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Hollywood Vampires [Album Review]
Hollywood Vampires
2015, Universal Music Enterprise
1. "The Last Vampire"
2. "Raise the Dead"
3. "My Generation"
4. "Whole Lotta Love"
5. "I Got a Line on You"
6. "Five to One / Break On Through (To the Other Side)"
7. "One / Jump into the Fire"
8. "Come and Get It"
9. "Jeepster"
10. "Cold Turkey"
11. "Manic Depression"
12. "Itchycoo Park"
13. "School's Out / Another Brick in the Wall"
14. "My Dead Drunk Friends"
Alice Cooper – Lead Vocals, Harmonica, Backing Vocals
Justin Cortelyou – Keyboard
Johnny Depp – Guitar, Backing Vocals, Keyboards
Dennis Dunaway – Bass
Bob Ezrin – Piano, Keyboard, Backing Vocals
Perry Farrell – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Dave Grohl, Neil Smith, Glen Sobel, Zak Starkey – Drums
Tommy Henriksen – Guitar, Keyboard, Backing Vocals
Brian Johnson – Vocals
Robby Krieger, Orianthi, Joe Perry, Slash, Joe Walsh – Guitar
Sir Christopher Lee – Vocals (spoken word)
Sir Paul McCartney – Lead Vocals, Piano, Bass
Kip Winger – Bass, Backing Vocals
Bruce Witkin – Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Piano, Backing Vocals
The Hollywood Vampires are a supergroup project featuring Alice Cooper, Aerosmith's Joe Perry and Hollywood A-list star Johnny Depp as the core members. The original "Hollywood Vampires" were a group of drinking buddies in the 1970s that included Cooper, Elton John collaborator Bernie Taupin, former Beatles John Lennon & Ringo Star, The Who's Keith Moon, The Monkees' Mickey Dolenz and singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson.
This album was put together as a tribute to the the spirit of that original band of brothers, except this time without the alcohol. The track list features a variety of songs from the '60s and '70s. Tracks by The Who, Led Zeppelin, Badfinger, The Doors, Harry Nilsson, T. Rex, Plastic Ono Band, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Spirit, Jimi Hendrix, Small Faces are represented here along with two original tracks: "Raise the Dead" and "My Dead Drunk Friends". There is also a spoken word intro my horror movie legend Christopher Lee.
Hollywood Vampires is a very cool album and while I may not be familiar (or even a fan of) some of the music choices, I can't deny that it's fun and great hearing an album featuring the likes of Alice Cooper, Brian Johnson, Slash, Joe Perry, Kip Winger, Paul McCartney, members of the original Alice Cooper band, Dave Grohl, etc. playing together. Obviously with a cast this big you can't take everyone out on tour. For the live dates, the group consists of Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen, Bruce Witkin and former GNR members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum.
This is a fun effort and hopefully the Hollywood Vampires will release more albums like this in the future. I wonder though, Alice had been working on a cover album for a few years and I haven't heard much about that lately. Could it be his album of covers morphed into this project?
Highlights: "Raise the Dead", "I Got a Line On You", "Come and Get It", "Jeepster" "Itchycoo Park", "School's Out / Another Brick in the Wall"
Posted in Hollywood Vampires
Tags: Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires
The Decline of the Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years [Album Review]
The Decline of the Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
2011, Capitol Records
Originally Released: 1988, Capitol Records
Buy the album at Amazon
1. "Under My Wheels" – Alice Cooper w/ Guns N' Roses
2. "Bathroom Wall" – Faster Pussycat
3. "Cradle to the Grave" – Motörhead
4. "You Can Run But You Can't Hide" – Armored Saint
5. "Born to Be Wild" – Lizzy Borden
6. "In My Darkest Hour" – Megadeth
7. "Prophecy" – Queensrÿche
8. "The Brave" – Metal Church
9. "Foaming at the Mouth" – Rigor Mortis
10. "Colleen" – Seduce
Any metal-head worth their weight in steel is well aware of this documentary that was released in 1988. It's a truly fascinating look at life as rocker in the 1980s. For better or worse, warts and all, it absolutely captures a time and a vibe & scene that can never truly be replicated no matter how "retro" a band may act.
As it stands, the soundtrack to The Decline of the Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years is a solid compilation. Sure, bands like Seduce and Rigor Mortis didn't stand the test of time but when it comes to the '80s metal scene, you can't really argue against the inclusion of bands like Motorhead, Lizzy Borden, Megadeth, Alice Cooper, Guns N' Roses, Metal Church or even Faster Pussycat. It was all metal one way or another.
The documentary itself was actually what turned me on to Megadeth as they performed "In My Darkest Hour" in the film and it certainly made an impression on me.
The lack of Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Poison, KISS or W.A.S.P. is a bit odd given how their stature and appearances in the documentary but the soundtrack isn't meant to be all encompassing. If it was, we'd be putting up with having to listen to the likes of London, Tuff and Odin, too. A few tracks either start or end with audio clips from the film.
We could argue for hours over who truly deserves to be included on a compilation of '80s metal but this soundtrack is just a taste of what that era had to offer and is meant to tie in most closely with bands featured in the documentary. Keep that in mind and what you've got is a good collection of '80s rock & metal that will fit right in with your retro denim vest.
Highlights: "Under My Wheels", "Bathroom Wall", "Born to Be Wild", "In My Darkest Hour", "Prophecy"
Posted in Alice Cooper, Armored Saint, Compilations, Faster Pussycat, Guns N' Roses, Lizzy Borden, Megadeth, Metal Church, Motorhead, Queensryche
Tags: 1980s, Alice Cooper, Armored Saint, Classic Metal, Classic Rock, Faster Pussycat, Glam Metal, Glam Rock, Guns N' Roses, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Lizzy Borden, Megadeth, Metal, Metal Church, Motorhead, Pop Metal, Queensryche, Rock, Thrash Metal
Alice Cooper – Welcome to My Nightmare [Review]
Alice Cooper – Welcome to My Nightmare
1975, Atlantic Records
1. "Welcome to My Nightmare"
2. "Devil's Food"
3. "The Black Widow"
4. "Some Folks"
5. "Only Women Bleed"
6. "Department of Youth"
7. "Cold Ethyl"
8. "Years Ago"
9. "Steven"
10. "The Awakening"
11. "Escape"
Why can I say? No knock on the Alice Cooper group but this is the best album to feature the Alice Cooper name. It's a shame that the original band members couldn't have carried on together but with the songwriting help of producer Bob Ezrin and guitarists Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter a classic album was indeed delivered here.
I never really stopped to think about why this album was released through Atlantic Records while the original Alice Cooper group and the rest of Alice's solo albums up through 1983 were all released on Warner Bros. Records. What I discovered is the fact that it was a solo release came into play in addition to Welcome to My Nightmare being considered as somewhat of a soundtrack for a TV special and stage show.
Conceived with live performances in mind, this album features Alice at his most theatrical. "Welcome to My Nightmare" is one of the all-time great openers for a live show. "Devil's Food", with its audio effects, serve to take you only further in the nightmare. "Only Women Bleed" is the type of classic ballad that Alice has tried to replicate many times throughout his career. "Department of Youth", "The Black Widow" and "Cold Ethyl" are fist-pumping rockers, with the lyrics to "Cold Ethyl" delivering some truly sick humor. "Some Folks" and "The Awakening" take their influence from show tunes and musicals. "Years Ago" is just plain haunting with Alice giving creepy performance and "Steven" is more of the same and one of my favorite Alice songs of all time. "Escape" closes the album on a more upbeat note.
I don't have a personal connection with this album like I do with Trash (my first Alice album) but there's no denying that Welcome to My Nightmare is Alice Cooper's most consistent and greatest release. There is no filler here. This is the album that solidified Alice as a legend. Definitely worthy of cranking up on Halloween!
Posted in Alice Cooper
Tags: 1970s, 1975, Alice Cooper, Bob Ezrin, Classic Rock, Dick Wagner, Halloween, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Horror, Metal, Music, Rock, Shock Rock, Steve Hunter
Alice Cooper – The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper [Review]
Alice Cooper – The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper
1999, Rhino Records
"Don't Blow Your Mind" – The Spiders (1966) – 2:36
"Hitch Hike" – The Spiders (1965) – 2:01
"Why Don't You Love Me" – The Spiders (1965) – 1:57
"Lay Down And Die, Goodbye" (Original Version) – The Nazz (1967) – 2:07
"Nobody Likes Me" – (demo version – 1968) – 3:23
"Levity Ball" – (studio version – 1968) – 4:45
"Reflected" – (Pretties for You – 1969) – 3:14
"Mr. and Misdemeanor" – (Easy Action – 1970) – 3:00
"Refrigerator Heaven" – (Easy Action – 1970) – 1:54
"Caught in a Dream" – (single version – 1971) – 2:55
"I'm Eighteen" – (Love It to Death – 1971) – 2:58
"Is It My Body?" – (Love It to Death – 1971) – 2:39
"Ballad of Dwight Fry" – (Love It to Death – 1971) – 6:34
"Under My Wheels" – (Killer – 1971) – 2:47
"Be My Lover" – (Killer – 1971) – 3:21
"Desperado" – (Killer – 1971) – 3:29
"Dead Babies" – (Killer – 1971) – 5:42
"Killer" – (Killer – 1971) – 7:05
"Call It Evil" – (demo – 1971) – 3:28
"Gutter Cat Vs. The Jets" – (School's Out – 1972) – 4:39
"School's Out" – (single version – 1972) – 3:31
Disc 3
"It's Hot Tonight" – (Lace and Whiskey – 1977) – 3:21
"You and Me" – (single version – 1977) – 3:25
"I Miss You" – (Billion Dollar Babies – Battle Axe – 1977) – 3:31
"No Time for Tears" – (Sextette film outtake – 1977) – 2:59
"Because (featuring The Bee Gees)" – (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band film – 1978) – 2:45
"From the Inside" – (single version – 1979) – 3:30
"How You Gonna See Me Now" – (From the Inside – 1978) – 3:53
"Serious" – (From the Inside – 1978) – 2:41
"No Tricks" – (single B-side – 1978) – 4:15
"Road Rats" – (Roadie film – 1980) – 2:43
"Clones (We're All)" – (single version – 1980) – 2:51
"Pain" – (Flush the Fashion – 1980) – 4:10
"Who Do You Think We Are" – (single version – 1981) – 3:05
"Look at You Over There, Ripping The Sawdust From My Teddybear" – (demo – 1981) – 3:18
"For Britain Only" – (UK-only single – 1982) – 3:02
"I Am the Future" – (single version – 1982) – 3:45
"Tag, You're It" – (Zipper Catches Skin – 1982) – 2:52
"Former Lee Warmer" – (DaDa – 1983) – 4:07
"I Love America" – (DaDa – 1983) – 3:47
"Identity Crisis" – (Monster Dog film – 1984) – 2:50
"See Me in the Mirror" – (Monster Dog film – 1984) – 3:12
"Hard Rock Summer" – (Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives film – 1986) – 2:30
"Hello Hooray" – (Billion Dollar Babies – 1973) – 4:15
"Elected" – (single version – 1973) – 3:43
"Billion Dollar Babies" – (Billion Dollar Babies – 1973) – 3:39
"No More Mr. Nice Guy" – (Billion Dollar Babies – 1973) – 3:07
"I Love the Dead" – (Billion Dollar Babies – 1973) – 5:07
"Slick Black Limousine" – (Flexi-disc from New Musical Express – 1973) – 4:27
"Respect for the Sleepers" – (demo – 1973) – 3:48
"Muscle of Love" – (Muscle of Love – 1973) – 3:45
"Teenage Lament '74" – (Muscle of Love – 1973) – 3:52
"Working Up a Sweat" – (Muscle of Love – 1973) – 3:31
"Man with the Golden Gun" – (Muscle of Love – 1973) – 3:13
"I'm Flash" – (Flash Fearless Versus The Zorg Women – 1975) – 2:47
"Space Pirates" – (Flash Fearless Versus The Zorg Women – 1975) – 3:30
"Welcome to My Nightmare" – (single version – 1975) – 2:54
"Only Women Bleed" – (single version – 1975) – 3:17
"Cold Ethyl" – (Welcome to My Nightmare – 1975) – 2:54
"Department of Youth" – (Welcome to My Nightmare – 1975) – 3:17
"Escape" – (Welcome to My Nightmare – 1975) – 3:14
"I Never Cry" – (Alice Cooper Goes to Hell – 1976) – 3:43
"Go to Hell" – (Alice Cooper Goes to Hell – 1976) – 5:11
Disc 4
"He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)" – (Demo – 1986) – 3:20
"He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)" – (Movie Mix) (Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives film – 1986) – 3:44
"Teenage Frankenstein" – (Constrictor – 1986) – 3:32
"Freedom" – (Raise Your Fist and Yell – 1987) – 4:04
"Prince of Darkness" – (Raise Your Fist and Yell – 1987) – 5:09
"Under My Wheels" – (The Decline of Western Civilization II film – 1988) – 3:10
"I Got a Line On You" – (Iron Eagle II film – 1988) – 2:59
"Poison" – (Trash – 1989) – 4:27
"Trash" – (Trash – 1989) – 3:58
"Only My Heart Talkin" – (Trash – 1989) – 4:44
"Hey Stoopid" – (Single Version from Hey Stoopid – 1991) – 4:15
"Feed My Frankenstein" – (Hey Stoopid – 1991) – 4:42
"Fire" – (single b-side – 1991) – 3:00
"Lost in America" – (The Last Temptation – 1994) – 3:54
"It's Me" – (The Last Temptation – 1994) – 4:40
"Hands of Death" (Spookshow 2000 Mix) – with Rob Zombie – (Remix of the version on "Songs in the Key of X" soundtrack – 1996) – 3:53
"Is Anyone Home?" – (A Fistful of Alice – 1997) – 4:10
"Stolen Prayer" – (The Last Temptation – 1994) – 5:35
As you can see by the wall of text (which hopefully was formatted and will post correctly) devoted to 81 songs spread out over 4 discs and, wow, this is what a box set should be. I've seen some labels use the box set as an excuse to release a series of albums together in their entirety or to basically do a giant-size greatest hits but The Life and Crimes… really hit the nail on the head. Sure, you get the greatest hits, the best of, the fan favorites but it's the number of oddities and rarities that makes this a box set worth owning.
Not a single album goes untouched and this box set starts at the very beginning back when the original Alice Cooper group started out as The Spiders and then The Nazz and goes right up to 1997 when Alice released "Is Anyone Home?" as a new studio track on his live A Fistful of Alice album. Then you've got demos, singles, songs from soundtracks (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band! Monster Dog! Friday the 13th Part VI!), remixes, B-sides, the previously UK-exclusive "For Britain Only", etc. This one really has it all for the Alice Cooper fan!
The collection here features some of Alice's best work and others would argue some of his worst (like his weird stuff from the late to mid '80s). All told, warts and all, this is an excellent overview of Alice Cooper's career.
For me, this was a great introduction to much of Alice Cooper's catalog. Unfortunately, over time, I lost the actual box and booklet that came with the set. Oh well, at least I still have all of the CDs. I don't think the price has dropped much over the years on this one. I think it was about $60 when it was first released but even if you're paying $40-50 today, this is a worthy purchase for Alice fans.
Posted in Alice Cooper
Tags: Alice Cooper, Axl Rose, Bee Gees, Bob Ezrin, Chris Cornell, Classic Rock, Dick Wagner, Halloween, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Horror, Metal, Music, Rob Zombie, Rock, Shock Rock, Slash, Steve Hunter
Alice Cooper – Zipper Catches Skin [Review]
Alice Cooper – Zipper Catches Skin
1982, Warner Bros. Records
1. "Zorro's Ascent"
2. "Make That Money (Scrooge's Song)"
3. "I Am The Future"
4. "No Baloney Homosapiens"
5. "Adaptable (Anything for You)"
6. "I Like Girls"
7. "Remarkably Insincere"
8. "Tag, You're It"
9. "I Better Be Good"
10. "I'm Alive (That Was the Day My Dead Pet Returned to Save My Life)"
Alice Cooper – Vocals, Synthesizer
Dick Wagner – Guitar
John Nitzinger – Guitar
Mike Pinera – Guitar
Billy Steele – Guitar
Erik Scott – Bass
Jan Uvena – Drums, Percussion
Duane Hitchings – Synthesizer, Guitar
Produced by Alice Cooper & Erik Scott
Another "lost" album from Alice. "Lost" as in he doesn't remember writing or recording it due to all of the heavy drinking he was doing at the time. Alice continues to try to find his footing in a world where new wave and punk were driving musical forces and adapts his music accordingly.
