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Reviews

This library is very similar to the Sauder and Busch libraries on the market. The wood pattern lamination is paper thin so they must be used gently. The shelves are thick (7/8") although not actually 1" as advertised. When assembled the unit is a bit wobbly so if you are going to load it up with books or display objects you may want to add metal corner stiffners and substitute a piece of 1/8" finished plywood for the cardboard back. This will really stiffen the unit. The decorative molding is MDF (medium density fiber board). Plastic shelf pins hold the shelves in place but the adjustment holes are too few and too widely spaced. My 2 units arrived damaged due to less than adequate packaging and probably being roughly handled by the shipper. When packed they are very heavy and hard to handle. Unfortunately, it took South Shore a month to get me replacement pieces, but at least they did follow through with their guarantee. Without the shipping damage I would give them a B+ rating. But since they skimped on the packaging it only made for a long wait and a pile of pieces in my den for a month so they get a B- rating.

My husband and I have quite a few pieces of assemble-it-yourself furniture, and this is the most disappointing yet. The moldings (decorative pieces) that were supposed to go on the sides were too short, and you would have needed a power drill to get them attached at all, so we just left them off. The top molding piece we did get on, but it appeared that the screw holes were not pre-drilled. Also, this did not come with a safety piece to attach it to the wall (most other tall furniture does -- a necessity with a toddler around the house). By the time we had assembled the piece, it already had a couple palces where the paper "finish" didn't look right. With that said, it's sturdy enough and we braced it to the wall with a bracket bought from the local hardware store. It's easier to keep than return at this point, so we're keeping it. Just wish we'd bought a bookshelf from our local discount or hardware store for less. One more thing, the color is a little darker than I expect for "cherry" -- maybe it should be labeled antique cherry.

The bookcase was far better than expected for what I paid. The other reviews I read did say it was of good quality for the money. The other reviews hit the proverbial nail on the head with their pros and cons. The front sides don't match up, but I just put it in the middle and it was not noticeable. The biggest complaint is that there were no starter holes for the screws for the front sides and I must say that was difficult to get the sides lined up straight and screws in without the starter holes. The back is just heavy cardboard. With all that said, overall quality and price is good. However, if you are looking for a quality furniture bookcase, I do not recommend purchasing it online, since returning it is more difficult than it's worth.

This bookcase is SOLID! Every piece is heavy-duty and well engineered, and the finish is impressive, especially for something so reasonably priced. I would rate the difficulty of assembly at about upper medium, especially if you're an arthritic, gray-haired, old lady like me, and would advise having a power drill and power screwdriver on hand. Nevertheless, despite my age and infirmity, I managed to complete the assembly without power tools and without any assistance, so it can't be overly difficult. Like the other reviewer, I also noticed that the side moldings that frame the bookcase are slightly shorter than the space they are intended to fill, but I decided to split the difference and center them - interestingly enough, by doing this, the top and bottom gaps aren't noticeable. Have no idea what the reasoning behind that design decision could have been (expansion/contraction, or someone didn't get the spec-change notice?), but it does not detract from the finished product. There is a trough scored on the back side of the moldings which helps you line things up from top to bottom, but it is not sufficient to aid in getting the screws in by hand - would definitely be better to pre-drill some small starter holes yourself, and use a power screwdriver to insert the screws. All the hardware required for assembling the piece are included (nuts, bolts, washers, screws, shelf supports, backing board, nails, plastic nubs to fill recessed screw/bolt holes with self-stick stickers matching the finish to cover the nubs, etc.), as well as little self-stick squares to place under the base for leveling, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The packing was excellent, and everything arrived ahead of schedule and in perfect condition (a little surprising considering the large size of some of the pieces and the total weight). All in all, since the finished product is so sturdy, functional, and looks so much more expensive than what I paid, I have to give this product and vendor a 5-star rating for quality, value, and service.

The case is solid and easy to assemble, but the two pieces which "frame" the left and right of the front are not long enough to touch both the top and bottom of the case. You are left either leaving about half an inch on both ends (tough to eyeball that), or about an inch on either the top or bottom. To add to the frustration, there are no predrilled notches on those pieces, and you really have to crank in the screws when assembling.

Reviews

This mug is larger than I amticipated. The pic and the verbage are great and it is great for coco, coffee or simply a collector's piece.

The Mugs look wounderful, and the paint job is very nice looking as well.

