Under Pressure

Iroman Capacity Memory Inversion Table

Chronic back pain with frequent flare-ups that crippled me for days at a time made me decide to try an inversion table. As a big man, I was afraid that most of the other tables out there wouldn't hold me safely - and I sure didn't want to fall on my head! So after much deliberation and a ton of research I decided to purchase the Ironman Model 5800.

I use it two to three times a day, most days. Just for a few minutes. I'm even doing some inverted crunches! I wake up feeling good instead of wondering whether I'll stand up crooked. I love it!

A couple of small Con's... the button on the gizmo that holds your ankles arrived broken. (I called Paradigm, and they shipped me two replacements immediately!) It's plastic, and apparently gets broken during shipping quite frequently. They really should make this piece out of metal, since it's used so much. Another problem is the Pivot Arm Ring attaches to the frame and the Handlebar, making it impossible to just remove the bed from the frame for moving or storage. If you think you're gonna fold this up and put it in the closet every day... think again! This requires a substantial amount of space.

The Pro's are that this thing is solid. I am not concerned about falling off or having this collapse under my weight. It's easy to use, and seems to be doing a great job for me! At this price, it's certainly worth a try!

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Namaste!

Authentic Cuisine East Indian Cooking ebook

Writing in an erudite, scholarly manner Professor John Ibson has managed to present a substantive survey of the evolution of male gender perception in his PICTURING MEN: A Century of Male Relationships in Everyday American Photography. And for all its heavily researched scholarship, Ibson also has created a very tender elegy about the history of male intimacy, tracing the genuinely warm comraderie as depicted in extant studio and personal photographs rom the mid 19th Century to the gradual emergence of homophobia after World War II.

This is a book that probably is best read twice: the first 'read' should be a slow thumbing through the pages of wonderfully tender and humorous photographs of men in pairs, in poses, in groups of pageant/pantomime, in dorm rooms, barracks, and in nature. The second read should be on of thoughtful attention paid to the written word, an experience which is never cloyingly sentimental, yet ever mindful of the sad fact that our society has created a ban on men expressing tenderness to other men. He wisely shows the tendency to use rough-housing and elaborate greeting techniques to convey the feelings now considered not only 'inappropriate' but worse - as in the 'Don't ask, don't tell' stance of the military. In the most sensitive chapter of this gentile book Ibson studies life in the military from the Civil War through World War II, pointing out both sides of the argument that war and its accompanying terror encourages men to bond, at least psychologically if not sexually. And in keeping with the tenor of the title "in Everyday American Photography" he references the manner in which Life Magazine - that pre-internet, pre-mass media resource which shouldered the burden of documenting for Americans how things were - shows the intensity of male relationships during WW II and its waning in the 1950s.

Ibson is careful to remind us that his picture research comes from his own collection of photographs gathered from swap meets, antique stores, and auctions and that his own feelings are supported by such disparate sources as songs (especially "My Buddy"), memoirs of soldiers, studies of wars by such men as Stephen Ambrose, John Horne Burns, Norman Mailer, and Allen Drury, and movies. In other words, this book stands solidly as a statement about the sad loss of man's ability to accept intimacy, especially when it comes to his fellowman. A beautifully written, highly readable, very valuable book and treatise.

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A Major Contribution to the Field of Gender Studies

Picturing Men Relationships Everyday Photography

Writing in an erudite, scholarly manner Professor John Ibson has managed to present a substantive survey of the evolution of male gender perception in his PICTURING MEN: A Century of Male Relationships in Everyday American Photography. And for all its heavily researched scholarship, Ibson also has created a very tender elegy about the history of male intimacy, tracing the genuinely warm comraderie as depicted in extant studio and personal photographs rom the mid 19th Century to the gradual emergence of homophobia after World War II.

