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Posted by
I used to be employed with MBNA back in 2005. I was in their elite sales team counter offer. Basically our job was to sell as much as possible, as fast as possible, and if we were good enough, smart enough, sneaky enough, we wouldn't have to do it all legally. CRC regulations said that we were able to do . this, this and that. MBNA pretended to care, pretended that we were all be listened too, pretended that if we didn't do exactly what the law required there would be swift punishment. Well, that didn't happen. You see we used to sell insurance as well as loans. We had a bunch of really good sellers on the team, one guy in particular used to sell 10-20 p3's a day (that's what we used to call them) I remember everyone wanted to know how the hell the top sellers sold their stuff, what did they say? what did they do? You'd think the entire management team would call a meeting and go over EXACTLY what was done, exactly what was said, no. Never happened, because it was illegal. Things that were not mentioned, say specific fees or charges for a loan or particular insurance were not mentioned to the customer. Perhaps the customer was listening, but the sales rep was speaking too fast, or just as the IMPORTANT parts came up, he would hold down mute for a fraction of a second. Everything was monitured, but they couldn't tell when you had MUTE pressed down. There were a lot of tricks, a lot of lies. People would complain EVERYDAY that they paid ONTIME. MBNA were very very smart, never told anyone it took 2-5 business days to get the money, and MBNA made damn sure it took 5 days to process ANYTHING. They wanted everyone to default on their payments, everyone to pay higher interest. I know for a certain fact that MBNA would not correct their phone list if a person had moved, I know for a fact that people were called every week, every day for months, for years even. I know that deceased customers would still get calls. Their widows answering the phone for the 35th time and telling us that their husband died. MBNA was ruthless. And did they reward you for all the hard work? no! they gave us chocolate bars for more energy. They'd demand overtime, overtime overtime. Why aren't you working this Saturday? I got a family...? DOESN'T MATTER! NO FAMILIES, NO OBLIGATIONS, !
They didn't want you to leave. I think one of the worst things MBNA did was sell to people who really didn't speak enlish that well. We were all forced to bully our way through sales, even if the person didn't understand what you were saying, just keep pounding away and they'll eventually fold, and take the money. Directors Club. What a joke.
This was MBNA's "idea" to reward top sellers, problem was, the 'leads' or 'call lists' that the top sellers would use would be shared by the lower of the sales groups. It tainted the pool, so when 'some' of the elite sellers would be asked to go on 'inbound' calls, they had the clear advantage. Their time on a separate lead system was not compensated for, nothing was done. People were crushed in a day, in a few days when their rivals would go on 'incoming'
In my opinion, MBNA is the worst financial instituition I have ever worked at. Thank god for HSBC. And one last thing about MBNA that was idiotic, the men had to wear a STRICT dress code, pants, tie, you got the idea, the women? anything they DAMNED WANT! Low cut shirts, I mean so low it was RIDICULOUS, I thought half the women were going to the club on their lunch breaks, oh god how pathetic MBNA was.
I am so glad I left.
ps. never work, never deal, never talk to MBNA, because more than likely you are getting SCREWED!
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CjCinColorado on 03/16/2006:
I'd much rather deal with MBNA than the skunks at HSBC!
HSBC is 'Household Finance' now renamed.
HSBC bought Beneficial Finance.
Beneficial is still OK BUT you have to watch them.
Knowing they're all REALLY under the old umbrella of Household Finance Corp. makes me not trust them.
Both companies,HSBC and Beneficial regularly don't send the monthly bills. They penalize monetarily for paying bills too early too.
Household or HSBC just isn't to be trusted.
squeekie on 03/16/2006:
Beneficial/HSBC does suck. my husband has a loan through them. they immediately tacked on the 3k in interest so it brought the loan up to 8k and now it looks like the loan is over drawn. we have it down to a more sain amount now. but then HSBC called and wanted to give us a home equity line of credit, at get this 12.75 %. I don't think so. we could get it through our bank or mortgage co for half that amount.
wary-consumer on 03/16/2006:
Thanks for the insiders look into MBNA's practices. I'd think MBNA knows about the tricks that sales reps use the trick customers but don't want to do anthing to prevent it because it will hurt their profits. I bet they just turn a blind eye unless it is blatently obvious.
JG3_Dragon on 04/29/2006:
MBNA does horrible Business practices. I have a post on this site, explains what I had happen. It wasn't the debt, it was minimal to the US debt poll. It was their sneeky way of percentage rate increases to good customers. I did not have a great customer treatment in the end. Remember 6 years with this Company. There is a reason for that...but then to see me dump them and never look back. You know the reason now...only one it could be...mistreatment. I do see now why I am not one of the Richest Company's on the planet.
I couldn't do this to people.
At least I am free of their actions today.
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Posted by
Honesty is the best policy
I have been a customer card holder with MBNA since 2001. I have never defaulted on a payment or neglected to pay off a balance in full. I increased my credit limit from 10,000 to 15,000 last year. I chose not to use my card until I had a need to use it which I believe is my own prerogative. I called in just the other day to order cheques and I was informed that my available credit was decreased without any notification to myself (meaning no phone call, no letter and no e-mail to myself informing me that I was being penalized). This company decreased my available credit of $15,000 which I worked so long and hard to qualify for and obtain all the way down to $400. I was told that they had to decreases my available credit limit because that I was not using my card and they had to minimize their risks just in case anything security-wise would have happened. I was shocked that I was treated like this and was unable to do anything about it. They also told me that I would now have to re-apply for another increase in credit which we all know would affect my credit rating once again because anytime you request a credit increase, it goes against your credit score. People, can you imagine if I was at a business luncheon and the meal was over $400, how embarrassing that would be for me to not know that the card that I was holding now only had $400 worth of credit available instead of $15,000! What a fool I would look like not even having money to pay for a business luncheon. I have now cancelled my card with them and I have now told everyone that I come into contact with that this MBNA company is the absolute worse company that you can deal with regarding anything. Their customer service is horrible and their ethics and controlling manipulating ways really gives banks a bad name. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY as you will become a victim!
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Anonymous on 05/28/2009:
.....and your tax dollars bailed them out.
Anonymous on 05/28/2009:
Victim? You're not out a penny of your own money. They reduced a credit line that wasn't being used on a card that wasn't being used. The credit line is their liability, and it's their right to reduce it, just like it's a customer's right to go somewhere else.
Slimjim on 05/28/2009:
MBNA is now Bank of America. In regards to warning future applicants, I don't think that will be an issue with any credit card lender right now. The days of obtaining large credit lines are over aside from an elite few. The rest won't be getting an aggressive limit to be reduced in the future.
CaptainSpaulding on 05/28/2009:
Slimjim: You are correct, however Bank of America is using the name "FIA Card Services" for all former MBNA credit card accounts.
voiceoff on 01/04/2010:
They should have let you know but yes that is their right. However why should your score, based on YOUR actions and creditworthiness, not their sudden reduction without cause, be damaged, if they changed the rules of the game in the middle?
Every thing is score driven and your reputation was ruined by being a nice person who does not have a huge balance.SHAME ON THEM!
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3 Months Interest On One Late Payment!
Posted by
I held my credit card with the Bank of Scotland for around nine years with no problems at all until the company was taken over last year by MBNA. Until recently I paid off the full amount every month but while busy caring for my dying mother I made two payments that were a few days late. I accepted the fault was my own and expected to be charged interest on these amounts, which I immediately paid.
However, today I received another statement with interest charged. When I phoned to query this I was told that MBNA charge interest and CONTINUE TO CHARGE INTEREST until an account has been 'in the clear' for a further TWO MONTHS after the original late payment! I have so far been charged £59 for having sent in full payment a week late.
When I then asked to have a full statement sent to me so that I could close my account I was told that a) this was 'impossible' to do until the statement's normal due date, and b) this statement would show a further interest charge as I was to be penalized for yet another month for the same late payment.
MBNA insist that what they are doing is absolutely legal and not 'dishonest' because customers are warned of this. Not on their statements, they aren't! It's quite possible that this may be mentioned on some other list of 'rules' sent out separately and only once, but I think it very unlikely that people who make a habit of paying off their card every month feel the need to dig out the rules as bedtime reading on a regular basis. In fact, if this practice is legal, it is certainly not moral and amounts to charging an interest rate that far exceeds the one they advertise.
I really would recommend that anyone who normally pays their card in full every month be made aware of this as it only takes the merest slip to send a single late payment and then find you are being penalized with 3 months' interest instead of one.
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DO NOT deal with this company
Posted by
A very long story made short, I put in a new driveway this year, and I paid for it with a credit card I expected to pay off with a tax refund in February. I went on line and researched 0% cards so I could balance transfer from my well loved credit card and finance the drive for nothing: I found a 0% offer from MBNA. When I called them, I specifically asked if there was a fee. The answer was no. A month later when I got the bill, there was a $225 3% percent of the balance transfer fee on the bill. I called. I was cut off. I called I was transferred around. I was cut off. This went on for fifteen minutes until I got a manager. I told them what happened, we agreed to a $50 fine. I was told the info about the 3% was on the back of the paperwork. I told him I didn't HAVE paperwork and when I did get AFTER I agreed to the balance transfer over the phone, it was written so small I had to hunt for it to see it.
