Pennants and Pinstripes: The New York Yankees 1903-2002
by RayRobinson ChristopherJennison
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (28 March, 2002)
list price: $34.95 -- our price: $34.95
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Reviews (4)

A Fan's Delight
This is a wonderful book for all baseball fans. Whether you love the Yankees or hate them, you will be fascinated by the historical insights the writers deliver. Well written, with great photos, this book will provide hours and hours of pleasure. Perusing the book one comes across characters from thepast such as Jack Chesbro and Prince Hal Chase, and from more recent times, such as Yogi Berra, Dave Winfield, and Mickey Mantle who make baseball history come alive. Historical anecdotes about how the Yankees got their name and their pinstripes, the history of Yankee stadium, and controversial plays all make this book a delightful source of information for any baseball fan. A great gift!

Pennants and Pinstripes
For a sports team that has had more books written about it than any in history, it is admittedly getting more and more difficult to uncover new insights to the Yankees (except for perhaps the pre-1920 teams).So it isn't unfair to say that much of the info covered in this books has been said before. But there are many photos not previously seen--or at least photos that have had very little previous circulation.The book is a very handsome publication and it indeed another library must have for the Yankee fanatic.

Don't Judge This By Its Cover
The cover of this book is great.The contents are somewhat less so.This is an illustrated history with a heavy accent on "illustrated."Lots of pictures, many of them quite good, but many others are poorly reproduced and below what one would expect in such a book.The "history" portion of the book is superfiscial - if you've read many other books about the Yankees this isn't going to tell you anything you don't already know. I was hoping for a thorough history of the team, but this is mostly re-hash and seems to have been told from accounts in other books.Adequate for what it is, but not comprehensive and certainly not among the best books ever written about the Yankees. ... Read more

Isbn: 0670892149
Sales Rank: 460088
Subjects:  1. Baseball - Essays & Writings    2. Baseball - History    3. Baseball - Specific Teams    4. History    5. New York Yankees (Baseball tea    6. New York Yankees (Baseball team)    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. History / General   

Plácido Domingo - Verdi ~ The Tenor Arias
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 October, 2001)
list price: $67.98 -- our price: $67.98
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Editorial Review

There is only one word for this four-CD set: glorious. Released tocommemorate the 100th anniversary of Verdi's death, it presents arias from every one of his 28 operas, a comprehensive overview of his work. It is also a tribute to Placido Domingo, one of his foremost present-day interpreters. An extraordinarily versatile artist, Domingo is heard in selections from his signature roles, like Otello, Radames, and Don Carlo, taken from recordings made between the 1960s and the '90s. He's also heard in new recordings of arias from the earliest, unfamiliar operas he has not performed on stage, and alternate arias Verdi wrote for different versions of his operas. Thus, he sings I Lombardi in Italian, Jérusalem in French, and Don Carlo and I Vespri Siciliani in Italian and French.

There are also extended scenes with illustrious colleagues, including Leontyne Price, Katia Ricciarelli, Nicolai Ghiaurov, and Sergei Leiferkus, whose Iago is an exquisitely insidious villain. He is accompanied by the greatest orchestras and conductors. For the new recordings, his partners are Myung-Whun Chung and Valery Gergiev, whose Mariinsky Theater musicians contribute some beautiful string solos. The matchless beauty of Domingo's voice seems untouched by the years, and he can change and vary it to suit the musical and dramatic requirements. His top notes never lose their clarion ring, yet the final B-flat of "Celeste Aida" tapers off, as Verdi demands. Even more remarkable, he can create real characters. Even without the texts, the mood, emotion, and meaning always come through. In this incomparable treasure trove, all opera lovers will find their own favorites, and many new gems besides, all performed to utterperfection. --Edith Eisler ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (9)

