DVD Rental Reviews

Although the world of cinema has taken a beating with the advent of videos, DVDs have made a profound impact on theaters. DVD movies and games have high picture quality. People who own DVD players find little difference when watching a movie in the comfort of their home. Also, the cost is much lower compared to watching a movie in a theater.

Since DVDs are quite costly, many people prefer to rent them. Rental prices are low and rental stores offer a wide variety to choose from. Online rental stores provide further temptation by announcing unlimited downloads for the price of a couple of new DVDs.

There are a number of websites online that provide DVDs. However, a few are considered the best by public opinion based on the service or quality of DVDs or for providing a value for money used for registration. Unlimited movie rentals, free shipping and pickup, trailers of movies yet to be released, recently released movies, membership trials and flexible plans are some of the most popular bonuses provided to customers.

Studies indicate that people who wish to rent movies online do not have a lot of time to invest in searching all the available titles. To search for a particular movie, simply place the title in a search window, and it will quickly be found. Some websites place movies under specific genres for faster access.

Although all the websites have FAQ pages to deal with customer queries, some also provide the option of e-mail, chat or phone assistance for further information. However, these options are usually for members already registered.

Many people also rate the website based on the number of days it takes to deliver the DVD once the order is placed. There are a couple of websites that take pride in delivering the product within a day.

Since a number of websites provide rentals online, it pays to shop around. Not all websites provide the same benefits to customers. It is important to go through all the options offered before committing to one website. A trial can also be beneficial before picking a website that best suits your needs.

"Perfect Game, Imperfect Lives" by Albert A. Bell, Jr.: Book Review

Perfect Game, Imperfect Lives: A Memoir Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Don Larsen's Perfect Game by Albert A. Bell, Jr. Ingalls Publishing Group, Inc. (2006) ISBN 1932158413 Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (8/06)

When you think American sports, you automatically think baseball. As much a part of American History as the Civil War, the Declaration of Independence or the Boston Tea Party, baseball will always be known as America's past time. For centuries the American people have loved and followed this age-old sport. Even the non-sports enthusiasts can tell you who Babe Ruth was or Mickey Mantle. While not everyone can give verbal records and history, most can tell you the memorable names related to this favorite game that has become known as America's favorite.

Fifty years ago another piece of history played out before a generation that was experiencing more than most others have ever experienced. The 1950's brought television, rock and roll and the Cold War into the history books but along with those memorable moments there was history in the making happening as millions watched on. Don Larsen did something that no one before him had one and no one since has accomplished. He pitched a perfect game during the 1956 World Series.

This beautiful memoir of the moment made in history is written like no other memoir I've ever seen. Unlike most people, author Albert Bell decided to approach this memorable event by not only telling the story of the perfect game but the story of life around it. The details of where he was when it happened. The details of what was happening all around him. The perfect game from the eyes of a kid growing up in an age that was far from perfect, but considered some of the best of times. Bell points out the imperfections of the time with everything from the Cold War to racial tensions happening all around him. He discusses how baseball affected his life and how he managed trials and tribulations of a typical young man. Growing up in a world of confusion and newness all around him he cites baseball and in particular his favorite New York Yankees as the way he saw a reprieve from the stresses of moving and being confronted with a country of turmoil.

Never before have I read a tribute to an event so meaningful to the real people, the children of America, the generation of the 50's. Never before has anyone so easily told you the story behind the story and made you feel as if you were there. The special moments that surrounded this monumental moment in sports history are brought to life with a creative technique that is unlike any other typical memoir I've seen. A wonderful read for the sports lover and the historian alike as there's a touch of both throughout the story. Never bogged down with too many facts or numbers, "Perfect Game, Imperfect Lives" is filled with tons of wonderful quotes and recollections by many others who also experienced the moment that will be forever remembered.

You don't have to be a Yankees fan to enjoy this memoir, simply a real person that enjoys a wonderful memory and is even a little intrigued with America's favorite past. This moment in history should be enjoyed by all.

Common Woes When Buying Consumer Electronics

Never has there been a time like the present, where the consumer electronics department is filled with rivalry and advancement. Consumers are faced with many tough decisions when buying products for audio, video, communications, and other electronics fields.

Buying with Fear

The tough decisions for electronics consumers usually have to do with formats. A shopper decides to by a new DVD player, but is faced with several formats that are competing. These formats affect everything else, from the type of television the consumer buys to the types of movie DVDs they buy. If one format outweighs the other in consumer demand, that format will be preferred in all related products. Therefore, if the consumer chooses the format that "loses out," they're just out of luck!

Another example from the video electronics industry is formatting for televisions. There is HDTV, SDTV and Blu-Ray. Other formats are sure to pop up eventually. Buying an HDTV also means buying a new DVD player with HDTV compatibility.

