a blog about a lot of things

10. Rodrigo y Gabriela - Tamacun (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-qgum7hFXk&feature=related Why: Sometimes you hear music that makes you realize the limitless potential of musical ability. Because these two artists have no limits. They can make the acoustic guitar produce melodies which are unlike anything anyone else is producing. 9. Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb_7C1vMpRQ Why: Possibly the best title song of an album of all time. It's about revenge, arson, regret and despair. Or it could be an allegory for the state of the world. 'Start as you mean to go on'. 8. The Walkmen - The Rat (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDe_znFhP4c Why: Loud and super-fast. Lyrics that are half angry and half remorseful. A forceful hit of drums , bass and guitar played to a frenzy and dripping with raw emotion. 7. Keane - We Might As Well be Strangers (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82n2b4Mk8Zc Why: Starts off softly and ...

20. Haruki Murakami - The Wind-up Bird Chronicle -1995 - Japan 19. Vladmir Nabokov - Pale Fire - 1962 -USA 18. Flann O'Brien - At Swim-Two Birds - 1939 - Ireland 17. Harvey Pekar - American Splendor - 1976-2008 - USA 16. Franz Kafka - The Metamorphosis - 1915 - Austria-Hungary 15. Thomas Bernhard - The Loser - 1983 - Austria 14. Phillip K. Dick - The Man in The High Castle - 1962 -USA 13. Julian Barnes - Flaubert's Parrot - 1984 -England 12. Martin Amis - Time's Arrow - 1991 -England 11. David Foster Wallace - Infinite Jest -1996 -USA

10. Molloy, Malone Dies, The Unnameable (The Trilogy) - Samuel Beckett - 1951-1953 - France 9. Labyrinths - Jorge Luis Borges -1962 - Argentina 8. American Psycho - Bret Easton Ellis - 1991 - USA 7. Catch -22 - Joseph Heller- 1961 -USA 6. Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs -1959 -USA 5. The Blind Assassin - Margret Atwood -2000 - Canada 4. Slaughterhouse Five - Kurt Vonnegut - 1969 - USA 3. Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon - 1973 -USA 2. If on a winter's a traveler - Italo Calvino - 1979 -Italy 1. Everything is Illuminated - Jonathan Safran Foer -2002- USA

20. Radiohead - Idioteque (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX-fDKWGbRs Why: The entry into electronic beats. Unclear lyrics, possibly apocalyptic and dealing with war, climate change and technology uprising. Weird how it all falls together so perfectly. 19. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psbs_8kkWqg Why: Proof that you don't have to depart from simplicity to still have a good song. Same guitar riff through most of the song until the solo kicks in. But it's the (much-debated) drumming of Meg White that gives the song its impact. 18. Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels) - 2004 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz-WDk7Tbsc&feature=related Why: A fantasy world where there are no parents and no adult problems in a town buried under the snow, with a tunnel connecting two people. The song builds slowly until all the instruments and voices enter into a sing-along which is both joyful and melancholy. 17. Outkast - B.O.B. (Bombs Ove...

30. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero (2009) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8m55NDHvPY Why: Usually synthpop is forgettable but every now and again an excellent track turns up. Karen O went from punk idol to glam superstar with this song. Put this on and you can feel the in tune with your adolescence again. 29. Coldplay - Fix You (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKrceZxL8r8 Why: Chris Martin thinks it's 'probably the most important we've written'. A sentimental rock ballad which delivers words of encouragement while having sympathy for the downtrodden. Add in the sing-along and it's completely song for the people. 28. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYF7H_fpc-g&ob=av3n Why: Criticize the media for not embracing songs about faith during a massive hit song about the same topic, extensively played by the said media. You can't make that up. Be positive with the lyrics, but have an awesome beat to make it popular- that's the lesson. ...

40. Outkast - Ms. Jackson (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0v5nd1bJXM Why: Custody battle? Not the topic you'd expect for a number one hip-hop track. But it wasn't your normal hip-hop track either, (it sampled Richard Wagner). Outkast continued to clear their own spot in the hip-hop game 39. Seal - Love's Divine (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anFLUNWndVg Why: The song is initially carried by piano and the haunting tones of Seal's voice. The percussion & synthesizers get involved halfway through to give serious energy. One that gives you goosebumps (or should anyway). 38. Coldplay - Yellow (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zpi-iSGFaY Why: The song that made Coldplay superstars. People take it to be a happy song, which itself is a testament to the ability of the band. Because it's about unrequited love but you still get brightness and hope from it. 37. Daft Punk - One More Time (2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgtBlnOX6VA&ob=av2e Why: P...

