The Baby Boon : How Family-Friendly America Cheats the Childless
by Elinor Burkett
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (13 March, 2000)
list price: $25.00
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Editorial Review

Tax credits, childcare benefits, school vouchers, flextime for parents, parental leaves--all have spawned what journalist Elinor Burkett calls a "culture of parental privilege." The Baby Boon charts the backlash against this movement and asks for a reevaluation of social policy. Burkett's cause isn't served by her sarcasm, which leads so easily to exaggeration and strained humor. She proposes, for example, that there exists an unwritten but widely understood "Ten Commandments of workplace etiquette in family-friendly America," which includes items such as "Thou shalt volunteer to work late so that mothers can leave at 2:00 p.m. to watch their sons play soccer" and "Thou shalt never ask for a long leave to write a book, travel, or fulfill thy heart's desire because no desire other than children could possibly be worth thy company's inconvenience." Burkett is more convincing when citing real-life examples, such as a legal secretary who applied for flextime and was told that benefit was available only to parents, or the case of Sarah, a childless travel agent in Seattle who invented a fake daughter, put her picture on her desk at work, and proceeded to take long lunches ("trips to the pediatrician") and leave work early for "family emergencies." Ironically, as Burkett describes, it was the search for equity that inspired the various pro-parent benefits of the "family-friendly workplace." A new attention to childless workers does seem to be in order--permitting them to substitute some benefits for others, for instance, or to receive bonuses instead, and to work in environments that support their choices not to have children. --Regina Marler ... Read more

Reviews (100)

child free and loving it
A great book, points out the specifics of our child-crazed culture and what living in America is like today in kid-centric society. The childfree who work from 18-70 are paying for their own retirement (along with our great vacations, hobbies, coupes, and the occasional trips to non-family friendly dining establishments)and aren't depending on Social Security. Those with kids are at home tending to tears, whiny, screaming, temper tantrum prone, bowel movements, vomit, ADD, and teenage pregnancy. No wonder you work so hard to have the laws slanted against us, but we're not the enemy-the childfree didn't impregnate you multiple times, force you to be in an unhappy marriage, demand you to work to pay bills or lock up in your home with your children or turn you into a single parent with mounting debt. If anything, we are the minority who encourage others to remain childfree.

Since we're mostly not living beyond our means by spending 500K to 750K it costs to raise each child in the U.S. today we have and will save PLENTY for retirement. I can't believe the naivete in some of the comments regarding how bringing children into the world pads social security and the childfree should be thankful to the breeders. What a bunch of sick twisted minds thought up this as an excuse to breed? Would you dare tell your children this is the reason you brought them into the world-so they could "take care of you and provide your retirement package" in your old age? What a great testament to drill into their little psyches so that perhaps, one day, they can grow up and drill the same guilt mentality into their children's heads. I can only hope your children disown you for being so self-centered and attempting to obligate them from birth for your decisions, try funding your own retirement and stop with the "someone else take care of me" welfare mentality.

Yes the childfree definitely don't have the tax benefits that those with children do, nor do we contribute to overpopulation or have the expenses, headaches, possibility of being a single parent, etc. that you accepted as risk when becoming a parent. Just like you accept responsibility for your children's behavior until they become legal adults, because you are their parents. Not to mention the level of denial so many parents (especially those under the age of 45) have in assuming social security is going to be around when you hit retirement. Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?

Children benefit the world? Only if you're looking for a world demise, because they grow up to be adults-and in the US that means a life expectancy of nearly 80 years and spending the majority of their time on earth contributing to urban sprawl, increased traffic, overpopulation, throwing the ecosystem out of whack, competition for natural resources, increased poverty and starvation.

So stop complaining about traffic, lack of money, and social security because parents bring these problems on themselves and everyone else by having children.

who told you that America is child-friendly?!
Raising children is a very hard work, but, as most other industrialzied countries have realized, it is one of the most important jobs outthere. Our children will be the ones taking care of us, curing us, cooking for us, making our clothes etc. and most importantly moving the economy forward so that we ALL can enjoy a retirement. It is only fair, that those who do not raise their own children chip in to help those who do. United States is NOT family-friendly. It is the only industrialized country with NO maternity leave, and daycare costs are higher than college tuition. The child tax-credit is ridiculous and doesn't help all that much. Stop whining and thank those who choose to have children inspite of all of the difficulties and costs involved.

