Even the most matter-of-fact lovers know what hearts, red roses,and rings mean, but there's a lot more to the ancient and subtlesymbolism of love. This tiny, delicately illustrated volume of lovers'lore explores the meaning behind everyday items such as shoes, apples,and knots in four segments: "Fortunes," "Gifts of Love," "Moods of Love," and"Love Fulfilled." ... Read more

Isbn: 0811806898
Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    2. General    3. Literary collections    4. Love    5. New Age / Parapsychology    6. Pictorial works    7. Sexuality    8. Sociology   

Love Tactics: How to Win the One You Want
Average Customer Review:
Audio Cassette (01 March, 1996)
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Features

• Abridged

Reviews (28)

Give me three steps
First a caveat, no book or skill set can make everyone fall in love with you or turn you into Don Juan or Helen of Troy if you look like Quasimodo. If you are of average or above looks this book will help you keep the one you want. The authors break down a successful relationship into its constituent parts. They are friendship, respect and passion. The first two parts are about becoming a better person who can attract people to them. If you're a good solid friend whom people become emotionally dependant upon for support, you will attract people. The second part is about earning and keeping respect from other people. Ask yourself if you would want to be with a clingy desperate person with no self-confidence or self-esteem who can barely tie their shoelaces by themselves. So don't be one yourself. This book shows you how. The third part about creating passion is the controversial part. You do this through the scarcity principle. Passion is created by Hope and Doubt. This means you play easy to lose and is slightly different than playing hard to get. Playing hard to get short-circuits the hope that a person can get you and creates disinterest. Easy to lose creates the doubt that causes a person to constantly think about you. If you don't create the passion you will hear the phrase you're a nice guy/girl but...over and over again. The only weak spot is that the book is silent on shared values. This may be because those are set hard and you just have to look for and find the person who shares the same types of dreams, values and yes sense of humor as you do by seeing a number of people. This book will lead you through the rest and is why I give it my highest rating.
Additional books that are helpful in this area are Superflirt by Tracy Cox, Romance the (woman/man) you want by Lucy Sanna and Conversationally Speaking by Alan Garner.

Interesting Read
This book had some pretty unorthodox ideas.I think that they will only work on someone to get pity from someone.One "tactic" is to be silent on a date that isn't going well.hahaThen the girl might be like, "Is everything okay?" and spend a bit more time with him.Other ideas seem good, like having confidence.I prefer "The Rules", since it's hard to tell which ideas are for boys or girls.The Rules have helped me date a TON, so much that I'm taking a break (only 2/week).Good luck.This book is written by guys, so it might be more helpful to them?I'm not qualified to say.

Older and wiser, I've changed my mind about this book
I first purchased "Love Tactics" twelve years ago and tried it, with a moderate degree of success on three individuals since then (my only three objects of interest in all that time!).The book, together with its successor "More Love Tactics", essentially attempts to arm the reader with strategies to win over the object of their desire.However, the book(s) has one major fundamental flaw (which the authors sheepishly accept, albeit briefly, in "More LTs") - these tactics will only work, no matter what the authors may contend, on those who are looking for a relationship themselves, and who are the type so few of us are lucky to find: kind, considerate, sensitive, intelligent, passionate people.Most emotionally stable, intelligent people's problems in relationships stem from investing time in those who ultimately are emotionally unavailable, and such individuals cannot and will not respond to these tactics and be with you, no matter how hard you try.I have to also question the motives of the authors.One tactic preaches that premarital sex damages relationships.Well I have news for Messrs. McKnight and Phillips.My earlier "relationships" never got as far as this stage, and I don't go for one night stands.However I recently learned that I have a physical condition for which I will require treatment and which will stop me having intercourse until cured.If had taken the advice in this book, ended up married without having had sex, I would have the double whammy of the physical treatment and possibly enduring emotional torment with a partner also.Anyone who preaches no sex prior to marriage is completely in the dark about the realities of sexual dysfunction in our society and should consider themselves lucky.The harsh reality is that you either meet a compatible partner to spend some or all of your life with, or you don't, and this book is just manipulative mind candy that you won't need to use if you are with the right person in the first place.Avoid. ... Read more

