To top up with excellence
588602
It's a thing.  I re read an Austen every year.  To me Austen is the writer who took earlier forays into the writing of novels, from Don Quixote to her, and put in the floor  the basis of all good novels since.  Her writing is an exemplar of how English is best written.  Sentence length, use of punctuation, rhythm and tone make for reading out loud.  Perhaps, in her day, that is how many people absorbed her stories.  They heard them as others read them aloud.  In that vein, any direct speech, usually of some length, carries the sound of that character and her characters are so rounded to their personality and to type.  The playwright Harold Pinter, learnt from Austen.

Austen arranges a  blend of characters in her novels whose lives reflect on the others giving one a mosaic, or a tapestry; a visual image of that part of England in its time.  But, there is something ceaselessly modern in her writing craft and her stories.  This novel is so funny and it is so easy to see it translated as it was into the modern film Clueless.

If all that wasn't a bonus, it is Austens superb craft-person-ship with metaphor.  They operate on so many levels.  The landscape is as a bowl in Emma and the transverse of characters into it and up the sides mixes all together but in a way that a perfect dish will come of it.  And there are pointers to it  the bowels of nourishing gruel that Mr Woodhouse always must have. As well, there is her arrangement of characters and how one pair reflects on another  principally Emma slash Harriet and the opposite sex pair Mr Knightly and Mr Martin as constant and sensible.  These are set off against the young Miss Fairfax and Mr Churchill and their difficult relationship and then the ones of avarice in the Minister of religion and his wife  and isn't that a subtle dig!  And then, as  way of moving the story along and filling in  like stippling in a drawing  she has Miss Bates mixing all the bits together.

Because Ive read Emma a few times I have to acknowledge that my re reading is somewhat slow and the novel is not a page turner as might be some modern detective story.  But, this novel is one to wallow in and enjoy the sound and chuckle at the human foibles and prejudice being uncovered.  Austens novels are the benchmark of all good writing.
4242160
Five stars for the best story I have read this year. It had all the bells and whistles that is required to break into the top echelons of this industry. Keep up the good work it won't be long before you are a household name.
1714625
My first encounter with Mepra tableware was at a Four Seasons Hotel, where usually little expense is spared to surround their guests in luxury. This flatware is luxurious indeed and among the finest in the world. Anyone familiar with the Mepra brand name knows that they are world renown in the industry and the winner of quite a few design awards.

The design of this Natura line is about as basic as you can get and utilitarian as you can get. This understated style should be able to fit in anywhere, looking handsome without calling any attention to itself. Despite their simple looks, those who know items of a higher quality will recognize it here. The hand feel is luxuriously smoothe and the wieght feels substantial but not overly so. This appears to be an incredibly durable set (try the bending the fork if you can). Even scooping them together provides a satisfactory "clanking" sound that I'd never heard from colliding flatware before.

This particular set should appeal to those who like and appreciate high-end "basics". Find the design and style of Mepra flatware that appeals to you and sample a set. There is a great chance that you will be going back for more
4280156
Desmond Photographic Distributors has been redefining whats possible when it comes to the finest quality gear on a budget as of late. Originally for me, they have been a go to source for decent clamps and plates. However, in recent months Ive noticed a marked improvement in machining and finishing of even the products Id already owned. As it turns out, they not only distribute photography equipment, but design and build most of what they sell. Indeed, they make OEM products for companies the world over.

This leveling base is another example of what we can expect to see from them in the coming months. When I saw it I recognized it as being quite similar to the Nodal Ninja leveling base, for about half the price. Unlike the Nodal product, its available in several configurations depending on your desired use. So you can dispense with adapters and be guaranteed the most stable possible setup.

Build
The machining and finish of this product is perfect. Made from lightweight aircraft grade aluminum, it has been machined to maximize lowered weight while maintaining rigidity and strength. The black finish is a semi-gloss, and seems nice and thick. Its a completely smooth surface with no apparent irregularities whatsoever. The knurled blue anodized leveling and lock knobs are clean and sharp. Brass threaded lifts and swivels are also perfectly executed. The top plate has a dense cork pad inset into the beveled surface, but is raised ever so slightly above plate level to keep any clamp or head from damaging the surface of the leveler.

Handling
Using this leveler couldn't be simpler, and is much easier to get quick and exact leveling than the bowl type of leveler, especially when theres a lot of weight on your head. You can easily tell which way you need to turn the levelers, and lower the smaller knurled nut on top to lock firmly into position. The knobs rotate easily with weight on top of the leveler, the base lifts almost as if there were no weight on it at all. A few quick turns on the desired corners and you're done. This is truly precision machining, and it's a pleasure to use this device.

