Another Bluetooth Speaker Must Have From Captain!

Captain Bluetooth Speaker

This incredible multi-function Bluetooth speaker is, truly, a jack of all trades--and masters them all. I actually ordered two separate Captain speakers for two different places. This one I purchased for my bedside table, as it has a front facing built in alarm clock to rouse me from my sleep (no easy task!).

First, the sound from this speaker is on par with my stereo speakers, a fact that really surprised me from a bar unit. The bass is really rich, thumping and deep. High end frequencies are also captured with amazing clarity.

I've already mentioned the clock/alarm functionality, but this device also has an integrated FM radio with fantastic range and reception. We live fairly far out in the country, and I was easily able to tune in dozens of station broadcasts. Beyond that, however, this speaker allows the user hands free calling and answering when it's paired with a mobile phone. The built in microphone transmits clear speech that is free of static or interference.

Accessible top-mounted buttons make it simple to skip and repeat tracks, change the volume, set the alarm and answer the phone. The overall design is sleek, professional and sophisticated and would be perfect in any office.

Overall, I love this speaker and the sound it produces, not to mention the many functions it offers. Five gold stars.

Note: I received a discount on this speaker in exchange for an honest review.

I Never Said That--Get It On Cam!

Conbrov Personal Security Cam

This tiny security cam is just perfect for my needs! I am a mystery shopper. I do dozens of shops per week, retiring to my car after each one to frantically write notes, then snap pics, so that I don't forget any important details for the shop report. Many times, those reports must also include video of the location, or certain aspects of the location, such as the parking lot, restrooms, etc. Lugging a camera is very conspicuous and could blow my cover. This cam, however, has solved that problem!

First, I am able to capture quick recordings of locations with just the press of a button. No detail of that locale is lost or forgotten, and since the cam clips right on my collar, no one is the wiser. Second, the quality of the recording is great for such a tiny cam. To watch or transfer the video, I simply place the mini SD card (which is not included) into a card adapter, then into my laptop SD slot. It could not be any easier.

The cam itself is very versatile. It can be wall mounted or carried, clipped to clothing or a car visor. It can be set to record with motion detection or simply to record on command. The status lights make it clear which mode the cam is in at any given time. The fact that it's infrared makes it a breeze to get good, clear footage at night as well. Used as a security cam, the motion detection mode will record up to SEVEN DAYS or 100 minutes on a single charge. Considering I have to charge my iPad every three hours, the seven days on standby really impressed me. ;) Finally, it has a sensitive built in microphone so that you don't miss a sound.

Overall, this is a sound little device that will provide you with viewable footage, complete with full audio. Five stars for performing as promised!

Note: I received this cam at no cost in exchange for my honest feedback and review.

After the Read...Gould's After The Cure

After The Cure

I just turned the last page in this post-apocalyptic novel. I must admit to being of two minds here. Generally, I am a tough critic, able to pinpoint the weaknesses of a piece of fiction whilst also being able to recognize its merits and thereby coming down on one side of the love/hate critique. This one, however, has me straddling middle ground. On one hand, I was glad to reach the end, as I felt that some of the details were becoming tedious. On the other hand, I was sad to say Bon voyage to Nella and Frank.

The plot of this piece is one that's been done, but this author adds a breath of fresh air to the whole flesh-eating zombie genre. Here, the infected are cured, but retain the memories of their days spent wantonly lunching on friends and family. The resulting prejudices and societal biases are far too symbolic of our current climate to be ignored, if, indeed, that was the author's intent. In any case, some of the scenes reflect those precipitated by racial tensions today and hit the mark both physically and emotionally. The divide between the Cured and the Immune stretches far and wide.

This story comes with some of the genre-specific requirements somewhere written in the rules to penning apocalyptic fiction. There are, as mentioned, still roving hordes of zombies eager for a meal; there are those either cured or immune trying to elude these zombies; and there's a secondary love story to tug the heart strings. Surprisingly, all of these elements work here without appearing cliche. The plot moves quickly for the first 3/4 of the book, and at times the reader feels like they've been taken along for one hell of a ride. This author excels at dialogue, which is a good thing, as there's a lot of it.

Here's where things fell short. That amazing dialogue is delivered by characters who, for me, fell a little flat. For several reasons, I never fully "invested", which I think is the reason for my critical ambivalence. First, while we learn Frank's back story, it's not nearly with enough detail to develop any empathy. The same holds true for Nella, and even more so for Dr. Pazzo and Dr. Schneider. The former was seemingly non existent before the plague, whilst the two latter were inconsistent in their actions. Perhaps a starting place for them would have at least explained their behaviors. For example, what motivated Dr. Pazzo to engage in this type of work? Was there something personally motivating him to work on the bacteria? Were he and Ann together long? How serious was it? In order to feel the connection, I would have needed more from them--more of what they were before the plague, of how they ended up where they were when the plague struck. Did Frank.have siblings? What about Nella's parents? What became of them? I wanted to feel what they were feeling, but without a place of reference to who they were, it was difficult to relate to who they had become.

The last third of the book failed for me because I hadn't established those character connections necessary in order to fully appreciate the gravity of their situations. I wanted to find out more about Frank and Nella before they sailed off, but I was also eager to say adios, as I had all but given up hoping for those details.