in-one machine--blower, vacuum, and leaf shredder--that's ready to rip through leaf-covered lawns with the power of a small hurricane. Better yet, you'll likely find it to be not only one of the most powerful lawn tools in your garage, but one of the most versatile as well. To facilitate the different uses, the blower comes with a quick-release latch for easy conversion as well as infinitely variable air control. In addition, the metal impeller mulches leaves with fearsome efficiency, reducing 16 bags of leaves down to a single bag. For those looking for a blower that'll make quick work of acres of matted-down leaves, Toro's Ultra Blower is up to the task. --Rivers Janssen ... Read more

Features

• 225-miles-per-hour maximum air force will clear just about any lawn
• Metal impeller for efficient mulching
• Reduces 16 bags of leaves to 1
• Converts from blower to vacuum mode with no tools necessary
• Variable air control

Reviews (29)

Fantastic blower - don't play w/the variable speed
After less than a dozen uses, the variable speed switch burned out. I had this repaired at a local warranty service center and the blower now works great. My advice is to use this blower in either the high or low setting but do not play with the fine (variable) adjustments in between. The variable speed control will not lock in at any midpoint setting and I suspect this is what caused mine to burn out (vibrations cause the control to oscillate).

This is a very good blower for general homeowner use. I primarily use this to clean my swimming pool deck (vac mode), and to blow leaves out of my driveway, raingutters and mulched areas. It is not practical for clearing leaves in a large yard. For that, you should look for a commercial unit with a high air volume (Stihl, Husqvarna). This is a trade off for cost, weight and noise.

I am very happy with this machine despite the trouble that I experienced. I would make this purchase again.

We love this blower/vacuum
Believe it or not, this was a gift we purchased for each other as an anniversary gift! This hummer really hummmmms! We find it efficient and tireless. We've used the mulcher for small oak branches, oak leaves and general yard debris. The metal impaler is worth the price difference as compared to the Toro model with the plastic impaler.
One of our favorite uses is the blower which we not only use in the yard but also on the roof--it will make short order of cleaning the gutters!! That's an added bonus.
The variable speed blower and vacuum is great. Consumer Reports lists this item as their highest rated and we can see why...well worth the price!!

I absolutely LOVE the Toro Ultra Blower and Mulcher
I have an old Toro Leaf Blower, I believe it's a Model 400.The older model is still working excellent!The only problem is it takes forever to move a good sized pile of leaves.With my old Toro 400 Leaf Blower, it took over 7+ hours (spread over 2 days) to collect and move enough leaves to fill over 15 to 20 Large Contractor sized garbage bags.That's, 7+ hours of electricity also.That's a lot of leaves my friends!Because a contractor sized garbage bag can hold at least 2 regular sized paper leaf bags.So do the math.If I had just used the paper leaf bags that the town picks up, I would have ended up with at lease 30 bags of leaves.AAAAA!!!I needed a better solution.

During my research, I found the Toro Ultra Leaf Blower and Mulcher (51598).I really cannot rave enough about this product.I really didn't want to purchase an electric leaf blower, because I was a little sick and tired of carrying around the extension cord and having to deal with spending money on electricity.However, I wanted to try out the mulcher.Which from the reviews I read, and from what was printed on the box, it said that it would mulch the leaves at a 16 to 1 ratio."Wow!I have GOTTA see that!", I said.So I decided to purchase one.Oh, what a chore that was.I almost had to go online to get one.Why?Because every Home Depot I went to were out of stock."Out of Stock?", I thought."Geez, this thing has got to be great!"

I finally found one and couldn't wait to get it going because the leaves were falling like stones.There is one tree outside my home that is so bad, that when it started dumping it's load, I could no longer see my front lawn, or my CAR that was parked in the driveway.YES! there were THAT many leaves.So, I suited up, put on my gloves, goggles, face mask, strapped on my new Toro Ultra Leaf Blower and went to town!

It was so overwhelming powerful, I really couldn't believe my eyes!I was pushing a pile of leaves about 3 to 4 feet high with ease.Which may not sound like a lot of people to most, but believe me, that's a lot of leaves.You still have to blow them from the top down the pile, but it was still done with ease.As I was saying it took over 7+ hours (spread over 2 days) to complete the front and back of my house.This took about just about 3 hours total! to blow them into piles, mulch them, AND bag the mulched leaves.My time was easily cut in half!I would suggest to anyone, blowing the leaves into smaller stacks, instead of trying to create one big one.It's much easier to mulch the smaller stacks.Also with my older Toro 400, using it that long I should have used a headset for my ears.My ears were ringing after I was done.With the Toro Ultra, the machine is loud, but since I used it less than half the time, my ears were fine.

