a blog about a lot of things

Albums of the year 2011

2011-12-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

Recently started back listening to entire albums. It's cause they can fit onto the new phone. Didn't listen to much. So it's a limited sample size. Even more limited cause I usually check Pitchfork, NME and Rolling Stone a lot. But how else am I gonna find bands like Yuck and The Weeknd? Not on local radio, for sure.

15. Fucked Up - David Comes to Life

why: A rock opera about a love story set in 1970's and 1980's England. Winning concept. But even if you forget the concept, the energy and excitement of the music is enough to make this album an excellent listen.

14.Yuck - Yuck

why: Easy to listen to, a total throwback to the early 90's guitar rock. All the fans of the shoegazing era will be impressed.Loud and quiet alternating guitar effects give the high tech mixed with melody vibe.

13. Jay-Z/ Kanye West - Watch The Throne

why: A very eclectic album, each track is something else altogether. Kanye's superior musical ability with Jay's exceptional lyrics and delivery, it seems like they were made to go together. It's witty and over-the-top arrogant and very funny.

12. Adele - 21

why: No points for album name originality. Probably the most popular album on the list. Adele was everywhere this year. Her songs were amazing with poignant lyrics but with a voice like that she could sing a menu and make it sound meaningful.

11. Tyler The Creator - Goblin

why: Most people think Wiz should have won the VMA. Listen to Goblin and then consider. Vicious, dark, graphic threats of murder and rape; it isn't an album for the easily offended. It is also the most original rap album I've heard in a long time.

10. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

why: The album has an early 20th century feel, full of modernism and surrealism. So it's very beautiful but far less confusing and more direct and real portrait of the bloodshed of the last century and it's impact on her country.

9. James Blake - James Blake

why: I didn't even realize post-dubstep was a genre till this guy's album. The lyrics are brilliant and introspective. But the real star is the electronica and vocal manipulations. It's kind of like taking a folk album and unleashing all the tweaks possible.

8. M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

why: I've been a M83 fan ever since I heard Kim& Jessie. There's nothing like the synth-electronica sound they have. It is enthralling and intoxicating to listen to this album. It really is a dream-fantasy world.

7. Drake - Take Care

why: The album is a lot of contrast. Rapping and singing; boasts about fame vs. the problems that come with success; wondering about leading a pointless life & love of wealth and success. The album consists of brilliant lyrics embedded in minimalist, laidback beats.

6. The Weeknd - House of Ballons

why: First really heard about them through Drake (they're featured on Crew Love). It's an album of R&B mixed with electronica, a raw and somewhat sad, scary sound. Kind of goes perfectly with concept lyrics set in a world of hurt and too much drugs.

5. The Roots - Undun

why: I love the Roots. I think they're one of the best live hip-hop bands around, always a great message. Undun reaches a level of brilliance you don't find in too much hip-hop albums. It's bleak but cohesive and complex, embodying existentialism.

4.Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

why: This band is criminally underrated. The follow up album manages to keep to the standard set by the debut, while also experimenting. It's deeper and darker and completely focused on grounded, real things instead of the usual indie-dreamworld escapist fantasies.

3. Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials

why: The harps, the booming drums, the gospel choirs and that voice. You know a Florence song when you hear it. Emotionally resonant and highly metaphoric (and imaginative), the album is cohesive to the point of fluidity, though sometimes the lyrics are a bit mystifying.

2. Frank Ocean - nostalgia, Ultra

why: Some dark and fun R&B. Melancholy, paranoid and dramatic with a background of original, sometimes distracting beats. There's enough in this to compare Ocean to legends like Marvin Gaye (Here, my Dear era) or Prince but with a surrealist feel.

1.Bon Iver - Bon Iver

why: Magically poetic lyrics that either mean lots or gibberish. It's got to be an art to have lyrics like that. Emotional sincerity carries on from the first album, with a widescale, encompassing sound that is wholly different from the stripped down feel of the debut. The album is an experience.

Coldplay- The setlist

2011-11-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about going to see Coldplay live. And then, following from that, I was thinking of what songs I'd want to hear most (if I got to control the setlist). This is that list.

-Usually on the Viva La Vida Tour they did around 25 songs. So that's the number I'm going with. In order of Album release, not order to be played in

From Parachutes

1. Yellow

2. Shiver

From A Rush of Blood to the Head

3. The Scientist

4. God Put a Smile Upon Your Face

5. Clocks

6.Warning Sign

7. A Rush of Blood to the Head

From X&Y

8. What If

9.Fix You

10.A Message

11. The Hardest Part

12.Swallowed in the Sea

From Viva La Vida

13. 42

14. Lost !

15. Lovers in Japan

16. Viva La Vida

17. Violet Hill

From Mylo Xyloto

18.Hurts Like Heaven

19. Charlie Brown

20. Paradise

21. Don't Let it Break Your Heart

22. Us Against The World

Encore Set:

23. Wedding Bells (Non-Album)

24.Amsterdam ( from A Rush of Blood to the Head)

25. Glass of Water ( From Prospekt's March EP)

A list about books that are un-put-down-able

2011-11-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

There are some books you can read in one sitting. The ones you don't feel like putting down and you can't wait to get back to. I'm not including novel series in this, because those are a whole other thing and if I did I'd be forced to fill the list with Ian Fleming and Tom Clancy Novels. I'm going with books published after 1960 as well. I'm only allowing books I managed to finish in a week. Only novels, no short stories and poetry, memoirs, non-fiction etc

in no particular order :

15. Portnoy's Complaint - Phillip Roth - 1969 - USA

Quick Summary: Comedy, sexual frustration and self-consciousness. Portnoy's Complaint is one long monologue to a therapist about different stages of his life. This could get depressing but thankfully his life is hilarious.

14. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro - 1989 - UK

Quick Summary: Mostly flashbacks of a butler from the time preceding World War II, in which his master was heavily involved in appeasement. The interactions with the household staff also play a major role.

13. Disgrace - J.M. Coetzee -1999- South Africa

Quick Summary : College professor loses his job and reputation. He moves out to the Eastern Cape onto his daughter's farm. Just when he's getting used to it and feeling familiar, events cause further necessary readaptation.

12. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie - 1981- UK

Quick Summary: An allegorical novel about India pre and post partition. Set up as a biography and also full of magical realism.

11. White Teeth - Zadie Smith - 2000- UK

Quick Summary : A story about two friends in London and their respective lives as well as a narration about the lives of their families. A humor-filled novel representing the immigrant life in multicultural London

10. Kafka On The Shore - Haruki Murakami - 2002- Japan

Quick Summary: Two separate but related plots, one involving a 15 year old boy who runs away from home and finds shelter in a private library. The other about an old man who can talk to cats and ends up on a road trip.

9. A Man of the People - Chinua Achebe - 1966 - Nigeria

Quick Summary: A novel about a young man who comes to work for the Minister of Culture. Really a satire of the political situation of Nigeria and applicable to the way many post-colonial politicians behave.

8. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez- 1967 - Colombia

Quick Summary: A story about several generations of the Buendia family as well as other residents of the village of Macondo. A magical realism novel where remarkable things happen and no one is surprised.

7.Catch -22 - Joseph Heller - USA -1961

Quick Summary: One of the funniest novels ever and a walk through of bureaucratic idiocy and the way in which logical reasoning can be twisted to make nonsense seem sensible.

6. Revolutionary Road - Richard Yates - USA -1961

Quick Summary: Married life in the 1950's. A lot of the story really delves into marital difficulty and failed ambitions stemming from the inability to understand another's perspective.

5.Aravind Adiga - The White Tiger - India - 2008

Quick Summary: A tale of how the poor in India have it and how the narrator made it good by taking risks no one else would, or would even think to take for that matter

4. The Buddha Of Suburbia - Hanif Kureishi - 1990- UK

Quick Summary: A story about a teenager eager to leave the suburbs of 1970's London and start living. Said to be highly autobiographical.

3. Snow - Orhan Pamuk - Turkey -2002

Quick Summary: A journalist goes to a town to investigate a spate of suicides. He also hopes to (and meets) a woman from his past. The snow cuts off the city and he ends up in discussions with all the different groups in the city.

2. The Damned Utd - David Peace - UK- 2006

Quick Summary: A retelling of Brian Clough's days in charge of Leeds United. All 44 days of it

1.On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan - 2007 - UK

Quick Summary: The night of their wedding a couple reflect on their differences and how they came to be a couple

Bands I need to see live

2011-06-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

I don't really rate bands unless they're great in concert. So I'm making a list of who I want to see in concert. Only rules are they must be still together and still touring (have had a tour in the last five years or one upcoming). Unusually, this list is in order. I'm not giving too much justification. Just one live video of the band.

15. Adele

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c753SCmy614

14. Muse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ggNOb2oFn8

13. Arcade Fire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtbrY6QrgPw

12.Mumford and Sons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsjo15AgTaU

11. The Kooks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iffz77kial4

10. Andrea Bocelli

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcrfvP11Hbo

9.The Cure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkeDzUVq1BM

8. John Mayer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJzGtzGydtQ

7.Eric Clapton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtLhPeLB9bA

6. Elton John

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EtCrHBq7Ds

5. U2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWBKBkEJQRk

4. Snow Patrol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od4vhtjeBqY

3. Radiohead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIklhgI-m2s&feature=related

2. Coldplay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zpi-iSGFaY

1. Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UuCXjr_PrI

penne con funghi/ pasta pomodoroi (variation)

2011-05-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

penne con funghi/ pasta pomodoroi (variation) – Pasta with mushrooms and tomatoes

pasta

1. Boil water till rolling boil

2. Throw in pack of Barilla penne pasta

3. Add salt to taste( maybe a teaspoon)

4. Add a few drops of olive oil

5. Stir occasionally

6. When pasta floats to top, give it 3 minutes

7. Remove, strain and douse with cold water.

Mushrooms

1. Dice one large onion

2. Sautee in olive oil (don’t fry till it gets brown, allow some crispness to remain) with basil and oregano

3. Fry two cloves of (grated) garlic together with the onions.

4. Add in chopped mushrooms (and possibly tofu, if desired).

5. Add dried bell peppers and paprika.

6. Allow mushrooms to fry

7. Lower heat to med-low

8. Add half can of Hunt’s diced tomatoes (or dice tomatoes yourself?)

9. Add parmesan cheese (grated) to taste

Finale

1. Combine pasta and mushrooms in large pot on med-low heat

2. Add other half of can of diced tomatoes

3. add grated mozzarella

4. add diced red peppers/ green peppers

5. combine all together. Top with fresh basil and grated parmesan

The (potential) Impact of Real Madrid on Youth Development in Germany

2011-05-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

The (potential) Impact of Real Madrid on Youth Development in Germany

The success story of youth development in Germany is evident from one glance at last year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Thomas Müller finished the tournament with five goals and three assists and was awarded the Golden Boot to go along with his Best Young Player award. Mezut Özil and Sami Khedira impressed enough at the World Cup to secure multimillion dollar moves to Real Madrid. They aren’t the only stories but they do stand out. Another fact that stands out is that these players are all under twenty-five.

