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TacoDave (4060 KP) rated Amazon Echo Auto in Tech
Jul 19, 2019
A digital assistant on the go (4 more)
Hands-free calling
Unlimited music
Podcasts
Audiobooks
A cool Alexa device - for your car!
I was chosen to purchase a pre-release version of the Amazon Echo Auto through Amazon's website. It works just like a normal Echo, except it is designed for use in the car.
The mount for the Echo Auto is a strip of thick rubber that sticks to the dashboard and includes a magnet that keeps the Echo firmly in place.
The Echo uses bluetooth to connect to your cell phone, and can connect to your car's speakers via bluetooth or an included aux cable. It is powered by a cigarette lighter plug or USB port.
If you already have Siri or a newer car, you might have some of the Echo's features already. I drive a 2008 minivan, so the Echo actually added tons of abilities that I didn't have access to already.
For example, I can now use the Echo as a hands-free phone device. I've tried it multiple times and the sound quality is great and the person on the other end hears me fine. I can also ask Alexa to navigate to an address and, using Google Maps, hear step-by-step instructions to get where I'm going. And if I'm listening to music or a podcast, it will pause them so I can hear the voice say "In 600 feet, turn left" or whatever. And since I pay $8 a month for Amazon Music Unlimited, I can ask Alexa to play almost any song and it will instantly play in my car.
Not only that, but the "regular" features of Alexa are included. I asked "How many feet are in a mile?" and it answered (correctly). My kids have asked it what certain words mean and have asked it to tell jokes. They can play 20 Questions or Jeopardy while I'm driving. The possibilities are almost endless.
I only have one problem with the Echo Auto: it relies on a cell signal. So when I drove my daughter to camp on Sunday - way out in the middle of nowhere in the woods - I lost cell service and my music cut off suddenly. (I had asked Alexa to shuffle music from Weird Al Yankovic to keep my kids entertained, and we were enjoying it! Plus, I could ask Alexa to play the original version of a song after we heard the parody version so my kids would have context.) I understand that this is a known limitation, and since I live in a major city it won't often be a problem. But I thought I'd mention it for people who might live in places with less cell coverage.
The mount for the Echo Auto is a strip of thick rubber that sticks to the dashboard and includes a magnet that keeps the Echo firmly in place.
The Echo uses bluetooth to connect to your cell phone, and can connect to your car's speakers via bluetooth or an included aux cable. It is powered by a cigarette lighter plug or USB port.
If you already have Siri or a newer car, you might have some of the Echo's features already. I drive a 2008 minivan, so the Echo actually added tons of abilities that I didn't have access to already.
For example, I can now use the Echo as a hands-free phone device. I've tried it multiple times and the sound quality is great and the person on the other end hears me fine. I can also ask Alexa to navigate to an address and, using Google Maps, hear step-by-step instructions to get where I'm going. And if I'm listening to music or a podcast, it will pause them so I can hear the voice say "In 600 feet, turn left" or whatever. And since I pay $8 a month for Amazon Music Unlimited, I can ask Alexa to play almost any song and it will instantly play in my car.
Not only that, but the "regular" features of Alexa are included. I asked "How many feet are in a mile?" and it answered (correctly). My kids have asked it what certain words mean and have asked it to tell jokes. They can play 20 Questions or Jeopardy while I'm driving. The possibilities are almost endless.
I only have one problem with the Echo Auto: it relies on a cell signal. So when I drove my daughter to camp on Sunday - way out in the middle of nowhere in the woods - I lost cell service and my music cut off suddenly. (I had asked Alexa to shuffle music from Weird Al Yankovic to keep my kids entertained, and we were enjoying it! Plus, I could ask Alexa to play the original version of a song after we heard the parody version so my kids would have context.) I understand that this is a known limitation, and since I live in a major city it won't often be a problem. But I thought I'd mention it for people who might live in places with less cell coverage.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Bailey's Day in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Bailey's Day by Robert Haggerty, illustrated by Bobbi Switzer
Genre: Kids
Rating: 1
I loved reading Bailey's Day, it was really cute and funny, had fun illustrations, and fun animals. I loved Bailey's character. She was a perky little dog who spent all day running around the neighborhood with her friends and having a good ol' time… until the end.
At the end of the story… Bailey get's scolded for going out and running around the neighborhood all day. I expected her to be sad and say "yes master" to her owner, and then realize that having fun wasn't worth it if she disobeyed her "daddy," or maybe that obedience was more important… or something... she didn't. She laid down on her bed, perfectly at ease, and knew her "daddy" (owner) was a "softie" and that he'd get over it, and that she'd have fun tomorrow too. My jaw dropped as I read that last page.
This totally ruined an adorable story. Kids fiction should have good examples to follow, and bad examples to learn from with the lesson clearly stated, but this one makes it look like disobedience and disregard and disrespect are perfectly ok if you can get away with it. I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend it to anyone for this reason.