When to Buy

Consumers can avoid format wars somewhat by waiting a while before making a purchase. They don't have to rush out and buy the latest audio or video product. There's no need to buy the brand new cell phone with all latest features. Music equipment can usually wait as well.

If consumers can wait a little while before buying, the best format will be revealed by consumer demand and the number of related products that will support that particular format. If an electronics product is released in fall, consumers can wait until the following spring before buying. When waiting is not possible, research can help. The Web offers a wealth of information on just about any product.

Product Updates

Another woe of buying consumer electronics is the tendency of companies to continue releasing updated versions of their products. For instance, video games and consoles almost always have a Part 2 and Part 3. Parents end up buying a new console every holiday or birthday. And, of course, they must buy new games and accessories to go along.

Electronics Online

The great thing about electronics today is they are readily available online for consumers to shop and compare 24 hours a day. There are many sites that specialize in electronics, so consumers can find products easily. Some sites carry video and audio products, music equipment, communications products such as cell phones, and more all in one central Web location. Web shoppers can browse electronics by category and take their time to compare. It's great to shop without pressure.

Buying electronics doesn't have to be stressful. Thorough research can lead to smart purchases.

What is the Difference Between ADHD and ADD

What's the Difference Between ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?

When you look at the last couple of years many different terms for infants, adolescents and adults with ADHD have been introduced. They were mainly influenced by American descriptions of the classification system DSM-IV:

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the term utilized in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or even without hyperactivity is the older term from the DSM-IIIR. So in a select number older literature you will find this term as a synonym for ADHD.

The difference between ADD and ADHD, in short, is basically nothing. However, I'm sure you desire to get an even more detailed explanation. This will be elaborated further.

Again, the new Diagnostic criteria is ADHD but there is still some referral to ADD. So no need to be confused. They are now all referred to as ADHD even if there is no hyperactivity for that particular patient.

While the differences are not substantial, there are different varieties of ADHD just as there are different varieties of cancer.

A select number professionals however use the term "ADD" although it is the equivalent as if they used the term "ADHD." To sum it up, ADD technically is ADHD and vice versa.

There are 2 main categories of ADHD: Inattentive and Hyperactive. Both are considered ADHD. If someone is diagnosed with ADD it's the equivalent of "ADHD: Predominately Inattentive." Predominately inattentive means that the hyper-active elements of ADHD aren't as relevant, however not entirely excluded with that individual.

The Inattention Symptoms of ADHD

An individual with ADHD will do any or even all of these things that display a lack of attention chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:

* Loses things

* Seems not to listen

* Has difficulty keeping attention on something

* Avoids tasks requiring focus for any sustained amount of time

* Gets simply distracted

* Is incredibly un-organized

* Has problems following instructions

* Short-term forgetfulness

* Makes careless mistakes

The HyperActive Symptoms of ADHD

A individual with ADHD can do any or even all of these things that display Hyperactivity, chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:

* Interrupts constantly

* Talks too much

* Can't stay still or even fidgets

* Has problems with sitting quietly and doing activities

* Difficulty waiting in line or even taking turns

* Incredibly impatient

* Runs around excessively

This should clear up the different between ADHD and ADD. The terms are now the same, except using ADHD now there are inattention and hyperactive terms used or not used to describe ADHD patients.

Home Theater Accessories - What Shouldn't I Miss?

Accessories that go with the latest home theater equipment offer additional aesthetic enjoyment for the consumers. Not only are they functional, but they are also fun with multi decor designs to enhance this new form of home entertainment. With assorted electronic components for mimicking the movie theaters, the world is now open to cinema settings in our own home. If a new home has been recently purchased or is in the making, there should be a fun room designed for the home theater and its accessories.

In today's world, there are plenty of options available with products that are nothing short of perfect for home use, such as the new surround sound speakers similar to the standard movie theater's three speaker system: one to the right; one to the left; and one in the center - with the rest spread throughout the theater OR the entertainment room at home. No matter what type of system that goes into the homes, by all means have every accessory available to make it the perfect way to play and have fun. A home theater is a great choice to consider for a complete family playground.

The sounds of a movie at a downtown theater or at a drive-in theater is the main reason most people go, instead of simply renting a tape and staying home - even though many do just that. But for the others, added accessories for the home theater system makes staying at home similar to sitting in a movie theater. First, there is function to think about - a home theater system may actually need to be upgraded with additional speakers or receivers, depending on a specific need. These accessories are available quite easily from the manufacturer of a recently purchased home theater system. By adding on new accessories, some may be more for comfort than for the actual system itself.

For example, add-on features such as DVR burning technologies that will allow you to burn a video of your favorite television show. Or, you may be looking for the new, latest technology of software available. There are plenty of accessories that you can consider for your home theater.

