The link for the post is directed to monoprice.com where I purchased this product labeled as "NB-1600 Xtreme Notebook Cooling Pad". After a tiny amount of research (read: "googling") I found that this product is actually from the Shenzhen Century Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. in, of course, great mother China. Here in the states the common branding is "Just Cooler". The same product can be found on various other websites, including Amazon.com. Prices vary from ~$10 to ~$20. At monoprice it's $9.33 + s&h.
I bought this cooler because I was buying some cables from monoprice and I wanted to make the shipping count. Plus, my archaic laptop has always had heat issues and it was time to cut the poor old lady a break.
My actual review can be brief. Basically, I've had this cooler for a couple months and I've already gotten my $10 worth out of it. The fan is ample size and power to move air. The air is directed out towards the back of the computer instead of downward at the desk like some idiotic coolers.
I'll note here that I've made a slight alteration to the pad since it arrived. I noticed that the rubber bumpers that are used to create a channel for the air to flow underneath the computer weren't quite sufficient so I glued some "feet" onto the top of the pad to open the channel by ~1/2in. This resulted in more airflow instantly, and thus, a more chilly computing experience. I've had the pad running for days on end a couple of times and it hasn't failed me yet. It still cools like the day I busted it out of the blister pack.
To make things more scientific, here are some numbers:
HD Temp. Avg. (30 min. continuous cpu usage):
1) no cooler: 116
2) cooler: 114
Time built-in laptop fans running (30 min. continuous cpu usage):
1) no cooler: 24 minutes
2) cooler: 4 minutes
So yeah, those aren't particularly stunning results or anything, but I can tell you that my old slab of dell has been much happier and more spry with the new cooler on.
______________
The skinny:
* Pros: cheap, light, easy
* Cons: will probably break soon, doesn't cool lappy by tens of degrees
Make an Assessment:
Overall I would say that this cooler has been worth the $10 I put into it. If there's anything else that you need from monoprice I'd say go for it. Even if the pad doesn't work perfectly with your laptop you'll still have a pretty sweet USB powered $10 drink cooling coaster.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
* Grade: B
* Score: 82%
* If it were a movie: ★★★½
* My Feelings: ☺
2.19.2010
2.18.2010
The Hangover
Many casual movie reviewers in the blogosphere, or the internet at large, will only go all or nothing on their reviews. It's either two thumbs way up or the worst movie they've ever seen, 5 stars or none at all. I personally think this is a totally bone-headed way of reviewing, and it casts a long shadow over the accuracy of ratings on sites like imdb.com and rottentomatoes.com. The reason I mention all of this is that last night I watched a fine film that has seemingly fallen prey to all-or-nothing raters, The Hangover.
The averages for the ratings of The Hangover are fairly accurate in my opinion, with enough haters giving it no rating at all to balance out all the people who think it's the Citizen Kane of screwball comedies. The general consensus has granted The Hangover between 70% and 80% positive reviews.
First, I'll go through my complaints. This film doesn't really stretch out and do anything new. There's a pretty stereotypical and completely expected storyline here. A handful of excellent gags and some fine comedic deliveries are needed to save what could easily be a dull showing. Another huge problem with this movie is that the marketing campaign for it was so expansive that many of the greatest moments were completely spoiled even before the premiere. I try to avoid watching trailers and ruining films, but with The Hangover it was virtually impossible to accomplish. What could have been some incredible laughs were spoiled by having seen complete scenes in the tv ads.
Those problems aside, this movie is great. The acting is good. As a huge Zach Galifianakis fan, I'm extremely biased about his performance. Ed Helms delivers well (if not a bit too Andy-ish at times), Ken Jeong (Señor Chang from Community) comes through with some shining lines, and Jeffrey Tambor brrings in a few brief but hilarious moments. Even the parts of the cast I wasn't familiar with do a passable job, no real praiseworthy accomplishments, but few completely dead moments.
The pacing is another strong point. There are a few moments without a laugh, but the film keeps the story moving and basically stays entertaining from start to finish.