Then, I set the account up for automatic paymments. What did they do? They raised the minimum payment by $58 WITHOUT notifying me, so when the payment I made was short, I not only got socked with a late fee, they took my 0% from me AND a $47.00 finance charge. I called five times, was treated like a criminal, and finally, I went from nice to nasty and got one girl to agree to give me back the 0%, and remove the finance charge. I didn't trust them, so I removed the automatic payments option. A month later, the finance charge was still there. I pulled out my trusted ten year old card, the one I had used to buy the drive in the first place, called them, and they offered me 4% with a flat $75.00 balance transfer fee. I arranged to have the whole balance placed back on the card, minus the $47.00 I didn't feel I owed MBNA. I called MBNA again, before the balance transfer went through, I called four more times to get the finance charge removed. When they did, the transfer went through, the balance was zero, I closed the card. What did they do yesterday? They pulled the automatic payment out of my account (you know, the one I SHUT OFF) and made a payment on a closed account. I just called them again five minutes ago and got the "I'm sorries." I said, "Raising my miniumum payment when I haven't made a charge is illegal. Taking money out of my account when I haven't authorized it is stealing, and accepting a payment on a closed account just proves how incompetent your company is. This has been a nightmare." She apologized, and I repeatedly apologized to her, as a human...but MBNA is awful, just awful. What would have happened if they overdrew my account??? My money is being mailed back to me within 7-10 and I have no doubt I will have to call them about it. Does anyone out there know if my bank can stop automatic payments from their end? I'm worried about next month.
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tnchuck100 on 12/24/2006:
If you had checked this site first you would have seen MBNA is never to be trusted. Hind-sight is 20/20. However, your post may save some other poor soul from being victimized by them.
Work with your bank. They should be able to recover any monies MBNA took. Next point: NEVER let any company auto-debit your bank account.
tnchuck100 on 12/24/2006:
Please tell me this is the same reoprt you filed on 7/25/2006. I would hate to think you allowed yourself to be taken by MBNA a second time.
Bababooey on 12/24/2006:
I said it before, and I'll say it again...
MBNA no longer exists. It was taken over by Bank of America last summer, and now operates under the name "FIA Card Services".
Any problem you had with MBNA should now be directed at Bank of America, dba FIA Card Services.
SherryH on 12/24/2006:
No...the 7/25 incident is the first part of this post, the rest is a continuation of the events to this morning...and yes, I was stupid enough to think it was an isolated incident and just a rough start with them, and I didn't want to transfer the balance again. I wrote that review to tell people to be careful about balance transfers. This one is written to tell people to stay the heck away from them, period. I am now, I hope, completely finished with them. My card (now in little pieces) says MBNA, the website, www.mbna.com, takes you to Bank of America. This is why I identified it as MBNA.
HaroldSays on 12/24/2006:
There is a form that you can file with your bank to dispute charges taken out of your account. There is no charge for this service. You can file that and within about 5 days the bank will return the money to your account if your dispute is valid.
Anonymous on 12/24/2006:
SherryH I can't add anything to the advice others have given so I will just say you did great and I'm glad you got away from them. I know it's a hard lesson to learn but you did, GOOD FOR YOU! That is called "Acquiring wisdom". Most banks and credit card companies do this kind of thing because most people let them and no one really regulates them. Just makes you wonder who the criminals really are? Marry Christmas to you and yours!
Shakra on 12/24/2006:
A transferrence of monies from one credit card to another usually does result in a percentage being added on. That is because the credit you had from one the original credit card is considered a "loan" instead of credit on the second. It used to be 2%. Guess they've raised it. That's why it is never a good idea to transfer balances from one credit card to another.
TWolf on 03/02/2007:
BofA, who is a part of FIA card services, provides some of the most horrendous service I have ever known. I do not know of one individual who is thrilled with the service they receive. Unfortunately, FIA card services is a huge company and it can be difficult to find credit cards that are not through the organization, but they are out there. When you read the fine print when researching your card, be sure to look and see if they are a part of FIA. Otherwise, just call them. Trust me, you will immediately notice the low quality when dealing with the sales team.
leftcoaster on 04/14/2009:
As other commenters have noted, FIA Card Services is just the old, fraudulent MBNA, now owned by Bank of America, which, in turn, is the renamed old NationsBank of North Carolina, not the fine institution founded by A.P. Gianini in San Francisco in the early 1900s. MBNA was infamous in the 1970s and later for goading college students into applying for credit cards, even though they might not have had steady jobs or the means to pay the bills. They never did change their sleazy practices, as far as I know. I stopped using all my MBNA/FIA-issued cards over a year ago and have let the accounts lapse, including those issued under my credit union's brand name. (The credit union used to issue and manage its own credit/debit cards. I was sorry to see them get involved with these pirates, and my fears were borne out in full.)
hopper14 on 08/18/2009:
I am glad I am not alone. I did a balance transfer and it put me over the edge in debt.
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Be very careful when doing balance transfers!
Posted by
AKRON, OHIO -- I called MBNA to take them up on their 0% for a year credit card balance transfer deal. My credit card currently sits at 9% (not bad, but 0% is better when we're talking $6000.
During the application process, I spoke with Michelle and I asked her how many balance transfers I could do on this card. She told me they were unlimited. I asked if there were any fees involved, and she told me, "It's a zero card, no charges for a year." So far, so good. I balance transferred the amount charged to do waterproofing to my basement and then told her I would be balance transferring $2,300 more for the balance on the driveway reconstruction in a few weeks. Do you know what this idiot did? She balance transferred the payoff to my old credit card (good) AND sent them $2,300 more. So now, I have a $2,300 credit on my old card.
Long story short, I called MBNA. The girl was at a lost to explain it or to do anything about it. I called my old credit card company and explained to them what happened. They said they could send me a check for the over pay amount in 10-14 days. Meanwhile, MBNA charged me $222.00 for the balance transfer.
Looking at the small print on the paperwork that then came with my card, written information I didn't have BEFORE I did the balance transfer, they charge 3% of the balance tranfer in fees, you know, the fees I asked about? Furthermore, the way it is written in the paperwork makes it sound like this is what I will be charged AFTER the year is up, not before.
So, I called MBNA again, explained to Rep what happened. She transferred me to another department. They said I had been transferred to the wrong department and that I need to speak to a manager. I was transferred again. Then, an automated voice said, "We are unable to transfer you at this time. You are exiting the system." By this time, I'm not upset, I'm not confused. I'm angry. I called again, was put on hold for ten minutes before I talked to a nice human being. I asked for the manager as I was told to do. He asked if he could resolve the problem before "bothering the manager" with it. I'm thinking, "Isn't his job to be BOTHERED with customers?" I remained calm and nice. I explained to him what happened, that I've been lied to about fees, my account has been screwed up by $2,300, I have been transferred, cut off and put on hold. To this, I added, "I will pay you every penny I owe you, but I will not pay a balance transfer fee. I asked questions about fees. Michelle screwed up. If I knew it was going to cost anything to do this, I wouldn't have agreed to it. So, no offense, you won't be getting this money from me."
He was very nice, he put me on hold, he spoke to someone and said, "Since we sent the money you were going to balance transfer to your old card, charge the balance on your driveway to THAT card. The money credited on that card we sent should cover your new charges. We will cut the transfer fee to $100. I said, "How about $50?" I agreed to this because I AM using their money interest free for a year, and because I figured he would agree to it. He did. He sincerely apologized and that settled it.
I learned to make sure to ask the right questions-asking about fees was too vague for the idiot I first talked to. I needed to ask about balance transfer fees. Two, I should have just asked her about allowing an additional balance transfer and not mentioned the amount.
Be careful when doing balance transfers. I have good credit, so I get 0% offered EVERY DAY in the mail. If you look at this information, which I took another look at, it doesn't mention anything about a 3% interest charge on BT's. If you use the 1-800 on these papers, be very specific in what questions you ask and get them to clearly explain the answers. I just trusted them to do the right thing and that was my mistake.
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Doc J on 07/25/2006:
SherryH-"Zero-percent" and "no-fee" balance transfers are offered by CC issuers because they know that, over the lifetime of the indebtedness, the debtor is predicted to make "late payments" or incur "over-limit" charges resulting in punitive fees and interest hikes. "0-percent" and "no-fee" transfers (even if the creditor gets it right at the time of transfer) are only a time delay fuse on a financial IED. Perhaps you either own, or are buying, your home. Perhaps you're already "maxed out" on your borrowing ability (not a bash...just typical for most) or you would have been moving these debts to a home equity loan through your credit union or LOCAL bank. You're less likely to encounter abuse from a banker who's willing to look you in the eye. Additionally, you're more likely to get "mercy" in the event of a financial setback from a member of your community than you are from a mega-corp CC issuer. Most likely, you wrongly believe you can "beat" the CC issuer at his game. It's not only middle and low income folks who fall for this well-laid trap. A well-paid colleague approached me once for a "little loan". He was hitting up anyone he perceived to have "cash at hand". Why was he doing this? He had $230,000 in unsecured debt that he had been "swinging from credit card (vine-to-vine) to credit card" like Tarzan...taking advantage of "O-percent" and "no-fee" transfer offers. He had run out of vines! Now, according to the CC issuers holding his last vines, his "level of indebtedness" triggered a 23.9 percent interest rate and every card followed suit. Again, he was a well-paid professional. Do the math. He had no way to meet his payments. He missed a few. As a result, he lost everything at age 62 and will die penniless. His fault. Yep. I pray you'll visit with your banker today. You sound nice...and I see bad things coming your way. Yes, I know, "it'll never happen to me". Sherry, you just stepped into a frying pan and lit the fire under it. I wish you well.
SherryH on 07/25/2006:
Hey Doc, Nope...no other credit debt than this one big $6,000 balance. I will be able to pay it off by October. I've done this before and am pretty careful about it, and, until now, I have never had a problem doing this . I'm never late, I don't charge on the card once I transfer a big balance on it. On smaller purchases, if I do use a card, I pay it off when the bill comes. I would LOVE to go to my credit union or bank to get a loan. Unfortunately, I haven't been in my house long enough for anyone to help me. Not enough equity in the house. Five years seems to be the magic number. I'm in year four. Believe me, when making larger home improvements, it would be lovely to do this! I think, though, considering what you said, I will refrain from using credit cards in the manner. While I like the convenience of a credit card and there is some buyer protection should anything go wrong, from now on, I'm relegating myself to paying cash. Thank you so much for the excellent advice.