Parents deserve equal treatment, not priviledged treatment
Burkett did an excellent job of exposing the truth that family- friendly policies have little to do with helping children and more to do with cooing the votes of the baby boomers, the majority of which happen to have them. I believe that people should be able to pursue careers and be parents, but they have to figure out a way to make it work on their own. Parenting requires sacrifices that are the responsibility of those who choose to have the children. The decision to become a parent is a lifestyle choice. Everybody has to take responsibility for their choices. I believe in family policies that help the poor and low income families- if I knew my tax dollars were helping poor parents feed, clothe, and educate their children, I would have no complaints. But I detest the fact that I will continue to pay more in taxes than those who have exactly the same income as I do simply because they have children and I don't. I , like the author, am a feminist who believes in equal pay for equal work. All employees should get equal benefits which they have the ability to take advantage of whether they have children or not. ... Read more

Isbn: 0684863030
Subjects:  1. American    2. Childlessness    3. Contemporary Politics    4. Current Affairs    5. Family    6. General    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Politics - Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Public Affairs & Administration    11. Social Conditions Of Labor    12. United States    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Business & Economics / General   

It's Christmas, Man!
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 September, 1992)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

"Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" are not just empty sayings when Brave Combo are around. It's Christmas, Man! is a merry romp through traditional and not-so-traditional holiday fare. "O Christmas Tree" is done as a drum heavy samba, "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting) skanks in as a ska tune, and "The Little Drummer Boy" has obviously been hanging out in Cuba. There are polka, waltz, and cumbia versions of classic carols, and a Hanukkah hora (circle dance) as well. Brave Combo have penned five new tunes for this release which are sure to become seasonal favorites. This is a fun recording, featuring accordion, sax, clarinet, guitars, bass, drums, and vocals in a mostly lighthearted set of inspired silliness. The occasional serious song like "Ave Maria" is treated with the respect it deserves, without being allowed to bog down in maudlin sappiness. The 15 songs on this CD make it a generous gift of spirited music. --Jeff Grubb ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Very fun christmas record for the secret polka fan in us all
I had already owned a few BC CD titles when I heard about this 3 or 4 years ago.I immediately went to the Rounder records website and ordered 1 for me and 3 for my sisters.Having polka and traditional "Hunky" music played in our house growing up, there is something about it that just makes you want to move.Their version of "Must Be Santa" needs to be on repeat play for half an hour it is just so much fun at Christmas time.Arguably the best song on this CD.If you know anything of BC's music and other releases, you know that their style is all over the map with Polkas, Cha-Chas, Waltzes, and Reggae with touches of other musical forms thrown in the mix to make it interseting. Same thing here.What you get are 15 very different tunes that just make the holiday that much more fun.Not every song is a winner but the album as a whole does not disappoint.Much better than any Mannheim Steamroller release.I like Hard Rock and this works for me.

Fun CD - worth seeking out
As I am writing this, the CD is not currently available here, but you can order it directly from the band on their own web site.
I remember "Must Be Santa" from the sing along with Mitch Miller records that we played at my house when I was a kid.Brave Combo makes that even more fun.They make a lot of classic Christmas songs more fun by arranging them in various styles including polka, ska, and different types of latin music.There are a few original songs here to, and out of those, "Christmas In July" is the best.
I was enticed to buy this after listening to the samples available here.Try it, see if you like it too.

A wonderful fresh setting of Christmas tunes
You know, this album could've been a lot harder to get. It was sold to Brave Combo as something to do for the Japanese market...but be glad that the record company decided to sell it elsewhere, too! Brave Combo deconstructs Christmas standards into Latin dance format and throws in some originals as well, along with a charming, sweet straight performance of Schubert's "Ave Maria."It's enjoyable any time of year, and well worth your while. ... Read more

Asin: B0000003KD
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Ethnic    5. Holiday    6. Polka    7. Pop    8. Worldbeat   

The Dust Bowl Symphony
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 September, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Important artists have grand ambitions, but the best of them recognize the importance of not letting their majestic aspirations get the better of them. A couple of decades into an illustrious career that's seen her successfully stray from her folk roots into country and pop, Nanci Griffith tries to scale symphonic heights with The Dust Bowl Symphony, only to take an awkward tumble. The Dust Bowl Symphony finds the Lone Star soprano renovating some of her most popular tunes with backing by her regular unit, the Blue Moon Orchestra, as well as the London Symphony Orchestra. But extravagant arrangements smother these songs; it's hard not to listen to the likes of "It's a Hard Life (Wherever You Go)" and "Late Night Grande Hotel" and not long to hear the life-sized originals. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Ignore the Critics
I could have downloaded these songs off the internet but bought the album instead to show my support.Critics Steven Stolder and Stephen Erlewine (allmusic.com)haven't a clue.I agree with the other true listeners and fans who rated this album.Having the full orchestra has added a depth and rishness that enhances what are already a beautiful voice singing wonderful songs.

A timeless collection of songs.
This is the first album of Nancy Griffith songs I have owned and it is a gem.I just don't tire of listening to the songs.The Wing and a Wheel is pure poetry and the part where she describes the places she has been is nothing short of songwriting genius.The Dustbowl Symphony is heart-rending and the bluesy, Drops from a Faucet, although not written by Nancy is sung in fine style.Love at the Five and Dime with Darius Ruckert is alone worth the price of the album.In my view this is a must-own album for Nancy Griffith fans or for anybody who likes folksy blues.