Like the cup not sure of using it for coffee or just leavind as is

Reviews

you wanna hear america hear is or hear it was in all that made america before we all sold are souls to the effectives of a in effeective globe captilism. god bless you joe may you live forever and ever

I have read about Joe Bussard's passion for collecting old records and found his story fascinating, since all us "record nerds' can relate to him at one time or another. This is an excellent collection with original recordings from the 1920's and 30's featuring one of my favorites, The Weems String Band's Greenback Dollar from 1927, recorded on Columbia. How do I know this? Because Old Hat records provides us with dates, personnel, labels and stories about the artists along with excellent repro of the music. This one has 24 cuts featuring legends like Big Bill Broonzy, Gene Autry singing like Jimmie Rodgers, Banjo legend and showman Uncle Dave Macon and The Stripling Brothers' fantastic "The Lost Child", a fiddling romp. The Old Ark's A Moving by A.A. Gray and SevenFoot Dilly is one of those songs you can't get out of your head. Even weird jazz enters the mix with Luis Russell's 1929 record of "Call Of The Freaks" which sounds like you're drunk when you hear it. Lovers of early American roots music will treasure this fine collection. It really is a lot of fun, and if anyone makes fun or criticizes you for listening to this...they're stupid..and just ignore them.

After seeing " DESPERATE MAN BLUES " on TV; I found out about this CD & knew that I had to own it. Even though ( as I indicated in a prior review ) I am NOT a 78 rpm Collector; I do know that this CD really is a TREASURE TROVE of some extremely special records that are definitely worth listening to. Kudos to JOE BUSSARD for being the superb Collector that he so obviously is & for putting this incredible Collection together !!!......My only question is ( as other reviewers have also inquired )......JOE; HAVING SOME AWARENESS OF THE EXTENT OF YOUR COLLECTION.....WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO FOLLOW UP WITH ANOTHER CD LIKE THIS ?????

Sell your shoes cause your goin to heaven after you play this one! You can finally say you've heard it all. Top drawer assemblage of roots, blues, and just plain fun. Uncle Joe say it ain't so... give us another, PLEASE!

If you're interested in the history of US music, as I am, you'll find this a fine addition. Cleaned up as well as can be expected but still some hum & hiss...but not enough to be distracting.

Reviews

I preface this with the notion that I have an excellent 6.1 system that is seldom provided recorded material to totally dazzle a listener.Pounce on this for total enjoyment. Max Young Richmond VA

This recording made in 1987 showcases the talents of two men who defined the swinging world of another era of cool jazz. What is amazing is that it all seems so effortless, and anyone wanting a taste of what was the benchmark of of 40's and 50's jazz perfection should give this a listen.

When Mel Torme and George Shearing, friends who recorded together often, performed at the Paul Masson Mountain Winery in 1987, each was at his peak. Torme was then sixty-two years old, but he had never smoked (unusual in this industry), and his voice, mellower and more mature, was even better at sixty-two than it was at thirty-two. Shearing, at age sixty-eight, having signed with Concord Records in 1979, was enjoying a renaissance as a jazz pianist, making stunning recordings with Carmen McRae, Peggy Lee, and Mel Torme, among others. In this vibrant live performance, both Torme and Shearing are relaxed, more interested in communicating with the audience and each other than in special effects and pyrotechnics. This approach is epitomized in the final track, "Little Man You've Had a Busy Day," an unabashedly sentimental song which could not be farther from the typical wild, grand finale for live CDs--a song presented softly, quietly, and slowly. Intimacy is the watchword here, with Torme and Shearing concentrating on mood, atmosphere, and creative interpretation, rather than on showmanship. This is not to say that the CD lacks showmanship! "Out of this World" begins with a haunting piano solo by Shearing and gains power when Torme enters and sings in dissonance to the piano, more slowly than normal, lush in sound and totally controlled. Shearing solos on "Someday I'll find You," an unusual, funky track, cheerful and upbeat (and written, surprisingly, by Noel Coward)--and in "Anyone Can Whistle/A Tune for Humming," filled with subtle changes in melody and mood. Torme and Shearing engage in delightful, humorous banter in a medley of six songs in "New York, New York," in which Torme leads the audience to expect a Sinatra-style extravaganza through the familiar, repeating honky-tonk intro, then switches to "Me and My Gal," in the same tempo and key. With a wonderful balance of songs--slow, moody tracks alternating with upbeat, sprightly melodies--the CD is full of creative jazz interpretations and remarkably little scat. "Since I Fell For You," presented as a funky blues song, and the upbeat, syncopated "The Way You Look Tonight," one of the few songs with scat, are standouts. With Torme's beautiful sound and sensitive interpretations (reminiscent of his earlier recordings as a crooner, on CDs such as "The London Sessions"), this album is an intimate live performance in which two of the greats make some of their most beautiful music together, and do it in jazz. Mary Whipple