Magnificent Achievement
This set is a recorded testimony to both Verdi's genius and Placido Domingo's versatility. Through 70's, 80's, and 90's, Domingo recorded with three major labels -- DG, RCA, and EMI. Out of these three, DG captured the most Verdi recordings, so it only was right for it to combine what they already had with newly recorded material, mostly early Verdi arias (Chung & Gergiev conducting), plus some licensed material (e.g. Giovanna D'Arco) from EMI.
What impresses right away is how little has the voice changed over the years. Yes, some freshness heard on Ingemisco is lost now, but there is much greater insight gained, as displayed in such heroic pieces as "O magnanima, e prima delle citt?? lombarde". Through numerous performances (Domingo has long ago broke Enrico Caruso's record for opening nights at the MET) and numerous recorded recitals, Domingo managed to keep the powerful, ringing spinto tenor mostly intact. What's most intriguing is HOW did he manage it. He did not pick and choose the roles (as Bergonzi, for instance), he sang Otello since the 70's, and recently has even recorded some of Wagner's extremely demanding roles (see EMI's catalog). Domingo's voice is not typical for an Italian tenor, e.g. he does not have the squillo (or the "ping") on top notes, but what's amazing is that it is able to produce bronze-like ring on all notes. During the mid-eighties, the voice had a fascinating baritonal quality; Domingo has even recorded Il Barbiere. On this CD, the selections with Guilini reflect that period the best.
Deutsche Grammophon chose to alternate the new-recorded material with old one. As a result, those who have been devoted fans of the tenor for, say fifteen-plus years, will notice some difference, but those relatively new to his art would not.
The set, albeit not a bargain, has many delights. In addition to featuring selections from out-of-print editions (e.g. Luisa Miller with Maazel) the newly recorded material is targeted at paying homage to early Verdi and his lesser-known works. For instance, "Ah, toi que j'ai ch??rie" from French version of I Vespri siciliani is a great aria, makes one wish for a complete opera to be recorded some time soon. The French selections in particular show how attentive Verdi was to highlighting the beauty of language with his music. This really explains why Italian translations done later did not fare as well as the originals, and vice versa.
The selections from complete operas impress with starry casts. We hear the voices of Price, Cappuccilli, Ghiaurov, Milnes, Jo, and most wonderful choruses. And most of world's greatest conductors are present here -- Karajan, Gergiev, Kleiber, Levine, Abbado, just to name a few. Each brings his own distinct style, some controversial, some debated, all exciting, but none simply conventional.
Many have noted Domingo's chameleon-like ability to "become" the character. I would just like to add a note that he is now added the ability to infuse his characters with subtle sensuality. Granted, a tenor aria is written to be appealing and engaging, but it takes a great artist to make it "glow."
We are indeed very lucky to share a time frame with Placido Domingo. For years to come, he will be the idol for aspiring singers and a source of wonder for the numerous fans of great vocal performances.

VOICE
What a voice and what a power.Here we have a combination of a beautiful music and a perfect voice.What else would you need to enjoy it.

superb, exhilarating, outstanding!!!!!
Pure,absolute satisfaction!That's the onlypossible feeling I could possible have after having listened and cherished this fabulous set of CD's. It is a tribute to this magnificent master of fine singing,as well as a monumental homage to the mythical Giuseppe Verdi!Placido Domingo is the perfect, harmonious combination of acting, passion and singing. He is always powerful and crystal clear in his high notes. Maestro Domingo knows every time where and when to adjust his divine voice in the appropriate tone and volume.He is never too loud(too forte!) or too low, and never croons. Although there are some trivial flaws as far as the sound quality of specific tracks is concerned e.g. the last high note from "O mio rimorso!", this CD-set is a real tresure and an excellent value for money for anyone who wishes to call oneself a "real VERDI - addict" as well as a fan of this glorious artist, a dramatic, a heroic,a lyric,a mature,a perfect singer. HAIL PLACIDO DOMINGO, TENOR OF THE TENORS! ... Read more

Asin: B00005OC0F

Basket Case
by CARL HIAASEN
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (02 January, 2002)
list price: $25.95
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Editorial Review

Take one dead rock & roll star, his Courtney Love-type widow, themysterious deaths of his former bandmates, and the lost tracks of a comebackalbum. Stir in Jack Tagger, a middle-aged investigative reporter obsessed withdeath since his banishment to the obit desk; a fetching young editor with a yenfor our hero; and a boss looking for a reason to fire him. Put them in the handsof a master like Carl Hiaasen, who adds his trademark flourishes (who else woulduse a frozen lizard as a weapon?) to a creaky plot like this one, and the resultis a winner. Florida is full of caper writers with journalistic credentials, andplenty of them have a deft hand with quirky characters, but no one in the genreis better than Hiaasen. --Jane Adams ... Read more

Reviews (143)

Audio version is a disappointment
I just couldn't finish Tape #1 of the audio version.Reader's performance reminds me of people who readthe mid-day Farm Report... disinterested, but enjoying the sound of their own voice.Hiassen's writing deserves much better.

