So yes, this is one of my favourite albums from this year. I find it rather difficult to review, but I’m gonna try it.

Dan Mangan is 26 year old, Vancouver, Canada based singer-songwriter. Think about classical singer-songwriter stuff, but this time with an ‘edgy’, poppy folk touch with some rock influence too. Though his last album ‘Nice, Nice, Very Nice’, takes this principle to the next level. He has previously released the album ‘Postcards and Daydreaming’.

Let’s continue to the review. The first word that pops up in my mind about this album is ‘intelligent’. In all aspects, this album is intelligent. The compositions, the lyrics, the vocals, they’re all just well thought out. He never seems to fall for the typical singer-songwriter clichés, mainly because his lyrics are so bright.

Lyrically, this is one of my favourite albums. Mangan writes pretty literal texts, they’re filled with honest and observation. And the observations are good, really good. He also uses some great metaphors now and then, better than Ben Folds in his best years(and some of Folds’ are REALLY good). Filled with emotion and honest, the texts never become a cliché like song. There’s always a raw edge, some unexpected words, a great metaphor or some silent that keeps you listening. So a huge compliment to his skill of lyric writing.

Also, if you look at the compositions, the first thing in my mind is ‘intelligent’. They’re diverse, but the songs still remain an album. They might sound pretty easy at a first listen, but after a while, you might notice that these are some pretty decent tunes too. Great melody lines, various instruments, backing vocals, duets, it’s all on this album. Silent spots at the places where they should be and filling a song with instruments where it should be. Some of these songs are nearly perfection, like you would here on an Andrew Bird record. For example, ‘You Silly Git’ would fitted perfectly on the latest Bird album (with different lyrics of course). Though, the rest of the stuff probably wouldn’t fit at all. ‘Robots’ is one of the best pop songs I’ve ever heard. It’s catchy, it’s a great composition, it keeps repeating in your head, it got everything to become a massive hit. I have to say that a lot of his songs keep repeating in you head, without getting annoying at all. ‘Basket’ is one of those songs that rips your soul into a billion tiny pieces and makes you cry on a first listen (or at least me). While ‘Some People’ makes you want to dance.

Another remarkable thing about Dan Mangan is his voice. It just keeps my attention all the time, it never gets boring. It’s a rich, full sounding voice, with a little raw edge.

Compared to his first album ‘Postcards and Daydreaming’, he did really grow, in all aspects. Looking at the composition, lyrics and vocals, it’s a really strong album. Mangan got potential to become one of the new, big singer-songwriters in this world. Especially if he continues the path he’s following now. I don’t know if he can grow much more, but if he could, I think I might have found some competition for Andrew Bird for my spot of favourite musician. His songs are easy to understand, no difficulties or strange compositions. They’re basic and intelligent. And that makes this album a wonderful album, and one of the better ones made this year, and definitely the best in the (indie/folk/pop-) genre.  

[9.3/10]

Hey People. I was always fond of blogging, but had never tried at it. I am starting blogging from today (i.e., November 27th, 2009). I am very happy to publish my very first post in my life in this blog. So i will be publishing stuffs relating to my life, my music, and even many more thoughts i want to share.

I have a cute pet called Shwethu (a cute little dog). She will be completing her 4 years this coming December. So i am very exited to celebrate her birthday (December 23). She is so cute. Her father is a labrador and mom is a pomeranian. Below i have added some nice photos of her taken today morning.

Isn’t she cute in the above pics? She is damn sexy and my hot Shwethu . I simply love her a lot. You never know how angry she might get or how cool she might be. She is totally unpredictable. Very demanding in nature. If she needs to eat pedigree, she never eats anything else till she gets a cup of pedigree to eat. .. Such a demanding dog. .. We all have a great time with her. She is a great companion to quarrel with… ..