Reviews

Michael Bolton is in his element in tossing off this 2003 collection--a very short one, it must be said--of fine old bluesy-romantic pieces. Gone for the moment is the flamboyant wall of musicians that backs up his more anthemic rock and roll pieces. The music here is supplied by a diminutive assortment of soft-spoken instrumentalist. All that's missing is a smoky stage and a cover charge. It's enough to get a man to wondering about the possibilities that Bolton and, say, Diana Krall might team up on a similar collection in the future. Bolton, truth be told, needs the variety a second voice would bring to this style of intimate singing. His voice is distinctive, strong, assured, but not supple. The give-and-take of a duet would raise the bar here. Bolton always assembles the best available package to make the music that happens behind him. The result? A light, appealing, exceedingly short tribute to songs well written, long ago.

as they once said in the movie office space, "mb is a no talent azz clown".

I never thought I would own a Michael Bolton CD! I heard this one playing at a cocktail party while on vacation and I fell in love with the mix. This is a great CD to play while relaxing in your kitchen at home---cooking a great dinner for two. I highly recommend it...

This is one of the most romantic CD's I have ever heard. Bolton is in top form with this one. Perfect with a glass of wine, candles and the most important person in your life.

This was an okay album. Michael doesn't seem to put any emotion into the songs, almost like he was forced to do the record. I definitely wasn't feelin' it. As much as it hurts to say it, I can only squeeze 2 stars out of this one.

Reviews

Donald Maggin said in his biography of Getz: "Nature provided Stan Getz with abundant talents for music: perfect pitch, an uncanny feel for rhythmic nuance, great sight-reading skills, and a photographic memory. These attributes, however, were not what made him a great artist. The essence of his art was the ability to create fresh and beautiful melodies, to improvise; he was a giant of instantaneous composition...He made his conversations with his listeners particularly moving, because he added to his gift for melody a mastery of a wide range of sound--whispers, cries, shouts, purrs, wails. And he always projected his notes with a personal timbre, a poignant ache that penetrate to the listener's marrow." This volume 1 and volume 2 illustrate these thoughts by Maggin. Recommeded.

Reviews

Delivery was fine. I would have liked a more detailed description of the product.

What can I even begin to say about this DVD. I am really new to the world of silent cinema as it is but I'm loving it and this DVD in particular. To see with such clarity these wondrous films that are truly the birth of cinema is just amazing. The early shots of scenes from everyday life are interesting for their simplicity and look into life at the time (and it isn't so different sometimes which is even more amazing to see captured on film). The proper stories are fun as well though. The simplicity of films like The Great Train Robbery or The Policeman's Little Run while still being entertaining 100 years on is a testament to the power of good storytelling. I would highly recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest in movies before the advent of giant studios (and a must for aspiring film students I'm sure).

This dvd gives great examples of the first films -- many of the most famous and notable ones. There is no commentary and the music is not original. However, a good resource for film students.

Perhaps it's not fair for me to judge this collection. I'm looking at this DVD with an upscaling DVD player on a High Definition Video Projector on a huge screen, so I'm seeing many more transfer flaws than most people, and really that was my only complaint. I was specifically looking for a good copy of George Melie's Trip to the Moon, and I was certainly happy to also get copies of many famous and Historic films, such as the Lumiere' and Edison films, but I know there can be better transfers of these films. If you are looking at this collection on a standard HDTV or TV, you'll be fine, but if you are using a projector and a huge screen, like me, you'll want to try some other copies of these films. For instance, the new George Melie's collection from David Shepard is stunning in comparison. I'm talking about the quality of the Video Transfer it's self. These films are very old and I know it's hard to find good elements to use when they make DVD's, but I've seen much better transfers. I know it can be done.

My Husband and I really enjoyed this DVD. It is very interesting, and fun to watch, and too cool! It feels like you are going back 100 years, as it would have been at a mid day show at a small theater. Just great, highly recomended!!