Isbn: 188207162X
Sales Rank: 662698
Subjects:  1. Audio - Self-Help    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. General    4. Audiobooks    5. CAS - Audio - Nonfiction    6. Courtship    7. Interpersonal Relations    8. Love    9. Love & Romance    10. Love / Sex / Marriage    11. Personal & Practical Guides    12. Reference    13. United States   

Standard Time, Vol.2: Intimacy Calling
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 March, 1991)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

As the title implies, this is a relaxed and intimate date much in the manner of those ages-old "for lovers only" discs that celebrated the romance and melody of jazz expression. The tempos are generally in the slow to medium range, and the moods are lovingly rendered. Wynton Marsalis's songbook here is strictly standard and classic, ranging from "You Don't Know What Love Is" to Thelonious Monk's "Crepuscule with Nellie" and "When Its Sleepy Time Down South," to a closing nod to Crescent City-street classicism, "Bourbon Street Parade." Employing a variety of mutes and expressive effects, Marsalis renders this program with simple piano, bass, and drum accompaniment for the most part, though tenor saxman Todd Williams and alto saxophonist Wessell Anderson join him for two selections. --Willard Jenkins ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Superb Album
This, the 2nd in his concept album series is excellent, the sounds are played with such a level of intimacy and warm romance that not only does it stand out a wonderful jazz album in its own right but also can be used to set the mood for that special dinner!

The playing is lovely, the warm timbre casting you back to the very birth of jazz and evokes nothing but the deepest of emotion and highest praise for Mr. Marsalis and to think he was not yet at his prime on this album!!!!

This CD is a great tool for trumpet students
This CD was early on a part of my jazz listening, and as a jazz trumpet player, I inadvertently picked up a bunch of style and technical elements from wynton's playing. Wynton is a traditionalist, but by using a stand up bass instead of a tuba he really transcends a time scale in his pieces and defies categorization. His use of articulation as an element of swing is textbook. If you play the trumpet, and you want to know how to play jazz, then pick this up. Bourbon Street Parade especially is the most textbook New Orleans swing chart i've ever heard.

Wynton at his Best
I heard this CD for the first time in the cabin of a sailboat anchored ina cove at night.It is classic Wynton and classic jazz.Very dreamy andromantic.Sit back, sip your favorite wine and gaze at the stars with yourlover while listening to this. ... Read more

Asin: B0000027K0
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Neo-Bop    4. Pop   

What Women Want (2000 Film)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 December, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Mel Gibson may learn What Women Want by listening in on their thoughts, but it doesn't take an eavesdropper to know what moviegoers expect in a romantic-comedy soundtrack. Nancy Meyers, the movie's director and soundtrack album executive producer, has compiled an interesting mix of old and new, borrowed and blue. The emphasis is on the pre-rock age of big-band swing, whether it's performers from that era or others emulating them. Three cuts from Frank Sinatra (arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle) and entries fromSammy Davis Jr., Nancy Wilson, and Tony Bennett sew up the soulful crooning of the velvet age. Lou Rawls and the Temptations replace their modern soul grooves with lush orchestrations that perfectly fit the mood. Only teeny-dance-bopper Christina Aguilera and alternative rocker Meredith Brooks,who chime in with a couple of recent hits, sound woefully out of place. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (38)

Wonderful soundtrack
Some of the greatest artist are one this soundtrack.It has a great bluesy, jazzy trend.The only bad points are the two modern artist that disrupt the flow of the albumn.This is a great albumn to have a romantic evening to or just kicking it on a lazy Sunday morning.Just skip the two modern songs.

Don't listen to the bad reviews
I watch the movie and liked it alot.Have no idea why all these bad reviews are being made.My advise, ignore the bad reviews and watch the movie because you might be surprise.It's a simple and nice movie to seat down to watch and have some light hearted fun.