As I'm already making decade lists, why not? It's music too, so somewhat related. Nothing's better than a good concert DVD, in my opinion. Watch some if you don't believe me. The performance and DVD release has to be from 2000 to count. 20. George Michael - Twenty Five -2006 - Various 19. Norah Jones - Live in New Orlean - 2003- New Orleans 18. Slayer - Still Reigning - 2004 -Augusta Civic Centre, Maine 17. Iron Maiden - Rock in Rio 2002 - Rock Rio Festival,Rio de Janeiro 16. Audioslave - Live in Cuba -2005 - Cuba 15. Foo Fighters - Live at Wembley Stadium - 2008 -Wembley Stadium, London 14. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Tell Me What Rockers To Swallow -2004 - The Filmore, San Francisco 13. Arctic Monkeys - At the Apollo -2007 - Manchester Apollo, Manchester 12. Genesis - When in Rome - 2007 - Circo Massimo, Rome 11 Scorpions - Live at Wacken Open Air 2006 -2008 - Wacken Open Air, Wacken 10. The Police - Certifiable : Live in Buenos Aires - 2008 - River Plate Stadium, Buenos Aires...

50. Damian Marley - Welcome to Jamrock (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xSyPFnv9hY Why: Another one addressing the social issues facing Jamaica. Marley wants to unify Jamaica and wants those in charge to help. An overused topic? Not when the gap between third and first world remains so apparent. 49. Kate Nash - Nicest Thing (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruQ0O44CB38 Why: The song with the most truthful lyrics about unrequited love. Manages to personify hope, anger, annoyance , longing and sorrow in four minutes. 48. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGdMLux4FvE Why: One of the most recognizable riffs of the decade; one you've probably sang along to. Simple sing-along lyrics help with the singing along style of this song. 47. Jimmy Eat World - The Middle (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37FUvocnSsE Why: The song that carried Jimmy Eat World to the mainstream. Lyrics that reflect going through troubled are about as emo as you get f...

60. Coldplay - Swallowed in the Sea (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Isurija1s Why: Coldplay have the ability to sing ambiguous lyrics and everyone finds their own meaning to them. Possibly about lost love, although it isn't really clear why the love is lost. The haunting vocals of Chris Martin backed by first by string choir, guitar chords and then a musical crescendo make this song a journey in music. 59. Wilco -Impossible Germany (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPAbjNT7nQY Why: Finishes off with an rhythmic guitar solo for the last two minutes. The entire song is heavily guitar driven but with a folk and blues feel to it. Lyrics don't seem to have much to do with Germany but they mention Japan so it could be a WWII thing. 58. Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out of My Head(2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFx3WX4DES0 Why: Those 'La-La-La' vocals are what make the whole song. There's a whole bunch of catchy hooks in here.But this song is good b...

70 . Feist - 1234 (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmEHauRTzJI Why: Sounds like it should be on Sesame Street. So they put it on there. Starts off as a vocal ballad and finishes up with an entire horn orchestra and crashing cymbals. It remains brilliant even though overplayed through that iPod commercial. 69. U2- Stuck In a Moment You Can't Get Out Of (2001) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbdX94df3OM Why: Usually the criticism directed at U2 is that they don't live up to their own standard they set with their early works. Maybe that's evolution but this song is a throwback to those early U2 days. A lyrical masterpiece of not letting the past keep you down. 68. Black Kids - Love Me Already (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9V3oITDq0U Why: The perfect mix of alienation, unrequited love and bad advice is how this song starts. One guitar solo and a keyboard bridge later and it all works out in the end. It's the most high energy song that seems like it should be sl...