A good introduction to Hiaasen...
This is the first book I've ever read by Carl Hiaasen, but it won't be the last.He is from the Elmore Leonard school of modern-day pulp fiction writers.His heroes are terribly ordinary and his villains are dumb with a capital "D."

The story concerns Jack Tagger - an obituary-writer at a local Florida newspaper.He used to be a real reporter until he publicly insulted the paper's new publisher, who is running it into the ground.One day, he notices that a "James Stomarti" has died and realizes that it is Jimmy Stoma, lead singer of a famous rock band.In writing his obituary, he interviews his young starlet wife and discovers that something strange is going on.

Like Leonard, Hiassen is a funny writer.What is fascinating about this book is the glimpse it provides into the real world of journalism.Since Hiaasen is a Pulitzer Prize-winner reporter himself, he should know what it is like.Like Be Cool, this is a black comedy filled with murderers and music industry professionals...and they're all the same people.

What's the big deal?
Maybe I got a dud, but after hearing so many people rave about Hiassen I read this ... picking it totally at random from his other titles. Anyway, the humor is not dark. It's sort of lame, much like the Stephanie Plum books. Just 'wacky' enough to not offend.
That said, this author is perfect to read while on a plane or beach. Nothing to think about, no characters to really care about. And, color me shocked, in "Basket Case" a 47-year-old man starts dating a 27-year- old woman. Please.
I will try another of Hiassen's books, hopefully the next one will have the "dark humor" with which other reviewers commend him.
... Read more

Isbn: 0375411070
Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Florida    5. Humorous    6. Journalists    7. Literary    8. Mystery & Detective - General    9. Mystery fiction    10. Obituaries    11. Popular American Fiction    12. Fiction / General   

Virtual Foreplay: Making Your Online Relationship a Real-Life Success
by Eve Eschner Hogan
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (09 June, 2001)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $11.16
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Reviews (8)

Love At First Click
Times have changed and so should online free personals. Some match making sites are re-inventing the free personal ads business using new technologies that are a breakthrough in the online dating singles market. I found this book to be current with this new trend. After reading it I developed the courage to place an ad at one of these single online dating sites found on the net, Love At First Click, otherwise known as loveatfirstclick.com. The book gave me the much needed skills to sort, search and find romance and excitement. The book and the effectiveness of loveatfirstclick.com will help you find a community featuring sincere and honest single individuals that are looking for other like-minded people that are quite eager in meeting their match in this fun world of online free personals. It helped me meet plenty of hot women. I'd recommmend this book, and Loveatfirstclick.com too!!

Virtuality and Introspection=Mutually Designed Relationships
Engineering has always required a great deal of thought. Intimacy engineering should, in theory, be no different. The too soon physical relationships of the past often preclude the possibility of introspection, assessment and evaluation that can come from remote relationships, aided by virtual contact confined to honest, intellectual and emotional exploration without investing enormous amounts of time and effort, or incurring levels of risk that are typical of spontaneous encounters commonly found in seductive settings. In theory, good planning is more likely to produce satisfying relationships by examining the facets of personality and intellectual interests, as well as cultural style and values that comprise the individuals before adding that extra impulse of physical love and affection that become the emotional habits that are difficult to break. Designer love configured to encompass all parts of a person are much preferable to sharing only a small piece typecast into the kinds of relationships that amount to the co-dependency coupling that seeks only superficial satisfaction. Ordinarily, only direct communication can accomplish the breath and depth of exploration to accomplish this, is not always possible or desirable in person, and may, at times, be more comfortable using letters or remote methods to achieve the same goals in addition to those typically used. Virtuality offers valuable additions to, rather than substitutions for, opportunities for self expression, a healthy benefit for relationships in context, and upon demand serving to fill the gaps that might not be able to be so easily filled otherwise. Such a conscientious use of technology can provide an alternative nexus for making beautiful and healthy relationships according to the needs of the parties, and designed by them to be an ideal mix of psychological, intellectual and emotional exploration of their unique personalities, the requisite for satisfying strong foundations.

