Nice,light pants

360 Rear View Video Camera

Let me start by saying I read a lot of reviews stating these pants run small. This may be true for some, but for a 26 year-old 5'11" 155lb frame guy like myself these fit absolutely perfect in 32x30. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the good stuff:

These are the most comfortable pair of pants I own. The synthetic fabric is extremely lightweight, breathable, yet retains durability and excellent stain resistance. The tusk color is basically khaki despite the grayish overtone shown in the online picture. If they become wet they'll dry within minutes, a must for hiking pants. Columbia includes a military webbing-style belt with the pants that I would only use in an emergency situation. I'm not sure which kind of emergency situation calls for a cheap belt, but hey, it's there. The zipper separator runs just above the knee which prevents chafing on extended hikes. The left cargo pocket is zippered, the right pocket Velcro. The zippers all seem solid, with seams blended wonderfully. Now for easy reading, my list:

PROS:
+ EXTREMELY comfortable. I cannot stress this enough, it's almost like being naked from the waist down.
+ Very lightweight yet very durable. I've been stuck with numerous thorn bushes with nothing to show of it in the pant.
+ Dries exceptionally quickly with superior breathability allowing sweat to dissipate fast keeping your legs cool.
+ Convertible-style is a premium. Pants in the morning, shorts in the evening. Detachable legs are labeled at the zipper "L" and "R" for quick reattachment.
+ The waistline features a 2-inch stretch-band right above the hipbones, which, when coupled with a stretchable belt allows for quick and easy pissing. This doesn't seem like much, but when you have to relieve yourself and don't have to dick around adjusting a belt makes for getting back on the trail that much faster.
+ Pockets are big enough to stow away items for easy access without feeling cumbersome or loose.
+ Zipper banding around the leg-separator sports a layer of fabric that prevents metal-on-skin chafing.

CONS:
- No zipper at the bottom of the legs, you may have to remove your hiking boots to remove the pants. If however you wear hiking shoes with less profile this may not be an issue, but I wear boots and they need to be removed first.
- Belt loops are a little narrow, it can sometimes take longer to insert or remove belt than it should. That being said, these are merely inconveniences that do not degrade overall performance.

All in all, these are my favorite pair of pants. I don't just use them for hiking, they make excellent casual wear as well: they look plain sharp. The function over formalities earns a solid 5/5 from me.

Get your 360 Rear View Video Camera Now!

Nice,light pants

Columbia Sportswear Silver Convertible Extended

Let me start by saying I read a lot of reviews stating these pants run small. This may be true for some, but for a 26 year-old 5'11" 155lb frame guy like myself these fit absolutely perfect in 32x30. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the good stuff:

These are the most comfortable pair of pants I own. The synthetic fabric is extremely lightweight, breathable, yet retains durability and excellent stain resistance. The tusk color is basically khaki despite the grayish overtone shown in the online picture. If they become wet they'll dry within minutes, a must for hiking pants. Columbia includes a military webbing-style belt with the pants that I would only use in an emergency situation. I'm not sure which kind of emergency situation calls for a cheap belt, but hey, it's there. The zipper separator runs just above the knee which prevents chafing on extended hikes. The left cargo pocket is zippered, the right pocket Velcro. The zippers all seem solid, with seams blended wonderfully. Now for easy reading, my list:

PROS:
+ EXTREMELY comfortable. I cannot stress this enough, it's almost like being naked from the waist down.
+ Very lightweight yet very durable. I've been stuck with numerous thorn bushes with nothing to show of it in the pant.
+ Dries exceptionally quickly with superior breathability allowing sweat to dissipate fast keeping your legs cool.
+ Convertible-style is a premium. Pants in the morning, shorts in the evening. Detachable legs are labeled at the zipper "L" and "R" for quick reattachment.
+ The waistline features a 2-inch stretch-band right above the hipbones, which, when coupled with a stretchable belt allows for quick and easy pissing. This doesn't seem like much, but when you have to relieve yourself and don't have to dick around adjusting a belt makes for getting back on the trail that much faster.
+ Pockets are big enough to stow away items for easy access without feeling cumbersome or loose.
+ Zipper banding around the leg-separator sports a layer of fabric that prevents metal-on-skin chafing.

CONS:
- No zipper at the bottom of the legs, you may have to remove your hiking boots to remove the pants. If however you wear hiking shoes with less profile this may not be an issue, but I wear boots and they need to be removed first.
- Belt loops are a little narrow, it can sometimes take longer to insert or remove belt than it should. That being said, these are merely inconveniences that do not degrade overall performance.

All in all, these are my favorite pair of pants. I don't just use them for hiking, they make excellent casual wear as well: they look plain sharp. The function over formalities earns a solid 5/5 from me.

Get your Columbia Sportswear Silver Convertible Extended Now!

Two versions of this pillow are sold under the same name!

Simmons Beautyrest Authentic Talalay Support

The only word to describe these pillows is "perfect". They are without question the most comfortable pillows I have ever slept on, and I do mean sleep. No more waking up, punching the pillow back into the shape I want, then trying to fall back asleep. Now I fall asleep and don't wake up until the alarm goes off. The pillows are soft and extremely comfortable, but don't equate soft with lack of support, or conversely firm with hard. Your head sinks softly into the foam and is practically cradled by the foam, but under your head the foam compresses and provides the firm support advertised, again firm, but not hard. When I move, roll over, or whatever, the foam instantly springs back up into shape, unlike memory foam. I don't want a pillow where the shape of my head is deeply pressed into the foam for many seconds as the foam slowly resumes its original shape; these latex foam pillows respond to every movement of my head instantly. As I said, the only word needed to describe these pillows is "perfect".

Get your Simmons Beautyrest Authentic Talalay Support Now!

Better than our recliner...

Thinsulate Skiing Snowboarding Outdoor Thermal

My significant other was badly injured in a motorcycle accident in Sept 2010; he broke his back in 2 places, had multiple breaks in several ribs, and broke his collar bone. Believe it or not, he's walking! However, his pain level is still high even 6 months later and he has a hard time getting comfortable.

When he was being released from the hospital in December, we bought a really expensive, electric recliner but it wasn't being delivered for three weeks. After reading reviews, I purchased one of these Caravan Canopy Antigravity Recliners as a temporary fix... But he prefers this to the expensive recliner and keeps it set up in his bed room. He spends most of his time in it - he even sleeps in it.

Plus, we can take it with us to visit family and friends who might not have comfortable seating for an extended visit.