GREAT!
A warm, fun movie that produced a fantastic soundtrack. These songs are classics and this is a perfect cd to break through any dreary day. ... Read more

Asin: B000054A5C
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks    3. Soundtracks & Film Scores    4. Standards    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal Jazz    7. Vocal Pop   

Double Fantasy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Strange as it seems now, the last album Lennon released in his lifetime was intended as a comeback, or rather as a parting wave at retirement: "Watching the Wheels" and "Beautiful Boy" celebrate the joys he found outside the star system, and "(Just Like) Starting Over" is a slightly awkward rocker about rejoining the domestic world that's also sort of about rejoining the pop world. The studio-pro arrangements are a little too slick, but Lennon rarely sounded happier. Ono, whose songs alternate with his in a series of thematic diptychs, was taking a stab at channeling her artier impulses into pop, is generally less successful--her voice works in a context of art-weirdness, but not as well in conventional tunes. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (50)

John Lennon's short and sweet comeback.
When John Lennon's second son Sean Taro Ono Lennon was born on John 35th birthday on October 9,1975,John,at least temporarily,retired from making music to raise Sean and spend time with Sean's mother Yoko Ono. Sean was 4,nearly 5 years old when John returned to the studio to record this album,which would be his last,while alive. This album was a joint project for John and Yoko(Yoko wrote and recorded some tracks by herself). November 1980 saw the release of this album with its first Top 20 single JUST LIKE STARTING OVER,which later appeared on the posthumously released THE JOHN LENNON COLLECTION. KISS KISS KISS is one of Yoko's compositions. Also that appeared on TJLC are another Top 20 hit WOMAN,another Top 20 hit WATCHING THE WHEELS,I'M LOSING YOU,BEAUTIFUL BOY(DARLING BOY),an ode to Sean and DEAR YOKO. This album is one of the first released on the newly christened Geffen label,a subsidiary of Warner Bros. All the other songs are good. This album even won an Album of the Year Grammy(1981) in early 1982. A few weeks after the release of this album,40-year-old John Lennon was shot and killed by an insane fan who hours earlier requested and received an autograph from the entertainer. I dedicate this album to the memory of John(October 9,1940-December 8,1980).

Great Album GREAT MAN!!!
I had to write this review after reading the only review on this album.This album (Lennon Tracks NOT YOKO!)is a fantastic album by a man at forty years old looking to the future and writting about it.Songs like Starting Over and Watching The Wheels to Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)shows a man reflecting on life and how good it is.To say this album is mediocre is down right ignorant.This album is a great addition to your lennon collection and a must have!!!!!!

Mediocre end for the greatest songwriter of all time
By 1980 John Lennon's days of writing genius songs of protest and hallucinations with the Beatles were long gone and quite frankly, this album shows lennon up resting on his laurels with half assed songs. Not one song matches up to the standard of Beatles materiel or even his early solo materiel.
I have nothing against Yoko Ono but the simple fact is, ever since they came together, John seemed to lose interested in writing good music. I'd prefer if she kept away from the music side of things because her presence is just plain annoying and pointless. Lennon, being the music genius that he is/was does show flashes of his songwriting brilliance and simplicity on this record. This album is full of simple but aimless love songs that he had been singing since his solo career began and there is nothing new or significant here. This record, released only 3 weeks before his tragic death, shows him as an artist unfortunatly gone past his creative peak and downright uninspired. Unless you're a lennon diehard, you'd be better to give this album a miss because it wont remain in your stereo for very long. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UUC
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Cecilia Bartoli - If You Love Me (Se tu m'ami ), 18th-Century Italian Songs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 October, 1992)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

