text:
It's time to address the elephant in the room. I didn't want to say anything yesterday because I was honestly worried it was a glitch in the interface, but I've got confirmation and it's true: I'm now listed on the Hype Machine. Wow. At the end of the day, this doesn't effect my blogging at all. I do this because I love it, I love music, and I love sharing it with other people. What it does effect, however, is the audience I'm reaching. My site traffic has sextupled in the past 24 hours. I'm shocked and humbled. Thanks to everyone who has been with me since the beginning. To everyone else: welcome. I'm so excited about this traffic increase because it now means that I can share the music I love so much with an increasingly wide audience. I'm glad you're here, and I hope that you love what I have to share with you as much as I do. Finally, I hope that I might somehow inspire you to go out there and support your local scene and the artists who's music serves to brighten your day. :)
Anyway, on to the good stuff. If you didn't already know, I'm a huge fan of Australia's Miami Horror. Their album Illumination was one of my favorites of the year, providing me with ample amounts the good-times-had-by-all kind of music I so enjoy. Recently I've been getting into another Australian artist, producer Cassian (if you missed his FANTASTIC funk remix of Swick's Grow Up on my year-end post, be sure to grab it here), so it was quite a treat when I saw that the two had collaborated. Sometime this past fall the Aussies teamed up to remix Holidays, Miami Horror's latest single. It was just released a couple weeks ago as a promotion for both the single and Miami Horror's Illumination Remixes pack, available here on iTunes. Miami Horror's infectious poppiness and big band panache is perfectly complimented by Cassian's funk styling and driving bass lines, and the collaboration results in nothing less that a toe-curling mesh of both artists' styles. This song really does feel like a holiday, as its unabashed joyfulness transports you to another time and place. This is the kind of music that has me bouncing around my room using hairbrushes as mock microphones. Embarrassing? Maybe. Excellent? Most definitely.
Holidays (Miami Horror & Cassian Remix)--Miami Horror
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Holidays (Miami Horror & Cassian Remix)
It's time to address the elephant in the room. I didn't want to say anything yesterday because I was honestly worried it was a glitch in the interface, but I've got confirmation and it's true: I'm now listed on the Hype Machine. Wow. At the end of the day, this doesn't effect my blogging at all. I do this because I love it, I love music, and I love sharing it with other people. What it does effect, however, is the audience I'm reaching. My site traffic has sextupled in the past 24 hours. I'm shocked and humbled. Thanks to everyone who has been with me since the beginning. To everyone else: welcome. I'm so excited about this traffic increase because it now means that I can share the music I love so much with an increasingly wide audience. I'm glad you're here, and I hope that you love what I have to share with you as much as I do. Finally, I hope that I might somehow inspire you to go out there and support your local scene and the artists who's music serves to brighten your day. :)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Die Tonight
I meant to post this yesterday but fell asleep instead. Which I think is appropriate given the cover art.
Sweden's jj released their first mixtape, Kills, on Christmas Eve via the Sincerely Yours (their label) website, and what a great Christmas present it was. It's a unique and inspiring mix of samples and covers, personalized by original lyrics and production. I've never heard anything quite like it. I guess we should have known something like this was up jj's sleeve, as they've sampled/covered/ripped off pop songs in the past (i.e. the brilliant Ecstasy, which 'ripped off' Lil Wayne's Lollipop), it was only a matter of time before they expanded on that formula. I can only imagine this is going to become the new 'thing' to do among relevant indie-electro acts. But let it be said: jj did it first. And they're probably going to do it the best. Though all the songs are just a step away from genius, I'm posting Die Tonight, the second track off the mixtape. The reason? It samples/covers two of my favorite songs of 2010: Robyn's Hang With Me and my favorite guilty pop pleasure, Taio Cruz's Dynamite (hey, it's a catchy song). It opens with the first stanza of Robyn's lyrics before elaborating, then launching into a Dynamite-driven melody and beat with a completely new set of lyrics. Somewhat amazingly, it not only works, but rocks.
If you like what you hear, be sure to grab the entire mixtape (for FREE) at Sincerely Yours' website HERE.
Right Click to Download: Die Tonight--jj
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Comedown Sunday: Tear Club
There is 6" of snow on the ground here in Chicago...if that not depressing I don't know what is.
Let me tell you, a white Christmas isn't quite all it's cracked up to me. My bruised bum can attest to that after one too many slips on the icy driveway. I know you kids in Florida and California probably won't understand these sentiments, as you're blessed with good weather year-round, but I am in desperate need of some kind of tropical pick-me-up. When craving an island breeze fix, the best remedy (other than a plane ticket to Hawaii) is D.I.S.C.O.Texas, a production collective based out of Portugal, which includes some of my absolute favorite producers, Moullinex, Xinobi, and Justin Faust. Needless to say, today I've been on a total D.I.S.C.O.Texas kick, and while your side of the states might not be experiencing quite the same types of ball-busting weather, I think you will nonetheless appreciate this one. Kick back and nurse your holday hangover with the smooth flute work and airy vocals of Moullinex's beachy Tear Club.
Sorry guys, no downloading this time. Moullinex's Chocolate EP isn't set to be released until January on Gomma Records, and he's not giving any kind of promo downloads in the meantime. This track nonetheless deserves a listen, or several. Be sure to check Gomma's Beatport page in January to buy it for yourself.
Moullinex - Tear Club by Moullinex
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Difficult (SebastiAn's 2006 Parties Remix)
It's Christmas, woohoo. I hope Santa was good to all of you. I've got some bad news though: there's no way in hell I'm posting a Christmas song on here (actually, maybe that's good news). After 2 months of hearing 'Jingle Bell Rock' EVERYWHERE I went, if I never hear another Christmas song again it might be too soon. So, instead of posting a warm and fuzzy joy-to-the-world type of shtick, I'm going to embrace the darker side of the holidays: Consumerism. What better way to do that than with a song practically dripping in dollars? Paris' favorite bad girl Uffie (the original, better Ke$ha) released her single Difficult in October. The EP included a remix her label-mate SebastiAn, with a title invoking the the glory days of the last decade, before the financial crisis hit and the economy went to shit; when times were simpler and all we cared about was having a rocking good time. His remix highlights Uffie's delivery of the satisfyingly slick line, "Don't worry if I write rhymes; I write checks." I think it's pretty poignant in light of the holiday season, which has increasingly evolved to mean less about togetherness and more about conspicuous consumption. Whatever kind of spirit the holidays move in you, let's be real here: If it really is Jesus' birthday, I bet he'd want us to party. Turn up this song and get down.
Difficult (2006 Parties Remix by SebastiAn)--Uffie
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
(Other) Best of 2010, Part 2: Instrumental
Today I'm bringing you Part 2 of Loose Lips' 2010 Wrap-Up/'Other' Best, but these songs are of a bit different nature than those I posted yesterday.
After recent repeated journeys through my music library, I realized I hadn't posted nearly enough of the instrumental music I loved this year. In fact, according to Loose Lips' archives I hardly posted any. Consequently, I decided that these next 10 songs (11 actually, but I'll get to that in a second) should serve to fill in all the posting gaps I had this year. Unlike those electronic songs posted yesterday, these 11 instrumental songs ('instrumental' meaning music made by a traditional band/solo artist setup, or 'music that would still sound ok without electricity') do represent my top 10 'best' or most favorite of the year. Unlike yesterday, where I simply posted the songs in alphabetical order, today's list is ordered by preference, with the exception of song 11. Song 11 (Kanye) actually might be my number one, but doesn't quite fit into the 'instrumental' criteria, so I chose to tack it on as an afterthought. These songs span a multitude of genres, from pop rock to blues to psychedelic to soul, and everything in between. Despite the discrepancy, they're all fantastic, and deserved more attention that a quick write-up in a year-end list. In retrospect I wish I had gotten around to it. Thank goodness there's always next year.
***Update: December 27th, 2010:
I've received a notice of Copyright Violation on this post from the DMCA. I don't know what song the claim is for, so until I figure that out I'm taking off all of the possible violators until I can discern the culprit. They're still available for streaming, so listen away.
1. Tightrope (ft. Big Boi)—Janelle Monáe [from The ArchAndroid]
This is the song of 2010. Ms. Monáe crafted the most creative, genre-encompassing, fresh, and inspiring work of the year, and Tightrope serves as its crown jewel.
If you need any further proof of Monáe's genius, watch the music video:
2. Undercover Martyn—Two Door Cinema Club [from Tourist History]
Two Door Cinema Club exploded onto the scene this year with their unique yet familiar brand of youthful, exuberant power-pop.
3. Tighten Up—The Black Keys [from Brothers]
The Black Keys had been on my radar for years, but it wasn't until 2010's release of Brothers that they got my full attention. After polishing and er, tightening up, Brothers saw the band doing what they had always done...but better.
4. Lucidity—Tame Impala [from InnerSpeaker]
I always tell people that Tame Impala sound exactly like post-acid Beatles. However, I don't think they should be faulted for that, because sounding like the Beatles (in any of their incarnations) could never be less than 'a good thing.'
5. Come and Get It—Eli Paperboy Reed [from Come And Get It]
2010 saw an emergence in neo-soul music, and may I say, it's about time. Eli 'Paperboy' Reed is a white boy who sings like a black angel, and Come and Get It serves to erase any doubts you might have regarding race as a factor in making excellent soul music.
6. Revival—Deerhunter [from Halcyon Digest]
Deerhunter is another band that I had known about for years but never paid much attention until 2010. This is probably the only rock song about Jesus that I'll ever love, or even tolerate for that matter.
7. Freak Out—Tapes 'n Tapes
Minnesota's Tapes 'n Tapes are set to release a full length in early 2011, but gave away Freak Out this fall as part of a promotional campaign for the album. Thank goodness they did, as there was no better song of 2010 to help me put my shit in perspective.
8. Go Outside—Cults [from Cults 7"]
Released by Forest Family Records, I loved this song even before I started interning for the label. Cults—who just signed to Sony—are going places, and in summer's perfect big-sky-fresh-air anthem, urge you to do the same.
9. Boyfriend—Best Coast [from Crazy For You]
Indie rocks reigning princess and marijuana don, Benthany Consentino (lead singer/guitarist for Best Coast) proved that stoners can a) have feelings and b) make great music, too.
10. I Walked—Sufjan Stevens [from The Age of Adz]
2010 marked a change in pace for everyone's favorite folk hero, Sufjan Stevens. He ditched the banjo in favor of synthesizers, which in turn served as a kind of microcosm for the state of independent music today. Despite the lack of Americana on the album, Sufjan's poignant and moving lyricism is no less profound.
11. Bonus: Lost In the World—Kanye West ft. Bon Iver [from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy]
What's left to say about Kanye that hasn't already been said by the man himself? My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was everything he promised it would be, and perhaps a little more. Though it's a hard call to make, Lost In The World is probably my favorite track on what is an absolute masterpiece of an album.
Check back tomorrow for Part 3: (Other) Best Remixes
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
(Other) Best of 2010, Part I: Electronic
Here's my first attempt at a 'Best of [insert year here]' list…but it's not quite.
The thing is, thus far Loose Lips has been entirely dedicated to the songs I've loved in 2010. I've tried to only post music that's truly moved me, and consequently the blog's archives can more or less be read as my year's 'best' list. However, there were a few notable tunes that fell through the cracks, so to speak. Whether because I never got around to posting them, I was unable to post them due to copyright issues, or they didn't fit in with the aesthetic of the blog, for whatever reason they never made the cut, but that's not to say that I loved them any less. They might not be the 'best' by industry standards, but they're what made me happiest or inspired me most. Anyway, I don't think I have any kind of right (nor do many others) to make a qualitative list of the 'best' music of the year, as music taste really is so subjective.
So without further ado, here's Part I of Loose Lips' 2010 Wrap-Up, my "Year's OTHER Best" if you will.
Pt. I of the 3-part Wrap-Up features my top 10 (downloadable) Electronic songs of the year. 'Electronic' meaning music made by producers versus a traditional band setup. I say 'downloadable' because there are actually 12 tracks here, but seeing as I couldn't legally post the Grum tracks—which are arguably my top 2 electronic tunes of the year—I included 2 extra. (Make sure you listen to the Grum tracks though, they're stellar.)
Either grab all 10 tracks simultaneously by grabbing the Zip Folder HERE,
or pick and choose by clicking each song link and downloading individually. (Right click, save download...you know the drill.)
After Dark—The Count & Sinden [from Mega Mega Mega]
Continuing my Hervé kick ('The Count' is yet another one of his aliases, used when collaborating with fellow British DJ, Sinden), this song shows his playful and—dare I say it—poppy side.
Animus Vox—The Glitch Mob [from Drink The Sea]
The Glitch Mob were one of the most unique groups to break onto the scene this year, both in production and performance style. Animus Vox is creative and intricate yet immediately accessible.
Coma Cat—Tensnake
Tensnake proved to be the little disco engine that could, as Coma Cat became THE club anthem of Ibiza 2010. Can I get, can I get get?
Ghost In My Head—Niva
Niva started 2010 unknown, and remains relatively unknown still, but that doesn't mean this rainy day electro is any less beautiful.
Golddust—DJ Fresh
While the Flux Pavilion remix of DJ Fresh's song got all the attention among my peers, the original Dn'B version is what had me coming back for more. You can't beat the energy of the original. And the music video!
Midnight Walk—Barretso [From Bright City Lights EP]
Thanks Barretso, for giving me my most-played song of the year. IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER.
My Feelings For You—Sebastien Drums & Avicii
2010 was Tim Bergling's (a.k.a. Avicii) year, and this collaboration with Sebastien Drums proves he's worth the hype.
Second Lives—Vitalic
Though Vitalic's album, Flashmob, was released in 2009, the Second Lives Single came out in March, so I'm allowing it to count. Vitalic is one of the best producers in the world today; I'd venture to say top 10. If you don't believe me, just listen and see for yourself.
Tertre Rouge—Russ Chimes [from the Midnight Club EP]
One of 3 tracks off of Russ Chimes' epic Midnight Club EP; it's simultaneously sexy, fun, and slightly dangerous.
This Moment—French Horn Rebellion [from The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion]
French Horn Rebellion provided us with perhaps the year's best electro pop tune, which all but forces you to put a smile on your face and sing along.
Heartbeats--Grum [from Heartbeats]
Popjustice called Grum's Hearbeats 'the greatest song of the 21st century', and they weren't too far off. The thing I love about this song is unlike most songs that start at a '1' and build, climaxing at '10' and gradually fading back down, this song is at a constant '11'. I wish I could give it to you to download. Buy it here instead.
Grum - Heartbeats from Brian McBlade on Vimeo.
Cybernetic--Grum [from Heartbeats]
Oh Grum. Another song, another masterpiece. All in a day's work for Scotland's great electronic hope.
Check back tomorrow for Part 2: (Other) Best Instrumental Tunes.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Comedown Sunday: Nightcall (Breakbot Remix)
Now that I'm finished with what has been an absolute hell of a semester's end, I'm devoting my time to keeping up with this blog. To start, I'm compiling a years end 'best-of' list, with a number of my favorite tracks from 2010. Going through all the music I've acquired and loved over the past year has been arduous at best, but simultaneously rather inspiring. 2010 was a great year for music, though perhaps not so much for its audiences. With the rising popularity of music blogs, blog aggregators, and artist-direct free downloads, the sheer volume of available new music proved somewhat problematic for a listener (like myself) with a wide range of music taste and a penchant for discovering the next big thing. If 2010 has taught us anything, its that the world's talent pool is endless, and the chance of music celebrity in this day and age is quickly dwindling.
Today's Comedown Sunday tune is a product of this too-much-too-good paradigm. Kavinsky released his Nightcall EP (produced by none other than Daft Punk's Guy-Manuel) in September, as an 'aperitif' to his upcoming 2011 album. In conjunction with the release, Kavinsky and his label, Record Makers, ran a remix contest promising the winner a spot on the EP. In the excitement over the contest, pre-approved remixes became a passing thought in blog posts and reviews. One such remix is by Ed Banger's audaciously talented Breakbot (my favorite breakout artist of the year). I hope this post gives this stellar remix some of the front-and-center attention it deserves, as it oozes sex and funk, and begs repeated listenings.
Right-Click to Download: Nightcall (Breakbot Remix)--Kavinsky
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Comedown Sunday: Destination Pt. II
Photo Credit Jordan Chark
Destination Pt. II is from the 2-track Destination Single (which was comprised of Parts I and II) released by the now-defunct Damn Arms back in January, 2009. This song was on nearly every chill/cruising/bedtime playlist that I made for the better part of a year, until I kind of forgot about it. It shuffled up this weekend just in time for a night drive, and good thing it did; my highway cruises were incomplete without this song in the mix. I've loved this song since the moment I first heard it, and it still resonates today. It's ancient by blog standards, but the song's smooth synths, dreamy soundscapes, and filtered vocals singing about unknown inevitability make this the perfect Comedown Sunday tune. Though the band is no more, Damn Arms' sound is survived by ex-member Yama Indra's new project, Gloves. He's been getting a lot of attention recently for remixing fellow Aussies Miami Horror and Bag Raiders, so be sure to support him by checking out his Soundcloud here.
Right-Click to Download: Destination Pt II—Damn Arms
Thursday, December 2, 2010
At My Heels
Photo Credit (my dear friend) Doyle Bley
Happy December Everyone. Unfortunately, school/homework has become my new hobby for the time being. It's frustrating because now I have all these cool new site features, yet no time to post. I know many of you are in the same boat, so with my 5 extra minutes of time today (literally), here's a song that I hope will help ease the studying pains.
Twin Shadow is the brainchild of Brooklyn's George Lewis Jr., a multi-instrumentalist with a penchant for bedroom-quality production. He creates new new-wave with emphasis on synths and drum machines that sound like the real thing. Some call it 'dance rock,' but really the only dancing I'd be doing to this is in my bedroom. His uptempo albeit mournful meditations evoke 80's legends New Order/Joy Division much more so than Duran Duran. His entire debut album, Forget (released in August), employs the same subtle gloom which the former made so popular. The under-appreciated At My Heels, while never released as a single is nonetheless my favorite off the album. In this song Lewis stretches his silky smooth croon (which has been compared to Bowie's—listen for it) to its full potential, beautifully ruminating on his attempts to shake off the past.
Right Click to Download: At My Heels--Twin Shadow
Friday, November 26, 2010
Gemini Club vs Hey Champ
Notice anything different? Yesterday was Thanksgiving and I have quite a lot to be thankful for; first and foremost being the KILLER new Loose Lips logos and banners that the fantastic (er...magnificent) Magnificent Beard have graciously provided me. Magnificent Beard are a Dallas-based graphic design team who specialize in absolutely stellar gig posters (and I'm not just biased—they've won the Dallas Observer's Poster of The Week no less than 7 times). I'm also thankful for We Are 1976 for initially referring me to Magnificent Beard this past summer. We Are 1976 is a design shop/gallery located on N. Henderson which houses work by a multitude of independent Dallas designers. Magnificent Beard are regularly featured there, so be sure to stop by and support both the artists and the store. They deserve some serious love. (Thanks guys!)
Finally, I'm thankful to be back home in Chicago. In honor of the Windy City, here's a pair of songs from two of its up-and-coming electro acts, Hey Champ and Gemini Club. A few months ago these synth-wielding electropop outfits gave each other the remix treatment, and what a treat it is. Hey Champ's remix of Gemini Club is a groovy disco-tinged joyride (with a bridge at 1:17 that gets me swaying every. single. time I hear it), while Gemini Club's remix of Hey Champ is a stomping, stuttering piece of pop perfection. These two acts are definitely doing their city proud.