I have now started to read ‘Calvin for Armchair Theologians,’ by Christopher Elwood. I have to admit that I come to this book with a very doubtful attitude. The front cover illustration of John Calvin and the many ‘comic-like’ illustrations throughout the book worry me. I just don’t get a sense that this book is a serious treatment of John Calvin. That is the impression that presents when just looking at the book – I hope to be proven wrong for having ‘judged a book by its cover.’ The illustrations in the book are by Ron Hill, who is apparently a freelance illustrator and cartoonist.

I have to admit that the ‘armchair theologian’ part of the title also gives me a poor impression of the book – it sort of gives me the picture of a guy who loves to watch sport on the TV while sitting in his armchair, while not really taking the sport seriously in his actual life – has nothing to do with it in reality, in that he doesn’t play sport. This is the idea that ‘armchair theologian’ paints for me, which is an approach to theology that is far removed from the Bible’s idea of involvement with the truth.

But, as I said, I hope to be proven wrong for having ‘judged a book by its cover.’

Today’s suggestion is about doing something about the many children throughout the world that receive no education or very limited education. This can be especially true of many girls in some countries and seems to be more so in some strict Islamic communities and regions.

It is difficult to know just what can be done in this field by the ‘average Joe,’ so to speak. Whereas individuals may not be able to do a lot personally, they may be able to contribute by being part of a larger organisation that is able to bring pressure to bear on governments around the world.

It is also possible to be part of a humanitarian organisation that seeks to assist people to receive education and/or by donating money to such a group.

For some ideas on this particular suggestion have a look at:

www.campaignforeducation.org & www.unicef.org

A response to reading ‘365 Ways to Change the World,’ by Michael Norton

Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl recorded a cover of Darlene Love’s Motown-holiday classic Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) for the album A Very Special Christmas 7.

::Download::

Today’s suggestion is to get involved in the Open Directory on the World Wide Web by applying to be an editor for the directory. The idea is to assist in manually categorising web sites submitted to the directory

For more information on the Open Directory visit:

http://dmoz.org

I have enough work in maintaining and adding to the many web sites, blogs, etc, that I own. So I’ll opt out of getting involved in this project, but none-the-less think it is a very worthwhile one.

Yep, I did it again! I went on another date. This time, it was a blind date. She is a friend of a friends partner. We all (me, my friend from work, her partner, and my date) went to a comedy club last friday.

She was gorgeous!!!

I was quiet…

She has a 5 month old daughter!!!

That doesn’t bother me at all, but I didn’t tell her that…

She ordered the same drink I did!!!

But I didn’t make a single comment about it…

She got really mad about a drunk guy that kept running into me!!!

But I don’t believe in arguing with the drunk and stupid, so I didn’t make a sound…

She works in IT, like me!!!

But I didn’t ask a single question…

She later told my friend and her partner that I was very quiet!!!

And suddenly I sent off about 4 BILLION text messages to that friend about how lame I was and that she should really send the girl my person contact information!!!

And my friend sent off the information!!!!

But I haven’t heard a word…

Still single, and just realized that Elmer Fudd was talking about hunting, not dating.

Scott

[UPDATE] While I still haven’t heard from her personally, I have heard from my friend that she enjoyed the date and wishes I hadn’t been so quiet. She’s looking forward to date #2!

Which, by the way, at this point looks to be another double date in mid December. What are we doing? Going to a strip club!!!!

I sure do live an odd singles life!!!!

Scott

It’s time for my list. I will be working on it, because there are still some things(latest Swell Season, Devendra Banhart, Julie Doiron etc.) that I have to hear. Recommendations are very welcome! Anyway, some of my favourites:

Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice [9.8/10]
I think this is my favourite album from this year. Cute, teddy-bear-ish-looking singer-songwriter from Canada. He makes you feel loved inside. Good, strong and dynamic songs, nice vocals, very good instrumental work, wonderful lyrics. The best indie pop album from this year. It’s unbelievable that he’s just 26(25?) (date-material! haha!). Dan’s a keeper and you should keep your eye on him!