Doc J on 07/25/2006:
As encouragement to folks in the same position as SherryH, I suggest you speak with your local bank before using a credit card balance transfer. In this case, $6000 is not a huge sum and a good number of locally owned banks (provided you have a history with them) will write an unsecured note (in this case for 90 days) to those with good credit and an adequate income who are sincerely seeking to ditch their credit cards for good. While SherryH may squeak by (I really hope so), at least ten others won't be so fortunate. I comment on the behalf of those ten. Credit cards destroy lives. Most who say they pay the balance monthly are lying (no accusation SherryH...really!). The average American has $8000 in credit card debt. But, some folks are 'getting it'...more people are paying down their cards. Capital One recently posted losses because their income shrank as a result of fewer collected late fees and over-limit fees. Go Americans!!!
Doc J on 07/25/2006:
Correction-typing too fast. Cap-One didn't post a loss, they lost ground. So, we still have much to do!
dave1660 on 08/07/2006:
I had a very similar problem with MBNA Bank. My offer started with a letter from Fidelity Investments about a card issued through MBNA. I thought 0% for 1 year would be good to pay off the wife's credit card. The offer had 0% in 3 places in big bold letters. Long story short, when the first statement came, there was a ridiculous 20 something percent interest rate on it. Glad I saved the offer letter. I reread it 3 times before I found the 3 % transfer fee buried on the back of the letter. I sell insurance so I know small print. Needless to say I wasn't going to pay them the 160.00 fee. I called customer service and voiced my complaint. It was agreed that if the transfer was sent back , and I closed this card they would waive the fee. That was in April. I sent back their money. Still getting billed for the fee plus late fees( they will never get it) I talked to
several idiots along the way, and they insist I owe the fee. I have sent 2 letters to the Ohio Attorney General. The advertising was completely misleading. The great thing was that I did e-mail a Mr. Jeffrey R. Carney president of Fidelity Personal Investments and let them know about this situation. It cost them 40+ thousand when I moved the acct out of Fidelity. Why I am posting here? I would like to find people who have responded to similar unsolicited mailers to form a class to sue these guys from
MBNA. If my insurance agency sold insurance like these yahoos solicit for credit cards I would have been put in jail years ago
SherryH on 08/15/2006:
After reading your post, I examined subsequent letters I have gotten for a 0% balance transfer (the idiots keep sending me more offers although I owe them money on a current card-waste of paper!). As you said, anyone would believe it's 0% from looking at the letter. On the back, in small letters, it briefly mentions the 3% charge. I cannot wait to get this card and from now on, I am going to try to pay cash.
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Closed account
Posted by
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE -- When I called to ask why my monthly payment went up almost $70.00 a month, they forwarded me to the lending dept. The lender reviewed my account (no late or missed payments, EVER!), he arbitrarily closed my account. Below is my response to their letter telling me about my account:
Joan XXXX
Acct: XXXXXXXXX
Mr. Scott Beech
MBNA America
PO Box 15646
Wilmington, DE 19850-5646
Dear Mr. Beech,
I received your letter today regarding your decision on my account. That decision is very upsetting to me, but what's worse is your total lack of consideration and your attitude on the phone the other day, (if it was you. If not, you have rude lenders who talk to your "loyal customers".)
I don't want my account reinstated, but I do want your time for a few minutes. I am a college grad, and I was gainfully employed for 25 years. On May 30, 2005, I was a passenger in a car, which was hit by a drunk driver. I and my other 2 friends were sober, (a conscious decision we made as members of MADD), and the drunk driver was 3 times the legal limit, driving the wrong way on the interstate, resulting in a head on collision.
Her actions resulted in my friend's, (the driver), immediate death. My injuries were life threatening when they cut me out of the car, (which caught fire), and I was rushed to the hospital. Following 4 surgeries, (with 3 more to come throughout 2005 and into 2006), I spent 2 weeks in intensive care. I then spent another 5 months in a hospital bed in my home, with round the clock care, and in a wheelchair, having to be fed, and using a bed pan. I lost my job and my group benefits. My non-group Blue Cross policy, which I established after I lost my job), went up from $189.00 p/month to $304.00 p/month, following my accident. And none of those charges went on my MBNA credit card. So where do you get off judging me and making assumptions about how I use my credit card????
Now, I am permanently disabled, (no more dancing for me, or going to the gym, or working in my garden like I've always done). I am currently working with an attorney to obtain disability benefits, which I paid into for 25 years, as a healthy, tax paying American. (It takes anywhere from 12 – 18 months to get approved. Yet another corporate cluster of nonsense!) Since the drunk driver had no car insurance, I was left with co-pays and deductibles in the thousands of dollars, none of which went on your credit card either). My husband couldn't handle the situation, and he moved to Florida. (nice, huh? Men!) But I am so lucky to have had friends and family to help me out.
Why am I telling you all this? It's because you, (or the unidentified lender that I spoke with), talked down to me like I was pond scum. He lectured me about "living on credit", as if I were a child. I wish to remind you that through this whole, horrible ordeal, my injuries, despair and depression, I never once missed a payment, nor was I ever late with one. For 6 years, I was a good customer, with a great credit rating. You have ruined that for me now, and I wanted you to know that.
Mr. Beech, I hope that nothing like this ever happens to you or your family by the grace of God, and that you are never treated with the rudeness and disrespect with which I was treated by the lender, (or was it you?), at MBNA.
When you die and go to heaven, I don't think that God is going to rate you as a human being based upon how many people you screwed with your decisions, or how high up you got on the corporate ladder, or how much money you made for your company and yourself.
May God Bless You, and give you a little compassion and help with your people skills.
Thanks for your time, and always remember that you can't possibly understand a person's situation until you have walked in their shoes.
Joan Keen, Your once "loyal customer" (your words, not mine!)
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Doc J on 06/03/2006:
For those out there who disbelieve that CC issuers are the spawn of Satan. Read this post again. The poster has my most sincere sympathy and prayers.
glc on 06/03/2006:
Joan: My sincere condolences on the loss of your friend. Life has thrown you some heavy-duty curves, but it sounds like you are strong enough to deal with them. In fact, you sound like an inspiration to all of us. God bless you, Joan and to hell with MBNA.
Anonymous on 06/04/2006:
Joan: Also, My sincere condolences on the loss of your friend. I do believe there is a reason for everything and in the end the truth will be told. God bless and ease you soul
Anonymous on 06/04/2006:
I don't want to be inconsiderate but did you miss the minimum payment, one time anybody does this, will get a doubled payment and/or subjected to review. A result of that new credit law. Also I think injuries benefits go from short term | long term | then SS diasb. Since you lost your benefit, you go straight to SS disab, which your atty is taking his time, should go through a Disabilty Atty. Good luck!
Alida on 09/18/2006:
Dear Joan,
I had similar situation back in the 80's, but didn't lose a friend or end up with debilitating life injuries. God Bless you and your friends, and sorry about your loss.
It may be that they closed your account because you didn't make the minimum payment on some ambulance bill, or some other thing that shows up on your credit report. Sears did that to me, and I never in all my years missed a single payment to them.
I posted my concerns all ready concerning my MBNA experience after being a great customer with two cards (they keep buying up all the little guys I had cards with) for 11 years.
They are rude, switch you to person, after person and dept after dept. You never get the same person twice, and half the time will only give you a first name (probably not their real name anyway).
They seem to not adhere to any of the credit card regulations or federal laws. I guess they get away with it until someone rats them out to the proper dept, .
STay STrong, and keep up with the good attitude in life, despite what life throws your way.
God Bless,
Kansasfan on 09/23/2006:
Not likely that Joan missed any payments, as I had a similar run in with a rude MBNA agent and a follow up letter from Scott Beech.
7 years and had never been late, or over limit on ANY of my accounts and have an excellent credit report to boot , and my rates changed from 18% to 25% on my balance.
When I called to inquire about the increase and ask that it be reduced, the agent (did I mention she was rude?) got into a huff and told me she was closing my account.
If they think for one moment I'm paying 25%, they are severely mistaken.
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Increased Interest Rate (ALMOST DOUBLED!) Without Proper Notification!
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I have been a card holder with MBNA since 2004. Several years ago, I called to see if I quality for a lower interest rate (or if they had a low interest rate card) than the 19.99% I had at the time. Indeed, they reduced it to 11.99%, and I was allowed to retain the reward program for the card. I was just digging through my electronic statements, and realized that my interest rate has been increased to 21.99%!!! As I continued to look back in my statements, I realized this increase happened over a year ago, and nothing was mentioned in any of my electronic statements.
I assumed this was a mistake of some sort, so I called to resolve it. I was informed that it is within their right to increase my rate at any time, even though I have never missed a payment or overdrawn my balance, and always pay more than the minimum payment. They are required to send me a letter to notify me 60 days in advance. However, because I only receive electronic statements, I do not always open paper mail I receive from MBNA, because it has consistently been promotional offers.
While this increase is technically legal (I will be looking through my unopened mail for that letter!), I think it is horrible customer service to nearly double the interest rate for a reliable and loyal customer of 10 years, with only a paper letter, particularly when the customer only receives their statements electronically. I'm disgusted with them! I will be paying off my balance as soon as possible and closing my account.
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Paul on 12/22/2013:
The old rate you were paying (11.99%) is highway robbery IMO. You would be well advised to do whatever you can to get out from under that kind of usury rate. 22%, while almost double, is just another usury rate. Paying either is outlandish - you are essentially working to earn money to give to a bank money to carry debt.
MBNA was a great organization - I had a credit card and CD's through them. BOA bought them back in 2006 and that was that. The MBNA name is only retained in Canada and England I believe.
