Musical Instruments

Reviews

This is an item that I had purchase for my little bro previously but he used it and then gave it away. He highly recommended it, and now i do. I have already increase my typeing speed three fold, and i have only done for or five lessons.

I love this CD, I received it quicker than I imagined it would come, it is such a great tool to have for people who can not type quickly and want to improve their speed.

I went to the store. I saw Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing all over the place! Then i thought WOW, it must be really good, so im going to purchase one. i was excited! So I brought this one and started to learn typing. The beginning and intermediate level were fine but for the advance i wont recomend anyone to get it. The excercises in the booklet are inaccurate for example, sometimes in the booklet it shows that there is only one space before a word but actually you have to type 2 spaces

This the worst computer game ever!It is soooooo boring and it repeats itself repeatedly! Its the worst don't buy it!!!!

This version (Version 12) has a flaw in it that will probably not allow you to advance from beginner to intermediate. This version is no longer supported by Broderbund (the software make). If you go to the Broderbund website, you will find a 'fix' for this version that does not work. By the time you pass from beginner to intermediate the warranty has expired. Broderbund is aware of this flaw but continues to sell the software. Don't buy it.

Reviews

The violin is beautiful. However, the holes for strings are rather small, and it takes more effort to properly install a string for this instrument. That being said, the sound is wonderful, and my daughter loves her new violin, so long as someone else replaces her broken strings.

Reviews

This is the most beautiful soundtrack I have felt in a very long while. It was very soothing to my spirit; saying that, please do not think it is one of those boring put you to sleep type of soundtracks. It was captivating.