That oddball Alice Cooper humor is at least back with this album. You can only imagine how silly some of these songs are by the titles alone: "Remarkably Insincere", "Zorro's Ascent" (a tune that a lot of people seem to like but it's complete filler to my ears), "I Like Girls", "No Baloney Homosapiens" and the one that sounds the most like a Weird Al Yankovic song, in terms of song title and music — "I'm Alive (That Was the Day My Dead Pet Returned to Save My Life)".
This album is probably just as good/just as bad as Special Forces with "I Am the Future" being my favorite track here. That song seems to combine Alice's '70s soft rock ballad style with synthesizers into a somewhat haunting tune that reminds me of music from Dawn of the Dead or The Warriors. This song made it's way onto a movie soundtrack of its own — Class of 1984.
The other standouts are "Make That Money" (which features some nice guitar work), "No Baloney Homosapiens" (which is about aliens coming to earth) and the slasher movie-inspired "Tag, You're It".
A fairly forgettable effort all around though. Fortunately, Alice would begin to get back on track creatively with his next release, 1983's creepy DaDa.
Highlights: "Make That Money (Scrooge's Song)", "I Am the Future", "No Baloney Homosapiens", "Remarkably Insincere", "Tag, You're It"
Posted in Alice Cooper
Tags: 1980s, 1982, Alice Cooper, Classic Rock, Dick Wagner, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, New Wave, Punk Rock, Rock
Alice Cooper – Special Forces [Review]
Alice Cooper – Special Forces
1981, Warner Bros. Records
1. "Who Do You Think We Are"
2. "Seven and Seven Is"
3. "Prettiest Cop On The Block"
4. "Don't Talk Old To Me"
5." Generation Landslide '81 (live)"
6. "Skeletons In The Closet"
7. "You Want It, You Got It"
8. "You Look Good In Rags"
9. "You're A Movie"
10. "Vicious Rumors"
Alice Cooper – Lead Vocals
Danny Johnson – Guitar
Mike Pinera – Guitar
Erik Scott – Bass
Craig Kampf – Drums
Duane Hitchings – Keyboards
Producer: Richard Podolor
Another low spot for Alice, yet probably a touch above Flush the Fashion. This was during Alice's infamous heavy drinking "blackout" period. Special Forces is the first of three consecutive albums in which, to this day, Alice says he does not remember writing, recording or touring for. That's pretty sad. It's also unfortunate that Alice can't give us any insight in regards to his thoughts and motivations during this time.
Another cover (Love's "Seven and Seven Is), which some people seem to like, but I don't. Then there's the supposed "live" updated version of Billion Dollar Babies' "Generation Landslide". Sounds pretty dead and pointless to me. "Skeletons in the Closet" is quite the guilty pleasure. It's kinda got a R&B/rock/pop vibe to it and was the working title for this album. "You Want It, You Got It" and "You're a Movie" still see Alice in his new wave synth-heavy mode, but I dig 'em, especially "You Want It, You Got It". "You Look Good in Rags" is another pretty straight-forward rocker that makes me wish Alice tossed his fans a few more of these during the early '80s.
I like six of the ten songs here, so I suppose I can't say this is a bad album but they are more like six decent songs. Not six great songs, so I wouldn't call Special Forces a career highlight for Alice.
Highlights: "Who Do You Think We Are", "Don't Talk Old to Me", "You Want It, You Got It", "Skeletons in the Closet", "You Look Good in Rags", "You're a Movie"
Posted in Alice Cooper
Tags: 1981, Alice Cooper, Classic Rock, Halloween, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Horror, Metal, Music, New Wave Music, Rock
Alice Cooper – Flush the Fashion [Review]
Alice Cooper – Flush the Fashion
1980, Warner Bros. Records
1. "Talk Talk" (Sean Bonniwell)
2. "Clones (We're All)" (David Carron)
3. "Pain"
4. "Leather Boots" (Geoff Westen)
5. "Aspirin Damage"
6. "Nuclear Infected" – 2:14
7. "Grim Facts" – 3:24
8. "Model Citizen" – 2:39
9. "Dance Yourself to Death"
10. "Headlines"
Alice Cooper – Lead Vocals
Davey Johnstone – Guitar
Fred Mandel – Guitar, Keyboards
John Cooker Lopresti – Bass
Dennis Conway – Drums
Producer: Roy Thomas Baker
Flush the Fashion is the beginning of Alice's new wave-inspired era, which would run for a few more albums. If new wave is the way Alice wanted to go, it only makes seems that he hooked up with Roy Thomas Baker for this album. Roy had already been having success in the genre with new wave icons The Cars. Too bad Ric Ocasek didn't sit down and co-write some songs with Alice. While Lace and Whiskey and From the Inside are quirky classics in their own right, I can't really say the same for Flush the Fashion.
Three of the songs here weren't even written by Alice. "Talk Talk" was originally performed by '60s garage rock band The Music Machine. I don't mind this song at all but I think it's an odd way to open the album. "Clones" and "Leather Boots" used outside writers and they are the two most "new wave" sounding tracks on the whole album. "Leather Boots" is not good at all, sounds like something Squeeze would've recorded, but "Clones" is actually enjoyable if you don't mind new wave music and it is the most well-known song of the bunch.
There are two other tracks here that I like. "Pain" seems like an attempt to do something that might have belonged on Welcome to My Nightmare but it comes across more as a sign of what's to come on 1983's DaDa. The final track that I would consider to be of any value is "Grim Facts". It's the most straight-forward rocker out of the bunch and it's a breath of fresh air on this album.
One thing about Alice Cooper is that he's always willing to change with the times. While most of his songs generally have fallen under the broad genre of "rock", he's not afraid to get in there and experiment with different styles. While you can say that his willingness to try disco, soft rock and new wave music in the late 1970s/early 1980s hurt his career, it still produced a number of classic tunes and more than handful of guilty pleasures.
So, yes, Flush the Fashion delivers a few tracks worth seeking out but the album as a whole is Alice's first dud as a solo artist. Even his new image falls flat as during the time of this album/tour he looked something like an old drag queen or schoolmarm.
Highlights: "Talk Talk", "Clones (We're All)", "Pain", "Grim Facts"
Posted in Alice Cooper
Tags: Alice Cooper, Classic Rock, Halloween, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Horror, Metal, Music, New Wave, New Wave Music, Rock, Roy Thomas Baker
Alice Cooper – From the Inside [Review]
Alice Cooper – From the Inside
1978, Warner Bros. Records
Buy the album at Amazon.com
1. "From the Inside"
2. "Wish I Were Born in Beverly Hills"
3. "The Quiet Room"
4. "Nurse Rozetta"
6. "Millie and Billie"
7. "Serious"
8. "How You Gonna See Me Now"
9. "For Veronica's Sake"
10. "Jackknife Johnny"
11. "Inmates (We're All Crazy)"
Producer: David Foster
Though longtime producer Bob Ezrin and guitarist Steve Hunter are not involved in this album, Alice was able to retain the services of guitarist & songwriting partner Dick Wagner in addition to enlisting the aid of Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen and a young Steve Lukather. Frequent Elton John collaborator Bernie Taupin co-wrote all lyrics with Alice. It's no secret that this album was inspired by Alice's time spent in the hospital while trying to become sober and that makes songs like "The Quiet Room" all the more haunting and the open and honest "How You Gonna See Me Now" all the more tender.
The previous album, Lace and Whiskey, was a bit out there for Alice, but I think From the Inside brings him a step closer to Alice Cooper Goes to Hell, at least. Still, some songs here are a sign of the times. "From the Inside" is a funky disco rock number while "How You Gonna See Me Now" is a soft rock ballad that fits right alongside "You and Me". "Millie and Billie" is a typical late-1970s easy listening duet between Alice Cooper and a female singer.
There's a fair number of rockers this time around though: "Nurse Rozetta" (possibly one of the sleaziest and most sexually-charged songs Alice has ever recorded), "Wish I Were Born in Beverly Hills", "Serious" and "For Veronica's Sake". The album ends on a mellow note with the ballad "Jackknife Johnny" and epically produced "Inmates (We're All Crazy)", which has a weird dreamy vibe to it that would've made it perfect for a musical or Lace and Whiskey.
"How You Gonna See Me Now" and "The Quiet Room" are two of my favorite Alice songs and there's another of other enjoyable tracks here. That makes From the Inside a minor classic in my eyes.
Highlights: "From the Inside", "The Quiet Room", "Nurse Rozetta", "Serious", "How You Gonna See Me Now"
Posted in Alice Cooper
Tags: Alice Cooper, Bernie Taupin, Classic Rock, Dick Wagner, Halloween, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Horror, Metal, Music, Pop/Rock, Rick Nielsen, Rock, Rock/Pop, Steve Lukather
Alice Cooper – Lace and Whiskey [Review]
Alice Cooper – Lace and Whiskey
1977, Warner Bros. Records
Buy the album at Amazon.com
1. "It's Hot Tonight"
2. "Lace and Whiskey"
3. "Road Rats"
4. "Damned If You Do"
5. "You and Me"
6. "King of the Silver Screen"
7. "Ubangi Stomp"
8. "(No More) Love at Your Convenience"
9. "I Never Wrote Those Songs"
10. "My God"
Producer: Bob Ezrin
This is one of those "Alice has started drinking too much" albums that I always assumed would be incredibly cheesy and spotty without ever listening to it fully. I already knew of "It's Hot Tonight", "You and Me" and "Road Rats" due to their inclusion on the Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper box set. "Road Rats" I never cared for (though the version on that box set is a remixed 1980 version), but I've always loved "It's Hot Tonight and "You and Me".
Too many session players to list for this album (which was but just know that leading the way is Alice, Bob Ezrin and guitarists Dick Wagner & Steve Hunter.
Lace and Whiskey is yet another semi-concept album with Alice debuting a brand-new character in the form of private investigator Maurice Escargot. While the whole thing comes off as very cheesy (and given that this album was inspired by showtunes and 1940s/1950s music, I'm sure that's the point), I wouldn't say it's a spotty record. There's a few duds like "Road Rats", "King of the Silver Screen" & "Ubangi Stomp" but the rest is excellent, even if you might be able to consider most of them guilty pleasures.
"It's Hot Tonight" is about nothing more than sex. I'm completely okay with that. "Lace and Whiskey" really hammers home the theme of being a private eye with a film noir style. A great vibe that Alice would similarly capture on the song "Dirty Diamonds" years later.
"You and Me" is Alice Cooper doing an easy listening ballad. Did the demon in the bottle make him do it or were Alice and producer Bob Ezrin looking for a big-time radio hit? Regardless, the song found itself charting at #9 on the Billboard charts as a single and the legacy continues because, as someone who used to work a day shift at Walgreens just a few years ago, I can tell you this song was played nearly every day before noon. It's a great song but in the long run it probably did more damage than good as far as Cooper's fanbase was concerned.
"(No More) Love at Your Convenience" is quite possibly my favorite track from this album. Such a guilty pleasure. Alice goes disco! "I Never Wrote Those Songs" is another easy listening ballad (complete with saxophone solo), but has a clever theme to it. "My God" in another fantastic piece that features a church organ.
Lace and Whiskey is definitely an oddball Alice album. He really went outside the box with this one and dropped the shock rock gimmick, but it's a good effort for the most part and worth seeking out.
Highlights: "It's Hot Tonight", "Lace and Whiskey", "You and Me", "(No More) Love at Your Convenience", "I Never Wrote Those Songs", "My God"
Posted in Alice Cooper
Tags: Alice Cooper, Bob Ezrin, Classic Rock, Dick Wagner, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Rock, Shock Rock, Steve Hunter
The Metal Excess Awards: 2011 Edition
Last year I said 2010 was a better year for music than 2009 was. I went on to wonder how 2011 could even begin to top it. Well, guess what… 2011 did indeed top 2010! I'm looking back at my Top 25 list for 2010 and while those albums are all still good, this year's Top 25 list is much stronger top to bottom.
2011 was a great year that saw classic rock/metal acts like Whitesnake, Warrant, Riot, Alice Cooper, Journey, Black N' Blue and King Kobra deliver some of the best albums of their career while younger acts like Steel Panther, Reckless Love, Savage Messiah, Evile (who missed the list by this much) and Black Veil Brides have shown that they are more than capable of carrying rock & metal into the future.
Top 25 Albums of 2011
1. Whitesnake – Forevermore
2. Sixx:A.M. – This Is Gonna Hurt
3. Riot – Immortal Soul
4. Warrant – Rockaholic
5. Alice Cooper – Welcome 2 My Nightmare
6. Steel Panther – Balls Out
7. Megadeth – Thirteen
8. Anthrax – Worship Music
9. Sebastian Bach – Kicking & Screaming
10. Reckless Love – Animal Attraction
11. Edguy – Age of the Joker
12. Hurtsmile – s/t
13. Journey – Eclipse
14. Chickenfoot – III
15. Mike Tramp & The Rock 'N' Roll Circuz – Stand Your Ground
16. Black Country Communion – 2
17. The Poodles – Performocracy
18. House of Lords – Big Money
19. King Kobra – s/t
20. Saliva – Under Your Skin
21. Foo Fighters – Wasting Light
22. Black N' Blue – Hell Yeah!
22. Savage Messiah – Plague of Conscience
24. George Lynch – Kill All Control
25. Joe Bonamassa – Dust Bowl
Best E.P./Single
In light of a few non-album singles being released this year, I've decided to make this a hybrid category.
1. Sixx:A.M. – 7
2. Black Veil Brides – Rebels
3. Who Cares – Out of My Mind / Holy Water
4. Wildstreet – II …Faster …Louder!
5. The Last Vegas – The Other Side E.P.
Best Compilation/Cover/Live/Reissue Albums
Kind of a catch-all category this year. Instead of listing each category individually, I decided to lump them all into one list and rank them that way.
1. Black Sabbath – Born Again [Deluxe Edition]
2. Stryper – The Covering
3. Vains of Jenna – Reverse Tripped
4. Whitesnake – Live at Donington 1990
5. Slash featuring Myles Kennedy – Live: Made In Stoke 24/7/11
6. Hell – Human Remains
7. Scorpions – Comeblack
8. Def Leppard – Mirrorball: Live & More
9. Eric Carr – Unfinished Business
10. Black Sabbath – Dehumanizer [Deluxe Edition]
Want to read more about the year in music? Check out some of the fine sites & blogs listed below! And be sure to keep checking back for more Year-End posts here at Metal Excess!
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
The Crash Pad of Ray Van Horn, Jr. – http://www.rayvanhornjr2.blogspot.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Hard Rock Hideout — http://hardrockhideout.com/
Hard Rock Nights — http://hardrocknights.com
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla's Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Odyssey — http://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
Posted in Year End Awards
Tags: Alice Cooper, Alternative Metal, Alternative Rock, Anthrax, AOR, Black 'n Blue, Black Country Communion, Black Sabbath, Black Veil Brides, Blues Rock, Chickenfoot, Classic Metal, Classic Rock, Def Leppard, Edguy, Eric Carr, Foo Fighters, George Lynch, Glam Metal, Glam Rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Hell, House of Lords, Hurtsmile, Ian Gillan, Joe Bonamassa, Journey, King Kobra, KISS, Megadeth, Melodic Hard Rock, Melodic Rock, Metal, Metalcore, Mike Tramp, Music, Myles Kennedy, NWOBHM, Pop Metal, Power Metal, Reckless Love, Riot, Rock, Saliva, Savage Messiah, Scorpions, Sebastian Bach, Sixx:A.M., Slash, Sleaze Metal, Sleaze Rock, Speed Metal, Steel Panther, Stryper, The Last Vegas, The Poodles, Thrash Metal, Tony Iommi, Vains of Jenna, Warrant, White Lion, Whitesnake, Who Cares, Wildstreet