Weedwhacked on 12/23/2013:
"I was informed that it is within their right to increase my rate at any time, even though I have never missed a payment or overdrawn my balance, and always pay more than the minimum payment."
This is a correct statement to which you agreed to when you opened the account with them. Also, if you always pay more than the minimum then they aren't generating as much profit from you as they could. That's one reason they may have increased your rate.
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Terrible Answering Service
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MAGOG QUEBEC -- Tried to get a new credit card; had to call at least 6 times because the person answering spoke so poor french that I could not understand half the word she was saying. So I tried in English, the first time it was even worst in English. After 6 times I finally got somebody that could speak some understandable English. I had the feeling that I was transferred to an Indian answering service just like in the movie, everyone of them was speaking with a gross foreing accent. If this is the indication of the kind of service they provide when I want to subscribe for a card, Imagine what it is going to be like when I do have a real problem.
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Slimjim on 11/10/2011:
Wow, there are still credit cards issued somewhere under MBNA. I thought Bank of America absorbed and dropped that branding worldwide.
trmn8r on 11/10/2011:
No, I heard they kept the MBNA brand alive.
It's a darned shame. I was an MBNA customer for years, prior to BoA swallowing them up. I loved MBNA - great customer service and products. The only complaint was they didn't have a website to track my CDs.
BoA should not sully the memories of loyal MBNA customers, and retire the name. They can proudly display their own name, so SavvyConsumers know to avoid that business at all costs.
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MBNA disappointment
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OTTAWA, CALIFORNIA -- I won't leave my individual stories about how rudley I was treated by MBNA. I just want to advise anyone that is thinking of dealing with them. Times have been tuff and we may not have been able to make consistent payments but the people at MBNA have been ridiculous. Leaving beyond rude messages on our answering machines. Calling us "imature""irresponsible" I don't care how far the payments are behind you don't treat your customers like that. Even when we do make a payment they are so unorganized that we get like 3 different people phoning us saying the same thing. This company has rude service and bad organization and I pity anyone who deals with them.
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skelly39 on 10/01/2009:
Well, you're not really a valued customer when you don't pay your bill, but they shouldn't resort to name calling. Toughen up, answer your phone and work out an arrangement with them.
Fufu487 on 10/01/2009:
I agree, name calling is uncalled for. I had an ex that was into some horrible debt and had collectors call all the time. Not once did I ever hear ANY of them calling him names on the answering machine. And he was quite good at avoiding them. I would, however, get this straightened out before it gets carried away (I now have laywers offices looking for him, as calls to our old number get forwarded to my phone). Just remain professional, and expect them to do the same
Lulu on 11/12/2011:
They *are* rude. I'm a new customer, I don't even have my first payment due yet, so even without it being a question of money a CR almost called me a liar (long story short, he asked for some personal info I didn't give out in the beginning and he insisted curtly that I DID in fact give it out so I should be able to verify it)
Anil Verma mar 3, 2013 on 03/07/2013:
I have MBNA Reptor credit card and I have not received statement so I call customer service and they said in our system show that the statement is mailed out. So I have call every month for 3 month and still not get any statement and when MBNA send me a reminder letter I have paid them the amount on the reminder letter. After I call them up and ask where are my statement if I don't get my statement I can't pay. I did not know that MBNA put customer missed payment and bad credit on my trans-canada credit history. I would let everyone know think twice before getting the credit card from this company. In my situation I am going to talk to a lawyer to fix problem and also write a letter to ceo of the company.
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Posted by
MBNA Platinum Plus
Attn: Customer Satisfaction Department – Manager
We are very dissatisfied with your Customer Service Department. There was a unauthorized charge on our account (a scanner) for the amount of $2786.36 placed by LACC.COM. We never placed that order. We also asked the merchant to send us documents that prove that we placed that order online (provide us the email address registered with the order, IP #, documentation of the order history, etc.) The merchant was extremely rude and was unable to provide this documentation to us. Thus to avoid confrontation, they asked us to ship the scanner back but stated that they will not be responsible for shipping charges. We strongly felt we are not responsible for ANY of the charges relating to that transaction (including shipping fees) therefore we placed a dispute on the entire charge including shipping fees (when we ship it back) and asked MBNA to assist us.
I spoke with Mark with Customer Service on 4/28/06. He placed a conference call with Aaron from LACC.COM (Manager) and I and tried to resolve the situation. Aaron was rude to Mark on the phone when Mark was asking him general questions. When Mark realized the conversation was going nowhere, Mark advised me to wait until we receive the next statement and send all documentation to MBNA. Mark also stated that we could use the same credit card to pay for the shipping fees to ship back the scanner and dispute both charges together. Before we decide to ship the scanner back and charge the fees on the card, we wanted to make sure MBNA gives us the confirmation that they will credit us those shipping fees. After receiving the statement and sending all the documentation to MBNA, we gave MBNA a time frame to review the dispute so we can wait for further instructions to ship the scanner back.
On 5/26/06, we received a letter from MBNA stating that your company was going to credit the amount back to us but need contact information to continue the dispute. We faxed over our information and called the 800# on the letter because we had questions on how to ship the scanner back.
I spoke with Bernard Blake with MBNA on 6/15/06, he stated that he was the Account Manager. As an Account Manager, I assumed he would provide us with excellent customer service and help us resolve this in a friendly, kind manner. Unfortunately, he didn't. He was just as rude as LACC.COM. He interrupted me occasionally and didn't let us explain our situation. We understand that every time we call the 800#, we will be talking to different representatives, that is the reason why we have to explain in detail every time. Its very time consuming for us. We never wanted to be in this situation in the first place. We thought he would be able to help us but instead he was rude and didn't let me explain. He said shipping costs are the buyers responsibility and MBNA WILL NOT dispute or credit us for those charges. It didn't matter what the explanation was. I tried explaining to him that Mark told me that the shipping costs WILL NOT be our responsibility but Bernard again was interrupting and said I may have misunderstood. MBNA is very unorganized. It took us a lot of time and effort to deal with this nonsense and when different representatives tell us different things its completely absurd.
Bernard then made a conference call with LACC.COM – Aaron and us. Aaron was not surprisingly rude again and stated facts that was not true, so we tried to explain our side. Bernard interrupted us and told us to let Aaron finish. Of course, again Aaron would not budge on the shipping costs and estimated that it would be about $30.00-$35.00 to ship it back. When the conversation was over, Bernard said he would give us an additional $25.00 credit on our account for shipping. We agreed, but we wanted to know if he can provide us a confirmation of this incase the credit doesn't go through because if we call back it will be another representative. If there will be no documentation, it will lead us to nowhere again. We always want everything to be documented and in writing in order to ensure this misunderstanding will not happen again.
The bottom line is that we strongly felt that we were NOT OBLIGATED to pay for any shipping charges. The $25.00 was not our major concern. Our main concern is the principle of this entire situation. MBNA did not help much with our dispute. Our time spent on this issue was worth much more than $25.00.
In conclusion, we thought this whole situation wasn't handled professionally by MBNA. We assumed MBNA would be able to help us resolve the situation smoothly. Different information was told from different reps. Some were kind some were rude, and we're pertaining to Bernard Blake. His attitude was not pleasant to us. We are very disappointed with your customer service and are demanding an explanation and apology from your company. We do not understand why MBNA customer service are rude to their customers. MBNA should be more organized and provide us with better service because we've been a loyal customer for a long time.
If you have any questions, please give us a call.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
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Hugh_Jorgen on 06/15/2006:
They had your name, address and CC number and shipped the item to you? Sounds like you have a "friend" somewhere playing games - how would a vendor get all that info about you and all of it correct? You might keep an eye on your credit card for other charges.
Doc J on 06/15/2006:
I dunno, maybe I'm dim today. You received an unordered scanner and then you were surprised when the CC statement arrived. Or, did you notice the charges and then receive the scanner? If the former, you are a fraud victim and need to deal with the charming people in MBNA's Fraud Unit (Don't get your hopes up.) as well as filing a local police report. If the latter, why did you accept delivery of an unordered item? Something smells here, and the odor is coming from the direction of the merchant who is now unwilling to provide order documentation.
Alida on 09/18/2006:
WELL! I have had cards from MBNA 11 years.Platinum cards, never ONE dispute. I buy 23,000.00 worth of blinds and custom draperies. Months later I get draperies wrong sizes. Blinds not bottom up, top down. Poor quality. Cheap.
I paid all but $4000, as they said they would report back to the owner (the installer) that these were NOT what I ordered. They brought back the draperies the longer length, but didn't correct the ones that were too narrow.
Long story short, the Draperie Place, Frieda Ross Draperies in Scottsdale, AZ charged my card $4000 because they had my credit card number. I never paid them on the "phone" or without signing in person, at my house or without paying by check. There were several payments, as deposits, and progress payments were made. I withheld the last $4000 because the order was not complete, some blinds won't operate, one is wrong size. I tried working with these people. MBNA took my complaint over their website, in writing and reversed the charge in DEC 05. IN Aug 06 I look at my statement online and there is $3950 To Frieda Ross Draperies. I tried calling. Spoke to two people. Left messages for someone named Shannon who only returned call on my machine thinking I was another customer who had some issue to do with faxed documents (not me). I had an ATTORNEY work on this case Dec and Jan in writing ( I paid $600 retainer fee). Frieda Ross said they wouldn't fix my order until I paid. I said I wouldn't pay until they fixed my order. Attorney said she would pay them, and then I would pay her when the drapes and blinds were finished. Inever received an itemzied invoice. There were NO individual charges, so I could not ascertain what exact amount was in dispute. 23,000 for 18 blinds and three sets of real drapes with sheers and two sets of faux drapes (don't really open or close) and sheers, plus three decorative sewed top treatments are hard to imagine 23,000. Oh, can't forget the plain, un stuffed , nor duvet cover bedspread and matching little stuffed bench for the end of my bed.
