Music : The Black Album |
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Rating: - * An epic statement ... With the late-2003 release of "The Black Album," Jay-Z announced his exit from the rap game and retirement. While we all know that he wouldn't hold true to this promise, "The Black Album" was a dramatic, stunning return to form for one of hip hop's top MCs. Following his 2001 classic The Blueprint, Jay-Z had put out multiple disappointing releases, most notably his follow-upBlueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse, a sprawling double album, and his first R. Kelly collabo Best of Both Worlds. "The Black Album" showed a Jay-Z that we had seen glimpses of on The Blueprint, a dramatic and epic rapper who prophesized, recounted his career, and celebrated his greatness. His boasts are not unfounded in the least, and the album is truly compelling. The production is part of what makes "The Black Album" so effective, though, because nearly each song is perfectly matched to his raps. The huge list of A-list producers does a great job. "The Black Album" is one of Jay-Z's finest works, and I highly recommend it. Following the intro, the album begins with the horn fanfare of "December 4th." This song contains clips of an interview with his mother, speaking of his growing up. He raps dramatically about his upbringing, problems in school, at home, and how he struggled through to overcome his humble beginnings. I love this song. The absolutely epic "What More Can I Say" starts with the "Are you not entertained?!" clip from "Gladiator," and Jay-Z profiles his ultimate greatness with each line in each verse. This song is inspired and moving. Over a great trumpet solo, produced by Kanye West, Jay makes his official retirement statement on the classic "Encore." The first single, "Change Clothes," is an incredibly catchy ode to clothes and partying. This song has a very classy and luxurious vibe that shows a matured rapper, and The Neptunes' production is great. Timbaland laced the club banger "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," the repetitive, inescapable hit that inspired a dance move and clever punchlines for years to come. 9th Wonder's production "Threat" is a memorable piece showcasing an angry Hov, and "Moment of Clarity" is an emotional insight into Shawn Carter's mindstate. "99 Problems" is a classic single, perfect. Rick Rubin's banging guitars create a perfect backdrop for Jay's hilarious and entertaining rhymes and excellent hook. The classy "Justify My Thug" and the unique "Lucifer" are good tracks, and the album closes with the nice "Allure" and the phenomenal "My First Song," which closes his album, and supposedly his career, with a thought-provoking finish. While "The Black Album" didn't turn out to be the wonderful retirement statement it was meant to be, the magnitude of the music and ideas on this album will always remain. This album captured the hearts of a hip hop audience for a long time because of all it offered, and it probably will continue to do so as it is remembered as one of Jay-Z's most effective works. Rating: - * Jay Ended the Game With A Tight CD ... Jay Z has done 12 tight albums and usally when an artist gets to there last cd they get worse but not with Jay Z. Jay has proved that he can keep making tight records unlike many other artist. Jay Z is a important part of hip hop because he keeps it real. My Favorite sings on the Black Album are December 4th, Encore, 99 problems and Dirt Off your shoulders but every song on The Black Album is hot. This is a must buy cd for any hip hop fan. Jay Z keep it real! Your the Greatest. Rating: - * Jay Ended the Game With A Tight CD ... Jay Z has done 12 tight albums and usally when an artist gets to there last cd they get worse but not with Jay Z. Jay has proved that he can keep making tight records unlike many other artist. Jay Z is a important part of hip hop because he keeps it real. My Favorite sings on the Black Album are December 4th, Encore, 99 problems and Dirt Off your shoulders but every song on The Black Album is hot. This is a must buy cd for any hip hop fan. Jay Z keep it real! Your the Greatest. Rating: - * The Black Album (clean) ... Oh Man, this album rocks! The tracks like "99 Problems" are true hits. Some songs that aren't heard of a lot will be hits. The whole concept of the album may not mean much, but it made all the difference, for real. All the songs are so awesome! The best track, "99 Problems," is a song with incredible lyrics, nice beat, and really hardcore. "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," is an amazing song with the best lyrics, the best rhythm, and it's so good it is played at every party, it will make you brush your shoulders off! "Encore," makes you sing along, roar, and it will make you give it an encore. "Change Clothes," is really stupid, but that doesn't matter too much. Track 10's interlude, is incredible, it's just incredible! Other songs like, "Moment of Clarity," are un-known, but one of the best. Overall, this album is sick. The proudcers are just as cool as the songs they made with guys like, Timbaland, Eminem, Kanye West, Lenny Kravitz, Pharell & The Neptunes, and more. This album is too good get while you have the chance. Rating: - * The best in the biz ... I think Jay-Z album is a great cd and he's cd are all great but I think this is the best one.So every body out there this is my review and I hope you like the cd cas I think it's a great album. |


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.