text:
Judge denies emergency motion in Bandidos racketeering trial
A federal jury deliberated eight more hours Wednesday in the racketeering trial of the Bandidos' two top former leaders without reaching a verdict, as lawyers for one of the defendants filed an emergency motion asking the judge to instruct jurors that a partial verdict would be acceptable if they can't reach a unanimous verdict on all 13 counts.
Dick DeGuerin, the lead lawyer for the Bandidos' former national president, Jeffrey Fay Pike, raised the motion Wednesday morning, during the second day of deliberations, and it was discussed in open court outside the presence of jurors.
DeGuerin said he objected to Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra telling the jurors, after closing arguments late Monday, that they might start with the first count and go in order. DeGuerin noted he should have raised the objection at the time, not two days later.
Count 1 charges Pike, 62 and his former vice president, John Xavier Portillo, 58, with engaging in the Bandidos' racketeering conspiracy. It includes a list of overt acts reportedly committed by members of the biker club — including assault, extortion, robbery, drug dealing and murder.
"I didn't order them to do it. I suggested it to them so they (are) not … bouncing around," the judge said, adding that bouncing around might confuse the jurors. "In any event, it's too late. They've been deliberating for a day and a half. It's grossly untimely."
The judge denied the motion.
"Here is the reason: It's not because I don't think it might not be appropriate," Ezra said. "We haven't received any indication, or a question or any word, that they've had any problems. We don't know where they are on their deliberations. They could have well reached a unanimous verdict or a tentative verdict. We don't know."
The judge said he may take the motion up again if jurors give any indication that they are stuck on some of the charges.
Besides racketeering conspiracy, Pike, of Conroe, and Portillo, of San Antonio, are also charged with murder and use of a firearm in the aid of racketeering murder in the 2006 shooting of purported Hells Angels member Anthony Benesh. Ex-Bandidos members testified they killed Benesh under orders from Pike.
The two ex-leaders also are charged with passing down orders for a "war" against the Cossacks Motorcycle Club, who had been wearing patches on their vests saying "Texas."
Among the actions alleged were the claw-hammer beating of a Cossack who also was stripped of his biker vest west of Fort Worth in March 2015, the beatings of Cossacks members at a bar in Port Aransas in August 2015 and an unsuccessful attempt to find Cossacks in Crystal City, also in fall 2015, according to testimony and evidence presented at the trial.
The ex-Bandidos leaders are also accused of ordering Bandidos to go to Odessa as a show of force against the Cossacks in April 2015. Law officers said more than 200 Bandidos showed up, though police had warned Cossacks in advance to leave the area and no confrontation ensued.
Portillo is also charged with murder in the January 2002 shooting death of Robert Lara, a street gang member who had reportedly killed a Bandidos member months earlier. Portillo is also charged with being a felon in possession of a gun and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Both men face up to life in prison if convicted.
Guillermo Contreras is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | email@example.com | @gmaninfedland