The 17th-century Italian art song repertory traditionally reserved for novice singers is given new life via Bartoli's artistry. With impeccable diction and evocative phrasing, she captures every innuendo of these simple, but passionate, pieces. No two repetitive phrases are alike; she chisels every line into a landscape of interpretive magnificence. Scarlatti's simple "O Cessate di Piagarmi" becomes a testament of innocent pain and plaintiveness. Giordano's "Caro Mio Ben" is transformed into a tender cry for love. All embellishments are imaginative and well executed. Accompaniment by György Fischer is equally appealing, sensitive and precise. Every singer questing for the art of singing should study these. --Barbara Eisner Bayer ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Great Selection of Opera Pieces, and Well Performed
Cecilia Bartoli is nothing short of amazing.Her voice is very well exercised being able to have a wide range and ton color for each individual piece.This CD includes over an hour, (approximately 66 minutes) of music with a total of 21 songs.I found each one breathtaking and inspiring.Her voice is accompanied only by piano, which is also well done.It probably would have been better if an orchestra accompanied some of the songs to add distinction.That way they all would not have seemed as similar as they sometimes did.

She had wonderful control over her voice while holding notes for a long time, or hitting higher notes.I am just amazed by her experience.Overall this CD is simply a good listen.If you like opera, than you much check out Cecilia Bartoli's singing!

Opera's easy-listening arias performed with utter sincerity!
Cecilia Bartoli is indisputably one of the best representatives of Italian singing nowadays. In a time when many singers sacrifice clean-cut singing for screams, sobs and other tricks, Bartoli's straightforward approach stands out. Her instrument is not the most powerful but because of her solid vocal training she can be heard in the last rows of a theatre. She can tackle the most difficult coloratura but also sing a legato line with great warmth and exemplary evenness of tone.

The arias she sings are simple but never simplistic. Standard arias for a young singer but listening to Cecilia here makes me wonder how many legendary sopranos or mezzos would be able to sing these pieces so skilfully, expressively and with beauty of tone. Listen for example with how much intelligence and expressiveness she handles Paisello's "Nel cor piu non mi sento". Each song has its own character and Bartoli knows exactly how to sing it. Truly a lesson of Italian singing! The only aspect that I sometimes find less pleasing is her occasional aggressive singing. This however only occurs when she embellishes a lot.

I greatly admire Bartoli not only for her operatic achievements and tastes (she's a ardent Tebaldi fan) but also for her devotion to classical singing only (she refuses to become a crossover singer).

Don't miss this lovely recital!

Songs not just for students
The "24 Arias" are known by every singer as the beginner songs, and the fact is that many students butcher the songs because they find them very boring to sing. Therefore this is a recording for any beginner.Cecilia's coloring, vocal line, diction and basic interpretation are what an aspiring singer should aim for.Even the "boring" songs are brought to life by this versitile singer.How many times has one heard "Se tu m'ami" and just thought, "Not again."Well Cecilia brings new life to timeless songs and hopefully she will inspire younger singers to find the beauty in these songs.For the non-singers, what more could you want to hear but a beautiful singer singing beautiful songs? ... Read more

Asin: B00000420F
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Vocals    3. Miscellaneous    4. Opera    5. Vocal   

Virgo: August 22 to September 20
Average Customer Review:
Audio Cassette (01 September, 1999)
list price: $11.95 -- our price: $11.95
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Reviews (1)

"Par excellence"
Wonderful tape.Yes, we Virgo's are pefectionists and this program, without question, earns its five stars!For the first time, I feel like my drive for order is a gift and not a burden.He is so easy to listen to andhe gives so much information."Par excellence!" ... Read more

Isbn: 1929435053
Sales Rank: 2361533
Subjects:  1. Astrology - General    2. Audio - New Age   

Cosmic Grooves: Virgo
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 August, 2001)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Reviews (2)

Cosmic Grooves - Various Astrological Signs
This is a fun item especially if you are interested in astrology.The music on the CD does seem to fit and the book is interesting.I gave one to a friend for her astrological sign for her birthday and she thought it was just great.

