Secrets of Success: The Science and Spirit of Real Prosperity

July 29, 2008 | By Doug In Clocks | Comments(0)


Secrets of Success: The Science and Spirit of Real Prosperity

Are you intrigued by the Laws of Attraction yet not quite sure how to use their power if your life? Well, you are not alone! This life-changing book reveals the truth about how your consciousness and energy really work in the world. It’s your full life force?€”not just your individual intention?€”that creates results. This uniquely holistic approach unlocks your quantum psychology?€”the deeper vibrations of your thoughts and feelings?€”and offers the keys that will open you up to a future of abundance and joy.

You will also tap into one of the best-kept secrets of success?€”your connection with the presence and energy of Spirit! Learn how to sharpen your intuition and work with divine experts, messengers, and creative advisors. Discover dozens of simple ways to access the talent of the ages and align your own energy field with the driving and creative force of the cosmos.

This book will also help you to:

  • Understand the power of adjacent possibilities and the abundant options they represent
  • Identify and change your quantum psychology and shift your consciousness for better results
  • Use your intuitive powers to lead you to your own Manifest Destiny
  • Flip the energy of your life and propel your individual intentions with a powerful life force
  • Learn simple techniques to get help from spirit to succeed in every area of your life!

The world of endless possibilities is awaiting you. Now is your moment of destiny creation!

Customer Review: Exciting and Empowering!
Secrets of Success: the Science and Spirit of Real Prosperity, by Sandra Anne Taylor and Sharon Klinger,is a winner!

When we learn to shift our consciousness into a happy state of mind, it raises our life force energy and manifestation happens. The book essentially teaches us to reach that state of mind. Taylor writes about paradoxical intent–which is when we block what most want because we are desperate for it to happen. Our neediness pushes what we want away! Taylor explains how to replace the neediness with focus and determination.

According to Taylor: “Your consciousness reaches across time and space and connects with the universal consciousness to influence your destiny and that of the world. As a result, your attraction lies in becoming aware of the very real powers of your mind.”

Part I covers the major elements of the manifestation process: consciousness, energy and intention. The goal is to understand and control your life-force energy.Taylor emphasises the importance of a joy-filled life, rather than the much more mundane pursuit of single goals.

Part II was written with her twin sister, Sharon Klinger, and delves into manifestation from the spiritual point of view. It includes numerous exercises and Taylor recommends keeping a journal.

Part III covers common questions and the answers about manifestation, or the law of attraction.

As a professional interior designer who incorporates Feng Shui into my practice, I am already familiar with many of the concepts presented in this book, particularly life force energy used to manifest. These concepts are very powerful and ancient. Energy in homes has been used to raise the occupants life force energy for more than 3000 years!

Taylor concludes: “That’s what I hope this book will do for you–bring the irresistible power of real happiness into your daily experience. The full spectrum of your life turns upon this very moment. Your present choice to live in joy, courage, and grateful celebration spreads success in every direction. With that as your core vibration, dont be surprised when the blessings of the material world start to magically flow your way.”

By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

Customer Review: Profound & Miraculous
‘The Secrets of Success; The Science & Spirit of Real Prosperity’ by Sandra Anne Taylor and Sharon A. Klinger, is an excellent book.

Profound and miraculous ‘The Secrets of Success’ by Taylor & Klinger takes you on a journey that is a self-investigative process. As a result you will learn how to identify the ’source’ of your life circumstances & how to change what you don’t like.

There is an undeniable link between our personal perspective & the manifest ‘facts’ of our lives.

Most valuable in this book is the information that assists you in how to know the secret of your fulfillment.

Ultimately the unlimitted field of potential has a source, and it all starts within.

‘The Secrets of Success’ moves beyond theory and into effective practice.

Reads well along with ‘Nexus’ by Morrison & Singh, a spiritual novel about an interesting group of characters in search of their true happiness.

Nexus: A Neo Novel

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Informatics WASPTIME RFID CLOCK ( 633808550059 )
Wasp Bar Code provides the proven technology to help fulfill this demand for office productivity solutions including barcode fonts, barcode scanners and printers. Built on the belief that barcode solutions were often overpriced and too complicated to implement, Wasp set out to reinvent the industry.
List Price: $464.97
Amazon Price: $529.99

Twelve O’Clock High - Volume II
TWELVE O’CLOCK HIGH Volume 2 features intense music videos by 1. Flaming Lips - Unconsciously Screamin’; 2. Bad Brains - Soul Craft; 3. Babes In Toyland - He’s My Thing; 4. Foetus Inc. - Butterfly Potion; 5. David Atherton - Babylon; 6. Thin White Rope - Hidden Lands; 7. Afghan Whigs - You My Flower; 8. Halo Of Flies - No Time; 9. Buffalo Tom - Sunflower Suit; 10. Big Trouble House - Union Feed Grain Mill; 11. Bongwater - Jimmy/Lesbians Of Russia; 12. Adrienne Altenhaus - Three Shorts; 13. Lee Ranaldo - Notebook.

Sonic Alert SBP100 Sonic Boom Portable Vibrating Alarm Clock
The Portable Travel alarm clock comes complete with batteries, pillow strap with clasp, and protective travel case. Shakes you awake with its powerful bed shaker and extra loud pulsating alarm. You will never sleep through another appointment, work, or school again!
List Price: $29.95
Amazon Price: $24.95
Customer Review: Vibrating alarm lasts only 1 minute
After reading all the reviews for this alarm, I figured that this would be the best thing for my 14 year old son. He has such a hard time waking up in the morning. We even tried holding one of those alarms that have the two bells on top that clank over his head and that did not wake him up. The first morning he used this alarm, he tossed a little and started to wake up but the vibrations stopped after only one minute. That definitely is not long enough to wake someone up. I contacted Sonic Alert and asked them about this and they said the vibration only lasts for one minute because the clock runs on batteries. I told the customer service agent that was not long enough to wake someone up and she suggested that I try one of the other models that run on electricity since the vibrations will go on until you actually get up and shut off the alarm. I am returning this one to Amazon and have ordered one of the other Sonic Alert models. I also made sure to get the extension cord for the vibrator so the alarm clock can be placed as far away from my son forcing him to get up out of bed to shut it off.
Customer Review: Pretty Good Travel Clock
Overall I liked this product. The design has its good points (the clip is a nice addition and i like that you can use the clip to put the clock up as a hanging clock)and its bad points (the buttons/switches could have been better designed - a bit clumsy). I LOVED that the product comes with batteries INCLUDED so its working out of the box. I also liked the nice bag that came with it although note that it is different from the bag in the photo (the bag I got was a zip-up circular bag made out of cloth.).