If there is consideration for a home theater set-up that is all encompassing, then look away from the electronics and into the wide range of comfortable chairs, home theater loungers with vibrating speakers, popcorn machines, movie theater decor, and sofas that you can purchase.

Home theater chairs can be purchased in a theater style look or spend every days in the theater's leather, massaging recliners that are also available. There are plenty of options to look at and choose in accessories, with most of them right here on the web.

Gaming Communities as a Simulation Tool to Fight Piracy on the High Seas

With all the 10s of millions of Americans playing online war games in gaming communities, it seems there is a tremendous amount of brain power being expended each and every day. These humans are learning to adapt, fight, strategize, and make decisions on the fly - with one goal in mind; to win, and, winning means scoring the most points, eliminating the most enemies, and surviving to fight another day, which does indeed sound a lot like the real thing - that is to say; war in the real world.

Training the military strike teams using simulation works and is a wise use of such technology. From logistical work to the tip of the sword simulation and online community gaming should be tapped to do this training. That makes sense right? Sure it does it makes sense on so many levels, and thus, I am pleased to say that it's now being done.

In fact, there was a very interesting article published not too long ago in Homeland Security News titled "New Anti-Piracy Tool: 1,000-Participant Internet Wargame" published on May 10, 2011" which stated; "The U.S. Navy is recruiting a community of more than 1,000 players from across the U.S. government to collaborate on solving real-world problems facing the U.S. Navy: high-seas piracy; the participants will be asked to suggest ways to combating piracy off the coast of Somalia."

In discussing this concept with a fellow think tanker, Troy Laclaire, we had considered who the participants are scheduled to be, and perhaps which groups were excluded, why, and even why they should have been included in this Massive Multiplayer Online War Game Leveraging the Internet or MMOWGLI. As you may well know, Troy is an expert on online gaming communities. Troy said he believed the idea was interesting yet also noted;

They will be pulling players from "academia, defense, and government and nongovernment organizations". Perhaps they need to setup such a system and allow for the average person to try it out. [This was they might] increase the talent pool, and perhaps get more solutions, [Also,] since they do say "nongovernment organizations" however, they should specify the type.

Troy has also suggested that perhaps these gaming simulations should be played by both gamers and non-gamers. And those expert gaming folks may indeed be able to add value to this strategy and come up with an array of realistic solutions as well. All great suggestions indeed and so, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

A new look to the old institution of banking

When one looks back to the origins of banking and compares it to modern times. You'll have realized how far we have come. Some of the changes and innovations have been for the better and others for the worse. I doubt that the ancient Mesopotamians ever envisioned such things as credit cards being "everywhere you want them to be". The stock market and the idea of the corporation as we have come to know it and loathe it, in some cases, would have probably also baffled the scholars of times past. We have gone from biblical stories of throwing the money changers out of the temple to welcoming them into our homes through the mailbox, computer, and television; with their promises to finance our future stability ringing loud and clear.

The origins of banking first lied with securing commodities that were seen as valuable and that could be used as payments for debts or taxes levied. Back then this commodity was grain and huge grain banks came into existence. Once the grain was secured, exchange would then take place by the issuing of receipts when transfers took place. Grain and other commodities were considered to be what we now think of as money which would come to take on different forms and meanings and evolve over time from society to society.

The Greek and Romans of the fourth century BC appeared to have shifted banking into high gear with their use of loans and currency exchange. Moneylenders would accept payment in one city and turn it into credit within another. This allowed people to not have to transport large amounts of coins back and forth. Of course back then as the use of loans and debt increased so did the backlash from the Christian Church which was against the charging of interest. After the fall of the Roman Empire this view gained more of a following which resulted in a cease in the practice of usury. After this ban took place these lending practices were taken up by people from other ethnic backgrounds which still allowed it to continue, thrive, and have an important function.

Am I espousing a point of view in which lending and charging interest is something bad? Hardly. Actually I think all of the innovations in banking, finance, and investing have moved us forward and have their places. I just feel they need to be regulated better. If there is one practice that remains from those years so very long ago. It is the fact that in order for banks to make a profit and operate they must charge interest on the money that they lend. We deposit our money into accounts for safe keeping which they then lend out to others and charge interest on it. Of course, we only see a small amount of that interest come back to us. Also, thanks to the Glass-Stegall Act of 1933 the FDIC insures up to $100,000 per depositor so that we don't loose our shirts.

Lending is still one of the pillars for any banking institution but as I have written about before; it has taken on a predatory and aggressive personality. As with any corporation in existence I feel that putting excessive profit making above all else is wrong. There are all sorts of loans and credit cards with varying interest rates that these banks sell that can drive you to the poor house. And banks are more hungry than ever to sell you a debt product even if you think you don't need it. Of course with deregulation through the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which President Clinton signed into law in 1999. Commercial banks now own brokerages and dabble with securities giving them more opportunities to turn a profit. Your old fashioned community savings bank is an endangered species.