A great arrangement and delievery
Nanci Griffith music is heaven to my ears. She has one of the purist voices I have heard and her ability to create and deliver a song is excellent. I first heard her sing on an album with the Chieftains. I love the music of Ireland and even though her rendering was not of a pure Irish song, it is easy to see you could produce an Irish album that would be wonderful. I also appreciate country, folk, pop and for that matter and good expressive music. All music is inter-related. Having become a Nanci Griffith fan since then I have believed she should do more music in a popular style. This album is one in that direction. I hope she keeps it up and does more albums with classical arrangements and background. ... Read more

Asin: B00000K3GT
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Country-Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Souvenirs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 October, 2000)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

When John Prine wrote and recorded the likes of "Hello in There," "Angel from Montgomery," and "Souvenirs" in the early '70s, he came across like a Social Security recipient in a young man's body. As he revisits those tunes and more favorites from his salad days, the wisdom Prine possessed as a twentysomething troubadour seems all the more remarkable. The raison d'être for Souvenirs may be rather prosaic. Prine rerecorded 15 early classics so that he could own master recordings of a bunch of songs from his first three albums, as well as a few stragglers from the late '70s and early '80s. But the flatteringly spare arrangements and Prine's wizened delivery only add weight to these heavy-hearted folk tunes. "It took me years to get those souvenirs / And I don't know how they slipped away from me," Prine sings on the title track, a remnant from 1972's Diamonds in the Rough. Well, John, they didn't slip away at all; they're still shining like gems under a layer of dust. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Outstanding
Here's a CD both for Prine fans and for the uninitiated.For fans you get fifteen of his finest songs recorded anew in quiet, almost acoustic arrangements that only enhance the intimate stories he tells of misfit lovers, forgotten seniors and broken war vets.For people who've been missing out on Prine all these thirty odd years, Souvenirs is a perfect introduction and incentive to dive more fully into a great observer and teller of human stories.Best: Souvenirs, Angel from Montgomery, Donald and Lydia, and Grandpa Was a Carpenter. But on this CD the best is only slightly better than the excellent rest.

Prine Lite
John Prine's albums are usually "warts and all" affairs, and that's one of his charms.But Souvenirs is different, this is an older, wiser, more mellow Prine singing here.He's smoothed out the rough edges, making his material more accessible.

This CD would be a great introduction to John's music for those who are not that familiar with his work.It features many of his best songs, with simple arrangements, performed in a laid back style.I think all Prine fans should buy Souvenirs for their friends, then they might understand why we love this man's music so much.

Audio paradise
I don't recall ever hearing more beautiful acoustic guitar picking than on the title track. Wonderful, revealing new versions of his most beautiful songs. I found the new renditions moving and eye-opening, particularly on Souvenirs and Six O'Clock News, but they're all gems. An essential addition to any John Prine collection. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YR4C
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Singer/Songwriter   

Live in Texas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 June, 1999)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

One decade's oddity is the next decade's institution. Or at least that's been the case with Lyle Lovett. The Lone Star eccentric emerged in the 1980s ostensibly as a country artist, but it became clear pretty quickly that a Southern accent and a pair of cowboy boots does not a Nashville favorite make. In time, however, Lovett's free-range brand of swing, blues, gospel, folk, and whatever has been embraced by a coterie of fans who have as little interest in genres as their hero. Live in Texas is something of a valentine to them--as well as an in-concert 13-year career summary for the uninitiated. Rife with live staples ("That's Right," "If I Had a Boat," "She's No Lady," and "North Dakota," which features an appearance by Rickie Lee Jones), the 14-track showcase certifies what loyalists have known for years: Lovett is one of the best bandleaders around. He and his crack crew get big and get small as needed, punching up uptempo numbers with brass or stripping down to the bare essentials for ballads. Taking it all in, one can't help concluding there's absolutely nothing odd about that. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (66)

One of my favorite live albums....
One of those rare well-recorded live albums with the best of the muscian's lineup to date."Live in Texas" is a great CD.Wish I ahd been in Texas at the time it was recorded, would have had a blast in the audience.

"I don't like country" some folks will be saying.Give this CD a listen, there's as much blues, gospel, R&B and jazzy arrangements in these 14 tracks to defy that label.

Steller samples:"M-O-N-E-Y","You Can't Resist it", "She Aint No Lady."Love Lovett's arrangements and his whimsical twists on lyrics.A winner all the way around.

Lyle Lovett is great, great, Great.
A lot of good music comes out of Texas.Diverse musicians like
Lyle Lovett are one of the reasons that is so.With him, the
story and the meaning come first. But then he adds the most
individual arrangements to his words, and he works with talented
musicians who express his meaning and his ideas.It is a great
thing that he uses parts of folk, country, blues, jazz, pop, and
any kind of music that is necessary, because what he has to say and the way he
says it needs a broader palette than a single genre could provide.
It doesn't matter what you call his music, country or jazz
or pop or whatever.It is all good, and always entertaining.
If someone expects it to be similar to something more commonly
found in the musical market, that someone would be disappointed.
And if his work WAS like everyone else's work, then his many
fans would be a whole lot more disappointed.
Lyle Lovett is great.This live recording is a good chance
to hear his interaction with his band.