A film by David Fincher based on the 1922 short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is the tale of a man who is born old, and gets younger as his life progresses. Set in Louisiana in the late 1800s, it stars Brad Pitt as the titular Button, who is born with the physical appearance of an 80 year old man, much to the shock and embarrassment of his parents. As the years pass, Button gets younger and younger, fighting in wars, attending college, and falling in love - but backwards, and with the knowledge that, the longer time passes, the closer he is to losing everything and everyone around him. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas and Tilda Swinton, and is tipped to be a major player at the 2009 Academy Awards. All of David Fincher's films to date have been dark, brooding works with dark, brooding scores by composers such as Elliot Goldenthal, Howard Shore and David Shire. For The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a lighter and more elegant touch was required to capture the life of the protagonist, and as such the project came to French composer Alexandre Desplat. As regular readers of this website will know, over the last 5 years or so, Desplat has become one of my favorite working composers, and each new score he writes is an eagerly anticipated event for me. Somewhat predictably, I thought The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was magnificent; it's a stylish, slightly melancholic score which beguiles and encapsulates the listener from beginning to end with its subtle, emotional themes and gossamer orchestrations. Desplat's performance ensemble comprises 87 members of the Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra, with special emphasis on strings, piano and light percussion, and with notable solos for of cimbalom, harp, baritone saxophone, bass harmonica, electric organ, and accordion. Listening to the score, two words continually spring to mind: clarity, and precision. Desplat is a composer whose work is never muddy, never a `wall of sound'. Every single instrument has its place, has its moment in the sun, and when they come forth, they shine. Whereas other scores are simply content to present layers of music that come at you in a big blob of overkill, in a Desplat score you can hear every note, every nuance, every inflection, and that's a large part of what makes his music such a joy to experience. Another word which springs to mind when listening to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is `intimacy'. This isn't a score which beats you over the head with its powerful themes; instead, it's a score which whispers softly in your ear, forcing you to actually listen to what's being presented. This is not a score you can simply play in the background while you're absent-mindedly doing something else. It takes a little bit of effort from the listener to consciously sit and experience the music, to take it all in, and to let it work its delicate magic. As is often the case with Desplat's music, the main theme is in waltz time, and has a precise, steady rhythmic element around which the ornate instrumental elements dance. Harps, piano, and high strings form the cornerstone of "Postcards", the beautiful but slightly despondent opening, before it moves off into the slightly more upbeat "Mr. Gateau", which has the same particular rhythmic center, but is augmented with a slightly bolder tone, with more emphasis on brass and bass, and a touch of John Barry in the percussion writing. Muted horns, softly lilting flutes and prancing violins come to the fore in "Meeting Daisy" in a more light-hearted and innocent setting of the main theme; "A New Life" introduces a romantic solo cello and a jazzy baritone saxophone in to the proceedings, underpinned by the now-familiar dancing flutes from Birth; "Love in Murmansk" adds a tinkling cimbalom to bring a touch of geographic specificity (and another acknowledgement of John Barry) to the light, lyrical orchestra. When the full complement of the string section rises during "Meeting Again", the result is utterly beautiful. And so the score continues, presenting cue after cue of wonderfully sophisticated, gracefully rendered film music. At times the score is reminiscent of some of his earlier works, notably The Luzhin Defence and the aforementioned Birth; as a listener becomes familiar with a composer's history one unavoidably notices compositional traits unique to him, but this simply earmarks his stylistics, and should in no way be taken as an accusation of repetitiveness. There are one or two darker moments, notably the frenetic "Mr. Button", the stark "Submarine Attack", the unexpectedly dark and dramatic "The Hummingbird" (which twists the main theme into a disjointed version of itself), and the bubbly, slightly chaotic-sounding "The Accident", but these are few and far between, and actually add a welcome change of pace and tone to the album. As the score reaches its conclusion, there is more than a little hint of sadness in Desplat's music; much like Button's life, as the inevitable tragedy of the central character becomes more apparent, Desplat's score seems to mourn with him. "Nothing Lasts" has a sense of quiet acceptance tinged with a certain moodiness, most noticeably through the use of clarinets, while "Some Things You Never Forget" sees Desplat using his piano in a more introspective, reflective way to excellent effect. "Dying Away", as one might expect, has an enhanced emotional content of loss and resignation, as Desplat acknowledges Button's desperate plight as he watches his life, his love, and his accumulated experiences drift into nothingness. These moods are lightened by cues such as "It Was Nice To Have Met You", which occasionally border on the realms of gentle comedy with their light plucked strings and whimsical tone, or the hypnotic "Children's Games", which contains a harp duet so feather-like, so crystalline, that it almost seems to float on air. Elsewhere, "Sunrise on Lake Pontchartrain" brings the cello and the saxophone back to the fore in a deliciously warm and enticing setting, while the finale cue, "Benjamin and Daisy", contains a piano solo that simply makes you melt. A regular criticism of Desplat's work is that it is "boring" or "too slow", and his detractors will be disappointed to learn that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button could easily be described in similar terms by those who don't appreciate his style. If you listen to film music for the flashy action writing and the big themes, I can see how Desplat's music could be construed as such. Some people just don't see the appeal; I understand that. My opinion just happens to be the exact opposite of that. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button proves once more that Alexandre Desplat is one of the most exciting young composers working in film music today, and is well on his way to becoming one of the greats. He is clearly the heir apparent to John Barry and Georges Delerue, both of whom wrote mesmerizing romantic scores of great beauty and clarity, and whose penchant for simple, elegant orchestral writing is very much in evidence in Desplat. The effortless grace in his work never fails to enchant me, and has done so again. This is easily one of the best scores written in 2008, and could very be a major contender for awards when the season rolls around.

The only thing enjoyable about the movie was the soundtrack. With that, I purchased the music, and it's absolutely stunning. The entire thing is a gem-- a listening journey that takes you on a magical listening adventure. It's absolutely breathtakingly good, and shame on the Academy for not giving this the reward it deserved. Fantastic music.

Two disc CD with composed music on first one and previously composed music on second disc. Very nice listening. Should win Academy Award for best score.

Since the movie this comes from is well worth seeing, listening to the soundtrack is another joy. I'm one who often listens to the music during a movie as much as the story itself. When themes can stand alone or when the music is as beautifully written as this one is, I thoroughly enjoy listening to the soundtrack to enhance whatever I'm doing. Usually I'm driving in the car listening so the miles and distance only seems to be more enjoyable when music like this fills the background.

Reviews

This CD is so relaxing and easy to listen to. I enjoy this music so much and play it over and over again. Nice to have as background music when I am at the sewing machine.