This is a book that probably is best read twice: the first 'read' should be a slow thumbing through the pages of wonderfully tender and humorous photographs of men in pairs, in poses, in groups of pageant/pantomime, in dorm rooms, barracks, and in nature. The second read should be on of thoughtful attention paid to the written word, an experience which is never cloyingly sentimental, yet ever mindful of the sad fact that our society has created a ban on men expressing tenderness to other men. He wisely shows the tendency to use rough-housing and elaborate greeting techniques to convey the feelings now considered not only 'inappropriate' but worse - as in the 'Don't ask, don't tell' stance of the military. In the most sensitive chapter of this gentile book Ibson studies life in the military from the Civil War through World War II, pointing out both sides of the argument that war and its accompanying terror encourages men to bond, at least psychologically if not sexually. And in keeping with the tenor of the title "in Everyday American Photography" he references the manner in which Life Magazine - that pre-internet, pre-mass media resource which shouldered the burden of documenting for Americans how things were - shows the intensity of male relationships during WW II and its waning in the 1950s.

Ibson is careful to remind us that his picture research comes from his own collection of photographs gathered from swap meets, antique stores, and auctions and that his own feelings are supported by such disparate sources as songs (especially "My Buddy"), memoirs of soldiers, studies of wars by such men as Stephen Ambrose, John Horne Burns, Norman Mailer, and Allen Drury, and movies. In other words, this book stands solidly as a statement about the sad loss of man's ability to accept intimacy, especially when it comes to his fellowman. A beautifully written, highly readable, very valuable book and treatise.

Get your Picturing Men Relationships Everyday Photography Now!

SOO FRICKIN ADORABLE!!!!

Disney Stitch Movable Cover Iphone

I ordered this case about 2 weeks before it showed up in my mailbox, even though it was supposed to be delivered in 6 weeks, so I first loved the fast shipping. And right when I got it, I immediately put it on my phone. This case is awesome but I have some trouble closing the right ear. This problem is very minor and does not change my opinion of the case. Also, I have looked at some videos on the internet ,and on one of the videos, I discovered that the case can get dirty around the edges (probably a result from extensive use). So in my cautiousness, whenever I set the case face down, I place a napkin underneath it to keep it away from dirt as much as possible. I don't know if you can clean the case, but I do like to be careful on where I put the case so that it will stay clean and cute forever.
In a nutshell, this case is lovely. I would suggest it to anyone, and it's a great price too.

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Very good Book

Low Diet Cookbook Controlling ebook

I must be crazy to enjoy this kind of thing. Um, don't go there.

OKay, let's take a look at why I enjoyed it.

One: It's a familiar tale. Hannibal Lector is an old "evil mind" and a beloved monster from past movies. A deeply detailed and rich character whose evil is fascinating to watch unfold in a train wreck kind of way. And this Hannibal has all the charisma and intricacies of a truly great bad guy. The actor brings new life to him and in such a way that he feels entirely new and frightening.

Two: The series features excellent actors and special effects worthy of a movie set. It's direction and style is gripping and tense. It does not matter that we know Lector, Jack and Will already, in this series they look and feel brand new and I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see more of their relationships develop.

Three: The case of the week is also just as gripping and different as the perspective of the series offers us.

It's a thriller. A ride. And even when he uses the oldest cannibal joke in the book, "I'd love to have you and your wife for dinner," Hannibal feels appropriately creepy and alluring.

A pleasure to watch and wait for each week.

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Amazing

Hannibal Season 1

I must be crazy to enjoy this kind of thing. Um, don't go there.

OKay, let's take a look at why I enjoyed it.

One: It's a familiar tale. Hannibal Lector is an old "evil mind" and a beloved monster from past movies. A deeply detailed and rich character whose evil is fascinating to watch unfold in a train wreck kind of way. And this Hannibal has all the charisma and intricacies of a truly great bad guy. The actor brings new life to him and in such a way that he feels entirely new and frightening.

Two: The series features excellent actors and special effects worthy of a movie set. It's direction and style is gripping and tense. It does not matter that we know Lector, Jack and Will already, in this series they look and feel brand new and I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see more of their relationships develop.

Three: The case of the week is also just as gripping and different as the perspective of the series offers us.

It's a thriller. A ride. And even when he uses the oldest cannibal joke in the book, "I'd love to have you and your wife for dinner," Hannibal feels appropriately creepy and alluring.

A pleasure to watch and wait for each week.

Get your Hannibal Season 1 Now!

Love it!