Get your Thinsulate Skiing Snowboarding Outdoor Thermal Now!

Better than our recliner...

Caravan Canopy Reclining Adjustable Headrest

My significant other was badly injured in a motorcycle accident in Sept 2010; he broke his back in 2 places, had multiple breaks in several ribs, and broke his collar bone. Believe it or not, he's walking! However, his pain level is still high even 6 months later and he has a hard time getting comfortable.

When he was being released from the hospital in December, we bought a really expensive, electric recliner but it wasn't being delivered for three weeks. After reading reviews, I purchased one of these Caravan Canopy Antigravity Recliners as a temporary fix... But he prefers this to the expensive recliner and keeps it set up in his bed room. He spends most of his time in it - he even sleeps in it.

Plus, we can take it with us to visit family and friends who might not have comfortable seating for an extended visit.

Get your Caravan Canopy Reclining Adjustable Headrest Now!

A great book and a quick read

Deep Dark Dangerous ebook

As the coach for Reader's Rally in Georgia at the Middle School level, I have started reading all of the novels expected of my students. I can honestly say that Deep and Dark and Dangerous was a joy to read. I plan to purchase several copies for my classroom, and as the School-wide Language Arts Chair, I plan on sharing my response to this book with our Media Center as well as other teachers. Hahn's novel is tightly written and moves well with vivid description and tight development of the central character. Although the plot may be a bit predictable, the character development and the relationships are not. In addition, I truly enjoyed the "adult" theme in the secondary plotline. Parents who choose to read this book with their student will find an interesting lesson for them as well. We all hold secrets from our past, and this text asks us about our willingness to let these "skeletons" control our present. This is a must read for those interested in mysteries and the supernatural.

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fun for the whole family

Pics Word Puzzle More Words

I love these boots I happened to find them at a contractor store first, the first thing I was attracted to was how soft the leather was, then I tried them on and they felt great. I wear boots all the time and in the hot summer these are the lightest and coolest boots I have worn ever. when I went to get my second pair the store had raised the price by about $40 so I talked them down a little and got my second pair, then I looked at them on line and noticed they had made a change to the boot and looked like they had made them with only three lace holes and no hook at the top so I was worried that I would not be able to get the same boot that I had loved so much so I looked at amazon and found them, and at a great price so I bought 3 more pair I just hope they keep making them the same way, there are no other boots that feel so comfortable right out of the box.

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Love the new Georgia work boots!

Georgia Boot Mens Wedge Work

I love these boots I happened to find them at a contractor store first, the first thing I was attracted to was how soft the leather was, then I tried them on and they felt great. I wear boots all the time and in the hot summer these are the lightest and coolest boots I have worn ever. when I went to get my second pair the store had raised the price by about $40 so I talked them down a little and got my second pair, then I looked at them on line and noticed they had made a change to the boot and looked like they had made them with only three lace holes and no hook at the top so I was worried that I would not be able to get the same boot that I had loved so much so I looked at amazon and found them, and at a great price so I bought 3 more pair I just hope they keep making them the same way, there are no other boots that feel so comfortable right out of the box.

Get your Georgia Boot Mens Wedge Work Now!

Most comfortable shoes ever

Dawgs Womens Working Comfort Olive

Serena Frome is an intellectual sort. A true lover of contemporary fiction as well as the classics, yet when she attends Cambridge she studies math at the insistence of her mother. This is a fail in many ways as it's definitely not her subject and because of it, she seems to find herself drawn to writer types which is how she ends up in an affair with a veteran of the British spy agency, MI5. Tony Canning is older and a skilled lover, which is an improvement over her orgasmically challenged ex-lover.

The days and nights spent with Tony are blissful as well as stimulating, but when he breaks it off abruptly, she chooses to focus on her career and ends up working for the MI5 as an entry-level spy assigned to a project called Sweet Tooth. The project involves secretly funding left-wing anticommunist writers and the first writer that she is assigned to work with, is Tom Haley. Haley, known primarily for his short stories is working on a novel. Serena, quite taken with his work agrees to meet with him and shortly thereafter, the two become lovers.

At first, Serena doesn't see the harm in the relationship. They enjoy each other's company and the weekends she spends with him mean quite a bit to her, but she doesn't see it as a permanent thing. However, as he begins to work on his novel, she finds herself more involved with the writing itself and in turn, begins to see a side to Tom that she has not seen before, that of a permanent figure within her life and this of course causes her great stress because if he were to find out that she actually worked for MI5 and has been secretly funding his project, there's no telling how he'd take the news.

I adored this book. It's a romance for sure, but McEwan's handling of these characters makes it so much more sophisticated than a traditional romance and then there is the added detail of espionage and the secrets that Serena must keep from Tom. The tension runs high for much of the book and I found myself flipping the pages eagerly to find out the outcome. But what I did not expect, was such a surprising, well-orchestrated ending! I can't say that it took me totally by surprise, but the way in which it was written sure did. Once I saw where McEwan was going with the ending, I put the book down and saved it for when I could read the ending straight through, uninterrupted. It's THAT kind of ending. You have to read it straight through to feel the impact of it.

If I were to compare this one to his other books, I'd say it was very similar in feel to On Chesil Beach. It's a very intimate look at a couple in love and all of their imperfections and insecurities are laid out for the reader. I really enjoyed it and now want to buy a hard copy to add to my McEwan collection. Readers who like to read about the writing process will also enjoy this book because there is a lot of writing and re-working of the novel that Tom is working on.

Get your Dawgs Womens Working Comfort Olive Now!

Not For Beginners

Sweet Tooth Novel Ian McEwan

Serena Frome is an intellectual sort. A true lover of contemporary fiction as well as the classics, yet when she attends Cambridge she studies math at the insistence of her mother. This is a fail in many ways as it's definitely not her subject and because of it, she seems to find herself drawn to writer types which is how she ends up in an affair with a veteran of the British spy agency, MI5. Tony Canning is older and a skilled lover, which is an improvement over her orgasmically challenged ex-lover.

The days and nights spent with Tony are blissful as well as stimulating, but when he breaks it off abruptly, she chooses to focus on her career and ends up working for the MI5 as an entry-level spy assigned to a project called Sweet Tooth. The project involves secretly funding left-wing anticommunist writers and the first writer that she is assigned to work with, is Tom Haley. Haley, known primarily for his short stories is working on a novel. Serena, quite taken with his work agrees to meet with him and shortly thereafter, the two become lovers.