Anyway, I still haven't gotten the MBNA Worldpoints Platium bill in the mail for the $4000, now $3950 ( they don't understand the $50 non responsibility charge for fraud), so it will be Oct statement that reflects late Aug and Sept charges, ll months AFTER I disputed, and got a credit but no letter, nor anything in writing from them about this chargeback.
They are Rude, Hang up on me, mock me, saying YOU don't have to pay it, and no problem to us, it is ON YOUR CARD, do what you want. One "Dwane" told me I owed them $10,000 because their cards were only charged 13,000. I gotan envelope with a letter the other day saying that I owed them money, as the invoices show for $23,000....so they put 3950 on my card, w hich by the way was a different card number, and not a worldpoints card in DEC. A whole different account.
I asked them if they ever heard of CHECKS as the merchant asked me to pay by check if I could because of the "fees" and asked me to not withhold any monies even though they hadn't delivered on the up down blinds or blinds that needed repairing to make their Christmas payroll. I said I like to pay by card , to PROTECT myself.
Funny joke.
They will NOT even switch me to supervisor. Leave me on hold for thirty mintutes. Will not return mycalls. Say that ten months later too bad, I will have no recourse. I paid them totally off this past July , a $28,000 payment. I have put $200,000 on their two cards this year alone.
Ihave never had a dispute in 11 years with that kind of volume going through them. I pay them totally off every couple-five months. They always call and want to offer me 0 interest balance transfers.
They seem to think that the Frieda Ross could not have sued me if I owed her money. That just because I didn't sign the card, and did for every other card transaction that they can charge my new numbered account, because THEY determined I owed them money according to the invoice. I have a cancelled check for $8065.00 and it shows I paid checks on part of the invoices that MBNA got from Frieda Ross.\\
THey have become judge, jury and debiter, of what they think might have happened , almost a year later.
I had my attorney not work on the case any longer, as they refused to fix the drapes or give me up down blinds. They said Graber didn't make them. I called the EXACT supplier of Graber blinds for Frieda Ross and they DO make up down, bottom up, top down blinds for a tiny bit more than the regular blind.
I let the case go, not taking thm to justice court here in Phoenix, AZ because I lived with the broken, wrong sized, non up down blinds, but owed them, according them $4000. They refused to give an itemzied list of what costs what.
MBNA has rude, condescending, ignorant, people that tell you conflicting things., You cannot get through to the people that sign anyletters, and they never call you back. They can't comprehend that though there may be an invoice, if I don't' get the blinds or right drapes, that is why I don't pay them, DUE ON DELIVERY is what the invoice/contract states. NO such things were delivered. The invoices don't' even say what color or type of blinds , just serial numbers.
I am going to close both my accounts with MBNA and file charges with Attorney General's office in Phoenix, AZ, the, National Bands offic eo f the conptroller of the currency complaince management in D,C. and on and on.
I can't believe they treat a valued customer like me, with no respect, no letters, 10-11 month later charges, no proof I authorized my card to be charged, or that I got the blinds (nothing signed saying I got them, or received them, etc.). I have never run into this in my life, over 20 years of using credit cards almost every day. I am cutting up and sending ALL of my credit cards( cheveron, Lowes, Mervyns, Visa, Mastercard) back and closing my accounts. I will keep one Visa with my credit union for rental cars or some things that require credit cards and end my participation in the obsession with convenience and credit ...
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Novelist Marcus Sakey tells three unbelievable stories about each city he visits -- but only two of the stories are true.
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Free agent B.J. Upton as agreed to a five-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. Several media outlets reported the deal is worth $75.25 million, which would be the largest free-agent contract in team history.
Upton, 28, had spent his entire eight-year career with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2012, he hit .246/.298/.454 with 28 home runs and 31 stolen bases.
Upton's move could help set in motion other signings by outfielders, in particular by Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher and Angel Pagan.
Upton, 28, hit .246 with 28 homers, 78 RBIs and 31 stolen bases for Tampa Bay last season. He will replace free agent Michael Bourn as the Braves' center fielder and provide a needed right-handed power bat for the lineup.
Upton made his debut with Tampa Bay in 2004. His first full season was 2007, when he hit a career-best .300 with 24 homers and 22 stolen bases.
The speedy outfielder's home run totals have increased in each of the last three seasons, but he has hit below .250 with more than 150 strikeouts in four straight years.
Bourn was the Braves' leadoff hitter, but Upton is not expected to fill that role. The Braves might shop for a left fielder to hit leadoff, with Martin Prado expected to move from the outfield to third base following Chipper Jones' retirement.
Young shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who hit .289 with a .335 on-base percentage as a rookie, could be an option to bat leadoff. Prado was the normal No. 2 hitter.


text: Let elfa transform your master closet into a spacious retreat, beautifully accented with solid wood elfa décor! This closet offers ample space for short hanging clothes, smooth-gliding drawers for folded clothes, shelves for handbags and accessories, plus gliding racks and shelves for a growing shoe collection. There are also two Gliding Jewelry Trays, a Tie & Belt Rack and a Valet Rod. All of the components are adjustable, so the solution is completely flexible! This solution is designed for an 8' x 6' closet. If this won't work for your space, please contact us so we can design the perfect solution for you with our free service! See more product details below.


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Welcome to Dover Downs Hotel & Casino®, a Premier Dover Delaware Hotel
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is centrally located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region in Dover, Delaware. Whether for business, pleasure or both, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino gives you MORE.
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Is a AAA Four Diamond Property
AAA ranked Dover Downs Hotel & Casino as a premier Four Diamond property – that means our luxurious accommodations, amenities and activities give you MORE. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino offers many services that will enhance your stay – headline entertainers, state of the art gaming, live harness racing and poker, and a luxurious, South Pacific-inspired full-service spa that will leave you relaxed and looking and feeling your best. Do not forget to visit The Colonnade for our exquisite boutique shops, in addition to our award-winning restaurants, bars and lounges. At Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, we have it all!
For Business and Pleasure
Whether you are a first time guest from the Mid-Atlantic, a business traveler coming into Dover on business, or a Delaware resident who would just like to spend a night in a luxurious hotel, we have everything to make your stay with us a memorable and comfortable experience.
We offer a variety of room sizes and rates with discounts available for large groups. We know that you will find Dover Downs Hotel & Casino to be the perfect place for your next getaway.
Plan Your Stay
To get started, visit our booking site by clicking Hotel Reservations. You can also call us at 1-800-711-5882 if you have any questions.
Military Discount
20% discount Sunday through Thursday
10% discount on Friday and Saturday
The discount will be offered to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces with a valid military ID, including active, reservists and retired servants.
Discounts will be applied to a bill total at any outlet on the property including Doc Magrogan's Oyster House, Toppers Spa/Salon, and retail shops. Also valid for alcoholic beverages and for hotel rooms at the cash rack rate; blackout dates apply and are based on availability. Contact VIP Services at 800-711-5882, or individual outlets, for applicable exclusions.
Come experience the difference of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, an official Delaware Green Lodging property.
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text:
Wooden Star Light Garland
Customers Also Bought
Exclusive | Star Light, Star Bright Wooden Star Garland
- Add the magic of light to your holiday decor
- Natural wooden stars are lit from within
- Battery-powered so you can display garland anywhere
- Choice of Red or Natural
Light shines through laser-cut scrolls in the natural balsa wood stars. Battery-powered so you can display it anywhere. Six stars, each with one energy-efficient, warm white LED, on 43" of garland; 55" L overall.
- Balsa wood, plastic, wire
- Approx. 55" L overall
- Stars are 5-3/4" W x 2-1/2" D
- Uses 3 AA batteries, not included
- Gardener's Supply Exclusive
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®by PowerReviews
Best Uses
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)
Reviewed by 18 customers
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- Poor quality
Best Uses
you can see the glue used to build it running out for every side!!! look so poor quality as the products sell in the 99C store
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Battery Operated
- Placement Anywhere
- Very Pretty Lights
Best Uses
- Can Use "anywhere"
Use this product as a night light in my hallway. Looks very nice, better than ordinary night light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Detailed Product Pictures
- Fast Shipping
- Great price
- Glue is visible
Best Uses
- christmas
- Flag Day
- July 4
- Labor Day
- Memorial Day
- Seasonal Decor
- Veteran's Day
They are 3-D and should go well with with my holiday wreath around our fireplace mantle, that's electric. Hopefully we don't blow a fuse. I may end up buying separate battery packs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Automatic turn off
- good for all year
- So Very Pretty To Look At
Best Uses
I bought my first two strands a couple of years ago. I had to buy two more this year as they are so pretty. I have some hanging over my patio doors and they look great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Best Uses
I strung 3 star strings in the windows around the front door. I thought we looked very festive -
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Convenient
- Pretty
- Cord too short
Best Uses
- Doorway
- Mantle
Endless ways to use this!
- Lights not very bright
Best Uses
- With Evergreen On Mantel
Very pretty when the room lights are off.
- Beautiful when lit
- No Elect Outlet Needed
- Would Not Stay Lit
Best Uses
I bought two sets of these lights. One did not work so I sent it back and ordered another. Hung them up and they were beautiful - BUT - they woudlnto stay lit. They woudl take turn going off for hours at a time. I think they must have a short or someting. I thought they were pretty pricey but was willing to pay since they were battery operated. BUT all three sets had issues. I plan to send the other two sets back as well. Not worth the money
- Beautiful On The Mantle
- Love the timer
- Unique Design
- Lights Should Twinkle
- Put Together Kinda Cheap
Best Uses
- Across A Mantle
- Centerpiece on table
The stars made a beautiful addition amongst the greenary and candles over our mantle. The scroll work is delicate and the light is subtle so it adds rather than detracts, and guests commented on how pretty they looked.