Cosmic Grooves - Virgo
This is a fun item especially if you are interested in astrology.The music on the CD does seem to fit and the book is interesting.I gave it to a friend for her birthday and she thought it was just great. ... Read more

Asin: B00005UDYM
Sales Rank: 343065
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Disco    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Soul    6. V/a Compilations   

Chef's Choice 830 WafflePro Heart Waffle Iron
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $79.99 -- our price: $69.88
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Editorial Review

Take the guesswork out of cooking waffles once and for all with Edgecraft's Chef's Choice WafflePro. It beeps when the waffle is ready, making it easy to never overcook or undercook another waffle again. The WafflePro has settings for "crisp exterior/moist interior" and "uniform texture," and a color control dial, as well as a cooking surface that needs no oil. Best of all, this chrome and black compact waffle maker saves space, as its cord clips neatly under the base and the whole unit stores upright. It's wonderful for busy family kitchens where you need to make waffles as fast as they can be eaten. --David Drury ... Read more

Features

• One-year warranty
• Cooks individual waffles
• Fast or deep bake settings
• Beeps when ready for batter and when waffle is finished
• Nonstick cooking surface needs no oil

Reviews (19)

Has a short, happy life
Two years to the day almost, the waffle iron functioned perfectly. But then the non-stick feature failed.Three-4 months later, using PAM to prevent waffles from sticking, the thermostat began to fail, finallying baking waffles to an unedible crisp. For this kind of price, one should expect a better quality product.

It is great while it lasts
I purchased one of these around three years ago.I love the waffles it makes.After two uses it died.I sent it in.The factory fixed it and sent a letter saying the fuze had blown and not to plug the unit in with the setting at 6, which I have never done.The unit just died again today while cooking a waffle.I have used it about 20 times.I don't understand why the company cannot fix the problem with these units.

These waffle makers are so much better than the other units out there (I own several others), but the reliability sucks!!!

Loved it while it lasted, but....
I bought my WafflePro 830 four years ago.Back then, it was $59.99.Once we figured out our preferred setting, it made PERFECT waffles.-- and I mean PERFECT!They never stuck, they were crispy outside, moist inside, and clean up was a breeze.

This morning, it wouldn't heat.So much for my Sunday morning pecan waffles.

I thumb through my warranty information -- one year, limited.That's useless...

So, I go online to see how much I can get one for now -- after all, a small appliance which was $60 four years ago ought to be around $30 or 40 now, right?WRONG! -- $69.99 here at Amazon.com, and higher everywhere else!And no one's selling them on eBay either!

Like I said -- I loved it while it lasted.But I expect a waffle iron to last longer than 4 years, and I expect the price to come down in four years, too!Look on eBay -- see how you can buy electric waffle irons that are 30 and 40 years old -- some even 50 years old!-- and they still work!

Chef's Choice, that's how a waffle iron should last!Not four measly years... ... Read more

Asin: B00004RKG0
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Waffle Irons    4. Waffle Makers    5. (Wafflemakers)   

Heart-Shaped Measuring Spoons
Average Customer Review:
Misc.
list price: $34.99
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Reviews (2)

Spice up your kitchen!
I love these new measuring spoons! They are functional and obviously good looking. I love the ring they are on to keep them from becoming seperated in the drawer. Slightly more difficult to clean after measuring any greasy ingredients since they are not dishwasher safe. But well worth the extra effort.

heirloom quality
These measuring spoons are beautiful!I asked my mom for them for Christmas 2001 and they are prettier than the picture.To top it off, they measure accurately.You'll hand them down to future generations who will get the impression that all things made at the turn of the century were well made. Mine are kept out on display so everyone can see them. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JP00
Sales Rank: 1456
Subjects:  1. Measuring Spoons    2. Measures    3. Measurers    4. Kitchen    5. Bakeware    6. Clearance    7. Special Sentiments    8. Kitchen Gadgets   

Le Creuset Poterie 8-Ounce Heart Ramekin, Red
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $11.99 -- our price: $11.99
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Editorial Review