Three O’Clock High
List Price: $14.98
Used Price: $1.64
Customer Review: FINALLY OUT ON DVD!
If I was ever going to be marooned on a deserted isle (with electical power, of course) there are three comedy movies I would want with me: The Odd Couple, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Three O’Clock High. For the longest time I was going to have to make due with just the first two since Three O’Clock High went out of print years ago. I almost forked over an insane amount of money when I saw a 5th generation copy of a rental store video selling on a popular auction site, but it just wasn’t worth it to me. I am glad I waited, because someone with more than two brain cells to rub together took the initiative and released this hilarious and fast-paced comedy for both older fans and a whole new audience. Not as teen-sophisticated as “Sixteen Candles” or “Pretty in Pink”, and not as gnarly and racy as “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”, this high school comedy film has a lot going for it in its own right. It even has an early appearance of Mitch Pileggi (X-Files’ “Skinner”) as “The Duke-ster” - playing a HILARIOUS truant officer. The only downfall is the very heavily soaked ’80’s musical soundtrack, but this is it. If you can still stomach the likes of Tangerine Dream with their ‘keytars’ drum machines, and synth samplers, then you are in for a really fun 90 minutes. The transfer to DVD is bright and clear, and the cover still has the original theatrical artwork.
Customer Review: Glad to see this finally make it to DVD
I actually have an old VHS copy of this movie, because until now this one was never released on DVD. This is for sure a cool movie, along the lines of two more well known 80’s High School comedies, “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off” and “Better Off Dead”. The humourous camera angles, the extreme close ups of the minute hand on the clock, the pep rally where cheerleaders attack a dummy of the opposing team and beat it with bats while the bully looks over at Jerry from the other side of the gym with a look like “This is what’s gonna happen to you after school”…..classic 80’s comedy!

Filed under: Clocks

Aladdin

July 29, 2008 | By Doug In Clocks | Comments(0)


Aladdin
Disney’s 1992 animated feature is a triumph of wit and skill. The high-tech artwork and graphics look great, the characters are strong, the familiar story is nicely augmented with an interesting villain (Jafar, voiced by Jonathan Freeman), and there’s an incredible hook atop the whole thing: Robin Williams’s frantically hilarious vocal performance as Aladdin’s genie. Even if one isn’t particularly moved by the love story between the title character (Scott Weinger) and his girlfriend Jasmine (Linda Larkin), you can easily get lost in Williams’s improvisational energy and the equally entertaining performances of Freeman and Gilbert Gottfried (as Jafar’s parrot). –Tom Keogh

Customer Review: Carmen’s movie
My 2 year old granddaughter loves this movie. She sings along to most of the movie. She is saying all the words too.

Customer Review: One of the good ones.
Aladdin is definately one of the best Disney movies. However, all of these added “special features” that drive up the cost of the DVD and dub it “platinum” are completely unnecessary. Disney has a bad habbit of adding useless garbage to their DVDs. Unfortunately, Aladdin is not available on DVD without all of the nonsense.

I would still recommend this movie to anyone young or old for a good laugh and to see Disney’s usual ability to transform an old tale into a “magical” story for all to enjoy.

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LARGE DIGITAL CLOCK
Large, easy to read numbers. Hours, minutes, seconds, day and date. Hook `N Loop. Battery included.
Price: $6.49

Big Clock
What if you were asked to investigate a murder in which you were the prime suspect? From this seemingly impossible notion comes a grandly entertaining nail-biter. Charles Laughton plays the punctuality obsessed, slave-driving head of a publishing empire who won’t let his crime magazine’s star editor (Ray Milland) take a day off to spend with his family. The overworked Milland, having just upset a delayed honeymoon trip for the umpteenth time, goes on a sorrow-drowning, bar-hopping bender with a mysterious woman who, it turns out, is Laughton’s mistress. Later that night after Milland has gone home, Laughton murders her, and the next day he assigns Milland to investigate, since a number of clues point to her having spent time with another man that night. Milland, then, must not only find the real murderer but sidetrack the investigation away from himself. That both characters are solving the crime in tandem yet unwittingly working toward pinning the murder on each other is at the heart of The Big Clock’s labyrinthine brilliance. Helping bring out the dark humor in this adaptation of Kenneth Fearing’s noir novel (included in the Library of America’s Crime Novels collection) is Elsa Lanchester as a high-strung painter who can sketch the prime suspect (Milland), a time-bomb plot device that only adds to the already unbearable suspense. This is a taut, lean thriller, superbly handled by director John Farrow, who never fails to remind his audience through repeated use of clocks, timepieces, and watches that all too often in our lives that ticking sound is the enemy. This was remade in 1987 with Kevin Costner as No Way Out. –Robert Abele
List Price: $14.98
Used Price: $3.79
Customer Review: Milland, Laughton, Lanchester and Macready in a minor gem from the great Studio days
This film is classified as a film noir but visually, at least, it is fairly bright. While the prologue and one scene near the end are enveloped in satisfyingly inky shadows, the most memorable scenes and the moments of highest tension take place beneath a cold, corporate glare. As far as the drama goes, though, it’s noir all the way: an ordinary schnook does something that he knows perfectly well he ought not to do and all-too soon finds himself in a cold sweat as he attempts to wriggle out of the deadly consequences of his own folly. Both the original book by Kenneth Fearing and the movie took the classic elements of a whodunit and mischievously turned them inside out. The who-, how- and whydunit are perfectly clear. The story is about how the noirish human rat (so to speak) attempts to escape from a trap of his own making. For those familiar with the book, it is enlightening (or perhaps depressing) to see the then all-powerful Hollywood Code at work. Stroud, the protagonist of the book, is distinctly not a heroic or even admirable character on the printed page. His attitudes, his motives and his actions are, to put the most favorable spin on them, unsavory. To a considerable extent, he deserves the misery that falls on his head. On screen, he is still not a paragon, but he’s sidled a heck of a lot closer to Jim Anderson of “Father Knows Best” and Mr. Cleaver of “Beaver” fame. He is even faithful, more or less, to his wife, portrayed by Maureen O’Sullivan. (Alas, she is demurely clothed throughout and long past the great old days when she was Tarzan’s barely dressed main squeeze.) Ray Milland is fine as the poor schnook trapped in the gears. He has presence, rakishness, charm and the rare ability to project inner turmoil and aching discomfort through all three of those other qualities. Charles Laughton, that prince of bulky character actors, is delightfully revolting as an egotistical, self-centered swine with a continent-sized sense of entitlement, who presides over a vast publishing empire and is absolute lord of his New York skyscraper kingdom. Elsewhere it has been suggested that his character bears some resemblance to Henry Luce in the glory days of Time and Life Magazines. More current reference might be made by Canadians to Conrad Black and by Americans to Rupert Murdoch. For the era of the book and movie, Cond? Nast Publications or even Street and Smith might have served as a better match for Laughton’s publishing behemoth than Time-Life. This is a movie that provides an unusually large number of small speaking parts for people whose features are familiar but whose names hardly register. Two character actors stand out, however. George Macready may have had a limited acting range, but nobody ever bettered him as an icy, uptight SOB. He’s at the top of his form here as Laughton’s chief henchman. More impressive yet is the wonderful Elsa Lanchester, who–as always!–owns every scene in which she appears. She was Laughton’s wife, in a marriage strange even by Hollywood standards. I suspect that her role, really not very much as written, grew as she took the bit between her teeth and director John Farrow had enough sense to let her go where she would. This story was updated, rethought and remade with Kevin Costner under the title, “No Way Out”: deplorable, deplorable, deplorable and deplorable. “The Big Clock” is not a great picture nor even a great film noir, but it is vastly entertaining. That’s enough for five stars by my reckoning. **** A MINOR OBSERVATION: The director of this film was John Farrow. His wife was Maureen O’Sullivan (hence, I suppose, the modest outfits and even more modest performance.) Their daughter is Mia Farrow. John Farrow may be seen with Milland in the trailer for “The Big Clock” as they jointly tout the forthcoming picture.
Customer Review: The Big Clock
Memorable for its edgy dialogue and tense, sinister atmosphere, John Farrow’s 1948 adaptation of Kenneth Fearing’s novel boasts an ingenious plot device: two characters, one guilty and one innocent, both attempt to “solve” a crime in which they are circumstantially implicated. Milland, solid as ever, anchors the action as the cornered protagonist, while portly Charles Laughton is superbly loathsome as the controlling, megalomaniac killer. Fine support from Maureen O’Sullivan, Elsa Lanchester, and Harry Morgan–chilling as Janoth’s mute, gun-toting bodyguard–round out this time-tested thriller.