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Spend a weekend in Avignon, famous for its bridge, but also for its arts festival, lifestyle and cultural riches. A weekend in a hotel in Avignon offers plenty to see!
'To arrive in Avignon under a beautiful autumn sunset, that's an admirable thing. Autumn, the setting sun, Avignon, these are three harmonies.' - Victor Hugo. The small town of Avignon in Souht-East France in Provence has everything that a larger one does. You can't pass through Vaucluse without stopping, and once there, you won't want to leave! An ideal destination for a change, you'll be enchanted by this historic town with its rich heritage. Avignon is one of the few French towns to have preserved all the sites and monuments that testify to its history. But Avignon is also enlivened by a vibrant artistic and cultural scene with choice of theatres, cinemas, museums and festivals. It's a town full of life where you can stroll sunlit streets to discover both medieval buildings, and hotels typical of the Renaissance. In addition you can visit the Papal Palace, the Rocher des Doms with its public gardens, and of course, Saint-Bénézet, the real name for Avignon's bridge. In July, book your hotel in Avignon in advance and don't miss Avignon's festival, considered one of the most important arts festivals in the European calendar.


text:
This book is listed in:
- Mystery & Detective ( 3,950 )
- Fiction ( 17,656 )
- LGBT Fiction ( 5,075 )
Safe With You
Book Description
Leslie Reilly is a police officer in the small town of Santa Anna Springs. He has a job he loves, a supportive family, and good friends, but he's lonely. He hasn't had much luck with romance. And he's not the only one. Since the death of his wife, Gavin Donovan has been alone—raising his young son Ben and trying to protect Ben from his homophobic grandfather, whose attempts to get custody of the boy are growing more and more desperate. When Leslie and Gavin meet, they know making a life together might not be easy, but they're willing to do whatever it takes to be a family.
All Leslie wants is to protect Gavin and Ben, but it's proving harder than he expected as Gavin's father-in-law's violence escalates. When Gavin is injured and Ben is kidnapped, Leslie must decide how far he's willing to go to keep the ones he loves safe.
- Hardcover: 220 pages |
- Publisher: Dreamspinner Press |
- Publication date: Aug 12, 2016 |
- Language: English |
- Format: Ebook