At first, Serena doesn't see the harm in the relationship. They enjoy each other's company and the weekends she spends with him mean quite a bit to her, but she doesn't see it as a permanent thing. However, as he begins to work on his novel, she finds herself more involved with the writing itself and in turn, begins to see a side to Tom that she has not seen before, that of a permanent figure within her life and this of course causes her great stress because if he were to find out that she actually worked for MI5 and has been secretly funding his project, there's no telling how he'd take the news.

I adored this book. It's a romance for sure, but McEwan's handling of these characters makes it so much more sophisticated than a traditional romance and then there is the added detail of espionage and the secrets that Serena must keep from Tom. The tension runs high for much of the book and I found myself flipping the pages eagerly to find out the outcome. But what I did not expect, was such a surprising, well-orchestrated ending! I can't say that it took me totally by surprise, but the way in which it was written sure did. Once I saw where McEwan was going with the ending, I put the book down and saved it for when I could read the ending straight through, uninterrupted. It's THAT kind of ending. You have to read it straight through to feel the impact of it.

If I were to compare this one to his other books, I'd say it was very similar in feel to On Chesil Beach. It's a very intimate look at a couple in love and all of their imperfections and insecurities are laid out for the reader. I really enjoyed it and now want to buy a hard copy to add to my McEwan collection. Readers who like to read about the writing process will also enjoy this book because there is a lot of writing and re-working of the novel that Tom is working on.

Get your Sweet Tooth Novel Ian McEwan Now!

The details make this more satisfying than "Into Thin Air"

Everest Mountain without Mercy Imax

By A Customer

If you have a collection of books about Everest or mountain adventures in general, this book is a necessary addition. Being on the mountain at the same time of the disastrous 1996 climbs of Rob Hall's and Scott Fischer's expeditions adds extra interest to the book, and gives the reader still another perspective on that episode. But more valuable, the photographs (both related to the disaster, as well as of Everest and the surrounding countryside) give the reader a much better handle on what it looks like up there. They bring home, much more vividly, some of the risks and dangers that climbers undertake when they start that climb. A great book to read, and a great one to give as a gift for those you know who enjoy adventures or adventure reading such as this.

Get your Everest Mountain without Mercy Imax Now!

Works Great

Ice Bandana TM Grey Black

I agonized over choosing the right office chair for almost a month, and I finally settled on this one. I love the original Eames chair, but couldn't afford the nearly $2,000 price tag, so this was an affordable alternative. The high back gives great support and the tilt function offers nice relief when unlocked. I opted for the leather over vinyl because I didn't want it to look cheap. I'm guessing this is bonded leather because it looks a lot like vinyl (the description "genuine leather" is a bit of a stretch), but it's very matte and doesn't smell like vinyl, so it's fine by me. I was nervous about ordering from this seller because there weren't any customer reviews, but I'm glad I took the risk. The chair arrived in one week and in perfect condition. Overall, it's a great chair for the price.

Get your Ice Bandana TM Grey Black Now!

Note that this is made of plastic.....

Cadillac License Finish Cutout Plastic

I agonized over choosing the right office chair for almost a month, and I finally settled on this one. I love the original Eames chair, but couldn't afford the nearly $2,000 price tag, so this was an affordable alternative. The high back gives great support and the tilt function offers nice relief when unlocked. I opted for the leather over vinyl because I didn't want it to look cheap. I'm guessing this is bonded leather because it looks a lot like vinyl (the description "genuine leather" is a bit of a stretch), but it's very matte and doesn't smell like vinyl, so it's fine by me. I was nervous about ordering from this seller because there weren't any customer reviews, but I'm glad I took the risk. The chair arrived in one week and in perfect condition. Overall, it's a great chair for the price.

Get your Cadillac License Finish Cutout Plastic Now!

High Back Modern Office Chair

LexMod Ribbed Office Genuine Leather

I agonized over choosing the right office chair for almost a month, and I finally settled on this one. I love the original Eames chair, but couldn't afford the nearly $2,000 price tag, so this was an affordable alternative. The high back gives great support and the tilt function offers nice relief when unlocked. I opted for the leather over vinyl because I didn't want it to look cheap. I'm guessing this is bonded leather because it looks a lot like vinyl (the description "genuine leather" is a bit of a stretch), but it's very matte and doesn't smell like vinyl, so it's fine by me. I was nervous about ordering from this seller because there weren't any customer reviews, but I'm glad I took the risk. The chair arrived in one week and in perfect condition. Overall, it's a great chair for the price.

Get your LexMod Ribbed Office Genuine Leather Now!

Massive

Early American Wrought Iron volumes

I tested Intocircuit� Power Castle Series PC26000 26000mAh External Battery Pack with IBM T60p laptop, Nexus 7 Tablet (JellyBean 4.2.2), Samsung Galaxy 7.7 Tablet (ICS 4.0.4), and Samsung Galaxy Nexus cell phone (JellyBean 4.2.2).

I own several external battery packs. To test their performance I run the same set on tests on each of them so I can compare them to each other and to provide unbiased results as the numbers speak for the performance of each unit.

To test Intocircuit 26000mAh power pack I ran my standard 10 minute test for each of my 3 mobile devices. I also ran a set of tests to see how my laptop can operate on this external battery. My methodology for mobile devices is to charge each mobile device on each port of the unit for 10 minutes and measuring how much each unit was charge in that 10 minute period. Each line in the table below represents a separate 10 minute test.

In addition I ran a test to see how battery pack worked with my laptop. I charged both the laptop and the battery pack to 100% from AC source. Then I switched the laptop to charge from Intocircuit� Power Castle Battery Pack. The laptop remained at 100% running on external battery pack for 5 hours and 11 minutes. The load on the laptop was pretty light, it just ran a program which printed time into a file after a 30 second pause. The second laptop test was to start with the laptop discharged to 5% and the external battery back fully charged. I wanted to see how high can the battery pack charge the laptop battery before it fully discharged.

I am attaching a collage of 4 photos. You can locate this photo by following 'customer photos' link under the main photo.

Photo #1 shows the top of the unit which has an LED light which indicate the charge level. Alert: the documentation has a bug referring to the color of led lights as red, it says when the brick is full you will see "steady red led light". The led lights are always green, either blinking or steady.

Photo #2 shows the power brick on the digital scale, its weight is 1 pound 8.7 oz. The size of the power pack is 7.25" x 4.75" x 0.75".

This power pack has one USB outlet, one DC output socket (as charging source for the laptop), one DC input socket (to charge the brick). None of the ports are labelled.