Right Click to Download: Ghost (Hey Champ Remix)--Gemini Club
Right Click to Download: Cold Dust Girl (Gemini Club Remix)--Hey Champ
Monday, November 15, 2010
If yesterday's song was meant to close your week with a moment of ambient reflection, today's song is meant to jump start your new one with a burst of exuberant opportunism. I can't take credit for finding this (it showed up last week on Altered Zones), but it nonetheless might be my favorite song I post for the rest of the year. The amazing Heart is brought to us by Vancouver's Blood Diamonds. After hearing this song I scoured the internet for more Blood Diamonds' material, but unfortunately there isn't much, save for a handful of tracks on his soundcloud. This lack of repertoire makes Heart even more special—if this is one of Blood Diamonds' first works I can't even imagine how his sound will expand in time. Utilizing the same cutting-sampling-original-materialing hybrid employed by the likes of Star Slinger and Keep Shelly in Athens, Blood Diamonds crafts this beautiful tempo shifting go-getter, experimental enough to pique your interest yet melodic enough to hold it. Marimbas, pan pipes, and tribal drums are offset by swirling synthesizers and the jubilantly admonishing,
"Get ready, cause here I come."
This mantra represents the perfect attitude with which to greet the day, the week, or the rest of your life, as the music provides the perfect theme.
Right Click to Download: Heart--Blood Diamonds
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Comedown Sunday: Brain Storm (For Erin)
Today's Comedown Sunday song comes from Mark McGuire, guitarist for Cleveland's ambient/progressive rock trio Emeralds. This 6-minute masterpiece was created using only an electric guitar and a delay pedal. These minimalist tools nonetheless manage to craft a complex, twisting soundscape marked by urgent melancholy. The song is intricate yet intimate, soaring yet constricted, and entirely beautiful.
Right Click to Download: Brain Storm (For Erin)--Mark McGuire
Friday, November 12, 2010
Where'd All The Time Go?
Pillowig Concept by Joo Youn Paek
Dr. Dog played at the Loft last night here in Dallas, but unfortunately I was too busy to see them. It's a shame, because I've been trying to catch them live for the better part of 3 years, and it just never seems to work out. In honor and remorse, here's a song of theirs that I've been holding on to for quite some time just waiting for the right opportunity to post. For those of you unfamiliar with the group, they're a bit Beatles, a little Neil Young, and a whole lot of spunk; with a plethora of 4-part harmonies to boot. In my opinion they're far too underappreciated. Yeah, they may sound like every other psychedelic pop outfit that came out of the 60's, but the novelty is that they are capturing that sound so perfectly now. Where'd All the Time Go? sees the band reflecting on missed opportunities and lost loves, accentuated by scaling strings and rounded off by a killer guitar solo in the last 30 seconds.
Right Click to Download: Where'd All The Time Go?--Dr. Dog
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Somebody to Love Me (Hervé's 'Very Vox' Remix)
The post I did a month ago on Voodoo Chilli was the first time I had come across the work of Josh Harvey, aka Hervé, but since then I've been absolutely eating his shit up. I can't seem to get tired of his work because it exhibits so much range--he releases under at least 5 different aliases spanning every genre from DnB to Acid House. To me, one of the most frustrating things about many electronic artists is their unwillingness to deviate from 'their sound.' There's a large number of producer-DJs relying on formula instead of creativity to push their songs to the top of the charts. While they continue to capitalize now on the sound that made them popular, in 5 years (or sooner) that genre is going to fall out of favor, leaving them to wallow in obscurity. Harvey's approach to music is just the opposite. His creativity and willingness to experiment is flush throughout his work, and this thinking outside the box actually pays off chart-wise because it all sounds so fresh.
Somebody to Love Me is the first single off of Mark Ronson's new Record Collection. With vocals from Boy George and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow, it showcases a powerhouse of talent, and as a result has gotten quite the remix treatment. While the Holy Ghost! version has been getting most of the attention, the Hervé remix is the best. Take my word for it. The slow, introspective original had some upbeat elements: chimes, xylophones, and a high, danceable bassline. Harvey capitalizes on these by kicking up the beat and adding some flourishes. The result retains the meat of the original while pushing the emotional tone in a completely different direction. The Hervé remix has a distinctly sunny-day feel; perhaps it could even be called tropical. Think of it as "I want somebody to love me…at the beach."
Right Click to Download:
Somebody to Love Me (Hervé's 'Very Vox' Remix)--Mark Ronson & The Business Intl
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Minha Menina
Here's a little story about serendipity.
I have this random record that I picked up on a whim. It's a compilation of songs recorded during the Brazilian psychedelic rock movement from the late 60s and early 70s known as Tropicalia It features some of the most influential players of the scene, and showcased songs from the movement ranging from rowdy experiments in guitar reverb to trippy Asian-influenced psychedelic acid rock. I couldn't tell you the name of a single artist on the record, but I can assure you that it's good; it's perfect background music for whenever I'm feeling a little weird. This past weekend I went to Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin. The Saturday lineup featured a band I'd never heard of called Os Mutantes. I gathered from the other festivalgoers that they were a) Brazilian b) Kind of a big deal, so I decided to watch their set on a whim. Halfway through I recognized some familiar, buzzy guitar chords. As I wracked my brain for a connection, the band launched into the chorus and it hit me: "THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG OFF THAT RANDOM RECORD!" Sure enough, Os Mutantes are 'kind of a big deal' to modern psychedelic rock like Willie Nelson is 'kind of a big deal' to modern country music. Which would explain why the band members looked so old.
Right Click to Download: A Minha Menina--Os Mutantes
Monday, November 8, 2010
I < 3 U So
I < 3 U So is the first single off Cassius' new The Rawkers EP, released October 11th on the ever reliable Ed Banger Records. It's a slow burning piano driven soul tune, modernized by hard stomping kicks and fuzzed out distortion. And when I say modernized, I mean it. Cassius forgo any type of genre snobbery by temporarily eschewing their French Touch roots and exploring one of the most popular new genres, dubstep. No, really. Check it out.
Right Click to Download: I < 3 U So--Cassius
Also take a look at the music video for the song. At first glace it may seem merely a flagrant marketing ploy: the iPhone app featured in the video can be downloaded so the everyman can make their own tribute. But the app is free. And even if it wasn't, they're fucking Cassius—they can do whatever they want; flagrant marketing ploys included.
Cassius, I Love you so from WE ARE FROM L.A on Vimeo.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Running Out of You
I am the worst intern ever.
Keep Shelly in Athens are a duo out of Athens, Greece. It was just announced today that their debut EP will be released in late November by Forest Family Records. The irony here is that while I intern for Forest Family, until two hours ago I had never heard the band. Oops. To make matters worse, I confused this band with an unnamed demo I had received earlier this year, so imagine my surprise when I pushed "play" and was greeted by a completely different sound than I had expected. C'mon intern, get with it.
But what a nice surprise it was. I'm way too stoked to wait until Sunday, but this is perfect Comedown Sunday music. Pitchfork classifies KSIA's sound as "Balearic," but it's only by virtue of their origin. Whenever I hear the word "Balearic" I immediately expect Ibiza anthems or traditional folk music. That's not the case here. Instead, chill out to down tempo, ambient lounge music, accented by Sarah P's wispy vocals. Three-fourths of the way in it's all met by a triumphant triad progression, heavy kick, and a sampled voice declaring "Break it Down!" KSIA are pulling influences from nearly every genre in the book here, fusing them together to create something entirely sexy, dreamy, and new. I'm wary to make the comparison because of what high esteem I hold the following band in…but KSIA reminds me a lot of Röyksopp. Which is definitely, definitely a good thing.
*Vinyl connoisseurs (or anyone looking to start a collection), be sure to pre-order your 12 inches of beautiful beige HERE.
Right Click to Download: Running Out of You—Keep Shelly in Athens
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Let Go
Photo Credit Ibai Acevedo
I have no idea where this song came from. I have no idea who Everest are, and I don't know anything about them except that they're from LA and their sophomore album was released back in May. Their song Let Go showed up in my iTunes last week, and being an equal-opportunity music listener, I popped it on a playlist. Yesterday when it came up on my shuffle for the first time, it felt like an old friend was stopping by to say "Hey." I didn't recognize the band, I didn't recognize the title, but I knew that I had heard this song before. Where? On the radio? No, it's not charting anywhere. On Hypem? No, there's only posts about it from blogs I don't follow. On TV? No, I asked my roommate—a TV enthusiast—if she had ever heard the song used on a commercial or program; she hadn't.
And then I realized: I hadn't heard this song before. At least, not technically. But I might as well have for how familiar its formula is: Minor-chord tinged melancholy post folk sung by a heavily bearded 20-something who probably wears a lot of flannel. Think My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Minus the Bear (who Everest supported this past fall), etc. It's been done before, time and time again. But though the formula is tired, it's still true, and when implemented correctly results in gloriously heartbreaking yet empowering anthems for the vinyl set . Or their mothers, who hear it on the Greys' Anatomy soundtrack.
Right Click to Download: Let Go--Everest
Friday, October 15, 2010
Ray Ban Vision (feat. CyHi da Prynce)
This dropped only yesterday over at RCRD LBL, so it's hot off the block.
A-Trak is one of the world's greatest DJ's, and that's not just personal opinion: he won the DMCs World DJ Championship when he was only 15 years old, and since then has gone on to win basically every major competition the industry holds. His collaboration with Armand Van Helden as Duck Sauce brought us summer's dance mega-hit Barbara Streisand, and the label he co-founded, Fool's Gold, is set to release their first compilation CD on the 25th. Still not convinced? He was also Kanye West's tour DJ for a number of years, which saw him performing everywhere from the VMAs to the Grammys. CyHi da Prynce is an up-and-coming rapper from Atlanta, who is also Kanye's new protégée. These two members of Team Kanye teamed up to bring us Ray Ban Vision, a slightly ridiculous but undeniably fun song about seeing the world through mirror tints. I hate to say it because I am the whitest person alive…but damn this makes me wanna get crunk. Turn this one on this weekend when you want to feel motherfucking fabulous.
Right Click to Download: Ray Ban Vision (feat CyHi da Prynce)—A-Trak
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I Look to You (ft. Kimbra)
Photo Credit Julie Pike
Though the name may be deceiving, Miami Horror are not from Florida. Far from it. In fact they are from Melbourne, Australia, a city that must have something in the water what with the recent surge of dance-pop talent hailing from the area (including Cut Copy and Bag Raiders, to name a couple). I Look to You is the second single off their debut LP, Illumination, which was released back in August. It marks a calculated shift for the band from testosterone driven disco rock to genre-encompassing, glorious pop. Featuring deliciously seductive vocals courtesy of Kimbra, it's a delight not only for dance enthusiasts but also general music lovers everywhere. With its infectious chorus, driving bass line, and masterful incorporation of unique elements (read: HORN SECTION), I Look to You bridges the divide between indie credibility and mainstream listenability. Basically, it's the type of music destined for car commercials. But as far as being force-fed 'relevant' tunes by capitalist marketing enterprises goes, when it comes to this song I'd be completely okay with that.
Right Click to Download: I Look to You (ft. Kimbra)--Miami Horror
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
She Needs Me (Monarchy Remix)
Photo Credit We Are Tiny Things
I cannot adequately express how much I love Monarchy, but that story (tirade) is for another day. Here the focus is on Fyfe Dangerfield, a singer/songwriter out of London with a pretty fantastic name. She Needs Me is likewise a pretty fantastic song, made even more fantastic by Monarchy's expert production skills. Monarchy highlight Dangerfield's triumphant realization of "She needs me, and it's okay!" with equally triumphant strings, and a pulsating rhythm that gallops along into the sunset; into which Dangerfield is undoubtedly riding with his dependant, albeit willing, lover in tow.
Right-Click to Download: She Needs Me (Monarchy Remix)--Fyfe Dangerfield
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Map of the Problematique
Photo Credit Thobias Faldt
This song is over four years old, so it was quite a surprise when I heard it being used last night as the theme music to a new movie trailer.
Hearing it, I remembered why Muse was my favorite band for the better part of 5 years, and why I'd made a concerted effort to attend every one of their live shows that ever came within 100 miles of me. And how, regardless of the now-tired usage of conspiracy theory themes, occasional campiness, slightly whiny vocals, and Radiohead comparisons (which I personally think are pretty unwarranted), when Muse gets it right, they fucking rock. Nobody does bombastic progressive rock better, and if you need a soundtrack to your next world conquest, this is right on point.
Right Click to Download: Map of the Problematique--Muse
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Comedown Sunday: Breathe (MiM0SA Remix)
It's that day again. This Sunday's comedown tune comes from Télépopmusik via the up-and-coming, LA-based dubstep producer MiM0SA. MiM0SA is one of the few notable American dub artists; his West Coast breakbeats have been winning him legions of fans since he sprung on the scene a couple years ago. His new album, Silver Lining, dropped just last week. Pick it up and hop on the MiM0SA bandwagon—in terms of North American dub this guy is at the top of the pack. Here he remixes the gorgeous Télépopmusik classic, Breathe. The original mix of this song is nearly flawless, and I was skeptical that a dub remix could do it justice. MiM0SA's attempt passed with flying colors. Instead of implementing the currently popular (and highly over-used) dramatic dub formula of build-DROP-womp-womp, he approaches the remix from a trip-hop and break angle. The result is more reminiscent of acts like Burial or Potrishead than the recent crop of dubstep producers concerned only with wobble. He capitalizes on the hopeful, bated-breath mood of the original song with high octave arpeggiation and ever-nostalgic windchime effects. Perfect for a day of reflection. Even if the reflecting is just trying to recall what in god's name you did last night.
**MiM0SA will be playing this Wednesday, October 13th at the fabulous Trees in Deep Ellum. Check out the Facebook Event page HERE, and be sure not to miss it.
Right-Click to Download: Breathe (MiM0SA Remix)—Télépopmusik
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Fuck You
Cee-Lo Green's Fuck You is more or less old news. It's been dominating the Hype Machine charts for a couple months, its been featured as "Best New Music" on Pitchfork's playlist, and has been getting a ton of mentions by people in the industry. But it's new to me!
Seeing the rather explicit name, I assumed that it was going to be one of those ghetto rap numbers that P4k likes to include in their charts every once in awhile to seem more "mainstream" and to "appeal to a larger demographic." I wouldn't call myself a fan of ghetto rap (at all), so I avoided the song like the plague. Finally today, after seeing mentions of it everywhere, I cracked and downloaded. That's when I realized that my assumptions couldn't have been more wrong, it was the exact opposite of what I had expected, and HOLY LORD IF THIS ISN'T ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I'VE HEARD IN...at least the past week. Instead of being gangster rap about thug life and stickin it to the man, its mowtown baby. This is pure 1960's soul and r&b modernized with rather explicit but knife blade-sharp lyrics about a gold-digging ex.
That just goes to show, never judge a book by it cover, er, a song by its title.
Right Click to Download: Fuck You--Cee-Lo Green
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I have been waiting waiting waiting for the album release so I could buy and post this song. I guess I could have always posted the video or the soundcloud, but it's so much more satisfying to have a song tucked safely away in your iTunes versus streaming it on the vast world wide web.
Anyway, here's a song by Crystal Fighters, a band comprised of very attractive hippies hailing from Navarre, Spain (an area I'm currently studying about for my European Culture midterm). Their debut album, "Star of Love", was just released on October 3rd. If you dig the following song be sure to pick the entire album up HERE. Crystal Fighters are unique not only because they're Spanish (can you think of any notable Spanish bands? I can't), but also because their music is a certifiable hodgepodge of what seems to be a thousand different genres. They draw inspiration from everything from flamenco to folk, from dance to dubstep. However, rather than get lost in a sea of competing influences, Crystal Fighters are able to strike the delicate chord between paying homage to their predecessors and creating a unique sound all their own. Follow is a bouncy psychedelic rock number with a dose of flamenco. I guess the contest for my affection was over before it started, as anything with even the slightest Latin influence gets me every fucking time. Regardless, it's delightful.
Right Click to Download: Follow—Crystal Fighters
Also, check out the super trippy/cool music video for the song HERE.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Way Back Home
BAG RAIDERS' DEBUT ALBUM COMES OUT TOMORROW….in Australia.
No word yet on when it's going to be released in the US, but until then I'm waiting with bated breath. These guys are great, and from what I can tell by listening to the 30-second song clips available for streaming on iTunes Australia, so is their new album (yes I'm so anxious for the release that it's come to this).
Bag Raiders craft luscious house/disco/electro-pop songs with an inexplicable knack for getting themselves stuck in your head. Their first single and blog hit, Shooting Stars is a tricky little number: It starts as a slow-burning bower ballad, and just as it ensnares you in it's melancholy web it suddenly hits you upside the head with a chorus comprised of glittering major chords and a vocal line pulled straight from mid-90's boy-band era pop music. Before you have time to question the overtly mainstream change in tone, you've been hooked. At that point all you can think is, I LOVE THE WORLD AND I LOVE THIS SONG.
Honestly I don't know anyone that doesn't thoroughly enjoy Shooting Stars. There's something to be said for feel good, pop-for-the-sake-of-pop music: It's catchy. Those aforementioned boy bands didn't make millions of dollars and legions of adoring fans because they thought outside the box; they reached fame and fortune because their music made you feel good. I'm not saying that Bag Raiders lack artistic credibility—they are clearly talented musicians—but their formula works so well because it's warm fuzzy feel good pop that can appeal to everyone. If Justin Beiber were to cover a Bag Raiders song could it be a Billboard #1? Absolutely. It's just really, really good pop music.
Way Back Home, the first single off the new album (and the BR-proclaimed sequel to Shooting Stars), employs the same pattern of slow-build-then-in-your-face-pop-explosion, to the same toe-curlingly delicious effect. It's vibe is decidedly more dancefloor-oriented, but is still pop gold nonetheless.
Right Click to Download: Way Back Home--Bag Raiders
*And if for some reason you don't have it, here's Shooting Stars as well. Mmm mm good.
Right Click to Download: Shooting Stars--Bag Raiders
Monday, September 27, 2010
Upcoming Concert Showcase: Ratatat
Tomorrow the fabulous Ratatat will be gracing the Palladium Ballroom for what is sure to be a fantastic show. For those of you unfamiliar with the duo, Ratatat are from Brooklyn, NY and were pioneers of the present day indie-electronica scene; though few have been able to match their technical and melodic prowess, or achieve the same kind of mainstream success the band has found. Their live show is a crazy audio and visual experience; if drugs are your thing I'd recommend them for this one. Their videoscreens basically beg you to be tripping on acid. Think their Shempi video, but weirder, with a lot more Indian people. Though maybe this time it will be more like their Drugs video. Just go see for yourself.
To help pump you up in preparation for the event here's a few old school remixes from their famous Mixtapes. Released in 2004 and 2007 respectively, the two albums featured creative and catchy remixes of classic rap and hip-hop songs.
If you want new material, support the band and go buy their LP4.
Rick-Click Links to Download.
From Mixtape Vol. I: Get 'em High--Kanye West
From Mixtape Vol. II: Stomp--Young Buck, T.I. & Ludacris
From Mixtape Vol. II: Allure--Jay-Z & Notorious B.I.G.