H Potter Terrarium for Plants

I really love my Shademobile rolling umbrella base and didn't think it could get any better than that but the accessory table completes the package. It's perfect as a side table when you're alone or with a companion-- there are two indentions for cups or glasses which also have holes in case you spill. In addition to holding two drinks, there's also plenty of room for two good sized plates (up to 10 inches) on the table. This makes it very handy for hors d'oeuvres or appetizers when you're entertaining.

I can't say enough good things about this company, their customer service and their nicely designed and well-made products (the Shademobile rolling base is built like a tank--I'm short and I stand on it in order to be able to reach the tilt button on my umbrella with no buckling or damage to the base at all). An added plus for me is that the products are made in America.

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ONLY FOR THE SHADEMOBILE

Shademobile RU22 6275 Accessory Table Bronze

I really love my Shademobile rolling umbrella base and didn't think it could get any better than that but the accessory table completes the package. It's perfect as a side table when you're alone or with a companion-- there are two indentions for cups or glasses which also have holes in case you spill. In addition to holding two drinks, there's also plenty of room for two good sized plates (up to 10 inches) on the table. This makes it very handy for hors d'oeuvres or appetizers when you're entertaining.

I can't say enough good things about this company, their customer service and their nicely designed and well-made products (the Shademobile rolling base is built like a tank--I'm short and I stand on it in order to be able to reach the tilt button on my umbrella with no buckling or damage to the base at all). An added plus for me is that the products are made in America.

Get your Shademobile RU22 6275 Accessory Table Bronze Now!

Definitely recommend the type cover.

Black Type Cover Microsoft Surface

I'm a full-size keyboard fan and was skeptical that this Type Cover would come anywhere near the form and functionality of a standard keyboard.
I was wrong.
It has a great tactile feel and you can touch type very quickly and accurately.

I didn't encounter the need to use it on a completely smooth surface that another reviewer mentioned, although it would be difficult to balance your Surface on your lap do much typing. Truly works like a mini-laptop when you use the kickstand and set it on a relatively flat surface. Touch pad has a good feel to it as well (and you can always attach a mini or full-sized mouse to the Surface usb port if you like).

I'm a big amazon fan, but the price listed here is substantially inflated. I was able to get this for $60 less than the price listed here.

Highly recommended.

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Great solution

Nordic Ware MIcrowave Micro Go Round Inch

Searching for a replacement for this have-to-have kitchen essential, I ended up with a list of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. This is what happens when one types "microwave carousel" into the search engine. So, please excuse me if I simultaneously sing Great Old Show Tunes and write this review ;-)

Like the Timex watches in the old commercials, these Microwave turntables take a lickin' and keep on tickin'! The one that I am replacing today has been a faithful friend for about 10 years, and its manually wound spring has finally sprung. It had a lot of hard wear along the way. These hardy handy-dandy Nordic helpers are indispensable for those whose microwave does not have a built-in Carousel. One need not interrupt one's TV viewing to get up to turn one's nuking TV dinner that pesky 1/4 turn that the meal maker mandates. The Micro-Go-Round does it for you:
o/~ You'll Never Wok Alone! o/~
Reviewed by TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer

Get your Nordic Ware MIcrowave Micro Go Round Inch Now!

Loved it!

The Australian Centenary History Defence

This qualifies as one of my best ever computer purchases. This 9 cell battery makes the Net Book a vastly more usable tool. The IPAQ 4700 that I've been using as a reader for several years finally gave out forcing me to go to my two year old Net Book. (My wife uses a NOOK, but I'm too cheap to buy a second one). The original battery was good for 2.5 hours of reading and severely limits its usefulness. This battery, at less than $30, gives me 8 to 10 hours of reading time.

I don't object to the additional size. It's only logical that more power requires more cells. I've used it daily for a month now and have no issues whatsoever. It fits perfectly with no movement at all after closing the lock tab. It charges in less than an hour and provides all the time that is listed on the battery meter.

I still carry the old charged battery as a backup, but I doubt that it will ever be used. However I did notice this morning that the old battery might be useful when sitting in a doctors waiting room since the old battery is smaller and lighter and might be more convenient for less than 2.5 hours of use.