How does Real Madrid have anything to do with the German youth? Right now, there’s not that much. But Real have shown interest in Nuri Sahin and if the rumors are to be believed the deal is done. Sahin, though German born, is a Turkish international and his form has no impact on the German National Team. But he plays for current Bundesliga champions, Borussia Dortmund; who have five current German internationals in their squad, all of whom are under the age of twenty-four.

Sahin is a centre-midfielder and an excellent one at that. His departure can have one of two effects should Borussia maintain the same style and formation: it can destroy the Borussia team’s bid for a dynasty or it can force another player to shine in Sahin’s previous role. This player is likely to be Sven Bender , also a central midfielder and a German international. The adaptation to the subtle switch to a slightly more attacking role by Bender will have great impact on the German team.

Teams are not made up of one or two players however. So Sven Bender alone does not make or break the National team. What then if Borussia cannot continue on in the same style and formation that won them the Bundesliga without Sahin? The tactics must change. Five German internationals must now adapt to different routines and possibly positions. As professionals they should, but just because they should does not mean they will. The loss of Nuri Sahin to Real Madrid can, depending on Borussia’s future performance result in a mass exodus of talent. Because although one man does not make a team, one man can cause the momentum to go (Claude Makalele leaving Real Madrid for Chelsea personifies this.)

There are parallels to this entire situation. It might not be obvious to those who have seen Khedira only at Real Madrid but Khedira is a genuine box-to-box midfielder. He is more of a Michael Ballack type player than a Mark van Bommel. His departure from VfB Stuttgart, though he was not alone in leaving at the end of the season, prompted several younger players to be called up from Stuggart II to the first team. The development of these players, as most are German, should be observed.

Mezut Özil leaving for Real Madrid saw a similar influx of players from Werder Bremen’s II team into their first team. The difference was that these players were not given a starting role and used mainly off the bench. Why? Perhaps because Werder were used to their starting playmaker going during summer. Özil himself, despite looking a veteran in the attacking midfield role, only obtained his starting position at the beginning of the 2009-2010 season on the departure of Diego to Juventus.

But also, Werder possess two highly rated and experienced young players in the form of Marko Marin and Aaron Hunt. They were expected to pick up the slack when Özil left. They didn’t. If anything both can be said to have regressed. The performances of Marin in particular, (who was thought of highly across Europe), have been shocking. His spot in the German National squad, once deemed secure (though as a substitute), seems to have been passed on. The departure of Özil has shown both Hunt and Marin to be not yet ready.

What has Real done then for the German Football Association(DFB) ? In tangible terms, nothing. Can we actually measure their effect? No, we cannot. But potentially, they have furthered youth development in Werder Bremen and VfB Stuggart. If this development was already in progress, Real sped up the progress. They will potentially do the same for Borussia Dortmund. They could also cause regression of the Dortmund youth players (albeit indirectly). By taking Özil out of Bremen, they have weeded out the pretenders.

Did Real intend to do all of this (or potentially do it)? Of course not. Should the DFB thank them anyway? Probably they should

30 day song challenge edited to refer to poetry

2011-04-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

So there's this thing called the 30 day song challenge. (https://www.facebook.com/pages/30-Day-Song-Challenge/120874111270003?sk=app_4949752878) .

I decided to edit it up and see if it works for books. It worked somewhat with only minor slips. So I figured I'd give it a second try and see what happens.

Original :day 01 - your favorite song

Edited as : day 01 - your favorite poem (This isn't set, it varies a lot) - Do not go gentle into the good night - Dylan Thomas

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/do-not-go-gentle-into-that-good-night/

day 02 - your least favorite song

Edited as : day 02 - Your least favorite poem -The Lady of Shallot - Lord Alfred Tennyson

http://charon.sfsu.edu/tennyson/tennlady.html

day 03 - a song that makes you happy

Edited as : day 03 - a poem that makes you happy - A Silly Poem - Spike Milligan

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-silly-poem/

day 04 - a song that makes you sad

Edited as : day 04 - a poem that makes you sad - A Dream Within a Dream - Edgar Allen Poe

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-dream-within-a-dream/

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

Edited as : day 05 - a poem that reminds you of someone - I Carry Your Heart With Me - E.E. Cummings

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-carry-your-heart-with-me-2/

day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

Edited as : day 06 - a poem that reminds you of somewhere - Sonnet 56 - William Shakespeare (Prague)

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-56-sweet-love-renew-thy-force-be-it-not-s/

day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

Edited as : day 07 - a book that reminds you of a certain event - On Death (from The Prophet) - Khalil Gibran

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-death-12/

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

Edited as : day 08 - a poem that you know all the words to.. - Fire and Ice - Robert Frost

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

Edited as : A poem that should never have been made into a movie. - Beowulf - Unknown

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/beowulf/

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep

Edited as : day 10 - a poem that makes you fall asleep - Illiad - Homer

http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.html

day 11 - a song from your favorite band

Edited as : a poem from your favorite author - L'Albatros (The Albatross) - Charles Baudelaire

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/l-albatros-the-albatross/

day 12 - a song from a band you hate

Edited as : day 12 - a poem from a poet you hate - Howl - Allen Ginsberg

http://sprayberry.tripod.com/poems/howl.txt

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

Edited as :day 13 - a poem that is a guilty pleasure - Love Without Hope - Robert Graves

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-without-hope/

day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love

Edited as : day 14 - a poem that no one would expect you to love - Dear Friends, we surely all agree - Roald Dahl

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dear-friends-we-surely-all-agree/

day 15 - a song that describes you

Edited as : day 15 - a poem that describes you - The Prodigal - Derek Walcott

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate

Edited as : day 16 - a poem that you used to love but now hate - Ariel - Slyvia Plath

http://www.angelfire.com/tn/plath/ariel.html

day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio

Edited as : day 17 - a poem that everyone knows - If - Rudyard Kipling

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if/

day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio

Edited as : day 18 - a poem that you wish you saw being read - The Odyssey - Homer

http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html

day 19 - a song from your favorite album

Edited as : day 19 - a poem from your favorite poetry collection - Digging from 'Death of a Naturalist' - Seamus Heaney

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/seamus_heaney/poems/12699

day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry

Edited as : day 20 - a poem that you read to when you’re angry - If You Forget Me - Pablo Neruda

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if-you-forget-me/

day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy

Edited as : day 21 - a poem that you read when you’re happy - Are You Drinking - Charles Bukowski

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/charles_bukowski/poems/13010

day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad

Edited as : day 22 - a poem that you read to when you’re sad - Mid Term Break - Seamus Heaney

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/seamus_heaney/poems/12698

day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding

Edited as : day 23 - a poem that you want read at your wedding ( since there isn't time to read a whole book) - And Because Love Battles - Pablo Neruda

day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral

Edited as - a poem that you want read at your funeral ( since there isn't time to read a whole book) - Funeral Blues - W.H. Auden

day 25 - a song that makes you laugh

Edited as - day 25 - a poem that makes you laugh - Anteater - Shel Silverstein

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/anteater/

day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument

Edited as : A poem you completely understood first time though people said you wouldn't - Omeros - Derek Walcott

day 27 - a song that you wish you could play

Edited as: day 27 - a book that you wish you understood completely by now - The Waste Land - T.S. Eliot

http://www.everypoet.com/archive/poetry/t_s_eliot/t_s_eliot_the_waste_land.htm

day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty

Edited as : day 28 - a poem that makes you feel guilty - I do Not love You Except Because I Love You - Pablo Neruda

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-do-not-love-you-except-because-i-love-you/

day 29 - a song from your childhood

Edited as : day 29 - a poem from your childhood - Ramayana - Valmiki

http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/extra/bl-ramayana1.htm

day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

Edited as : day 30 - your favorite poem at this time last year - The Voice - Adonis

http://www.guernicamag.com/poetry/462/three_poems_5/

The Travel Listings - Repeats

2011-04-20T04:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm really a big fan of repeats, i.e. I don't care to go the save places more than once. But obviously there are exceptions. So I'm making a list of places I wouldn't mind going to again. This list is, unusually, a definitive one. It's in order and set. Hopefully I'll never go to anywhere I've ever been already for a vacation unless it's on this list.

10. New York City

Why: Really? it's New York City. It isn't a go-once place. There's a lot still to see. Concert in Central Park. Poetry Slams. Eat at Le Bernadin. New Year's at Times Square. Catch a Broadway show (not a musical). Go check out the Met. Play some street basketball (and probably get owned). The list goes on and on.

First Thing to do: Get down to the Brooklyn bridge and have pizza at Grimaldi's.

9. Tobago

Why: Bit of a cheat because it's not a city. Technically still the same country but who says you can't have a vacation without needing a passport (if you live in Arkansas, Florida counts as a vacation). I think I could live in Tobago if I could get a job there. Obvious reasons are the beaches. It's all I need to keep going back.

First Thing to do : Get off the plane, walk to Store Bay. Buy a Guinness and hit the water.