Andrew Bird – Noble Beast/Useless Creatures [9.5/10]
Again, a masterpiece made by Andrew Bird. It’s balanced, beautiful and unique. It’s pop, folk, it’s wonderful. I only miss the electric guitar a bit. Still, great lyrics, interesting, wonderful compositions and vocally pretty strong. Useless Creatures is the best instrumental CD I’ve ever heard, might have even listened more to that one than to Noble Beast. Simply beautiful.

St. Vincent – Actor [9/10] [review]
Annie Clark manages to float above her instrumental chaos. Or at least, it looks like that. Her compositions are actually well made. Vocally, Clark is really strong. It’s a pretty unique CD that you’ll love or you’ll hate. I love it. (read the review I did)

Jesca Hoop – Hunting My Dress [8.8/10]
To me, she’s live even stronger. Hoop mixes various styles and makes them her own. Great guitar work, great vocals. It might sound weird during your first listen, but it will grow. Especially ‘Murder of Birds’ is a wonderful track.

A.A. Bondy – When The Devil’s Loose[8.3/10] [review]
I know I didn’t give A.A. Bondy such a high mark in my review. But the album did really grow on me. One of the best folk albums made this year. I listen to it a lot lately, so points for that!

The Whitest Boy Alive – Rules[7.5/10]
Simple funky and happy. Don’t expect any musical obscurity from these guys. Erlend Øye got a great voice, some great lyrics and made some great music on this album. Strong bass lines, percussion and light guitar work. But after a while, it get’s a bit repetitive. Still a very nice album, best song to me is ‘1517′.

Laura Gibson – Beasts of Seasons[7.5/10]
Dreamy folk songs. Gibson got a great voice. This album stands out for it’s simplicety. Her songs are pretty vocally driven, with often some light guitar work underneath it. But also you hear some piano notes every now and then. The perfect album for a sunny autumn day.

Franz Ferdinand – Tonight[7.2/10]
Surprising new album from Franz Ferdinand. They changed their sound a bit, having more electronics in it. It’s still not difficult to dance on. They didn’t lose their Franz sound. Points for that.

Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest[7/10]
Pretty interesting album, on moments to difficult for me to understand maybe. There are some ‘killer-tracks’ on it, but overall it’s just a pretty solid, nice, album that isn’t really my cup of tea at moments

Regina Spektor – Far [7/10]
Not as strong as ‘Begin to Hope’, but again a very good album. Spektor goes from weird classical stuff to pop, not being afraid of sounding ’silly’. Vocally strong, but you have to love her voice. No complains about her instrumental stuff, but it’s not really ‘new’. (Best tracks of the album are ‘Laughing With’ and ‘Folding Chair’, these are perfect songs)

Wilco - Wilco(the album) [7/10]
Wilco delivered another good album. Still, it can’t beat Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but it’s a good try. It’s again the typical Wilco sound(that isn’t really my sound). But it’s a strong, balanced album.

Albums I want to mention but that aren’t quite my taste(though, I like some songs):

Soap&Skin – Lovetune for Vacuum
It’s too dark and obscure for me. It feels pretty creepy. But still, pretty good. (yeah, I don’t know much more to say about this one)

Zee Avi – Zee Avi
Too light and too bubbly for me. Pretty good debut album from this singer-songwriter. She mixes light, bubbly pop with a bit of jazz. Think Jack Johnson if he was a girl and used a ukulele more.

Portugal. The Man – The Satanic Satanist
Good album, but I think it’s too ‘heavy’ for me. Though, I do like the poppy ‘Work All Day’, ‘People Say’ and ‘The Sun’. Recommended for everyone who’s ears can handle more noise than mine.

Great Lake Swimmers – Lost Channels [review]
A more upbeat album from Tony Dekker and company. It does work out, but I like their slow, acoustic stuff more. Still a great album if you like them and do like songs such as ‘Your Rocky Spine’.

M. Ward – Hold Time
For all M. Ward lovers: Hold Time is a typical M. Ward album. His strongest point is his voice, and he uses is good. To me, M. Ward is a bit boring, there’s not much happening in his music. But that’s the only critic I can think of, so I guess it’s a nice album.