Get your The Australian Centenary History Defence Now!

Loved it!

Quick Easy Vegetarian Meals ebook

This qualifies as one of my best ever computer purchases. This 9 cell battery makes the Net Book a vastly more usable tool. The IPAQ 4700 that I've been using as a reader for several years finally gave out forcing me to go to my two year old Net Book. (My wife uses a NOOK, but I'm too cheap to buy a second one). The original battery was good for 2.5 hours of reading and severely limits its usefulness. This battery, at less than $30, gives me 8 to 10 hours of reading time.

I don't object to the additional size. It's only logical that more power requires more cells. I've used it daily for a month now and have no issues whatsoever. It fits perfectly with no movement at all after closing the lock tab. It charges in less than an hour and provides all the time that is listed on the battery meter.

I still carry the old charged battery as a backup, but I doubt that it will ever be used. However I did notice this morning that the old battery might be useful when sitting in a doctors waiting room since the old battery is smaller and lighter and might be more convenient for less than 2.5 hours of use.

Get your Quick Easy Vegetarian Meals ebook Now!

Very pleased.

Extended Capacity Laptop Battery One

This qualifies as one of my best ever computer purchases. This 9 cell battery makes the Net Book a vastly more usable tool. The IPAQ 4700 that I've been using as a reader for several years finally gave out forcing me to go to my two year old Net Book. (My wife uses a NOOK, but I'm too cheap to buy a second one). The original battery was good for 2.5 hours of reading and severely limits its usefulness. This battery, at less than $30, gives me 8 to 10 hours of reading time.

I don't object to the additional size. It's only logical that more power requires more cells. I've used it daily for a month now and have no issues whatsoever. It fits perfectly with no movement at all after closing the lock tab. It charges in less than an hour and provides all the time that is listed on the battery meter.

I still carry the old charged battery as a backup, but I doubt that it will ever be used. However I did notice this morning that the old battery might be useful when sitting in a doctors waiting room since the old battery is smaller and lighter and might be more convenient for less than 2.5 hours of use.

Get your Extended Capacity Laptop Battery One Now!

A Must-Have for Getting Fit

Fitbit Wireless Activity Sleep Tracker

I first learned about Fitbit through Sparkpeople.com, which I have used on and off for the last few years. Then I saw that a co-worker had one, and she spoke well of it, so I did some real research. After learning about it, I put the Fitbit One on my wish list and received it as a Christmas gift. I set some goals at the beginning of the year and started really using it to track my level of activity, and the results have been dramatic. Using Fitbit to track my calorie burn and comparing it to the food tracker, I have been able to lose 6 pounds so far. Sure, it might be easy to lose a few pounds, but I feel like I'm making a lifestyle change and not just a quick weight-loss fix. I'll check back in a few months down the line and let you know if my progress has continued.