8. Berlin

Why: I think I like East Berlin more than West Berlin. They're still building and everything is newer. I still need to see all the museums on Museum Island (only been to the Altes Museum so far). The Berlin Philharmonic are world-famous, so they need to be seen on home court. And it's Berlin, so probably the best Turkish food in a European city outside of Turkey itself. The Indian and Thai food is pretty good too. And, cliched as it might be, walking around at looking at cars in Germany is great.

First Thing to do: Get a Doner Falafel (from King of Falafel or Dada). Get to the Reichstag, chill on the lawn and eat that falafel doner.

7.Amsterdam

Why: You can go with the cliches about coffeeshops and red light district, but that's not really the reason I need to get back to Amsterdam. (Maybe the coffeeshops a bit). The museums are what it's all about, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum need repeats. Heineken Music hall always has great jazz and occasionally big shows. And, of course, I need to see Ajax play at the Amsterdam ArenA.

First thing to do: Get to the Rijksmuseum and wander slowly around for about 4 hours. Either that or get to The Bulldog coffeeshop for brownies. It's a tie.

6. San Fransisco

Why: It's been a long nine years since San Fran. It'd be nice to check it out again although I doubt anything much has changed. Of course, now I can go to all those bars that I wasn't old enough to get into last time. The Museum of Modern Art wouldn't be a bad place to visit either (though sometimes modern art goes over my head). Maybe I'll even see Clint Eastwood.

First thing to do : I have no clue. Golden Gate Bridge maybe?

5. Budapest

Why: The metro lines aren't very good, which is sad considering it's the second oldest in the world (only 3 lines they don't connect up the whole city). But everything else about this city is amazing. The Danube, Chain Bridge, Heroes Square and Buda Castle are all amazing. I had the best meal of my life in a restaurant outside St.Stephens Basilica and it was randomly picked and I don't think it was a renowned one. A lot of the appeal of Budapest comes from the people too. They're nicer than anywhere else in Europe. The exchange rate of Florint to Euro makes it good for the pocket.

First Thing to Do: Get back to St. Stephens Basilica, find that restaurant and make sure that meal was as good as I think it was (Penne pasta in tomato sauce with buffalo milk mozzarella).

4.Brussels

Why: It's Belgium. The architecture is amazing and Grand Place is possibly the most awe-inspiring square in Europe. Antwerp gives Brussels a run, but I prefer the French section to the Dutch section. Any city where you can walk around all day and sample (free) chocolate and beer is a winner. Really, the chocolate alone is enough to go to Brussels (Valrhona and Leonidas). The restaurant lined streets and cafes call for a re-visit too.

First thing to do: Get to Valrhona. Buy a box. Then go to Grand place, sit on the Maison du Roi steps and eat previously purchased chocolates.

3. London

Why: London calling. Because it is. My favorite English speaking city (unless you're in Southall). There's so much diversity here it's hard to think of it as one city. But there's so much to see. If somehow you get tickets, there's enough football to keep you busy watching for ages. Cricket at Lord's should be classic. Concerts in Hyde Park. London Syphony and the Royal Philharmonic should be good to listen to also. It is London, so there'd be more poetry readings than slams, but those work too. And the best Indian food I've ever had is in London too.

First Thing to do: Get to Southall, have the onion bhajia. Follow with Karahi Paneer Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan. (& Try to look less clueless when people speak in Hindi)

2. Prague

Why: On the basis of Wenceslas Square alone Prague needs a re-visit. The national Museum is brilliant. And the square has enough bars and fast food places to kill and entire day. King Charles Bridge is popular, though I have no idea why, it's fun to hang around and play tourist. The walking tour is great too because Prague, like all cities, is filled with interesting history. The Allegro in Four Seasons Hotel is supposed to be an exceptional restaurant also. It's an atmosphere though. Something about Prague gets in your mind.

First thing to do: Get off at Wenceslas Square. Buy a fried mozzarella sandwich and a half-pint of Pilsner Urquell. Follow up by getting pizza at Half&Half and follow with mocha almond cheesecake.

1.Paris

Why: Paris, do you even need a reason? There is nowhere else as amazing as Paris. There is no city as diverse and beautiful, not even London. The food, the art, the history. It's all perfect. Every arrondisment is like a different world yet all still held together with familiarity. Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, Sacre Coeur, Sunday market, rugby at Stade de France. There's so much to do. Food on a boat on the Seine. Walks on the riverbank with Pinot Noir and Gruyere. Couscous and hummus in the African Market. Tartlets on Champs Elysees. The entire Montmarte area. The Louvre. The list goes on and on. Paris is neverending.

First thing to do: Get to Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore. And stay for hours reading upstairs.

Best (music) Albums of the 1990's part 2

2011-04-14T06:36:00.001-07:00

40.Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik -1991-USA

Why: The start of the departure from heavy noise that characterized the band previously. Expansion of the themes too, withe 'Under the Bride' showing that RHCP could do serious songs as well as the fun stuff.

Example Tracks: Suck My Kiss, Under The Bridge

39.Santana - Supernatural -1999- USA

Why: It was the first album I'd heard that had a guest artist on every song. So it was like listening to a playlist. Not the best work Santana has ever done (I like the 70's and 80's stuff) but it was a creative concept that he's been carrying forward ever since.

Example Tracks : Maria Maria, Smooth

38.Modest Mouse - The Lonesome Crowded West -1997 -USA

Why: The best indie album of the 90's probably. Awesome overdriven guitars as a backdrop to polarizing themes of overconfidence and vulnerability; the country and the city. The worries of the disenfranchised youth is all over this album.

Example Tracks: Heart Cooks Brain, Jesus was An Only Child

37. R.E.M - Out of Time -1991 - USA

Why: The album that sent R.E.M. from supporting to lead. A cornerstone of 90's alternative rock. And, though not very recognized, Radio Song with KRS-One is a very important track.

Example Tracks: Radio Song, Losing My Religion

36.The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness-1995-USA

Why: A 28 song album is usually a disaster. But not this time. It's a huge album but there's no wasted space. The lyrics are a bit of a downer but you kind of expect that from Smashing Pumpkins.

Example Tracks: Zero, Bullet With Butterfly Wings

35.Pavement - Slanted and Enchanted - 1996-USA

Why: Very influential, with it's blending of music bordering on noise rhythms. Lots of complex themes and the record itself feels like they put together a million different things in one. It's that eclectic.

Example Tracks : Summer Babe, Loretta's Scars

34.2pac - All Eyez on Me -1996 -USA

Why: Money, guns, heirarchy. As always with Tupac the lyrical content is miles above everyone else, though at times the flow needs work. It is, without doubt a brilliant record, one which defines gangsta rap.

Example Tracks: No more Pain, Only God Can Judge Me

33. Pulp -Different Class- 1995 -England

Why: Britpop was an awesome era. Pulp continued to do the daily life observation routine with clever and sometimes sinister lyrics and this time they got it perfect.

Example Tracks: Something Changed, Common People

32.Primal Scream - Screamadelica- England-1991

Why: The departure from indie rock and into house music (probably drug influenced). It's a pretty uplifting album with lots of over-the -top splendor. It also seems pretty much perfect no matter where you're listening to it, anywhere from chillout to hyped up.

Example Tracks: Movin' on Up, Loaded

31. Pearl Jam -ten -1991- USA

Why: Depression, suicide, loneliness, murder, homeless people. Not exactly the most fun record in the world, this one. Very guitar-riff heavy which goes with the heaviness of the whole album. The themes are deep without becoming overbearing.

Example Tracks: Black, Jeremy

Best (music) Albums of the 1990's part 3

2011-04-14T06:32:00.001-07:00

30.The Prodigy - The Fat of the Land -1997 -USA

Why: Probably the best album from The Prodigy.Heavy use of samples, which was innovate for the time, and at that time the band were the leaders in electronic/dance music. There's enough rock in it to appeal to a mass audience (of rock listeners) and that caused enough buying to send electronica mainstream.

Example Tracks: Breathe, Firestarter, Smack My Bitch Up

29. Weezer -Weezer(the blue album) -1994 -USA

Why: Geek rock. The only people singing about love songs that weren't thoroughly depressing in the grunge early 90's. Not that they didn't channel that heartbreak-emo vibe, they just didn't sound like they didn't. Because they had the melodic ideal.

Example Tracks: Buddy Holly,Say It Ain't So

28. Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible -1994 -Wales

Why: A bit of depression and anxiety, a bit of anti-right-wing totalitarianism and overall concern about the bleak state of the world. It's a work of genius which makes you realize that you're alive despite everything about the album pointing to the fact that it's a sad, cold world.

Example Tracks: Revol, The Intense Humming of Evil

27. Bob Dylan - Time out of Mind -1997- USA

Why: They say it's Dylan's comeback album, though he'd never been gone. Half of it is definitely back to the blues and the other half is the internal working inspections which characterize recent Dylan. The anguish of old age? Maybe not, but the age is sounding in Dylan's voice

Example Tracks: Make You Feel My love, Not Dark Yet

26.Ready to Die - The Notorious B.I.G. -1994 -USA

Why: The debut of Biggie. The revival of East Coast hip-hop. Easy to understand lyrics because of the mutli-level rhymes and superior flow. The portrait of a life that deals with drug dealing, crime and violence understandably carries a dark tone, which only adds realism to an already vivid portrayal.

Example Tracks: Things Done Changed, Big Poppa, Suicidal Thoughts

25. Metallica - Metallica (the black album) -1991 -USA

Why: Simplified for the mainstream. And it worked. Usually that's a bad thing. But not always. And this is one of those times. It was slower and less thrash metal, but heavier and deeper themes . It's the first Metallica album that's very easy to relate to in it's entirety.

Example Tracks: Enter Sandman,Nothing Else Matters,The Unforgiven

24. Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill -1998 - USA

why: The debut and only album Lauryn ever released. So far. But it's so good that you wish she'd get back to the studio. R&b, hip-hop,soul and reggae; topics such as love, God, motherhood and tensions in The Fugees. It's a powerful,souful album that moves between many different forms and topics seamlessly.

Example Tracks: Final Hour, Doo Wop (that Thing)

23. Radiohead- The Bends- England -1995

Why: The 90's and Radiohead only resulted in excellent albums. This was when they started the multi-level sounds and the lyrics that are extremely confusing. Singing high notes to lots of guitars playing started here and without this, there wouldn't be half the popular music of today.

