This page is just what it says it is, Jim's Picks. Here you'll find my thoughts and such on books, movies, literally anything I really want to give a stamp of approval. Do check back from time to time to see what I've added. So here goes....
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Jim Recommends..... W2K News |
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| The Sunbelt W2Knews™ Electronic Newsletter. This is a fantastic source to keep up with changes and new info regarding Windows 2000™ . If you are a computer professional that works with Windows 2K and are not getting the newsletter via email, why not? With concise info like tips, hints, info from Microsoft™, book recommendations, security info and tech briefings, your nuts not to be consulting it. You can subscribe at www.w2knews.com. | |
| Jim
Recommends.....
Ladyhawke
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This 1985 movie, filmed in the Italian Dolomites, is set in the 13th century. An adventure of two cursed lovers, Nevarre and Isabeau (Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer) who are "eternally together and forever apart" thanks to an evil Bishop (John Wood). The thief known as "Phillipe the mouse" (Matthew Broderick) is unaware of the odd turn his life is about to take. Likewise, an old hermit priest named Imperius (Leo McKern) is waiting for his chance to vanquish the evil done to the two lovers and, at the same time, gain redemption for himself. The soundtrack for the film was written by Alan Parsons of the Alan Parsons Project. This film is rated PG-13, runs 121 minutes and was directed by Richard Donner. I can't say enough good things about this film. It is a must-see and a must-have in your movie collection. "We've come full circle, Lord. I'd like to believe there's some higher purpose in all this... It would certainly reflect well on you." -- Phillipe (Matthew Broderick) to God
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Jim Recommends..... MSN's Hotmail
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| Hotmail
is really the best choice of all the free online email accounts out
there. There are others that do OK, Hotmail seems to rise above them
all. I have several hotmail accounts and have never had any
significant problems to speak of. Easily configurable for most email
clients to access. The folks at MSN take pains to update and improve
Hotmail in every aspect. Just recently they launched a new web
interface. Also being able to stop at any Internet-connected machine
and check your mail is a great option alone. One word of warning,
when you sign up don't add your name to the Hotmail directory! If
you do, you'll get loads of spam. With free email, advertising is a
fact of life. Don't be surprised to see banner ads at the top of the
page.
Also users that access Hotmail via MS Outlook Express Version 5 and up will see the ads also while viewing Hotmail boxes. No, there is no way to disable them, I have explored that option. I will say that depending on the firewall software and configuration of your ISP, using Outlook Express to access your Hotmail account, is not a good idea. Happy emailing. |
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| Jim
Recommends.....
Crossfire Trail
"My whole life
I never had roots deeper'n topsoil… I believe I'm stayin'."--Rafe
Covington (Tom Selleck), to his friends. |
Crossfire Trail marks another Louis L'Amour book that has been brought to life by one of Hollywood's quintessential cowboys, Tom Selleck. It also marks another fantastic performance for Selleck. Selleck's plays Rafe Covington, a man who watches a best friend Charles Rodney die at sea off the California coast. Rodney, on his death bed, makes Rafe promise that he will look after his wife and ranch in Wyoming. So Rafe, and his compatriots Rock (David O'hara) and J.T. (Christian Kane), set out for the ranch. In Wyoming, he finds that Rodney's wife Ann (Virginia Madsen) believes her husband died a year ago. Also in town is Barkow (Mark Harmon), a rich, controlling man is looming near Ann and a wise old ranch hand in Joe Gill (Wilford Brimley). After his first day in town Joe Gill wanders if Rafe will live through the day since he's aggravated just about everyone in town. Barkow is a rich man looking to get richer and will pay to have Bo Dorn (Brad Johnson) remove his troubles for him. Rafe is not a man to be shaken from a promise made, especially to Rodney. Needless to say, both sparks and bullets are destined to fly in all directions. Crossfire Trail was shot in 2001 and directed by Simon Wincer (Lonesome Dove). This 95-minute film was released by Turner Home Video and is not rated. Be warned, it is a western, people are gonna get shot. |
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Jim Recommends..... Columbia Winery's 1999 Cellarmaster's Reserve Riesling |
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Made from the grapes grown at their Sagemoor and Red Willow Vineyards, Columbia Winery's 1999 Cellarmaster's Reserve Riesling is undeniable proof that wine can and should be made in Washington. While I lived in Oregon, I acquainted my self with the outstanding wines that the Columbia Valley had to offer. This wine is exquisite! It must be experienced to be appreciated. A rich aroma, a wonderful sweet flavor, clean acidity with clean finish and an aftertaste to make the soul sigh. If it were possible (and I had the funds) I would probably purchase every remaining bottle I could. I only have one bottle left. This should be the standard by which other Riesling's are judged. Being 2001, it may be very difficult to find this particular vintage. However, if this Riesling is indicative of the standards by which they make their wine, we are all in for treat. I haven't had the opportunity to try their 2000 Riesling, but I'm going to find a way to get a bottle to Mississippi. Hey Columbia, EXCELLENT WORK! |
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| Jim
Recommends.....
1999 Ford Contour SE
Read a Review on the Contour from Edmunds.com. Info from Carpoint on the Contour. |
Well I had to put in a plug for my car. I did some serious research into what vehicle I wanted to own a few years back and arrived at the Ford Contour / Mercury Mystique. Due to financial reasons I had to buy a 1994 Ford Taurus, which, unlike successive models, was a good, reliable car also. Well, while living in Portland, Oregon, I crunched the ol' Taurus. I then bought a new Gold-colored 1999 Ford Contour SE. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car. It is a mid-size car with a distinct sporty side. Ride, handling, agility, great performance, its all there. I get an average of 26 MPG and that includes in town driving. Maintenance is a breeze. Oil use, on my car anyway, is practically nonexistent. I have had no problems with this vehicle. While in Oregon I did quite a bit of driving with the Contour. I was an automation consultant for FedEx responsible for the state of Oregon. So I have spent some time in this car. I've put a few miles on it. So don't think I am praising this car because it runs well the few miles I drive to the grocery store. If you are car shopping and need a mid-size sedan, you should definitely test drive a Contour. I think you'll be surprised. I don't know about the rest of the Ford fleet but they seem to have gotten this one right. |