Wristwatch Annual 2008: The Catalog of Producers, Models, and Specifications (Wristwatch Annual)
The definitive book for the collector of mechanical wristwatches with complete information on over 1,700 models, including prices, made by more than 100 international brands.
List Price: $35.00
Amazon Price: $23.10
Used Price: $21.95
Customer Review: Great book for those who love watches
If you like fine watches then this is a great book. It has a good range from almost all the major manufacturers and includes prices. Highly recommended.
Customer Review: Very nice catalog
I have read the reviews here and have to disagree. How can anyone give this book just 1 star. Its a very nice book and has some great quality pictures. It does not have too much content but its not that sort of book, it is a 2008 catalog. The author has done a super job putting it togther.

Clock Tower 3
Clock Tower 3 challenges a young girl to stop the evil powers that have enslaved her ancestors since ancient times!
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $8.95
Customer Review: Games
This game is strange yet exciting. Moments of fustration yet a keep going mentality that wont quit to you get it done. Its exciting and fullfilling at the same time. That i cant wait till its over to , i cant stand it anymore . Play it….its Cool
Customer Review: A game for the true survival horror fan!
If you truly are a survival horror fan, you will definitely appreciate this game 100%. I just read so many reviews which said they were hoping for a Resident Evil or Silent Hill; if you are expecting this… you will be left unsatisfied. As for myself and so many others who love this genre of video games, this game still has so much to offer after playing it multiple times. I think many people are missing the point and are expecting blood and guts splattered all over the screen and a strong protagonist character, but in this case… it is more strategic than that and all you have is a young female character desperately trying to stay alive. The story is excellent and one of the most complete for the PS2 console. I have never played a game where the story was so thought out and integrated into the gameplay. Pointless missions, characters and items do not exist as everything has a purpose and only contributes to the advancement of the plot. You actually learn to sympathize with Alyssa and feel like you ARE her by the end of the game. For this aspect alone… this game deserves better ratings than found here! Character movements are easily executed and you will not be disappointed with the controls as there is no awkwardness. Running, using items, hiding and fighting are all easy to accomplish. You will not wish that the protagonist ran faster, because this is the key to many of the boss fights and the development of Alyssa. Boss battles are very strategic as you will have to learn when to strike and when to flee from the villain. You will also discover how to balance these two aspects of gameplay along with figuring out tricky puzzles and executing the necessary plot catalysts all at the same time! No one will tell you that this is easy, because the game is challenging in its own right. The graphics are cartoonish and not very realistic, but this only adds to the story and the imagination that Alyssa shares with her audience. No bad programming and no choppy sequences are found throughout the game. Your character will not become stuck in random places for no apparent reason as the environments are beautifully sculpted and rendered. My favorites are the cutscenes because they are very relevant and meticulously done. There is a lot running around while being chased by subordinates which only helps keep you on your toes and makes you think a lot faster. If you do not like games that push you to your limits, this may not be the game for you as if forces you to come up with solutions to stay ahead of these monsters so you have time to figure puzzles and paths out. Please remember that you are controlling a young girl and she does what any young girl would do under stress and that also forces you to have more advanced planning. Alyssa has a panic meter that can send her running beyond the players control and the only thing you can do is hope she calms down fast enough in order to run and hide. The game even supplies you with a calming lavender elixir that facilitates this relaxation. The boss battles are fun and rewarding and always give the players a challenge. I look forward to the boss battles because this is the only time in the game where you get to use Rooder arrows and other items you collect! I am sure that you will find all of these subordinates interesting and unique, and these beings give you a more and more complex fight as you proceed through the game. As far as a scary game goes, this has a lot to offer. Creepy music and a very enticing storyline add very much to the survival horror flavor. Unsettling chases and the persistence of the subordinates keep you locked on the edge of your seat! I highly suggest this game to anyone who enjoys a good storyline and unique gameplay. You will not be disappointed and will definitely pop this one in again and again! Don’t listen to the negative reviews and try this out for yourself!

Filed under: Clocks

Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs

July 29, 2008 | By Doug In Dining Tables | Comments(0)


Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs
Studio description:
In Futurama’s latest and most tentacle-packed epic, space itself rips open, revealing a gateway to another universe. But what lies beyond? Horror? Love? Or maybe both, if it happens to contain a repulsive, planet-sized monster with romantic intentions! Nothing less than the fate of human and robot-kind is at stake as the Futurama crew takes on The Beast with a Billion Backs.

The Beast with a Billion Backs will be presented in widescreen format with English Dolby Surround 5.1, along with French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus features include:

The second of four direct-to-DVD adventures featuring the Futurama crew, The Beast with a Billion Backs picks up where its predecessor, Bender’s Big Score, left off while balancing multiple love stories and the arrival of a sexually voracious alien from another universe. Unlike Bender, the various story lines converge well here–the tentacled, Lovecraftian creature Yivo (voiced by David Cross), which wants to mate with the entire population of the universe at once, makes Fry (Billy West) its de facto leader (Pope, actually), which in turn plays havoc with his relationship with new girlfriend Colleen (Brittany Murphy). And Yivo’s scheme causes the people of Earth to evacuate the planet, leaving it in the hands of robots–which is, of course, excellent news for Futurama’s resident mechanical malcontent, Bender (John DiMaggio). Beast is probably best understood and enjoyed by longtime fans of the series, who will recognize and appreciate the countless “surprise guests” (Robot Satan, the Harlem Globetrotters, Bender’s hero Calculon, the head of Stephen Hawking), though the feature is certainly well-written and performed by its voice cast, and should provide plenty laughs for first-timers with flexible attention spans. Parents, however, should note that the humor can be fairly suggestive at times, and should exercise caution in regard to younger viewers.

Extras include a very funny commentary track with creators Matt Groening and David X Cohen, stars West, DiMaggio and Maurice LaMarche, and key members of the production team. Deleted scenes and a making-of featurette with the voice cast are entertaining, but the real features of value are Futurama: The Lost Adventure, which is culled from the Futurama game for Playstation 2, as well as a lengthy preview of the next direct-to-DVD movie, Bender’s Game. Suffice it to say that the Lord of the Rings weighs heavily on the storyline. — Paul Gaita


Beyond Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs on DVD


Full selection of Family Guy DVDs
Check out The Simpsons on DVD
See the new animated classic American Dad!

Stills from Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs (Click for larger image)

Customer Review: Decently done, but missing the old magic
Like another reviewer defined themselves, I’m not one of those people who thinks that the old stuff is better & the new stuff is bad. The first movie (Bender’s Big Score) was cute & enjoyable. This film is as well, but there’s just something missing from it.

The premise is that Bender’s constant jumping back & forth in time caused a rift in space, which is home to a rather strange alien being. Other plot points involve Fry’s disasterous attempt at dating as well as Amy’s “marraige” to Kif. BwaBB is cute, but it just doesn’t seem to really live up to it’s predecessor, Bender’s Big Score. I’ll give it 4 stars for the nostalgia & the entertainment value I got from watching it, but this just wasn’t as fun as I’d hoped it would be. Still, there’s one more movie to go… here’s hoping that it makes up for this one.