Example tracks: Fake Plastic Trees, Street Spirit (Fade Out)

22. Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine -1992 -USA

Why: Very heavy and one of the first popular rap-metal albums, widely viewed as the album that made the genre noticeable. Very political (and critical) lyrics mixed with funk and metal guitar sounds make it fun to listen to as well as intellectual.

Example Tracks: Wake Up, Killing in The Name, Bullet in the Head

21. The Smashing Pumpkins -Siamese Dream -1993 -USA

Why: Too much genres merge into this album to be counted, which works because the music is very complex and detailed with lots of production effort to create. Intertwined with melodramatic and intensely emotional lyrics, its an excellent album.

Example Tracks: Cherub Rock, Geek U.S.A, Rocket

Best (music) Albums of the 1990's part 4

2011-04-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

20. The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin -1999-USA

why: Years later and the band is still getting props for it, so much that they played it in its entirety in July. basically established that lush soundscape that you associate with The Flaming Lips now. It has the twofold effect of complex music with simple lyrics so it never tries to confuse you. It's always completely listen-able.

Example Tracks : Race for the Prize, Waiting for a Superman

19. Nas -Illmatic -1994- USA

why: The debut and still the best Nas album. The beats are great, yeah, but Nas has the best, most brilliant lyrics and at the time was the closest thing to poetry that you got from a rap artist. Lyrical content that depicts accurately his world while being able to see it and not get sucked in.

Example Tracks: Life's a Bitch, The World is Yours

18. Massive Attack - Blue Lines -1991 -England

why: The first trip hop album ever. That whole electronic, dub, hip hop and soul merging could only be good. Total soul music that somehow was grand and emotional, though it wasn't really possible to pinpoint why. your heart and your mind are occupied for this record.

Example Tracks: Unfinished Sympathy, Safe from Harm

17. Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang Clan(36 Chambers) -1993 -USA

why: Another debut rap album that's probably the best. Probably the album that allowed East Coast rap back into the game and set it up for Nas, Jay-Z and Notorious BIG to make it big. It is the most raw album of the early 90's and all the commercial success was not expected. haphazard beats, erratic song layouts and nil touchups make it exceptional.

Example Tracks: C.R.E.A.M., Protect Ya Neck

16.Beck -Odelay -1996-USA

why: A whole lotta sampling went into this and as a result it sounds like a whole lotta different stuff. Folk, country, rock and electronica; it's basically Beck in short form. A guy who can make a lot of things sound good and make different elements flow into one another.

Example Tracks: Devil's Haircut, Where It's at

15.Nirvana -In Utero -1993

why: The final Nirvana album, the one that's different because of the band's newfound success (which is reflected in the lyrics). It is brilliant and thoughtful, but also, Kurt Cobain isn't very happy or pleased when he's writing and it shows. Abrasively listenable, though that's an impossible sounding description, it works.

example tracks: Heart Shaped Box, All Apologies

14. Jeff Buckley -Grace -1994 -USA

why: Makes you wonder what could have been if he'd lived to record more. The lyrics are great and the music is large scale and grandiose but the real magic in this album is Buckely's voice. there's a lots of influences in it, but the album is something totally original.

Example Tracks: Last Goodbye, Hallelujah

13. R.E.M. -Automatic for the People - 1991 -USA

why: Slow, beautiful melodies and meaningful, resonant vocals. REM always had those things, but they really made it stand out in this album. A bit depressing with the themes of loss and purposelessness.

Example Tracks: Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon

12. Soundgarden -Superunknown - 1994 -USA

why: Heavy sounds, in the guitars and the drums. But they have range too, though you wouldn't think there's a range of heavy, there is. A portrait of alienation, confusion and hopelessness but the loudness cuts the depression, more into angry mode.

Example Tracks: Spoonman, Black Hole Sun

11.The Fugees - The Score -1997 -USA

Why: The second and final Fugees album. They should have stayed together. Brilliant lyrics, of the intellectual variety, a rarity for popular rap at that time (probably still a rarity).A lot of familiar hooks to give that chill, comfortable feel and a widescale scope

Example Tracks: Ready or Not, Killing Me Softly

30 day song challenge edited to refer to books

2011-04-08T05:09:00.001-07:00

So there's this thing called the 30 day song challenge. (https://www.facebook.com/pages/30-Day-Song-Challenge/120874111270003?ref=ts#!/pages/30-Day-Song-Challenge/120874111270003?sk=app_4949752878) .

And it's pretty awesome. So, me being me, I decided to edit it up and see if it works for books/poetry. Most work with only minor tweaking. Results as follows. My list, my picks. As always. I'll try to use books in front of poetry, mostly cause I expect to give poems their own list.

Original :day 01 - your favorite song

Edited as : day 01 - your favorite book (This isn't set, it varies a lot) - Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie

day 02 - your least favorite song

Edited as : day 02 - Your least favorite book - Finnegan's Wake - James Joyce

day 03 - a song that makes you happy

Edited as : day 03 - a book that makes you happy - Goodbye, Mr. Chips - James Hilton

day 04 - a song that makes you sad

Edited as : day 04 - a book that makes you sad - The Road - Cormac McCarthy

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

Edited as : day 05 - a book that reminds you of someone - Love in The Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

Edited as : day 06 - a book that reminds you of somewhere - The Museum of Innocence - Orhan Pamuk

day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

Edited as : day 07 - a book that reminds you of a certain event - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Newt Scamander (J.K. Rowling)

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

Edited as : day 08 - a poem that you know all the words to. (Since knowing all the words to a book is really unlikely). - Fire and Ice - Robert Frost

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

Edited as : No clue. If anyone can edit into something logical, let me know.

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep

Edited as : day 10 - a book that makes you fall asleep - Engineering Mechanics: Combined Statics & Dynamics, 12th Edition - Russell C. Hibbeler

day 11 - a song from your favorite band

Edited as : a book from your favorite author - Leaf Storm - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

day 12 - a song from a band you hate

Edited as : day 12 - a book from an author you hate - Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

Edited as :day 13 - a book that is a guilty pleasure - Bridget Jones Diary - Helen Fielding

day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love

Edited as : day 14 - a book that no one would expect you to love - A Series of Unfortunate Events - Lemony Snicket

day 15 - a song that describes you

Edited as : day 15 - a book that describes you - Youth - J.M. Coetzee

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate

Edited as : day 16 - a book that you used to love but now hate - A Passage to India - E.M. Forster

day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio

Edited as : day 17 - a book that you often see being read - Eat,Pray ,Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio

Edited as : day 18 - a book that you wish you saw being read - A Man of The People - Chinua Achebe

day 19 - a song from your favorite album

Edited as : day 19 - a short story from your favorite short story collection - Hills Like White Elephants from Men Without Women - Ernest Hemingway

day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry

Edited as : day 20 - a book that you read to when you’re angry - The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli

day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy

Edited as : day 21 - a book that you read when you’re happy - Scoop - Evelyn Waugh

day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad

Edited as : day 22 - a book that you read to when you’re sad - The Prophet - Khalil Gibran

day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding

Edited as : day 23 - a poem that you want read at your wedding ( since there isn't time to read a whole book) - And Because Love Battles - Pablo Neruda

day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral

Edited as - a poem that you want read at your funeral ( since there isn't time to read a whole book) - Funeral Blues - W.H. Auden

day 25 - a song that makes you laugh

Edited as - day 25 - a book that makes you laugh - Right Ho, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse

day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument

Edited as : A book you completely understood first time though people said you wouldn't - One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

day 27 - a song that you wish you could play

Edited as: day 27 - a book that you wish you understood completely by now - Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon

day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty

Edited as : day 28 - a book that makes you feel guilty - World Hunger - Frances Moore Lappe

day 29 - a song from your childhood

Edited as : day 29 - a book from your childhood - Three Singles to Adventure - Gerald Durell

day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

Edited as : day 30 - your favorite book at this time last year - Peeling the Onion - Gunter Grass

The complete control playlist

2011-03-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

In case you aren't aware, I'm a big Bruce Springsteen fan. I was wondering if I got to pick, what songs I'd like to hear at a concert. So this is that playlist

Criteria: Bruce usually does about 25 songs and a 2 song encore. So that's the format of the list. Only one cover song is allowed.

From The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle

1. Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)

From Born to Run

2. Born to Run
3. Thunder Road
4.She's The One
5.Jungleland

From Darkness on The Edge of Town

6. Adam Raised a Cain
7.Racing in The Street
8. The Promised Land
9. Prove it All Night
10. Darkness on the Edge of Town

From The River

11. Hungry Heart
12.The River

From Nebraska

13. Nebraska
14. Johnny 99

From Born in the USA

15 I'm on Fire
16. Dancing in The Dark

From The Ghost of Tom Joad

17. Youngstown
18. The Ghost Of Tom Joad

From The Rising

19. The Rising
20.Waiting on a Sunny Day

From Magic

21. Long Walk Home

From Working on a Dream

22. Working on a Dream

From The Promise

23. Fire
24. Because The Night

From Philadelphia Soundtrack

25. Streets Of Philadelphia

Encore:

Cover Track - 26. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

27. Kitty's Back

The Travel Bucket List - pt2

2011-03-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

Bucket List - A list of things to do before you die.

27 is getting a lot closer than it used to be. So just in case I take after Jimi Hendrix or Jim Morrison, time to edit the bucket list.

The Travel Bucket List Idea is easy. Take a regional zone and find ten places I'd like to see before I die, or to re-visit in some cases. It's my list so I call the zones. It isn't always going to be cities, though mostly yes. For small countries I think the entire country can be considered. As in, I can't call all of Russia in one trip but I can call all of French Polynesia. I think if one spot in the country/region can be gotten to in a 2.5 hour flight or less, it counts as one trip territory eg. Czech Republic and Slovakia.

And also justify(explain?) why there. Maybe pictures too.

here's the easiest start because South America is closest.

5.Buenos Aires, Argentina - Argentina again, and I don't even like their football team much. 'The Paris of South America' seems like a great place to see, in summer though. I like old buildings and nice food; Buenos Aires has both. If I magically find a ticket to a Boca Juniors vs. RiverPlate match, then I'd be very content. Maybe even attempt the tango.