I really wish these lights twinkled, it would add so much more. I wasn't excited about how they were put together (2 pieces glued together, looked cheap)
Best Uses
- Decorative
The quality is very poor. Not very well put together and lots of glue used. Very dim.
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Product InstructionsDownload instructions for Wooden Star Light Garland as a PDF
There are no special shipping restrictions or charges associated with this item. For detailed information about our delivery methods and charges, click here.
We're proud of the fact that this item is shipped to you directly from our warehouse in Vermont, by one of our 250 employee-owners. In-stock items are packed with care and shipped within the next business day to ensure prompt delivery to your home and garden!


text:
- Studio: Focus Features
- Release Date: Nov 16, 2012
User Score
Generally favorable reviews- based on 117 Ratings
User score distribution:
Positive: 80 out of 117
Mixed: 21 out of 117
Negative: 16 out of 117
Review this movie
Sep 1, 2014Joe Wright's direction is as beautiful as always. Although it may not be as heartfelt as Pride & Prejudice or Atonement, it is another wonderful collaboration with his muse, Keira Knightley.
Aug 20, 2014Leo Tolstoy would be quite sick if he saw this boring version of his masterpiece, which many critics believe could be one of the greatest novels ever written. If ever there was a case-book example of how to completely miss the boat in making a film out of novel, this would be it. It is regrettable that so much effort in overly lavish scenery and costumes was made around such an eccentric, off-key, virtually incomprehensible version of Tolstoy's marvelous novel.… Expand
Feb 15, 2014It's the third time for Jon Wright to tender Keira Knightley a leading role in a period drama, the first two (PRIDE & PREJUDICE 2005, 8/10; ATONEMENT 2007, 9/10) have raked in handsome rewards, but woefully the third time is not a charm, a plain and simple reason is that Knightley's screen reputation is a far cry from Anna Karenina, Tolstoy's prime epitome of a Russian belle, a married woman with a modernism perspective, who is enchanted by her dauntless quest of passion and dare to break out of the shackles of a dead-water marriage, yet consequentially, entrapped by her capricious psyche and finally corroded by the society's scorn and her overestimated perseverance of standing her ground.
However, the film is a high-caliber colossus of mise en scène, deluxe costumes and outstanding art direction, particularly during the first act, its tableaux-on-stage suppleness can effortlessly dazzle the audience and preserve a spellbinding momentum while multifarious characters emerge and disappear, honing up to the climax, the resplendent ballroom sequences, introducing the lust-exuding pas de deux between Anna and Vronsky (Taylor-Johnson), concurrently, the subplot of Kitty (Vikander) and Levin (Gleeson) has been practically rolled out as well.
Next, here comes the predestined adultery, which is fueled by the laborious emphasis on the enticement of the (not so inadvertent) eye contact, soon appears to be an over-contrived obligation to fornication other than following what your heart wants and the chemistry is purely physical, Anna and Vronsky should be soul-mate right? But here in this film, it is a Hollywood aggrandizement of a skinny beauty shagging a hot youngster who beams with pretended profundity (Taylor-Johnson was only 21, and not masculine enough to take on the role). So the magical momentum slumps, fortunately a little compensation is availed by Jude Law, whose version of Karenin is redolent of compassionate forbearance, elicits a free pardon to dissolve any blame generates from his side, occupies the moral higher ground, which skews our emotional pendulum and undermines Anna's character-building as an anachronistic woman who tragedy is mostly accredit to the time she is in instead of her own defect in making poor decisions.
An involuntarily pouting Keira Knightley, treads the same water in THE DUCHESS (2008, 7/10), no wonder the aesthetic fatigue surges, so she can nail Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet, but not Anna Karenina, she is not that versatile as an actress. With Anna hogging the spotlight, the rest of the cast seldom has any chance to enrich their roles, Macfadyen (Knightley's Mr. Darcy in PRIDE & PREJUDICE) plays her luscious brother Oblonsky, adequately amps up some farcical digressions; as a mirrored romance between the rejected and the neglected (contrasts Anna and Vronsky's passion play), Gleeson and Vikander imbue the film with a modicum of subtlety but the wayward editing fail to make their story more engaging.
So this adaption is a musically lyric venture for Joe Wright fans, it has its marked imperfections (thanks a lot, English is not my native tongue, otherwise I would find it is hard to take a Russian literature with mixed accents seriously), but the redundancy of his grandiose aesthetics, suggests Wright is a man knows what is his strongest suit, I can envisage him a successful comeback if only he can acquire some apposite fodder to prepare, maybe it will be his next project PAN, the origin story of Peter Pan, a wonderland backstory may fall right into his froufrou niche, meanwhile hire a new casting director is more contingent now.… Expand
Sep 3, 2013This was just unwatchable for me. Took me 15 minutes before giving up on this play/movie.Not many movies I don`t finish, but this one is added to the list. It`s was all over the place. Maybe they wanted an award for most ridicules movie.
Aug 31, 2013Beautifully shot using a very theatrical style. In fact the majority of the action uses a theatre as its backdrop and I even spotted a section of stop-motion animation at one point. Sumptuous costumes, for which it won an Oscar, and some brilliantly choreographed set pieces are the backbone of this production. Of course we must not forget it is a drama and there's plenty of that with some really excellent performances to back it up. Keira Knightly went up in my estimation with this one; as did Jude Law; they both put in great performances. Also worthy of note was Aaron Taylor-Johnson; who I have watched with interest over the past few years and is rapidly growing into a very fine actor yes, he is that guy from 'Kick-Ass'). I was a little concerned that it may be a case of 'style over substance', but as it wore on I became more and more engrossed in the characters and the storyline. I guess this shows that the drama did manage to shine through (at least for me). The only thing that let it down was the fact the sub-plot involving Levin and Kitty didn't really have a lot to do with Anna and Vronsky by the time we saw the last of them; it seemed a little disjointed. Over all though, a very worthy watch and one, I'm sure my sister would definitely enjoy!
SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED
My score: 7.7/10.… Expand
May 21, 2013We have already seen 'Anna Karenina' done straight at least a dozen times, so why not take a different approach? In this case, the filmmakers impose Brechtian distancing devices (e.g., the theatrical settings) to challenge the audience's expectations. Apparently, lots of people don't want to be challenged.
Also, I think Joe Wright is an underrated director whose work always surprises and astonishes me. This film, which is often breathtakingly, deliriously beautiful, is no exception. (Watch for the stunning, horrifying horse race scene.) Of special note are the film's exquisite costumes, music, art and production design, and cinematography. And superb acting; Keira Knightley makes a worthy and memorable Anna.… Expand
Mar 26, 2013Stunning! I might have preferred a more conventional period piece similar to Wright's other works (Atonement, P&P) that used actual shooting locations, but the aesthetic choices made for this film are incredible. The production design, costume design, and cinematography are absolutely gorgeous and really make the film one of the most beautiful you'll ever see. The performances are all solid and Knightley gives one of her best and most mature performances to date. The film is a bit emotionally cold at times due to the horrendous casting of Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Count Vronsky, but overall Anna Karenina is a good period piece.… Expand
Mar 17, 2013Anna Karenina is a powerful story of marital duty and obligation versus lustful passion and the pursuit of personal, if not egomaniacal, happiness. It is a popular theme. Every time I went to the video store to rent it, every single copy was out, even though the allotted shelf space was that which is usually reserved for blockbusters. When I finally procured a copy that had just been returned one minute earlier, I told the clerk that I heard the film was produced as though it was a stage play. He replied, "Yes, but it has more energy than that, although it's a little loosey-goosey." I didn't have time to ask him what "loosey-goosey" meant, but I later looked it up and it means "relaxed, not tense." I'm not sure that term is applicable. The stagey pretensions seem to actually make this version of Tolstoy's story stiffer and more formal rather than relaxed, especially in scenes where actors are frozen in place or where actors walk to the edge of the stage to hit their mark. I think maybe the clerk thought that loosey-goosey meant something more like looney-gooney or daffy-waffy, because this Anna Karenina is a little crazy. Tolstoy's Anna Karenina was a serious, mature, and intelligent woman, who may have been emotionally distraught about her situation, but she wasn't crazy even though she did commit suicide, but that was a surprise ending. The theater stage backdrop is done par excellence but it is often distracting, and the film works better in the scenes where the theater backdrop is not visible. Just when you think the director dropped the ruse, the footlights, rafters, ladders, ropes and pulleys are back. The actors are almost perfect--Keira Knightley is an exquisite Anna Karenina; Jude Law is a stern and forbidding Karenin; Alicia Vikander is an angelic Kitty; Domhnall Gleeson is a suffering, brooding, and faithful Levin; and Matthew Macfadyen is a hard-working and perfectly bourgeois aristocrat, civil servant, and family man. And then we have Count Vronsky, whose seductive powers are the pivot upon which this story has to rotate, but unfortunately, the director took some liberties that are a little shocking. When the producers of the Bond franchise decided to bet on a blonde Bond, they won. But a blonde Vronsky? Tolstoy's Vronsky had dark hair--he was handsome, elegant, perhaps angry, pondering, and tormented. If he was a bon vivant, it was not that evident. His fickleness and his vices were not an obvious aspect of his demeanor. You had to get to know him to find out that he was an untrustworthy cad, a scoundrel, a louse, and a worm. On the surface, he was a gentleman. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a good actor who played John Lennon a while back, but his rendering of Vronsky is a boyish, fun-loving rake, perhaps even a mama's boy, whose carefree attitude causes damage of which he is blissfully unaware. This Vronsky should not have turned the head of the virtuous, lofty, and married Anna Karenina. Also, the movie fails to portray the depth of the grief and despair that Vronsky caused Kitty when he visibly lost interest in her after one dance with Anna Karenina, nor does it do justice to Levin's inner torment when Kitty rejects him because she believes that Vronsky is about to propose to her. On the other hand, the portrayal of Anna's neurotic behavior may go a little too far in making her out to be mentally ill. I don't think Anna's behavior was meant to portray mental illness as much as it was meant to portray the consequences of Vronsky's amoral behavior (symbolized by him riding his beloved horse too hard and then having to shoot it), the inevitable outcome of an affair based mostly on physical attraction, and the destructive power of social ostracization. The stage-set theatricality is artistically pleasing, but it burdens the film, causing it to be drawn out in slow motion, making for a long and tedious decline of this noble and tragic literary heroine.… Expand
Mar 12, 2013It doesn't have the same feel as many of the other Joe Wright films, which is really disappointing. It follows the messy path of an imperfect adaptation focusing more on visuals than a smooth moving plot. Compared to must or all of Wright's films, Anna Karenina is a mess.