As for the Mulcher, the blades are metal, so mulching is a breeze.I was concerned about twigs, small pebbles, etc.Mainly because the suction is quite powerful.It grinded twigs, small stones, and a various array of small four legged rodents, like a Cuisinart!!!HAHA!!!I'm kidding about the rodents.I think you'll be quite pleased with the results of this mulcher.It's very useful.When you are using the mulcher, be aware not to suck up too many leaves.I would do this at times and had to shut off the unit, and clear out the nozzle once or twice.Once you get an idea of how much to suck up smoothly, you buzz right along.Dry leaves, wet leaves, even leaves with frost on them, I just crunched away!!

This was the deciding factor for me purchasing this item, the mulcher.And what a difference it makes.I went from having 15 to 20 Contractor sized garbage bags full of leaves, to a total of about 7 bags full of mulched leaves and twigs.Again, cutting my work in half!!!!Now that's a good product!When you can save me HALF the time to do a chore, that's well worth the money in my book!

One or two other nice little feature I should mention, is that it has an adjustable knob for the blower.So you don't have to always use it at full power.Very nice feature.Who ever thought of that in the design should get a gold star!I do like the overall design of the blower as well.The way it's contoured makes it easy to hold and handle the machine.Also, a gold star!

All-in-all, I've saved on my electric bill, plastic bags, and most of all, my time!!!!The only quirk I would have about this, is that they didn't include a belt, or strap with the machine so that you don't have to hold it.There is a strap on the mulching bag, but I mean one just for the blower itself.That would have been a nice feature.Other than that, I don't see how you could go wrong purchasing this item.In my opinion, this is money that is not only well spent, but something that saves you money in the long run.Excellent product!And if this thing is built like my old Toro 400, I'll have thing for 7+ years easily!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005V7KX
Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Blowers & Vacs    3. Electric    4. Home    5. Tools   

Queer as Folk - The Complete First Season (Showtime)
by Showtime Entertainment 2
Average Customer Review:
DVD (08 January, 2002)
list price: $119.98 -- our price: $89.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

They're here, they're queer, and they make Sex and the City look like a demure tea party. Showtime's quintessentially American Queer As Folk--based on the British miniseries--pours on copious amounts of hot and steamy sex. This slick (and slickly entertaining) series shares the same basic concept as its British counterpart--centering on a group of gay friends living in a primarily industrial city--but after that, all bets are off. Whereas the British version focused on the gritty, realistic drama of its characters, the American QAF is a glossy, fun soap opera that occasionally tackles big issues but never lets you forget that life at times can be a party, and you shouldn't be one of those poor suckers starving to death. A good part of the show's charm lies in its cast--boy-next-door Michael (Hal Sparks), ruthlessly seductive rake Brian (Gale Harold), out-and-proud Emmett (Peter Paige), wallflower Ted (Scott Lowell), and nubile teen Justin (Randy Harrison)--who grew from standard gay prototypes to intriguing characters by the first season's end. And while some subplots didn't work (such as Emmett's farfetched foray into gay-conversion therapy), others were quietly affecting, including Brian's coping with his father's death. Some may object to the show's relentless fixation on sex (and gay men--there are just two lesbian characters), but this is a series that in its own polished way is both engrossingly fun and truly groundbreaking. It's liberating to watch an American TV series in which the straight world is only peripheral. Let's hear it for the boys! --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Box set

Reviews (221)

Very Entertaining and daring
I have just recently discovered this show and rented all the seasons.I was very surprised by how great this show is.Especially the first season.Between Justin meeting Brian, to the leather ball, Brians dad dieing, Micheal leaving to Portland with David, and Justin getting bashed.Wow!But that's what makes the show great.Giving a good view on the gay life.I love it!

wow
Best show EVER (period!). Careful with the first episode. You will melt in to the ebyss.

Good Series
I am not sure how accurate Queer As Folk is in portraying gay life in America, but I am sure that all the emotional issues and drama the characters endure are what all people, gay or straight, go through.

We have the cast of four characters: a male Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda, and Carrie.Michael (Carrie), Brian (Samantha), Emmett (Miranda), and Ted (Charlotte) live, work, and party in Pittsburgh.Their main hangout is the decadent nightclub Babylon (althought Sodom and Gomorrah comes to mind).Other characters include a lesbian couple, Lindsay and Melanie, who are raising a baby boy.The baby's biological father is Brian.Like his alter ego Samantha, Brian is a live-for-the-moment, screw for fun, risk-taking, great-looking bad boy.One of the sweetest things in the series - one of the main reasons I am sticking with the series even though I am uncomfortable with the graphic sex - is that Brian is so tender with his child and loves him so much.Just as sweet, and more intriguing, is the deep feeling and connection he has with the baby's mom.Never mind lesbian or gay, these two people love each other.Even Melanie is jealous of Brian.Melanie hates his guts.Brian and Lindsay are total yin and yang.They can deny each other nothing, not matter how they try.I am dying to see how this true love triangle turns out.