The reason why I left banking, more directly, the reason I left being a bank teller at a Wachovia Bank in Westchester County, NY. Was because I hit a boiling point where I realized that this was not for me. They have turned every position in the branch into one that must sell and meet goals. The sales goals and profit maximization are put above the people no matter how much a "focus" on service scores via a Gallup poll tells them otherwise. Saying the customer's name and asking them if "there is anything else you can do to help them" after every single transaction does not build a community who will value your institution. That caring has to come naturally. When I was there my "flaw" was that I cared more about the people and helping them than I did about selling them something. The sales pressure was felt at the top by the management and it eventually trickled down to where we as the bank tellers felt it because the management was under duress. Of course I never saw banking as a career in the first place, but this only soured my taste on it. To be fair Wachovia isn't the only bank that operates like this. I'd be surprised if there wasn't a large national commercial bank who did not operate similarly.

But this brings me back to a previous statement I made and that is the coming extinction of your local community savings bank. Are they really lost to us? Besides a small amount of local savings banks that I read of now and then. I think that there is another entity that could function in a helpful role to bring about a new look towards banking. In the village of Hartsdale, NY next to our train station. I came across a sign in a vacant store window notifying the community of a new credit union that would be opening up. I visited their website where I found the following statement: "UniStar Federal Credit Union is a local financial institution with a big difference - we are owned by the people we serve. As a not-for-profit financial institution, UniStar's main goal is to satisfy the financial needs of its members, not to generate profits for shareholders. This means that all excess earnings are returned to credit union members in the form of lower interest rates on loans, higher yields on savings or new products and services."

They offer most of the services and products that are now synonymous with any commercial bank. You have consumer loans, savings and investment accounts, Internet banking, and a 24-hour telephone banking system. They continue to say "Our offices are conveniently located right in the heart of the community. UniStar has been honored and recognized time and time again for its commitment to the local community. Our partnerships with local school districts, colleges and a wide variety of social agencies has served to strengthen our core philosophy of "People helping People"--a value that defines and differentiates credit unions from other financial institutions nationwide." Looks like the alternative to the big banks are getting brighter everyday. Welcome to Westchester County, Unistar.

Sources cited:(http://www.ex.ac.uk/~RDavies/arian/origins.html), ((http://pages.citebite.com/e1d7k5j4a8mul), and (http://www.unistarfcu.org/)

The Lazy Man's Guide To Great Characterization

One subject arising whenever writers gather to discuss their craft is the mining of life itself for story material. While a vital and important technique, it is important to remember that real human beings are impossibly complex, far too complicated to serve as story characters without major modification. The most complex character in all of western fiction (arguably), Hamlet, is still only 1% as complex as a real human being.

One must remember that there is a unity between character and plot: they are, in essence, two sides of a single coin. Plot is what a character does in a given situation. A plot must empty a character out, give us everything we need to know about the lead, or the story situation hasn't been thought through very well.

In life, it is reasonable to take the position that we are what we do. True, this is not ALL that we are, but what we do is closer to this essence than what we "think" we are, or what others define us as. Everyone knows that we judge each other on our actions, and it is childish to pretend otherwise.

We learn to characterize by formulating a theory of human nature, and then testing it against the people around us--our family and friends. You should be prepared to defend this theory in conversation and literary debate. After all, there are only two basic questions being addressed in all of fiction:

1) What is it to be human?

2) What is the ethical structure of the universe?

Whatever your own theory is, you should understand it from every direction, and be able to apply it to understand your own strengths and weaknesses.

Look at the three major areas of human life: body, mind, and spirit. What does your body say about you? Believe me, it says worlds about your values, discipline, emotional health, habit patterns and more. What does your career say about you? Are you operating at full efficiency there? Do you complain about money troubles, but not do anything about it? Do you dream, but not perform? Or are you working at a job that you would continue to do even if you won the lottery? To me, this is a major sign of an active, healthy intellect--the ability to do for a living that which you would do for free.

What about your relationship with your husband/wife/significant other? To me, this is where you reveal yourself most clearly. You ARE your partner, flipped upside-down and inside out. If you like what you see across the breakfast table from you, great. If not, you have work to do. Remember: whoever you see over there was the best you could do. If you could have gotten someone smarter, handsomer/prettier, emotionally healthier--you would have. So take a hard look. Often, you can learn more from a person's partner than you can from meeting the person.

Viewed in this way, there is a lifetime of study in understanding the people around us, and in understanding ourselves as well. And a lifetime of potential stories in examining how people's flaws and gaps keep them from achieving their full potential. It can be painful to look at this stuff, but the only thing even more painful is being terminally untrue to your own spirit. That, my friends, is a true tragedy. Better the pain of awareness than the agony of self-betrayal. By a long shot.