Scrapbook Discounts

Reviews

I was a little skeptical after reading some reviews of this die cutting system but if you can't figure out how to use it then its NOT the product. Its super simple to use and makes crisp cuts and clean, detailed embossing. I love it and have begun to collect dies and accessories for it with excitement about what I can do with it.

I was so excited when I saw this on the homeshopping network and ordered it right away. However, I am very dissapointed in it. I am not one to do reviews but this machine was very difficult. Loading the "sandwich" into the machine was way too difficult. It took many trys to get the boards to load. Then when the "sandwich" would exit the machine it spits them out at you and the whole machine jumps. If you stand in front of it and your not careful, it will hit your stomach because it doesn't suction to the table at all. As for the embossing, it does do a good job, but I just think there are better machines out there for your money. Maybe my machine was a lemon and I hope other people don't have this problem, but I personally would not recommend it.

This little guy is expensive but worth its weight in gold if you are an embosser of any type. Also great for charms etc. I love it. Thanks to Amazon for offering it at such a great price.

Reviews

The tracks from Moondog 1 I thought were excellent and well worth buying the disc. However Moondog 2 was all the same: drum machine and lots "pom" "pom" "pom" vocals. I couldn't listen to it for long.

I can't believe I never even heard of Moondog until this week. I heard this double CD at a friend's house and immediately purchased it. I love it! The range of styles and moods, the sheer beauty of the compositions: breathtaking. This has become a favorite very quickly.

Every music lover needs to hear Moondog as much as he or she needs to hear Charles Ives and Aaron Copeland. I'm currently reading Robert Scotto's biography of Moondog, but it's not necessary to know anything about his life to enjoy his music (although it's kind of fun to know that Moondog once sued Alan Freed and Arturo Toscanini was brought in as a character witness). The first Columbia album is your best introduction to the music, which is like nothing else you've ever heard. I'm not much of a fan of the second album: there's not enough variety among the madrigals, and the singers sound amateurish. Scotto's book comes with a CD that has performances of some madrigals by Moondog, Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Jon Gibson that are much better. Nevertheless, since these come as a double album, you'll get both, and you won't really mind.

I have been listening to Louis Hardin since 1974 when I was simultaneously introduced to MOONDOG and ALL GOOD MEN by Beaver & Krause - I think I must have used up all of my musical luck because nothing (including The Beatles, who are right up there next to God) has since resonated in me the way these two albums have. Hardin's unabashed musical honesty can be found but in two places, children and geniuses, and I think there must be a lot of both in Hardin. Each composition takes you on a different journey, if the listener has the courage to jump aboard; I always close my eyes, to be closer to the way the music was composed. I am particularly fond of his first album MOONDOG for a lot of reasons, but mostly I think because it was my introduction to a composer who has yet to meet his match, even within himself. As times change (and they inevitably will), other of his works will come to the fore and take their rightful place among the few that will always rise above all the rest.

To tell the truth, the only reason I even listened to this disc in the store is because I spotted the cover, and wondered what the hell a guy who looked like that could sound like. I had a gushing smile on my face as I realized there was real talent and expression behind Moondog's odd facade. The first album on this disc (there are two herein) is made up of more "orchestral" material like none you've ever heard before (one of these tracks "Stamping Grounds" is in "The Big Lebowski"). The second album is made up of a series of short rounds; cyclical songs with naturally repetitive compositions (think row row row your boat, or three blind mice). Due to the familiar nature of such song forms, and the unique compositions employed by Moondog, the second album is quite buoyant and joyful. After acquiring a number of other Moondog discs, I would still say that this is the strongest I've heard, and a great place to start. This is an all around great and very familiar listening experience, and quite a timeless set of albums. Get it while you still can!

Reviews

I heard Wall of China on the radio a while back and fell in love with this band immediately. I purchase this album and didn't hear a single track I didn't like. I really can't pick a favorite track. The sound is uplifting, inspirational, honest, and true. I've been collecting their albums ever since and am up to six of them now. If you like music with substance and soul you owe it to yourself to listen to Runrig.

The music is upbeat, musical, lyrical and easy to listen to. The title tune has been my favorite - yet all are lovely.

