Music : Surrender |
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Rating: - * Jane's weakest record so far ... I've been a huge fan of Jane since her first release, and was unfortunately quite disappointed by this album. True, her voice is in wonderful form (when is it not?) but the weakness of this album lies mostly in the arrangements, which seem highly over-produced, sappy, and bland. I get what she was going for here, perhaps a more lush and luxurious sound than the jazz combos of most of her previous recordings. But where as Diana Krall did this sort of thing very successfully with the interesting, haunting arrangements on her "Look of Love" CD a few years back, Jane's effort comes across as elevator music to my ears. The paint-by-number orchestrations and syrupy production values don't help, either. I'd like to hear the results if she were paired with more adventuresome arrangers and orchestrators. But "Surrender" just doesn't serve Jane's artistry the way it should. Rating: - * R & R Bossa Nova ... R & R Bossa Nova is a musical phrase I coined to classify some of the CDs from my collection ... it stands for Refreshing and Relaxing Bossa Nova music. This CD, "Surrender" is a fitting example for it contains quite a lot of Brazilian-infused numbers that are absolutely enchanting and very pleasing to the ears. Sergio Mendes, Ivan Lins, Toots Thielemans, Vince Mendoza and Jorge Calandrelli are some of the most trusted names when it comes to exquisite music - their presence in this recording adds beauty, brilliance and timeless appeal that most listeners often look for in an album. What makes this disc so special? Jane Monheit's impeccably refreshing, relaxing and soothing renditions; tasteful choice of material from the pens of Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, Sergio Mendes, Johnny Mandel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Stevie Wonder, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, among others; sublime musicianship from a fine group of studio musicians that include pianist Michael Kanan, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, drummer Rick Montalbano (Monheit's husband), saxophonist Ari Ambrose, just to name a few; a lush string orchestra; and more importantly, Vince Mendoza's arrangements and Jorge Calandrelli's grand orchestral charts. The Bossa Nova charmers include "Caminhos Cruzados" featuring Toots Thielemans on a stunning extended harmonica solo, an enthralling duet with Ivan Lins, "Rio De Maio" and "So Tinha De Ser Con Voce." The tasteful repertoire wouldn't be as wonderful as it is without "Moon River," "A Time For Love," "Overjoyed" and "Alfie," the track that spotlights Monheit's impressive vocals accompanied only by the romantic sound of Michael Kanan's piano. Monheit is at her most gentle and relaxed mood in "Like A Lover" treating the lyrics like the delicate petals of pink roses. "So Many Stars" is breathtakingly beautiful! It features on piano its famed composer and Bossa Nova icon Sergio Mendes, whom I've met at his 40th anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl over a year ago. Its lovely arrangement is based on the original chart recorded by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 entitled Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Greatest Hits. Who could better interpret "If You Went Away" with heartfelt emotion and tender perfection? She aced it and made it her own. This track is such a beauty from the first note to the last. "My world is safe and it's worth living for Even more with you I've learned to treasure each moment of time You've even taught me how high love can climb." If you will listen closely with undivided attention to each track focusing not only on Monheit's vocals, but also the arrangements, instrumentations especially the solos, you'll agree with me that this is by far her best offering. A gem of a CD. With my heartfelt recommendation. Rating: - * The Amazing Monheit.... ... Jane proves again her amazing vocal skills. I saw Jane recently at the Birchmere in Alexandria performing mostly songs from this CD. She made a special point of thanking us at the end of the concert, before her encore, for "really listening." And we did. It's the first concert I've been to in a long time where people were literally sitting at the edge of their chair to hear every note, every breath and every nuance. This jazzy-bossa nova style suits her perfectly and her singing in Portugese is flawless. Superb CD, superb performer. I can't recommend this CD highly enough. Rating: - * Happy to surrender to Jane ... I am gripped by Monheit's voice whenever I hear it. "Surrender" is a terrific lilting song, and "Moon River" pretty much always makes me cry. I go through Monheit kicks and alternate this album with Live at the Rainbow Room and Taking a Chance on Love. I love that she sings some songs from previous eras, making them perfectly contemporary. Rating: - * Great riding music ... I'm a middle aged man, but I've customized my big wheel to fit my growth spurts. I'll ride my big wheel to work most days when it's not raining. I went ahead and wired up a dope sound system with some headphones. Let me tell you, this is the best big wheel riding CD on the market right now. I just relax and feel wind on my special helmet. It's like I don't even hear all of the cars honking at me. That ticks me off. Why can't you ride a big wheel in this country instead of driving a big gas guzzler. I'm helping the environment riding my big wheel, getting some exercise and chillin to the newest release by Jane Monheit. What is wrong with that? Society wants to call me names and make me leave my big wheel in the garage. Well, society isn't going to get what they want this time. It's my big wheel and I'll ride it when I want!!! Peace. |