I'm a huge believer in the notion that first and foremost movies are made to be entertaining. Every scene doesn't have to be completely original or artistic. As long as a movie knows what it is, and doesn't try too hard, it can be enjoyed fully. The Hangover seems totally self-aware throughout, going for screwball comedy and nothing more. Many of the negative reviews I've read state the opinion that this movie is just stupid. I say of course it's stupid, it's supposed to be. This style of comedy is mostly zany and shocking gags with just a hint of intelligent humor, mostly in the form of references, that are meant to float by. Anyone claiming this movie is stupid has missed the point entirely. I say loosen that tie, get unbuttoned, and learn to laugh at dick and fart jokes.
______________
The skinny:
* Pros: Light and funny, easy to watch
* Cons: Overly methodical, predictable, you've seen 1/3 of the jokes already
Make an Assessment:
This is a good film, certainly worth watching now that it's out in the home theater domain. The humor is often base and crude, so my Grandma's house might not have been the ideal venue. I don't know yet if it stacks up (in my mind) to other uber-popular naughts comedies like Superbad, Knocked Up, Juno, Wedding Crashers, Old School and Dodgeball. I tend to want to enjoy more obscure movies, but this one could be considered a good pop guilty pleasure.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
* Grade: B
* Score: 85%
* If it were a movie: ★★★★
* My Feelings: ☺
The averages for the ratings of The Hangover are fairly accurate in my opinion, with enough haters giving it no rating at all to balance out all the people who think it's the Citizen Kane of screwball comedies. The general consensus has granted The Hangover between 70% and 80% positive reviews.
First, I'll go through my complaints. This film doesn't really stretch out and do anything new. There's a pretty stereotypical and completely expected storyline here. A handful of excellent gags and some fine comedic deliveries are needed to save what could easily be a dull showing. Another huge problem with this movie is that the marketing campaign for it was so expansive that many of the greatest moments were completely spoiled even before the premiere. I try to avoid watching trailers and ruining films, but with The Hangover it was virtually impossible to accomplish. What could have been some incredible laughs were spoiled by having seen complete scenes in the tv ads.
Those problems aside, this movie is great. The acting is good. As a huge Zach Galifianakis fan, I'm extremely biased about his performance. Ed Helms delivers well (if not a bit too Andy-ish at times), Ken Jeong (Señor Chang from Community) comes through with some shining lines, and Jeffrey Tambor brrings in a few brief but hilarious moments. Even the parts of the cast I wasn't familiar with do a passable job, no real praiseworthy accomplishments, but few completely dead moments.
The pacing is another strong point. There are a few moments without a laugh, but the film keeps the story moving and basically stays entertaining from start to finish.
I'm a huge believer in the notion that first and foremost movies are made to be entertaining. Every scene doesn't have to be completely original or artistic. As long as a movie knows what it is, and doesn't try too hard, it can be enjoyed fully. The Hangover seems totally self-aware throughout, going for screwball comedy and nothing more. Many of the negative reviews I've read state the opinion that this movie is just stupid. I say of course it's stupid, it's supposed to be. This style of comedy is mostly zany and shocking gags with just a hint of intelligent humor, mostly in the form of references, that are meant to float by. Anyone claiming this movie is stupid has missed the point entirely. I say loosen that tie, get unbuttoned, and learn to laugh at dick and fart jokes.
______________
The skinny:
* Pros: Light and funny, easy to watch
* Cons: Overly methodical, predictable, you've seen 1/3 of the jokes already
Make an Assessment:
This is a good film, certainly worth watching now that it's out in the home theater domain. The humor is often base and crude, so my Grandma's house might not have been the ideal venue. I don't know yet if it stacks up (in my mind) to other uber-popular naughts comedies like Superbad, Knocked Up, Juno, Wedding Crashers, Old School and Dodgeball. I tend to want to enjoy more obscure movies, but this one could be considered a good pop guilty pleasure.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
* Grade: B
* Score: 85%
* If it were a movie: ★★★★
* My Feelings: ☺
2.15.2010
Sansa Fuze Silicone Skin, Belt Clip & Armband
I know this is going to be ridiculous for anybody who linked from my facebook or elsewhere, but my latest review can be seen here.