When I first listened to this CD, my favorite was the 1st song, Book of Golden Stories because of its easy melody. But some of the songs in this CD have become more meaningful to me because of recent historical and sadly tragic events that followed shortly after its release. When 9/11 occurred, the lyrics of the song Big Songs of Hope and Cheer really had a deep impact on me. Every time I saw pictures of those survivors walking away covered in dust like snow, I was reminded of the words from this song that really seem to illustrate the turning point in our world history as we were plunged into a new kind of war - almost prophetic.Then there is the song Running To The Light and the Spaceshuttle Columbia tragedy. You see Runrig was a favorite band of astronaut Laurel Clark and she carried this very CD with her aboard the Spaceshuttle. The song Running To The Light was also used as a wake-up call for her that was for a time available for the rest of us to hear online before the crash. Many Runrig fans knew about this and we were all following her journey on the 'net and waiting for her to come back with pictures of the CD taken aboard the Columbia and tales of it being played in space. Sadly this was not to be. Yet like a strange miracle, this and The Cutter and The Clan, the other Runrig CD taken aboard, were both discovered among the wreckage and the Stamping Ground has since been given to the Band by the Clark family. The words of the song seem almost a haunting tribute to the tragic event while at the same time inspire us to reflect on the deeper meanings of our life and what drives the human spirit.Of the 2 Gaelic songs, "An Sabhal Aig Neill" (Neil's Barn) is a rollicking upbeat acoustic number and is my favorite. I love the melody of "The Ship" but have bit of a difficulty trying to understand the references made in the song - somehow it reminds me of the Scottish movie "Breaking The Waves" but thats probably just me.New lead singer Bruce Guthro really sounds strong on this CD and its really amazing how differently he sings on the Runrig CD's from his own solo work which of late has been a little less inspiring. Of the 2 Runrig CD's with Bruce on lead vocals, this is the one I prefer - much more upbeat, despite all that I've stated above.

The Stamping Ground is easily Runrig's best album of the last decade, and possibly longer. My ears feel like they have reconnected with an old friend given up for lost. This is a brilliant return to form in every way, from the strength of the individual tracks to their miraculous interconnectedness and faith. Canadian lead vocalist Bruce Guthro is now as rooted as the rest of the band in the Isle of Skye, which is no small statement. The percussion, guitars, and pipes have never been more prominent. At times Runrig seems to link with the network of global indigenous sounds, particularly on "An Sabhal Aig Neill" which also features a surprising but potent use of a mellotron, an instrument generally associated with 70s progressive rock and displaying Runrig's willingness to unabashedly embrace its various influences fashionable or not; "The Ship"; and the title track with its call-response and changes of mood. The blend of the more traditional acapella "The Summer Walkers" with the technologically saavy "Running to the Light" is enhanced by a subtle repeat of the first's melody in the intro to the second on fiddle against an infectious rhythm. "The Stamping Ground" is Runrig quite simply reasserting itself as the premiere Celtic rock group on the planet, and it makes most of the albeit talented newcomers seem timid by comparison.

Stamping Ground is like a great relationship. it begins with intensity and just keeps getting better and better. and you want it to last forever.

Reviews

After discovering the masterpieces of this most improbable character, I wondered how I could have lived my 43 years being so blind with my two eyes open to the world while this eyeless old man could see so sharply with eyelids closed and a heart so open !!!