text:
Dr. Turner is a highly skilled aesthetics practitioner, he was able to help surgically correct my Tuberous breasts through the use of high quality implants and fat grafting. This congenital birth defect left me with zero confidence and low self esteem, however, thanks to Dr. Turner's skilled work I now have two natural looking breasts. [Single best thing is...] Finally having natural looking breasts.
Very professional - I felt like I was in good hands. [Single best thing is...] The regular follow up and the great team he has that I could reach out to anytime. I never felt like I was too much trouble.
Dr. Turner and his staff were efficient and professional and delivered excellent results.
I saw Dr. Turner at Bondi Junction (which is not on the above list of options). He was great and the care I received from him and the team both in the lead up and on the day of surgery at Bondi Juction Private Hospital was outstanding. I couldn't be happier with the results :)
Scott Turner was explicit about surgery expectations and results. He delivered beyond what I wanted and was available any time I had concerns. Although this sounds cliche, my self esteem and body confidence is amazing. I had an eating disorder for 15 years and never thought I would like the look of my body but now I do, thanks Scott!!
Dr Turner is very knowledgeable, professional and patient-orientated. He addressed all my concerns with factual information, answered my questions carefully, thoroughly, honestly and made me feel comfortable about what I wanted to achieve. Dr Turner openly discussed the risks, what to expect before and after the surgery. The operation went smoothly as he had predicted. The post-operation consultations were again thorough and I'm getting expert advice when I speak to Dr Turner. [Single best thing is...] The outcome was excellent
[Single best thing is...] Having body confidence again has changed my life and improved my mental health. Dr Turner was incredible, he gave me so much information before the procedure, kept my mind at ease on the day of surgery. Making me feel at ease and comfortable, and post surgery he has been outstanding.
Very Happy with results. The staff and Dr Turner were always helpful and supportive. [Single best thing is...] Minimal pain after surgery.
Good communication on what to expect. Already can see what the end result will look like, feel a lot of confidence.
Great experience with Dr Turner, he's very patient and listens to your expectations. Great results. [Single best thing is...] Exactly what I wanted, quick recovery
Excellent service, outcome and advice. [Single best thing is...] the results and approach to getting them.
All procedures including previous breast uplift and tummy tuck have had a successful outcome.
Dr Turner explained everything and if you don't understand he will explain again. His staff are so helpful and friendly. I was very nervous about my whole surgery and felt very comfortable with Dr Turner and his staff I would recommend him to anyone. I never thought I would look the way I do I can't ever remember looking this great, maybe when I was 8.
Male Breast Reduction / Gynecomastia
Successful procedure, clear communication throughout and always ready to answer questions to put my mind at ease.
Dr. Turner was always able to answer my questions and recommended the best size and shape for my body, and was honest in answering and queries I had. The staff at both Dr. Turner's clinic and the hospital were lovely, approachable and very accommodating.
More confident with my appearance, Dr. Turner explained everything clearly and detailed to me, I have visited other surgeons and found him the best. [Single best thing is...] the confidence I have now with the overall surgery.
Scott was great from day one - the initial consultation I was quite nervous but he went into a lot of detail and made me feel very comfortable. I had some more questions after the first consultation so a few weeks later booked for another consultation in which he was very patient. I am now around 10 weeks post op and I have seen Dr. Turner on three occasions for check ups - the practice is also very fast at replying to emails if you have any queries. Felt very comfortable before, during and after and very happy with the result.
Dr. Turner made sure I had all the information I needed. I felt extremely comfortable and confident I had made the right choice in surgeon. I have had a great recovery process so far.
Dr Turner and the staff at Adamstown surgery were very caring from the initial consultation to aftercare. I feel that I made the right decision to have my breast implants removed. Dr Turner's advice helped to reassure me of my decision not to go ahead with an implant revision.
They did what I wanted. Very nice people. Results are great
Caring approach. Focusing on patient concerns and dealing.
Dr. Turner and staff are extremely professional and caring and always make themselves available if you have any concerns no matter how big or small. My clothes now fit me better and I instantly felt relief in back and neck.
Breasts look amazing. Great job All round. Staff were super helpful, friendly and polite. Excellent experience.
I felt as though I was in safe hands since my first consultation. My surgery went well without any issues and I am happy with the results. I would definitely recommend Dr. Turner for anyone considering a breast reduction/lift, and I will be using him for planned future procedures. I was particularly happy that I have been able to have all follow up appointments at a different location to my consultations and surgery to reduce my travel time.
Service was great, result was great
Dr. Scott Turner is a confident, no bullshit and professional surgeon. I felt like I could trust him to do a good job. It's a relatively simple procedure and I am over the moon that I found the right man for it. [Single best thing is...] the fact that there were no complications and Dr. Turner was there for me always.
Very friendly, and was made comfortable at each appointment.
Scott was very attentive. Addressed every one of my concerns. I am very squeamish and get very anxious about surgery and he was great before, during and after.
No long waiting periods. Friendly staff.
My experience was really positive, and everything went smoothly both pre and postoperatively. Very happy! [Single best thing is...] The care I received on the day of my surgery.
Dr. Turner is an excellent plastic surgeon who explained everything about the procedures prior to & after my operations, I am very happy with the results. He has valuable staff who were always available if I needed questions answered, they went above & beyond to help me at any time. [Single best thing is...] Getting the results that I had hoped for.
The team were so professional.
Amazing service, prompt replies on email. Great bedside manner from Dr. Turner. Realistic results. I received exactly what I was told I should expect and I'm extremely satisfied with the results.
Extensive discussion regarding the risks involved and answered and questions I had. The discussion regarding the type of implant right for me was confusing and I would have liked more guidance in this area.
He was honest in what he would be doing
Appreciated his honesty and answered all my concerns around lose skin that's bothered me after weight loss. I visited another highly reputable surgeon in Newcastle afterwards and he discouraged most of what Dr. Turner advised me to get done. I didn't like that so chose Dr. Turner to perform the surgery.
Dr. Turner was very helpful and seems very experienced in what he does.
He explained everything very clear and recommend what is the best option for you.
Great with patients
The whole procedure was seamless, from the time I enter the hospital, during preparation to the departure. It all happened very quickly. Post op follow- up appointments were at Adamstown. Again no fuss and I am absolutely stoked with the end result of how they look. Thank you. [Single best thing is...] The follow up treatment/ service is fantastic. I did have a wound that wasn't healing by 8 weeks post op. They got me straight in and checked it all out, within that week it was healed and pain had gone.
Great customer service, quick turnaround from first visit, everything as expected. [Single best thing is...] Increased self esteem.
The care and communication throughout the process of the first consultation right through until the post operative visits has been very professional. [Single best thing is...] I have been well informed throughout the process, and Dr. Turner has answered all of my questions, even though some of them may have been silly or trivial. The team in the Dee Why rooms has been kind, compassionate, thorough and patient.
Dr. Scott Turner was very informative and gave me all the information I required and was very professional. [Single best thing is...] The procedure was very quick so was the recovery.
The team took their time to ensure I knew what was happening at all times. Dr. Turner never rushed my consultation and made sure I was aware of the ins and outs of the procedure. He listened to what my expectations were and then ensured we were all on the same page re the best possible outcome. [Single best thing is...] His reassurance in making sure that I was aware of why he was suggesting certain sizes and the reasoning behind them.
Well informed and very happy with the results. Great aftercare. Love my body with my new breasts. Returned my body confidence.
Dr. Turner is dedicated to learning and applying the latest techniques, and is extremely knowledgeable with regard to the procedures I had. I found out just prior to surgery that the implants he was using were top of the range, and I felt confident in his experience and ability. He gave me the exact results I was looking for, and he took a tailored approach to my case.
Professional care and results. [Single best thing is...] How quickly it healed
Dr Turner gave me a better version of myself without unrealistic expectations. Even months on my face continues to improve with subtle changes . I think for me I was so happy Dr. Turner could see the aging areas on my face as I pointed out were bothering me and correct them without changing my face but making it less worn and tired looking .
From my first consultation to the post surgery appointment. I felt completely confident and cared for. Even my emails were replied to on Sunday night. My tummy after surgery is amazing and I am thrilled with the results. [Single best thing is...] The care of the staff and the amazing results of Doctor Turners skills.
Dr. Turner was thorough, open and honest from the beginning. I had a good result and found the whole team caring, efficient and very professional. I have a noticeably flatter stomach.
I have been investigating my surgery options for many months and have met some wonderful surgeons and other cosmetic therapists. My choices have been difficult as the quality is very high. Dr. Turner and his staff's approach have impressed me and I have decided to go ahead with the surgery, with Dr. Turner.
Consistently professional and welcoming
Dr. Turner listened to my concerns, was easy to talk to, was thorough in his examinations & explained fully what he could do in my case.
I felt that he was very professional but also had a great manner and after explaining what the surgery would involve took time to make sure that I was comfortable going ahead with the surgery.
Dr. Turner gave me a thorough understanding of the procedures, risks & expectations.
As I have had a neck lift many years ago I was very impressed with the information that Dr. Turner supplied. He detailed everything for me.
Dr. Turner was informative and made me feel comfortable from the moment I met him. He ensured to discuss things in detail and always asked me if I had any questions. His kind nature helped with my anxiety and was the highlight of my overall experience.
Very helpful and friendly, answered and questions and concerns I had.
Everybody is extremely helpful and Dr. Turner helped me make an informed decision about my surgery.
The questions I had were all answered very comprehensively. I felt very at ease throughout the process and not rushed. Dr. Turner and all of his staff were friendly and kind.
-Attention to detail -Ability to answer all questions asked -Thorougher explanation of exactly how the procedure will take place
After surgery not yet completed
The consultation was perfect and made me feel 100% comfortable going forward with this procedure that I've pondered about for many years. The nurse was absolutely lovely and made me feel so comfortable initially and Dr. Scott Turner was very informative and went into absolute detail about everything I asked which is exactly what I wanted. The follow up emails from reception were great and everyone made me feel very well looked after. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and I'm really excited to go ahead with the surgery!
Dr. Turner was brilliant at keeping my daughter calm, he explained everything clearly and was very kind and considerate.
Yes, Dr. Turner and staff were friendly, helpful and informative.
Well cared for prior to seeing Dr. Turner & procedure fully explained, as well as all queries answered.
Dr. Turner was great. He was quick, knowledgeable and made me comfortable straightway.
Dr. Turner and his staff are wonderful. I've always found them all to be so responsive, informative and friendly.
Dr. Turner and his assistant were most helpful during my initial visit.
Clear information and all questions answered.
Staff were friendly and informative. All my questions were answered before I even asked them
Very well looked after during consultation and given all information I needed.
Staff were pleasant and professional, assisted me with any questions that I had
Dr. Turner gave me all the time I needed during the consultation. He did not rush you, like another surgeon I had recently seen, he explained everything in terms that were very clear and did not mind how many questions I asked. I was there to discuss a full face lift / eyelid lift. After talking with me, Dr. Turner said that he was hearing from me that my biggest "problem" area was my drooping eyelids. He discussed a full face lift but suggested an eyelid lift first and to take it from there. He did not push for a full face lift (and more money for him) and having had the eyelid surgery it was the best advice I could have been given. I am absolutely delighted with the result!
Fast, efficient and easy going.
Fast, efficient.
Dr Scott Turner made sure everything was perfect , and if I had any questions or unsure about things he would explain everything to me [Single best thing is...] Love my breast implants
The consult was informative, Dr. Turner drew me a picture, told me several times about the procedure and answered questions thoroughly. He told me if possible non success and was polite and professional.
The end result was what I expected and explained.
Very thorough with details and explanation. Very pleasant.
ALL staff are very friendly and polite. Both Dr. and nurse make you feel comfortable and answer any questions/concerns no matter how strange you think your question is.
Very efficient treatment. Great reception staff.
Dr. Scott Turner was really informative, he's really professional. It was easy to discuss my concerns and questions, he explained to me all the pros and cons, it is a confirmation to me that he has a lot of knowledge about cosmetic surgery, and he has a great experience in breast augmentation with different situations and bodies. I'm really satisfied with the consultation and It made me feel confident with my decision. Also, the staff is very welcoming, easy to talk, they also help me with all my questions. I'm excited to get my boobs done with him :D
Very professional service, yet personable. I found it really easy to discuss my concerns & ask questions. The staff, very welcoming & easy to talk to.
Dr. Scott made me feel really comfortable and confident in my procedure. The outcome is beyond words, I am so very happy with his work and I am constantly recommending Dr. Scott and the team. [Single best thing is...] My perfect boobs.
It changed my life. Lots of support from the staff and Dr. Turner was excellent in his information and after care.
I had complications after my first surgery and the care I received from Dr. Turner and his staff was fantastic. Everything about my procedures has been explained fully and my opinions always considered. [Single best thing is...] The fact that Doctor Turner strives to give you the outcome that you want.