This excellent collection is for those who like their music to get to the good parts real fast! Right "off the bat" these short gems are giving you "the meat of things" - They are mini masterworks of piano and orchestral drama beautifully played by Philip Fowke and the RTE' Concert Orchestra; 74 mins of "state of the art" recording by the great NAXOS company (which also means that it is very reasonably priced). This collection's loaded (Bernard Herrmann, Rosza, Rota, Addinsell & more) with brilliant composers at their most brilliant - It could be called concertos for those with short attention spans, the longest being just short of twelve mins. - "Concerto Macabre" by Herrmann for HANGOVER SQUARE (1945) was written for the film itself - other compositions were written after the film and score were completed (taken from the main themes) "Spellbound Concerto" by Miklos Rozsa from SPELLBOUND was possibly written to fit onto a 78 RPM record (thus the short length). I've enjoyed this collection so much, and it's at such a reasonable price, that I've been able to send several off to friends - It's that kind of music, you want to share it.

MOST OF THE FILMS FOR WHICH THESE PIANO PIECES WERE WRITTEN ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE, SO WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE THIS WONDERFUL RECORDING. FORGET ABOUT MORE EXPENSIVE VERSIONS. THIS IS THE BEST INTERPRETATION OF THE WARSAW CONCERTO ON THE MARKET!

The version of the toon was not what I expected. I wanted more the "popular" version.

I am a pinaist, and several of thses pieces find themselve in my repertoire, and by hearing them on this cd, one is able to truly appreciate the composition and performance of these songs, which are not very popular nowadays. A great collection that I highly recommend to all musicians and music lovers.

Reviews

You notice over the last five MMW albums that they are not sking down jazz slopes, as in the 1990s, but ice skating on flat surfaces. Nothing wrong with that. Miles and Coltrane did this and Can made a genre of the idea Once a great player masters chords, he or she sometimes minimizes them, streching out without having to worry about the next change. End Of The World Party is Medeski Martan and Wood farming these thin grooves. But this thinness has a lot of meat, from Medeski's Larry Young style improv to the chriors that subtlely emermge mid number. These go back to Donald Byrd, maybe further, but MMW uses them as interludes, not a musical hub. MMW are so good and their interaction so honed, they can afford to despence with orginasation. These tracks are not about pacing and climax; they are about the mellotrons, voices, drum clicks and organ burbles that emerge, at random, from the glacial grooves. This band has so much control, they abondon it. They don't need organazation--the music organizes itself. Excellent improvosational jazz.

After listening to MMW for about 10 years and now with the recent releases of the "Book of Angels" CD and the 2 "Radiolarians" CD's, I have come to the conclusion that this is my favorite of all MMW's releases....and I PERFECT First disc for a new listener...I would recommend nothing else......and having seen them 5 times I would say that this record ALSO represents what is the bands sound, with all the smoke and mirrors blasting in full view...straight Funk, Straight Psychedelic, straight Blues, and then too, other planet grooves.....which they interwine seamlessly...take for instance Medeski's Work-out on "Mami Gato"....If Charlie Parker Played piano, it would sound something like that....then take the last 50 seconds of New Planet...it SOUNDS like music from another planet.......Straight Funk laced here and there and aimless jams abound out upon the disc, I believe this disc best captures the essence of MMW...with Radiolarians 2 coming a close 2nd

Even if these Jazz-hip-hoppers can be relegated at times to a dismissive jam-band background category in the way they play, if the eclectic trio does anything right, and they do it quite often, it is groove unabashedly and intelligently, in rare dignified ratio.

As a long time fan of MMW, I have been disappointed with some of their post-Combustication work, but this CD has certainly revived my love of their funky hooks and fusion jazz. I play it alongside Herbie Hancock, Miles and John McLaughlin, and "End" never fails to draw me in. I especially like "Bloody Oil" and "New Planet" coming through back to back, and "Curtis" is a wonderfully uplifting tune that creeps up and then soars. The other noteworthy song is "Queen Bee" which feels like a sixties throwback and I can imagine the Doors jamming it out while Jim Morrison takes an extended break in the wings. It is more than gimmicks and hooks though as they develop their musical motifs and take chances, including some feedback that drives my more conservative wife crazy.