Customer Review: Fan of the show, not of the packaging.
While I didn’t care for this installment as much as I liked “Bender’s Big Score,” I still enjoyed having more adventures with the Planet Express crew.

It’s a shame that the packaging will utterly destroy my DVD before it gets watched two or three more times. In all, the movie has been viewed twice, and in removing it from and returning it to the cardboard sleeve it comes in, it is already significantly scratched.

If you’re buying this DVD, be sure you have a standard plastic case to put it in, or you’re throwing your twenty bucks away.

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Strathwood Falkner Dining Table with Umbrella Hole, 72 Inches
List Price: $560.00
Amazon Price: $399.99
Customer Review: can’t……..don’t have yet
Still haven’t recieved it yet. How do you expect someone to rate something they don’t have?
Customer Review: 5 stars for style but 3 for assembly
We ordered the entire set and are very pleased with all the dining chairs and sofa, which all come as one piece, but the table requires assembly and was a real pain. One of the legs just couldn’t be properly screwed into the top so it’s a bit wobbly. But it’s still not bad for the price and it matches everything else — so what are you gonna do?

Marquette 5-pc. Dining Set - Black
Price: $369.99

Real Fun Dining Table

Originally 12.99

This pretend dining table comes with all the play food your little ones need to host their own dinner party. The set contains nearly 60 pieces including plastic silverware, plates, teapot, cups and saucers. There’s even salt and pepper shakers to add the finishing touch. Adult supervision is recommended. Measures 25.75″L x 14.5″ x 13.5″H. Colors may vary.

Filed under: Dining Tables

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

July 29, 2008 | By Doug In Dining Tables | Comments(0)


The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Book Description:
Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo’s dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.



Amazon.com Exclusive

A Letter from Brian Selznick

Dear readers,

When I was a kid, two of my favorite books were by an amazing man named Remy Charlip. Fortunately and Thirteen fascinated me in part because, in both books, the very act of turning the pages plays a pivotal role in telling the story. Each turn reveals something new in a way that builds on the image on the previous page. Now that I’m an illustrator myself, I’ve often thought about this dramatic storytelling device and all of its creative possibilities.

My new book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is a 550 page novel in words and pictures. But unlike most novels, the images in my new book don’t just illustrate the story; they help tell it. I’ve used the lessons I learned from Remy Charlip and other masters of the picture book to create something that is not a exactly a novel, not quite a picture book, not really a graphic novel, or a flip book or a movie, but a combination of all these things.

I began thinking about this book ten years ago after seeing some of the magical films of Georges M?li?s, the father of science-fiction movies. But it wasn’t until I read a book called Edison’s Eve: The Quest for Mechanical Life by Gaby Woods that my story began to come into focus. I discovered that M?li?s had a collection of mechanical, wind-up figures (called automata) that were donated to a museum, but which were later destroyed and thrown away. Instantly, I imagined a boy discovering these broken, rusty machines in the garbage, stealing one and attempting to fix it. At that moment, Hugo Cabret was born.

A few years ago, I had the honor of meeting Remy Charlip, and I’m proud to say that we’ve become friends. Last December he was asking me what I was working on, and as I was describing this book to him, I realized that Remy looks exactly like Georges M?li?s. I excitedly asked him to pose as the character in my book, and fortunately, he said yes. So every time you see M?li?s in The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the person you are really looking at is my dear friend Remy Charlip, who continues to inspire everyone who has the great pleasure of knowing him or seeing his work.

Paris in the 1930’s, a thief, a broken machine, a strange girl, a mean old man, and the secrets that tie them all together… Welcome to The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Yours,

Brian Selznick



Amazon.com Exclusive

Brian Selznick on a “Deleted Scene” from The Invention of Hugo Cabret

This is a finished drawing that I had to cut from The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I was still rewriting the book when I had to begin the final art. There was originally a scene in the story where this character, Etienne, is working in a camera shop. On one of my research trips to Paris I spent an entire day visiting old camera shops and photographing cameras from the 1930’s and earlier, as well as the facades of the shops themselves. I researched original French camera posters and made sure that the counter and the shelves were accurate to the time period. I did all the drawings in the book at 1/4 scale, so they were very small and I often had to use a magnifying glass to help me see what I was drawing. After I finished this drawing I continued to rewrite, and for various reasons I realized that I needed to move this scene from the camera shop to the French Film Academy, which meant that I had to cut this picture. I tried really hard to find ANOTHER moment when I could have Etienne in a camera shop, but, as painful as it was, I knew the picture had to go. I’m glad to see it up on the Amazon website because otherwise no one would have ever seen all those tiny cameras I researched and drew so carefully!

–Brian Selznick

More from Brian Selznick


The Houdini Box


Walt Whitman: Words for America


The Boy of a Thousand Faces


Customer Review: Bravo!
There was a frequent segue phrase used on Monty Python’s Flying Circus: “And now, for something completely different . . .,” and I feel like that this book fits that perfectly.

On one level, this is basically a mystery story about a twelve-year-old orphan boy, Hugo Cabret, who lives in a Paris train station in about 1930. As the story progresses, we discover, gradually, the secrets that led to him living alone and secretively in the train station, where he keeps all the clocks working well and on time. We also discover the secrets behind the lives of the old man who runs the toy shop in the station, Papa Georges, and of his goddaughter, Isabelle, and to a lesser extent, Hugo’s new friend, the one-eyed man named Etienne. Their secrets are interwoven, and the connecting and discovery of those secrets will have an impact on Parisian culture. What does the story have to do with magic, illusion, clock-making, complex mechanics, and the early history of film-making? Everything!

The story itself is done well, with interesting characters, a breath-taking pace, and a good degree of plot complexity, especially with how the secrets are gradually uncovered, and have fascinating interconnections and ramifications that stretch well beyond the characters. However, that is not what makes this book stand out.

What does move this book into the category of “And now, for something completely different?” The format! By topical genre, this book is a mystery, aimed at ages six to ninety-six, but the format, or presentation, is something I have never seen before. I have read books where illustrations are an important adjunct to the text. A good example is How to Keep Dinosaurs by Robert Mash. I have read good graphic novels, with The Hedge Knight - Second Edition [Graphic Novel] by George R.R. Martin being a prime example. The Asterix and Obelix books are good examples of comic books with enough mature connotations and subtexts that they appeal to some adults. I have not yet read, or viewed, The Arrival by Shaun Tan, which is a virtually textless tales of the struggles of an immigrant adjusting to a new culture, but The Invention of Hugo Cabret is not that, either, as text is an integral part of the story.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is something else, yet again. Of its 525 pages, roughly 300 pages are beautiful illustrations, mainly complex, detailed pencil drawings by the author, Brian Selznick. Mr. Selznick was an illustrator before he became an author, and his skill and love for the visual medium sings loudly and clearly in this work of art. A typical sequence features a series of sequential drawings, perhaps covering seven or eight pages, presenting a key piece of the story, followed by an interlude of two to four pages of text, that often features dialogue and background history, presented by one or more of the characters, as they pry at, and unearth, and unravel each other’s interrelated secrets. Even the paper speaks of the author’s love of art, as it is all wood-free, woven paper, that is heavy and semi-glossy in texture. I would love to stroll throw a museum with this story, presented large, displayed upon the walls, probably underground, with dark and light areas, illumination-wise, and the hallways twisting and turning. If it were presented that way, many visitors would end up running through, as they get entranced by, and caught up in, this well-told story of tragedy, buried history, and triumph. They would want to devour it as fast as possible, and then run right back through.

