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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Aug 19, 2022
HLD (99 KP) rated Samsung Galaxy S9 in Tech
Jun 13, 2018
Screen resolution is top notch - just remember to change it from the factory default (4 more)
Curved screen took a while to get used to, but is lovely and useful
The camera is sublime
Finger print scanner is in a great position
The sound quality is quite good. The dolby surround sound option makes playing games on it really fun
Battery life could be improved. But I run everything I can on normal/high settings (2 more)
Going from a larger phone to the standard S9 is taking some getting used to. Constant mistyping plagues my conversations
Bixby button - Why?!
An absolute beaut of a phone
The phone I had before was the oneplus 3T, which I was thoroughly happy with. I only upgraded because I got a discount through my work. Although, I am glad I did. It's faster, smoother, the quality of the display is superb, and most functionality that you aren't happy with you can change!
You will curse that Bixby button, however. I suggest downloading a third party app that either disables the button, or enables you to change the functionality.
If you enjoy gaming on your phone, the S9 will run anything nicely. The S9 plus does have more RAM, bigger screen, and second camera, so if that's what you're interested in, then maybe shell out the few extra bucks for the larger phone.
You will curse that Bixby button, however. I suggest downloading a third party app that either disables the button, or enables you to change the functionality.
If you enjoy gaming on your phone, the S9 will run anything nicely. The S9 plus does have more RAM, bigger screen, and second camera, so if that's what you're interested in, then maybe shell out the few extra bucks for the larger phone.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Broom Service: The Card Game in Tabletop Games
Aug 6, 2018
This is a very simple game, very short, not much depth
There is a risk to being brave, if someone else is also brave with the same potion, you get nothing.... Without knowing the full game, this makes no sense whatsoever. The full game has light depth and interesting choices and planning, this game is really just a taking that small deduction part of the game of what people are holding and if you want to risk it.
To me this is like taking settlers of catan and just distilling it down to rolling the dice and collectiing resources, and at the end of the 4 rounds you get points for having the larger sets of brick than someone else. Without the map and building things there isn't strategy.
This game might be good for kids, but I think it send the wrong message, so I even discount that. This feels like a money grab trying to capitalize on the name of Broom Service, and making a small version that costs less. But you don't get the game, so therefore even less of a cost feels like a ripoff. I'm trying not to hold a grudge against this game, but I'm not happy with this as a game.
Do yourself the favor to pay the extra 10 dollars for the full version, and skip this.
To me this is like taking settlers of catan and just distilling it down to rolling the dice and collectiing resources, and at the end of the 4 rounds you get points for having the larger sets of brick than someone else. Without the map and building things there isn't strategy.
This game might be good for kids, but I think it send the wrong message, so I even discount that. This feels like a money grab trying to capitalize on the name of Broom Service, and making a small version that costs less. But you don't get the game, so therefore even less of a cost feels like a ripoff. I'm trying not to hold a grudge against this game, but I'm not happy with this as a game.
Do yourself the favor to pay the extra 10 dollars for the full version, and skip this.
Modern (3 more)
Easy
Excellent Platform
Informational
Easy Savings
Moneybox is an extremely useful personal financial app focusing on investment. Any finance and savings 'expert' article always seems to start with the phrase 'save first and spend layer's - Moneybox adopts this method making it easier for the user to do this.
Each week, money is taken from my account and invested into a Stocks and Shares ISA where I can watch my savings grow. Not only this, you have the opportunity to purchase from your invested companies with special discount codes.
With any investment: there is always a risk. However, after a little bit of perseverance and some tweaks in investment percentages I'm now able to see a modest profit which will hopefully carry on.
Moneybox also offers different 'investment boosts'. Alongside your weekly investment amount you can also increase your investment on payday or round up your spending to the nearest pound to add this to your pot, too.
I've only had a positive experience with Moneybox up to now and I hope that this will continue. It's allowed me to set up a little personal savings pot with minimal effort. In my mid-twenties, if I ever make an investment loss, I'm happy to say that it would've been spent on something ridiculous anyway.
Each week, money is taken from my account and invested into a Stocks and Shares ISA where I can watch my savings grow. Not only this, you have the opportunity to purchase from your invested companies with special discount codes.
With any investment: there is always a risk. However, after a little bit of perseverance and some tweaks in investment percentages I'm now able to see a modest profit which will hopefully carry on.
Moneybox also offers different 'investment boosts'. Alongside your weekly investment amount you can also increase your investment on payday or round up your spending to the nearest pound to add this to your pot, too.