Sweet as a valentine, this heart-shaped ramekin sends a message of love to whoever dips into the dessert it holds. The 1-cup size makes it perfect for an individual custard or pudding. Made of stoneware, the ramekin can go in the oven (up to 500 degrees F) and even under the broiler, producing that brown crackling needed for crème brûlée. The ramekin is also safe in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, and the porcelain enamel finish resists scratching, chipping, staining, and cracking. --Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Highest quality stoneware with enamel coating provides years of carefree use
• Classic design and bold colors look beautiful on the table
• Scratch-resistant finish
• Commercial quality - resists chipping, staining, and cracking
• Freezer, refrigerator, microwave, oven-to-table (broiler also)

Reviews (13)

made in Thailand
These ramekins are a handy size for desserts, condiments, etc. The cherry red is my favorite color, and the ramekins match well with my other Le Creuset. I originally bought 2, but found myself using them so often, I picked up a couple more.

I was surprised to see on the box that these were made in Thailand and not France. I think I remember seeing that the LC stockpots (which got mixed reviews) were also made outside France. The quality seems to be just fine. The pieces are not marked with a location. The only loss seems to be the mental imagery - I picture these being made at a sweatshop instead of by a French villager whose family has worked at LC for generations!

Think "out of the box"{
Fill the ramekin with a dip and place in a matching (coordinated) LeCreuset oval casserole dish filled with chips or veggies.Nice presentation.

Cute, Practical - Use them for this great recipe!
These are great for a wide variety of uses and in this great red color they are very cute too! Cute, practical and useful - how good can they get!

They are perfect to use for this recipe:

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

For best results, use a dark baking chocolate with high cocoa butter content (about 30 percent)

12 teaspoons plus 5 tablespoons sugar

8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

3 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon all purpose flour

1 quart purchased vanilla bean ice cream

Generously butter eight 3/4-cup ramekin or custard dish. Sprinkle inside of each dish with 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar.

Stir chocolate and butter in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat.

Using electric mixer, beat eggs, egg yolks, and remaining 5 tablespoons sugar in large bowl until thick and pale yellow, about 8 minutes. Fold 1/3 of warm chocolate mixture into egg mixture, then fold in remaining chocolate. Fold in flour.

Divide batter among ramekins ordishes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic; chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place ramekins/dishes on baking sheet. Bake cakes uncovered until edges are puffed and slightly cracked but center 1 inch of each moves slightly when dishes are shaken gently, about 13 minutes.

Top each cake with scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and serve immediately. Makes 8 servings.

Enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B00007BHZM
Subjects:  1. Baking    2. (Bake Ware)    3. Bakeware   

When My Heart Finds Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 October, 1993)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Editorial Review

New Orleans pianist, singer, and songwriter Harry Connick Jr. has done what many makers of Christmas records strive for but seldom achieve: he's made a Christmas record that sounds convincingly like a '40s period piece and rigorously like a cool, contemporary jazz disc. His powerful, self-written Christmas songs sound like polished standards, and he delivers the whole package with a sassy, vocal economy (with the occasional New Orleans accent) and an orchestral richness that is never indulgent or overwhelming. When My Heart Finds Christmas is a true classic that no lover of big-band jazz and singing (in the Sinatra style)--and Christmas music--should be without. There are so many great moments here that singling any one out would be at the expense of the others. Still, the reverential, solo-piano intro to "Ave Maria," Connick's own "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus," (a rousing, second-line swing tune), and his triumphant "I Pray on Christmas" (a get-happy-now gospel song) deserve mention if only because they'll earn Connick extra credit in heaven and on Earth. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (65)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CDS
i remember a few years back seeing Harry on the David Letterman show performing "It must have been 'Ol Santa Claus".It was a jazzy fun new christmas song.I immediately went out and bought the CD the next day."When my Heart finds Christmas" is a collection of 14 songs that has become one of my favorites.

The songs range from the foot-tapping, big band sounds of "Sleigh Ride", "Let it Snow", and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to the smooth croonings of the title track, "Ave Maria" and "What are you Doing New Year's Eve".There's even a very catchy gospel-like song called "I Pray On Christmas".