– Chris McCallister, author of Coming Full Circle

Customer Review: Beautiful Pictures
I loved this book. The pictures were beautiful and the text was also good. I liked the way this book was mainly in picture format with some text here and there - to me it was a refreshing way to read a book.

There are also many different ways to interpret the pictures. If you take out all the text, the pictures could become a totally different story. I showed this book to one of my friends and he interpreted the story in a completely new and hilarious way.

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Hagerty Table Leaf Storage Bag - 35×59″
Price: $19.99

Pyrex Smart Essentials Microwave Steamer
Pyrex Smart Essentials, 2 QT, Steamer Casserole With Glass Cover & White Steamer Basket.
List Price: $14.99
Amazon Price: $14.99
Customer Review: Microwave steamer
It’s a standard pyrex microwave casserole dish with a plastic steamer basket. As usual, dollar for dollar you can’t beat the quality of Pyrek products for cooking. This is a nice addition to any cook’s supplies, especially if you do frozen veggies in the microwave. It’s simple, basic, easy to clean, no gadgetry. Love it!
Customer Review: Terrific
This is a terrific item - I wonder why no one’s made a microwaveable steamer basket to put inside other micro-ware? Anyway, this is of usual Pyrex quality and design, at an affordable price. Can’t beat that!

CorningWare French White ll 4-Quart Covered Oval Roaster
Here we note that while the lids are still made of tempered glass, the dishes themselves are now constructed from stoneware. They still have the same classic styling that easily moves from oven to table, and from table to dishwasher. Corningware manages to arrive at the dining table looking elegant and unruffled by whatever might have transpired in the kitchen. Updated design features a flared rim which is easier to hang onto during transport from oven to table.
List Price: $19.99
Amazon Price: $19.99
Customer Review: good expereince
The item arrived in good time and in exactly the condition advertised. Very pleased with the service.
Customer Review: Hard to clean!
This is a good-sized dish that cooks food very well. However, it is REALLY REALLY hard to clean! Especially the lid. You have to scrub the heck out of the thing!

Home Havenbury Balcony Table
Price: $49.99

Filed under: Dining Tables

Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric 12-Inch Grass Hog String Trimmer/Edger #NST2018

July 29, 2008 | By Doug In Bathroom Furniture | Comments(0)


Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric 12-Inch Grass Hog String Trimmer/Edger #NST2018
Customer Review: Cordless weed whacker
I really like the trimmer, and I got it because of the size and the two batteries. I still must have too much to trim, because one battery is not enough, and I have to wait until the next day for the other battery to be fully charged. I will just have to buy another charger, or another product with batteries and charger included.

Customer Review: Tempted By Other Brands, But Chose B&D
While there are similar offerings on infomercials from other brands, I decided to go with a name I trust. I have not been disappointed. This lightweight trimmer/edger does a great job for my townhome yard. The battery lasts just long enough to complete the trimming and edging. It comes with a second battery and charger, which was a pleasant surprise! The batteries also work in the blower (NS118). The edging capability is my favorite feature. I can now edge perfectly straight, beautiful lines! The edging guard makes it all possible.

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Showhouse by Moen YB9808BN Waterhill Pivoting Toilet Paper Holder in Brushed Nickel
Free Shipping on Orders Over $69! Showhouse by Moen YB9808BN Waterhill bath accessories make your room truly complete and your bath beautifully coordinated. That is why this toilet paper holder is the prefect addition to any bathroom. Its stunning design makes it both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Its brushed nickel finish gives it a classy look while its zinc construction provides it with durability. ShowHouse Design With ShowHouse, your imagination gets the attention it deserves, and our exceptional design carries with it the Moen standard of unparalleled quality and service. ShowHouse Imaginative designer faucets paired with perfectly coordinated accessories that make it easy to create your own unique expression; Live wonderfully Features: -Brushed Nickel finish -Available separately in: -Nickel -Wrought Iron -Chrome -Oil Rubbed Bronze -Part of the Waterhill collection -Constructed of zinc -Overall dimensions: 2.4″ H x 9.15″ W x 3.83″ D -Backed by The ShowHouse Guarantee: Limited Lifetime Warranty Specifications

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Doll-House Accessories-Bedroom Set
These detailed accessory sets provide the perfect finishing touch for any dream home. Great accompaniment to our majestic Victorian dollhouse Bedroom Furniture Set.
List Price: $19.99
Amazon Price: $15.21
Customer Review: Really cute dollhouse accessories.
All of these Melissa and Doug products are accurately scaled and can be played with by kids and adults both. They are very detailed and well made and will make a doll house look like a real miniature house. Every piece of furniture I have bought from them is beautiful and authentically styled,also.

Antique Bathroom Vanity for Victorian Bath Double Sink Antique Vanity SE-HY-3307L-T72
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Price: $2,854.00

Filed under: Bathroom Furniture

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router

July 29, 2008 | By Doug In Bathroom Furniture | Comments(0)

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router is really three devices in one box. First, it’s a wireless access point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There’s also a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.

To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G broadband router can encrypt all wireless transmissions, and it supports the industrial-strength wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization. The router can serve as a DHCP server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users’ access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility.

With the Linksys Wireless-G broadband router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multiplayer games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!

Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that’s more than four times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. But since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.

For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table:

access point vs. router

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don’t require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There’s no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere–without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports–great when you’re on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.

Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me?
Now that you’ve decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.

Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.

For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:

  • 802.11b
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11g

To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

Customer Review: Great product…I would highly recommend it…
This router has worked out perfectly for me. The instructions were so clear that I was able to put it together on my own, and the product itself is great. It was much cheaper than similar items from other brands, and the shipping was fast. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to set up wireless in a home or apartment.

Customer Review: What version?
Can somebody look under their router and tell me what version number Amazon is shipping out please?

Thanks!

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American Standard - Standard Collection Console Legs - Satin
Classically-styled metal console legs come complete with integral side towel bars and glass shelf for convenient storage of towels and toiletries. Ergonomic Right Height design minimizes back strain. Nominal Dimensions: -32 x 20 x 36 (813 x 508 x 914mm). Available in Chrome (002) and Satin (295). Legs only.
Price: $439.00

ShowHouse Chrome Waterhill Towel Bars
ShowHouse Waterhill Towel Bars Bathroom Accessories
Price: $90.30

Moen Showhouse YB9322CH Divine 24 Double Towel Bar, Chrome
Moen Showhouse YB9322CH Divine 24 Double Towel Bar, ChromeTimeless designs that reflect good taste. Faucets and fixtures that are livable and enduring. These are just some of the reasons why Moen Incorporated is the #1 brand of faucet in North America. In addition to stylish and affordable faucets, Moen also offers residential and commercial sinks and a full range of tub and showering packages. With Moen, you’ll always find the perfect balance between styles you’ll love and innovation you can live with. Buy it for looks. Buy it for life ?.
Price: $151.75

42″ Brasso Bathroom sink vanity cabinet
Chestnut color with water resistance finish - 2 large front doors with ample storage compartment - Inclusive matching back splash 42 x 5.5H - Faucets sold separately for $99 - 8″ spread 3 holes

Filed under: Bathroom Furniture

Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life

July 28, 2008 | By Doug In Mirrors | Comments(0)


Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life

Are you confused by all the advice you hear and see daily on how to “go green”? Do you want to incorporate earth-friendly practices into your life, but you don’t know where to start? Don’t stress! Green guru Sophie Uliano has sorted through all the eco-info out there and put everything you need to know about living a green lifestyle right at your fingertips.