I've only had a positive experience with Moneybox up to now and I hope that this will continue. It's allowed me to set up a little personal savings pot with minimal effort. In my mid-twenties, if I ever make an investment loss, I'm happy to say that it would've been spent on something ridiculous anyway.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) in Movies
Apr 5, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised but just how damn delightful the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie was, and with this sequel, Jeff Fowler has wisely stuck with the formula, added more to it, and the results are just as enjoyable.
Jim Carrey once again steals the show, as a more unhinged Robotnik, closer to his game counterpart than he was the first time around. When coupled with the inclusion of fan favourite characters Tails and Knuckles, alongside series mainstays like the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic 2 runs headfirst into its source material whilst still feeling at home in the real world. It's a good balance.
A lot of the comedy fell flat for me however. A lot of jokes didn't land properly, but it's important to remember that this is a movie geared towards kids, and as such, it's not a huge issue. There's also a kind of discount Meet the Parents side plot that feels wholly unnecessary and drags the mid point, but this is completely made up for by one of the most entertaining final acts in recent blockbuster memory. The final showdown is an unencumbered blast. As someone who grew up playing the Sonic games, it's a joy to behold and is a testament to how fucking fun video game adaptions can be when handled well.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is just a damn good time, and I say that confidently as a grown ass man. Make the trip to the cinema and treat yo self.
Jim Carrey once again steals the show, as a more unhinged Robotnik, closer to his game counterpart than he was the first time around. When coupled with the inclusion of fan favourite characters Tails and Knuckles, alongside series mainstays like the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic 2 runs headfirst into its source material whilst still feeling at home in the real world. It's a good balance.
A lot of the comedy fell flat for me however. A lot of jokes didn't land properly, but it's important to remember that this is a movie geared towards kids, and as such, it's not a huge issue. There's also a kind of discount Meet the Parents side plot that feels wholly unnecessary and drags the mid point, but this is completely made up for by one of the most entertaining final acts in recent blockbuster memory. The final showdown is an unencumbered blast. As someone who grew up playing the Sonic games, it's a joy to behold and is a testament to how fucking fun video game adaptions can be when handled well.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is just a damn good time, and I say that confidently as a grown ass man. Make the trip to the cinema and treat yo self.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Black Box (2020) in Movies
Nov 23, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by Black Box, even it does feel overly familiar.
The concept revolves around a man, Nolan, still suffering from amnesia, six months after he was in a car accident that killed his wife, and left him to raise their young daughter on his own. He eventually ends up taking part in an experimental procedure designed to help people like Nolan dive deep into their subconscious to directly confront their memories, and in turn, restore what they have lost.
It's a neat, if very Black Mirror-esque premise, with a hint of discount Get Out hypnosis for good measure.
There are plenty of plot turns scattered throughout, and when the inevitable big twist hits, it's lands an emotional punch. Some people I'm sure will argue that the twist is easy to see early on but it's elevated by some great performances, even if that is the case.
Lead actor Mamoudoe Athie is fantastic throughout, and is supported by decent turns from Phylicia Rashad, Tosin Morohunfola, and Charmaine Bingwa. Amanda Christine, who plays Nolan's daughter is great as well, and the chemistry between her and Athie really adds to the overall film.
Black Box won't set your world on fire, but it's a competent and tight thriller with a few creepy moments sprinkled here and there and It's comfortably the best of the recent Amazon Original-Blumhouse offerings, even if it does borrow liberally from other (and better) movies. It's not for everyone, but worth checking out.
The concept revolves around a man, Nolan, still suffering from amnesia, six months after he was in a car accident that killed his wife, and left him to raise their young daughter on his own. He eventually ends up taking part in an experimental procedure designed to help people like Nolan dive deep into their subconscious to directly confront their memories, and in turn, restore what they have lost.
It's a neat, if very Black Mirror-esque premise, with a hint of discount Get Out hypnosis for good measure.
There are plenty of plot turns scattered throughout, and when the inevitable big twist hits, it's lands an emotional punch. Some people I'm sure will argue that the twist is easy to see early on but it's elevated by some great performances, even if that is the case.
Lead actor Mamoudoe Athie is fantastic throughout, and is supported by decent turns from Phylicia Rashad, Tosin Morohunfola, and Charmaine Bingwa. Amanda Christine, who plays Nolan's daughter is great as well, and the chemistry between her and Athie really adds to the overall film.
Black Box won't set your world on fire, but it's a competent and tight thriller with a few creepy moments sprinkled here and there and It's comfortably the best of the recent Amazon Original-Blumhouse offerings, even if it does borrow liberally from other (and better) movies. It's not for everyone, but worth checking out.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Creed II (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Insert the standard "I haven't seen any of the previous ones" line here. Luckily it's such a big part of popular culture that I knew enough about Rocky to get all the references.
