The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => General Discussion => General Pinball Discussion => Topic started by: pinsanity on April 06, 2015, 03:15:14 PM
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Life cycle of a Stern machine.
Prenatal propaganda stage:
Vague misleading Facebook posts.
Speculation becomes fever pitch.
Hype builds to crescendo.
Backbox head begins to crown - title release is imminent.
Machine is born:
The faithful proclaim it the best machine ever and local distros begin dropping hints they can't keep up with demand.
3 days to 1 week post birth:
Machine actually gets played and people realise half the shots aren't coded into the gameplay.
Punters cry out for code updates; nothing of any significance is forthcoming.
Hitler video surfaces lampooning the machine's price/gameplay/lack of signifcant code.
1 to 3 months post birth:
Distros are still sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
"Does anyone know what Stern's next title is?" starts appearing on pinball forums.
3 to 6 months post birth:
Owners begin dressing up their machines with various accoutrement to compensate for the lack of actual significant code development.
12 months plus post birth:
Distros are STILL sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
Machine has code updated to come close to resembling what was advertised in the original sales brochure.
The faithful again proclaim it the best machine ever. The astute quickly flip them as a 12 month old HUO with less than 100 plays.
Rinse and repeat.
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Life cycle of a Stern machine.
Prenatal propaganda stage:
Vague misleading Facebook posts.
Speculation becomes fever pitch.
Hype builds to crescendo.
Backbox head begins to crown - title release is imminent.
Machine is born:
The faithful proclaim it the best machine ever and local distros begin dropping hints they can't keep up with demand.
3 days to 1 week post birth:
Machine actually gets played and people realise half the shots aren't coded into the gameplay.
Punters cry out for code updates; nothing of any significance is forthcoming.
Hitler video surfaces lampooning the machine's price/gameplay/lack of signifcant code.
1 to 3 months post birth:
Distros are still sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
"Does anyone know what Stern's next title is?" starts appearing on pinball forums.
3 to 6 months post birth:
Owners begin dressing up their machines with various accoutrement to compensate for the lack of actual significant code development.
12 months plus post birth:
Distros are STILL sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
Machine has code updated to come close to resembling what was advertised in the original sales brochure.
The faithful again proclaim it the best machine ever. The astute quickly flip them as a 12 month old HUO with less than 100 plays.
Rinse and repeat.
Pretty much in a nut shell...
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It all works so well.
Keeps the Hitler videos fresh and interesting.
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Absolutely! It's a cycle of beauty. Everytime Hitler starts to shake as he removes his glasses you know he's about to release a tirade of abuse aimed at Stern 's quality/ marketing/ LE/ code. I find this far more exciting & suspenseful than what the next Stern machine will be. The Hitler Stern videos - now that's genius!!! @@*
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Well poor ol' Pinsanity is on a break from AP - but I was having a look on Pinside & saw multiple posts about the infamous Choggard. Sounds like he was a piece of work. I only learned about him from the Hitler videos - so they are educational too - they should not be discounted as they display much insight. Waiting patiently for someone to post as soon as a new one is released :lol
Re Stern I just don't get it. As soon as you "drive it off the lot" it looses a couple of grand. But most of all they aren't (can never be) part of pinball nostalgia. It's like lining up an xd falcon next to an xy. the xd is worth zilch. to me the bally/ williams are hq monaros - they are iconic, they are built to last, they look great, they are getting rarer & if looked after they play fantastic.
Is it just me that doesn't get y some people are so pro-Stern??
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The Hitler videos are gold!
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Is it just me that doesn't get y some people are so pro-Stern??
it came to me a few months ago
Stern make great pinball machines
Bally/Williams made a great pinball experience
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Re Stern I just don't get it. As soon as you "drive it off the lot" it looses a couple of grand. But most of all they aren't (can never be) part of pinball nostalgia. It's like lining up an xd falcon next to an xy. the xd is worth zilch. to me the bally/ williams are hq monaros - they are iconic, they are built to last, they look great, they are getting rarer & if looked after they play fantastic.
Is it just me that doesn't get y some people are so pro-Stern??
Same thing with price drop back in the good old days.
I bought my Flash in 1980 from an operator for $500 which was less than half new price. This machine is in original and good condition.
The only things that have changed are technology and inflation.
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%.% !!!
didn't know whether to laugh or cry as you are spot on Dude ^^^
GI is still the BEST GAME EVER though.
Don't know how much dressing up of WNBJM I can do though, I bought this as it had no hype and not many people liked it.