That's http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BZQ2CS if the link doesn't work.
______________
The skinny:
* Pros: As expected, Grippy, Jazzy Color Options
* Cons: Flimsy Clip, Small-ish Armband
Make an Assessment:
Overall it is totally worth the $3 shipped. It's like a kind of shady $3 insurance policy for your Fuze. I'm happy with the purchase.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
* Grade: B
* Score: 85%
* If it were a movie: ★★★★
* My Feelings: ☺
That's http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BZQ2CS if the link doesn't work.
______________
The skinny:
* Pros: As expected, Grippy, Jazzy Color Options
* Cons: Flimsy Clip, Small-ish Armband
Make an Assessment:
Overall it is totally worth the $3 shipped. It's like a kind of shady $3 insurance policy for your Fuze. I'm happy with the purchase.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
* Grade: B
* Score: 85%
* If it were a movie: ★★★★
* My Feelings: ☺
2.11.2010
องค์บาก 2
Ong-bak 2 is a good film. For the overall, scroll it, otherwise read the following babble.
Ong-bak 2 isn't really a sequel. It's billed as a prequel, but it's not actually that either. As I was kindly warned before watching, the story really has nothing to do with Ong-bak outside of the fact that Tony Jaa's character uses crazy martial arts to either kill or maim every other character in the film. Of course, it goes without saying that nobody in their right mind would watch this film expecting to be drawn in by story. The story isn't bad either. Instead of a modern-day take leading itself easily into Ong-bak, the setting is taken all the way back to 15th century feudal Thailand.
I suspect the naming of the film may have something to do with cashing in on a previously established audience from the original. I also suspect that despite any real story-related links to the original film they will try to touch on some tie-ins with the next installment, Ong-bak 3, slated for release this year.
Naming issues aside, as a standalone film this is in almost every way entertaining, but not quite complete. The fights are another incredible display of Tony Jaa's acrobatic and martial arts abilities. The digital effects aren't the cleanest, but are used in a tasteful and subtle way, staying out of Tony Jaa's way for the most part. The dramatic dialogue is certainly passable, and the acting is very good given the genre. The story embodies the stereotypical lowly, unskilled kid turned killing machine in order to avenge the death of his family.
My main criticisms would be that the character development is about as deep as the shallow end of a kiddie pool, and that the film ends rather abruptly. It's difficult to develop a rapport with any character but Jaa, and by the time we finally get a grasp on him the film is over. Word is that they intentionally cut the film short with the plan of Ong-bak 3 coming in to pick up the pieces. The choice to make that happen rather than try to produce the rest in this film with limited funds will make for a better overall product. However, it does make this installment feel like an installment instead of a powerhouse film on it's own two feet.
The film really scores with constant and varying action, a selection of different martial arts styles that are very fun to watch, and a keen attention to smooth cinematography in beautiful Southeast Asian locations. I also award some nods for a couple fun twists and turns and a heavy emphasis on what I can only assume is actual Thai history and culture. I don't like to feel like I'm learning things watching action flicks, but this easily stayed interesting throughout.
______________
The skinny:
* Pros: Tony Jaa's jaw-dropping skills will make you say "THIS IS INSANE!" out loud, beautiful vistas, ridiculous (and awesome) characters and costumes
* Cons: Having to wait for Ong-bak 3 to come out later this year, feeling like you've exercised just by watching Tony Jaa go crazy for 90 minutes
Make an Assessment:
* If you like Tony Jaa's movies, action movies in general, or watching ridiculous stunts and bone-crushing fighting watch Ong-bak 2. If you don't enjoy those things you won't like 90% of the film, but you can still learn a little bit about Thai history and see some beautiful landscapes.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
* Grade: B+
* Score: 88%
* If it were a movie: ★★★★
* My Feelings: ☺
Hyping up Ong-bak 3 on websites like IMDB and RottenTomatoes will give it a better shot at hitting US theaters. Don't you want to see Tony Jaa knee some 7 ft. tall bald guy's head off on the big screen?