Fulfillment Criteria: See Boca Juniors Stadium. See the Obelisk. Buy a book at El Ateneo bookstore. Go see Evita's grave. And make a pilgrimage to the house Maradona grew up in.

Suggested Cliched Activity: Walk around singing 'Don't Cry for me Argentina'

4. Cartagena, Colombia - The famous Caribbean coast of Columbia.You can't read Gabo and not want to see it. Islas de Rosario for the coral reefs, famous forts and castles. It's a World Heritage site. There's bound to be lots to see but mostly it's a pick because of Love In The Time Of Cholera

Fulfilment Criteria : Go see the port, the parks, the old district and whatever else still remains from Love in The Time Of Cholera.

Suggested Cliched activity : Read The General in His Labyrinth in a public park.

3. Macchu Picchu& Lima, Peru - Macchu Picchu is a direct plane or train trip from Lima, so it isn't a cheat. But it just isn't right unless you take the Inca trail to get there through the mountains. Lima is for the food and the fusion food.

Fulfillment Criteria : Take the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu.

Suggested Cliched Activity: Read the early works of Mario Vargas Llosa (Conversation in the Cathedral, The green House) while relaxing on the beach.

2. Rio de Janiero, Brazil - Really need to justify? It's Rio. Capacabana, Ipanema, Bossa Nova and the Maracana. Get there for World Cup is the ideal time.

Fulfillment Cirteria: Take the cable car to Sugarloaf mountain, walk on Copacabana Pavement, go see Cristo Redentor.

Suggested Cliched Activity: Play football on the beach in Ipanema

1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador - I don't even need to see the rest of Ecuador. Just here. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin. See all the animals that live nowhere else. Pretend to be all National Geographic.

Fulfillment Criteria: Take an Eco-tour

Best (music) Albums of the 1990's part 1

2011-03-21T05:13:00.001-07:00

I find myself listening to albums more these days, instead of just getting the songs that I want. I think it's because albums are easier to get now than songs. Listening to albums brings back the era of actually listening to (usually borrowed) CD's. Which leads straight into this list.

50.Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette - 1996- Canada

Why: Excessively popular and serious feminist music. Sounds like it'd be horrible right? It isn't. The whole emotional outlet after a bitter breakup theme, that's pretty much universal. The music is pretty much standard alt but give this one a listen cause of the lyrical content.

Example Tracks : You Oughta Know, You Learn

49. Pearl Jam - Vitalogy -1994 -USA

Why: Released on vinyl. In the 90's. That's awesome. It's a half and half album. Some of the the songs carry on from ten and those are exceptional. The experimental tracks are hit-and-miss though. The entire tortured-depression of Pearl Jam is still there and the anthems of this album are pretty much classic.

Example Tracks: Corduroy,Nothingman.

48.Red Hot Chili Peppers- Californication -1999- USA

Why: The return of John Frusciante. A (partial) departure from the relaxed funk-style classic of RHCP. More introspective than other albums but still full of innuendo as always. Excellent in a lot of ways, not the least being you don't expect this level of soul-searching from RHCP.

Example Tracks: Scar Tissue , Otherside

47.The Verve -Urban Hymns - 1997 -England

Why: That whole highly complex symphonic arrangements were as original as it got. The whole immersion in music that Animal Collective or Groove Armada does can probably trace back to this. The lyrics, as always with Richard Ashcroft, are evocative and brilliant.

Example Tracks: Bittersweet Symphony, The Drugs Don't Work

46. Oasis - Definitely Maybe -1994 - England

Why: The debut. And it was good. Nearly every song is a classic. It signaled the start of superstardom for Oasis. Fuelled by the lyrics of Noel Gallagher (as would all other albums that followed), the brash but freeing do-what-you-want attitude was there from the go.

Example Tracks: Live Forever, Supersonic

45. Blink 182 -Enema of The State- 1999- USA

why: A pop-punk landmark. The album that sent that genre to the mainstream. Full of songs which make it seem like you'd never want to grow up, but occasionally addressing serious topics too (Adam's Song). High energy and lots of fun.

Example tracks: What's My Age Again?, All the Small Things

44.Eminem - Slim Shady -1999 -USA

why: Sex, drugs and copious swearing. The over-the-top exaggerated Slim Shady character was extremely memorable and sent Eminem to stardom. This album was so definitive in his rise most people think it's his debut.

Example tracks: My Name Is, Just Don't Give A Fuck

43.Rage Agaisnt The Machine - The Battle of Los Angeles - 1999

Why: Straight from the influence of Orwell's 1984 comes this album. Dystopian, noisy rap-metal. Full of the usual RATM political messages and dissatisfaction, we're still waiting for a follow-up.

Example Tracks: Testify, Calm Like A Bomb

42. Alice in Chains -Dirt -1992 -USA

why: The most intense and dark album from Alice in Chains. The songs were brutal but applicable. The entire concept of drug addiction and the disasters that go along with it are made relevant even to people who have no idea of drug culture. Because poignant lyrics are work anywhere.

Example Tracks: Them Bones, Would?

41.Snoop Doggy Dogg - Doggystyle -1993-USA

why: The debut of one of the most recognizable flows in rap. Introducing the G-funk style and lyrical realism to the masses. It's gansta rap but it's playful and funny too, as no one but Snoop can merge. There was a lot of hype before this album and Snoop delivers

Example Tracks: Gin and Juice, Who Am I (What's My Name?)

The Travel Bucket List - pt 1

2011-03-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

South America

10. Motorcycle Diaries Route -And to start off, here's a bit of a cheat. But it isn't a bucket list without a road trip. And who hasn't dreamt about a motorcycle trip around South America. It's cliched and it breaks the criteria rules cause it involves almost all the Spanish speaking countries of South America. But this one is about the trip.

Fulfillment criteria : Must follow route of Che Guevara around South America on the full 8000km ride. Have to use motorbike, single-cylinder not racing.

Suggested music: The Motorcycle Diaries (Soundtrack). What else?

9.Patagonia, Argentina & Chile - The plains, the rivers, the glaciers, the lakes with icebergs. Patagonia is a beautiful place. Check out the beaches on Rio Negro, chill with penguins on Punta Tombo. See some volcanoes, step on Tierra del Fuego-almost the end of the Americas.

Fulfillment criteria : None. It's all good, summer or winter. Just have to get there.

Suggested food to check out: The chocolate bars and fondue restaurants of San Carlos de Bariloche. Specifically La Bonita Fondue and the Chocolate Museum.

8. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil & Peru - This one spans a lot of countries too, but in this case it isn't a cheat since any one works once I get to the rain-forest. This one somewhat counts as a repeat since I've been there (technically). This one is all about the beauty of nature. Green tourism has to have something to it or it wouldn't be popular. And wild animals are better to seen when they aren't in cages and in their own habitats (unless they eat you, of course).

Fulfillment criteria: No technicalities. Actually go to the jungle, spend some time. Trek the forests, see some animals. Stay over. Be eco-tourist and see what that's like. Doesn't count if the river isn't seen.

7. Paramaribo, Suriname - This one is a personal favorite. I like Suriname a lot. It says Paramaribo, but really the whole of the country counts because you can drive to almost anywhere in three hours or less now that the roads are fixed. Except maybe for the jungles, which aren't that traversed anyway. It'll be a lazy trip, but sometimes that's a good thing

Fulfillment criteria: Have a Parbo Bier. Eat some soto. Read a book on the riverfront of the Suriname river.

Suggested food to check out: Get coffee at Zus and Zo, follow up with lunch at Roopram's Roti shop.

6. Santiago,Chile (and Easter Island) - Easter Island is a huge cheat but I want to see the statues. Staying away from mines seems like a good idea too. Check out the wines and the beaches, maybe go fishing.

Fulfillment Criteria : Head to Vina Del Mar, Take a wine tour in the Mendoza region.See the three houses/museums of Neruda

Suggested Cliched Activity: Sit at a grape farm drinking a bottle of wine grown on the property and read Pablo Neruda; Selected Poems.

A list about the most depressing bands/artists ever part 3

2011-03-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

Criteria: My list, my rules. As always. The artist/band has to have two albums from which songs can be picked (off as a minimum). The songs can't be the only depressing song on a happy album (i.e Where is the Love on Elephunk by The Black Eyed Peas , possibly their only good song.) To block that the album needs a minimum of two depressy songs on it, but a max of four or half of 'A rush of blood to the head' will have to be listed. I'm not going to justify why the songs are depressing,I'll just find youtube links.

The list

25. Sting - Reggae and up tempo with The Police. But manages haunting too. I think I Sting's voice just has range.

Album 1: The Dream of The Blue Turtles -1985

Reference Tracks

(a) If You Love Someone Set Them Free

(b) Fortress Around Your Heart

Album 2 : Ten Summoner's Tales -1993

reference Tracks

(a) Fields of Gold

(b) She's Too Good For Me

Album 3 : Brand New Day -1999

Reference Tracks

(a) Desert Rose

(b) Perfect Love.. Gone Wrong

24. The Beatles - The Beatles can do it all. Fun, depressing; whatever. Because they're the best

Album 1: A Hard Day's Night -1964

(a) And I Love Her

(b) I'll Cry Instead

Album 2: Help! -1965

(a) You've Got to Hide Your Love Away

(b) I need You

(c)Yesterday

Album 3 : Revolver - 1966

(a) Elanor Rigby

(b) For You

23. John Legend- The newest piano-based soul man. With the most depressing lyrics and the voice to match.

Album 1: Get Lifted -2004

(a) Ordinary People

(b) Used to Love U

Album 2 :

(a) Everybody Knows

(b) If you're Out There

22. Norah Jones - The slow raspy jazz voice manages to convey emotions that don't always reflect the lyrics

Album 1 :

(a) Don't Know Why

(b) Come Away With Me

Album 2:

(a) Until The End

(b) Thinking About You

(c) It's Not too late

21. Adele - New, young and with a voice as powerful as Aretha Franklin's. She's gonna be a huge star.

Album 1 : 19

(a) Hometown Glory

(b) Melt My Heart to Stone

Album 2: 21

(a) Someone Like You

(b)Take it All

oscar predictions -2011 - film awards (ii)

2011-02-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

Best Documentary feature

Most likely winner : Exit Through the Gift Shop by Bansky and Jamie D'cruz. A very strange film about street art and the evolution of Mr. Brainwash. Some issues as to whether it's a real documentary but thoroughly entertaining nonetheless.