For the Internet clueless primarily
Hogan's previous book with her spouse, Intellectual Foreplay, is reference in this book often.In fact, I suspect that readers would get the most from this book if they read the previous one.Virtual Foreplay is a very simple guidebook to the Internet and the various resources available to find a partner.Hogan clearly believes that face-to-face encounters are superior to online ones so if you were looking for a guide to getting cyberlaid this won't do the job.A word of caution: anything about the Internet or the Web can get outdated quickly in terms of addresses and sites so don't be surprised if you can't find the same sites she does.Overall the advice is very sound but the book is really for those with questions about dating, finding a partner, and learning the Internet.For anyone else, its not very useful. ... Read more

Isbn: 0897933303
Sales Rank: 409774
Subjects:  1. Computer network resources    2. Dating (Social customs)    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Human Sexuality    6. Internet    7. Internet - Web Site Directories    8. Interpersonal Relations    9. Love & Romance    10. Love / Sex / Marriage    11. Man-woman relationships    12. Online Services - General    13. Relationships   

Lonely Planet Tahiti & French Polynesia (Tahiti and French Polynesia, 5th ed)
by Tony Wheeler Jean-Bernard Carillet
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 2000)
list price: $17.99
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Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

If the magical islands of French Polynesia are on your itinerary, here is the perfect traveling companion. Its 29 maps highlight 4WD vehicle tracks, walking routes, and dive sites. The guide features a thorough history section, food section, accommodations for any budget, and useful Tahitian and French language sections. This book also includes all the archipelagos: the Societies, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Australs, and Gambiers--with extensive information in inter-island travel. The authors have personally tested all of the dive sites. --Kathryn True ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Good, but needed more
I've used many Lonely Planet (LP) guides and found this one to be lacking their usual detail. I got the sense much hotel information was pilfered from Web surfing the basic info, rather than first-person investigation. While still a good book to take, next time (and there will be a next time because Tahiti is wonderful) I'll be sure take another guide along with it, and to thoroughly read actual travelers' online reviews. I'll also know the questions I need to ask before booking. My sense was that the reviewers weren't seeing things through the fresh-eyes of a first time traveler. The details, such as directions accommodation features were often lacking.

One thing I've always liked about LP is that they will list small locally owned budget places - that are occasionally hidden gems - whereas many other guides only list "approved" chain-type accommodations. However, in this book key information about lodging was missing. For example, it's very uncommon to find window screens in Polynesia despite a lot of mosquitoes, yet it is not standard for the book to say if there are screens or mosquito netting at each location (sometimes there are neither). Screens would be a big selling point for me. In Lonely Planet's India guide - which I was quite happy with - they deliberately note whether hotels have air-conditioning or not; in this guide this rather important information (for the tropics) is randomly added. Sometimes we'd get there and they'd have AC and sometimes they wouldn't.A more specific example is a pension primarily described as "friendly" - which it was in spades - with no mention that there's one bathroom shared with 8 people and that doesn't have hot water. With what prices are in Tahiti, poor information is very costly. One "resort" (our over-water bungalow splurge) was merely described as "competitive with other luxury resorts." Come to find out it had bedbugs and no air-conditioning.

If level of detail can be evidenced by pages numbers, note that LP's Hawaii guide (five main islands) is 615 pages, while their Tahiti guide (50+ islands/atolls, with ten commonly traveled) is a only 287 pages.

Outdated!!!
I was expecting more from lonely planet but aside from the maps, the book is obsolete.It also reads like a text book, no passion, no flavor, very boring.The sections on each area are not very big at all....

Excellant Guide book
This book did a wonderful job of not only preparing us for the journey, but help us get around.We have now been there three times to three difference islands, and each time it preformed well. Although with all travel books they get out to date in a year or two, you should always call a head to verify critical information. ... Read more

Isbn: 0864427255
Subjects:  1. Australia & Oceania - General    2. Australia & Oceania - South Pacific    3. Australia/Oceania - South Pacific    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign   

Creative Advertising: Ideas and Techniques from the World's Best Campaigns
by Mario Pricken
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 May, 2002)
list price: $50.00
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Reviews (6)

cant believe this book is for $27.17
is the publisher of this book into social service?
what a class apart!!! w h a t a c l a s s a p a r t ! ! !