text:
In over fifty years of its independence, India has gone global, yet managed to stay local. It has forged ahead into the information age, yet maintained its old–world charm. Celebrating its global identity, and proudly displaying its national diversity, this Web site explores the potpourri of all things Indian.
3,287,590sq km, 28 States, Over 800 different languages,
Over 1,095,351,995 people,
One Nation!!
[View Slideshow]
"India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most astrictive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!"
-Mark Twain

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Grip products include a variety of adhesives systems that work excellently in building product applications.
GripPro™ Heat - High performance with high frequency.
AkzoNobel Adhesives´ ultimate liquid/liquid system, especially developed for high frequency heated presses. In combination with our latest machinery 7230 Eco Flex (separate ribbon spreader) and the advanced functions like our software Forward Integration 8 (FI8) and LOG4 you will get the best benefits possible – increased productivity and improved quality.
The result: Higher efficiency with optimal glue consumption.
GripPro™ Heat – Your benefits:
Increased productivity:
• Fast system for high frequency presses
• Can be used in high frequency heated and cold presses
• Eco-premium solution
• Approved to be used with separate application when finger jointing
Strengthened competitiveness:
Gluing Process Optimizer - Forward Integration 8 (FI8), made for batch presses and continuous presses heated with high frequency technology. FI8 includes the following innovative tools:
• The glue amount optimizer, which gives you potential glue savings of up to 15 percent in batch presses
• The press time optimizer, which reduces the press time by up to 20 percent in high frequency heated presses
• The gluing safety guard, which controls your gluing process and will sound an alarm if any process value is out of the given range
FI8 can be used with our separate ribbon spreaders 6230 and 7230.
Improves your efficiency:
GripPro™ Heat includes LOG4, the new intelligent way of logging.
• The software collects any data from the machine, such as glue amount, lamella temperature, ratio and press time
• Analysis and reports are generated for every batch to help track the history of any problems
• The operator can write notes to a batch log
• The layout of LOG4 is flexible and can even be edited by the user
• LOG4 can be connected to your internal network and you can search data while logging
Key industries
Architecture and construction