Great if you liked Ice Ice Baby!
This pseudo hipster country-folk-blues crooner has a highly affected, grating, whiny delivery that tramples rough shod over the legacy of deep suffering found in authentic Texas blues and folk music.He surrounds himself with talented musicians and constantly name drops "Texas" in his songs in a desperate attempt to manufacture some sense of athuenticity.His lyrics are knowingly clever in a nudge-nudge wink-wink sort of way that would have made Lightnin' Hopkins reach for the bottle.Highly recommended for college students wanting to impress roommates with the maturity of their tastes, and people who have a vague sense that it is cool to listen to country, blues, and folk.May cause nausea, cramps, and diarreah of the soul. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JFIT
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Rockin' in the Weary Land
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 May, 1998)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Reviews (17)

Fun CD from a Fun Band
Tara Nevins voice, plus a talented multi-instrumentalist, vocalist band make this CD a great listen. Even better are their
many concerts. I saw them in Charlottesville, VA in November 2000, and they were at their best. They were at anyone's best.

Sounds a bit like Grateful Dead meets 10,000 Maniacs (which I think was an actual billing about 10-15 yrs ago!)

Good Stuff
This album makes me feel good. The only reason I dont give it 5 stars is that I would love to hear Tara Nevins sing all the songs. The others do very good, but I love her voice and her song writng.Don't compare it to the Grateful Dead or the String Cheese Incedent. Love it for its own merits.

Greatest. Album. Ever.
This album is ridiculously good!
Every song is a masterpiece. This album will keep you rockin' from the first song to the last.
I strongly recommend that you check out this album, and also see Donna the Buffalo in concert.
They will blow you away! ... Read more

Asin: B000005ZBD
Sales Rank: 9383
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Love Songs by Dean Martin
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 January, 1997)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Reviews (1)

In The Mood for "Love Songs"?
This disc will definitely set "the" mood, Dean's easy laid back way of putting these songs across is what you want to have playing to enhance the atmosphere, and lower the lights down. It's definitely aperfect group of love songs with a few Italian tracks, but what else wouldyou expect from Dean. The one thing that confuses me is the track titled"Just In Time", on the track listing it's listed as version 2, tome it sounds like the other versions of "Just In Time". With alldue respect to Capitol to the mood they are trying to set, I think theycaptured it. ... Read more

Asin: B000000BBK
Sales Rank: 241581
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Traditional Pop    4. Vocal Pop   

Ives: Symphony No. 2 & Symphony No. 3/Central Park in the Dark
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 March, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (4)

Bernstein conducts Ives
Just as Bernstein had done for the music of Gustav Mahler, he helped to popularize the music of an American original, Charles Ives (1874-1954).He found Ives a genius, too, as he said in a companion recording included with Columbia's first LP reissue of the historic recording of Ives' amazing second symphony.

Bernstein actually conducted the world premiere of the second symphony on February 25, 1951, and both Charles Ives and his wife, Harmony, were persuaded to the listen to the New York Philharmonic's radio broadcast.At the crazy "reveille" ending, the Carnegie Hall audience gave the work a thunderous ovation, which caused Harmony to remark to her husband, "Why, they actually like it!"

Four years earier, composer-conductor Lou Harrison, a friend of the generally reclusive Ives, conducted a New York orchestra in the world premiere of the third symphony.This is a more conventional work, which still has its share of twists, and one of the more interesting "what if's" comes from the fact that Gustav Mahler had seen the score and promised to conduct the New York Philharmonic in the world premiere; unfortunately, Mahler died that spring and his successors had no interest in performing a symphony by an "unknown" American composer.Yet in 1947, when Harrison finally conducted its first performance, the work was awarded the Pulitzer Prize.Typically, Ives refused the award, saying prizes were for boys.

The second symphony has long been associated with Leonard Bernstein and not just because he introduced it.Bernstein recorded the work in Brooklyn's St. George Hotel on October 6, 1958, and championed it.He recognized the genius at work.He marveled at how Ives so effectively incorporated American patriotic songs, hymns, and college songs, as well as subtle quotes from the music of Ives' musical heroes, J.S. Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.The orchestration is lush, too, and deeply moving.There are odd twists, to be sure, and bits of humor, especially at the very end of the symphony.

When I first heard Bernstein's recording of the second symphony, I knew this was a very special work.Bernstein included it in a CBS "Young People's Concert" telecast.He helped us to appreciate this wonderful work and this recording is a lasting testimony not only to the work's brilliance but Bernstein's ability to interpret it with great love and affection.

The third symphony is a deeply spiritual work, abounding in the New England hymns that Ives so loved and admired.Ives had a particular fondness for Lowell Mason, one of the first great American composers.Bernstein's recording is highly enjoyable and very moving.

