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Pfaltzgraff Napoli Glass Old Fashion Straw Dispenser
$9.99
I'm collecting the Napoli set and I use straws so this was a logical selection for me. I had a clear acrylic straw holder already but this one sounded great and it was a plus that it's made of glass. Unfortunately, when it arrived I found the included straws were jammed in between the base and the cover, under the lip. I removed them and thought that maybe the regular straws I purchase at the grocery store would be shorter or that, without the plastic wrapping that contained the included straws they would have the opportunity to fall in such a way as to make this straw holder easily usable; sadly that was not the case. This item is just barely large enough that you can wedge a straw in under the lip of the cover but not large enough for the straws to fall casually around as you lift the interior caddy so that you may easily withdraw one. It is decently made and if you just want something to hold straws this may work for you but if you're looking for something to hold straws and make them easy to get to I'd recommend going with something else (or finding shorter-than-average straws). For myself, I'm holding on to my old straw holder and deeply enjoying the rest of the Napoli set.

Belly Bandit Original post-pregnancy tummy wrap (Small nude)
$45.95
I liked the Belly Bandit. It did what it said it would, but it was difficult to get the right size. I ordered the medium first and it was too small. I decided to keep it and just ordered the large too. It was a good decision. I ended up using both.

Rudolf Tobias: Des Jona Sendung - Jonah's Mission
$43.98
Rudolf Tobias was born in Estonia (in 1873, same year as Rachmaninoff) and he had quite an unfortunate short life (he died in 1918). His vision and ambition in Music was not necessarily shared by others and his Oratorio was never performed in full during his lifetime and was soon forgotten. Thanks to the enormous work of Musicologist Vardo Rumessen who has restored after a considerable work. In some ways his destiny reminds me of the one of Charles Tomaslinson Griffes who had to copy by hand his "Pleasure-Dome Of Kubla Khan" for a performance by the BSO and shortly died after. But Tobias had himself no chance to see a complete performance during his lifetime. And it was not until 1989 that the complete version was ever performed, thanks to Rumessen, the famous Musicologist, and his restoration work done on the score. Three choruses are staged for "Des Jonas Sendung", 150 chorists are used in the main and there is an addition of children's choir. A female choir is acting as the "Mystic Chorus". The Orchestra is deployed in full proportion.The Oratorio itself is a very well balanced between huge, grandiose moments (the Sanctus reminds me of one movement of Elgar's "The Spirit of England"), intimacy with parts that could be Chamber Music and fast, muscular transients (like in the opening bars). It is sad that such a discovered work, neglected or even unperformed during their time, reveals to be a major landmark in the entire Oratorio output and ranks among the best Choral works ever written : Beethoven Missa Solemnis, Haendel Messiah. This is also making every audition of this CD an unforgettable experience.

Belly Bandit Bamboo post-pregnancy tummy wrap (Medium, Black)
$60.00
My wife was so excited to use the bamboo belly bandit. We read the specs and reviews and thought that this is a miracle product! It seems to really work according to the website. When we got it, the first couple of times seemed good. However, the longer she wears it, the more uncomfortable it became. Also, it doesn't stay in one place; it folds up. Do NOT wear underneath clothes - it will show!!! False advertisement. In addition, she could not put it on herself. I had to help her each time! Bottom line: What a waste of money!

I would return it, but we threw out the box.

P.S. She hates this product with a passion. Guys, do yourselves a favor... don't buy this for your wife!