To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's popularity in his native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38, attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo'ole's body lay in state in the state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor. Kamakawiwo'ole's appeal lies in his love for prestatehood, precondominium Hawaii and the expressiveness of his gently passionate voice, which can float through higher registers with an ease that brings Johnny Mathis to mind. Several selections ("Ka Pua U'i," "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i," the sun-kissed "La 'Elima") feature Kamakawiwo'ole in a traditional mood, using only his ukulele to adorn the charm of his native lyricism. Others, such as the Jimmy Buffett-like "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" add playful contemporary touches that suit Kamakawiwo'ole's style. Most touching are the string-backed laments that open and close the album, "Hawai'i '78 Introduction" and "Hawai'i '78," initially a reflection on his father's death, later on the passing of Hawaii's native culture. Best known is his medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which played over the closing credits of the film Meet Joe Black. --Terry Wood

Album Description 

There's a smart balance of traditional Hawaiiana and contemporary tunes on this CD. There's heart-tugging warmth along with unexpected chuckles. The end result is a candid, honest reinforcement of his vocal breadth.

Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails

Amazon.com 

See Thomas & Friends™ like never before in this new action-packed movie. Follow Thomas as he discovers Hiro, an abandoned engine from a faraway land. Fearing that Hiro will be scrapped, Thomas enlists the help of many friends, but mishaps, mistakes and one boastful engine could foil their rescue plans. Watch and find out if they can work together to help their new friend in the most heroic movie of the year!

John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the few great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular '60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, the first Toy Story.

Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes, and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus living forever. Toy Story 2 also achieved something in the U.S. two other outstanding 1999 animated features (The Iron Giant, Princess Mononoke) could not: it became a huge box-office hit. --Doug Thomas

Description 

A landmark in filmmaking with cutting-edge animation and the voice talents of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, TOY STORY introduced Woody the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear, a space age action figure. Along with a supporting cast of funny friends, TOY STORY will entertain the entire family with action, adventure, and sidesplitting laughs. Joining the original voice cast in TOY STORY 2 is a roundup of unforgettable new characters including Jessie the Cowgirl and Stinky Pete the prospector! Winner of the Golden Globe(R) award for Best Picture, this box office smash is full of laugh-out-loud humor, wonderful music, and eye-popping animation!

There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talkedabout late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney.

Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug Thomas

Description 

Disney takes you where no movie has gone before in creating this totally terrific TOY STORY, the year's #1 box office smash. The first full-length feature film animated entirely on computers, it captured audiences' hearts with a wonderful story that takes place inside an amazing three-dimensional world. As six-year-old Andy's favorite toy, Woody (Tom Hanks), a take-charge, pull-string cowboy, was confident in his role as room leader. But after Andy's birthday party, newcomer Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), a flashy space ranger sporting laser action and pop-out wings, crash-lands into Woody's world. Buzz instantly wins the admiration of Andy's other toys, igniting a rivalry that lands the duo inside the home of Sid -- the toy-torturing boy next door. To escape Sid's evil plans, Woody and Buzz must work together and realize they've got the perfect friend ... in each other! Voiced by a powerhouse comedic cast, and featuring Randy Newman's Academy Award(R)-nominated music, TOY STORY etched its name into motion picture history and earned director John Lasseter a Special Achievement Academy Award. Now you can collect Disney's "four-star, supercharged" (USA Today) movie marvel on video!

The DLR165K Digital Laser Range Finder Kit At a Glance: Precision laser measuring technology Pocket-sized; only four inches tall Measures length, area, and volume Four measuring reference points Three measurement modes 3-year limited warranty

Use Indirect Length Measurement Mode to calculate distances that cannot be measured directly due to obstruction. View larger.

Measuring only four inches tall, the DLR165K fits in your pocket.

Precision Laser Technology
Utilizing precision laser technology, the DLR165K takes length, area, and volume measurements that are accurate up to 1/16 inch. Whether you're trimming and scribing cabinets and counters or preparing to cut lumber, pipes, or conduit, you'll appreciate the DLR165K's fast measurement time of 0.5 to 4.0 seconds. You'll also love the easy-to-read digital display that shows all results in three units of measure: feet and inches, decimal feet, and metric.

4 Measuring Reference Points for Ease of Use
For further convenience, a single laser beam does both the pointing and the measuring. What's more, the DLR165K has four measuring reference points--back, front, swing-out extension pin for measuring from inside corners and channels, and center of tripod (sold separately). This means you can take several measurements simultaneously, without repositioning the unit. Also, a large range from two inches to 165 feet gives you the versatility you need to complete a variety of jobs.

3 Measurement Modes Offer Flexibility
Easier to use and more accurate than a tape measure, the DLR165K makes measuring a one-person job, even when walking off distances. In fact, its continuous-length mode automatically adjusts your measurement as you move forward, which means you won't waste time taking notes and repositioning the tool.

There's also an indirect measuring mode that calculates the distances that cannot be measured due to obstructions or lack of reflecting surfaces. Additionally, a continuous laser mode saves you time by reducing key strokes during rapid measurements.

World's Smallest Digital Range Finder
Measuring 4 x 2-15/16 x 1-1/4 inches, the DLR165K is the world's smallest digital range finder. You can easily fit it into your pocket, place it over your hand with the included hand strap, or hook its included carrying case on your belt loop. An added bonus, the DLR165K features an ergonomic soft grip area for a secure, comfortable hold.

One of Bosch's Most Innovative Measuring Tools
The DLR165K is part of Bosch's new line of compact, user-friendly, multipurpose measuring and layout tools. These tools are designed for optimum precision, so your project stays on course from start to finish. They level, align, measure, and detect--all with an innovative feature set that allows for effortless one-person operation, even when measuring walking-out distances.

The DLR165K is backed by a three-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
DLR165K, one soft case with belt loop, hand strap, and four 1.5-volt 'AAA' batteries.

Test and Measure Family of Tools
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GRL145HVCK Rotary Laser with Fully-Automatic Leveling Extension Kit	GRL160DHV Dual-Axis Rotary Laser with Fully-Automatic Leveling	GRL160DHVCK Dual-Axis Rotary Laser with Fully-Automatic Leveling Extension Kit