I had a lots of urges to leave in the first half of the film. There was very little happening and the script seemed a little bit half arsed. I was rather optimistically thinking that the film was nearly over when the fight was announced. Luckily the action packed second half of the film was much more engaging.
The emotion was so much more real. There were plenty of opportunities to shine in the first half but none of it grabbed me until we got into the first fight between Creed and Drago.
If we discount the beginning then the rest of Creed II is an excellent story of family loyalty and letting go of the past.
Did anyone take a word count for Viktor Drago? I imagine that most of his script just read "*glares with [insert random emotion here]*". Despite the fact we have a long list of excellent actors no one seemed to give a memorable performance. There was certainly nothing that made me want to go back and watch any of the others in the franchise.
What you should do
Unless you're absolutely obsessed with Rocky and Creed then you should probably just wait for this one when it's streaming.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
That apartment with it's amazing view would be a very therapeutic thing to come home to.
I had a lots of urges to leave in the first half of the film. There was very little happening and the script seemed a little bit half arsed. I was rather optimistically thinking that the film was nearly over when the fight was announced. Luckily the action packed second half of the film was much more engaging.
The emotion was so much more real. There were plenty of opportunities to shine in the first half but none of it grabbed me until we got into the first fight between Creed and Drago.
If we discount the beginning then the rest of Creed II is an excellent story of family loyalty and letting go of the past.
Did anyone take a word count for Viktor Drago? I imagine that most of his script just read "*glares with [insert random emotion here]*". Despite the fact we have a long list of excellent actors no one seemed to give a memorable performance. There was certainly nothing that made me want to go back and watch any of the others in the franchise.
What you should do
Unless you're absolutely obsessed with Rocky and Creed then you should probably just wait for this one when it's streaming.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
That apartment with it's amazing view would be a very therapeutic thing to come home to.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated The Great Gatsby in Books
Mar 20, 2020
I'm so disappointed with this book. I know how many people love it and that it's a classic and something almost everyone's read. I was really hoping it would hold up. Almost everyone I asked said they really liked it and they thought I would enjoy it too. I didn't.
Overall, I didn't really get the point of Nick's character. Or Jordan for that matter. It felt like they were just extras and useless. Gatsby is desperate and it comes across so obviously - is that on purpose? Tom is obviously the worst character - he's misogynistic and racist and a hypocrite. And then Daisy. She's just insecure and probably lonely (I'd be really surprised if she wasn't) and I just found her to be so annoying. She heard all these things about Jay and then automatically decided, "well, my sucky husband is alright. I guess I'll stay with him."
I feel like Nick was just supposed to be some outside character, more of a narrator, but if that's what Fitzgerald wanted, why not just narrate? Why have a whole character who is basically useless but being equal parts annoyed and fascinated by his mysterious neighbor? It just didn't really make any sense. Jordan also felt useless. She was there to stir the pot, let Nick in on the gossip, be his kind-of-friend, kind-of-love-interest but not really.
Apparently, I either missed the whole point of the book or it's really that bad and we've all been brainwashed. I'm going to go with the latter, but it very well could be the former. Don't discount my ability to have things go over my head. I guess I should watch the movie now and see what I think. Leonardo DiCaprio, here I come!
Overall, I didn't really get the point of Nick's character. Or Jordan for that matter. It felt like they were just extras and useless. Gatsby is desperate and it comes across so obviously - is that on purpose? Tom is obviously the worst character - he's misogynistic and racist and a hypocrite. And then Daisy. She's just insecure and probably lonely (I'd be really surprised if she wasn't) and I just found her to be so annoying. She heard all these things about Jay and then automatically decided, "well, my sucky husband is alright. I guess I'll stay with him."
I feel like Nick was just supposed to be some outside character, more of a narrator, but if that's what Fitzgerald wanted, why not just narrate? Why have a whole character who is basically useless but being equal parts annoyed and fascinated by his mysterious neighbor? It just didn't really make any sense. Jordan also felt useless. She was there to stir the pot, let Nick in on the gossip, be his kind-of-friend, kind-of-love-interest but not really.
Apparently, I either missed the whole point of the book or it's really that bad and we've all been brainwashed. I'm going to go with the latter, but it very well could be the former. Don't discount my ability to have things go over my head. I guess I should watch the movie now and see what I think. Leonardo DiCaprio, here I come!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Species: The Awakening (2007) in Movies
Nov 4, 2020
I can quite comfortably say that Species: The Awakening - the fourth and thankfully last entry in the series to date - is one of the worst films I've ever put myself through.