text:
The year 2018 has not started well for more than 230 Cheshire drivers who have been arrested for drink or drug driving during a Cheshire Police operation.
Throughout December a total of 148 people were arrested for drink driving, with a further 86 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs. All of those 234 people arrested are now likely to face driving bans and large fines.
The largest number of arrests for drink driving were made in the Macclesfield Area which covers - Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Congleton, Knutsford, Macclesfield and Poynton - with 32 arrested compared with 28 in December 2016. However, the number arrested for drug driving in the Macclesfield Area fell from 43 in December 2016 to 16 last month.
Superintendent Paul Beauchamp, Cheshire police's taskforce lead said: "Year after year we hear about people who think they are safe to drive because they don't 'feel' affected by the alcohol or drugs they've consumed. Despite there being 34 fewer arrests than last year it is still astonishing to see how many people continue to believe it is acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
"Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous; it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards. All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision.
"All of those arrested as part of this operation will now have to face the consequences of their actions, which will have a significant impact on both their personal and professional lives."
All roads policing officers across Cheshire are equipped with both alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes, which can instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, whilst behind the wheel.
Superintendent Beauchamp added: "The consequences of drink and drug driving can be devastating, not only for the driver of the vehicle but their families and innocent members of the public. We are committed to reducing the number of alcohol and drug related deaths on our roads, and my officers will use all of the tools available to them to help us achieve our goal.
"I also want to reassure residents that although this operation has concluded, it is an issue that we continue to target seven days a week, 365 days a year. The message is clear, if you drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs in Cheshire, you will be caught."