80. Between the Buried and Me - Selkies :The Endless Obsession (2005) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKQSe3TatPQ Why: A song that showcases BTBAM's style of merging multiple genres. It starts out as progressive, turns into metalcore, has moment of death metal and then ends up as alternative. 79. Sizzla - Just One of Those Days (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvKme7NmzMA Why: Sizzla somehow manages to put out about two albums a year. But from 2002-2004 every album was excellent. No one did the sad songs better than he did and the lyrics from this apt break-up song are soaked in reality. 78. Muse - Knights of Cydonia (2006) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8WP7aOD_9Q&ob=av2n Why: An upbeat guitar track about making your own chances and controlling your destiny. A bit of crazy space rock which is exemplified by the intro coming from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 77. Dizzee Rascal - Fix up, Look Sharp (2003) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZGvnI37mxk Why: Took a samp...

I'm taking the decade as 2000 - 2009, otherwise there'd be some songs from 2010 on the list. Here's the continuation : 90. Nas - One Mic (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCOURZ-yx4E&ob=av3e Why: The ode to the simple life. Nas finds the perfect lyrics to go with excellent production, managing to find space for both dystopian and religious themes. And he samples Phil Collins; can't argue with that. 89. The Cribs - Men's Needs (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1ZqqDHofn8 Why: The most infectious opening riff of 2007 sent this Brit indie band catapulted them to stardom . Mostly because of this song being on continuous loop on the dance floors of London clubs. The accent is a bit thick but if you can listen through it, the lyrics aren't bad. 88. Junior Senior - Move Your Feet (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un842Z0EnrQ Why: A song that was the background music for several football trick compilation videos on Youtube.Because the mix of disco, pun...

Maybe I'm a whole year late. Then again, maybe it takes a whole year to come up with the songs of the decade.Or maybe I'm really bored. Anyway, here's my list (and if your don't like it, make your own): 100. Johnny Cash - Hurt (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho Why: Possibly the best cover of all time. Cash takes the Nine Inch Nails original and carries it to another level of melancholy. When he plays that single note over and over you feel as if you'll never be happy again. only Johnny Cash can stay relevant for four decades at such a high level. 99. Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49esza4eiK4 Why: The French electronic duo made the ultimate Micheal Jackson tribute with this song.And they did it before he died too. Complete over the top melody with a child chorus hook, this song remained infectiously catchy even with all the overexposure. 98. The Streets - Dry Your Eyes (2004) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHOf3s70w-c Why:...

25. The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov -1967 - USSR 24. The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis - Jose Saramango -1984 -Portugal 23. The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts - Luis de Bernieres - 1990 - UK 22. Winter's Tale - Mark Helprin- 1983 -USA 21. One Arm- Yasunari Kawabata - 1969 -Japan 20. Perfume - Patrick Suskind -1985-Germany 19. The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman - Angela Carter- 1972- UK 18. Like Water for Chocolate - Laura Esquivel -1989- Mexico 17. The Kingdom of This World- Alejo Carpentier -1949 -Cuba 16. A Universal History of Infamy - Jose Luis Borges - 1935 - Argentina 15. Illywhacker - Peter Carey - 1985 -Australia. 14. Chocolat - Joanne Harris - 1999-UK 13. The House of the Spirits - Isabel Allende - 1982 -USA/Chile 12. The Game of Contemporaneity - Kenzaburo Oe - 1979 - Japan 11. The Green Mile- Stephen King - 1996- USA

10. The Shadow of the Wind -Carlos Ruiz Zafon -2001- Spain 9.The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Junot Diaz- 2007- Dominican Republic/USA 8. Everything Is Illuminated-Jonathan Safran Foer - 2002. USA 7.The Famished Road - Ben Okri -1992- Nigeria 6.In the Skin of a Lion - Michael Ondaatje -1987 - Sri Lanka/Canada 5. Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez- 1985-Colombia 4.The Book of Laughter and Forgetting - Milan Kundera -1979- Czechoslovakia 3. The Tin Drum - Gunter Grass -1958 -Germany 2. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie -1981- UK 1.One Hundred Years of Solitude- Gabriel Garcia Marquez - 1967- Colombia

The UEFA Champions League (CL) football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. Prior to 1992 the tournament was officially called the European Champion Clubs' Cup but was usually referred to as simply the European Cup or European Champions' Cup. The competition was initially a straight knockout competition open only to the champion club of each country. The tournament consists of several stages. In the present format it begins in mid-July with three knockout qualifying rounds and a play-off round. The 10 surviving teams join 22 seeded teams in the group stage, in which there are eight groups consisting of four teams each. The eight group winners and eight runners-up enter the final knockout phase, which ends with the final match in May. Since the tournament changed name and structure in 1992, no club has managed consecutive wins (WIkipedia for the above) The consecutive finalists so far have been AC Milan (1993(L),1994(W...