Reviews

Not only did I never receive the product, the MLB Vintage World Series Films of the Yankees, the seller has never yet responded to my email query about its non-arrival.

Yes...THE BEST OF THE BEST ...what more needs to be said about the greatest sports franchise in sports history. All the great players , all the great plays from 1943-2000. Non believers and Yankee haters take note...buy, watch and enjoy these DVD'S...they are baseball history..they are baseball at it's finest...Joe D, The Mick, Yogi, Reggie, Jeter and a cast of other greats have made and will continue to make great baseball history for as long as baseball is played...It's to bad films from the other 10 New York Yankee World Series Wins do not exist...would love to have had those included....A GREAT BUY !!!!!!!

Whether you are a Yankee fan or not these videos contain rare footage of the Yankees 17 World Series wins from 1947 to 2000. You will see rare footage of Shibe Park, Ebbets Field, The Polo Grounds, Crosley Field, Original Milwaukee County Stadium, and of course, old Yankee Stadium before the renovations. These are complete highlights of each of the 17 Series wins. If you were to purchase these individually you would pay several hundred dollars. The quality is very good considering the age of the original broadcasts. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching these classic games from the past. They are a must for avid historical baseball fans who would like to add to their collection. The 1958 World Series on are broadcast in color.

Amazon had the best price and availability for this item. Shipping was fast and on time too! We are excited to watch it!

I am a huge fan of the New York Yankees. I remember watching every single inning of the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 but wasn't born for any of the prior ones. That's what makes this collection so great, I can relive the favorite moments I was around for and see for the first time the highlights that I wasn't around for. The four most recent championships are absolutely fantastic and I could watch them over and over. The earlier ones are great because you get to watch the Yankees win the world series but the presentation isn't as good. The narration is a little boring and the footage is a little grainy so it makes the older World Series a little less cinematic. Diehard Yankee fans like myself don't need that sort of thing because the footage and the games speak for themselves but a casual fan might find them boring. This is definitely a great gift idea, I probably would have asked for it had I not already purchased it for myself!

Reviews

Having been a Phillies fan since 1950, I enjoyed every second of this review of the games. Of course, we only won one of these events. But, seeing the Whiz Kids in action again was memorable for me. I had the good fortune to see them at Shibe Park, then Connie Mack Stadium as well as the Vet and eventually the Citizens Bank park. Considering I live in LA, that is pretty good, in my opinion. Worth the cost to see the highlights of these games. It is remarkable how close the games of the 1950 series were given the incredible roster the Yankees had. Of course, the highlight is the 1980 series with the Royals - Rose, Schmidt, Boone, "Lefty", and McGraw. WOW!! I can die knowing I saw my team win TWO World Series. Considering we have lost 10,000 games in our history, I will forget that and brag about the two BIG ONES. Get this DVD if you are as much of a fan as I am. Worth every penny!!

I bought this DVD for my husband's birthday, he is truly a Phillies Fan, born and raised in Philadelphia!! He never saw the older games and this was a nostalgic walk for him to take with his father. Definitely recommend!

This is a terrific DVD for Phillies fan, but my main reason for writing is to correct something Thomas Magnum said above. At the time he wrote his review, the Phillies had won 5 NL pennants (of course, the total is now 6 following their 2008 World Series championship), including 1915, which was not including on the DVD, most likely because there is little if any video footage. I understand this information does not really change his review, but it bothers me when someone writing something for (potentially) a large audience is so sloppy with the facts.

The label fooled me: these are not the games. These are truncated highlights. Additionally, Major League Baseball, in their typically obnoxious in-your-face ways, have inserted their large logo onto the top right of the screen. It is extremely annoying and makes for a constant distraction. The games float around while the logo remains still - sticks out like a sore thumb. The good thing is that it cements in your mind that the MLB monopoly is worthy of contempt.

The Phillies have been in existence for 123 years and have only made four World Series appearances, so this DVD is something of an anathema for a Phillie fans. It is both sweet and bittersweet as it celebrates their greatest successes, especially the 1980 championship, but also magnifies the futility of the team (the Marlins have been a team for only ten years yet have won one more title than the Phils). That being said, this is a fine encapsulation of the championship years. It would great if they would release a dvd of the complete 1980 World Series as it was a classic series and would a must own for any fan of the team.