Educational
I have always loved Leonard Bernstein's musical lectures. This fine recording of Ives: Symphonies, No. 2 & 3 not only offers very idiomatic performances by the great late Bernstein, but includes his superb lecture on Charles Ives. As with other Sony recordings that include Bernstein's insightful commentaries, this CD is worth the price of purchase just to hear his educational profile of Charles Ives, a true "American Original" who marched to a different beat. I only hope that Sony eventually releases all of Bernstein's musical lectures on CD. The Beethoven 5th symphony needs to be re-released with his wonderful lecture on the making of the 5th symphony. TheSony "Royal Collection" (out of print) of Beethoven's 5th symphony included his lecture in several languages, but from what I've been reading it was a fiasco (not the lecture, but Sony's production of it).

Highly recommended.

UN GENIO DEL CONTRAPUNTO
Es difícil de comprender como una obra de tanto valor artístico, además de ser sumamente agradable, sea tan poco interpretada. La segunda Sinfonía de Ives, es una obra llena de optimismo y de ideas muy bien logradas conreferencia a contraponer conceptos. La partitura de esta Sinfonía, nosdemuestra la genialidad de Charles Ives en el arte contrapuntístico. LennyBernstein está SIETE ESTRELLAS.

100% recomendado

Francisco J. Muñoz ... Read more

Asin: B0000062D1
Sales Rank: 77055
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Orchestral & Symphonic    3. Symphonic   

Casio QV3000EX 3.34-Megapixel Digital Camera with 340 MB MicroDrive
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $799.99
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Editorial Review

The Casio QV-3000 Plus digital camera is a 3.34-megapixel camera that offers still photos at 2,048 x 1,536 maximum resolution as well as 320 x 240 pixel movie-mode capabilities. It provides a 3x optical and 2x digital zoom lens, a 1.8-inch HAST LCD screen, and a cursor pad for user-friendly menu selection. Other features include auto or manual focus, autoexposure, auto white balance, a built-in quartz digital clock, an automatic four-mode flash with red-eye reduction, and nine special shooting modes.

While all these features are fairly standard with similar high-end megapixel cameras from other manufacturers, what sets the Casio QV-3000 Plus apart from its peers is its memory storage capabilities. This camera offers CompactFlash card capability much like other digital imaging devices, but also supports IBM's Microdrive--the most powerful method of storing digital images to date. The Microdrive, which is included with the camera, offers an incredible 340 MB of memory. Users can snap up to 400 high-quality images or 19 minutes of 7-frame-per-second video without having to switch memory cards or download. One IBM Microdrive could replace over 11 rolls of film. This storage capacity makes it easy to use the QV-3000 Plus in situations where you'll be away from your computer for an extended time (such as while you're on vacation).

The Casio QV-3000 Plus is USB compatible (although you don't need a USB port to use it) and works with both PC and Macintosh platforms. It operates on either four AA batteries or on an optional AC adapter. Along with the Casio QV-3000 Plus, you receive a USB cable, a serial cable, a Macintosh serial adapter cable, a software bundle, a 340 MB IBM Microdrive, a video cable, a soft carrying case, and a strap. The included software bundle enables you to instantly upload your photos to the Internet, to convert files into e-mail form, and to edit your photos with ease.

Casio backs the QV-3000 Plus with a one-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 3.3 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for 8 x 10 prints and beyond
• 3x optical plus 2x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 340 MB Microdrive holds 245 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses 4 AA batteries (alkalines included)

Reviews (60)

Great camera.
This camera easy to use, has great quality pictures with 3.34 MP. Long battery live.

A Great Camera
I've had my Casio for just over 2 years. It is extremely easy to use and with the hard drive, I mindlessly shoot shots at the highest resolution (2048x1536)knowing that storage is no issue.Having the HD has changed the way I shoot photos since with "no storage issues" I take multiple photos per topic and decide later on my computer which ones I'll use and delete the rest. Accessing photos with the USB port is as simple as plugging in the USB cable and double clicking the "drive E:" icon that appears in My Computer.Although the Casio software is ok it is not as effective as some of the commercial software that is available. After trying a few packages I've settled in on using Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 and Irfanview (which is free) to edit my photos.I've printed 8x10 photos on my Epson ink jet printer with Photo paper and the results are superb. A high resolution, poster size photos can be printed.Since day one, I've been using Kodak rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and battery life has not been an issue at all. The 3x optical zoom I use extensively and I've never used the digital zoom.An excellent camera that I highly recommend.

this camera is a workhorse
We have used this camera on several three week or longer trips, carrying extra rechargable batteries and using a bigger storage chip.We get up to 1,000 photos, sometimes things get a little slow after 800, who cares!

Weddings, camping, Grand Canyon, Penobscot River: the camera is flexible from macro flower shots to large vistas.

Easy to use, easy to remove unwanted photos, EASY EASY EASY to upload.

like the view library.