I love good boat anchor ! *.*
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Oldskool did you really buy a WNBJM? You do realise it was designed by Rolf Harris? :lol
I'm sticking with Bally / Williams for now - would make me !!! to lose a few $thousand each pinball by buying new Sterns.
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Life cycle of a Stern machine.
Prenatal propaganda stage:
Vague misleading Facebook posts.
Speculation becomes fever pitch.
Hype builds to crescendo.
Backbox head begins to crown - title release is imminent.
Machine is born:
The faithful proclaim it the best machine ever and local distros begin dropping hints they can't keep up with demand.
3 days to 1 week post birth:
Machine actually gets played and people realise half the shots aren't coded into the gameplay.
Punters cry out for code updates; nothing of any significance is forthcoming.
Hitler video surfaces lampooning the machine's price/gameplay/lack of signifcant code.
1 to 3 months post birth:
Distros are still sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
"Does anyone know what Stern's next title is?" starts appearing on pinball forums.
3 to 6 months post birth:
Owners begin dressing up their machines with various accoutrement to compensate for the lack of actual significant code development.
12 months plus post birth:
Distros are STILL sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
Machine has code updated to come close to resembling what was advertised in the original sales brochure.
The faithful again proclaim it the best machine ever. The astute quickly flip them as a 12 month old HUO with less than 100 plays.
Rinse and repeat.
LMFAO how true!
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It may well be a true reflection of the life cycle of a Stern game - but I will say one thing - Stern are making games that we so easily pick holes in. There's stuff all competition - so Stern can operate how they want to. Very recent history has proven the boutique manufacturers are falling over like flies, or picking technology that is not meant to last.
It is a fact - Sterns are not built like Bally Williams. As Pete mentioned, the B/W are more like "pinball experiences". I always walk away from Monster Bash with a smile on my face. i love the game, but would never own one - because I love the "pinball experience" of playing someone else's !
If I had Gary Stern's attention for 5 minutes I'd ask him to work HARDER on QA, put more time into field testing (thus completing code) and get serious with pricing. The pricing I feel is the biggest issue. It has nothing to do with local currencies - their machines out of the factory are not worth the asking price.
TWD is an absolute cracker of a game. Really impressive.
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Agreed Nino TWD is a super fun game :) great dots and I've added the pinball browser TV show call outs icing on the cake.
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There's an upside in weight - a Stern is easily 100 pounds less than a bally dmd. I think the Stern pricing is a rort & even some of the fans are sick of being bent over - they are at least $3k too expensive in Oz. And then the code DOES suck - maybe a year later it is improved - but it's still not perfect. And the crap with limited edition of the limited edition with the backglass sat on by a limited edition designer - it's madness & a company can only run this way, because as you say Nino, it has no real competition. but even a monopoly (providing a non-essential good) can't run this way forever - once bitten shy, twice bitten enough. Stern needs to start taking care of its customers. And maybe add at least some reinforcement so it feels like the machine is grounded.
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The holes picked in Stern machines aren't a real issue... it used to be the quality of artwork with the crappy printing they did. They've upgraded this but the recipe of cut and paste floating heads still remains because its what they do... useless large toys is my biggest gripe along with captive bumpers. But the games have on the whole improved these last few years. The positives outweigh the negatives and the push for better games will always see a critique on each new title.
Im told Stern listen right??... Ok - well go and critique cos then they'll make better and better machines.
Stern were never in the league of the big players.. now they are really the only players but they remain as Stern.. always a few marks short of what could have been.
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Why does everyone talk pounds? Australia has now been metric for 42 years.
Get with the times! Homepin is not American so we better start getting used to 130 KG machines.
I do not care if Stern machines are lighter, so long as they play good. Even Tim Tams are lighter these days compared to 10 years ago.
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Yeah, but the people eating the tim tams have gotten heavier. Have a look at a Rolling Stones machine one day - holy crap - that's an epic disaster with a distorted cut out of somebody sort of "moving" left/ right (I say "moving" because it sure isn't sliding). Whoever it's meant to be sort of stops the ball going anywhere at all - sometimes it's even stuck to him/her. And the announcer - good Lord! Seriously, only Stern could make one of the planet's greatest rock bands look just plain sad.
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^ going by your signature, one might think you're pinsanity under another name.
I like plenty of Stern games, but not all. Same goes for all the manufacturers. Theres constructive criticism and there's just plain bagging for the sake of it. Gets old real quick.