Mar 9, 2013Keira Knightley, Aaron Johnson and Domhnall Gleeson give great performance and the costumes are beautiful but the film is not as good as Pride&Prejudice or Atonement. It's kind of claustrophobic because it is basically set in one location and this does not help the movie.
Feb 26, 2013Per mettere in scena l'ennesima versione del romanzo forse più conosciuto di Tolstoj, Joe Wright e il suo sceneggiatore Tom Stoppard seguono una via che, pur non originalissima in sé, si dimostra assai efficace nell'evitare il pericolo della banale rilettura. Tutto il film idealmente ambientato in un piccolo teatro di provincia, in cui va in scena la rappresentazione di una società ottocentesca basata sull'apparenza e sull'ipocrisia, tanto che solo a Levin (un bravo Domhnall Gleeson), l'unico che rifiuta la parte già scritta per lui dall'ambiente in cui vive, concesso di uscirne. Per farlo, utilizza la grande porta che si apre, con bella intuizione, sul fondale del teatro, mentre gli ingressi laterali consentono agli altri personaggi di accedere agli ambienti privati; la platea, invece, di volta in volta stazione ferroviaria, sala da ballo oppure ippodromo (e i treni in viaggio sono dei modellini come quelli con cui gioca il figlio di Anna, Serhoza). Malgrado qualche sbandamento (e mugugno) tra il pubblico, il marchingegno funziona, in special modo nela prima parte in cui l'unità di luogo mantenuta con più rigore: vi contribuiscono il ritmo regalato dal bel montaggio (Melanie Oliver) e ravvivato da un'attenta cura del colore e delle musiche (dell'italiano Dario Marianelli, candidato all'Oscar ma battuto da Mychael Danna per 'Vita di Pi'). Un'operetta come dice con chiarezza Vronskij in cui spicca il vitalissimo ma amorale Oblonskij di Macfayden, infedele in amore e dispotico sul lavoro; quando esplode la passione tra Anna e Vronskij, la storia accentua invece il lato drammatico dirigendosi verso la fine che tutti ben conosciamo almeno quanto l'incipit che, però, non viene citato ma senza riuscire a sfuggire al minuetto sociale dominante. Anche qui prosegue il lavoro sul colore, che dai toni chiari dei primi, entusiasti amplessi si va sempre più scurendo con l'incupirsi della situazione: la crisi fra i due amanti culmina fra tappezzerie in blu elettrico e un'incapacità di fissarsi dritti in volto che lascia spazio solo a sguardi lanciati attraverso gli specchi. Una considerazione sulla coppia protagonista, quest'ultima, che ci porta alle dolenti note. Se appare inevitabile, e non particolarmente fastidioso, che molti aspetti del romanzo vengano semplificati capita quando si cerca di infilare un librone in poco più di centoventi minuti di film ciò che davvero funziona assai poco la chimica fra i due personaggi principali, che proprio non riesce a scattare: un passaggio a vuoto che danneggia una tematica importante come quella della passione nonostante le regole e la cui responsabilità ricade su di un'interpretazione che delude per più di un motivo: Nella sua divisa bianca, Aaron Taylor-Johnson un Vronskij più che altro decorativo in cui non si sa se siano più incongrui i capelli biondi o i baffetti posticci mentre Keira Knightley tende, come altre volte, ad andare sopra le righe in un ruolo già di suo abbastanza sovraccarico quando basterebbe lavorare sulla sua bellezza irregolare (dev'essere l'unica attrice di primo piano senza il sorriso ortodontico standard). Per fortuna che, accanto a loro, il resto del cast funzioni senza sbavature a partire dalla brillante prova di Jude Law che, dietro a barba e stempiatura, regala una bella intensità all'amarezza e ai dubbi di Karenin.… Expand
Feb 17, 2013At the opening, I was thrilled with the visual complexity of the stage play conceit, but all that could not lift the tedium. Why were all the actors spouting their lines in a bizarrely rushed and completely passionless manner? Barely a sense of humanity in there, and no one to like. Just some overly self-conscious, blatantly modern styling without a grip of the material.
Feb 12, 2013Over stylized the story is lost in a vain directors journey into his own egotistical journey. Art for arts sake, Tolstoy would turn in his grave. There is no chemistry between the actors, Kiera knightly is much better than this movie.
Feb 10, 2013I love Russian literature, read the book long time ago and was very much looking forward to see this movie. To set the story in a theater was a risk that I don't think paid of. It made the movie kind of busy in an unpleasant way. On the other hand the cast especially Vronsky was great. To me Aaron Johnson IS Vronsky.
Feb 4, 2013Im very sorry for not only the screenplay but also and specially for keira's performance. It was over done sometimes and on the rest it was flat, just like her chemistry with her lover. A train rack!
Feb 3, 2013I am russian. I read 'Anna Karenina'. And you know what this film left mixed impression. Everything is according to Tolstoy, the actors are brilliant, however the director afforded himself to add a thing of his own to the film every scene of the film was a scene in a theatre! That is nonsense, Tolstoy didn't write that... And only this director-made 'feature' made of the film almost a total bull***t. Whithout that 'feature' the film would be great.… Collapse
Jan 23, 2013Walking out of this film, I wrote a single line at the end of my notes for my review:
Jan 21, 2013Storyline: This is a period drama set in 19th century Russia. Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) starts an affair with Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) while Anna's husband (Jude Law) starts to see the signs and hear rumours of it. The style and way this film has been made is a really good idea as it's a sort of movie/stage-play hybrid with sets being changed on screen but the effect is great to watch.
Acting: Keira Knightley appeared to be in her element playing Anna. Aaron Tylor-Johnson is a very versatile actor and looks as good playing a Russian count as he does a super hero. Matthew Macfadyen who is better known in the UK than the US seemed very comfortable in his role as Oblonsky. I really liked Jude Law as the long suffering husband and think he just gets better with each film. Kelly MacDonald as Dolly was also good, in fact there is a lot of well known talent in minor roles but everyone is performing as if it's the role of a lifetime.
Direction: Joe Wright has clearly put his stamp on this with creative long takes and plenty going on like the ballroom scene which was amazing to watch. The music was used to great effect to and together made this a true Joe Wright movie.
Production: The cinematography by Seamus McGarvey (Avengers & We Need To Talk About Kevin) was brilliant and the Oscar nomination is well deserved. The wardrobe and make-up are also particularly good as you would expect on a movie like this but they were above par I would say.
Conclusion: I don't normally watch this type of film but Kelly MacDonald in a Joe Wright flik made this a 'must see' for me and also nominated for an Oscar. I'm so glad I did. Recommended Score: 7.5/10… Expand
Jan 19, 2013Anna Karenina is one of the most famous tales of infidelity, but too bad the film couldn't illicit the passion our heroine, Anna, and her lover supposedly felt. Most of the performances were as icy as the environs of Russia. Keira Knightly and cast (Jude Law being the only exception) stifled what could have been an emotionally rich and outlandish film, and Joe Wright
Dec 28, 2012While the movie was completely different than I expected, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a work of art rather than just any other movie. It was a true film! Wright executed the story perfectly and incorporated the personality of the time period of Russia perfectly. His approach put a wonderful spin on the film. With every passing second I felt like I was the most fortunate human alive to be watching such a masterpiece.… Expand
Dec 9, 2012I was pleasantly surprised by this film - it's much more interesting and artistic than I thought it would be, given the source material. I love the use of the theater convention in telling the story. Knightly is terrific, but her supporting actors carry much of the load and do a wonderful job in the process.
Dec 9, 2012Visually sumptious - The production design and costumes are truly beautiful and the film does look a million dollars - this version of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is a triumph. Imaginitively and boldly directed within a theatre setting, Joe Wright elicits a good performance from Keira Knightley (who always seems to walk a tightrope between good and bad in her films) and a scene stealing performance from Jude Law as her betrayed husband. Beautiful and underrated the film rewards an audience prepared to wait for the gradual unfolding. Knightley certainly gets better the longer she inhabits the character. Another plus is the lush music score by Dario Marianelli which quitely adds volumes to the atmosphere of what is taking place on screen.… Expand
Dec 9, 2012If you want Tolstoy as arty fiction first and tragedy a distant second then you might like this. If you want a story told straight you won't. By focusing on staging the story as a play inside a play, rather than telling the tale as a novel the result was to pull me away from all the characters. I even yearned for Anna to go to the station much more quickly than she did. The choice for Vronsky was a poor one, all blond mustache and little macho, and Knightley's straying upper lip always distracts me. If I'd wanted to see the bloody thing on stage I'd have gone to a theatre, not a cinema.… Expand
Dec 8, 2012I think this was a well done adaptation. It is very conceptual and as fantastical as this story could have been. Each scene transition took them back into a theatre as if we were watching a play, and then it would often transform into real life from a stage with backdrops. There's also many scenes where the characters are in a theatre audience, but are in a setting that wouldn't actually be in a theatre, eg the horse race scene. I think the point of this was to keep it interesting and intriguing, since this could have been a very boring movie. They did a good job keeping it from being boring. I loved looking at all the beautiful costumes, which is always the best part of a period movie. I would recommend the movie, just don't expect to come out of it in a cheery mood. It's far from a comedy.… Expand
Dec 3, 2012The costumes by Jacqueline Durran are sumptuous , the production design by Sarah Greenwood head spinning and the original music by Dario Marianelli is at times as frantic as the editing is and at other times very operatic. The camera loves Keira Knightley, as Anna Karenina, just as much as Keira Knightley loves the camera. Jude Law, as her cuckolded husband, gives the best performance in the film and 20 years ago would have played her lover, Vronsky, bringing more fire, looks and chemistry to the role than does Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Whether it is the concept of the screenplay by the world famous playwright Tom Stoppard and/or the director Joe Wright, based on the even more famous novel by Leo Tolstoy, the novelty of staging it as a play, using every nook and cranny of a theatre, very quickly falls flat and takes you out of the story just as Wright goes outside the theatre too many times. At times it seems like an opera, operetta or musical theatre without songs being sung. At times you find yourself counting the costume changes by Anna and Vronsky trying to see who accomplishes the most and there are a lot. In some scenes costume changes are stylistic which is intriguing at first but then, sadly, like the movie, becomes boring.