Detailed explanation of procedure, approximate visual of results, good instructions for quick recovery, and great result.
Doctor Turner was thorough and informative and made sure I knew everything I needed to know and was comfortable with the entire procedure. I love how well-looked after I have been, I feel valued as a patient and not just a number
Doctor summarised procedure clearly and answered all my questions.
Felt well respected and attended throughout all my interactions with Dr Turner and his team. Very happy with the outcome.
The procedure was very clearly explained to me. Scott and his team at Adamstown were very understanding and reassuring and made myself feel very comfortable with the whole procedure from the initial consult.
Was just getting a second quote before going ahead with my original choice of surgeon. Ended up being so impressed with Dr. Turner I refused to go anywhere else. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, straightforward and gave me the confidence/trust I was in good hands I needed before surgery. Staff are amazing, so helpful, caring and happy to help educate. After consulting with other surgeons I appreciate their "non sales" approach, no harassing phone call pitches from staff, pressure, etc. They don't need it. It has been three months since my surgery and I am absolutely over the moon!! I have never felt so good about my body! I cannot fault anything, exceeded well beyond expectations. When I have a look at before images I am shocked, you never want the feeling of regret after a surgery but it's the complete opposite, best decision ever!!
Dr Scott Turner was very knowledgeable and gave me lots of information. He made good recommendations for my body type
I was really excited for my consultation as People that recommend Dr. Turner to me said that he was very friendly, compassionate and reassuring but I did not get this impression at all. He came across as disinterested and unfriendly when I was standing there exposed and vulnerable which made me feel horrible. I really wanted him to be my surgeon but I am looking elsewhere. Sorry
Dr. Turner was very informative and gave honest feedback on requested surgical interventions. The multidisciplinary team supporting the practice were always quite happy to answer any questions in detail and to assist with anything I asked for.
Doctor was on time, explained procedure, agreed to change the time/location of procedure to suit me.
I was satisfied with the shape and size of my implants exactly what I wanted. Doctor turner as very informative about the procedure and what shape they will be which put my mind at ease because I didn't want a fake looking boob job
Everybody at Dr Turners office are wonderful and the nursing and anestheticts were all great at both hospitals.
Dr Turner explained the neck lift operation very well and it was all that he said it would be. I had no pain, bleed or discomfort and now months later I am so pleased with the result. The care, attention and surgery visits were all excellent.
Everything is always so easy. The Dr's offices are easy to get to. The staff are excellent and communicate beautifully. I felt informed from start to thus far. I was very apprehensive and unsure of what to do about my leaking implant. Dr Turner was very patient and answered all questions clearly and honestly right up to being taken into surgery.
The staff are extremely professional and caring. The follow up is amazing. Dr Turner is very professional and patient. The overall experience was excellent. However I'd have to say Dr Turner and his staff made me feel extremely comfortable and I felt I was in capable hands.
Very expensive $225.00 for a 10 minute consultation
Friendly staff and Dr Turner was very professional and made me feel comfortable during my consultation
Very friendly and helpful experience
Very friendly and informative
Explained things well.
I was able to get an appointment quickly. The consultation was on time. Dr Turner explained my options for surgery clearly. The subsequent hospital visit was all arranged efficiently by Amy who was also very helpful when I rang back with a query.
No real need to visit I guess as no real outcome could have saved myself the time and not gone
Dr Scott is very professional and has a comforting manner. He is very informative and happily answered all of my questions even the dumb ones... I couldn't be more happy and satisfied with my new breasts. I would recommend Dr Turner and the team 1000 times over..
I was seen on time and the small lesion on my clavicle was removed with very little discomfort. The follow op for removal of stitch was efficient and the after care explained clearly.
The nurse was absolutely lovely and made me feel really comfortable and so at home. Doctor Turner is really easy to talk to, knowledgeable, polite and patient. I left feeling confident and comfortable with the procedure and decided to go ahead with it
I felt that we were well informed about the surgery, recovery and potential issues.
Dr Scott Turner is the best!! He is professional and kind...I have seen him at Adamstown and Dee Why and put my health and confidence in him!!! Highly recommend...[patient name]
Dr TURNER was very informative about procedure which is what I prefer from Surgeon.
Impressed with the explanation of the procedure: detailed and understandable. It is evident through his answers to my questions that Dr. Newton has done plenty of research to inform his practice e.g. discussions concerning drains, medications and complications. The RN that initially met with me was very welcoming and professional, which helped with my anxiety.
Well explained and no complications
Dr Turner was very professional, honest and took the time to explain everything.
It was highly embarrassing for me to finally go ahead with this long awaited surgery and I felt very comfortable and in the hands of an expert.
Went in for initial consultation and Dr Turner suggested if I had time that day he would remove spot and send away for pathology testing, which I did. Received pathology tests following week and removal of stitches. Great outcome.
The doctor took their time to understand my needs and tailored the surgery accordingly, although it was not the standard process
Staff very friendly and understanding. Cost of procedure is why I haven't gone ahead with as yet
The service by doctor Turner, his receptionist and the nurse was amazing. They were extremely professional, comforting and understanding.
Yes. Doctor was relaxed. I had some concerns about anaesthetic during surgery that weren't clearly answered.
I was able to see, feel and ask all the questions I had regarding the implants. He was very informative and helpful in recommending which procedure would be best suited to my body.
Dr. Turner and his team were fantastic. Friendly and professional
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
What Scott told me wasn't what I wanted to hear but none the less he was honest and forthright.
Overall good consultation thank you
Neck and chin much better. The operation did what I was told it would do
Dr Turner was honest and easy to understand.
Staff were helpful and very professional and considerate to my apprehension for undertaking the potential surgery very happy with the consultation overall
The Dr gave me some very beneficial information. It made my understanding clear.
Very detaled. Great service quote was very timely
The neck looks excellent. Support Helpful Checked up Happy with the results And fully explained every
Dr Turner and his staff are excellent. My procedure was clearly explained with all the positives and possible negatives discussed. I felt I had all the necessary information I needed to know prior to my operation and what was expected after the operation had taken place. The weight has been lifted off my shoulders, neck and upper back which is great. Whilst it is still early days, only one month since surgery, scars are healing well and I look forward to seeing the final healed product.
I found Dr Turner and all the stuff Comfortable to talk to with all my question and concerns. I am extremely happy with my results in recovery atm. Everything went smoothly so happy! I am 3 weeks post op and loving my results! Dr turner is amazing he has giving me a new fresh feel on life
Friendly staff Helpful Capable staff ,great sterile technique. Amazing job with fabulous outcome Everything explained so well
All my information was noted, questioned and looked at. In consultation with Dr Turner all questions, queries etc were explained carefully. Documentation I have received has everything I need to know regarding the surgery.
I was extremely impressed with Dr. Turners explanations of what had occurred during a previous botched procedure completed by another surgeon. Dr Turner was able to clearly describe what had occurred and reassured me that some future procedures to improve the current state were possible. I was very impressed with his knowledge and understating of my situation and hope to see him in future to rectify some of my issues.
Because I have struggled with this issue for 17 years post breast cancer and with a little further work I can see a light at the end of the tunnel . Improvement has begun
Yes, the Doctor answered all my questions clearly and was very personable.
The result where so much better then I expected or invisaged. Dr Scott Turner and his team where extremely professional but also very down to earth I was made feel very supported with my decision .Dr Turner looked after me every step of the way keeping me well informed pre and post operatively. DrTurners Bedside manner was Very professional but at the same time very caring respectful informative reassuring. My F/U app and care where comforting relaxed and fully focused on my recovery and well been I'm so over the moon I chose Dr Turner and would not hesitate for further surgery by him in the future . Thanking you [patient name]
Dc Turner explains us procedures and make my little girl first in the list due to her young age .a well the nurse was excellent in the hospital
Best surgeon Best Anaethetist Best outcome No problems or pain
I felt the practice was really nice and not surgical, which made me feel more relaxed. It was my first appointment with a plastic surgeon and was a little bit nervous for it. The nurse made me feel very comfortable.
I felt very happy after my first meeting with DR Turner and his lovely staff members.
Dr Turner clearly explained the procedures and checked regularly that the information he gave made sense and that I understood what could be achieved.
From my initial consultation I was impressed with Dr.Turners professional approach and easy going manner. I found the admin staff and nurse very obliging and helpful. I am very pleased with the results of my procedure and the follow up consults so far.
Dr Turner, was very approachable and easy to talk too. Dr Turner staff and nurse KEILLY is amazing... As this was my first operation, I was very scared at going under for 5 hours, Dr Bridgland my anaesthetist made me feel so comfortable and safe. so far I love the results (I'm only 3 weeks post op) and I still have my incision points covered, but so far I am very happy with what I see.
All my questions were answered and Dr Turner, thoroughly explained the whole procedure and all possible outcomes.
I absolutely loved the surgeons, and they did a brilliant job
Yes! All my questions were answered and i was well looked after
The surgery was done quickly efficiently and was highly successful.
Good job. Explained everything by the Doctor & nurse
Supportive, clear description of the planned surgery and recovery. Friendly reception staff. Very thankful that I was able to be operated on asap.
very professional from the first moment walked into practice.
The staff were all very kind and welcoming, especially the Registered Nurse who took my measurements. She made me feel very comfortable. Dr Turner was excellent too. He explained everything perfectly and also made me feel comfortable.
I found Dr. Turner to be very approachable and extremely knowledgeable and confident in his profession. All staff have been fantastic. Everything was really well explained to manage my expectations post op. No hidden costs. I am extremely happy with the results. Thank you all so much.
Great service Great smiles Great results Now confident in my appearance
Dr Turner was very flat and impersonal. He didn't introduce himself or appear interested in what he was doing. Appeared like it was a very mundane consult for him and i was another number. Possibly he was unwell or in need of a holiday lol
I am very happy with the results, I am back to feeling like I did before I had my kids and much more confident in my appearance. Everything was well organised and explained prior to surgery, and post surgical treatment and access to information has been excellent.
Just a very positive attitude by Dr Turner and staff. Very good communication explained procedure so that I could understand what was happening as I was nervous about procedure before hand but staff put me at ease.
Friendly team. Questions answered. Options explained clearly. Plans made.
Dr Turner made me feel extremely comfortable and confident with his knowledge and experience. He gave very detailed information of the procedure from start to finish and took the time to answer the many questions I had.
Scott is attentive and responsive to me getting well. Keilly his nurse is also tremendous. She goes beyond to help.
A real professional approach and he seemed to care, It ended up better than I expected
Both girls in the clinic are genuinely nice and always make you feel comfortable. Dr Turner always runs on time and is friendly to talk to.
Staff and doctor friendly and take the time to listen , chat, answer questions . Communication was excellent in all aspects . Post operative result is perfect .
Because outcome was great and Dr Scott was a very good, professional doctor.
I was treated really good and received what i wanted Happy with end result
Friendly professional service both from the surgeon and nurse.
Yes, very pleased with Dr Turners expertise and the hospital at Shortland. The staff at the Adamstown surgery are very friendly and helpful.
Dr Turner was an excellent doctor to perform surgery and I was extremely pleased with the outcome. Excellent results
Dr Turner said no to the area I wanted liposuction and offered an alternative which I have undertaken. He also offered advice about other areas of concern to me. He also indicated that he would not operate whilst I was changing mental health medication which I think speaks very loudly about his ethics.
The results were better than I could have hoped for! I was very happy with my results from Scott! The staff and nurses have been amazing and love how easy it is to contact their offices with any queries or concerns
So far everything appears to be really positive. I am pleased with the results and experience
From start to finish my experience with Dr was exceptional. Scott was extremely professional and knowledgeable pre-surgery, the day I had my surgery dr turner and the hospital staff were amazing and I couldn't be happier with the result of my surgery!!
Dr Turner made me feel comfortable and explained the procedure and my options well.
The office is very modern in design and clean. All staff were extremely friendly and approachable
I am highly satisfied with my experience with Dr Turner because I felt very welcomed to the team immediately. They made me feel comfortable with my decision and let me make decisions for myself and not pressure me to do what they thought. My entire experience was great from my first consultation until now (post surgery). They are easy to contact and book appointments when I want them. I am extremely satisfied with my results and my confidence has improved since. I would 100% recommend Dr Turner and his amazing team.
Dr Scott Turner answers all your questions with honestly and his work is great hardly any scars 20 out of 10 thanks
Honest opinion ie come back on a few years cannot make a dramatic difference right now
Scott did a fantastic job.. The whole team did a job well done & made me feel great .. To be able to go shopping for cloths & put on something & it JUST FITS !!!!!! THANK YOU
Really happy with the outcome of the surgery, Dr Turners explanation and reassurance and all the after care.
The results exceeded my expectations. The care and attention I received was outstanding
He was very thorough and informative
Was thorough. Explained the procedure clearly. Listened to explanation of desired result and gave feedback on whether feasible and what needs to be done to achieve
No reviews found