Jazz purists probably hate this album. However, I think it is a masterpiece. Imagine a funky "In A Silent Way" by Miles Davis cut up in 4 minute snippets with some psychedelia thrown in for good measure. MMW have always been determined to go their own way for better or worse. In this case it is for the better. I wish they would do more music like this and keep pushing the envelope, jazz purists be damned. I love this album. If you have a soul you will love it, too!

Reviews

I bought this to protect my son's computer and he loves it! Shipping was very fast! Highly recommend these to prevent scratches and dents.

I bought the pink satin cover even after reading some of the negative reviews. The pink is more a day glow pink rather than a pastel and the material marks up very easily. Its quite annoying, so I will more than likely buy a regular pink hard case once this one gets too crappy for me to look at. It also makes my macbook a lot heavier and my screen tends to close or go back a lot.

Been waiting for a sophisticated, well-fitting case that doesn't look like a poorly executed afterthought. Found it. Purchased the red case and I have to say it has been a hit with everyone who sees it. At first blush, it's extremely difficult to tell that the case isn't really part of the original Macbook. Now, that's impressive.

I love this case. I definitely recommend the satin finish, the soft touch is awesome. The best part is not having to take my Mac Book in and out of a case to use it. I am in graduate school and it's nice to just shut the computer and put it in my bag without worrying about sleeve. The case does make the computer a little heavier, but I don't mind it at all, I would much rather a little added weight than to carry a bulky sleeve crammed into my bag. the case fits the computer perfectly. All around it's just great, one of those products you feel good about purchasing enjoy using. A GOOD BUY!

Was a little skeptical when I ordered this case for my macbook pro 13, which I bought this week. Now that I have it, I can't complain. The case leaves plenty of room for the plugs/slots on the sides, and clicks on my macbook gently and fits snugly. I don't think you will have problem with fingerprints on the satin part unless you're handling it with damp hands. Highly recommend it!

Reviews

what a great product, i love the fact that now my macbook is pink =)

Bought this for my son and he likes it! He is hard to please and chose this to protect his computer and its working out well!

I purchased a Speck Products see-thru cover, in aqua and pink, for my iMac last year and I really liked them. Since it was a desktop, I didn't need the cover to protect my computer so much as to jazz it up a little. Well, when I bought my MacBook Pro, I needed something that would protect my investment. I got the 13" MBP so it would be portable for me to take to and from school (it's the perfect size for my over-sized purse, since I don't like to carry backpacks). However, keeping it in my bag means that there is potential for scuffing and a scratched aluminum finish isn't so hot. I bought this item on Amazon because even if Speck Products was running their 50% off sale (they aren't and I haven't seen that sale in over a year), their shipping fees are so exorbitant that it was only a couple of dollars more to get it from Amazon and have it now. The plastic is pretty cheap, but relatively thick and doesn't feel as brittle when it's attached to the laptop. The color is a hot, neon-ish pink. It's a great color, especially when the apple lights up. The problem, though, is that it scratches and scuffs like you wouldn't believe! I mean, I know I carry it in my purse, but as large as my bag is - it's organized. I have my planner and wallet. I have all of my makeup in a makeup bag and a separate bag to contain my keys, coin purse, pens, and other miscellaneous items. I also carry my binder and calculator in there while I'm in school (it kinda sounds like a bottomless pit, huh?). Anyway, my point is that there are no loose items floating around in there that could really gouge the case. No rogue writing utensils, eyelash curlers, keys - not even loose change. I know that all of the scuff marks (and there are A LOT of them) are from rubbing against my binder because I use that as a partition to divide my laptop from my mini-bags, but I have no idea where the scratches came from. It seems weird to me, anyhow, that my binder could mar the case so much - it's not like it's studded with rhinestones or anything - it's flat for goodness sake! All in all, this case is okay. I needed something to protect my laptop and it does that. I also wanted something that was an eye-catching color and this is, except the scuffs and scratches cause the case to look dull, now, when it used to be shiny. For the price, it should hold up better to daily use. Speck Products sells it for ~$50. I paid ~$38 on Amazon. I think a fair price for the quality and all would be around $20. If you want to check out the quality, they usually have some for sale at the Apple Store, but if you decide to buy, you'll save a lot more money by ordering it through Amazon.