Great things about the Fitbit One-
-It has a personality! I was unaware of this when I started to want mine, but when you set it down and leave it alone for a few minutes, it registers that it isn't on you. When you pick it back up, you are likely to be greeted with some clever phrase, and you can program it to greet you by name. There - I just picked mine up after typing these sentences and it said "GOOOOOOAL, Hi Sara!" Sometimes those little things make a big difference.
- It is small and inconspicuous. My aforementioned co-worker and I wear ours in very different places (she usually clips to her waistband, and I wear mine clipped to my bra) and to be honest, I don't think many other folks in the office are all that aware that we have them.
- The sleep tracker is fascinating. If you were to show me the chart from any night, I can tell you without seeing the date if it was a night before a workday, because I will have woken up 7 or more times, versus the 3 times per night on a weekend. This is such an eye-opening feature. Also - the sleep wrist band is not tight (it adjusts with a velcro-like closure) or heavy or uncomfortable. I highly recommend using the sleep feature if you get a One. It could change your bedtime habits.
- Instant information at your fingertips. When you scroll through the screens, you know right where you are, and if you are on track to meet your goals for the day. The screens include: how many steps you've taken, how many flights of stairs you've climbed(judged by altimeter, so if you are on a stair-climb machine, it will not count that as flights), how many miles/kilometers (you choose) you have traveled during the day, and an estimate of how many calories you have burned. You also have a flower that "grows" depending on how active you've been during the day, and it will tell you when the next silent alarm will go off. The silent alarm is programmable through the website or app, but not right on the device.
- Calories are TOTAL CALORIES, not just those you burned while intentionally working out. Online, you enter your personal information regarding height and weight, and Fitbit does the rest. I find the total calorie count to be especially helpful because it gives you a more accurate idea of how much you can actually eat before you're adding weight, breaking even, or eating fewer calories than you're burning. Estimating by exercise alone is not as useful for me, and it was eye-opening to see what it estimates I burn by just being alive (lower than I thought!)
- The apps and online trackers are easy to use and friendly. No sense of guilt if you don't meet your goals - instead you get encouragement to "Go get more steps!" or "Whoops! You ate more calories than your goal. Go burn more calories to get back into the zone!" It makes it much easier to find immediate motivation instead of the whole "I'll hit the gym tomorrow" syndrome.
- Gadget-lovers like it. My husband is very much a skeptic with weight loss tips and tricks, but a Fitbit isn't that. It is a GADGET, and he loves gadgets. I had owned mine less than a week when he decided he wants one too. (Now we have to make sure it is in the budget, because I'm not giving mine up!)

Negatives (keep in mind that I love the product):
- Some users say it can come out of the clip easily. I have not had that experience, but there are many users who find it to be too easy to lose.
- Some features are hard to find on the website and apps. I've been able to track them all down, but I was confused for the first day or two.
- No instruction sheet. This is probably a positive for some, but I like to have a little booklet to tell me how to use my gadget. When you open the box the instructions are, essentially, clip it on and go to Fitbit.com. It works, but I like a little more guidance.

There are so many great things about the Fitbit One, and I know that I'm still discovering them. For real success, use it every day, and track your sleep at night. Use the online trackers that are appropriate for you to reach your wellness objectives, and most of all HAVE FUN with your Fitbit One.

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Pride goeth before a fall

American Icon Clemens Steroids Americas

American Icon is a terrific piece of team investigative journalism on the steroid (codeword: "B-12") era in professional sports and the sad demise of the reputation of pitcher Roger Clemens. Whether or not Clemens perjured himself before Congress, he emerges in this fast-paced indictment as a liar, a womanizer, and a bully travelling in the guise of a Cy Young Award winning hurler. Clemens appears to have used steroids and HGH on numerous occasions, resulting in his middle-age bulked-up comeback on the mound. This fine book paints a sad picture of how the desire to win at all costs and to be a sports hero forever collided with the relentless process of aging, poignant in the case of a fatherless boy who grew up in the Texas culture of sports, body building, and then steroid trafficking. A bit long and repetitive, yes, we know the story from the sports pages, but a fabulous investigation of an American sports tragedy. Buy it, read it and weep.

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Good Value for the Price

Nantucket White Storage Cabinet Nightstand

For a tiny speaker that fits into your pocket, this one packs a hefty punch, and I DO mean it.

It fits with in my pocket, together with my Sansa c250-v1 (read my separate review there), and I think they were 'meant' for each other. Turn on the player, set the speaker on high, press shuffle, play and get back to work. Yeehaw.

Cons:

- 'Proprietary' USB-to-TRS cable. Now if I could find the circuit schematic for this speaker, I might find a workaround. But then, if you lose the cable, tough luck. You're gonna get stuck with the microSD port and load your music there.

- Device hangs when using the microSD slot to play stuff. It hangs once in a while when you load really large files. However, turning off and on (the device) seems to clear this up.

- No visible screws for maintenance access. I fix stuff all the time, so this one's a no-no for me.

However, don't let the cons let you down. This little fellow can play my music at a high volume with minimal distortion for 4-5 hours, so that should even things out.

Get your Nantucket White Storage Cabinet Nightstand Now!

True to the Heart

Riversong Tess Thompson

For a tiny speaker that fits into your pocket, this one packs a hefty punch, and I DO mean it.