In Gorgeously Green, Sophie offers a simple eight-step program that is an easy and fun way to begin living an earth-friendly life. Each chapter covers topics from beauty to fitness, shopping to your kitchen—even your transportation. Whether it’s finding the right lipstick, making dinner, buying gifts, or picking out a hot new outfit, finally, there is a book that tackles your daily eco-challenges with a take-charge plan. Just consider Sophie your go-to girl with all the eco-solutions. Find out how to:

  • Green your entire beauty regime
  • Detoxify your home
  • Indulge in guilt-free shopping
  • Adopt a home fitness routine
  • Prepare eco-licious treats
  • Give your kitchen a green makeover
  • Become more aware of your impact on the earth

The book’s dozens and dozens of eco-friendly tips, products, and practices combine to form a treasure trove of practical advice for every possible way to become stylishly green. Your questions about dressing, makeup, eating, shopping, cleaning, travel, and more are all answered right here. Adopting a green lifestyle is among the most positive, forward-thinking, and personally fulfilling choices that anyone can make–and Gorgeously Green shows that it doesn’t have to be tedious, time-consuming, or glamourless!

Questions for Sophie Uliano

We had the opportunity to chat with Sophie Uliano over e-mail about Gorgeously Green, her suggestions for saving the Earth, and the very real possibility of becoming a hippie. Here’s what Sophie had to say about the economics of eco-consciousness, the allure of non-toxic nail polish, and of course, whether it’s truly easy being green.

Amazon.com: I’ve heard a common complaint that energy-saving light bulbs, organic food and clothing, and other “green” products are not as economical as traditional products. Is that true? Any tips for readers who want to be eco-conscious and budget-conscious too?

Sophie Uliano: I think that going green has a double meaning in that it also is about saving money. There is no way that I would or could go green if it meant that I was going to have to pay much more. If you make the cleaning spray that I suggest in my book, you will save a bunch on cleaning supplies because it’s an all-purpose cleaner that I use on almost everything (a great germ-buster too). You will pay a little more upfront for energy-saving light bulbs, but as they last 15 times longer, you will save money in the long run. Food is the only thing that you may have to pay a bit more for, however, I think that your health is an important investment, so I choose to save on boring cleaning supplies and treat my family to food that not only tastes more delicious, but will keep them healthy and vibrant. Remember that if you follow all the energy-saving tips in the book, you are going to save a wad of cash too–so it’s a win/win.

Amazon.com: I think many people are interested in making more sustainable choices, but when it comes to the heavy lifting it can be hard to break old habits. We tend to think, “Someone else will ride their bike to work today–I’ll drive like I always do.” What advice do you have that can help people “walk the talk”?

Uliano: I agree that it is hard to break old habits. My suggestion is to break one habit at a time. Choose the one thing that bothers you most. For me it is using paper towels when I know that I can easily use a rag instead. Make a decision about the change you want to make and tell your friends and family that you have decided to do this one thing and that you want their support. It could be that you are going to cook one organic meal from scratch once a week, or that you are going to air-dry your clothes this summer or simply that you will wash out a barely used zip-lock bag, instead of throwing it away–easy!

Amazon.com: Furthermore, I’ve heard many people worry that eco-consciousness is the first step toward becoming a granola hippie, to use one of your own phrases from the book. Do you have to be a hippie to go green?

Uliano: You so don’t have to become the tree hugger/hippie to live a green way of life. I feel passionately that you can still have the glitz, the glam and the gleaming house because now there are so many eco-friendly companies that offer you safe and healthy choices: nail polishes, organic clothes that are fabulous to name a few.

Amazon.com: Not everyone lives in an area where green options are available and accessible. Can you suggest a few ways that readers can live a greener lifestyle even if they don’t have easy access to car-sharing companies, wet dry-cleaners, and other alternatives you mention in your book?

Uliano: If you don’t have easy access to some of the green options in my book, it really doesn’t matter. No matter where you live, you can make a start. I recently visited my in-laws in Georgia, who have fewer options than we do here in Los Angeles; however, they have embarked on making their own cleaners, composting, growing veggies etc. There’s advantages to living in a metropolitan city in that you can buy all the great eco-stuff, but if you live in a more rural setting, it’s fantastic too because you may have a yard in which you can grow tomatoes or air-dry your laundry. I’d pick the latter if given the choice!

Amazon.com: Your book is mainly directed toward female readers–what tips do you have for men who are interested in making sustainable lifestyle changes?

Uliano: I wrote my book for women because I realized that as a mom, wife and working girl I could show like-minded women how easy it is to become green, however, men can totally benefit from my book too! My husband doesn’t have a huge interest in non-toxic nail polish, but he’s fascinated with everything solar and has started biking everywhere. We work together as a team, inspiring each other with our daily green discoveries–it’s fun!

Customer Review: I wanted to like this book….
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I found it to be very cute, but a bit of a puff piece.

There’s alot of tid bits of information, but nothing substantial. Some information is conflicting - on one page Sophie says she avoids microwaves and doesn’t want it altering the molecules in her food. Yet, on another page, she writes that the microwave is the most eco-friendly way to cook, as it uses the least amount of energy.

And yoga sun salutations and exercise instructions don’t belong in a green guide. They just don’t!

I also purchased Easy Green Living by Renee Loux and found it to be much more substantial and informative - like a mini encyclopedia on what you need to do to live green.

Customer Review: my bible!
This is the best book i have bought in a long time.. Very insightful and life changing.

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Costa Del Mar Tico Glass Mirror Lens sunglasses

  • Unisex frame.


    • Ray Ban RB 3179 Mens Sunglasses - Select Color
    Timeless, authentic and imaginative, the Ray-Ban collection remains true to its classic heritage, while continuously evolving to meet today’s fashion demands. Ray-Ban sunwear provides timeless style with models like the classic Wayfarer and Aviator while also offering exciting new styling innovations in keeping with today’s contemporary urban fashion.
    Customer Review: I love my RayBans
    These glasses are light weight stylish and are way to dark for anyone to see my eyes. I Love my RayBans
    Customer Review: Great driving sunglasses
    Had this style for years and just bought another pair. Very durable, practical for driving… and they look good!

    Ray Ban RB 3310 HIGHSTREET AVIATOR Sunglasses - Select Color

    Conair Essex Round Lighted Mirror - BE06100
    Price: $19.99

    Filed under: Mirrors

    Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SPANISH UPGRADE [DVD]

    July 28, 2008 | By Doug In Mirrors | Comments(0)


    Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SPANISH UPGRADE [DVD]
    Customer Review: excelent!!!
    this new version of windows helpped me to find out that my computer sucks!!! and now i bought an IMAC 24″, apple rules!!

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    Marc Jacobs MJ 12 S Sunglasses
    Combining high end luxury and pratical style, the Marc Jacobs eyewear collection explores details from the celebrated designer’s highly lauded ready-to-wear collections. These special details include delicate applique floral decorations, signature push-lock details carried over from the accessories collection and shapes that compliment the vintage-inspired styles Jacobs is known for.