This external battery comes with 10 adapters for laptop power port and 10 adapters for mobile devices.
Photo #3 shows my laptop power plug (in grey) and Intocircuit adapter that fits my laptop (in the background you can see the dizzying number of adapters that come with this battery pack). The external power battery can run at at 12V, 16V, and 19V. My laptop is rated as 20V, and I was successful in using the 19V setting for the laptop, and 12V setting for my mobile devices.

Photo #4, shows my laptop and Intocircuit� power pack during one of the tests.

I use Battery App by Elvison to determine how each device recognized the charging source. 'AC' status means the charging is at full charging rate. 'USB' status indicates charging at a lower charging rate. 'Discharging' status means that the charging rate is below the power that the device is consuming so it slows down the discharge rate but does not re-charge.

The key findings:
(1) Both Nexus phone and Nexus 7 tablet (both running Jelly Bean 4.21) charged at AC rate on both ports. The charging was on par with the best chargers.
(2) Samsung Galaxy 7.7 worked at AC level with a charging cable, and did not work (showed as discharging) with a data cable.
(3) The battery pack worked well with my laptop

The table below summarizes my findings:

Nexus 7 Tablet
--------------
AC rate.....2% charge increase

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Phone
--------------------------
AC rate.....5% charge increase

Samsung Galaxy Tablet 7.7
--------------------------
AC rate.........3% charge increase

Laptop tests
--------------------------
Test 1....Laptop charged from 5% to 69% in 1 hour (external battery pack went from 100% full to empty)

Test 2....The laptop remained at 100% running on external battery pack for 5 hours and 11 minutes.

I received this battery pack from the manufacture for an honest review be it positive or negative. Running the same set of test on all my external batteries allows me to provide an unbiased review. By comparing the results of the tests for this battery to the other external batteries I tested, this power pack earned a 5 star rating.

Ali Julia review

Get your Early American Wrought Iron volumes Now!

Powerful and pretty power bank

Intocircuit%C2%AE Multi Voltage Smartphone Thunderbolt connectors

I tested Intocircuit� Power Castle Series PC26000 26000mAh External Battery Pack with IBM T60p laptop, Nexus 7 Tablet (JellyBean 4.2.2), Samsung Galaxy 7.7 Tablet (ICS 4.0.4), and Samsung Galaxy Nexus cell phone (JellyBean 4.2.2).

I own several external battery packs. To test their performance I run the same set on tests on each of them so I can compare them to each other and to provide unbiased results as the numbers speak for the performance of each unit.

To test Intocircuit 26000mAh power pack I ran my standard 10 minute test for each of my 3 mobile devices. I also ran a set of tests to see how my laptop can operate on this external battery. My methodology for mobile devices is to charge each mobile device on each port of the unit for 10 minutes and measuring how much each unit was charge in that 10 minute period. Each line in the table below represents a separate 10 minute test.

In addition I ran a test to see how battery pack worked with my laptop. I charged both the laptop and the battery pack to 100% from AC source. Then I switched the laptop to charge from Intocircuit� Power Castle Battery Pack. The laptop remained at 100% running on external battery pack for 5 hours and 11 minutes. The load on the laptop was pretty light, it just ran a program which printed time into a file after a 30 second pause. The second laptop test was to start with the laptop discharged to 5% and the external battery back fully charged. I wanted to see how high can the battery pack charge the laptop battery before it fully discharged.

I am attaching a collage of 4 photos. You can locate this photo by following 'customer photos' link under the main photo.

Photo #1 shows the top of the unit which has an LED light which indicate the charge level. Alert: the documentation has a bug referring to the color of led lights as red, it says when the brick is full you will see "steady red led light". The led lights are always green, either blinking or steady.

Photo #2 shows the power brick on the digital scale, its weight is 1 pound 8.7 oz. The size of the power pack is 7.25" x 4.75" x 0.75".

This power pack has one USB outlet, one DC output socket (as charging source for the laptop), one DC input socket (to charge the brick). None of the ports are labelled.

This external battery comes with 10 adapters for laptop power port and 10 adapters for mobile devices.
Photo #3 shows my laptop power plug (in grey) and Intocircuit adapter that fits my laptop (in the background you can see the dizzying number of adapters that come with this battery pack). The external power battery can run at at 12V, 16V, and 19V. My laptop is rated as 20V, and I was successful in using the 19V setting for the laptop, and 12V setting for my mobile devices.

Photo #4, shows my laptop and Intocircuit� power pack during one of the tests.

I use Battery App by Elvison to determine how each device recognized the charging source. 'AC' status means the charging is at full charging rate. 'USB' status indicates charging at a lower charging rate. 'Discharging' status means that the charging rate is below the power that the device is consuming so it slows down the discharge rate but does not re-charge.

The key findings:
(1) Both Nexus phone and Nexus 7 tablet (both running Jelly Bean 4.21) charged at AC rate on both ports. The charging was on par with the best chargers.
(2) Samsung Galaxy 7.7 worked at AC level with a charging cable, and did not work (showed as discharging) with a data cable.
(3) The battery pack worked well with my laptop

The table below summarizes my findings:

Nexus 7 Tablet
--------------
AC rate.....2% charge increase

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Phone
--------------------------
AC rate.....5% charge increase

Samsung Galaxy Tablet 7.7
--------------------------
AC rate.........3% charge increase

Laptop tests
--------------------------
Test 1....Laptop charged from 5% to 69% in 1 hour (external battery pack went from 100% full to empty)

Test 2....The laptop remained at 100% running on external battery pack for 5 hours and 11 minutes.

I received this battery pack from the manufacture for an honest review be it positive or negative. Running the same set of test on all my external batteries allows me to provide an unbiased review. By comparing the results of the tests for this battery to the other external batteries I tested, this power pack earned a 5 star rating.

Ali Julia review

Get your Intocircuit%C2%AE Multi Voltage Smartphone Thunderbolt connectors Now!

Great Beginning

Cavern Black Ice Sword Shadows

A Cavern of Black Ice is the first novel in the Sword of Shadows series. This novel is set in the same world as The Book of the Word series, a few years later and further to the north of the four kingdoms. Bren is the only common point on the two maps.

In this novel, Penthero Iss, the surlord of Spire Vanis, has ambitious plans and his foster daughter, Asarhia March, is an integral part of them. Sixteen year ago, Ash had been found outside Vaingate within ten paces from the city wall by then Protector-General Iss. Since such foundlings were traditionally Protector's Trove, Iss brought her within his own household. Lately she has been troubled by bad dreams, even while awake.