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Araucaria heterophylla
Family: Araucariaceae
Common name: Norfolk Island Pine
Sea-side holidays in southern Australia almost always mean a beach lined with majestic Norfolk Island Pines. These trees, which do originate on Norfolk Island, are not endemic to the Australian mainland, but instead come only from Norfolk Island. A. heterophylla has thrived in Australia, and is extremely useful because of its wind tolerance and adaptation to extremely sandy soils.
Norfolk Island Pine is fully evergreen in Melbourne, and the individual needles usually last 2 years. Because these needles and branchlets do not synchronously drop, it is frequent to find some needle/branch litter at all times. This litter is a minor issue only.
In Melbourne, we find that A. heterophylla will tolerate both very sandy, and high clay fraction soils, provided that free drainage is provided. A. heterophylla has proven very useful in Melbourne because of its significant wind tolerance and its ability to withstand fairly concentrated salt spray.
Norfolk Island Pine is a heritage planting, with many of the older park skylines showing the typical outline of this tree. Consider using A. heterophylla if you want the turn-of-the-century style with a tree that will be robust, handsome and long lived.
Typical mature height: 30m+
Useful in: streetscapes, avenues, foreshores
Sites for best growth: well-drained, sands


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An extremely portable solution to promote your business, service or product. It allows you to visually attract attention and get noticed, be it in a trade show, conference, market stall etc. Their portability and light weight makes it easy for anyone to carry and set up in seconds.
Most Roll Up Banner are printed on a high quality vinyl which makes them durable and provides a high quality printing surface for your images and message.
They are easy to carry/transport and convenient to store as they take up little space, it makes them ideal for transportation and quick setup when you need to utilise them.
In short they are a very cost effective and convenient wat to advertise your products, business or services.
Prices starting from €79+vat.


text: Sephiroth Posted July 8, 2001 on friday i had to restart windows because of a minor error. after it finished loading most of the stuff in my system tray began to crash. "what the hell!!" i yelled at the damn thing. then almost every other program i tried to run crashed as well. I then restarted and got the same thing. I then ran a virus scan, thinking this is the work of a nasty virus, to find no viruses. Then that crashed. Next i tried to look at the registry but the regedit command crashed. I finally said fuck it and purged windows. After a half hour i reinstalled it. I hate when windos pulls this kind of shit. this is the biggest registry error i have never had. 0 Share this post Link to post


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French model Ines Rau is Playboy's first transgender playmate.
Rau, 26, will be featured in the centerfold of Playboy's November/December "Collector's Edition" issue, the first issue since Hugh Hefner's death in September.
"I lived a long time without saying I was transgender," Rau said in a statement. "I dated a lot and almost forgot. I was scared of never finding a boyfriend and being seen as weird. Then I was like, 'you know, you should just be who you are. It's a salvation to speak the truth about yourself, whether it's your gender, sexuality, whatever.'"
This isn't the first time Rau has posed for Playboy. She also was featured in the magazine's May 2014 "A-Z" issue for a nude pictorial titled "Evolution." Soon after, she signed with a modeling agency.
According to People, the "Collector's Edition" issue will also have another history-making feature. The magazine will pay tribute to Hefner by making him the cover star. It marks the first time a woman has not graced the cover in the magazine's history.
The issue hits newsstands on Halloween.


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The earnings of Spain's listed companies exit the crisis
After several years of decline, the profits of Spain's listed companies have embarked on an upward trend. According to the Spanish Securities and Investments Board (CNMV), consolidated earnings went from –8.8 billion euros in 2012 to 25.08 billion in 2013, of which an astounding 92% correspond to Ibex 35 companies. Although this bottom line comparison is somewhat distorted due to extraordinary items, it does show the steady improvement in the business environment. On the one hand, due to factors related to the Spanish economy as a whole: the recovery in the rate of activity, easier financing conditions for both the public and private sector and lower reserve requirements (particularly relevant for banks). On the other, thanks to strong growth in the turnover of companies in international markets, as well as the processes of deleveraging and equity reinforcement, started in previous years, also appearing to continue.
At a sector level, more than half the aggregate earnings for the year came from financial firms, followed by industry and trade. It is useful to highlight some particular sector-related aspects influencing this trend in earnings. In the case of financial firms, net earnings rose to almost 14 billion euros, helped by the reduction in reserves, which were so high in 2012 they resulted in an overall operating loss that year. In the industrial sector, although the different sub-sectors have seen differing trends, the improvement in earnings has been due to an adjustment in operating costs (reductions in workforce, sales of assets, etc.) and financial costs (mainly by restructuring debt). The opposite situation can be found in the energy and construction sectors. In the former, in addition to falling electricity demand in Spain and the adverse impact of macroeconomic variables (such as the price of Brent oil and currency exchange rates), there was also the sector's new regulatory framework for Spain. In combination, these factors meant that, in 2013, net earnings for the sector were considerably lower than the previous year. The drop in earnings for construction was also notable and the reasons underlying this downward trend were the decline in construction work, the slowdown in cement production and slump in property sales.
2013's business scenario was still being affected by an adverse environment for sales, with these falling by 2.8% year-on-year for listed non-financial firms. Shrinking domestic demand, the reduction in activity in most energy and industrial sub-sectors, fluctuating exchange rates for the emerging currencies and the particular situation of some companies lie behind this drop in sales. However, there is a very important positive aspect that is encouraging: the considerable, solid increase in business generated abroad. Since the start of the crisis in 2009, foreign sales have become increasingly important, offsetting the deficit in local turnover. In 2013, Ibex companies produced 62.3% of their income outside Spain (almost 260 billion euros) compared with 61% a year ago.
Another relevant aspect has been the effort made by companies to maintain high dividends for their shareholders. The dividends paid out overall by listed firms in 2013 were lower than in 2012 but the yield dividend for Spain's stock market was still one of the highest in the world. This is the result of increasing shareholder payments through scrip dividends.


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Jihad is coming
Reader comment on item: What is Jihad?
Submitted by almir begovic (United Kingdom), Mar 21, 2004 at 00:28The US is the country that can pride itself with the following:
1. Genocide against native American population. It is only example in recent history where the entire population was entirely wiped out.
2. Only country that has used nuclear weapons against civilian population
3. Since 2nd world war it has committed aggression against more than 70 nations worldwide
4.US trained some of the most dangerous terrorists that this planet has ever seen
( School of the Americas )
5. It is US that occupies Muslim land not the opposite
All of this makes mockery of the claims such "freedom loving nation" etc. In its essence all of above mentioned is direct consequence of the capitalist creed. The democracy is only chosen ruling system of the capitalist society, although it is often presented as a solution for the problems the humankind is facing today.
I would like to invite you to have a closer look at the teachings of Islam. Islam offers solution for these problems.
Islam means submit ion to the will of God, hence there is no "moderate" Muslim. You can't mix the truth and falsehood and claim to be a Muslim.
And yes when Islamic state is re-established, one of its functions will be to spread Islam all over the world. The people are invited to accept Islam. If they refuse they are given choice to submit to the Islamic authority. If they do their rights are guaranteed in return for tax payment.
Jihad is only fought against the people who refuse to hear the Message of God. It is not fought to plunder their land of the natural resources. That is why people of conquered lands accepted Islam en masse as you can see it today. Islam never divided people into First, Second and Third World.
There are many examples where Islam spread without jihad ( e.g. SE Asia).
I would like to invite you once again to look into the teachings of Islam and depart from the corrupt ideas of capitalism.
Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".
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View image files in full screen and play slideshows using this simple and straightforward tool with support for popular filetypes.
- FastImageViewer
- Version:184.108.40.206
- License :Trial
- OS:Windows All
- Publisher:SpeedySoft
FastImageViewer Description
Although there are numerous graphic viewers out there that promise to satisfy every whim when it comes to displaying pictures, you might be interested in a simple solution, namely a program whose sole purpose is to show images, without any fancy features that are likely to have bigger impact on PC resources usage.
Such a tool is FastImageViewer. Designed with a clear goal in mind, this application can read graphic files with the BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF and TIFF format, as well as play slideshows in a basic manner.
View images and play slideshows easily
Following a speedy installation that shouldn't give you any trouble, you're greeted by a plain window with instructions on how the program works. It's possible to either drag and drop pictures from the file manager over this window, or to manually change file associations. Unlike other graphic viewers, this one doesn't have an integrated popup file browser.
Choose the supported filetypes and set the slideshow time
By default, only BMP and JPG photos can be opened with this tool. When attempting to open files with any other format, FastImageViewer displays an error in a log window. However, you can extend its filetype by pressing "F2". This command shows a small window with options for activating and deactivating support for BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF and TIFF.
The option to disable support for certain filetypes may seem redundant. However, it helps if you wish to play slideshows using only specific image formats while ignoring others. This is because, when opening a picture, the application autodetects all supported file types from its folder, preparing them for the slideshow. To play it, you just have to click the "A" button.
Toggle fullscreen and change the UI langauge
The default time for each on-screen slide is set to 3 seconds and can be changed to any number of seconds. FastImageViewer doesn't have an option for replaying slideshows though, displaying an log message at the end of the show.
To replay, it's necessary to navigate to the first position by yourself. Fullscreen mode can be quickly enabled and disabled with right-click. Also, you can set the interface language from English to German.
Unsurprisingly, the tool used minimum resources in our tests. It may not have a particularly attractive interface or an elaborate set of features, but FastImageViewer offers a straightforward solution for viewing images and playing slideshows.