Genre: Kids
Rating: 1
I loved reading Bailey's Day, it was really cute and funny, had fun illustrations, and fun animals. I loved Bailey's character. She was a perky little dog who spent all day running around the neighborhood with her friends and having a good ol' time… until the end.
At the end of the story… Bailey get's scolded for going out and running around the neighborhood all day. I expected her to be sad and say "yes master" to her owner, and then realize that having fun wasn't worth it if she disobeyed her "daddy," or maybe that obedience was more important… or something... she didn't. She laid down on her bed, perfectly at ease, and knew her "daddy" (owner) was a "softie" and that he'd get over it, and that she'd have fun tomorrow too. My jaw dropped as I read that last page.
This totally ruined an adorable story. Kids fiction should have good examples to follow, and bad examples to learn from with the lesson clearly stated, but this one makes it look like disobedience and disregard and disrespect are perfectly ok if you can get away with it. I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend it to anyone for this reason.
Merissa (13989 KP) rated Picture this (Birds of a Feather #3) in Books
Dec 5, 2018
Picture this (Birds of a Feather #3) by Lena North
Picture This is the third book in the Birds of a Feather series, and we find out more about Mary. At the beginning of the story, she is with Kit, but you can see immediately that it is going nowhere. Mary yearns for that 'catch your breath when you see them' relationship that her friends all have. She knows she won't get that from Kit so she breaks it off with him. On her way home, Mary is kidnapped and held hostage. When she is rescued, feelings begin to show.
I loved how this book was written. Mary may be younger than *** (I won't say who because it doesn't say in the blurb and I don't want to ruin it!), but she certainly isn't immature. I thought how she handled situations that would have been stressful for anyone was brilliant. Mary knows what she is, what she wants, and isn't afraid of hard work to ensure it happens. She also isn't a doormat!
With the full cast of characters, you get more insight into all of them, whilst still maintaining the focus on the main ones. Absolutely brilliant addition to the series. I loved it, and have no hesitation in recommending it!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved how this book was written. Mary may be younger than *** (I won't say who because it doesn't say in the blurb and I don't want to ruin it!), but she certainly isn't immature. I thought how she handled situations that would have been stressful for anyone was brilliant. Mary knows what she is, what she wants, and isn't afraid of hard work to ensure it happens. She also isn't a doormat!
With the full cast of characters, you get more insight into all of them, whilst still maintaining the focus on the main ones. Absolutely brilliant addition to the series. I loved it, and have no hesitation in recommending it!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13989 KP) rated The Beauty and His Beast in Books
Mar 3, 2025
THE BEAUTY AND HIS BEAST is a medieval-type story with the Beast being Everild, the current king's cousin, and someone who has seen enough war to last three lifetimes. His Beauty is Camdyn who was training to be a cleric when he was told he was to be married instead.
The connection is there immediately between our two MCs but Everild isn't just the beast. He wants Camdyn to be happy and is happy to waylay his fears in any way he can. They both grow and develop together, learning how to please the other in small but significant ways - a garden hat, for example - and their bond grows. Their relationship is beautiful. Simple as that.
Of course, not everything goes according to plan and there is a 'small' wrinkle in their plans. I won't say more because, you know, spoilers, but suffice it to say I loved every word.
This book had me with leaky eyes and laughing out loud. It was also the first by this author I have read, but I guarantee it won't be the last. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 3, 2025
The connection is there immediately between our two MCs but Everild isn't just the beast. He wants Camdyn to be happy and is happy to waylay his fears in any way he can. They both grow and develop together, learning how to please the other in small but significant ways - a garden hat, for example - and their bond grows. Their relationship is beautiful. Simple as that.
Of course, not everything goes according to plan and there is a 'small' wrinkle in their plans. I won't say more because, you know, spoilers, but suffice it to say I loved every word.
This book had me with leaky eyes and laughing out loud. It was also the first by this author I have read, but I guarantee it won't be the last. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 3, 2025
Sheridan (209 KP) rated The Umbrella Academy in TV
Apr 27, 2019
Characters (2 more)
Storyline
Klaus ❤
Family... the other 'F' Word
I was seriously late to the party on this show but still managed to avoid all spoilers (yay!) What can I say except this is literally the greatest thing I watched all year and it is an utter masterpiece which will be forever in my heart. I finished the final episode last night and I had a fandom hangover for like 3 hours, I must have sat there for ages just wondering where the hell it's going now. Every character is their own unique mess and I love them. Oh and Klaus, good gravy, Klaus is just a beautiful mess of a human being who I just want to bundle up in a blanket and feed him hot chocolate ❤. There's so much realness to the characters, such utterly human flaws that make it feel like you're surrounded by your own insane super family. I'm freaking dying for the next season. If you're looking for something sci fi/super heroish with a dash of apocalypse, a sprinkle of humour then this is definitely the show for you. It's just - *sighs* I loved it.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Books
Nov 12, 2018
Notoriously Good
I have grown up hearing Ruth Bader Ginsburg's name but I have never thought to look her up until she became Tumblr & facebook famous. I've been wanting to read this book ever since I knew of its existence. I just never made the time and whenever an audible credit came available I would find something else to purchase instead. Needless to say, when this audiobook was on sale on Audible I knew it was finally time to buy it.