Conniick's Orchestra is in top form as he captures the spirit and feel fo the old 40's big band era in this great collection, and Harry's voice was never smoother.

This really is one of the best Christmas CDs to come out in years and better, I think than "Harry for the Holidays", Connicks second Christmas CD.

A classic Christmas Album
It is often said that Harry Connick Jr.'s greatest strength is his versatility. And on no other of his CDs does that come across. This album is especially careful to point out the variety of styles Connick and his piano and an voice can support. From the big band smash swing cut of "Sleigh Ride" to the stirring piano solo in "Ave Maria", to the rolling Stride of "I Pray On Christmas," the variety is endless.
To make the package better, the CD has almost unlimited replayability. Connick arranged each of these in a completely unique way-- I have yet to see any other versions which are as individual as these. Because of this, the CD is an instant classic--It's hard to replace the X-mas masters like Crosby, Perry Como, and Mannheim Steamroller, but this comes as close as any.
This CD's so good, you really do wish it was December 12 months of the year!

A New Classic
With its cozy cover photo and charming sentiment, from the very first notes, When My Heart Finds Christmas sparkles with the classic charm of Dean Martin holiday affair, with mostly successful results.Connick opts for a largely unconventional lineup instead of an album full of the same tunes on everybody else's holiday CDs; interestingly enough, most of the lesser-knownsongs fly high while a number of the standards fall flat.

The opening track, a sprightly arrangement of "Sleigh Ride" that gets things moving nicely, and "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" crackles with insinuating joy, but "Rudolph" shows the dangers of utilizing a children's chorus, whose screechy exuberance mars an otherwise fantastic arrangement."What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" is nice enough, but it's a bit drab, especially for the last track.The very slow, dramatic "What Child is This?" may be a drag for some, and a tedious march arrangement of "Little Drummer Boy" quickly becomes grating.

Proving that not all marches are stodgy, however, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is a smashing success among the less popular numbers, a high-kicking, kid-friendly confection.The Rat Pack throwback is most evident in the tight cocktail swing of "Christmas Dreaming," a Sinatra cover filled with winking cheer.The disc's crown jewel is the gorgeous rendition of "Ave Maria."Tender, delicate, unpretentious and oozingly slow, this is the one where you can really hear Connick pouring his whole heart in.It begins with a solo piano statement that would be more than enough by itself...but when Connick's haunting tenor comes in, trembling with emotion, its plaintive beauty surrounds you like a blessing straight from Heaven.A true joy, and worth the price of the whole CD.

Never one to rest simply on the work of others (as displayed in the series of photos accompanying liner notes, which show Connick chopping down a pine tree and dragging it home), Connick wrote four of the tunes himself.Of the two ballads, the title song comes off like a cheesy '60s ballad, but "The Blessed Dawn of Christmas Day" teems with reverent beauty.The faster numbers really deliver.The funky, festive "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus" chugs with the zest of New Orleans, and you're absolutely dead if it doesn't bring a smile to your face."I Pray on Christmas" shouts like a swingin' holiday revival, complete with call-and-response verses and a delicious piano solo.These two tracks are immensely joyful and deserve to become classics.

I think of When My Heart Finds Christmas like a holiday party thrown by a good friend.I love most of the people there, but some of my favorite guests are in a mood I don't care for, and some I just plain don't like, but I avoid them without complaint because the ones I enjoy are so great.I was *not* keen on this CD and its offbeat selection the first several times I listened, but I kept it because I adored three or four tracks.For some, this one's an acquired taste that's worth the effort; for those who do appreciate it, it gets better every year. ... Read more

Asin: B0000029DL
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. Pop    5. Swing    6. Traditional Pop   