You don't need to buy the double-disc "Moondog 1 & 2" to hear the two albums - all that music can also be heard on this (75 minute) single disc. Even though the only cover art of this edition is the original front cover of the 1969 "Moondog" (no original back-cover thereof nor any art from the 1971 "Moondog II",) all 35 tracks are nicely crammed in here. What's listed under "Listen to samples" on the amazon page are only the last 20 tracks of this CD and all titles are linked to the wrong tracks. "Moondog I" (tracks 1-9) opens with "Theme" and "Stomping Ground" - two somewhat coherent pieces which a few years ago were made quite famous through the soundtrack of Coen Brothers' wonderful movie "The Big Lebowski." The album features a 50+ piece orchestra, which, among other greats, includes jazz veterans Don Butterfield (tuba) and Ron Carter (double bass.) In the list of personnel, Moondog is not credited for playing percussion, but the bass, which I assume is a misprint. The beautiful Charlie Parker homage "Lament I: Bird's Lament" is here performed in its original form, but can also be found on the 1994 Moondog recording "Sax Pax For a Sax" on only saxes and percussion. The orchestral performances on "Moondog I" aren't flawless, but should not be judged harshly because of the very personal, highly individual, and wonderfully eccentric form of compositions that they are. Budget, which is a very common issue when it comes to orchestral recordings, is another element that probably has not allowed much rehersing or many (if any) re-takes. Before ordering this disc I knew that I'd love "Moondog I" since I'd heard most of it previously, but I was skeptical towards "Moondog II" because of some reviews I'd read of it. I was however curious, and listening to it when it had arrived was a very nice surprise. Aside from performances by Louis "Moondog" Hardin (percussion, piano, vocals) and his daughter June (vocals,) "Moondog II" features 6 other musicians who, at different points throughout the album, play virginals, recorders, harpsichords, ancient organs, guitars, schom, viola de gamba, and troubadour harp. These instruments alone make a very individual sound, but the compositions (many of which are in 5/4 and 5/8) and the poetry make this the most wonderful group of rounds (short vocal canons) you've ever heard. In my 700+ CD collection, this is among my favorites.

Beautiful, quirky, fascinating. A combination of classical, jazz, and improv, this collection made me close my eyes and just feel the music. Interspersed with several of Hardin's two-line poems as punctuation, the musical pieces are truly a wonder.

I bought this album because of a memory, but the music stands up remarkably well to a more objective listening.It was my first trip to New York City, and my father approached the wildly-dressed, tall and intiimidating figure standing on the corner of 56th St. and 7th Ave. They conversed in Norwegian long enough for me to draw nearer and realize the stranger represented no threat. In fact, I left with a book of hs canons, which remains in my collection of piano literature to this day. I met Moondog once again--serendipitously, on Milwaukee's Wisconsin Avenue one day in the seventies. I have no idea how he got there or how he left, but this time I wanted to protect him from the insensitive pedestrians swirling around us and threatening our shared moment.Moondog's music is as singular as he is, and offers a glimpse into his creative spirit. It begins with an idea and a form, not with an emotion or sentiment. Each piece is simple and brief, but not simplistic or fragmentary. He avoids any form of dissonance, even seventh chords and "blue" notes (flatted thirds). Music, like life, he seems to be saying, can be a straightforward, delighting adventure, providing one cherishes the quest itself above its so-called object and maintains a focused attention on the wonders of the present moment.My only slight disappointment with this recording is that the madrigals, sung by Moondog and his daughter, are subjected to some studio effects that make them sound more artificial and commercial than they deserve to be.

It is simple, it is clear, it is wonderful! I don`t know what style is this. Some people call it `jazz`, but second disc is strongly attached to european madrigal canons. I think, if we listen really good music, we never asked about styles. I heard familiar tunes from Tchaikovsky to Resident`s Duck Stab. You must have this if you`re music lover. If you`re musician (who plays music, dont `have a job`) you must have it too. Listen once or twise, if you don`t like it, simply put it on the shelf. Properly time will come.P.S. My favorite `I love you` and `Nero`s Expedition`

Reviews

In search of inspiration for a new ballet, Jiri Kylian, resident choreographer of the Netherlands Ballet Theater, travels to Groate Isalnd, off the coast of Australia. Invited to observe the annual tribal festival, he sensitively relates his personal impressions. His own purpose and "meaning" are revitalized as he discovers commonalities and differences of two "seemingly" opposed cultures. Mr. Kylian makes a case for the preservation of Aboriginal cultural legacies; those embodied in its tribal body painting designs, songs, music, stories, oral & dance traditions. He asks we embrace Aboriginal culture with understanding, tolerance, and respect. This film happens to be a great insight into the choreographic process! Ethnologists, Ethno-Musicologists, Dance & Music Historians, Anthropologists, and Sociologists are just a few who will not want to miss this Cross-Cultural Study. This is truly one of the most authentic and best films I have ever seen.