ETA ... Just noticed you've changed your loves Stern stirring signature. #@#
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He - you reckon. No, but sometimes I don't mind stirring. And seeing as yr a Rottyguy & I have Mastiffs you can like whatever you like. Good luck with it. ^^^
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^ going by your signature, one might think you're pinsanity under another name.
I like plenty of Stern games, but not all. Same goes for all the manufacturers. Theres constructive criticism and there's just plain bagging for the sake of it. Gets old real quick.
ETA ... Just noticed you've changed your loves Stern stirring signature. #@#
I thought it was just me well picked up there two of a kind :) he's here to stir shit that's all and it's getting real old and boring :( we get it you don't like stern move on its soooooo boring.
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Not true Gorgar1. Sorry if I upset you. I think Stern is overpriced & not as well made as the (admittedly older) Bally/ Williams games - but I'm the 1st to say each to his own. This thread was, as I understand it, moved from another for those that didn't mind a joke - especially the Hitler videos. I find them very creative & highly amusing. I am not pinsanity & find it a little offensive it's been suggested - happy for mods to phone me to clarify that once & for all. You don't need to read it if it's not your thing.
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Not true Gorgar1. Sorry if I upset you. I think Stern is overpriced & not as well made as the (admittedly older) Bally/ Williams games - but I'm the 1st to say each to his own.
You didn't upset me :) price? your probably right-Build quality maybe although mine are pretty good just a few tweaks like most pins and yes your not the first to say this but that's my point we all know this wheather your right or wrong it's bloody boring.
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^ going by your signature, one might think you're pinsanity under another name.
I like plenty of Stern games, but not all. Same goes for all the manufacturers. Theres constructive criticism and there's just plain bagging for the sake of it. Gets old real quick.
ETA ... Just noticed you've changed your loves Stern stirring signature. #@#
I thought it was just me well picked up there two of a kind :) he's here to stir shit that's all and it's getting real old and boring :( we get it you don't like stern move on its soooooo boring.
Yes, tall poppy syndrome.
Stern is easy to bash cause they are releasing 3 or 4 machines a year. Got to give them credit for doing something. Any additional machines out there is good for the collector.
Just enjoying a break here on Hamilton Island and I have found 4 Sterns, all in good nick. When the operator here sells these 4 some collectors will have good pinnies.
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That's my point Gorgar1 - if you are bored don't hit the thread. And it's "whether".
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^ going by your signature, one might think you're pinsanity under another name.
I like plenty of Stern games, but not all. Same goes for all the manufacturers. Theres constructive criticism and there's just plain bagging for the sake of it. Gets old real quick.
ETA ... Just noticed you've changed your loves Stern stirring signature. #@#
I thought it was just me well picked up there two of a kind :) he's here to stir shit that's all and it's getting real old and boring :( we get it you don't like stern move on its soooooo boring.
Yes, tall poppy syndrome.
Stern is easy to bash cause they are releasing 3 or 4 machines a year. Got to give them credit for doing something. Any additional machines out there is good for the collector.
Just enjoying a break here on Hamilton Island and I have found 4 Sterns, all in good nick. When the operator here sells these 4 some collectors will have good pinnies.
Hamilton Island very nice :) nice weather and cold beer very nice.
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Life cycle of a Stern machine.
Prenatal propaganda stage:
Vague misleading Facebook posts.
Speculation becomes fever pitch.
Hype builds to crescendo.
Backbox head begins to crown - title release is imminent.
Machine is born:
The faithful proclaim it the best machine ever and local distros begin dropping hints they can't keep up with demand.
3 days to 1 week post birth:
Machine actually gets played and people realise half the shots aren't coded into the gameplay.
Punters cry out for code updates; nothing of any significance is forthcoming.
Hitler video surfaces lampooning the machine's price/gameplay/lack of signifcant code.
1 to 3 months post birth:
Distros are still sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
"Does anyone know what Stern's next title is?" starts appearing on pinball forums.
3 to 6 months post birth:
Owners begin dressing up their machines with various accoutrement to compensate for the lack of actual significant code development.
12 months plus post birth:
Distros are STILL sitting on LE models despite earlier claims of unprecedented demand.
Machine has code updated to come close to resembling what was advertised in the original sales brochure.
The faithful again proclaim it the best machine ever. The astute quickly flip them as a 12 month old HUO with less than 100 plays.
Rinse and repeat.
LMFAO how true!
Guys it is what it is.
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The first post of the thread reads like "just more bagging from a hater".