    5 Folding Purse Hooks with Makeup Mirror Centers!
    5 Brand New (In Box) Folding Purse Hooks w/ Makeup Mirror Centers! (Handbag Not Included)- Say goodbye to the days of putting your expensive purse on the floor where it can get dirty…. or behind your chair where it can be stolen….. Purse Hook Special Features: 1. The Compact Folding design for easy transportation (Slightly larger than a poker chip!) 2. Sturdy construction allows for 15lbs to be held safely !! 3. Mirror Center is perfect for putting on makeup!! 4. Magnet Locking for improved storage. These 5 Brand New Purse Hooks w/ Makeup Mirror Centers are ideal to give as a gift or use while out on the town! The New compact folding design provides for easy storage & superior quality when comparing to other purse hooks. Each Hook comes with a complimentary Faux-suede drawstring bag. Retail: Fourty One Dollars/ Each Email me with questions! Detailed Product Information: Weight: 2 oz. Dimension: 1.4″h X 1.4″w Faux-Suede Bag: 3″h X 3″w Maximum weight capacity: 15lbs

    Filed under: Mirrors

    Stanley Consumer Storage 014725M 25 Compartment Professional Organizer

    July 26, 2008 | By Doug In Clocks | Comments(0)


    Stanley Consumer Storage 014725M 25 Compartment Professional Organizer
    Customer Review: It works as designed!
    It kept things in their own compartments well. We used one for beads, and they stayed in place even when I shaked it up-side-down. We are going to buy 2 more.

    Customer Review: Stanley 25 Compartment Organizer - Great Product
    Stanley Consumer Storage 014725M 25 Compartment Professional Organizer

    The Stanley Professional Organizer is a great product. This 25 compartment model has a variety of different sized compartments, including several sizes smaller than the one included with the 8 compartment model Stanley Consumer Storage 014708R 8 Compartment Deep Professional Organizer. They are both great.

    This one is a little better for storage of smaller quantities of small parts. If you need to store larger pieces or need bins for large nubmbers of similar items (such as nails) you really should get the 8 compartment model instead. That goes as well for people using this for tech part storage.

    I have plumber friends that also use this to store fittings. Just about every pro or hobbiest could find a use for this. In fact, there’s probably a million uses, and depending on your needs the other styles may suit you. All of these are really good so you can’t miss.

    Love the durable feel, much better than most flimsy organizers I have tried. The compartments are all seperate, much better than the Workforce organizer which only has flimsy tabs seperating the areas.

    I hope Stanley expands to this line of organizers because they are all really good.

    Definitely try this.

    Enjoy!

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    La Crosse Technology WS-8055U Atomic Alarm Clock with Indoor Temperature and Moon Phase
    The La Crosse Technology? WS-8055U unit gives you the indoor temperature, the moon phase, and the Atomic time and date on a backlit display.
    Price: $19.99
    Customer Review: pretty close to what I was looking for
    I am pretty near sighted, and I was looking for an alarm clock with big numbers. I get pretty tired of adjusting the time on the clock, so this time around I went looking for an atomic clock. This clock was pretty easy to set up, just put the batteries in, set the time zone, and it does all the rest. It set the time and date automatically. Now the reason for the 4 out of 5 stars. The clock is battery powered, not a bad thing, for an alarm clock, if you have a power outage, you don’t have to worry about not getting up on time. But, I was looking for a clock that was lit up at night. That way if I woke up for some reason, I could see what time it was, and just go back to sleep if needed. The clock is back lit, but only when you push the button on the top, too much effort to find the time when I am sleepy.
    Customer Review: Disappointing at best
    I’ll admit from the beginning that the clock I received did not work. Even before that I was disappointed, however. It is smaller than I expected (maybe 4″ x 4″) and it only works on batteries rather than plugging into the wall. The auto setting feature worked but was an hour ahead of the real time. Mine didn’t work so I wasn’t able to trouble shoot why that was or try the alarm.

    Sonic Alert SBT425ss Sonic Boom Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock with Telephone Signaler
    List Price: $44.95
    Amazon Price: $36.95
    Customer Review: Sonic Boom with vibrator
    This alarm clock works wonders, I have a hard time getting my wife out of bed after I have left for work. Using the vibrating alarm or calling will get her up to answer the phone. Its great.
    Customer Review: The BEST Alarm Ever!
    I shopped and shopped for a great alarm.. and I finally found it. I love how many awesome features it includes. The alarm can be turned up.. and the tone changed… The vibrator is great for when I need to be up and my man is still asleep. I also love the phone feature. It’s fantastic because if the alarm is set for any time, it will go off when the phone rings.. whether it is time for the alarm to go off or not. Now sometimes, that’s not such a great thing, so I have to unplug it. However, it has been wonderful for my home business. Now I can vacuum the floor and still hear the phone. I seriously recommend getting one.

    Sonic Alert SB1000ss Sonic Boom Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock with Built In Receiver
    The Sonic Boom Alarm Clock is a unique clock that is guaranteed to wake up even the heaviest sleepers. When the alarm goes off, the user can select to wake up to any combination of loud pulsating audio alarm, flashing lights, or shaking bed (vibrator sold separately). The vibrator can produce steady or pulsating vibration pattern for maximum effectiveness. Our patented adjustable volume and tone controls allows you to select the best sound combination to wake you up. The clock display also has an adjustable viewing angle with large, bright green LED numbers for easy viewing. It also has a battery back up for power outages. (9 volt battery not included) The clock has a built in receiver to pick up transmissions from other Sonic Alert signalers. This patented feature eliminates the need for separate receivers in your bedroom to alert you to your baby’s crying, doorbell or telephone. There is also a test button on the unit to explore which combination of flashing lights, shaking bed or loud pulsating audio alarm will work best for you. Super Shaker Bed Vibrator SS 12V This Super Shaker Bed Vibrator is placed under a pillow or between a mattress and box springs. The powerful vibrations are guaranteed to wake up extremely heavy sleepers. A built-in temperature sensor protects the unit against overheating. The Super Shaker SS 12V Bed Vibrator is designed to be plugged into the vibrator outlet on the back of the Sonic Boom Alarm Clock. Features SB 1000 Easy installation - just plug in and use Yes Built-in outlet to flash lamp Yes Has switch to allow lamp to be used for signaling and normal room lighting Yes Loud alert with adjustable tones Yes Receives transmission from all signalers Yes Top Quality - Two year warranty Yes U.L. Listed Yes Keywords: alarm clocks
    List Price: $76.00
    Amazon Price: $69.95
    Customer Review: Really loud but messes with my signals
    Great loudness level - bed shaker works wonders! I especially like the plug-in for my bedside lamp ONE HUGE DRAWBACK - I cannot leave this clock plugged in all the time! Each time I plug it in, I have to reset it! Reason being: this clock messes with my cell phone (a motorola phone) and whenever my cellphone is charging and this clock is plugged in - the clock’s alarm will just keep going off!!! Really annoying drawback, now I am back to my regular alarm clock and whenever I have something especially important I will plug this one in for good measure.
    Customer Review: Average at best
    Maybe I’m just to heavy of a sleeper, but this performed well under my expectations. The only reason I’m giving it 3 stars is because it did come with the vibrator part and the buzzer sound was able to be adjusted by volume and by pitch (low pitch to high pitch). I never tried hooking up a lamp to it, although you could add that too. I just didn’t like it all.