For the first time I smoked less while reading a book.

Thanks Mario and team for reducing my smoking

Glamourous to Look at --- A Pleasure to Read
This is a handsome book and one you'll want to display for visitors and others you want to impress. Oh, come on. You do want to impress people don't you?

But more importantly, this will be a book that you will refer to often when you need a concept, an idea.

If you are in advertising as a copywriter or artist or in most any capacity, this book will benefit you greatly. Oh you can read it in one or two days. But you will need it handy often. If you are like me, each new project brings a blank slate which must be filled. If you are lucky, you have gobs of ideas. But if you'relike most of us, you'll draw a blank. This book will help when faced with that awful blank.

If you are in advertising and depend on your ideas or the ideas of a team, buy this book. You won't be sorry.

Susanna K. Hutcheson
Creative Director
Powerwriting.com LLC

The Un-Textbook for Aspiring Creatives
For any of you preparing for careers as art directors or copywriters, this is a great resource. It's about application. It's about showcasing great work AND revealing the thinking strategies behind it. Kudos to Pricken for going this extra mile and helping to demystify the process. I plan to require the new paperback edition in the portfolio classes I teach. ... Read more

Isbn: 0500510741
Sales Rank: 264070
Subjects:  1. Advertising    2. Advertising & Promotion    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Commercial - Advertising    6. Commercial - General    7. Commercial art    8. Technique   

Zoo Tycoon
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (18 October, 2001)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Everybody likes the zoo. And why not? Casual walks, exotic animals, andfried foods are good fun. Managing a zoo of your very own is even better. ZooTycoon challenges you to build a zoo one path tile, one iron-reinforcedfence, and one animal at a time. Zoo Tycoon bears more than just a titlesimilarity to Roller Coaster Tycoon: it appears to be based on the samebasic game engine. Building pens and paths, decorating, locating buildings,managing your staff, even the way your patrons look and how you tweak pricingare all extremely similar to the fun and intuitive Roller Coaster Tycoon.The gameplay consists of a series of inventive scenarios--sometimes building azoo from scratch, other times taking over a failing or failed zoo and bringingit back from the brink.

Specifically, you've got to build pens and habitats with an eye toward the needsof each animal species. For example, putting bears in a savannah setting resultsin depressed, possibly sick, bears. You also have to tend to your human animalsby locating gift shops, restaurants, drink stands, and bathrooms. Then you'vegot to adopt animals and hire zookeepers to tend your creatures. All of thiscosts money, but cutting corners can result in irate customers and unhappyanimals. Unhappy animals bore people, and worse they make it difficult to adoptmore exotic and finicky creatures, like pandas. Happy and well-fed animals willcavort and play, making your guests very happy. And happy guests results in moremoney for you to improve your zoo.

It's a balancing act keeping all the animals, keepers, and little wanderingpeople happy, but the game is also a decorator sim. You've got to beautify yourpark, and it's easy to forget the specific scenario objectives and lose yourselfin building the ultimate zoo. If you tire of the objectives entirely, you candelete some of your fences and watch the animals run amok on your guests(sometimes, through negligence, they can break free on their own). Thecarnivores grab, pin, and fling your guests (no blood, and no killing here),which lowers your zoo rating and dissuades people from visiting for a while.Still, it's great fun to watch. --Bob Andrews

Pros:

• Plays like Roller Coaster Tycoon
• Addictive and fun

Cons:

• Plays, maybe, too much like Roller Coaster Tycoon
• Simple graphics

... Read more

Features

Reviews (278)

EVEN THE DEMO IS FIVE STAR
I downloaded the demo from microsoft and was amazed .Even though the demo gave you only four species of zoo animals ,I found myself hooked on the game and had to get the full version.Usually I play only fps games and had always found simulations ultra boring,but not so with Zoo Tycoon.It's a great game. I haven't tried the expansions and can't wait to eventually try them.I found myself playing the demo for hours.