The story is pointedly set in the late 1980s, years before the establishment of the WNBA, so Monica's prospects for pro ball lie exclusively in Europe, while Quincy steps into the pros at home. It's a pleasure to see a character as passionate and fully developed as Monica, and Lathan gives a fiery portrayal (she had never played ball before the film, but you'd never tell from her performance). Prince-Bythewood favors her struggle over Quincy's and opens our eyes to her unique challenges with a sharp, savvy contrast. Alfre Woodard costars as Monica's harping mom (always trying to get her to be more ladylike) and Dennis Haysbert is Quincy's philandering father. Hoops fan Spike Lee produced. --Sean Axmaker

![]() A large, easy-to-read display helps you keep tabs on your workout. View larger. |
The device's large, easy-to-read LCD display can separately display aerobic steps and minutes walked more than 10 minutes continuously, so you always have the information you need right in front of you. Meanwhile, a seven day history lets you review a full week of exercise. The device also resets at midnight automatically so it's ready to go every morning. Of course, the device can also function as a handy and highly accurate clock. It also comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap so it's always close at hand.
The HJ-112 is powered by a replaceable lithium battery (CR2032) that will last six months when used for walking 10,000 steps a day. The device measures approximately 2.8 x 2.1 x .6 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 1.1 ounces (not including battery).
What's in the Box
Pedometer, battery (CR2032), screwdriver, strap, clip for strap, holder, and instructional manual.
| Compare Omron Pedometers | ||||
![]() | ![]() HJ-150 | ![]() HJ-151 | ![]() HJ-112 | ![]() HJ-720ITC |
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| Measurement |
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| Product Placement | Clip to belt | Clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt |
| History | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days (displayed) 42 days (in memory) |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Batteries | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) |
| Estimated Battery Life | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) |
| Time of Day Display | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| Omron Health Management Software | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Does it matter where the pedometer is placed or attached?
The HJ-150 and 151 Pedometer must be positioned correctly. Attach the unit to your belt or to the top of your waistband. The unit must be horizontal to the ground in order for the unit to function correctly. The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer can also be placed in your pocket or purse.
What's the accuracy rate of Omron pedometers?
The precision of the step counting is within +/- 5%.
What are moderate steps?
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended each day. The HJ-151 Pedometer separately displays the steps and minutes walked at a moderate pace.
What are aerobic steps?
The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer separately displays aerobic steps and minutes that start counting after 10 minutes of continuous walking with more than 60 steps a minute.
How does the PC software work?
The HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP. It keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.

The device's large, easy-to-read LCD display can separately display aerobic steps and minutes walked more than 10 minutes continuously, so you always have the information you need right in front of you. Meanwhile, a seven day history lets you review a full week of exercise, and there's also a 42-day memory for uploading past workouts to your PC. The device resets at midnight automatically so it's ready to go every morning. Of course, the device can also function as a handy and highly accurate clock. It also comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap so it's always close at hand.
The HJ-720ITC is powered by a replaceable lithium battery (CR2032) that will last six months when used for walking 10,000 steps a day. The pedometer also includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP, which keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.
![]() The included Omron Health Management Software provides a steps graph that lets you see how your values are trending over time. View larger. | ![]() View pedometer and blood pressure data together (via a split screen) on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. View larger. |
| Compare Omron Pedometers | ||||
![]() | ![]() HJ-150 | ![]() HJ-151 | ![]() HJ-112 | ![]() HJ-720ITC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement |
|
|
|
|
| Product Placement | Clip to belt | Clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt |
| History | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days (displayed) 42 days (in memory) |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Batteries | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) |
| Estimated Battery Life | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) |
| Time of Day Display | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| Omron Health Management Software | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Does it matter where the pedometer is placed or attached?
The HJ-150 and 151 Pedometer must be positioned correctly. Attach the unit to your belt or to the top of your waistband. The unit must be horizontal to the ground in order for the unit to function correctly. The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer can also be placed in your pocket or purse.
What's the accuracy rate of Omron Pedometers?
The precision of the step counting is within +/- 5%.
What are moderate steps?
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended each day. The HJ-151 Pedometer separately displays the steps and minutes walked at a moderate pace.
What are aerobic steps?
The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer separately displays aerobic steps and minutes that start counting after 10 minutes of continuous walking with more than 60 steps a minute.
How does the PC software work?
The HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP. It keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.