text:
The Therian Academy
Prophet Gromgol
An older orc, with graying hair and leathery, grey-green skin. Prophet Gromgol's eyes are deep and thoughtful – and like most members of his tribe, his tusks are filed flat at the ends – a symbol of their devotion to peace and brotherhood.
While the Prophet wears no gaudy or luxurious clothing or jewelry, his simple garb is finely crafted. A chest-piece crafted of finely preserved humanoid ribs covers his front from neck to mid-belly, his cloak crafted from the hide of a white tiger – the skull of which forms his headpiece, small bone tassles which dangle from various parts of his tawny leather undergarments – and a staff, as tall as he is, from which dangle a number of small bones and beads.
Prophet Gromgol has demonstrated several times a devotion to peace. He seems genuinely concerned with the spiritual wellbeing of the orcish nation as a whole – a wellbeing which seems, in his mind, to be closely tied to peace and brotherhood among the tribes and perhaps even the humanoid races.
Very willing to boldly refute or even chastise other orcs who don't live up to his spiritual expectations – he has gone so far as to actually scold Chief Kortok of the Fur-Claw Tribe... an act which is no small feat of courage.
The Prophet appears to have the ear of at least the most powerful of the other orcish tribes, and has been instrumental in helping the party open lines of communication and negotiation.


text:
Description Fields Methods Author(s)
A class inherited directly from envRefClass
list, a base::list
Pop many by indexes.
popone(x, warn = TRUE, error = TRUE)
Pop the one at the given index/position (or name) in the list, and return it. If no index is specified, obj$popone() removes and returns the last one in the list.
Remove the first matched element whose value is x. Display an error if it does not exist.
Xiaobei Zhao
Add the following code to your website.
For more information on customizing the embed code, read Embedding Snippets.


text:
The Power Of Simplicity… Part 1
By Lance Witt on Nov 11, 2016
I really do believe that many of the people you pastor are looking for simplicity.
Simplicity. It's a beautiful word, isn't it? I really do believe that many of the people you pastor are looking for simplicity. They want a life that works. They want clear direction and purpose. They want a roadmap that helps them live for that which is most important. There is a lot of white noise and clutter in people's lives that creates disequilibrium and leaves people feeling exhausted.
But the irony is that simplicity rarely feels simple. In my life I have often longed for greater simplicity, but it has usually felt elusive and just out of reach.
And everywhere I travel and speak, I hear words that are a disguised plea for a simpler life. I hear words like exhausted, overwhelmed, overscheduled, stressed. People's lives feel cluttered, confused and complex…anything but simple.
Maybe you can resonate with the words of Charles Wagner: "Amid the confused restlessness of modern life, our wearied minds dream of simplicity." It is mind-boggling that he wrote these words in Paris in 1895, before the invention of the car, the airplane, the television, the computer, the internet or social media.
The world is not going to slow down. Technology is not going away; 24/7 access to everything is here to stay. We live in a day of option overload. And because of the speed of life and business, we have more options coming at us and less time to decide on them.
Dan Sullivan, the founder of Strategic Coach says "The biggest challenge for everyone living today is how to adjust to a continual increase of complexity in every area of life."
And I would say it is not just the increase of complexity, but the increase of speed.
This is one reason why your preaching is so important. It allows people to step back from the grind of daily life and thoughtfully reflect on who they are and who God wants them to become. And it provides the space to hear God's perspective and make mid-course adjustments to their lives.
And I am convinced that the quality of our one and only life has a lot to do with this issue of simplicity. This topic is about far more than organizing your closet or cleaning out your garage. So, let me share with you 3 steps on the road to simplicity.
1. Get clear about who you are and who you aren't
So many voices shape and inform our sense of identity and that can lead to confusion. We start living the life others want us to live rather than the life that flows out of God's purposes and our own values, longings, priorities, gifts, and personality.
Lack of clarity around who I am and what is truly important to me will lead to complexity and clutter.
All my life I have been a type A, driven, ambitious, over-achieving person. It is in my DNA. I am a fairly typical first born. But the script I learned growing up also contributed to my drivenness. The script I learned was… work hard, be responsible, do good, and that's how you get affirmed and loved.
So, when that's the script you live by, you are always focused on achieving. You are only as good as your latest accomplishment. At least for me, the end result was a compulsively busy and complicated life.
When I am talking to people I am always listening for the scripts that inform how they think and live. And while these scripts impact us and shape us, we don't have to be held captive by them.
One day I was on the phone with a pastor that I had done a LifePlan for about six months earlier. We were talking about his journey since the process and he said "You know what's been so great about my LifePlan? In the past whenever an opportunity would come my way, I would always evaluate the opportunity based on the merits or benefits of the opportunity. But now, I first run opportunities through the filter of who I am. Does it fit my purpose and my values and who God made me to be? It has made things so much SIMPLER."
In the next article I will share two other steps on the road to simplicity. But maybe this week you need to do some serious reflection on who you are at the core of your being. And perhaps you need to make the courageous decision to stop living for everybody's else's expectations and start being true to who God uniquely made you to be.
Related Preaching Articles
8 Ideas To Make Your Christmas Eve Service Memorable
By Josh Reich on Dec 3, 2017
Christmas Eve is coming, and millions of people will walk into a church to experience something. But what will they get when they walk into your church or mine?
4 Ways Your Church Can Help People Simplify Christmas
By Karl Vaters on Nov 29, 2017
It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas is also the busiest.
5 Mistakes Most Preachers Make
By Carey Nieuwhof on Sep 29, 2017
"So maybe you're a preacher, or you listen to preachers (or stopped listening to preachers). Almost everyone has a perspective on what makes or doesn't make for a great sermon."
What A Seminary Degree Will Not Do
By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2017
"I have all this education and training. Why won't churches call me as pastor?"
4 Weapons Of Mass Distraction In A Leader's Life
By Charles Stone on Jun 29, 2017
Ask yourself which of these four weapons of mass distraction divert you the most from leading at your best.
Techno-Danger Part 3
By Lance Witt on Jun 15, 2017
"To do two things at once is to do neither." Those words were not written by a distracted, multi-tasking millennial. They were written by Publilius Syrus, a Latin writer born in 85BC.
Techno-Danger Part 2
By Lance Witt on Jun 8, 2017
Two reasons why the constant use of technology is a danger to our soul.
By Lance Witt on Jun 8, 2017
What effects is technology having on your soul?