If you don't like the Manufacturer/Stern, tell us all once, but telling us all month after month, year after year, just gets ridiculous. Let people who buy Sterns, who own Sterns, who enjoy their Sterns, enjoy them.
I like people telling me what they like in life, not what they don't like.
I say to anyone who bags Stern, go and do better.
I have DMD machines by every manufacturer. Every design by every builder is different because they were designed by different humans.
Gary Stern has kept pinball alive and some of Americas biggest and most successful businesses went bankrupt in the global recession and Stern stayed alive against all odds. Who cares if they got in a investor. Smart Gary Stern. He kept the industry and his company alive.
I love my Sterns and I am a fan of Stern USA and I am a fan of AMD in Australia.
The staff at Stern USA and the guys at AMD are some of the nicest most passionate professional and friendly people I have met in my 45 years.
Stern sells pinballs . Stern builds pinballs. Stern distributes pinballs worldwide and they provide jobs to a lot of families.
I think that is something to be proud of.
I say if you don't like something about Stern, write them a polite and professional letter and offer constructive ideas.
Anything other than that just seems like whining and whinging and completely a waste of time to me.
I am proud to say I support Stern and really enjoy being a part of their company by being a repeat customer and someone who enjoys their FBook page and their website.
When I hear another member has bought a Stern, new or old, I feel happiness for them.
This forum should be about celebrating people's enjoyment of every manufacturer.
I think the first post assumes a lot. It certainly is only an opinion and not factual to everyone.
It's this style of Stern bagging thread that has led to a lot of Stern buyers not sharing their Stern Brand new in Box opening days. I know cause I get the private emails and photos of opening days that are not shared on this forum anymore.
I am off to play one of my new Sterns, that has a big toy on the Playfield that I enjoy, sold thru a distributor I like, built by a company I like, with a nice sales flyer I like looking at, which I saw on a nice Stern website I enjoy, and I am looking forward to the next title coming out with the various models Stern builds which are all being hinted at on various websites. Would anyone seriously deny any member enjoying all of that ? Lol
I think not.
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()
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Not true Gorgar1. Sorry if I upset you. I think Stern is overpriced & not as well made as the (admittedly older) Bally/ Williams games - but I'm the 1st to say each to his own.
You didn't upset me :) price? your probably right-Build quality maybe although mine are pretty good just a few tweaks like most pins and yes your not the first to say this but that's my point we all know this wheather your right or wrong it's bloody boring.
LOl- not nearly as boring as the single post Cavey posts over and over again... oh look - there it is at the bottom again..LOL
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Not true Gorgar1. Sorry if I upset you. I think Stern is overpriced & not as well made as the (admittedly older) Bally/ Williams games - but I'm the 1st to say each to his own.
You didn't upset me :) price? your probably right-Build quality maybe although mine are pretty good just a few tweaks like most pins and yes your not the first to say this but that's my point we all know this wheather your right or wrong it's bloody boring.
LOl- not nearly as boring as the single post Cavey posts over and over again... oh look - there it is at the bottom again..LOL
Heh - exactly!! Knew old sherriff (double r double f) CoT would be sniffing around. Fun times.
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Funny thing is the OP was a tongue in cheek look at how a new Stern release eventuates.. and in all honesty it is a cycle that is repeated over and over. Those that frequent Pinside and its 365,789 pages of " is Sterns new game XXX?" would know this.
Then the fragile amongst us came and ruined it!!
Its a piss take ... remember when you could go Ha ha ha ha??
Its a machine
Its not going to be perfect
Its a hobby
The "S" in Stern stands for SERIOUS
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When is the next Stern title coming out?
I'm looking forward to the next Hitler video.
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Learn to laugh guys! It feels good. I love Stern as much as the next pinhead. And I love humour! I wanted to prove a point - that ol' sherrif CoT is whacky zany, & madcap - he's the Ivan Milat of pinball (that's a joke btw Gorgar1, herrfrie & rottydude). In fact I like Stern so much I'd almost put Metallica LE in the top 10 pins of all time. But even with my wicked sense of humour I do not like CoT's marketing (& that's what it is - no doubt at all) pushed down my throat in every single thread. Neither do others.
Now where did that Hitler video go %.%
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No one has ruined anything. That's just silly. A debate or thread isn't ruined cause someone has an opposing opinion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just because one person sees it as tounge in cheek doesn't mean everyone does, or visa versa. Some may think boring, some may think the opposite. People can think for themselves.