Ong-bak 2 isn't really a sequel. It's billed as a prequel, but it's not actually that either. As I was kindly warned before watching, the story really has nothing to do with Ong-bak outside of the fact that Tony Jaa's character uses crazy martial arts to either kill or maim every other character in the film. Of course, it goes without saying that nobody in their right mind would watch this film expecting to be drawn in by story. The story isn't bad either. Instead of a modern-day take leading itself easily into Ong-bak, the setting is taken all the way back to 15th century feudal Thailand.
I suspect the naming of the film may have something to do with cashing in on a previously established audience from the original. I also suspect that despite any real story-related links to the original film they will try to touch on some tie-ins with the next installment, Ong-bak 3, slated for release this year.
Naming issues aside, as a standalone film this is in almost every way entertaining, but not quite complete. The fights are another incredible display of Tony Jaa's acrobatic and martial arts abilities. The digital effects aren't the cleanest, but are used in a tasteful and subtle way, staying out of Tony Jaa's way for the most part. The dramatic dialogue is certainly passable, and the acting is very good given the genre. The story embodies the stereotypical lowly, unskilled kid turned killing machine in order to avenge the death of his family.
My main criticisms would be that the character development is about as deep as the shallow end of a kiddie pool, and that the film ends rather abruptly. It's difficult to develop a rapport with any character but Jaa, and by the time we finally get a grasp on him the film is over. Word is that they intentionally cut the film short with the plan of Ong-bak 3 coming in to pick up the pieces. The choice to make that happen rather than try to produce the rest in this film with limited funds will make for a better overall product. However, it does make this installment feel like an installment instead of a powerhouse film on it's own two feet.
The film really scores with constant and varying action, a selection of different martial arts styles that are very fun to watch, and a keen attention to smooth cinematography in beautiful Southeast Asian locations. I also award some nods for a couple fun twists and turns and a heavy emphasis on what I can only assume is actual Thai history and culture. I don't like to feel like I'm learning things watching action flicks, but this easily stayed interesting throughout.
______________
The skinny:
* Pros: Tony Jaa's jaw-dropping skills will make you say "THIS IS INSANE!" out loud, beautiful vistas, ridiculous (and awesome) characters and costumes
* Cons: Having to wait for Ong-bak 3 to come out later this year, feeling like you've exercised just by watching Tony Jaa go crazy for 90 minutes
Make an Assessment:
* If you like Tony Jaa's movies, action movies in general, or watching ridiculous stunts and bone-crushing fighting watch Ong-bak 2. If you don't enjoy those things you won't like 90% of the film, but you can still learn a little bit about Thai history and see some beautiful landscapes.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
* Grade: B+
* Score: 88%
* If it were a movie: ★★★★
* My Feelings: ☺
Hyping up Ong-bak 3 on websites like IMDB and RottenTomatoes will give it a better shot at hitting US theaters. Don't you want to see Tony Jaa knee some 7 ft. tall bald guy's head off on the big screen?
2.08.2010
Sansa Clip Mp3 Player
The SanDisk Sansa line of Mp3 players has served me well for approximately the last 60 days. I have a 4GB Sansa Fuze that I acquired on black friday and busted out around Christmas time, and I recently Woot!-ed a 2GB Sansa Clip.
I opted to get the Clip because it provides exactly what my new Fuze doesn't, ultra-portability. The Fuze has a nice display that can provide adequate picture, video, and snazzy interface viewing. However, there hasn't come a time yet that I've wanted to check out last night's episode of Project Runway on my hip when I'm cycling in traffic at 25 mph. For this reason I wanted to get a cheaper, less snazzy, lighter in all respects player to provide my exercise tunes/npr podcasts.
When Woot! had the 2GB Sansa Clip (refurb) for $18 shipped I had to pounce. I've used the Clip a handful of times and I'll say first and foremost that the design is almost perfect for exercising.