text:
College Kids
College Kids
College Park
Boston College
Bolton Hill
College kids give refrigerator a split personality
By SUSAN REIMER
January 1, 2006
HOLIDAY MEALS WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS aren't all that difficult to pull off. It's all the other meals that are the problem for me. Time is at a premium during Christmas and New Year's, and part of the reason is that everyone wants to eat, and that requires cooking. There are cookie exchanges and office parties and neighborhood gatherings, all of which require you to prepare food. (Every time I say, "Can I bring anything?" I wish I had kept my mouth shut.) And then the kids come home from college, acting like they haven't eaten since fall break.
College: where kids become leftists [Commentary]
Robert L. Ehrlich Jr
May 25, 2014
I've been thinking a lot about college lately. It's not as though it's staring me in the face, either. The oldest is finishing his freshman year in high school. The youngest is still in elementary school. Still, what's occurring on America's college campuses is on my front burner. First and foremost is the ever-escalating cost of a four-year degree - the cause of many a sleepless night for moms and dads. Tuition, fees, room and board for many private colleges has now hit $60,000 a year.
College kids see green, and pink, in their Lillys
By Susan Reimer and Susan Reimer,Sun Staff
October 12, 2003
LILLY IS BACK. And she's going to college. At the age of 71, no less. Lilly Pulitzer, the Palm Beach, Fla., socialite who made a national sensation out of a simple shift dress in the 1960s, has returned to the fashion front page. And it's the college kids who are putting her there. The resurgence of the whimsical florals in watermelon pink and green is no news to the fashionistas, who gave the dowager queen of preppy-dom a standing ovation at the spring 2003 runway shows. But the trickle-down to the masses is under way and much in evidence during a recent visit to Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va. -- a college old enough and just far enough south to be steeped in tradition.
Thoughts on Turgeon's 'fun' approach, Keenan McCardell's impact and Terps in the NFL championship games
January 17, 2014
Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Barker, producer-editor Jonas Shaffer and deputy sports editor David Selig weigh in on three topics from the past week in Maryland sports. What do you think of Mark Turgeon's request to the men's basketball team to relax and have more "fun" during games? Jeff Barker: People may scoff at it, but not me. It's not THE answer, of course. But playing with a more relaxed attitude - enjoying the game they've loved since they were kids - sure can't hurt.
Futons: not just for college kids
By Angie Vo and Angie Vo,McClatchy-Tribune
September 2, 2006
College kids and condo dwellers often make strange bedfellows, but a futon just may be the common ground. Originally thought of as a sort of poor man's couch, futons are making quite an impact in the home-furnishings industry. Once used almost exclusively by dorm and first-apartment dwellers, futons are increasingly showing up in condominiums and single-family homes in guest rooms, TV rooms and even living rooms as alternatives to sleeper sofas. In some cases, they are being purchased as primary beds or couches.
College kids and parents: Apart, but still connected
By SUSAN REIMER
October 24, 2004
A RECENT ARTICLE in the Philadelphia Inquirer made the point that today's cell-phoning, e-mailing and instant-messaging college students stay in touch with Mom and Dad on almost a daily basis. Almost universally, college administrators said they thought all this was bad -- for the students trying to live independently and for the parents who should let them. Since I e-mail, instant-message and cell-phone my college-aged children pretty much every day, I guess I disagree. I admit that I initiate most of the contact with news from home or cheerful messages on gloomy days or during exam weeks or gentle reminders about grades and study time.
Don't try to label today's college kids
By Angela Stanton
November 5, 2000
COLLEGE PARK -- Being a college student in America is probably at times the best deal in the world. Imagine being surrounded by flashy cell phones that ring "Fur Elise" in the middle of a psychology lecture and laptop computers through which access to favorite clothing stores or sports highlights is just a button push away. Many students spend their nights at the local watering holes and some of their days going on excursions with friends while missing the lecture on the intricacies of supply-side economics.
Those who use drugs lose right to Ivory Tower
By ROGER SIMON
April 26, 1991
When Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder recently said he would "not object at all" to the random drug testing of college students, he was accused of being the worst thing you can accuse a person of being: a presidential candidate.Yep, the idea of testing college kids for illegal drug use is so silly, his critics said, that only a guy running for president could come up with it.Even Bob Martinez, the nation's drug czar, came out against it. Though Martinez supported widespread drug testing of state workers when he was governor of Florida, he now opposes the same tests for college students.
Spring brewskis: our fountain of college learning
By ROGER SIMON
March 11, 1991
Just because a college education is expensive does not mean it is worth much.We all know that a college degree no longer guarantees you a job, for instance.It used to guarantee you a certain amount of status -- the ability to say, "I are a college graduate," at a party was worth something -- but even that has now faded.The kids today who did not go to college, but went into the volunteer army instead, are now heroes. And they are going to whatever jobs there are and have all the good-looking dates when they get back from the Persian Gulf.
College family's first test: shopping
By Molly Knight and Molly Knight,Sun Staff
August 25, 2002
On a recent evening at Towson Place, the stores were teeming with an unusually frantic group of shoppers: parents and their college-bound progeny. Cramming their carts with merchandise, they cruised aisles filled with plastic, pastel-colored shower caddies, polka-dotted throw rugs and collap-sible shoe racks. They clung to coupons and scanned the shelves for bargains. When they found them, they piled their carts higher. And higher. "This is a marathon," said Baltimore resident Beth Ahearn, peering over a cart filled with flower-print bedding for her 18-year-old daughter, Molly, soon to be a freshman at Georgetown University.
Managing teens' and tweens' social-media use
By Liz Atwood and For The Baltimore Sun
February 7, 2013
From Liz Atwood: I can't believe I've come to the point where I actually would like to see the kids wasting their time playing video games. What has driven me to this drastic change? Lately the kids have taken to wasting their time texting friends and posting pictures on Instagram and Twitter. Their new preoccupation with social media sets up a whole new challenge. In the past, I only needed to look at the rating on a game box to get a sense of whether the content was inappropriate.
Meet the CushPad: The perfect, plush case for your iPad
Gus G. Sentementes
May 8, 2012
Adam Raby, a Maryland native and UMBC graduate now living in Chicago, came up with the idea for the CushPad while watching his girlfriend fumble with his precious iPad, occasionally dropping it. He also got tired of looking for ways to prop the device up while he sat on the couch or in bed while trying to use it. So last fall, Raby, 29, tried his hand at building an encasement of foam that snugly holds an iPad. His prototype worked well, and he had a short run of 100 CushPads made by two Chicago manufacturers (hooray for American manufacturing!
Weekend's best bet: Mac Miller at Patriot Center
By Wesley Case, The Baltimore Sun
March 29, 2012
Watch the video for "Loud" above. His raps have curse words and drug references in them. Kids, be careful! I've been duped by Mac Miller before. When he released "K.I.D.S.," the mixtape that first caught most rap blogs' attention, in August 2010, there was a sleazy charm to Mac's persona. He was the young slacker making no-cred-necessary rap songs about raging, sneakers and hooking up. It was superficial, but catchy and executed well-enough to find its way to the masses of high schoolers and college kids most interested in their Friday nights.
Pack College Kid Off With Money Smarts
By EILEEN AMBROSE
July 21, 2009
Thanks to credit card reforms kicking in next year, card issuers will have a tougher time getting teenagers on college campuses to apply for plastic without their parents' knowledge. But what about now? Students will arrive on campus next month, and card issuers will be there to greet them at many schools. Will card companies make one more big final push to sign up students? "Issuers will try to continue to market to college students between now and the time the legislation takes effect," says Bill Hardekopf, chief executive of LowCards.
The School House
By Brad Schleicher and Brad Schleicher,Sun reporter
May 4, 2008
Paying for college or professional school isn't getting any easier. According to collegeboard.com, most students and their families can expect to pay even more this year on tuition and fees and, on average, $371 to $406 additional for room and board a year, depending on the school. Although parents and students can limit their overall costs by buying used books and applying for financial aid, there are ways to save on housing as well. Renting an off-campus condo or apartment may seem like the most valid option when trying to save, but in the right situation, buying a house near campus -- even with the real estate market in a downturn -- is a viable alternative to shelling out thousands of dollars over the course of a few years without seeing any return.
Just be careful what you step in
By LAURA VOZZELLA
August 24, 2007
Keiffer Mitchell, trying to give the boot to the mayor who once famously brandished a shoe, has resorted to footwear theatrics of his own. At a meeting with his campaign staff two weeks ago, Mitchell tossed his black dress shoes in the trash and - even more startling - unveiled his new look: dark business suit with work boots. "These are what I'm going to be wearing now because we have some work to do and we have a lot of you-know-what to go through," Mitchell recalls telling his staff.
From young minds, visions of inner-city life
By Larry Bingham and Larry Bingham,SUN STAFF
April 20, 2002
The art show will take place tomorrow, in the fellowship hall of Trinity Baptist Church, even though putting on a show was not the original idea. Chalk sketches will hang on the basement walls, and sculptures will be set about the room, and the women of the church may even provide light refreshments since the show begins right after the 11 a.m. worship service. And yet when the students from the Maryland Institute College of Art first appeared at Mount Royal Intermediate School, they didn't have a show in mind.
Managing teens' and tweens' social-media use
By Liz Atwood and For The Baltimore Sun
February 7, 2013
From Liz Atwood: I can't believe I've come to the point where I actually would like to see the kids wasting their time playing video games. What has driven me to this drastic change? Lately the kids have taken to wasting their time texting friends and posting pictures on Instagram and Twitter. Their new preoccupation with social media sets up a whole new challenge. In the past, I only needed to look at the rating on a game box to get a sense of whether the content was inappropriate.
Avoiding family feud over college kid
February 13, 2007
Editor's note: Every Tuesday through the end of tax season, The Sun will run an edited transcript of Baltimoresun.com's weekly tax-advice column featuring three experts from the Hunt Valley accounting firm SC&H Group. My husband and I reside in Texas. I have a daughter that attended a university in Virginia after graduating from high school in 2006 and resided in the dorm. She worked a [part-time] job (two, to be exact) for a short while in Virginia during the year 2006. My husband and I are unsure if we can claim her as a dependent since she lived in the dorm.
Futons: not just for college kids
By Angie Vo and Angie Vo,McClatchy-Tribune
September 2, 2006
College kids and condo dwellers often make strange bedfellows, but a futon just may be the common ground. Originally thought of as a sort of poor man's couch, futons are making quite an impact in the home-furnishings industry. Once used almost exclusively by dorm and first-apartment dwellers, futons are increasingly showing up in condominiums and single-family homes in guest rooms, TV rooms and even living rooms as alternatives to sleeper sofas. In some cases, they are being purchased as primary beds or couches.
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What is emusu?
emusu provides everything required to set up a website for managing and selling music and video online – it is an easy-to-use music portal, website design and editing system with an integrated ecommerce platform. Designed for the music industry emusu is accessible to musicians, producers, bands, managers, record labels, distributors & publishers. The entire system is hosted on the internet so there is no additional software to install on your PC or MAC.
All you need is a bank account: The emusu platform consists of a highly flexible website template that can be fully customised and branded. The system uses the Click&buy payment gateway to enable content owners to offer secure international purchasing of digital downloads and physical products through Credit Card, Direct Debit or even charged to a phone bill. Optional Digital Rights Management tools restrict illegal file sharing, providing full control over how your digital content can be used once downloaded.
All emusu packages also include hosting, optional domain name registration and free registration of sub-domains. The standard capabilities of emusu also include:
- easy deep links allowing you to create links directly to the products in your digital store from email, bloggs, myspace, second life etc
- Online access to user statistics and sales figures
- Net revenues paid directly into your bank
- Automatic accounting to royalty collection agencies & international chart compliers
- Multi-contact management database for e-mailshots
- Marketing and promotion through www.clickandbuy.com, 7m worldwide subscribers
- emusu file management and disaster recovery technology
The emusu music ecommerce portfolio also includes:
- Product 'pre-order' option allowing you to build up chart registered sales of a record in advance of official release date
- emusustats – state-of-the-art web statistics package includingh user clicks by page, language, browser, users location and much more
- 'Send-to-a-friend' emailable branded media player allowing fans to easily recommend your music
- Mobile content delivery
For more information on D A Recordings emusu music ecommerce packages and bespoke solutions please email firstname.lastname@example.com.
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text:
Looking for Kickbox Yoga Fusion DVD?
Save money shopping for Kickbox Yoga Fusion DVD with product information, deals, and exclusive Kickbox Yoga Fusion DVD coupon codes and discounts brought to you by the Bargainist.
We Americans love anything and everything fusion, don't we? Tex-Mex cuisine (mmm, fajitas), Country-Pop crossover artists, Reality TV. It's only natural that we'd do the same thing with our fitness routines. Lately, we've been obsessed with this Kickbox Yoga Fusion DVD. You get a serious cardio workout with the kickboxing component, but the yoga-inspired warmup and cooldown will leave your chakras aligned neatly and your chi balanced. We're a little sore now, but we're fitting into jeans from high school. Bonus!