Plan to buy one more so we don't have to share, have bought one for daughter, now thinking about one for son for Christmas.Online pricing today...

Love this camera, it works hard and takes great photos. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SV1W
Subjects:  1. Micro Drive    2. 3000 plus    3. QV3000, 340 MB    4. Digital Camera (Cameras)    5. Photograph (Photography)   

I'll Hold You in My Heart
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 September, 2000)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

This is the most live-sounding Don Walser album yet, no doubt because for the first time in many years he's backed in the studio by his own Pure Texas Band (the sole exception is the title song, originally cut for the movie Hi-Lo Country). The opening "Yodeling the Blues," which features some of Don's most rambunctious yodeling--on the first try, he pushes to the outer reaches of, and almost past, his range--sets the tone, with tracks like "El Paso Cowboy" settling effortlessly into his West Texas honky-tonk swing groove. Walser mixes it up a bit with "Rock-A-Billy Rage" (more boogie than 'billy, actually) and puts a Lone Star spin on classic Bakersfield with the original "Buck and Merle" and a cover of Haggard's "Hungry Eyes." The rhythm section is solid, the soloists are short, snappy, and swinging, and if you think this stuff is "retro," you haven't spent a Saturday night in a small-town Texas dance hall. --John Morthland ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Don Holds My Heart, But The CD Let Me Down
I fell in love with "I Will Hold You In My Heart" from the film THE HI-LO COUNTRY. I ran out and picked up the movie CD just for that one song! I expected the other songs of Don's CD to have the same caliber and seamlessness that "I Will Hold You In My Heart" does. Unfortunately, it doesn't. It has more of a "live" sound than a "studio" feel. I will do my best to appreciate the other tracks, for Don truly is the genuine article; he gives us his heart in his music. Don's God given talent, grace and love of the Old West, in "I Will Hold You In My Heart", is truly evident. But, I encourage Don Walser, as a new fan, to find a producer and engineer who can give him the chance to render the same effortless, lyrical and embracing music that the Martin Scorsese/Carter Burwell "studio mix" gave him in THE HI-LO COUNTRY. He deserves it and so do his fans!

The real sound of Don Walser
Except for the title track this album features Don and his band as you might hear them at any live show. The yodels are still there as well as the songwriting skills of Don and fiddler Howard Kalish. When was the last time you heard Springtime In the Rockies?

The Best
Don Walser is a unique American talent. This is a great CD.

Don is backed by a great group of musicians. Howard Kalish plays fiddle and guitar, and the steel guitar player is great. But everyone is outstanding.

Buy it! ... Read more

Asin: B00004X0QV
Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Western Swing Revival    5. Yodeling   

Los Super Seven
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 September, 1998)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This southwestern super session brings together Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Chicano country stars Freddy Fender and Rick Treviño, Texas rocker Joe Ely, norteño accordion wizard Flaco Jimenez, and Tejano bandleader Ruben Ramos to pay homage to the Texan-Mexican tradition. The music is acoustic and generally string-driven, with guitars and violins recalling early mariachi and dancing accordion lines. There are some great party tunes, but ballads are the rule, and Treviño and Fender both show superb grace in their vocals. Ely turns in a heartfelt version of Woody Guthrie's "Deportee," but almost all the songs are in Spanish (with translations in the booklet). Each features only one or two of the headlining singers and there is none of the crowded feel of some all-star efforts, just a relaxed and swinging exploration of the classic Tejano sound. --Elijah Wald ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Great music!!!
I love this CD. It combines an interesting mix of artists whose music together or individually is great. The ballads are wonderful and the whole cd is wonderful to listen to. I would recommend it highly!

Not my taste
I readily accept all the other reviewers' assertions that this album represents outstanding Tejano music--it's just not my taste.I have no previous experience with this musical tradition, and I was hoping for something more along the lines of Eddie Palmieri or Arturo Sandoval.To me, this sounds like the kind of pleasant but bland music one would barely notice in the background at a Mexican restaurant.If you're hoping for something with drive or a bit of an edge, this isn't it.

Total Enjoyment
Wanting some Fiesta CD's, this will be selected.It is great music, and example of the power of music to soothe and bind people together in trying situations.

I love this music, and will play it often. ... Read more

Asin: B00000ADGG
Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Latin Continuum    3. Latin Folk    4. Mexican Folk    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Roots Rock   

Stop Making Sense: Special New Edition (1984 Film)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 September, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

The soundtrack to the Jonathan Demme documentary, Stop Making Sense captures the Talking Heads live in 1984 on what would turn out to be their last major tour. This collection, and the film, is a true gift to the band's fans, a testament to the Heads' extraordinary talent, both in the studio and especially onstage. Frontman David Byrne infuses each song with a jolt of energy and drama that could only have come from a late-'70s art-school student. Now-classic tracks such as "Psycho Killer," "Girlfriend is Better," "Once in a Lifetime," "Take Me to the River," and "Burning Down the House" have never sounded better. This expanded 1999 reissue includes all nine of the original tracks, plus seven previously unheard cuts, including "Heaven," "Found a Job," and "Crosseyed and Painless." --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Special Edition
• Soundtrack
• Live

Reviews (61)

Bigger is not always better
The original LP version of this was a mere 9 songs, and was absolutely brilliant. I remember playing it constantly, wearing it out much like my two album "The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads" double live album. I also got to see the concert film at some midnight show and was enthralled...a concert movie for people who liked music! I loved it so much that I eventually got David Byrne to sign the book that came with the album.