As the name indicates, there is a belt clip along the backside of the potato-chip sized player to facilitate grab-n-go situations. The belt clip is sturdy enough that I don't feel the need to get a $2 silicone skin from Amazon, but that option is available should the clip ever fail.
The sound quality is good. It's probably not top-of-the-line, but I'm impressed. Even with the included earbuds (which I hope aren't also refurb) the sound is sufficient for me.
I can't yet speak to the battery life, but I can say that I've only had to charge it once straight out of the bag and it's lasted at least 4 hours of listening so far with no excessive battery drain.
The interface consists of a single-color tiny led screen, four button wheel (not scrolling), home button, power/hold button, and volume control. The display is ample, but not at all impressive. The volume control is easy enough to use while clipped on and running or cycling. My biggest complaint is that the wheel doesn't scroll, so navigating through a large list of songs means tirelessly clicking down a million times. Aside from that the menus are completely intuitive. This gets a parent-usable, maybe even grandparent-usable nod.
I'll note that in addition to Sansa claiming their players are Mac and Win compatible, both the Clip and the Fuze have been very friendly with Ubuntu (9.10 karmic koala) Linux as well. I haven't had any recognition or transfer issues with either player.
______________
The skinny:
- Pros: Ultra-portable, easy to use, inexpensive, good sound quality, Linux compatible
- Cons: No scroll wheel, could easily slip between couch cushions for eternity
Make an Assessment:
- Obviously this is a glowing review. If you're not the iPod Touch type you should swing with Sansa. Knowing the quality of this product I'd probably pay upwards of $25 to replace it, maybe even retail price for one not refurbished (and I'm a cheap bastard). I'm extremely pleased and will probably buy more form them in the future.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
- Grade: A
- Score: 97%
- If it were a movie: ★★★★★
- My Feelings: ☺
Listen to music as much as possible. Music makes life better. You can regularly find these on sale from various websites, or in Best Buy. Also Woot! has had a ton of Sansa players recently, keep eyes peeled.
2.06.2010
Haven Hospice
*I know I'm way too wordy. I'll mellow that out in time. If you don't want to read everything but want the gist of it, scroll straight down to the bottom section.
__________
For my first review, I'd like to start with a bang. However, there aren't many bangs in my life right now so I'm going slightly offbeat. This review is about Haven Hospice.
For those unfamiliar with end-of-life care, Hospice is a place that you go when you have a "life-limiting" illness, have a family member with a "life-limiting" illness, or want to be surrounded by old people who are ready to die. Hospice generally focuses on palliative care, and aims to keep people happy and ease the preparation for death for all survivors of the patients. Haven Hospice is a particular care center here in Gainesville. They have been charged with the task of helping our family, specifically my grandma.
I'll give Haven an "A" for the ease of getting into the program, and the value for the money. Bottom line, we all know heathcare is expensive. Between Medicare and whatever magic they use on insurance companies/medical equipment providers we haven't had to shell out one red cent yet (I think). Within one week of dealing with Haven we received an endless supply of medical equipment to help with my grandma's immobility. We've had appointments with nurses, a social worker, and a case manager all at home. Today she was admitted to the main care facility and she's had a doctor's attention as well.
The facility that she's in now is swanky. She's got a private room bigger than some of my friends' apartments. The room has two great views, a lot of comfortable furniture, and a huge bathroom with a shower bench that I'm jealous of. The whole place would get two thumbs up if not for a intermittent high-pitch noise from the central air unit that's incredibly annoying, and the fact that of about 46,000 pieces of art in the building approximately none of them are hung level.
So far they've done a great job of helping, and trying to keep my grandma comfortable. That being said, I'd like to complain. My beef so far with Haven has been a series of miscommunications that have led to annoyance. At least once we received the wrong equipment because Haven failed to communicate properly with their equipment suppliers. A couple of times we've been given conflicting information from different people at Haven. Just today at the Haven facility there was a miscommunication between staff members that led to issues with medication management, which is pretty vital for a hypertensive diabetic vitamin-deficient tinnitus sufferer. Again, nothing dangerous has happened, just a couple headaches for us.