Another reason I am sticking with the series is the character of Justin.A seventeen-year old who is in love with and in a hot, sexual relationship with Brian, Justin is bold.He knows who he is and is going out into the world and getting it.I also adore Justin's little friend, Daphne.Justin's mom, Jennifer, is struggling with the fact that her son is homosexual.She is also bold, overcoming her fear to enter his world, chasing him as Justin is chasing Brian.

Emmett is really sweet.Ted is a washed-up loser, sorry!He meets someone perfect for him, but lets the guy go for no good reason.Ted takes drugs from a stranger and goes into a coma.The stranger abandons him.Later he sees the stranger at the nightclub and wants to get together with him.Loser!


All the main, supporting, and guest actors and actresses in here are brave, charting a new world for American society and American television.I do fast forward the sex scenes.They are simply gay porn, which I am not into.But the stories are so compelling, and there are lots of laugh-out-loud moments as well as thought-provoking dialouge. ... Read more

Asin: B00005RIY5
Subjects:  1. Television   

The Joy of Gay Sex : Fully revised and expanded third edition
by HarperResource
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (13 May, 2003)
list price: $24.95
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Reviews (7)

A Must read!!! LOTS of info!
I absolutely loved this book! It was chalk-full of clearly presented, mostly objective information. There wasnt preachy like some books can be... It was very objective, gave u the option of assigning ur own opinion... The only preachiness was of things that could be hazardous to your physical/mental health. The authors have a very optimistic attitude toward sex, which is extremely refreshing, and they basically say that if you follow safe sex guidelines and avoid people, places, and situations that might cause unsafe sex, u can lead a satisfying and healthy sex life.
This book is a must read for anyone new to the gay scene as it provides information on a wide variety of topics and makes u aware of certain scenes and practices and risks associated with them. I found the information on AIDS and HIV and also the section on STD's VERY helpful. It cleared up many questions I had and debunked all the false info.
I especially enjoyed this book as it was written in part by a psychologist, and so the information was given in a kind of psychologically logical way. Since many of the sections dealt with sexual practices, they are behaviours and the author presented them as such and goes into possible sources for these behaviours and preferences.
I enjoyed the illustrations even thought they were only pencil illustrations. They were exceptionally done and I actually got turned on by them LoL
Also the Appendix supplied me with many useful resources for other books and helpful organizations for future reference.
This book is full of helpful information and advice and, again, I highly recommend this book to anyone new to the gay scene, or even just as a reference. This book has become an invaluable reference for me, and I hope it becomes the same for all of you as well!

So, so...
This book offers some nice information, but to subculture, sex-centered gays. I was really disappointed at some topics such as bisexuality and sex with animals!!! Thats not what I expect in my gay sex. So clearly, buy this book ONLY if your life revolves around sex. I now regret I bought this book.

There is much better out there
I picked up a copy of the first edition originally published in 1977 years ago at a used bookstore, mainly for some of the drawings.Alas, the text was so awful that I finally had to sell it since I couldn't bear to have it in my library any longer.This new edition is worse as the text is virtually verbatim from the original but now even most of the pictures are unattractive! Far from being an objective reference book on gay sex the original (and this revision) had a very strong agenda...namely selling the promiscuous casual-sex gay lifestyle the authors saw as liberating.Entries on long term partners or couples was brief and halfhearted but entries on watersports, rimming, fisting, etc. were extensive.From the authors writing style one would gather that anyone not into these esoteric practices just wasn't opening themselves up to their true desires.The real problem though is that instead of having a nice, long entry on say anal sex, covering both it's history and all the issues, The Joy of Gay Sex is more interested in cramming in every weird, esoteric "gay" practice that it can in order to be called definitive.There are new entries that were not present in the original like 'shaving' but rather than state the facts the authors go off in some of the most rhapsodically purple-prose of the book about how wonderful the practice is.Then the authors belittle and put-down the promising trend toward a lighter-skinned physical ideal for us caucasions rather than the leathery sun-tanned look so popular in years past.This in spite of years of evidence showing how damaging all that sunbathing is for those of us of caucasion ancestry. So much for objectivity.

The best gay sex manual ever written was published by Gay Sunshine Press the same year as the original Joy of Gay Sex in 1977 and is also still in print.It has beautiful illustrations and a joyous, loving, holistic writing style.There is another gay sex glossary published by Alyson which is also very good and again, with wonderfully sexy drawings.Now yes, these other books deal with casual sex as well but they don't sell it with the relentlessly aggressive manner that this book does.If watersports, fisting and living the most stereotypical sort of gay "lifestyle" is what you want this book will likely fit the bill.For the rest of us, there are wonderful other books out there. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060012730
Sales Rank: 93000
Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay men    3. Homosexuality    4. Homosexuality, Male    5. Sex instruction for gay men    6. Sexual behavior    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Social Science / Gay Studies