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Too Italian to be true!
Believe me, I'm currently residing in paradise. Normally I lead a life according to Oscar Wilde's principle: "I have the simplest tastes, I'm always satisfied with the best". But trust me: This IS the best. OK – let me break this statement down to the facts: The scent of jasmin is in the air and I'm walking on little Olive tree blossoms when I ascend to the little town of Nerano with its white-tiled church spire. My feet fly even though the steepness of the streets challenge them. I pass little... Read The Rest →
One of the reasons, I am so tremendously inactive on my own blog is the relatively new tool Exposure by Elepath. It's a quick and easy way to showcase your photos and tell your stories on a modern, clean and exciting platform that makes sharing photos almost too easy. It's so much fun to put together an album of your latest journey or press trip and it always looks stunning as the photographs simply get the space, they are made for: full size. You'll love it Since I decided to... Read The Rest →
Secret Space City
This October I embarked on an interesting mission. Well – it started in Vienna International Airport. An airport I used to know quite well, but which has changed almost completely over the last few month. As I despise change as far as airports are concerned and prefer it the old – logic – way I got lost already before I checked in. Good for me: Even the people at the information stand weren't able to provide me with decent information on where to check in. Luckily I proceeded to the... Read The Rest →


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NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Shares of gold companies and gold futures prices both rallied Monday, a trading day after a report from a federal regulatory agency revealed an increase in trader short positions.
The "primary driver" for the rally in gold prices and gold stocks is "short covering," said Chad Williams, a Toronto-based analyst for TD Securities.
Noncommercial traders have increased their short positions, he said, citing a Commodity Futures Trading Commission report released Friday. A short position occurs when a trader has sold futures contracts but has yet to offset the sale.
The number of short positions in the market is the biggest since September 1999, Williams said, so the report provided an "important piece of news" and "made some of investors who are short nervous."
In the equities markets, the CBOE Gold Index GOX, -0.56% climbed by 9.4 percent to 35.34. The Philadelphia Gold and Silver Index XAU, -1.69% rose to 51.99, up 6.3 percent.
Individually, shares of Placer Dome Gold PDG, -2.27% added 81 cents to close at $9.50 and shares of Agnico-Eagle Mines AEM, -3.05% rose 75 cents to $6.81.
Gold futures close higher
Williams also attributed the rise in gold stocks and prices to "position squaring" ahead of a U.K. gold auction.
On Tuesday, the Bank of England will sell 25 metric tons of gold in the fifth gold auction in a series of six through which it'll sell a total of 150 metric tons.
At the previous auction, held Nov. 7, the U.K. sold its designated amount of gold for $264.30 an ounce, with the bidding 3.3 times oversubscribed.
February gold rose by $2.10 to close at $267 an ounce on the Commodities Exchange division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. March silver rose 2.5 cents to $4.805 an ounce.
On Friday, COMEX gold warehouse stocks were flat at 1,775,330 ounces. Silver stocks were also unchanged, at 93,378,330 ounces.
Meanwhile, the price of March palladium increased by $12.70 to $1,075.20 an ounce and April platinum rose by $4 to $619.80 an ounce.
March copper closed flat at 84.75 cents a pound. London Metals Exchange warehouse stocks fell 875 metric tons to 356,950 metric tons as of early Monday. Late Friday, COMEX stocks were up 821 short tons to 70,910 tons.


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Membership is open to individuals and organisations (government, statutory and non-governmental) who support the general aim of the EFRJ. Full members have voting rights, associate members do not.
To apply for membership is very easy! You just complete the application form below and complete the payment procedure. Organisational members must appoint a representative from within their organisation. The mandate, appointing that person as the representative and duly signed by the proper authority within the organisation, should be sent together with the application form.
Membership fees are payable for the period between January 1 and December 10 of any year. There is no difference in membership fee for full and associate members.
* Since 2016, the EFRJ offers a special discount for students (PhD included) who wish to become members! In order to apply for the student fee, students are required to send supporting documents (i.e. scanned copy of the student ID card), together with the registration form, to the EFRJ Secretariat.
Based on your preferred method of payment, click one of the two options below and you will be automatically direct to the online form.
All members can apply for a partial or full waiver of the fee under certain conditions. Please contact the EFRJ Secretariat for further information. Please mention 'Membership + Waiver + Your Full Name' in the subject line of your email!
To inform us about changes in your contact details or representative, please contact the EFRJ Secretariat. Don't forget to mention 'Membership + Changes + Your Full Name' in the subject line of your email.


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I have already allowed myself two predictions for 2011:
1. The pound will not go up or down against the euro and at the end of the year it will be roughly where it is is now (today: 1.16 - 1.17 euros to the pound)
2. Voters will say "No" to electoral reform. They are conservative anyway and will be even more so in the face of continuing uncertainty about their personal finances.
If I allow myself one more, then by the end of 2011 my predictions will be either mostly right or mostly wrong ... So here's the third prediction:
3. Dr Liam Fox will not be Secretary of State for Defence by the end of 2011. That's just a hunch - and an attempt to think about politicians other than Cable-Clegg.
And on that note, I wish you, Dear Reader, a Happy New Year!


text: I suffered from ARDS AND sepsis in February. I was in ICU for weeks. I was on a ventilator and woke up without use of anything. I had lots of therapy and I am walking again. I still get very dizzy and I have a hard time catching my breath when doing any activity. I have some kidney damage and I am in the process of seeing a Nephrologist. I never feel good anymore. A couple weeks ago I started losing my hair and I am scared to death. Is this normal? My hair has always been important to me. Today I cleaned my brush of hair 3 times. My hair is long and I am going to get it cut. I am scared to death of going bald. I have nightmares of things that happened in the ICU. How do I get through this hair loss. My doctor said nothing to me about losing my hair. I do not want to be bald.


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Guy Fieri's Craisy Oatmeal Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (I added a little extra)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (Omitted by Sugar)
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, soda, powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with a mixer. Mix in honey and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in coconut, dried cranberries, oats and rosemary. Fold dry ingredients into butter mixture. Form into balls, approximately 2 tablespoons. Place 2 inches apart on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake until cookies turn golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven to cooling rack. Let sit 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
Happy Baking!!
The way to a man's heart is undoubtedly through his taste buds.


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Archi-Visualization – Rendering Styles
These two images appeared over at WAN on Nov. 16th in an article entitled "Masterplanning Mumbai", detailing a masterplan project for?Bombay Boulevard, Mumbai, that was recently awarded to BDP.
Now, I'm not looking to discuss the project itself really. Rather, I'd like to know what people think about the two different rendering styles employed by the firm for this one proposal. After the comments received regarding the stunning Farnsworth House images created by Peter Guthrie [which can be seen here], I'm curious to know how people feel about these renderings – neither of which photorealism [obviously].
Also, what do people think about these digital models that look like physical models? By which I mean images that make no attempt at looking like photorealistic representations of the final product – but which instead look like simple scale models of a project.
Furthermore, if you can produce something as rich, dynamic, and detailed as the sketch above, is something in the style of the rendering below necessary?
.:actual article on this project->via WAN
Posted: November 18th, 2009
at 7:10am by orangemenace
Tagged with illustration, graphics, rendering
Categories: architecture,illustration
Comments: 4 comments


text: Matt was great. He was on time, very friendly, worked with the crowd and made everyone laugh. The feed back we have received from our employee's since the party has been all positive. Everyone seemed to enjoy his show and was impressed with his talent. It is just not something that we see everyday and he was very impressive. The ceiling at the Raymond was rather low for some of his acts, but he was able to adapt and still put on a great show.