(still) in no particluar order 35. Anthologie de l'humour noir - Andre Breton -1939 - France 34.The Horse's Mouth - Joyce Carrey -1944-Ireland 33. A Season in Sinji - J.L. Carr - 1967 -UK 32. A good Man in Africa - William Boyd -1981 - Scotland 31. Henderson the Rain King - Saul Bellow -1959 -Canada 30.Zulieka Dobson -Max Beerbohm -1911 -UK 29. Omeros -Derek Walcott -1990- St. Lucia 28. Molloy - Samuel Beckett - 1954 -France 27.Flaubert's Parrot - Julian Barnes -1984-UK 26. Money -Martin Amis -1984 - UK 25. I served the King of England - Bohumil Hrbal -1983- Czech Republic 24. High Fidelit - Nick Hornby -1995- Uk 23. The Little World of Don Camillo - Giovanni Guareschi -1948 -Italy 22. Brewster's Millions -George Barr McCutcheon-1902-US 21. Great Apes - Will Self -1997 -UK

in no particular order: 20.Portnoy's Complaint - Phillip Roth -1969 -US 19.Zazie dans le Metro - Raymond Queneau -1959 -France 18.Fireflies- Shiva Naipaul - 1970-UK 17.Puckoon -Spike Mulligan -1963-UK 16.Nice Work - David Lodge - 1988 -UK 15. The Witches of Eastwick - John Updike -1984-US 14. A Confederacy of Dunces -John Kennedy Toole -1980 -US 13. Penrod -Booth Tarkington - 1914 -US 12. Office Politics - Wilfred Sheed -1966 - US 11. The Ginger Man - J.P. Donleavy -1955- France/Ireland 10. Scoop - Evelyn Waugh - 1938 - UK 9.Lucky Jim- Kingsley Amis- 1954 -UK 8. Catch -22 - Joseph Heller- 1961 -US 7.Thank You, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse -1934 -UK 6. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -Douglas Adams - 1971-UK 5. Breakfast of Champions-Kurt Vonnegut - 1973 -US 4.My Uncle Oswald - Roald Dahl - 1979 -UK 3 . What's The Worst That Could Happen? - Donald Westlake -1996- US 2.The Edible Woman - Margaret Atwood - 1969 -Canada 1.Brigdet Jones's Diary - Helen Feilding- 1996 -UK

The criteria for this is that only actors/actresses with one previous Oscar nomination or less are eligible (no Peter O'Toole). Also only first time future winners, so no one who has won an Oscar previously. The movies used for justification (minimum 2) will not include the Oscar nominated role. Since it's potential future, trying not to include actors who haven't had a good recent performance (no Steve Martin) 15. Viggo Mortensen justification : The Road; Appaloosa, A History of Violence; 14. Mathieu Amalric justification : The Diving Bell and the Butterfly; Kings and Queen; Munich; Un Conte de Noel 13. Natalie Portman justification: V for Vendetta; Brothers; Cold Mountain; garden state 12. Sergi Lopez justification: dirty pretty things; Pan's labyrinth; Harry, un ami qui vous veut du bien 11. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai justification: Lust, Caution; In the Mood for Love;Internal Affairs; Chungking Express;2046 10. Gael Garcia Bernal justification : Amores Perros; Y tu mama ta...

Graphic novels are underrated.Mostly because there are a lot of them, most of which aren't that great. So the good ones get lost in the rubble. But the good ones are very good, bordering even on the exceptional. (& I mean by literature standards.). Taking into account only stand-alone graphic novels i.e. written by one author or (one set of authors) only for one (completed) series where characters are not reused by other authors. So as good as Batman : The killing Joke and Daredevil: Born again are , they won't be included. 17. Y: The Last Man .Author -Brian K. Vaughan. Artist -Pia Guerra. released 2002-2008 why: Every male mammal on earth dies except one man and his monkey.A great plot, sharp dialogue and dealing with scientific advancement issues. also full of gender differences issues. 16. Persepolis . Artist and Author - Marjane Satrapi. released in 2000. why: About growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution. Very clever and witty although at times d...