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It is clear that it will come down to each and every last vote. The top two keep flipping (when not tied) and spots 3-7 all switched tonight.
After 6 shows....the 88 bus has a narrow lead. The Mattapan Trolley is two votes behind. The Red Line doubled it's points this evening (was Mitt Romney in the audience?). The Silver and the Blue have one vote separating them as does the Orange and the Green.
Two more chances to see what all the fuss is about. And trust me there is a lot of fuss.
New Listing - Spacious modified castle offering 6 large bedrooms on 2nd level, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room w/fireplace and built-ins, living room & family room...
9 years ago


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"Three Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln by Josh Lowry Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March, 1861, until his assassination in April, 1865."
With the new movie coming out, I thought this was a timely piece linking Lincoln's Presidency with leadership lessons. Do you provide vision, execution, and influence with your team? Are there key elements of Lincoln's leadership that are appropriate to be included in a leadership lesson?
Barry Deutsch
IMPACT Hiring Solutions HIRE and RETAIN Top Talent Blog
Do you have a FREE Copy of our best selling ebook on how to hire top talent?


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Price: £12.99
* Limited time Discount, Buy it now!
This is a solar powered decorative water pump. It is cooperated the high technology of high efficient solar panel and and new brushless pump.No electric outlet,no external battery,this water fountain is easy and safe to use,which is widely used in bird bath, fish tank, small pond, garden decoration, water circulation for oxygen, etc.
Solar Panel: 7V / 1.4W
Diameter of Solar Panel: 16cm (6.3 inches)
The Power of Pump: 6V / 0.8W
Maximum Flow Quantity of Pump: 150 L/h
Maximum Water Height of Pump: 100 cm
Max Water-jet Height: 45 cm
The Life Time£º¨R10,000 Hours
Automatically Start: The pump will start in 3 seconds after short time sunniness
Color: Black
Package Size: 18 x 7 x 6 cm;
Package Wight: 320 g
1.For the first time use,you need to submerged the whole water pump(including the nozzle) and let it spray in the water to push air out and let it go.With this operation,the water can be ejected higher.
2. The water pump is driven directly by the sunlight. So it will work continuously only when the sunlight is enough.As the power of the solar panel is depended on the sunlight, the pump is also affected by weather, seasons, places, etc.
3. Do not make the pump work without water for a long time, or its lifespan will be shortened.
4. Clean the pump regularly. If it's duty, it will stop working.
5. Max water-jet height 45cm needs to be reached at fierce sunlight.So usually the height lows than 45cm.
6. Be careful when use it.And do not let children play with it.
Package included:
1 x solar water pump
Customer Video Review Length:: 1:45 Mins
This Solar-Powered Water Pump by VicTsing, is a self-contained, waterproof unit designed for ornamental water features such as ponds and small landscaped (water-filled) areas which can be enhanced by the addition of a water fountain. This particular pump is quite novel as, in addition to being completely powered by sunlight, it also floats on the surface of the water !
The upper section of the pump unit, is disc-shaped and around 164mm diameter and just over 14mm thick. The lower section of the pump consists of a removable plastic cover 103mm diameter by just over 17mm depth. Slots in the base of this cover, form a coarse filter to help prevent objects in the water from being drawn into the pump (located inside this lower cover) and blocking it. Power to drive the pump is obtained from 14 solar panels on the upper disc-section. These panels are arranged like spokes around the central water spout. This method allows the unit to maximise the use of solar energy during the day without having to move the solar panels to face the sun.
Getting the Solar-Powered Fountain Pump ready for use:
Assembly of the pump, as supplied, simply consists of pushing the small piece of plastic tube into the centre of the pump unit and pressing the water spout onto this tube. Remove the protective film from the solar panel and that's it – it's ready for use.
Location of the Pump and some Limitations:
This Solar-powered pump is designed to be used in bright, sunlit conditions, so here in the UK you would really expect to use this item during the summer months only. Continuous pumping is only achievable during relatively low-cloud, bright sunny days, so you need to take this into consideration when planning a water feature. Shaded-locations will not provide adequate power to operate the pump (or the pump may operate in intermittent bursts).
Initial Testing:
Wait for a nice sunny day (between say, 11.00am to 3.00pm). Place the pump into the water and fully-submerge it to 'prime' it of trapped air. Allowing full sunlight onto the solar panels should cause the pump to start and water will be ejected from the spout. Allow the unit to float. Stand clear, to avoid casting a shadow over the pump and observe how the pump operates in relation to the height of the water fountain it produces.
It's important to prevent this solar pump from 'running-dry' due to the lack of water. Because the pump can move around, it can float towards the edge of a small pond or water feature and may start to eject water over the boundary. If the water isn't replaced, then the level may drop sufficiently, resulting in damage to the pump, if this occurs over a long period. I used nylon cable ties, fastened loosely around the outside of the filter cover to secure string tethers to the sides of the water tray used for testing. This held the pump central and prevented it from moving towards the sides. Nylon fishing line would be better as it would be virtually invisible, yet still hold the pump in the desired location.
I also did some experiments using a mirror to focus additional sunlight onto the pump and this does actually improve the pumping performance. I guess a number of fixed mirrors could be used to allow for the changing position of the Sun during the day. The pump must be tethered so it can't float around for this idea to work !
This is a nice little fountain pump, which looks great when it's working. It uses free solar energy, so it doesn't cost anything to run. This is very-much a seasonal device so you'll only be able to use it during the summer months and only on bright sunny days. A number of these solar pumps could be used together to form a cluster just by simply placing them in a pond etc.
If you require a water fountain which can operate continuously, without any restrictions, then a mains-powered solution would be the obvious choice. Alternatively, if you require, basically, a 'drop-in' fountain which can operate on sunny days and doesn't require additional cabling etc. this solar powered fountain pump would make an excellent alternative solution.
Disclosure: Complimentary product provided for evaluation and unbiased review.
The pond looked great – from a distance. But after a month or so, to be frank, it began to smell, especially if disturbed and there were a lot of insects buzzing around. Even the dog wouldn't drink from it (and this is the canine that considers a rotting rabbit to be food of the gods) My friend google advised me that the reason for the smell was that there wasn't enough oxygen in the water.
So I started to look at pond pumps. Bought this by accident not realising it is a different design from the other pump on this page.
It was easy to put together, and works better than I expected. When there is full sun on the pump it enthusiastically squirts thin streams of water up into the air. On a dull day it squirts intermittently and less enthusiastically. The only downside it that the water sprays up in an arc so that some of the water sprays out of the pond depending on where the fountain is in the pond. It does move around gently whilst in the pond unless you place it between a couple of pond lily leaves or the like.
The little holes for the jets do get blocked quite quickly so every day or so it is a good idea to remove it and blow through to clear the holes.
And if you have got this far are you wondering about the pond pong? Well even if you aren't I'll tell you. No more pond pong! This little fountain has done the trick, much to my surprise


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TWO comedy greats are set to grace the stage in Southampton in the coming week.
One of Britain's best-known and celebrated comedians, Sir Lenny Henry, is embarking on a new UK tour this autumn to coincide with the publication of his memoirs.
Split across two parts, expect to hear some secret tales and tender stories from his upbringing before he's interviewed live on stage by close friend, broadcaster and author Jon Canter at the event, tomorrow night.
On Tuesday, it's the turn of Ben Elton whose new standup show includes Elton's takes on identity politics, post-truth, and every other cultural phenomenon since he last performed live comedy 15 years ago.
Titled Who Am I, Again?, Sir Lenny Henry's tour comes shortly after the publication of his memoir of the same name, and will cover similar themes. It will see Henry talk about what life was like growing up, covering topics including puberty, school, friendship, family secrets and racism.
He has been working in comedy since the age of 16 and is known for his work as a writer, radio DJ, TV presenter and as the co-founder of Comic Relief.
In 1985, the first series of The Lenny Henry Show aired on BBC, featuring stand-up and spoofs — the show continued to run periodically for another 19 years.
Ben Elton says he never meant to stay away so long. But his three kids were growing up, he was living mainly in Fremantle, Australia, his wife Sophie's home town. He had his writing to occupy him: 16 novels now, not to mention three series of Shakespeare sitcom Upstart Crow (plus a stage version, opening in the West End early next year). Which partly explains why he is scared to return to standup.
He has plenty of stage pedigree though. He was one of the most successful live acts in the UK for almost thirty years. He's also well known for The Young Ones, Blackadder and We Will Rock You.
Tickets for both dates are available from 023 8063 2601 or academymusicgroup.com


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Di Wu
Di Wu is a Staff Engineer in Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). He received a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, in 2012. At PNNL, Dr. Wu leads the research work on modeling and analysis of energy storage for power system applications and characterization and control of flexible building loads for grid and end-user services. Dr. Wu's other research work include distributed control for grid and building applications, water-energy nexus, and advanced grid analytics using high-performance computing. Dr. Wu is a Senior Member of IEEE and a member of the IEEE Power and Energy Society and the Control System Society. He serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Power and Energy Technology Systems Journal. He is a co-Chair of working group on Microgrid Business and Use Case Development, and a former secretary of working group on Economics of Energy Storage in IEEE Power and Energy Society.


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we are now at the halfway point in my mind & i have a smattering of photos that i want to post so that i feel "caught up".
my sisters & brother-in-law & nieces arrive from south carolina tomorrow!
so (yesterday) and today are filled with lots of cleaning--- i love the preparation & excitement!
|DJ's sisters wedding!
|andrea did tons of work helping paint decorations!
|at the park
|"helping" dad paint (the railings were supposed to be white...)
|the sunsets have just been amazing this summer, don't you think?!
|birthday fun with maddie!
|aunt kerri's 50th birthday party!
|another walk & another sunset
|car show!
|our favorite date to the sumtur amphitheater!
|thanks for taking good care of our boy, caroline!