So I was really hyped to hear that the entire concert soundtrack was about to be reissued on CD. Seven extra songs! Warm with nostalgia, I finally bought the disc. Boy, was I let down. First, it isn't the whole concert. "I Zimbra" is particularly missed. Then, of all the crappy songs to include over that one, we have the Tom Tom Club and their SERIOUSLY dated "Genius Of Love."

One of the brilliant things about Talking Heads is that they may have been trend setters, but they were never trend mongers. The music sounds just as fresh today as it did when I slit the shrink wrap on the 1984 Album. But the Tom Tom Club was a lightweight side project that scored one novelty hit, and it sticks out like crayon smears on a DaVinci. I reach for the skip button just about everytime its lame, cliched, and oh so 80's stage patter starts to invade what used to be a flawless CD.

It takes what used to be a 5 star CD and knocks it down by one. It also provides continual proof that that not all unreleased tracks are really a "bonus." Since it has finally come out on a double disc, I strongly recommend the remastered and reissued "The Name Of This Band is Talking Heads" over this. At least the expanded tracks aren't an emarrassment.

One of the greatest live albums ever.
Jonathon Demme's 1984 concert film of the Talking Heads was an incredible experience. Sadly, when the original soundtrack was released, it contained only nine of the songs performed. Not only that, but they were entirely out of sequence, completely destroying the original purpose behind David Byrne's conception of the concert. Thank God they released this anniversary edition of the soundtrack, as this really does the film justice. Every song is here, and in its proper place, the way it was meant to be heard.

So, what is the big deal, you ask? Well, picture this. The soundtrack begins with "Psycho Killer," one of the first really big hits for the group. Instead of the entire band being onstage, David Byrne walks out with an acoustic guitar and a boom box. He presses PLAY on the box, which cues a drum program to begin playing. So the first song is just David Byrne singing and strumming his guitar, accompanied by pre-recorded percussion. For the next song, "Heaven," Byrne is joined onstage by bassist Tina Weymouth. Then Chris Frantz's drumset is wheeled out, and the three of them go into "Thank You For Sending Me an Angel." We finally hear some real drumming, not the predictable, computerized beats in "Psycho Killer." The album really begins to come alive. Then they go into "Found a Job," and things get more interesting. Byrne swaps his acoustic guitar for an electric, and lead guitarist Jerry Harrison comes out, meaning we now have two guitars. By the time the fifth track, "Slippery People," is underway, the entire band (including the extra musicians and backup singers) are on the stage, and now things are cooking. What happens over the remaining twelve tracks can only be described as an overload of the senses.

The purpose behind the concert was to provide a unique experience for the concert-goer, to create visual as well as aural art. Some of that sense is lost on the CD listener, but some of it remains. The songs were translated to disk beautifully, so that they still retain just about everything that made them a pleasure to listen to while watching the film. One can almost picture David Byrne running laps around the stage, dancing with the lamp, or wearing the big suit.

The concert resulting in the film and this album was performed shortly after the band released their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." So, needless to say, many of the songs you will hear are from that album. And I have to say that for each of them, I prefer the live version to the studio version. Each one of them sounds more vibrant, more full of life when performed on the stage. The improvisation on "Burning Down the House" is as good as it gets. Ditto "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)," which is one of the most beautiful things I've heard; it made me cry. The studio versions lack that extra energy. Their pulse is just too slow. This is never more true for "Life During Wartime," which is actually a song from 1979's "Fear of Music." But anyway, this song displays Byrne's tendency to perfectly mismatch music and lyrics. The pulsating beat of club rock flows beneath what I interpret to be a humourously disturbing tale of a country under martial law. The song should not work as well as it does, and yet somehow, they pull it off. Anyway, after hearing the live version of it, I can no longer listen to the studio version. Also noteworthy is the improvisation on "Crosseyed and Painless." The intro and the extended guitar solos are just the icing on the cake for that one!

If there is a bad song on this album, it would have to be the interlude by the Tom Tom Club (a solo project of Heads drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth). "Genius of Love" could have been a great song. The instrumentation is very good. Sadly, it's ruined by Frantz's raucous babbling. He's attempting to be random like David Byrne, but tragically, he's not good at it. Other than that, this album is solid gold. It demonstrates the full potential of live music, and sounds amazing while doing it. Whether you're a fan of the Talking Heads or not, this album belongs in your collection.