Reviews

Stoned sights and sounds from far and distanced, almost forgotten past. A real party and a powerful showcase of the flower power in one of its most beautiful days. When you see this several times, and try (Just a little bit harder :) to overcome the terrible picture and sound, you can really start enjoying this. Amazing performences by Al Stewart ("Zero She Flies"), Great stoner stuff from Tyranosaurous Rex ("By The Light Of The magical Moon" not "Pavillions Of Sun" as wrongly described on cover), Canned Heat (Alan Wilson here on a rare footage), The Family (Roger Chapman is just too much..:), The Flock - featuring Jerry Goodman, The magical violinist (what a treat), Dr' John - The Night Tripper on another one of his hazy, surreal tribe-like shows, Pink Floyd, dark and intense as always, and, one of the best performences I've ever set my eyes on by "It's A Beautiful Day" ("Wasted union blues") - introducing violinist David LaFlamme on a trippy, speedy stoner violin, accompanied by a massive thunder storm (Great camera work) during their frenzy show. Man They Rock!!! And of course the beautiful hippies out there - Rolling and Tumblin' :) I find it kind of nice though, strangly enough, that the sound & pic aren't the best you can put your hands on: It gives the whole event more charm and authentic raw feeling. On it's own right! Baby boomers, you rock!!!

I saw this at the late night theatre when it had it's tiny theatre run in the early 70s, and my memory matched what I saw today when playing the DVD, that being a concert that was basically filmed pathetically. Not just poorly. Pathetically. And several of the performances were sub par as well. It's A Beautiful Day's guitarist could not have hit more clinker notes if he dropped his guitar down a flight of stairs. Dr. John's backup singers were singing off key (hey, your only job at this gig is to sing - correctly), Roger Chapman (Family) is a pathetic singer. I have always thought that, especially on this film. Santana was not bad, but where's Greg Rolie? I hear him, but I never see him, even during his solos. The Flock is good, but the horn section is too front and center... rather see Jerry Goodman more. Byrds were boring, and "Old Blue" is a bad choice of songs to put here as their only song played. Country Joe, Al Stewart, and Marc Bolan/T Rex all did good basic performances, but the audio on T Rex (as it is alot in the film) was weak. Canned Heat were great, showing some of the only footage of Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson, and of course Pink Floyd were great. The camera crew should've been kept away from the weed, and instructed better. It seems like back then alot of music acts weren't filmed well at all. Staying with the lead singer when there's a lead guitar solo playing is just plain stupid, but then that mindless direction in filming live music happened alot then. If you're a die hard music head from the early 70s you may enjoy this one, if not stay away. Isle Of Wight was filmed better, although you will see more naked people in this one if that's you're thing (pardon the pun).

If you are a hard core 70's rock concert fan this MAY be for you. First, let's say that sound quality and image are less than poor, so if you are looking for top digital transfer: FORGET IT. Hard Core Fan? If you are so, then you can enjoy (with some effort), what for me are the the highlights of the whole show: Family, Pink Floyd (just a portion of their long performance at the concert), Santana (at his best) and It's a Beautiful Day (simply amazing. Did they play just 2 songs?). Soft Machine's Esther's Nose Job performance is long lost since the days of the first issues on VHS (also, where is the rest of their performance?). Just half star thinking as a human being and two stars being extremely nostalgic and deeply hard core. There's an audio CD somewhere (bootleg?) that it's worth to be listened to.

Reviews

This is a great seller and you get your products in just a few days. She lets you pick out your plates and so far they have all made pretty stamps.

Reviews

Cord reel works as advertised. Mounting brackets are useful and additional ones can be purchased. Haven't used it much, so it is difficult to provide additional information at this time.

This is a necessity for the 12 gague ext. cord. You will need to secure the reel (for ease of use). For mobility I used a C clamp onto a 1x12 board and moved it closer to the job.

Unfortunately the unit legs were broken when it arrived. it seems to be build poorly and the crank does not move freely. I would not recommend this product.

The Pro-Reel Cord Carriers (I bought two) are very steady on the ground. They don't slip or tip over and the cords wind up easily. I use one for a heavy 100-foot cord and the other for a medium weight 100-foot cord. The carriers work well for both. They are also well built-sturdy. They make yard or snow removal work much easier and less time consuming.

This is my second purchase of this cord reel carrier - I purchased the first one about two years ago and am very happy with it. I have a 50 foot 14 gauge power cord that I use for my electric snowblower and lawn mower. This cord reel carrier is sturdy enough to carry the weight of this power cord. I bought a second carrier for a lighter gauge power cord that I use for my hedge and weed trimmers. I highly recommend this product.