Archive for March, 2010

I bought this book because I ran out of things to read. I wandered around the store and noticed how much display this book was given to. I purchased it solely based on its popularity.

I started reading it and had a bit of a hard time moving forward. English is not my native tongue and all the circus talk really made my head spin. I took a short break and finished an easy read and then resumed this book. I am glad I did.

I felt very engaged after 1/3 of the book when most of the characters started to build and show their individual qualities. As the book went on, I felt I was also living in this circus train and witnessing all the activities.

My heart definitely melted when they acquired Rosie, the elephant and at the same time, I started loathing the character August for abusing the elephant so much. In addition to that, the performer Walter/Kinko also transformed into this loving person that looked out after others.

About half way through the book, I think almost all readers wanted nothing more than Jacob and Marlena being together and the death of August and Uncle Al. One thing I do believe a good author offers is the connection between the readers and the characters and I definitely felt that engagement with some of them and my heart ached at times as the story continued.

I am not sure if I am a big fan of the Old Jacob. Not that it is bad but I really just did not quite get why it was important to keep his voice in. I did not see how old Jacob has contributed to the book and I think it could do without.

Overall, I enjoyed the book so much and I was very happy to have resumed and finished it. It is a book that broadens your mind and showers you with all the circus knowledge. A fun and great read!
The String Centre Violin

This is the most incredible novel! I couldn’t put it down. This is the author’s first novel – such a talented writer and such an inspiring piece of fiction.
Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell Bicycle

I’ve had my Hoover Tempo Widepath for a few years now, and it has been a reliable vacuum that has worked well for me. I prefer a bagged vacuum over a bag-less because I think it is easier to throw out a bag than it is to break down and rinse down a bag-less machine (and much less messy too). I had to replace the belt once but that is to be expected. It does a great job at pulling up dog hair and works fantastic on carpet and tile. It is an inexpensive vacuum but I find that it does everything I need it to do, and does it well. I have a few nitpicks: 1) The cord is shorter than other vacuums I have owned. 2) The bag is kind of ill fitting in it’s compartment. 3) You can’t turn off the brush. Still, it’s a good machine for a good price and worth considering if you want an upright vacuum.
ROHL COUNTRY BATH WALL

This is my second Hoover Tempo and I highly recommend it. My previous one died after about 4 years but I certainly got my money’s worth out of it. Never had to replace a belt or fix anything. This is an amazing vacuum for the price. The suction power on this vacuum is second to none. It picks up dog hair very well and the suction on the hose is unbelievable; excellent for cleaning upholstery and stairs.

I have a Golden Retriever and purchased the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser after my previous Tempo died. I hated it. Bagless is not for me… cleaning the hair and dirt was a mess. It didn’t work nearly as well as this vacuum.

I didn’t realize this model does not have a light or a check bag indicator as my previous Tempo had. Of course those features do not effect the function of the vacuum but are nice to have.

You absolutely cannot beat this vacuum for the money. If you are looking for an inexpensive, bagged vacuum that will do a great job, this is a wise choice.
The String Centre FG

I got this scale a couple of weeks ago and I am happy with it.
PYLE PDWM2000 Dual VHF

Madonna was supposed to be at the premiere of her picture when I watched it, but rumor had it she was delayed because a maniac stalker was trying to break into her house. But my guess was she hid in the manager’s office like most stars do and sat down during the last part of the film. Oh, the film. Aidan Quinn does quite well as the projectionist who falls in love with her during the identity confusion- Susan tramps the streets dressed like Madonna and vice versa. Will Patton plays a gangster out to kill her in a very chilling chase scene. Often it is said art mirrors real life. And I kept my comment cards from the movie for my trivia collection.
Desperately Seeking Susan Region

Wow! I needed this great storage with my new camera. It makes such a difference not to be worrying about how many pictures you can take!
Tiffen MegaPlus Lens Adapter

The King of Queens

There were several mixed reviews on this product but I went ahead and purchased it anyway. I was replasing a Canon 18-55 IS “kit” lense that I dropped. (which is a great lense. Don’t be confused by the reviews of the older model 18-55 that’s not an IS. The IS version is a fantastic starter lens.)
I got my lens from 47th St. and received it today. I’ve taken 74 pictures so far and just now viewed them on my computer. Awesome! I love the color and crispness of them. I’m not even close to a professional photographer. I use my XSI to take pictures of my 16 month old son and that’s it so take my recommendation for what it’s worth. It seems to me though that if you get a good “copy” you will be extremely pleased. My thought was if I wasn’t happy with the quality I would just keep returning them until I got a good one. Maybe I’m just lucky but I got a great copy the first time around.

Sigma 18 125mm f

Sara Gruen delivers a readable tale that’s a tad too formulaic to be fully engaging. In the same way that the narrator of the story insists from personal experience that it is impossible to carry enough water to slake an elephant’s thirst, I’d insist that this container doesn’t hold enough water to satisfy a serious reader.

Also noted: the description of animals and animal behaviors is approximately cartoony, and takes away from the whole.

On the flip side, it is an easy read that won’t occupy more than an evening and Gruen does offer up some fascinating historical details about old-style railroad circuses, which altogether comes off as plausibly true.
MACH 6 0 MESH