Great Improvement Over The Original Version
It's true, to really appreciate this album, you have to see the film. And that's no chore. Stop Making Sense is probably the best concert film ever made. It's hard to imagine just listening to the album without thinking of Byrne's amazing stage presence (in or out of the big suit).

The Special Edition is the entire film soundtrack (minus some stage banter and the cut performances of "Cities" and "I Zimbra"). Their imagination made Talking Heads one of the greatest live bands of all time. The songs are mostly from SPEAKING IN TONGUES, but they also include interesting and in some cases superior versions of songs from all of their albums prior to 1983 with the help of the Tom Tom Club.

In addition to STOP MAKING SENSE, I recommend the newly released CD version of THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS TALKING HEADS. Listening to both would map eight years of live performances and barely short of 4 hours of live material. ... Read more

Asin: B00000K3G8
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing
by Charlie Papazian
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 1991)
list price: $12.95
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Editorial Review

"Relax. Don't Worry. Have a home-brew." It's the mantra of home-brewing, a phrase that nods to the technical aspects of brewing only as it dismisses all stress with a sip and a smile. Home-brewing is fun, after all. Charlie Papazian didn't just coin the term, he virtually spearheaded the home-brewing revival in America. Figurehead for the American Homebrewers Association and its membership magazine, Zymurgy, Papazian is one of the founding fathers of the modern home-brewing scene.

Often touted as the home-brewer's bible, The New Complete Joy of Homebrewing charts a beginning brewer's course, keeping the focus on enjoying the process as well as the results of home-brewing. An easy-to-use table of ingredients helps the newly initiated design their own recipes, although many home-brewers happily spend years sampling those Papazian provides. Dozens of recipes for all levels of experience are here, christened with the most improbable (and irresistible?) names in home-brewing literature ("Toad Spit Stout," "Cheeks to the Wind Mild," and "Goat Scrotum Ale" among them).

While Papazian's classic does cover a broad sweep of home-brewing techniques (including more advanced procedures like grain mashing and yeast culturing), it's more than just a home-brewer's guidebook. Papazian's personal take on the history of American brewing is an entertaining read for any beer enthusiast, and his laid-back, humor-driven style engages readers whether or not they've ever boiled up a brew. This book makes home-brewers almost as often as it helps them. If enthusiastic friends haven't convinced you to start home-brewing, The New Complete Joy of Homebrewing undoubtedly will. --Todd Gehman ... Read more

Reviews (51)

All you ever wanted to know about home brewing.
I got interested in home brewing last fall ('03) and went to a shop that specializes in equipment and kits.From there, I wanted to get into learning more about the process and devining my own concoctions.This book is a recommended upgrade to their beginners kit and I purchased it later after brewing a kit or two.After reading this book, I am very confident that I know what to do to get the tastes out of the different breeds of hops and grain mixtures.This book actually goes a little further than I needed it to, as it goes into the chemical processes with the different ions in the water, and such as that.However, if you are a beginner brewer and want to delve into your own creations, this is where to go.It's a great work to set you on the right track.It has everything you WANT to know and some that you could probably care less about, but worth adding to the shelf if you enjoy the hobby.

This will take you far
After getting the desire to homebrew, and spending countless hours in the library reading various different books on homebrewing, I was becoming frustrated with the lack of information available . . .

Then I stumbled across this book in a homebrew shop.It was EXACTLY what I needed as a first time homebrewer.I had no one to show me how to do it, but this book proved to be an excellent guide.It is a fun book to read, helps you to understand all the basics, and gives you more in-depth information later on if you want it.

This book provided me with everything I needed in a simple-to-understand format, and answered all my questions.I've been brewing for 10 years now, and never needed to buy another homebrew instruction book.It even contains a good number of recipes from many different styles, and I've never found one I didn't like.

A must-have reference for new & intermediate brewers
When you first feel the desire to brew beer, and start looking into the process, it can seem pretty formidable.Walking into the homebrew store or visiting its website, and seeing all the ingredients and equipment, can be intimidating for the newcomer.Turning to the web, magazines and books for enlightenment, the first-timer can be intimidated by the sheer volume of brewing information floating around.Rather than throwing your hands up in confusion and walking away, buy this book.

Papazian's motto is "Relax, don't worry--have a homebrew!"Rather than getting bogged down in the details of making perfect, contest-winning beers, Papazian focuses on the basic steps a homebrewer has to follow to make good beer.You can make something tasty and enjoyable with minimal equipment, malt extract and part of a weekend afternoon, and Papazian holds the brewer's hand through the entire process.Once you've nailed the basics--and it's not hard--the last part of the book teaches you how to advance to intermediate brewing without much additional hassle.

Experienced brewers may find this book too basic for their needs.Beginning and intermediate brewers will find it invaluable. ... Read more

Isbn: 0380763664
Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Beverages - Beer    3. Brewing    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. General    7. Reference