Notorious RBG is a truly wonderful book. I never knew what Ruth Bader Ginsburg did for women until this book. She really is an inspiration. Learning about RBG was a wild ride. The things this woman has gone through is truly inspirational and I loved how much she has accomplished in her life. Reading this book inspired me to be more. I loved some of the lessons that were told and it shows how important it can be to meet in the middle and still show respect when you hold differing opinions.
All in all, if you're looking for a good biography on an inspirational woman this is the book for you.
Notorious RBG is a truly wonderful book. I never knew what Ruth Bader Ginsburg did for women until this book. She really is an inspiration. Learning about RBG was a wild ride. The things this woman has gone through is truly inspirational and I loved how much she has accomplished in her life. Reading this book inspired me to be more. I loved some of the lessons that were told and it shows how important it can be to meet in the middle and still show respect when you hold differing opinions.
All in all, if you're looking for a good biography on an inspirational woman this is the book for you.
Amanda (1 KP) rated The Meg (2018) in Movies
Jan 2, 2019
Jason Statham (1 more)
A Prehistoric shark
Possibly best shark movie since the arrival of Jaws
Contains spoilers, click to show
There is one thing I absolutely love and that is a shark movie, I have seen just about all that is out there however I was somewhat dubious about this film.
With the initial feeling it was jumping on the back of the cult success of the sharknado franchise, I decided to check out the book before the movie and loved it. I went into this movie still a little unsure but by the end of it, I was hooked. Jason Statham, for me was one of the best things about this movie...how many times can we say that he seen him hit a 70ft Shark with a spear and he was a total scene stealer thought everyone was actually really good (think I might be used to the level of acting in things like Ghost Shark).
I think the meg was a much Moreno enjoyable film than expected however due to being released as a block buster does leave it open to criticism from those who love Jaws...if you haven’t already seen it, I would dear recommend it!
With the initial feeling it was jumping on the back of the cult success of the sharknado franchise, I decided to check out the book before the movie and loved it. I went into this movie still a little unsure but by the end of it, I was hooked. Jason Statham, for me was one of the best things about this movie...how many times can we say that he seen him hit a 70ft Shark with a spear and he was a total scene stealer thought everyone was actually really good (think I might be used to the level of acting in things like Ghost Shark).
I think the meg was a much Moreno enjoyable film than expected however due to being released as a block buster does leave it open to criticism from those who love Jaws...if you haven’t already seen it, I would dear recommend it!
Amy Curtis (49 KP) rated Now You See Me (2013) in Movies
Dec 14, 2018
Mind blowing
I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this film. Whilst, I scored it an 8 (it's hard to get a 10 rating out of me), there was a lot of spins and twists in this film. There were points where I was staring at the television trying to work out how they performed certain magic tricks. Whilst everything is eventually explained to you it does still leave you questioning. This is probably the vaguest review I've ever written but I don't want to spoil it for anyone or take the magic out of what a wonderful and unique film this really is. The only criticism I could say is that at the start when Henley is in the box and the piranhas are going to fall down, it was a bit predictible. However, that is the only real piece of criticism I can give. Even though I was tired, when the movie ended, I began desperately searching to watch the second one (to no avail). Looking forward to watching the second film and seeing what tricks they have up their sleeves next!
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Call Me By Your Name in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So I heard lots of good things about this book. It was being (has been) made into a film. So I thought I'll give this a go. And after the effort it was to read this book, all I can say is, meh.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Trapped in Books
Feb 24, 2021
This was my first time reading a book by Lillian Duncan, which I am surprised at since she writes mystery/suspense and that is one of my go to genre’s. I really enjoyed this book though! I would definitely say that it can be read as a standalone book. This book starts and captures your attention almost immediately. The book takes some unexpected turns quite early in the book, it was from a different perspective then I have read before. I loved how throughout the book God was the central focus without being forceful.
I think that at some points it was a bit wordy, however, I kind of liked the wordiness. It fit the situations very well. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for telling a kidnapping story from a different perspective, the relatable characters, and for how Lillian Duncan was able to intertwine God in every aspect of the book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes edge of you seat reads with strong characters and a mystery/thriller that leaves you thinking even after the book is over.
I think that at some points it was a bit wordy, however, I kind of liked the wordiness. It fit the situations very well. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for telling a kidnapping story from a different perspective, the relatable characters, and for how Lillian Duncan was able to intertwine God in every aspect of the book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes edge of you seat reads with strong characters and a mystery/thriller that leaves you thinking even after the book is over.