Le Creuset 2-Quart Heart Casserole, Red
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $140.00 -- our price: $99.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Le Creuset is famous for coating its heavy, cast-iron cookware with not just one, but two--count 'em, two--layers of enamel baked on at 1,450 degrees F, resulting in gloriously bright colors. This bright-red, heart-shaped casserole adds a note of whimsy to dishes, but its 2-quart capacity, handles, and heavy-duty construction make it practical as well. Both its interior and exterior are enameled--as are the bottoms of all Le Creuset pots and pans--to prevent scratching glass-topped stoves. The enamel surface will not react with any acidic foods and is easy to clean. The weight and nature of cast iron make for even heat distribution. This cookware gives you all the benefits of cast iron without the painstaking care. --Schuyler Ingle ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe; 101-year warranty
• Can be used in the oven or on the stovetop
• Enameled cast iron efficiently conducts and retains heat
• Heavy, tight-fitting lid; knob on lid is ovenproof to 450 degrees F
• Holds 2 quarts

Reviews (26)

101 Year Warranty says it all!
Not only are Le Creuset products beautiful, they are well designed and extremely durable. How many companies offer a 101 year warranty on cookware???? Le Creuset is the only one I know of to offer such a warranty, which in my opinion demonstrates the quality you receive when purchasing their items.

As for this particular design, it has to be my favorite, whether for special occassions or everyday use. I get so many compliments about my unique cookware.

Trust me, you'll be delighted if you purchase the Heart Casserole!!

Be My Valentine with Whimsy, Beauty, and Function!
I have collected all of Le Creuset's fruit and vegetable shaped cast iron enameled casseroles. In my 40+ years of cooking these casseroles are at the top of my list for beauty and functionality. They are beautiful to display on a table or on a kitchen counter and very practical in cooking delightful casseroles, soups, stews and other wonderful dishes. The color that they can add to a kitchen brightens every vist there. The exterior and interior enamel coating is very durable and easy to clean. I have cooked a multitude of dishes in these casseroles and have found them to be excellent in heat conduction and preventing "hot spots". The wider and lower shaped casseroles are a little better in spreading the heat.

The warranty against defects of 101 years will certainly last beyond my expected needs but it is nice to know that I have the protection since these are not inexpensive purchases.

The comments of guests served from these casseroles is always positive and never fails to bring a smile to my face.

There is a drawback to these whimsical cookers and that is the rim of both the top and bottom of the casseroles. There is no enamel on these rims and they can rust if not dried immediately after hand washing. They are dishwasher safe but I do recommend that you hand wash and dry immediately. I also recommend that you let them sit out for an hour or so to air dry before storing them.

When wet this casserole can be very slippery and the handles on the bottom and top help in preventing dropping them. Be really careful!

Finally, closely inspect your casserole when it arrives. My first garlic casserole had a two inch crack in the enamel. I did not have to contact Le Crueset since Amazon.com immediately sent a replacement to me and had the defective item picked up at my home at no charge. I commend them for standing behind the products they sell.

Great gift for others and yourself.....
I bought this little casserole for my daughter, and I liked it so much I bought one for me.The size is small enough for a casserole for a two-person household like mine, or a rice or bread pudding. Used for storage of leftovers--it is perfect.Besides, it's pretty.Great gift for yourself or others.

The only downside is that cast iron pans with enamel coverings are at risk for chipping.My pot came with little rubber separators that suspand the lid above the pot.My daughter asked me if she should take them off when she baked, and I said yes, but save them because they will protect the sides of your pot.

Another thing I like is that the pot came packed in biodegradable peanuts.Don't know if it was the French manufacturer or the shipping source, but keep up the good work. All shippers should take a hint.There is no need to use the old plastic peanuts. If the corn starch peanuts work with a heavy pan, they will work with anything. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SBIA
Subjects:  1. Baking Dishes    2. Bakeware    3. (Bake Ware)    4. Cookware    5. (Cook Ware)    6. (Lecreuset)    7. (Le Cruset)    8. (Le Crueset)    9. Le Creuset    10. Heart    11. Casserole    12. Cherry Red    13. Red    14. Bakers    15. Casseroles    16. (Caseroles)