Since I do a lot of virtual tours, this 3-way design pays off when Im having several setups on a particular job. Ive been using the bowl type for some time, but that one is going to be relegated to my backup support. The bowl design can be a bit fussy, and it seems I'm always having to correct one way or the other. This one is just intuitive and fast. Having this as a part of my tripod makes even regular shooting much easier as I don't need to fuss with leg-leveling unless Im on extremely uneven ground.

Pros:
- excellent fit and finish
- easy to use
- finest materials
- different size stud thread configurations available
- 10  tilt
- lightweight

- inexpensive

Cons
- doesnt come in red

Desmond has been coming out with some fantastic products, from rotating clamps to monopod and tripod heads. Im sorry Ive made other purchases that were far pricier now that Im seeing what appears to be equal or better quality for less money. While Desmond is a distributor of Sunwayfoto products, their own products have gained traction and are easily on the same level of this excellent company. I look forward to seeing what else is coming from Desmond in the coming weeks and months. I will certainly look to Desmond first before I make any purchase for my photographic accessories.

For the price and performance of this product, 5 stars easy. More please!
2871402
Spectacular quality. They could, however, come with a case and be better protected. But the product itself is top-notch.
2923496
I can easily see this becoming a standard for church events.  I can also see it being used by people who may find themselves in hosting positions (new businesses for examples).  Anyone could use it in truth and adapt it as necessary.  Dr. Fowler-Hornbuckle brings a classy flare and also business acumen to achieve that level of excellence that many strive for.
3866439
'Get Back Up' is an absolutely fantastic read, and is highly recommended. Inspiring in so many ways, this is a great story of overcoming many struggles (both physical & financial) and how dedication and determination can help a person rise to the top of their game.  From humble beginnings on the streets of Philadelphia to the polished platinum offices of Microsoft, George A. Santino weaves a tale of great expectations with debilitating setbacks, small victories, new challenges, and an ultimate climb to the pinnacle of the corporate ladder. An incredible 'can-do' story if ever there was one.
1110024
I'm not sure you can improve upon excellence, but the tribute songs are worthy efforts to do so.  While they all honor the essence of the original music, each singer puts his or her personal style into the process and creates something familiar to the ear yet also unique. I think if you asked 23 buyers of of this CD which one song they like the best, you'd get 23 different answers.  An excellent choice for anyone, but for those old enough and lucky enough to have been along for the ride since Saturate Before Using, this is a must.
1055517
This racket is exceptional for beginners, as well as for everyday use for some more experienced players.  It provides excellent access to both topspin and slice, with great stability.  Good quality for the price.
2302235
While the book is about special forces, I find that the takeways can be applied to almost everyone wishing to achieve excellence in life and work. From Mr. Owen's account, one learns that in order to be the best of what you do, you have to:

1. Really like what you do and enjoy every moment of it;
2. Train, exercise, rehearse a lot (really really a lot);
3. Work with the best;
4. Have lots of planning;
4. Have lots of backup planning;
5. Have patience & tenacity;
6. Focus on the task at hand & stop worrying;
7. Be prepared to make plenty of personal sacrfices.

I also like the fact that he does not care too much about the public praisals of his accomplishments, but rather values the experience of being there and executing the missions; and above all else, the brotherhood with his fellow seals. Someone once said the meaning of life is in 'love & work', this could not be more true in this wonderful book.

Intensity is the price of excellence, my friends.
1607399
From the time I began focusing on transformation of myself and the companies I support, Good to Great helped lay a foundation and laid out a roadmap that anyone could follow. As I speak with leaders or even peers at events, this book always comes up. When you hear the words, we are trying to go from good to great, you know where this comes from. Jim Collins hit a homerun that will end up in the leadership hall of fame.
2893833
It might be a little expensive but it is also represented in the quality of the construction.  Topped off with nice packaging, if you are looking to accent a nice work area, this will not disappoint.
4077629
What can I say excellence but a understanding of higher maths is needed.
2221471
Fit is perfect. give them your hatsize and it works. the cap is of high grade quality and well worth the price. I'd label it a 5 start item.
4857142
Amazing personal challenge reached through tenacity, focus and dedication to better himself.  This accomplishment is one that all of us could do if we are motivated to set a goal and reach it.
1030698
Excellent, top quality product. I intend to purchase more.
362815
This does not need to be long and drawn out.

The most recent order is only my continued loyalty to this computer vender. I had upgraded a desk top monitor and needed a larger cover for it.

High quality materials, well designed, high performance logistics, honesty in advertising. A trifecta +one.

Hey, it's the American way, and deserves a rare 5-Star. I only awarded two of them last year.

Rossi