Cheap horror films can occasionally find salvation in having a sort of charm to them, shitty yet endearing if you will, but unfortunately, there's more charm in my left testicle than in Species 4.
When I say cheap, I mean cheap as in they aren't even trying cheap. The whole film is drenched in a weird green lighting which makes it looks like a discount version of CSI. There's not even any practical gore to write home about. Not only is it seldom, but when things get violent, it looks like the blood was added using Microsoft Paint. It's dreadful.
I don't like to bash actors, they are only following directions after all, but Christ, no one on screen seems remotely invested in what they're doing. The dialogue is lazy, and half of the characters are just creeping around pulling "scary" faces whilst wearing "spooky" contact lenses. You know when a load of people on your Facebook friends-list update their profile pictures at Halloween with whatever costume they've put together, and they're pulling a cringey dead eye scary face just to add to the illusion - this film is basically that but for nearly two hours.
Talking about the runtime - fuck me it's gruelling. I'm pretty sure I drifted off at one point, but everything that's happening is so damn boring that by the time the credits roll, it becomes clear that Species: The Awakening is in fact an edurance test, designed to see how much dogshit the audience will take. At least, it feels that way.
It's abysmal, and I'm now in a bad mood, thanks a lot Species.
Cheap horror films can occasionally find salvation in having a sort of charm to them, shitty yet endearing if you will, but unfortunately, there's more charm in my left testicle than in Species 4.
When I say cheap, I mean cheap as in they aren't even trying cheap. The whole film is drenched in a weird green lighting which makes it looks like a discount version of CSI. There's not even any practical gore to write home about. Not only is it seldom, but when things get violent, it looks like the blood was added using Microsoft Paint. It's dreadful.
I don't like to bash actors, they are only following directions after all, but Christ, no one on screen seems remotely invested in what they're doing. The dialogue is lazy, and half of the characters are just creeping around pulling "scary" faces whilst wearing "spooky" contact lenses. You know when a load of people on your Facebook friends-list update their profile pictures at Halloween with whatever costume they've put together, and they're pulling a cringey dead eye scary face just to add to the illusion - this film is basically that but for nearly two hours.
Talking about the runtime - fuck me it's gruelling. I'm pretty sure I drifted off at one point, but everything that's happening is so damn boring that by the time the credits roll, it becomes clear that Species: The Awakening is in fact an edurance test, designed to see how much dogshit the audience will take. At least, it feels that way.
It's abysmal, and I'm now in a bad mood, thanks a lot Species.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2091 KP) rated Terns of Endearment in Books
Sep 6, 2019
This Cruise Will Not be Smooth Sailing
Meg Langslow’s grandfather has taken a job on a cruise ship for one voyage presenting nightly lectures on animals and the environment. Primetime, the cruise line, has offered a discount, so Meg and several other family members have joined this cruise to Bermuda. However, things don’t go as planned. The first morning as sea, the passengers wake up to find that the ship is dead in the water. Then, as the captain is briefing the passengers on the situation, another crew member bursts into the meeting to say that one of the passengers has gone overboard. It appears to be suicide, and the captain is willing to write it off as such, but Meg’s dad isn’t so sure. While the passengers wait for the ship to be fixed, he goads Meg into doing a little investigating. What will she uncover?
Yes, the usual assortment of Meg’s relatives join her for this cruise, and they are up to their usual antics. I don’t find these books as funny as they used to be, but I still find them highly amusing, and I completely enjoyed my time with the characters as usual. The ship is filled with new characters, and I loved how they were developed as the story went along. The action was a little slow getting going, but once the ship got stuck, things really picked up and I was hooked. I finished the book from that point on in about 24 hours, and that included time to sleep and work. The ending is a bit rushed, but everything is explained before we turn the final page. Fans will be delighted to find the series is still going strong twenty-five books in, and I enjoyed a reference to something from the early books in the series. This is another relaxing mystery, although you might not want to take it on your next cruise.
Yes, the usual assortment of Meg’s relatives join her for this cruise, and they are up to their usual antics. I don’t find these books as funny as they used to be, but I still find them highly amusing, and I completely enjoyed my time with the characters as usual. The ship is filled with new characters, and I loved how they were developed as the story went along. The action was a little slow getting going, but once the ship got stuck, things really picked up and I was hooked. I finished the book from that point on in about 24 hours, and that included time to sleep and work. The ending is a bit rushed, but everything is explained before we turn the final page. Fans will be delighted to find the series is still going strong twenty-five books in, and I enjoyed a reference to something from the early books in the series. This is another relaxing mystery, although you might not want to take it on your next cruise.