Backup Pick : Gasland by Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic. About natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing and the effect on communities. Seems like it'd be dull with those topics but isn't. The green movement should love it

Most deserving (My pick): Exit through the Gift Shop is a great film. I don't even care about street art and I liked it. Nothing should stop it from winning except the aura that the film is about a well-engineered con.

Best Foreign Language Film

Most likely winner : In a Better World (Denmark) in Danish and Swedish by Susanne Bier. Won at the Golden Globes. Got that whole refugee, emotional drama thing going for it. Seems set. But this award is usually the least predictable.

Backup Pick : Biutiful (Mexico) in Spanish by Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu. Bleak crime-drama but very family oriented. Sounds a bit like its channeling The Godfather,right? It isn't. But it's still very good.

Most deserving (My pick): Biutiful (Mexico) in Spanish by Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu. I like depressing crime-drama films.

Best Picture

Most likely winner : The Social Network from Dana Brunetti, Ceán Chaffin, Michael De Luca, and Scott Rudin .Possibly the movie that best reflects the tech-era attitude and vibe. One of the best films of the year in terms of soundtrack, acting, script, score and direction. Combine all that and that film should win.

Backup Pick : The King's Speech from Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Gareth Unwin. The best out of the UK. A great period piece which is superbly acted and written. Would be a winner on a day it didn't have the competition mentioned above.

Most deserving (My pick): Toy Story 3 from Darla K. Anderson. It's not that I think Toy Story should win over The Social Network. But I think animated films need to be taken seriously. (How was Wall-E not even nominated for this award?)

oscar prediction - 2011 - film awards (I)

2011-02-21T06:34:00.000-08:00

Best Director

Most likely winner : David Fincher for The Social Network. Not easy to direct a film where everybody has an idea of how the characters should be, which is inevitable for real, famous people as the subject. David Fincher gets the entire aura of impatience, assured-ness and brilliance, all tinged with irony, to show up .

Backup Pick : Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan. Boldness. That's the word for the direction of the film. Because you can't make a film like this without wanting to create something spectacular that makes a statement. And Aronofsky does, indeed, put out a strong statement about competitiveness.

Most deserving : David Fincher for The Social Network. Difficult to driect. I was completely convinced the movie would be junk before I saw it. It's nice to be proven wrong. And I just can't give this film enough praise.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Most likely winner : The Social Network by Aaron Sorkin from The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich. There were a lot of ways to go wrong. There was almost no way to make this a good movie. But Sorkin did it. He made it a great movie.

Backup Pick : True Grit by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen from True Grit by Charles Portis. Because of the classic John Wayne film of the same name, the scrutiny would be very intense. The screenplay holds more to the novel than the first film but it's in no way any less good than the original film. It's an excellent Western (Hollywood needs more westerns), but the Coen brothers have their adapted screenplay Oscar already and it was for a better adaptation.

Most deserving (My pick): Toy Story 3 by Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich; characters based on Toy Story and Toy Story 2. The academy changed the award specifications so that the award would encompass remakes and character re-uses too. So in that case, Toy Story 3 falls under it. It's a trilogy, difficult for the third movie to live up usually. As good as The Social Network is, there is a book to base upon. The characters aren't new in Toy Story but the story is. And it's a great story which appeals to both adults and children. It should win but won't most likely.

Best Original Screenplay

Most likely winner :The King's Speech by David Seidler. An original story about well-known people with well-documented problems. Still a fresh perspective. It's not easy to do. In essence it's a story of triumph, both for Prince Albert and for the writer, formerly down-and-out David Seidler. The academy loves that kind of story.

Backup Pick : The Kids are all Right by Lisa Cholodenko and Lisa Blumberg. If emphasis was placed on 'original', then this story about two mothers, their children and the meeting of their sperm donor is as original as you get. It's like nothing else ever written.Yet.

Most deserving (My pick): The Fighter by Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson. I just really like boxing movies.

A list about the most depressing bands/artists ever (pt 1) V2.

2011-02-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

Criteria: My list, my rules. As always. The artist/band has to have two albums from which songs can be picked (off as a minimum). Then a reference lyric will be used.

The list - Probably not that much in order.

35. Avenged Sevenfold - Noisy, brash, loud, dark and gloomy. Probably going to get even gloomier with the passing of The Rev

Album 1 : City Of Evil -2005

(a) Seize The Day - "Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost.It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over"

Album 2 : Avenged Sevenfold - 2007

(a) Dear God - "A lonely road crossed another cold state line.Miles away from those I love, purpose hard to find"

34.Wilco - In the later albums, most of the time I have no idea what they're on about. So I guess it's depressing music more than lyrics.

Album 1 : A.M. - 1995

(a) Box Full of Letters - "You'll come back again.And I'll still be your friend"

(b) Should Have been In Love - "Your life's been stinking, your heart's been shrinking.And you're too busy thinking to stop.You blink and you're blue"

Album 2: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot -2002

Reference Tracks

(a) I am Trying To Break Your Heart - "I'd always thought that if I held you tightly.You'd always love me like you did back then.Then I fell asleep and the city kept blinking.What was I thinking when I let you back in?"

(b) Jesus, Etc- "I'll be around.You were right about the stars.Each one is a setting sun"

(c) I'm The Man Who Loves You- "If I could you know I would.just hold your hand and you'd understand.I'm the man who loves you"

Album 3 : Sky Blue Sky - 2007

Reference Tracks

(a) Impossible Germany- "This is important.But I know you're not listening.No I know you're not listening"

(b) Hate it Here- "I try to stay busy.I do the dishes, I mow the lawn.I try to keep myself occupied.Even though I know you're not coming home"

(c)Leave Me Like You Found Me - "Can you believe it.I'm somebody just like you.Content with being blue, honestly.Leave me like you found me"

33.Arcade Fire - The darlings of the indie- rock world. And with good reason. Probably going to hit mainstream in a big way after the Grammy win for 'Album of the Year'.

Album 1 : Funeral -2004

Reference Tracks

(a) Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - " But sometimes, we remember our bedrooms,and our parent’s bedrooms,and the bedrooms of our friends.Then we think of our parents,well what ever happened to them?!"

(b)Wake up -"Somethin’ filled up my heart with nothin’,someone told me not to cry."

Album 2 : Neon Bible -2007

Reference tracks

(a) Keep The Car Running -"There’s a weight that’s pressing down.Late at night you can hear the sound.Even the noise you make when you sleep.Can’t swim across a river so deep"

(b) My Body Is a Cage -"I'm standing on the stage of fear and self-doubt.It's a hollow play,but they'll clap anyway"

Album 3 : The Suburbs - 2010

Reference Tracks

(a) We Used to Wait -"We used to wait.We used to waste hours just walking around.We used to wait.All those wasted lives in the wilderness downtown"

(b)Ready To Start - "Now you're knocking at my door saying please come out against the night.But I would rather be alone than pretend I feel alright"

32. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - The best indie trio about right now? With songs of angst and lost love

Album 1 : Fever to tell -2003

Reference Tracks

(a) Maps- "Wait, they don't love you like i love you"

Album 2 : Show Your Bones -2006

Reference Tracks

(a) The Sweets -"The end will shelter me away from me .Can we meet again ?Meet and meet and meet and meet again"

31. Audioslave - Came from an angry group (Rage Against the Machine) and a grunge-downer one (Soundgarden). Had to be here.

Album 1: Audioslave - 2003

Reference Tracks

(a)Show Me How to Live - "Nail in my hand from my creator.You gave me life,now show me how to live"

(b) Shadow on the Sun - "Staring at the loss, looking for the cause and never really sure.Nothing but a hole, to live without a soul and nothing to be learned."

Album 2: Out of Exile -2005

Reference Tracks

(a) Heaven's Dead -"Best time you had for the best time you had.Heaven's dead when you get sad"

A list about the most depressing bands/artists ever (pt 1)

2011-02-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8m0i67O_c

(b) Bat Country

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsZy3I6colo

Album 2 : Avenged Sevenfold - 2007

Reference tracks

(a) Dear God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0kmnmxuRH0
(b) Afterlife

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNpy2K27PKU&feature=related
(c) Almost Easy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR4yM3eR5Tk&feature=related

34.Wilco - In the later albums, most of the time I have no idea what they're on about. So I guess it's depressing music more than lyrics.

Album 1 : A.M. - 1995

Reference Tracks

(a) Too Far Apart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BaxqVWfYtI

(b) Should Have been In Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdp-MqqIfWs
Album 2 : Summerteeth -1999

Reference Tracks

(a) I'm Always in Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3tWXQbTpbM

(b) We're Just Friends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM-RfAiZ3m0

(c)When You wake Up feeling Old

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GDsvdSHJjY&feature=related

Album 3: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot -2002

Reference Tracks

(a) I am Trying To Break Your Heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ENLOtLHBWE&feature=related
(b) Jesus, Etc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dhBrpV78BE&feature=related
Album 4 : Sky Blue Sky - 2007

Reference Tracks

(a) Impossible Germany

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmI7SiLe4Vw

(b) Hate it Here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9Q3cVA8GtQ

(c)Leave Me Like You Found Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2vP6w7Yg-k

33.Arcade Fire - The darlings of the indie- rock world. And with good reason. Probably going to hit mainstream in a big way after the Grammy win for 'Album of the Year'.