It fits with in my pocket, together with my Sansa c250-v1 (read my separate review there), and I think they were 'meant' for each other. Turn on the player, set the speaker on high, press shuffle, play and get back to work. Yeehaw.

Cons:

- 'Proprietary' USB-to-TRS cable. Now if I could find the circuit schematic for this speaker, I might find a workaround. But then, if you lose the cable, tough luck. You're gonna get stuck with the microSD port and load your music there.

- Device hangs when using the microSD slot to play stuff. It hangs once in a while when you load really large files. However, turning off and on (the device) seems to clear this up.

- No visible screws for maintenance access. I fix stuff all the time, so this one's a no-no for me.

However, don't let the cons let you down. This little fellow can play my music at a high volume with minimal distortion for 4-5 hours, so that should even things out.

Get your Riversong Tess Thompson Now!

Smallest BIG speaker I've ever seen!

SimplyVibe V3 5BPS Portable Speaker Rechargeable

For a tiny speaker that fits into your pocket, this one packs a hefty punch, and I DO mean it.

It fits with in my pocket, together with my Sansa c250-v1 (read my separate review there), and I think they were 'meant' for each other. Turn on the player, set the speaker on high, press shuffle, play and get back to work. Yeehaw.

Cons:

- 'Proprietary' USB-to-TRS cable. Now if I could find the circuit schematic for this speaker, I might find a workaround. But then, if you lose the cable, tough luck. You're gonna get stuck with the microSD port and load your music there.

- Device hangs when using the microSD slot to play stuff. It hangs once in a while when you load really large files. However, turning off and on (the device) seems to clear this up.

- No visible screws for maintenance access. I fix stuff all the time, so this one's a no-no for me.

However, don't let the cons let you down. This little fellow can play my music at a high volume with minimal distortion for 4-5 hours, so that should even things out.

Get your SimplyVibe V3 5BPS Portable Speaker Rechargeable Now!

Very complete introduction to the subject

Introduction Architecture Francis D Ching

This introductory text was compiled from eight previous books by the authors, seven of them by Mr. Ching and one of them by Mr. Eckler. In the preface the authors state that, "Architecture is an integral part of our lives. Good design, often unnoticed, quietly facilitates the activities of everyday life. It is the architect's challenge to create spaces that are perfectly attuned to the activities that take place within them."

And that is what this book seeks to do by giving the student the tools he or she needs to accomplish the above goal.

This book begins with an informative early history of architecture and it goes onto discussing design, form and space and everything else an introductory text on the subject should include, from Structural Elements to Building Systems. The book is very well written and very easy to understand. If you're planning on studying architecture, this is the book you hope your professor will be using in your introductory class.

Get your Introduction Architecture Francis D Ching Now!

Wonderful and heartfelt

The Holocaust Scream Rosenberg Concentration

I have read many books about the Holocaust over the past years. Each has reached me in ways unexpected. This one was no exception. Rachel came alive to me in the interviews with Robert. I believe this way of telling her story works because Rachel is honest and held nothing back in her simple answers that bring to light to a story that is horrifying and yet captures the heart of a young girl in times that were unbelievably frightening and incomprehensible. There aren't many who could write their hearts as Rachel is able to do in answering questions about something so terrible in her life. Her spirit comes through these pages....I wish I were able to meet her and hear her give a talk. From The Holocaust Scream, I'm certain that I would like her. This is a good read. Don't miss this one.

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Protects, looks great, and keeps your iPod from falling on the floor

DLO HybridShell Case touch Chrome

This case works really well - probably better than lots of other, more expensive ones. The first one I had lasted almost 3 years, and I was really happy to be able to get another identical one. Now I'm thinking I should have gotten 2 this time, but by the time this one is broken, hopefully I will be ready to get a new iPod too! It looks cool, lets the iPod show thru. There is good access to all the buttons and ports. On the back are black rubber dots that keep it from slipping out of your hand or off a table or other surface. It has protected my iPod very well. Finally, some of the tabs that keep the front and back together broke off, that's why I had to replace it with another one. Then new one is having no issues. Bonus - I forgot to mention it came with a free screen protector too! Hopefully that is still part of the package. Anyway, very happy!

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