Raif is the second son of Tem Sevrance. Raif has inherited an unusual talent: he can heart kill any living thing. Raif and his older brother Drey are hunting and contesting at archery when Raif feels a powerful shock that blurs his vision and spurts metallic-tasting saliva into his mouth. Fearing danger to those left behind in the camp, the two hurry back as fast as they can travel. Easing into the camp, they found none living and only twelve corpses, including the clan chief, Drago Blackhail, and their father Tem. The adopted son of the chief, Mace Blackhail, is missing.

Elsewhere, the Listener of the Ice Trappers dreams that the One with Reaching Arms has reached out to the darkness. Angus Lok is preparing for a supply run when a raven comes with a message that changes his plans. And deep under Spire Vanis lies the Bound One, suffering in the dark.

This novel begins a new quest in fulfillment of prophecies that the questers only discover little by little as they strive for unknown goals and are guided by hidden forces. Ash finds herself with powers that she doesn't understand and can't control. Raif discovers that he too has powers, but doesn't know how they are to be used.

This novel sets the stage, leaving much unexplained and introducing new factors at the very end. While this book is not as complex as Jordan's Wheel of Time series, it does have something of the same feel. The author writes vivid descriptions of some very bleak scenery and has a good touch with characterization. This series should be interesting.

Recommended for Jordan fans and anyone else who enjoys well plotted sword and sorcery adventures with strong characterization.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Get your Cavern Black Ice Sword Shadows Now!

What a great product for my Galaxy S3!

iOttie Windshield Dashboard Samsung BlackBerry

I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and it has an Incerion (spelling) case on it. My phone fits inside the holder with or without the case. I wish I had this for my incredible, I couldn't get a holder that would work with the case and had to go caseless...lots of dings on that phone. The elbows allow you to move it around how you want, just tighten them when you get it where you want, and it doesn't move. To anyone that is thinking of getting one and using a case, it looks like it isn't snapped into place when you have a case on it, but I heard the click and I have to push release to get it out of the holder. It also doesn't move if you jiggle it.

Tip that may seem odd at first, I have mine mounted on the windshield on the left of my steering wheel, rather than the center. I found that in the center, it blocks cars that are in the lane to the right and slightly ahead of me. In the left, it doesn't block anything and I can see it better, it's closer to me and I don't have to turn my head to the right like I do when it's centered.

Get your iOttie Windshield Dashboard Samsung BlackBerry Now!

Workhorse

Dremel 4000 3 34 120 Volt Variable

Two examples of why Dremel is still the unquestionable leader in mini-rotary tools:

I recently bought a 4000-3/34 and I wanted to use the chuck I had been using on my old 395 instead of the collets. It didn't fit through the hole in the nosepiece of the 4000, so I took off the nosepiece and enlarged the hole. I wasn't satisfied with the 'quick-and-dirty' job I had done, so I contacted Dremel in Palm Desert in order to buy a replacement nosepiece. Without any questions they told me they'd send it right out to me at no charge as warranty service. When it arrive it was, unfortunately, the wrong part. Well, that's happened to me before, with other companies' tools, so even though they had been good enough to provide it for free (and the tool was working fine as it was) I decided to try again. And again, they told me they'd send a replacement at no cost with no questions or reluctance. Within a few days I had the right part, and I did a better job enlarging the hole (I subsequently discovered that the chuck they're selling now will fit the stock nosepiece).

The reason I had bought the 4000 is that my venerable 395 had broken down and I needed to finish a job without delay. When I opened up the 395 I discovered that there was a "flexible link" between the motor and the output shaft, and it had stripped. It was a short piece of flexible plastic tubing with internal splines to engage the metal shafts at both ends, and it was shredded inside. Initially I thought this was a regrettable design flaw, but I realized that it's just the weak link to prevent the user from damaging more expensive parts by challenging the tool too hard. Anyway, when I went to order the part, the woman who answered knew immediately what I was referring to and was able to complete my order efficiently. She even pointed out that, with the cost of the part being so small compared to the shipping (which was minor as well), I might consider ordering a second one. She encouraged me to leave the second one in the sealed package to prevent it from weakening from oxidation, and it would be ready to install if I should ever need it. Considering how old my 395 is, I'm not worried about that being any time soon. The parts arrived in a couple of days, and my 395 is back in action. And, considering how nice an upgrade the 4000 is, I don't mind having been forced to become the owner of two Dremels.

Dremel tools are well-designed and well-built, as long as the user works within the limits of their appropriate use (these are not industrial die-grinders). Craftsmanship is more a matter of patience and care than brute force. But any tool will require service at some point, if it's used a lot over the years, and that's where a manufacturer shows what they're really all about. With the kind of service I've received, I'd say it's no wonder that no other manufacturer has made much of a dent in the mini-rotary tool market. Dremel makes good products in the first place, and they back them up well. I'll never even consider buying a Dremel-like tool from anyone else!

Get your Dremel 4000 3 34 120 Volt Variable Now!

Holding up in the OK weather.

Double Wheels Small Spinning Garden

I recently went back to taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM because of severe arthritic pain in my left knee that suddenly emerged. (I had stopped taking it about a year ago because of a major study that showed that Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MCM was not effective, but have since learned that this study was funded by Celebrex...anyway, that is another story.)
I had been taking another Glucosamine supplement for about two months, as well as using Penetrex as a topical anti-inflammatory and doing PT exercises. My knee pain had lessened substantially. However, when I shifted to the Osteo Bi-Flex, my knee pain pretty much completely vanished...within three days! At first, I couldn't figure out what could have caused the improvement, but the only change I had made was shifting to the Osteo Bi-Flex, so I have to think that it made a real difference and surprisingly quickly. I'm definitely going to continue taking this indefinitely to hang on to the cartilage I have left. My orthopedic specialist says that Glucosamine effects are the placebo effect, but I don't think so. (Maybe he is receiving gifts from Celebrex). However, if this is the placebo effect, I'm all for it...no pain and no side effects (that I know of).

Get your Double Wheels Small Spinning Garden Now!

Great, noticed fast results!