I also don't log onto or read Pinside so that forum doesn't influence or shape my opinion on anything pinball. But if their are Pro Stern people on their, well that's good to us Stern fan boys. Lol
It's the same old circular argument that's been going on for years.
Round and around in circles it goes.
Pro Stern vs Anti Stern.
It's almost like the Christians versus Muslim debate. Age old circular debate. Round and round it goes like a washing machine. Snrrrr.
Each side thinks their right and each side defends their position.
I think some call it democratic. Some take it serious, some take it as humorous. Some both.
I wonder how many new people to the pinball industry don't buy a new Stern because of the anti Stern stuff they read.
I wonder how many people do buy a new Stern cause they read a Pro Stern opinion.
If only one person buys a new Stern cause they like the Pro Stern posts then I am a happy man.
Wouldn't the haters love that. ?
End of my circular argument. Lol
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Learn to laugh guys! It feels good. I love Stern as much as the next pinhead. And I love humour! I wanted to prove a point - that ol' sherrif CoT is whacky zany, & madcap - he's the Ivan Milat of pinball (that's a joke btw Gorgar1, herrfrie & rottydude). In fact I like Stern so much I'd almost put Metallica LE in the top 10 pins of all time. But even with my wicked sense of humour I do not like CoT's marketing (& that's what it is - no doubt at all) pushed down my throat in every single thread. Neither do others.
Now where did that Hitler video go %.%
How many forum log ins do you have ? Do u have multiple forum names etc. You must be taking the piss with all of us.
Comparing anyone on here to Ivan Milat is downright offensive.
Stop saying retarded things about me, in jest or otherwise.
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Learn to laugh guys! It feels good. I love Stern as much as the next pinhead. And I love humour! I wanted to prove a point - that ol' sherrif CoT is whacky zany, & madcap - he's the Ivan Milat of pinball (that's a joke btw Gorgar1, herrfrie & rottydude). In fact I like Stern so much I'd almost put Metallica LE in the top 10 pins of all time. But even with my wicked sense of humour I do not like CoT's marketing (& that's what it is - no doubt at all) pushed down my throat in every single thread. Neither do others.
Now where did that Hitler video go %.%
How many forum log ins do you have ? Do u have multiple forum names etc. You must be taking the piss with all of us.
Comparing anyone on here to Ivan Milat is downright offensive.
Stop saying retarded things about me, in jest or otherwise.
Cavey - seriously - laugh mate!
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LOL!! Who's anti Stern??... How can you be anti a company?
They've made some right shit machines... they've made some good machines.
So has Gottlieb... Williams...Bally.... Playmatic.. oh no hang on they have'nt made any good.
I take each title as it comes... if you remember correctly, I LIKE TWD but wished the dumb bash toy wasn't there.. is that hating??
Transformers is one of the worst games ive ever played.. its a friggin shocker... TRON is cool. Batman has the flippers so close that I couldn't lose a ball and walked away after a 10 minute single ball and gave the game to some kid... ((( ((( ((( (((.... ACDC I just couldn't get into... gasp!! SACRILIDGE!
I don't hate them.. I don't love them.
Like I said, its just a machine like the thousands before it and the thousands I choose to own or not to own.
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Learn to laugh guys! It feels good. I love Stern as much as the next pinhead. And I love humour! I wanted to prove a point - that ol' sherrif CoT is whacky zany, & madcap - he's the Ivan Milat of pinball (that's a joke btw Gorgar1, herrfrie & rottydude). In fact I like Stern so much I'd almost put Metallica LE in the top 10 pins of all time. But even with my wicked sense of humour I do not like CoT's marketing (& that's what it is - no doubt at all) pushed down my throat in every single thread. Neither do others.
Now where did that Hitler video go %.%
How many forum log ins do you have ? Do u have multiple forum names etc. You must be taking the piss with all of us.
Comparing anyone on here to Ivan Milat is downright offensive.
Stop saying retarded things about me, in jest or otherwise.
He was a fan of Margaret Thatcher.. %.% %.% %.% %.%
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Who - Cavey was a fan of Margaret Thatcher? Well I reckon she had her sexy days (great hair) & that steel-gaze, so I could see Sherriff CoT leaning that way *%*
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Hitler video from Feb - theme is color dmd. Warning coarse language in the subtitles. Apologies if someone has posted it before.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dNEMCqu1BsA
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Coarse language is nothing to worry about when you have Hitler with rage and anger. His face expression and body language translate in any language.