______________
The skinny:
Make an Assessment:
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
You get the idea.
__________
For my first review, I'd like to start with a bang. However, there aren't many bangs in my life right now so I'm going slightly offbeat. This review is about Haven Hospice.
For those unfamiliar with end-of-life care, Hospice is a place that you go when you have a "life-limiting" illness, have a family member with a "life-limiting" illness, or want to be surrounded by old people who are ready to die. Hospice generally focuses on palliative care, and aims to keep people happy and ease the preparation for death for all survivors of the patients. Haven Hospice is a particular care center here in Gainesville. They have been charged with the task of helping our family, specifically my grandma.
I'll give Haven an "A" for the ease of getting into the program, and the value for the money. Bottom line, we all know heathcare is expensive. Between Medicare and whatever magic they use on insurance companies/medical equipment providers we haven't had to shell out one red cent yet (I think). Within one week of dealing with Haven we received an endless supply of medical equipment to help with my grandma's immobility. We've had appointments with nurses, a social worker, and a case manager all at home. Today she was admitted to the main care facility and she's had a doctor's attention as well.
The facility that she's in now is swanky. She's got a private room bigger than some of my friends' apartments. The room has two great views, a lot of comfortable furniture, and a huge bathroom with a shower bench that I'm jealous of. The whole place would get two thumbs up if not for a intermittent high-pitch noise from the central air unit that's incredibly annoying, and the fact that of about 46,000 pieces of art in the building approximately none of them are hung level.
So far they've done a great job of helping, and trying to keep my grandma comfortable. That being said, I'd like to complain. My beef so far with Haven has been a series of miscommunications that have led to annoyance. At least once we received the wrong equipment because Haven failed to communicate properly with their equipment suppliers. A couple of times we've been given conflicting information from different people at Haven. Just today at the Haven facility there was a miscommunication between staff members that led to issues with medication management, which is pretty vital for a hypertensive diabetic vitamin-deficient tinnitus sufferer. Again, nothing dangerous has happened, just a couple headaches for us.
______________
The skinny:
- Pros: Super friendly and attentive staff, work quickly, they've seen it all, cheap or free through medicare, swanky quarters, lots of home care
- Cons: Minor communication issues, they probably can't keep my grandma alive for the next 80 years
Make an Assessment:
- I would highly reccommend working with Haven Hospice for all of your end-of-life healthcare needs. They'll treat you with respect and kindness whether you're a spry, dapper, 25 year-old boy or that boy's terminally ill grandma.
Overall Review Score (I haven't figured out how I want to do this yet):
- Grade: A
- Score: 93%
- If it were a movie: ★★★★½
- My Feelings: ☺
You get the idea.
Welcome to the review.
This is my new blog idea. I'm going to go about my normal everyday life, and when I use things, see movies, hear music, go places, etc. I will write about my experiences and review what I come in contact with.
I'm certain this has been done before, but I'm too lazy to search for any other blogs following this modus operandi because I'm going to do it anyways so it really doesn't matter if I'm a pioneer or not.
I hope I can manage to help somebody make a decision about using a product, whether to go somewhere, see a movie, listen to a record, or squeeze some enjoyment out of something somehow. If nothing else it'd be nice to cast a cloud of cynicism and disappointment about things over this tiny corner of the blogosphere.
I've never managed to update a blog regularly, so we'll see if this idea bombs or if I can manage to muster the motivation to keep it up. Either way, thank you for reading, and enjoy.
I'm certain this has been done before, but I'm too lazy to search for any other blogs following this modus operandi because I'm going to do it anyways so it really doesn't matter if I'm a pioneer or not.
I hope I can manage to help somebody make a decision about using a product, whether to go somewhere, see a movie, listen to a record, or squeeze some enjoyment out of something somehow. If nothing else it'd be nice to cast a cloud of cynicism and disappointment about things over this tiny corner of the blogosphere.
I've never managed to update a blog regularly, so we'll see if this idea bombs or if I can manage to muster the motivation to keep it up. Either way, thank you for reading, and enjoy.
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