Album 1 : Funeral -2004

Reference Tracks

(a) Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz-WDk7Tbsc

(b) Rebellion (Lies)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_aFmziaRdU

Album 2 : Neon Bible -2007

Reference tracks

(a) My Body Is a Cage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyp34v6Lmcc
(b)No Cars Go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83KR_UBWdPI

Album 3 : The Suburbs - 2010

Reference Tracks

(a) We Used to Wait

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLjrQ3cwzJ4

(b)Ready To Start

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pp3olGyku0

32. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - The best indie trio about right now? With songs of angst and lost love

Album 1 : Fever to tell -2003

Reference Tracks

(a) Maps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxlgcuQRU

(b)Date With the Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOL-lzVT5Jc

Album 2 : Show Your Bones -2006

Reference Tracks

(a) Way Out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzB_oPZvwVs&feature=related

(b) The Sweets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEtCdrgN52Y

31. Audioslave - Came from an angry group (Rage Against the Machine) and a grunge-downer one (Soundgarden). Had to be here.

Album 1: Audioslave - 2003

Reference Tracks

(a)Show Me How to Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVXIK1xCRpY

(b) Shadow on the Sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfF4t9-wpCM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UCl6Ypwz-M

Album 2: Out of Exile -2005

Reference Tracks

(a)Yesterday to Tomorrow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jenep1puM4g&feature=related

(b) Heaven's Dead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zXKxGrTyAM&feature=related

A list about the most depressing bands/artists ever (pt 2)

2011-02-16T05:37:00.000-08:00

The list

30. Keane - Slow, mournful and piano-y. Occasionally angry yet somehow still slow and mournful.
Album 1 : Hopes and Fears

Reference Tracks:

(a) We Might as Well Be Strangers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82n2b4Mk8Zc

(b)She Has No Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG40MBNyexU&feature=related

(c) Bedshaped

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSRjfP2EJsw&feature=related

(d) This Is the Last Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdzD5C-1vvg

Album 2: Under The Iron Sea

Reference Tracks

(a) A Bad Dream

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SetZMHgARqs&feature=related

(b) Nothing in My Way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b51aXDwCqI

(c)Try Again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uGdrPMfKYc

29. Elton John

Album 1: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Reference Tracks

(a) Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAhpIjazFN0

(b) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grc2rYZOWc8&feature=related

Album 2: Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy

Reference Tracks

(a) Better Off Dead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bffP1d8jsM

(b) Someone Saved My Life Tonight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia-s7rY175k

Album 3: Blue Moves

Reference Tracks

(a) Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2e4NlnLr28

(b) If There's A God in Heaven (what's He Waiting For?)

-

Album 5: Breaking Hearts

Reference Tracks

(a) Sad Songs Say So Much

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH276U5PiGQ

(b) Burning Buildings

-

Single : Candle in the Wind 1997

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdVLClrfrOk&feature=related

28. Belle And Sebastian

Album 1: The Boy With The Arab Strap

Reference Tracks:

(a) It Could Have Been A Brilliant Career

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBVtXWHFhfg

(b) Is It Wicked Not To Care

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Kr_RJVUHA&feature=related

Album 2 : Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant

Reference Tracks:

(a) I Fought In A War

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbpVULqIorA

(b) The Wrong Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG7JviIqf4E

27. Roy Orbison

Album 1: Lonely And Blue

Reference Tracks:

(a) Only The Lonely

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOPah8Kby90

(b) Come Back to Me (my Love)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0NLFZNiKkw

Album 2: Crying

Reference Tracks:

(a) Crying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAiJ3qQRvio

(b) Loneliness

-

Album 3: There Is Only One Roy Orbison

Reference tracks:

(a) Ride Away

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvjeO60gH7A

(b) I'm In a Blue Blue Mood

-

Album 4: Cry Softly Lonely One

Reference Tracks

(a) Just Let Me Make Believe

-

(b) Cry Softly Lonely One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuDyhtOAsWA

26. Iron & Wine

Album 1: Our Endless Numbered Days

Reference Tracks

(a) Naked As We Came

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XXD20DhV4c

(b)Love and Some Verses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EFiopuzJMs

(c) Free Until They Cut Me Down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rogop4J9KhU

Album 2: The Shepherd's Dog

Reference Tracks

(a) Innocent Bones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0TQ9KvUSnU

(b)Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJIEiekJpGM

oscar predictions -2011- acting awards

2011-01-26T20:06:00.001-08:00

Best Actor

Most likely winner : Colin Firth as King George VI in 'The King's Speech'. Firth commands attention in every scene. Warm is the overused adjective to describe his performance as the King but it's accurate too.

Backup Pick : James Franco as Aron Ralston in '127 Hours'. For most of the film it's Franco alone in the scene. And it's an excellent film, so that alone should be a gauge for the strength of his acting. He manages to portray a man who's self-confident enough to cause him to make his own problems but self-reliant enough to get out of them.

Most deserving (My pick): I'm all for Colin Firth. I think period pieces are immensely watchable and I think Firth deserves this. He had a lot of help from the supporting cast but he really made the movie good.

Best Actress

Most likely winner : Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers in 'Black Swan'. Captivating performance. She gets it all down. Shy and repressed but then embraces her new role as a star with the temptations and emotions that go with it. And all the ballet training is sure to count too.

Backup Pick : Annette Bening as Nic in 'The Kids are All Right'. She's had a long career and been passed over. The academy loves to give make-up awards. He performance is very good, especially for a character who's exceptionally complicated to portray. She has a lot going for her to win.

Most deserving (My pick): Natalie Portman. Because she's awesome. And Black Swan was great too.

Best Supporting Actor

Most likely winner : Christian Bale as Dicky Eklund in "The Fighter". Lost about sixty pounds and studied the real Eklund to get the Boston accent right. Always a hard worker, Bale gets his character. A crack addict, jailbird, boxing trainer isn't easy to pull off without it looking false (even when it's based on a real person). But he manages.

Backup Pick : Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue in "The King's Speech". A real person isn't always easy to plan, especially when they're famous. And famous for being strange. Rush plays the unorthodox Logue especially well, keeping with the established view of him but still adding something of his own to the role.

Most deserving (My pick): Jeremy Renner as James 'Gem' Coughlin in "The Town". He comes off as exceedingly violent and aggressive. A total crazy person, even crazier than the other criminals he's friends with. I think crime movies are extremely underrated and it'd be great if he won.

Best Supporting Actress

Most likely winner : Melissa Leo as Alice Ward in 'The Fighter'. Mean, selfish and catty. Trying to play it off as being a devoted mother. Leo gets the audience to believe she's self serving but also that she cares about her sons. Complex role to play but she gets it done.

Backup Pick : Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in "The King's Speech". Can't be easy to play someone as famous as the Queen Mother. Because it'll be plain when you get anything wrong. But she doesn't get anything wrong.

Most deserving (My pick): Jacki Weaver as Janine 'Smurf' Cody in 'Animal Kingdom'. Another crime-drama. Jacki Weaver as the matriarch of and Australian crime family is ruthless and unrelenting in her performance.

(my) Favorite Films of 2010

2011-01-04T19:08:00.001-08:00

I'm only picking from what I've seen (because that's the only way). So I'm sure True Grit or The King's Speech might have made the list,since the reviews are great and they're on a lot of lists (and the original True Grit was excellent) , but I've haven't seem them yet.

15. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - Edgar Wright

Why: A great comic book adaptation. Anyone over 30 is probably going to hate it but the nonsensical, minimal attention span style of the film makes it an excellent watch.

14. Exit through The Gift Shop - Bansky - UK/USA

Why: A documentary? Or a farce. It works well either way, though probably better as a farce. It's strange and it's entertaining. And the ambiguousness only helps to make it better.

13. Lung Bunmi Raluek Chat (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives) - Apichatpong Weerasethakul - Thailand

Why: Don't go looking for a plot. Less of a film than a mindtrip. Visually beautiful journey through a sometimes inscrutable world. Expect to laugh and be confused in sequence.

12. How to Train Your Dragon - Chris Sanders/Dean Deblois - USA

Why: Brilliant animation. Somewhat predictable storyline but there's a lot of character depth (for an animated movie). One of the few films that used 3D well instead of a gimmick.

11. Easy A- Will Gluck - USA

Why: Teen comedy. Why do we even watch them when 90% are junk? Because every now and then there's a one like this. Creative and witty with a thoroughly original plot and an engaging star.

1o. Animal Kingdom -David Michod -Australia

Why: Crime-Drama about a family. Sound's familiar? This isn't The Godfather. It's a complex and sometimes confusing look inside the (very) dysfunctional family, that the young protagonist finds himself in.

9. The Town -Ben Affleck - USA

Why: Lots of tension. Affleck shows that Academy Award-winning writing talent. The action scenes are memorable (which isn't easy to do considering how much action movies there are) and the final shootout is the best one in a long time.

8. The Fighter - David O. Russell - USA

Why: Sports movie of the year. This decade needed a boxing movie, every decade does. Brilliant performances from almost everyone in the movie. It's a bit predictable but you wouldn't have it any other way.

7.The Kids are All Right -Lisa Cholodenko - USA

Why: Comedy-Drama and family values generally come together to form a disastrous movie. But this film beats that stereotype. Of course family values are different for the children of two mothers, but that's the part that doesn't make things feel boring.

6. Biutiful - Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Mexico/Spain

Why: A very bleak tale showing the love a criminal has for his family. The entire film is beset by the specters of mortality and punishment making it very heavy watching.

5. Inception - Christopher Nolan -USA

Why: It's everything. A action movie, sci-fi, there's romance and there's the fact that it's (literally) all in someone's head. It's reality and dreams fighting and merging till they can't be told apart, all with brilliant visuals.

4. Winter's Bone - Debra Granik -USA

Why: Very bleak and dark, though ultimately triumphant. The cinematography gives us a view of life in the Ozarks which at times veers from familiar to completely alien.

3.The Social Network - David Fincher - USA

Why: The brilliance of this movie was completely unexpected by me. (I somehow thought it was a comedy). Great performances and screenplay that manages to show the lead character's feeling of lacking even in total success.

2. Toy Story 3 -Lee Unkrich - USA

Why: The perfect trilogy about growing up; ten years was worth the wait for this finale. Overcoming adversity, jailbreak scenes and action are all there but it's the scenes with toys interacting with humans that are most poignant.

1. Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky -USA

Why: Psychological thriller, extremely intense and compelling even though it's at times unbelievable. Definitely one that draws you in and really what's expected from an Aronofsky movie. Natalie Portman is (even more) amazing (than usual).