build your dream zoo!!!
This game may not have the best graphics, but the scenarios and freeform games keep you busy. In scenarios you have different objectives to aclomplise. In freeform games, you have no boundaries (except money!) to hold you back. There are a total of 44 different species to choose from!!! There are also many awards you can get. The best award you can get-which I got not once but twice!- is best zoo in the country (even though I got it twice it is still hard to get!). One tip (in case you have money problems!) is to hold the shift+4 button (a.k.a $ button) and you get $10,000!!!

greatest game ever!!!!
I have the zoo tycoon complete collection--which is the best version, i think!!!! You have to select the building tool, then select a type of fence, and make your first exhibit. Bravo! Then, choose an animal. If you have the complete collection, you can choose marine animals, dinosaurs, or land animals. For dinosaurs you have to use a shock fence--if you don't want them to get out. For marine animals you need to use some sort of tank fence. And another thing. For marine animals that also go on land, you can combine the two and get a land--water exhibit. Choose an animal. Click on it, thenclick on..for dinosaurs: scientist's advice. For marine animals: marine specialist's advice. For land animals: Zookeeper's advice. Then follow the animal's red complaints first. Then follow the black ones. The red ones are the most urgent. Then try to shoo all of the complaints away by completing them. Then create another exhibit, and another and another...etc. Then create paths up to your exhibits for visitors, and buy attractions so your zoo will get more money. Zoo tycoon is REALLY fun, and you should DEFINATELY try it out! I do think that it's the greatest game ever!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah, and you also have to hire zoo staff, to clean up after the animals, and to feed them, and to train them for shows--marine animals. HAVE FUN WITH THIS!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005O1GO
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Action    3. Strategy (Strategic)    4. Simulations    5. World Building (Builders)   

Virtua Tennis
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (14 July, 2000)
list price: $39.99
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Editorial Review

Even if you're not fond of sports titles in general, the simplepick-up-and-play feel and speedy on-court action in VirtuaTennis make it a worthy addition to any game library. Sega did anexcellent job making sure even those unfamiliar with the rules andstrategy of tennis will be able to jump right into the game. With alittle practice you can pop lobs, perform an overhead smash, or evenreturn the ball with a through-the-legs trick shot.

Starting the game presents three game modes. Arcade mode is a directtranslation of the coin-operated arcade game in which you must defeatfive challengers in order to win a championship. Exhibition mode allowsyou to choose a player and then challenge any of the other availabletennis players in singles or doubles matches. World Circuit mode caststhe player as a tennis superstar, touring the world and competing forheaps of cash and worldwide rank.

If you're looking to play as one of the top tennis aces in the world,you're going to be disappointed. No Sampras, Agassi, or any othertennis giants are to be found. Rather, you're stuck with 16 smallernames including Jim Courier, Carlos Moyà, and YevgenyKafelnikov. Despite the recent boom in popularity, the women's tenniscircuit is unfortunately completely absent.

Sega's presentation and graphics are very well done and could almost bemistaken for a real televised match. Details such as the crowds, linejudges, and instant replays look stunning. It's a shame that VirtuaTennis doesn't feature the famous venues and tournaments of realtennis, but the game's imitation stadiums in England, New York, andFrance look close enough to be recognizable. The player graphics arefantastic. Each player displays plenty of detail in everything fromfacial expressions to sneaker logos. Both the TV-style overhead viewand the behind-the-shoulder viewpoints feature animation that's almostalways ultrasmooth and is guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to thescreen. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Amazing graphics
• Easy to play yet hard to master

Cons:

• You can play as real tennis players, but not as tennis superstars
• Strictly arcade--not particularly deep gameplay

Content advisory: No objectionable content ... Read more

Reviews (102)

Best Tennis Game Ever Created for Sega Dreamcast!
This is one of the best tennis games ever created for the Sega Dreamcast.

Graphics: 10/10- Game takes FULL advantage of Sega Dreamcast's Graphics

Gameplay: 10/10- It feels like you really are playing tennis.

Difficulty: VARIES- You can choose the difficulty level that suits you best by going to the options menu.