Slipstreamer Scoot Windshield Clear S SOOT50

I recently went back to taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM because of severe arthritic pain in my left knee that suddenly emerged. (I had stopped taking it about a year ago because of a major study that showed that Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MCM was not effective, but have since learned that this study was funded by Celebrex...anyway, that is another story.)
I had been taking another Glucosamine supplement for about two months, as well as using Penetrex as a topical anti-inflammatory and doing PT exercises. My knee pain had lessened substantially. However, when I shifted to the Osteo Bi-Flex, my knee pain pretty much completely vanished...within three days! At first, I couldn't figure out what could have caused the improvement, but the only change I had made was shifting to the Osteo Bi-Flex, so I have to think that it made a real difference and surprisingly quickly. I'm definitely going to continue taking this indefinitely to hang on to the cartilage I have left. My orthopedic specialist says that Glucosamine effects are the placebo effect, but I don't think so. (Maybe he is receiving gifts from Celebrex). However, if this is the placebo effect, I'm all for it...no pain and no side effects (that I know of).

Get your Slipstreamer Scoot Windshield Clear S SOOT50 Now!

Great, noticed fast results!

Osteo Bi Flex Triple Strength Caplets

I recently went back to taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM because of severe arthritic pain in my left knee that suddenly emerged. (I had stopped taking it about a year ago because of a major study that showed that Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MCM was not effective, but have since learned that this study was funded by Celebrex...anyway, that is another story.)
I had been taking another Glucosamine supplement for about two months, as well as using Penetrex as a topical anti-inflammatory and doing PT exercises. My knee pain had lessened substantially. However, when I shifted to the Osteo Bi-Flex, my knee pain pretty much completely vanished...within three days! At first, I couldn't figure out what could have caused the improvement, but the only change I had made was shifting to the Osteo Bi-Flex, so I have to think that it made a real difference and surprisingly quickly. I'm definitely going to continue taking this indefinitely to hang on to the cartilage I have left. My orthopedic specialist says that Glucosamine effects are the placebo effect, but I don't think so. (Maybe he is receiving gifts from Celebrex). However, if this is the placebo effect, I'm all for it...no pain and no side effects (that I know of).

Get your Osteo Bi Flex Triple Strength Caplets Now!

Gadsden "Don't Tread On Me" Nylon Flag

Gadsden Nylon Dont Tread Annin

If you're looking for a book with charm and a great atmosphere, I would definitely recommend The Guestbook. Everything from the island to the inn to the town and its people and food is lovingly rendered to really draw you in.

The story follows Lily, who has just left her cheating and controlling husband, as she tries to find herself on Madrona Island, where she has inherited a Bed and Breakfast from her grandmother. The cast of characters she meets there really draws her out of her shell, not to mention the tall, dark, and sensitive artist who lives next door (he's a much better deal than her last husband.) It's interesting to watch Lily's growth from an emotionally abusive relationship to becoming a strong, independent person in her own right. I think a lot of women can relate to Lily's struggles, from having to support herself, both financially and emotionally, to struggling with balancing a budding romantic relationship with her sense of individuality and strength, especially following a messy break up.

The characters are entertaining, the setting is engrossing, and the descriptions of food will leave you hungry for more.

Get your Gadsden Nylon Dont Tread Annin Now!

I love this book.

The Rain Stomper Addie Boswell

If you're looking for a book with charm and a great atmosphere, I would definitely recommend The Guestbook. Everything from the island to the inn to the town and its people and food is lovingly rendered to really draw you in.

The story follows Lily, who has just left her cheating and controlling husband, as she tries to find herself on Madrona Island, where she has inherited a Bed and Breakfast from her grandmother. The cast of characters she meets there really draws her out of her shell, not to mention the tall, dark, and sensitive artist who lives next door (he's a much better deal than her last husband.) It's interesting to watch Lily's growth from an emotionally abusive relationship to becoming a strong, independent person in her own right. I think a lot of women can relate to Lily's struggles, from having to support herself, both financially and emotionally, to struggling with balancing a budding romantic relationship with her sense of individuality and strength, especially following a messy break up.

The characters are entertaining, the setting is engrossing, and the descriptions of food will leave you hungry for more.

Get your The Rain Stomper Addie Boswell Now!

A romance plus scenery and recipes

Large Red Wonderful Pomegranate Seeds

If you're looking for a book with charm and a great atmosphere, I would definitely recommend The Guestbook. Everything from the island to the inn to the town and its people and food is lovingly rendered to really draw you in.

The story follows Lily, who has just left her cheating and controlling husband, as she tries to find herself on Madrona Island, where she has inherited a Bed and Breakfast from her grandmother. The cast of characters she meets there really draws her out of her shell, not to mention the tall, dark, and sensitive artist who lives next door (he's a much better deal than her last husband.) It's interesting to watch Lily's growth from an emotionally abusive relationship to becoming a strong, independent person in her own right. I think a lot of women can relate to Lily's struggles, from having to support herself, both financially and emotionally, to struggling with balancing a budding romantic relationship with her sense of individuality and strength, especially following a messy break up.

The characters are entertaining, the setting is engrossing, and the descriptions of food will leave you hungry for more.

Get your Large Red Wonderful Pomegranate Seeds Now!

A romance plus scenery and recipes

The Guestbook ebook

If you're looking for a book with charm and a great atmosphere, I would definitely recommend The Guestbook. Everything from the island to the inn to the town and its people and food is lovingly rendered to really draw you in.

The story follows Lily, who has just left her cheating and controlling husband, as she tries to find herself on Madrona Island, where she has inherited a Bed and Breakfast from her grandmother. The cast of characters she meets there really draws her out of her shell, not to mention the tall, dark, and sensitive artist who lives next door (he's a much better deal than her last husband.) It's interesting to watch Lily's growth from an emotionally abusive relationship to becoming a strong, independent person in her own right. I think a lot of women can relate to Lily's struggles, from having to support herself, both financially and emotionally, to struggling with balancing a budding romantic relationship with her sense of individuality and strength, especially following a messy break up.

The characters are entertaining, the setting is engrossing, and the descriptions of food will leave you hungry for more.

Get your The Guestbook ebook Now!