Songs of the Decade -Part 10 (Finale)

2010-10-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

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 turns into a loud admonish. A topic everyone can relate to. Because everyone has people who just aren't around as much as they used to be.

6. Norah Jones - Don't Know Why (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NDuj-MyVyA

Why: Is she really jazz? The debate still continues. (I think she's more acoustic soul). But she makes beautiful music, none more so than the Grammy winning track off her debut album. The throaty, whispered lyrics and melancholy lyrics blend perfectly.

5.Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K57szVmdVac

Why: The verses are extremely vague.But the chorus, that chorus made this song one of the best love songs of the decade. Sad,pleading and revealing; usually that kind of emotional transparency turns into a sappy pop song so it takes real skill to not fall into that trap. Still noisy and energetic but it's undoubtedly a ballad.

4.Eminem - Lose Yourself (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mReO7t_f1X8

Why: The most commercially successful rap song of all time.And it isn't junk. Irresistible beat with a smoother flow than we've come to expect from Em. Still dropping the lyrics but slow enough so we hear everything about the struggles of the life of Rabbit. It's as if Eminem channelled 'Born to Run'.

3. Coldplay - The Scientist (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1x9Gb6oDlY

Why: A piano ballad about love and apology. Hopes and regrets, sadness and futility. This song captures it all; softly and beautifully.

2.Bruce Springsteen - The Rising (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNnB4dkVRJI

Why: When the country needs him, The Boss delivers. A story about a fireman climbing the tower on September 11th; surreal and desperate. Full of religious imagery, it's a song about coming through the hard times and rising above.

1. Outkast - Hey Ya (2004)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWgvGjAhvIw&ob=av3e

Why: A fusion of a whole lotta musical styles - funk, jazz, hip-hop, rock and rap, among others. High energy and completely electrifying. Most original song of the new millennium.

The Definitive Reading List (part6) - Postmodern II

2010-10-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

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

The Definitive Reading List (part5) - Postmodern

2010-10-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

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

Songs of the Decade -Part 9

2010-10-25T11:33:00.001-07:00

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 Over Baghdad) - (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVyVIsvQoaE

Why: This track dropped three years before bombs started being dropped on Baghdad. A high tempo drum and bass song that broke down the barriers between dance, hip-hop, electronica and metal. Every hip-hop/dance crossover of the decade started here.

16. Snow Patrol - Run (2004)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od4vhtjeBqY

Why: One of the best crowd participation songs ever. As with most Snow Patrol songs the lyrics seem to be able to fit in with quite a lot of depressing situations. Crashing drums and heavy guitar are present but it's the vocals that get you.

15. Animal Collective - My Girls (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zol2MJf6XNE&ob=av3e

Why : There is no genre of music for this song. It created its own category. Call it a landscape of sound, it's like if a psychedelic drug was administered via sound instead of pills. Listening to it on headphones will cause drifting away.

14. Arctic Monkeys - A Certain Romance (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPmLadF3ydI

Why: Heavy rocks riffs to start with. Some indie style picking, some reggae strumming. Somewhat out of tune drumming. And the most original lyrics anyone has ever written come from this band.

13. Coldplay - Clocks (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWtbXpyqPGU

Why: The most recognizable piano riff of the decade. Chris Martin singing of comparison, contradiction and running out of time, or he might be, because the lyrics aren't all that clear-cut. Hypnotically frantic and exceedingly gorgeous tune, Coldplay built a lot on this.

12. Lupe Fiasco - Hurt Me Soul (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI6iZJOntY8

Why: Three different hooks are in this songs. A ferocious satire about the hypocrisy of the modern rap scene. Lupe continues to show distaste for the violent, negative lyrics of modern rap but questions if the rappers are really 'coming true'. The last verse perfectly captures the overwhelming nature of life in the 21st century.

11. Bruce Springsteen - Long Walk Home (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwLfgH6D_EA

Why: Bruce goes political better than anyone else. Talking about how he felt during the George Bush presidency in this song, he details the change of the singer's world. People, places and ideals have changed. The world feels strange. The Boss always captures the moment in song perfectly.

Songs of the Decade -Part 8

2010-10-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

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.

27. The Strokes - Last Nite (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrmtySpO3Fs

Why: One of the best guitar tracks of the decade. The muffled sound of the singing somehow manages to work even though it's hard to pick up the lyrics at first. This is a song that seems to be much too short cause you never want it to end.

26. Radiohead - Everything in It's Right Place (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSpJEuNZxIk

Why: This was the song that signalled the departure of Radiohead from alt. Electronica and all sorts of effects make the song surreal. The completely abstract lyrics don't help the clarity either. A bit of a caught-up mind-trip.

25. Bombay Vikings ft. Falguni Pathak - Tera Mera Pyaar Sanam (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrg2l_qaZP0

Why: The English and Hindi merging is what Bombay Vikings do best. They never did it better than in this song. They usually get overly sentimental with the English lyrics but they walk the line perfectly to make it poignant without being cliched.

24. Arctic Monkeys - I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7dt1li5SyY

Why: If Tom Jones covers your song at Wembley one year after it comes out, then its got to be something. Noisy, punk and full of energy. It's a bit eclectic but it works. "Like a robot from 1984" may possibly be the most original description of a girl looking good while dancing.

23. Beck - Lost Cause (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMgRp3zun6Y

Why: A candidate for most depressing song ever. The starkly honest portrayal of a relationship that doesn't work.

22. The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFtywrOTnHw

Why: Are they serious? Are they joking around? I have no idea but they made a great song. Heavy guitar riffs with interspersed solos and falsetto lyrics; are we channelling Queen?

21. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk76rsV71S0

Why: The melodic soundscape Flaming Lips creates with guitars is unlike anything else. A psychedelic trip about making the most of life before it's over

Songs of the Decade -Part 7

2010-10-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

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: Possibly the start of the autotune regularity. The pop/house track gets you up and keeps you going for the entire 5 minute duration. Which is what you want from house music anyway.

36. Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor - Come What May (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1hz1xrqvos&feature=related

Why: The perfect song for a movie? It fits into Moulin Rouge! completely as a declaration of love, becoming prominent as the film goes on. By itself it's still great, coupled with the film- it's a masterpiece.

35. Band of Horses - Detlef Schrempf (2007)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ti4JcBR12c

Why: Does anyone know why it's named after the German basketball player? Soft guitar picking with sporadic overlapping solos give the structure. The voice of Ben Bridwell manages to sound like he can produce vibrato-it's that haunting.

34. Killswitch Engage - The End of Heartache (2004)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af4R7EcZIEk

Why: The founders of metalcore hit the charts with the album of the same name. Screaming and singing alternating, positive lyrics, crisis of faith and relationship issues. Shredding guitar riffs and pounding drums. What took them so long to get famous?

33. John Legend - Ordinary People (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDMpkWiex60

Why: A simple piano ballad about how relationships are in real life. 'No fairy-tale' endings are something everyone can relate to.

32. Wilco - Jesus , Etc. (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVC1k9x2Ryw

Why: Do Wilco ever give song lyrics that are direct? Seems like you can fit any topic in the world to what they're singing about. And it's a good thing. A simple song with understated instrumentation, which comes and goes sporadically.

31. Bob Dylan - Mississippi (2001)

(nothing on youtube.Take it on faith)

Why: Finally Bob Dylan gave us some of the old. Why'd he hold back for so long? A beautiful love song that recalls all the classic folk tunes you thought were gone

Best Concert DVDs (21st Century)

2010-10-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

9. The Rolling Stones - The Big Bang - 2008 - Various

8. The Killers - Live From The Royal Albert Hall - 2009 - Royal Albert Hall, London

7. Queens of the Stone Age - Over the Years and Through the Woods -2005 -Brixton Academy, London

6. The White Stripes - Under Blackpool Lights -2004 - Winter Gardens, Blackpool

5. Elton John - Dream Ticket -2004 - Various

4.Rush - Snakes and Arrows Live - 2008 - Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam & Wireless Amphitheatre, Atlanta

3. Coldplay -Live2003 - 2003 - Hordern Pavillion, Sydney

2. Rage Against The Machine - Live at the Grand Olympic Stadium -2003 - Grand Olympic Stadium, Los Angeles

1.Bruce Springsteen - London Calling: Live in Hyde Park -2010 - Hyde Park,London

Songs of the Decade -Part 6

2010-10-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

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 from Jimmy Eat World, but they keep it fun with a catchy hook and upbeat guitar.

46. Keane - A Bad Dream (2007)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SetZMHgARqs

Why: Based on a W.B. Yeats poem the song is a ethereal as you'd expect from the source inspiration. Starts out pretty slow and calm but develops into a loud expression of anger.Or as angry as you get from Keane anyway.

45. Kanye West ft. John Mayer - Bittersweet Poetry (2007)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35c8IW0vsSE

Why: Lyrics that map the demise of a relationship but an on-again, off-again one. Manages to make the love-hate relationship seem so clear that even people who never had one can relate. Signals the start of Kanye going alt, whether that's good or bad remains debatable.

44. R.Kelly - Ignition (Remix) (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6y_4_b6RS8

Why: A casual unleashing of images that create the mood of a night about the town. This is the song that symbolizes 'the best night out' in the 00 decade.

43. Coldplay - A Message (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXkD8s1OLkc

Why: Another beautiful Coldplay song with ambiguous lyrics. Is it to a lover who's away? To an ex? A ballad of unrequited love? We'll never know but it's beautiful. Whatever the story behind it is.

42. Snow Patrol - An Olive Grove Facing the Sea (2009 Version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAZKE8Pm0HI&feature=related

Why: An entire orchestra gets involved in this one. Possibly the most haunting of Snow Patrol's songs (and haunting is their style) and maybe the one that's most fantasy inducing. It gets into your head, like very few songs will.

41. Bruce Springsteen - Devils & Dust (2005)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5SNqgtTrq8

Why: Acoustic folk rock puts Bruce back to his 'Ghost of Tom Joad' best. Lyrics are about an American soldier who is struggling to find the point of his mission. Not your conventional anti-war song, the soldier wants to do what's right and take a righteous stand.