    Filed under: Clocks

    Made in Heaven

    July 26, 2008 | By Doug In Clocks | Comments(0)


    Made in Heaven
    In Made in Heaven, Timothy Hutton plays a young guy in 1946 who’s just been dumped by his girl and decides to go to California. On his way, he rescues a family from a car that’s driven into a lake–and drowns in the process. Of course, he finds himself in Heaven, and there he meets Kelly McGillis, a soul who’s never been born on Earth. The two fall in love. Just as they’re about to get married–just for the fun of it, since by the rules of Heaven they’re already married–McGillis gets sent to Earth to be born. Hutton pleads with Emmett, a figure who may or may not be God, who finally agrees to give Hutton 30 years on Earth to find her and continue their love. This 1987 Alan Rudolph film teeters on the edge of absolute cheesiness and steps over that edge at moments, but mostly it miraculously maintains a delicate, sweet, and affecting tone. McGillis is good, but Hutton is superb, demonstrating an honest charisma that makes him engaging even when he’s being a jerk. The depiction of Heaven avoids the patronizing, overdone joyfulness that too many movies fall into. Though the idea sounds like pure saccharine, Made in Heaven consistently sidesteps the obvious and comes up with something genuine. Rudolph is a prolific but erratic director (his stronger movies include Choose Me, Trouble in Mind, The Moderns, and Afterglow), but this is one of the ones worth seeing. Made in Heaven features Debra Winger and an uncredited Ellen Barkin, as well as cameos by rock stars Neil Young, Ric Ocasek, and Tom Petty. –Bret Fetzer

    Customer Review: Absolutely awe inspiring movie.
    Saw this when I was very young, maybe 9 or 10, and it somehow moved me in a visceral way that I simply cannot convey in words. But I never found out what it was called. With the memory of the powerful ending vaguely imprinted on my mind I vowed that I would one day find out the name of this movie. I have been clutching at straws for years trying to figure it out. Only recently did I find out, I’m now 25!

    I have used the the Warner Brothers comment system on their website to try push for a DVD release. It MUST happen. AMAZON, if you can hear me, please do ALL you can.

    DVD NEEDED! DVD NEEDED! DVD NEEDED! DVD NEEDED!

    Customer Review: Need this on DVD
    I can’t beleive this hasn’t comeout on DVD. It’s a classic and one that I would love to watch, but with new technology and no VCR, I can’t. Classic, romantic, and touching film! A must see. Timeless

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    Curve Talking Clock
    1/2″ black numbers on LCD display. Black case. Meas: 4″xLx11/2″H x21/2″W. Features a smooth, curved design and an easy to read LCD display. Features: audio time report, hourly time announcement, adjustable volume, and easy to set alarm. Uses 2-AA batteries (not included). Female voice.
    Price: $12.95
    Customer Review: Not good for the hearing impaired
    The voice is neither loud nor crisp even at the higher of the two volume settings.
    Customer Review: Handy Inexpensive Solution
    My mother has macular degeneration and is hard of hearing. The mechanical-sounding female voice on this little plastic talking clock took some getting used to. For example, it was hard for Mom to hear the difference between “thirty” and “fifty”. She had to use her hearing aid to get the gist. However, now that she is familiar with the sound, she can use the clock without her hearing aid. The clock is small and light, so she can hold it right next to her ear with no problem. The big button is great. I ordered a larger, louder, clearer-sounding clock for next to her bed. But she likes this talking clock just as much. In fact, she carries it around the house, putting it on the breakfast table, next to the TV, etc. throughout the day to keep track of the time. I’ll probably order another one as a back up.

    District B13 [HD DVD]
    For eye-popping kinetic thrills, District B13 tops the class. In the near future, the worst ghettos of Paris have been walled in and left to rot. When a neutron bomb gets stolen by a criminal kingpin in seedy District B13, Damien–a cop who specializes in deep cover assignments (Cyril Raffaelli, a stuntman turned actor)–has to team up with Leito (David Belle), who grew up in the district and has his own reason for going back: the kingpin kidnapped his sister (tough yet adorable gamine Dany Verissimo). The plot takes a few preposterous turns, but it’s beside the point–every turn serves only to maintain the relentless flow of sheer physical prowess. Belle is one of the inventors of a sport called parkour, which treats a city’s architecture like an obstacle course; while running from gun-toting thugs, Leito leaps, bounds, and scrambles up and down buildings with astonishing grace. The fight sequences are just as down-to-earth yet over-the-top as Damien whirls, kicks, and crunches through armies of bad guys. Just as important is the tongue-in-cheek tone that never turns smirky; the movie doesn’t take itself seriously, but doesn’t mock itself or its basic cinematic pleasures. Anyone looking for a break from the overbearing CGI and self-important pomp of Hollywood action movies should watch District B13. –Bret Fetzer
    List Price: $29.98
    Amazon Price: $20.95
    Used Price: $21.50
    Customer Review: awesome!
    Completely underrated French film that made no noise stateside and didn’t even get a soundtrack released despite killer beats from Da Octopusss (you have to go his myspace page to hear them), this is flat out the most delightful action movie I have seen this decade. The action is excellent, the leading tag team are affable despite, apparently, being stuntmen by trade, the dialogue is sharp and the pacing quick, the plot is completely ridiculous and it has all the style of everything that Luc Besson has even been remotely associated with. In and out in a frenzied 90 minutes. Really, any plot that features a nuclear bomb with a 24-hour timer on it has to be a good movie.
    Customer Review: An entertaining action film
    District B13 (originally titled Banlieue 13 in its native France) is directed by Pierre Morel, and stars Bibi Naceri, David Belle, Cyril Raffaelli, Tony D’Amario, and Dany Verissimo. *** District B13 takes place in France in the not-so-distant future. The worst parts of the country have been literally sealed off by walls, isolating and quarantining the residents within. In these sectors there is no law and order, and the drug lords reign supreme. One man refuses to put up with the drug lords, and destroys a valuable shipment. His sister is abducted in retaliation, and his plot to rescue her fails, landing him behind bars. Eventually, he joins forces with an undercover officer - and the twosome must find a deadly neutron bomb before it can be set off. *** As far as “purely action” movies go, District B13 is a fine French import. It’s light on the story and plot development, but when it comes to action and stunts, the film is on a plane all its own - and the film spares no expense on the thrills. The movie feels more like a collection of stunts and action scenes than something with a flowing, truly coherent storyline. But at the end, after having been thoroughly entertained by all of this, who am I to complain? If it’s action you seek, this is your film. *** The personnel who worked on this film really show their stuff off in the action scenes, making the entire movie entertaining. Belle and Raffaelli are more than just actors, they largely do their own stunt work - and the results speak for themselves. The filmmakers here edit these action scenes excellently, and when you watch the movie, you’ll see that the results speak for themselves. The crew here, on both ends sides of the camera, accomplishes everything they set out to do. *** Yes, the characters are a bit on the shallow and one-dimensional side. But this isn’t the kind of movie that puts its emphasis on character development. For action fans, there’s no finer foreign film. — Image And Sound: My review is based on a screener disc, so picture quality on it doesn’t represent the commercially-released disc. — Special Features: None on the screener disc I reviewed. Final Words: District B13 is a fun-filled, non-stop, action-laden thrill ride that makes no apologies for what it is - and is all the more entertaining because of it. If you’re looking for a dosage of cinematic action, District B13 is for you.

    LARGE DIGITAL CLOCK
    Large, easy to read numbers. Hours, minutes, seconds, day and date. Hook `N Loop. Battery included.
    Price: $6.49

    Filed under: Clocks

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