The only Hawaiian shirt I would wear

Raspberry GardeningProducts4Less Raspberries Strawberries Blackberry

Before purchasing, I read a bunch of reviews. Half of the reviews seemed in favor of this item, while the other half were strongly against. I decided to buy one and give it a shot, because I have already tried everything else, and they never worked either. My background...we live in Southern California- Orange County. Our house is at the top of a hill that has natural drainage running along our backyard. Being that we live in Orange County, we try and be outside a lot. Weather is perfect, I love to BBQ and we have an outdoor movie screen. Problem is these damn mosquitos. THEY LOVE ME and I hate them!!! I cant watch a movie with my kids because I am more concerned with killing every mosquito that touches me. I watch my legs and arms more than the movie. I wear jeans and long sleeves when it 80 outside because I dont want to get bit. In the dead of summer, I wrap myself in a sheet, and I swear I still get bit.
Prior to this trap thing, we owned a dozen citronella candles and I used Off. I also own a half dozen of those clip-on things. I never tried one of those propane tank traps.
Last week my wife and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. For months we planned our party, and unfortunately for me, the party was going to be held in our backyard, in spring time, at night and at the beginning of mosquito season. I was doomed and I knew it. A week before the party I purchased this BiteShield trap. Like I said before, I had nothing to lose, I was going to get bit anyway. I plugged it in one week before our party and the first night caught 4 or 5 mosquitos. I used it in the backyard for the first 3 nights and probably caught close to 20 mosquitos. Every morning I checked this thing and every morning I would yell for wife, "caught another 6!" For me, it was like a opening a pack of baseball cards and finding a Don Mattingly rookie card. I loved it!! On the 4th night I moved the trap to our front yard. Apparently that is where all the action is. On the first night, I swear, that thing trapped a dozen mosquitos. The next night another 10. By party time, I probably discarded 50 mosquitos. The night of the party, for extra caution, I lit 4 Citronella candles and that was it. I had the BiteShield in my front yard and 4 Citronella candles in my backyard. I never used Off or my clips. I just went for it. I PROMISE you, I did not get bit ONCE!!! You have no idea how excited I am to have my backyard back. We watch TV out there, sit in front of the fire pit, watch movies, hang out and talk. For one week now I am bite free. Ok, I did notice one this morning on my ankle area, but I can handle one. One is easy; I used to get 6 in thirty minutes, then I would say "F- this" and go inside for the rest of the night.
Bottom line, for me, it worked. I have only had it for 2 weeks. I never turn it off. I just let it run all day. I know that the motor will die one day soon, but for $120, I will gladly buy another one. I spend that much in all other things that stink and leave me covered in oil. This thing is AWESOME. I just checked it again and saw another dozen or so dead mosquitos. My neighbors are going to buy one also. They hate mosquitos almost more than me.
Give it a shot...I am more than glad that I did.

Get your Raspberry GardeningProducts4Less Raspberries Strawberries Blackberry Now!

The only Hawaiian shirt I would wear

POMEGRANATE Punica Granatum Fruit Seeds

Before purchasing, I read a bunch of reviews. Half of the reviews seemed in favor of this item, while the other half were strongly against. I decided to buy one and give it a shot, because I have already tried everything else, and they never worked either. My background...we live in Southern California- Orange County. Our house is at the top of a hill that has natural drainage running along our backyard. Being that we live in Orange County, we try and be outside a lot. Weather is perfect, I love to BBQ and we have an outdoor movie screen. Problem is these damn mosquitos. THEY LOVE ME and I hate them!!! I cant watch a movie with my kids because I am more concerned with killing every mosquito that touches me. I watch my legs and arms more than the movie. I wear jeans and long sleeves when it 80 outside because I dont want to get bit. In the dead of summer, I wrap myself in a sheet, and I swear I still get bit.
Prior to this trap thing, we owned a dozen citronella candles and I used Off. I also own a half dozen of those clip-on things. I never tried one of those propane tank traps.
Last week my wife and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. For months we planned our party, and unfortunately for me, the party was going to be held in our backyard, in spring time, at night and at the beginning of mosquito season. I was doomed and I knew it. A week before the party I purchased this BiteShield trap. Like I said before, I had nothing to lose, I was going to get bit anyway. I plugged it in one week before our party and the first night caught 4 or 5 mosquitos. I used it in the backyard for the first 3 nights and probably caught close to 20 mosquitos. Every morning I checked this thing and every morning I would yell for wife, "caught another 6!" For me, it was like a opening a pack of baseball cards and finding a Don Mattingly rookie card. I loved it!! On the 4th night I moved the trap to our front yard. Apparently that is where all the action is. On the first night, I swear, that thing trapped a dozen mosquitos. The next night another 10. By party time, I probably discarded 50 mosquitos. The night of the party, for extra caution, I lit 4 Citronella candles and that was it. I had the BiteShield in my front yard and 4 Citronella candles in my backyard. I never used Off or my clips. I just went for it. I PROMISE you, I did not get bit ONCE!!! You have no idea how excited I am to have my backyard back. We watch TV out there, sit in front of the fire pit, watch movies, hang out and talk. For one week now I am bite free. Ok, I did notice one this morning on my ankle area, but I can handle one. One is easy; I used to get 6 in thirty minutes, then I would say "F- this" and go inside for the rest of the night.
Bottom line, for me, it worked. I have only had it for 2 weeks. I never turn it off. I just let it run all day. I know that the motor will die one day soon, but for $120, I will gladly buy another one. I spend that much in all other things that stink and leave me covered in oil. This thing is AWESOME. I just checked it again and saw another dozen or so dead mosquitos. My neighbors are going to buy one also. They hate mosquitos almost more than me.
Give it a shot...I am more than glad that I did.

Get your POMEGRANATE Punica Granatum Fruit Seeds Now!