Overall- 10/10 - If you own a Dreamcast, this is a must-have.

doesn't workwith Windows XP
I ordered this game, but cannot make any comments about it because I haven't played it yet. Why? Because the damn thing doesn't function with Windows XP!I have tried everything, am an experienced computer user, have played other PC tennis games, but for some reason, it is not compatible with XP. If someone out there can give me some information on how to use this game with XP, I wish you would e-mail me at jrryns@syd.eastlink.ca...on the box it says that it IS compatible with XP, but I'll believe it when I see it ..... I would like to use it with Microsoft Sidewinder plug n play, but I can't even get out of the starting gate. If you are using this game with Windows, please send me as much detailed description of how to get it going as you can.....Jerlaw

intoxicating mix of speed, action and eye candy
Virtua Tennis is a pixel-perfect translation of the arcade hit. In addition, the game features a number extras designed for the port over to Dreamcast. The result is a very fun gaming experience.

Like Crazy Taxi, Virtua Tennis sports a number of extras in addition to the arcade port. Included in the Dreamcast version are: arcade mode, exhibition mode, and world circuit mode. World Circuit Mode is most challenging as you travel the world taking part in trial matches earning money and buying items such as equipment or doubles' partners. Your techniques are also sharpened in various training stages such as the pin crasher, where the bowling pins must be knocked down with serves.

Virtua Tennis is an intoxicating mix of speed, action and eye candy. Even if Sega had done a simple port of the arcade game, Virtua Tennis would have warranted a purchase. However, they have thrown in the extra modes to warrant a MUST buy. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SR5M
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Sega Dreamcast    3. Sports    4. Outdoors   

An Ideal Husband
Director: Oliver Parker
Average Customer Review:
DVD (18 February, 2000)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $15.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

For truly clever dialogue and a smartly structured plot, you can't go wrong with Oscar Wilde. Wilde's play An Ideal Husband is not his best known, but this film adaptation has all the wit you could ask for and a cast with the chops to deliver it: Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth, Oscar and Lucinda), Julianne Moore (Short Cuts, Boogie Nights), Minnie Driver (Grosse Pointe Blank, Big Night), Jeremy Northam (The Winslow Boy, Emma), and especially Rupert Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding, A Midsummer Night's Dream), who tosses off perfect epigrams with unflappable aplomb. The plot hinges on Northam, a member of Parliament (the British governing body, not the funk band) with a skeleton in his closet who is blackmailed into a shady business deal by a lady of mystery (Moore), who turns out to be a loathed school chum of the parliamentarian's wife (Blanchett). Everything is resolved happily, but not until after some devious twists of fate, several mistaken identities, lots of comic banter, and much social skewering. Wilde, who came to ruin when his homosexuality was brought to light, has a sharp eye for hypocrisy and the artificial poses demanded by society--but political commentary never gets in the way of a smart laugh. Visually sumptuous and briskly paced, An Ideal Husband will satisfy anyone looking for social satire or romantic comedy.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

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• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
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Reviews (79)

Delightful romantic comedy full of intrigue and betrayal
Member of Parliament Lord Robert Chiltern is blackmailed by the wicked Mrs. Cheverly, with a secret from his youth, leading to a crisis in his life, and in his marriage to the virtuous Lady Chiltern. It is up to his friend, the delightfully foppish Lord Goring to help extricate him. All is well that ends well, but not after much interplay and intrigue.
This adaptation of the play by Oscar Wilde is beautifully done. It is not a production of the wilde play itself and departs from the play itself in various parts. but it is donbe fabulously so that unless you are VERY familiar with the original work by Wilde , you cannot see where this is done. The dialogue is brilliant throughout as is the setting , and the casting is fabulous.

A nonchalant Rupert Everett as the cynical dandy Lord Goring , Julianne Moore seems as if she was typecast for the villainous Mrs Chevely , Jeremy Northam , Cate Blanchett and minnie Driver all prefect for their parts and providing never a dull moment in this delightful romantic comedy full of intrigue and betrayal.

Good laugh!
I love this adaptation and so do my students everytime I recomend it to them after discussing the play. I only miss one part,
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it's the affair of the missing brooch. Besides this, Everett is the kind of bon vivant we all love and his character is my view of an ideal husband.

Elegant fun
I actually enjoyed this more on DVD than on its original release in the theatre. The making of featurette is watchable without giving away too much of the plot, although you might want to save it until afterwards.