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After the company announced that their travel scheduled had been cancelled in favor of running iNtense our of their home arena in Miami, Florida, investors watched the company like a hawk. After cancelling ticket sales and issuing refunds to those in the mid-west, jOlt needed to get a positive net off the ticket sales in its home arena. The figures are in and only 16,522 tickets were sold for the 25,000 seat arena. Their cancelled show in Nashville, TN already had 22,171 tickets sold before the cancellation and refund.
After hearing this news, investors began to sell off their stocks of jOlt once again, causing the stock to fall to $0.88 per share, down a full $0.20 per share from the last market report. It is no secret that Damien Lee and jOlt are in panic mode right now and the company has been making some desperate and drastic decisions in order to turn this situation around. There are many within the company that suspect something grave on the horizon, however, Damien Lee has assured his roster time and time again that everything will work out and that nothing is in jeopardy.
Those worries were quelled until today when Damien Lee announced to his stockholders that he was having an important, yet, difficult meeting with his Board of Directors on Saturday, September 12. Lee called this an emergency meeting and the results of the meeting were to be discussed with talent prior to Sunday Night iNtense going on the air the following night. Many talent are bracing themselves for bad news, but nothing is confirmed whether or not anything bad will come from this meeting.
As of right now, iNtense is not sold out with over 6,500 seats remaining to be filled, which would put it at the 25,000 seat capacity. While this number is up from last week's attendance, it's still shy of the 21,463 tickets that were sold for this week's originally scheduled event in Columbus, OH. We will have more on this story as it develops over the weekend so stay tuned right here to jOltwrestling.com for all of the details!


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As I said in my previous post, March is a busy month for me since I'm usually readying a conference paper for the International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts. This year was no exception, and I spent this past week surrounded by some of my favorite people.
I had packed a weeks worth of workout gear in the hopes that I would find time keep up my daily running routine. I did – once.
I spent the second day feeling a tad guilty for not keeping my routine, (which I've mentioned before is so helpful when it comes to managing my symptoms). However, I quickly realized that spending time with people who have influenced me most was far more important than my losing sleep and getting to the gym.
Turns out this was the best thing I could have done. I had so many soul-searching conversations, exchanged countless ideas and creative moments, spent HOURS by the pool, and had a week to reset. I'm returning to Salt Lake with renewed purpose and fervor for my goals.
How often do I let my health goals dictate my entire schedule? The answer is probably "too often," but as I continue my quest for health, I recognize and validate my need for rest. I'm not perfect in finding that balance, but I am making strides towards finding that sweet spot of hard work and time spent recharging.
Any time we can remove stress from our battle with PCOS, we can ease our load. I hope that you are able to find some way to recharge this week in whatever way your life allows.


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Weekly Totals:
Miles: 7.01
Elevation Gain: 728 ft.
Elevation Loss: 712 ft.
Time: 1:05:49 h:m:s
4/10 – Brown Mt – Radio Tower: 4.19 miles, 555 ft
4/11 – JPL Wash: 2.83 miles, 173 ft.
Legs felt heavy this week so my two runs were to shake out the tightness in my calves and to get a feel for a fast turnover. The weather wasn't the best and it was easy for me to make excuses to not run. I guess my mind was telling me to take a little rest. Did I subconsciously taper?
The Santa Barbara Endurance Run was canceled Friday night (4/13) due to the heavy rain from the previous night. I have too much to say (and I feel like I've whined enough on Facebook and Twitter regarding the matter) and will pass on saying anymore negative things about the race and race director. I feel like it was some kind of bachi (bad karma) that happened to me. I had been feeling really good about my runs and was cherry picking this race as a possible "win" race. I knew a sub 4:20:00 50k was very doable based on the course and the elevation changes. I was feeling pretty high on myself and I guess this was a way the running gods saw fit to bring me back to reality – or so I'd like to think. Anyway, no refund. Talked to the race director, Robert Gilcrest, for a good half hour regarding the whole situation and can somewhat sympathize with his concerns. It was a business decision. He promised to send shirts and other swag to each participant via mail. As of 4/22 nothing has arrived.


text: Heritage Building RepairsRepairs to Heritage BuildingsThere are a number of funding sources that can be considered that will assist in planning for conservation works to heritage buildings. They arethe Local Authority Conservation Grant Scheme for Protected Structures,The Heritage Council's Buildings at Risk Programme,Tax relief for expenditure on approved heritage buildings from the Revenue Commissioners,A grant for the repair or renewal of thatch from the Department of the EnvironmentConservation Grant Scheme for Public Buildings Irish Georgian Foundation Grant Scheme.It is important to note that funding under the above schemes is not guaranteed and retrospective applications for works already carried out will not be considered.(i) Local Authority Conservation Grant Scheme for Protected Structures The Local Authority allocates grants each year for the conservation of Protected Structures (as listed in the RPS). This scheme is advertised in Spring and is usually 50% of the approved costs of the works, subject to a maximum of €12,697.00. In exceptional circumstances the Local Authority can approve grant aid to meet 75% of the cost of the works subject to a maximum of €25,395.00. For further details of the scheme contact the Planning Office of Longford County Council.(ii) The Heritage Council Buildings at Risk Programme The Heritage Council has in place a database of buildings, which require funding for essential repairs. Each year the list of buildings is reviewed and buildings prioritised and selected for funding. Grant assistance is usually 50%. Further information and application forms are available from the Heritage Council, Rothe House, Kilkenny. Application forms are also available from the Longford County Council Heritage Office.(iii) Tax Relief for Significant Buildings and Gardens Under Section 482 of the 1997 Taxes Consolidation Act, an owner/occupier of an approved building (including surrounding garden) can apply for tax relief in respect of expenditure for the repair, maintenance or restoration of an approved building or garden. Gardens, in their own right, are also included.An approved building or garden is one which:The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has determined to be intrinsically of significant historical, architectural or aesthetic interest. In relation to a garden, it must be a garden, which is intrinsically of significant horticultural, scientific, historical architectural or aesthetic interest. The Revenue Commissioners have determined that reasonable access is provided to the for members of the public or in the case of a guest house that it is in use as a guest house for at least six months of the year. The scheme is administered by the Revenue Commissioners. For further information contact your local tax office.(iv) Thatching Grant Grants for the 'Renewal or Repair of Thatch Roofs of Houses' are available from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. To be eligible for this grant the house must be a normal place of residence. Further information and application forms are available from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Housing Grants Section, Government Offices, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Tel: 096 24200, LoCall 1890 30 50 30(v) Conservation Grants for Public Buildings Under the Urban & Village Renewal Regional Operational Programmes 2000-2006 a scheme of EU Co-Financed grants has been put in place for the restoration and conservation of the architectural heritage. Under the Scheme, operated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, grants may be provided in respect of buildings which are in public ownership or open to the public generally, which are considered to be of considerable architectural merit. In general applications are invited from local authorities, civic trusts and other not-for-profit organisations. Buildings in use for public administration or which are in private ownership are not eligible for grant-aid. For further information contact the Urban and Village Development Section of the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Tel: 01 888 2814.(vi) Irish Georgian Foundation Grant Scheme The Irish Georgian Society run a scheme throughout the year for small grants - ranging from €1,000 to €10,000. Grants are offered to buildings that are architectural significant or rare in their locality, that do not have to be on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Grants are also available for condition/conservation reports. For further information contact: Irish Georgian Society, 74 Merrion Square, Dublin Tel: 01-6767053.


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We get an update on the tone of the Aquaman and Justice League movies from writer Will Beall who wrote an early draft of the Justice League script that was eventually scrapped, and now Beall is writing Aquaman for James Wan.
"It's going to be fun, it's going to be really fun," Beall told Collider about the Jason Momoa Aquaman. "What we've come up with and James [Wan] especially — he has a really clear idea of the tone he's going to have, and I think Aquaman is one that's going to blow people's minds, not just visually, but I think the story and the scope of it is really great."
Will Beall continues with mention that the technology has finally allowed for a really good Aquaman film.
"What's interesting is that you couldn't have done it before. You know, you could do Batman in 1988, but now you have the technology, and it's going to be cool," Beall said.
Regarding Justice League, Beall says it will shift from the dark tone of Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman.
"I think Justice League again is, what you're going to see — I hope I'm not going to get in trouble for saying this — but it's much more fun, much poppier, than … I haven't seen Wonder Woman yet, but Batman vs Superman was a little more somber," Beall said. "But Justice League is a lot more fun. And I think that feels to me like the direction those movies are heading now."
Justice League hits November 17; Aquaman has an October 5, 2018 release.


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二千二十七: 8 years 8 months
Last month working with the UAT team.
It's been 2007 Jan - 2015 Aug = 8 years 8 months. Colleagues became friends, and most of us were about the same age so we all went through life stages together - marriage, kids.
It's been 2007 Jan - 2015 Aug = 8 years 8 months. Colleagues became friends, and most of us were about the same age so we all went through life stages together - marriage, kids.
The main sadness is because the team of colleagues/friends will not be working together anymore. (T.T)
This last month is more of just making sure the team from the other company taking over our jobs have everything they need (I don't think they will ever have what we have, experience). Although with all the unwillingness for this to end, a part of me couldn't wait for this to end as soon as possible. So that I can stop all the late night work, so that I can stop being so impatient with bb, so that I can pay more attention to bb, so that I can pay more attention to my hobbies and myself and also maybe to Ryo, and so that I can have a good rest from working overall. It wasn't easy to be sacrificing so many nights every time there was a release due to horrible work by engineering, with our last minute shortened test schedules. It was easy before bb, because it was just my sleep, but with bb, it was all our schedules (Ryo had to stay up to look after bb who was staying up because I was up..) To tell the truth, I was also tired of doing the same thing day in day out. I dreaded waking up to work, especially during the test periods, and there was just no motivation anymore except not to let down my teammates.
So the whole of August was spent waiting for the end to come.
Outside of work, we had a road trip with our neighbours to Nagoya, over 16th-17th Aug, stayed at a nice place with a good bed (of course I KO asap as usual in a hotel room), saw Nagoya Castle and had a good dinner at an izakaya with lots of Nagoya specialties. We drove to a water park, which bb & Ryo enjoyed alot, but just an opportunity for me to laze around as I didn't feel like queuing for rides.
There was also Bon-Odori at Meriken park. This year seemed to be a downsized version, with alot lesser food stalls and the neighbours had a new bb with them so it was hard to fully enjoy the event.
End of August, James came for a conference and we had a chance to catch up. Feels like forever since I got back from SG, it was nice to have someone to chat with about what we're both doing at that time.
With the reduction in work (and also lack of motivation overall at being jobless soon), I tried to bring bb out more, to legoland, to the shops, just out. Although once a week is more than enough, haha.
September - time to grow another year older....