This product is amazing. It has always treated me well, it keeps my macbook from being scratched during frequent backpack transport and everyday use... BUT when dust gets inside, it's trapped in a way the permanently scratches my macbook. Wait.... WHAT?! It's supposed to PROTECT IT, and using it GUARANTEES SCRATCHING?! misleading. disappointing. frustrating. wont buy from this company again.

This Speck case is cool , my wife love it The box was fine , The delivery was fast , So everything seem fine

Reviews

I bought this to protect my son's computer and he loves it! Shipping was very fast! Highly recommend these to prevent scratches and dents.

I bought the pink satin cover even after reading some of the negative reviews. The pink is more a day glow pink rather than a pastel and the material marks up very easily. Its quite annoying, so I will more than likely buy a regular pink hard case once this one gets too crappy for me to look at. It also makes my macbook a lot heavier and my screen tends to close or go back a lot.

Been waiting for a sophisticated, well-fitting case that doesn't look like a poorly executed afterthought. Found it. Purchased the red case and I have to say it has been a hit with everyone who sees it. At first blush, it's extremely difficult to tell that the case isn't really part of the original Macbook. Now, that's impressive.

I love this case. I definitely recommend the satin finish, the soft touch is awesome. The best part is not having to take my Mac Book in and out of a case to use it. I am in graduate school and it's nice to just shut the computer and put it in my bag without worrying about sleeve. The case does make the computer a little heavier, but I don't mind it at all, I would much rather a little added weight than to carry a bulky sleeve crammed into my bag. the case fits the computer perfectly. All around it's just great, one of those products you feel good about purchasing enjoy using. A GOOD BUY!

Was a little skeptical when I ordered this case for my macbook pro 13, which I bought this week. Now that I have it, I can't complain. The case leaves plenty of room for the plugs/slots on the sides, and clicks on my macbook gently and fits snugly. I don't think you will have problem with fingerprints on the satin part unless you're handling it with damp hands. Highly recommend it!

Reviews

This is a great protective case that allows me to just slip my Mac into my regular bag for short trips, without worrying about taking the computer bag. Also, when traveling, I can pack it in my suitcase and again, don't feel like I need to give it any other protection. Also, the colors are fantastic!

I look at reviews when I buy something so I thought it might help if this product had one. If the product matches your laptops specs then this case will work well. The cranberry color is true to the picture and getting it on my laptop was pretty self explanatory but it did come with instructions if they're needed. I haven't experienced any issues but there was a complaint on another review for a similar product about the case rubbing and scratching the computer. I imagine that this is similar to cell phone cases and I plan on handling the problem by routinely taking the case off and wiping away any particles that may have gotten in the cracks.

Reviews

This keypad has a PS/2 connector. The box celebrates the KP17B numeric keypad is designed for Windows 95--and compatible with DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows NT. Can't say whether the keypad works with Windows XP--because my Sony VAIO notebook doesn't even have a PS/2 adaptor. Buyer beware.

This is a purchase I wish I had made a very long time ago. Anyone who principally relies on a notebook computer and has any amount of financial information to input is well-familiar (and probably equally frustrated) with the "imbedded keypad". It is a pain to use and a major impediment to efficient working. A separate numerical keypad is incorporated on PC keyboards for a good reason. I particularly like this version of numeric keypad because it simply plugs into the keyboard socket and does not use up a USB port. It requires no installation software. Plug it in, boot up and go. Well worth its meager price. Will also pay for itself in the money saved not buying antacids.

This keypad saved my sanity. I have a laptop and hate not having a real numeric keypad. The built in one is unusable. This attachable keypad gives me the functionality I love. The description should say PS/2 so people are aware it's not USB though.

If you find yourself in need of a keypad, this one is definitely the way to go. I use it for an MP3 player I built for my car, and it fits nicely between the two front seats. I'm very happy with the performance, its size, and the color goes well with the black interior of my car. I had to purchase a 6 pin DIN to 5 pin DIN adapter to get it to work with my system (it's not included), but it works well. Buy this today!!

I'm a lefty and this product makes my life easier... Great produc

Reviews

I bought this piano for my grandson's second birthday, as he loves! Nana's big piano, but we live in different states. It was his favorite gift and he has learned to "play" gently already. It is a beautiful piano and the sound, while not piano quality, is okay.