There are many roles in the film but the more prominent are Matthew Macfadyen as Anna… Expand
Dec 3, 2012Joe Wright, director of this version of the Tolstoy classic, has chosen to emphasize the theatrical nature of the period by setting most of the locations in a theatre: on stage, backstage and in the house. This sometimes creates a flowing, dancelike style that harkens to Luhrmann and Fellini. It also gets in the way of creating a cohesive and moving experience. Some of the scenery and all of the costumes are stunning. The performers do nicely, but the fervor that should drive the drama is uneven.… Expand
Dec 2, 2012Tolstoy must be "turning over in his grave" if he saw what has been done to his book. The acting is ok although Jude Law really did a fine job, but Knightly has really overplayed her role to the point of laughter at her emoting. But mostly Stoppard has turned a fine literary work into something laughable. The costuming is lovely, and the choreography is much overdone-it looks foppish. Vrovsky is portrayed often as a gay blade. If there is one film to be missed this season, this is it.… Expand
Nov 30, 2012This adaptation of Tolstoy's novel is neither literal nor reverent--it is inspired. Using stage sets (the Maryinsky Theatre in Petersburg, I think) to represent the strictures of society and bureaucracy, the film allows its characters to break out only through passion (Anna and Vronsky) or dedication (Levin and Kitty). This method allows Stoppard (script) and Wright (direction) to serve Tolstoy's genius without suppressing their own. This could seem too schematic, but the actors bring it all to life. Beautiful, brilliant, unforgettable.… Expand
Nov 25, 2012Wonderful idea in the filming of this A.K. and I really enjoyed something new to give me pause to think for a few moments if I liked it. Result! I loved it. If your not into change then don't see it as it will turn you upside down.
Nov 25, 2012Really difficult to sit through. Plodding and wandering. Took awhile to figure out the supporting characters. Keira Knightly is lovely to look at but there is no chemistry or passion or anything to grab onto with her lover. The story is so convoluted that I was tempted to walk out after 30 min., but i stuck it out.
That storytelling, however, is uneven, ranging from something approaching tedium to moments that are downright wonderful (such as the sweetest of scenes, involving two young lovers -- played by and Alicia Vikander and Domhnall Gleeson -- and a stack of children's blocks).
The arc of the 800-page novel, crammed into 130 minutes, becomes a line as flat as the heart monitor of a dead patient. A story that ought to possess the mad grandeur of an opera acquires the tedious regularity of soap opera.
Wright's film is visually stimulating to be sure, but he never loses sight of the raw human emotions that make Anna Karenina a classic.


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When your mother is actress Jane Birkin - after whom the legendary Hermes bag was named - you might be worried you have quite a lot to live up to fashion-wise. Not the 26-year-old Lou Doillon it seems. The model-come-actress-come-designer is launching her own concept store in the French capital, which will stock not only handpicked clothing lines but gadgets, music and (old and new) literature too. If it allows us to style-stalk the classic-but-chic Parisian, we'll be there... Check out her distinctive style below.
Lou Dillon to open concept store in Paris
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An ultralight shelter with a seriously thoughtful design.
If you've got a whole gang (well, a whole gang of three) heading into the backcountry and don't feel like drawing straws to decide who gets to sleep in the tent and who's bear food (it's been real, Steve!), bring along the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 3-Person 3-Season Tent and let Stevie survive to hike another day. Even though it sleeps three comfortably, has a full-coverage fly, and pitches using a two-pole hub system, the Copper Spur weighs in at just under four pounds, making it easy to load up and take with you. If you're looking to drop even more weight, bring just the poles, fly, and footprint (sold separately) for a waterproof setup that weights a full pound less.
The Spur pitches using a single hub-style DAC Featherlight aluminum pole, and has one cross pole that attaches overhead, combining with the steep-wall design to give you plenty of space to sit up without having to brush against the tent walls or jam your head into the roof. Even if you touch the walls occasionally (and you will, let's be real here) moisture won't be a worry, since the walls are primarily polyester mesh, allowing plenty of air to circulate, and the PU and silicone-coated fly has fully-taped seams and zipper-covering storm flaps to ensure that no water can sneak in and soak your gear in the middle of the night. The Spur has all the comforts of home, too, (fine, maybe not quite all) like four mesh storage pockets, individual media pockets with cord ports to keep things neat and organized, and reflective guylines and webbing to make circumnavigating your tent in the dark a little less hazardous.
- Ultralight 2-pole hub design
- Featherlight DAC aluminum poles
- Two doors and vestibules
- Steep wall design for extra headroom
- Media pockets with cord port
- 8 mesh pockets
- Reflective guylines and corner webbing
- Gear loft and footprint sold separately
Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season
? Share a...
Where is the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent made?
Travis Tzioumis
it is made in China.
Wayne Christoffersen
Copper Spur UL Tent Series
Cory D
Jeff talks about the Copper Spur
hi there, I was wondering what differences...
hi there, I was wondering what differences between 2014 version and older version?
Travis Tzioumis
the biggest difference is that they shaved 8 ounces off of the weight. Dimensions are all the same.
Thanks for your reply, so both versions have the same fabric, right?
Roomy, Sturdy, and Easy to Pitch
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
We took our brand new Copper Spur UL3 to the 7,000 ft. level on Rainier for a test spin over the weekend. The tent was roomy enough for the two of us plus the full mountaineering gear pile. It also goes up fast - we had the tent, with rain fly, up in less than five minutes. The vestibules are impressive, big enough for a pack, and zip up almost to the ground level. This was hugely important to block the night time wind.
The only negative was some noise issues during the night. The winds coming off the mountain were 15 - 20 mph which whipped the rain fly into a frenzy. Earplugs would have been great to have. It otherwise held up great with the use of snow anchors. We're sold.


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This month sees the release of The Look of Love starring Steve Coogan, Anna Friel, Tamsin Egerton and Imogen Poots and today we can bring you some EXCLUSIVE images showcasing the style and extravagance of the film.
The Look of Love tells the tale of Paul Raymond - an entrepreneur who went on to become Britain's richest man and whose estate, to this day, is reputed to own just shy of 80% of Soho.
After starting his show business career as a mind-reader in a cabaret act, Raymond went on to become a modern King Midas. With an entrepreneurial eye and a realisation that sex sells, he began building his empire of gentleman's clubs, adult magazines and nude theatre - provoking outrage and titillation in equal measure.
Raymond's personal life was as colourful as his revue shows. His marriage to Jean, a dancer and choreographer, ended in a difficult divorce when he met Fiona - a glamour model who became the famous pin-up star of his magazines and shows. His daughter Debbie was the true love of his life though, his business partner and heir to his empire - until her tragic and untimely death aged 36. Three weeks later Raymond was named Britain's richest man and his fortune put at £1.5billion.
To celebrate the release of The Look of Love we have four pairs of tickets to give away to a special advance screening of the film in a central London location. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is create a The Look of Love inspired Pinterest board and tweet a link to your board to us @Grazia_Live using the hashtag #LookofLove. We'll select our favourites to receive a pair of tickets!
Get some inspiration from our own The Look of Love board here.
The Look of Love, directed by Michael Winterbottom, will be released in the UK on 26th April, 2013.
Terms and Conditions:
Competition will run from 15/04/2013 to midday 19/04/2013. Entrance is via the @Grazia_Live Twitter, submitting a Pinterest board of looks based on The Look of Love. The hashtag #LookofLove must be used.
Entrants must be over the age of 18.
Winner will be notified via direct message on Twitter and must respond to the direct message and enter into correspondence by 9am 22/04/2013. Failure to do so voids the entry and another winner will be contacted.
Competitions are open to UK residents only.
Prize for 4 x winners who will each receive 2 x ticket to an advance screening of The Look of Love, which will take place at a central London venue on 24th April. Doors will be at 6pm, with the film starting at 6.30pm.
Travel and accommodation is not included in the prize.


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Give Us Your Best Caption: Is Tomorrow The End?
To help you get off on the right foot every morning, DesignTAXI will be featuring an image everyday from its social network for creatives, The Creative Finder, to keep you inspired.
In this segment 'Image of the Day', you—our very lovely readers—are invited to submit captions to describe the selected image above: just simply tweet it with the page's URL and hashtag #tellapictale, or leave a comment at the bottom.
Winning captions would be featured the following day.
Yesterday's winning caption goes to Salmineo Ricardo Villar Rivera: "I wasn't allowed to go anywhere so I went with my imagnation"
More news on
The Creative Finder