The only Hawaiian shirt I would wear

Tropical Season Hawaiian Aloha Shirt

Before purchasing, I read a bunch of reviews. Half of the reviews seemed in favor of this item, while the other half were strongly against. I decided to buy one and give it a shot, because I have already tried everything else, and they never worked either. My background...we live in Southern California- Orange County. Our house is at the top of a hill that has natural drainage running along our backyard. Being that we live in Orange County, we try and be outside a lot. Weather is perfect, I love to BBQ and we have an outdoor movie screen. Problem is these damn mosquitos. THEY LOVE ME and I hate them!!! I cant watch a movie with my kids because I am more concerned with killing every mosquito that touches me. I watch my legs and arms more than the movie. I wear jeans and long sleeves when it 80 outside because I dont want to get bit. In the dead of summer, I wrap myself in a sheet, and I swear I still get bit.
Prior to this trap thing, we owned a dozen citronella candles and I used Off. I also own a half dozen of those clip-on things. I never tried one of those propane tank traps.
Last week my wife and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. For months we planned our party, and unfortunately for me, the party was going to be held in our backyard, in spring time, at night and at the beginning of mosquito season. I was doomed and I knew it. A week before the party I purchased this BiteShield trap. Like I said before, I had nothing to lose, I was going to get bit anyway. I plugged it in one week before our party and the first night caught 4 or 5 mosquitos. I used it in the backyard for the first 3 nights and probably caught close to 20 mosquitos. Every morning I checked this thing and every morning I would yell for wife, "caught another 6!" For me, it was like a opening a pack of baseball cards and finding a Don Mattingly rookie card. I loved it!! On the 4th night I moved the trap to our front yard. Apparently that is where all the action is. On the first night, I swear, that thing trapped a dozen mosquitos. The next night another 10. By party time, I probably discarded 50 mosquitos. The night of the party, for extra caution, I lit 4 Citronella candles and that was it. I had the BiteShield in my front yard and 4 Citronella candles in my backyard. I never used Off or my clips. I just went for it. I PROMISE you, I did not get bit ONCE!!! You have no idea how excited I am to have my backyard back. We watch TV out there, sit in front of the fire pit, watch movies, hang out and talk. For one week now I am bite free. Ok, I did notice one this morning on my ankle area, but I can handle one. One is easy; I used to get 6 in thirty minutes, then I would say "F- this" and go inside for the rest of the night.
Bottom line, for me, it worked. I have only had it for 2 weeks. I never turn it off. I just let it run all day. I know that the motor will die one day soon, but for $120, I will gladly buy another one. I spend that much in all other things that stink and leave me covered in oil. This thing is AWESOME. I just checked it again and saw another dozen or so dead mosquitos. My neighbors are going to buy one also. They hate mosquitos almost more than me.
Give it a shot...I am more than glad that I did.

Get your Tropical Season Hawaiian Aloha Shirt Now!

skeptical at first...now I want a second

Biteshield Mosquito Trap Guardian Covers

Before purchasing, I read a bunch of reviews. Half of the reviews seemed in favor of this item, while the other half were strongly against. I decided to buy one and give it a shot, because I have already tried everything else, and they never worked either. My background...we live in Southern California- Orange County. Our house is at the top of a hill that has natural drainage running along our backyard. Being that we live in Orange County, we try and be outside a lot. Weather is perfect, I love to BBQ and we have an outdoor movie screen. Problem is these damn mosquitos. THEY LOVE ME and I hate them!!! I cant watch a movie with my kids because I am more concerned with killing every mosquito that touches me. I watch my legs and arms more than the movie. I wear jeans and long sleeves when it 80 outside because I dont want to get bit. In the dead of summer, I wrap myself in a sheet, and I swear I still get bit.
Prior to this trap thing, we owned a dozen citronella candles and I used Off. I also own a half dozen of those clip-on things. I never tried one of those propane tank traps.
Last week my wife and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. For months we planned our party, and unfortunately for me, the party was going to be held in our backyard, in spring time, at night and at the beginning of mosquito season. I was doomed and I knew it. A week before the party I purchased this BiteShield trap. Like I said before, I had nothing to lose, I was going to get bit anyway. I plugged it in one week before our party and the first night caught 4 or 5 mosquitos. I used it in the backyard for the first 3 nights and probably caught close to 20 mosquitos. Every morning I checked this thing and every morning I would yell for wife, "caught another 6!" For me, it was like a opening a pack of baseball cards and finding a Don Mattingly rookie card. I loved it!! On the 4th night I moved the trap to our front yard. Apparently that is where all the action is. On the first night, I swear, that thing trapped a dozen mosquitos. The next night another 10. By party time, I probably discarded 50 mosquitos. The night of the party, for extra caution, I lit 4 Citronella candles and that was it. I had the BiteShield in my front yard and 4 Citronella candles in my backyard. I never used Off or my clips. I just went for it. I PROMISE you, I did not get bit ONCE!!! You have no idea how excited I am to have my backyard back. We watch TV out there, sit in front of the fire pit, watch movies, hang out and talk. For one week now I am bite free. Ok, I did notice one this morning on my ankle area, but I can handle one. One is easy; I used to get 6 in thirty minutes, then I would say "F- this" and go inside for the rest of the night.
Bottom line, for me, it worked. I have only had it for 2 weeks. I never turn it off. I just let it run all day. I know that the motor will die one day soon, but for $120, I will gladly buy another one. I spend that much in all other things that stink and leave me covered in oil. This thing is AWESOME. I just checked it again and saw another dozen or so dead mosquitos. My neighbors are going to buy one also. They hate mosquitos almost more than me.
Give it a shot...I am more than glad that I did.

Get your Biteshield Mosquito Trap Guardian Covers Now!

Perfect Present & Better Than Anyone Could Imagine!

NewAir AI 100R 28 Pound Portable Icemaker

I bought this NewAir AI-100R portable Ice Maker in March 2011 as a birthday gift to my husband. He likes to drink an ice water or ice with juice all the time.
At the very first couple times of using that icemaker, I had to spill the newly made ice cylinders, because they smelled like plastic, but after that we did not have any problem with the taste of the ice. In 1 month after I bought the ices maker, we had some important family event and had to have a constant flow of the people in the apartment. For a week we had about 60-80 visiting people per day. For all that time my new Ice maker was working and making ice non-stop from 7:00 AM till 11:00 PM. I was really glad that I was able to make enough ice for all our visitors and was proud to demonstrate them my new ice maker. And I think that I saved so much money by making my own ice instead of buying it at the supermarket!
Ice maker was working fine every time I need some ice since I bought it (for 9 months already).
If you have guests, you just have to start making ice in advance and store fresh ice in the freezer. I use clean plastic bags to store fresh ice. If you are expecting a large group of people, it is better to start making ice a day before the event to store enough. Ice maker makes some noise, but it is mild and does not bother anyone.
The freshly made ice is wet, and it sticks to each other at the freezer. I have a habit to stir ice cubes in the plastic bag to separate them from each other after it was sitting in the freezer for 15-20 min.
At the hot summer time, when you start ice maker after it was off for certain amount of time, the 1st portion of the ice cylinders will be very wet, thin and flimsy and it is better to dump it back to the water tank. After that there is no problem.
Minor inconvenience is that even though machine has a red light on to indicate that there is no more water at the water tank, there are always some water left at the water tank. I always must spill out unused water. The removal of the water is done by the little pipe at the bottom of the ice maker that has covered by a metal cap (attached to the machine) and a little tiny plastic plug (unattached to anything and very easy to drop). If you will loose that tiny plug, then you will have a big problem. Better to be careful and do not drop and loose it.
We love our ice maker and its red color adds a cheerful atmosphere to my kitchen.

Get your NewAir AI 100R 28 Pound Portable Icemaker Now!