The cast is highly watchable and all well up to their jobs. The only exception I might make is Minnie Driver. Although I like her, I couldn't help but feel she was miscast in what was meant to be an alternate take on the classic ingenue part.It didn't help that there was little chemistry between her and Lord Goring. Or that her strong red and black costumes emphasized the modern, while everyone else was dressed in standard period clothing and colors. This is a fairly minor quibble, though.

I enjoyed Rupert Everett as the well-born, razor tongued society wastrel...clearly a stand-in for Wilde himself. Julianne Moore is stunning as the predator who sets everything in motion. And Cate Blanchett and Jeremy Northam were of course wonderful as the perfect couple. I could have used a few more scenes showing both them and their marriage, instead of just having to accept what everyone says about their happiness.Jeremy Northam was excellently cast. He is absolutely believable as the kind of man you can still believe is honest and good, even when he's caught cheating. That's important. The story doesn't really work unless you believe he is a good man.

As for the "question of nudity" discussed by an earlier reviewer: I watched the opening scene closely to see if what he posted was true. Is the woman leaving Lord Goring's bed really Gertrude (Blanchett)? I don't think so. The woman's hair is curly, yes, but it is bright red. Blanchett's hair in this is a medium blonde. It seems more likely to be Julianne Moore's scheming character than Gertrude. ... Read more

Asin: 6305692696
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Opera News
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Reviews (11)

Opera for the Masses, Polished and Informative
I have only recently become an opera enthusiast partially because I realized I needed to be old enough to appreciate it and also because of my intimidation of those who are quite knowledgeable about it. That's why I heartily endorse a subscription to "Opera News", which I find to be by far, the most reader-friendly of magazines dedicated to opera and classical music. It is probably not as comprehensive as others are, but it makes for educational and entertaining reading at a level that would make sense to anyone interested in learning more about opera. Published monthly by the Metropolitan Opera Guild, it naturally places primary focus on the Met's performances, but it also does an excellent job in covering performances at venues around the world. The layout and graphic quality are as polished as any popular entertainment publication.

The feature articles are consistently informative and well-written, especially in their efforts to broaden perspectives on opera relative to other performing arts (e.g., Broadway, early movie musicals) and spotlighting historic performances. Generally showcased as the cover stories, there are in-depth profiles of the leading performers - rising, established and legendary. There is also a comprehensive section devoted to reviews of recordings and performances available on CD and DVD, which I find very helpful in prioritizing my own purchase decisions. In fact, I was lucky enough to travel to New York last month to see the wondrous Stephen Wadsworth production of Handel's "Rodelinda" at the Met, and the December 2004 issue (with star countertenor David Daniels on the cover) gave me all the information I could use to heighten my anticipation of that superb performance. If you are a long-time opera aficionado or a neophyte like myself, it would be difficult to find a more worthwhile publication on the newsstands. Also worth noting is the accompanying Web site (www.operanews.com) that includes online exclusives of particular reviews, easy access to archived issues and daily news updates in the opera world.

A Superb, Quality Magazine on Every Level!
OPERA NEWS had been around for a long time.It used to be the vehicle to reference for casts of upcoming Saturday radio Live from Texaco! performances of operas at the Met and in those days the paper quality was a bit cheap and the articles spare. Readers were still given the operas with casts and dates throughout the US.Now the magazine has a rich luster to add to its visual appeal.The production qualities have improved considerably, but more important, the writing has become world class.There are biographies of both past and present Opera Stars along with informed articles on historical aspects of opera - composers, opera houses, and musical styles.The reviews of new recordings both on CD and on DVD of full operas and recitals are highly recommended to those in a quandary as to which recording of which opera they should purchase.The color photography of sets, opera in performance not only at the Metropolitan Opera (the featured house, of course) but also at the innovative houses here and abroad, is first rate.Well worth the relatively low price for a subscription and a 'must read' for operaphiles around the globe.

really good read&Detail
I enjoy finding out&Hearing about New Opera talent through out the World&this Magazine gives me the 411.I've discovered&Heard quite a few talents Throughout the World.also read on CD's&things,this is a Very Helpful Magazine. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7XO
Sales Rank: 344
Subjects:  1. Entertainment    2. Music