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Tools are very important and special devices which are being applied in all cannon of the economy and in different fields of the life. Applying tools in the farming let people living in bygone eras achieve much greater yields. At first they were these are very primitive tools, carved from wood, the stone or bones, then into the measuring cup of the developing awareness and progress tools were produced of durable materials. Hoes made of iron, shovels, sickles, scythes, flails, garden hoes came in and a lot of different helpful in all work in the field. They were these are handmade tools and using them required a lot of effort. Using by finding different tools and including became great facilitation to the work of draught animals which helped people with the agriculture pulling the plough, harrows or the cultivator. The turning point and progress in the farming bought only mechanized having the own drive or working in tandem with tractors tools. On their own working tools of this type are actually being called agricultural machines. Agricultural implements of different type are finding application all cultivations and agricultural works. There are harrows of different kind, rotovators, cultivators among them, ploughs, spreaders of manure of fertilizers, the planter, sowers, chaff-cutters, mowers, binders and winnowers. With universal agricultural machine at many works a combine harvester is of help. Once sparsely he is being seen on fields, today universally used as the multifunctional machine and used during the harvest for mowing and threshing of cereal crops, at the potato-lifting of root crops, beets and potatoes. Using it is replacing the functioning of many machines which earlier were used for making the same works and is also replacing the work of people.

I decided to create this blog post to let you people be aware that me and Quasar will be selecting new HikiCulture VIPs at the start of each month.

To become a VIP, there's not anything to it; we'll pretty much make anyone a VIP as long as they post on the site frequently and have good posts to contribute. There will of course be exceptions, like if a forum-member is a close friend to a staff-member they can receive VIP status without having to post frequently (for example).

I'll admit: receiving 'VIP' status isn't really a huge deal; you get a custom title (if you wish to have one), have access to the 'VIP Club' and have a shiny animated VIP rank icon below your user-name! (yay!)

Make sure to not take the Very Important Person too literally – everyone on the site who has something to contribute is important, we just want the main contributors/good posters to stand out. For you 'regular users': think of the VIPs as being people you can trust and rely on (well, most of them, haha). We will never select people we don't feel are 'VIP worthy' to become VIPs.

I'd like to thank all of the current VIPs:

Hypnos
Namae Tsukawanai
XBlacky
KuriHeartsYou
MoonChaser
Kobael
Midnightlight
Hatake
Estranged
Aphrodisiac
Trigun31
Soleiyu
S2
Josh151
Xander1011
Gregor
Zen Mei
HikiMickey
Syppress
OneSapphire
RobbyBobson
Moss

There's more to come.

Posted via email from HikiCulture – A Forum For Reclusive People (and Hikikomori) {HikiCulture.Com Site Blog}

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right now i’m just kinda thinking oh my god, what am I gonna do… it’s kinda like, a minature mental breakdown, all down to one creature. Susan Boyle.

AHHHHHH! I finally stop having nightmares about the thing and shes BACK! next week. xfactor. nooooooo!

somewhere deep inside of it  theirs a very disturbed and perverted man behind that demonic facade she calls a body.

its not fairrrrrr. urgh.

joy. now im being told not to be so judgemental. shhh. i’ll be judgemental all i like. its my right as a stephen being. dont tell me what to do or i hits you!

anywhoser.

wow just realised the whole text styles changed… sorrryyyy!

ill probably sort it out now and then you’ll be like what the hell was he on about… thats normally the case. don’t worry, its cool.

so now im sat in the dark completely lost to what i was blogging about… oh yeah, xfactor.

URGH! Jamie went. sad times. Lloyd sucks my foot nipple… not quite sure what a foot nipple is though…  wowy at Jedawrd. they get better and better. and Joe… i love Joe. Hes got a fantasmic voice AND hes pretty good looking. and hes around my height.

i likes the charity singlemajiggle. it was good. and for a worth cause… the kids story actually made me cry. i wanted to give him a hug!

college tomorrow, and i cant finish my work, once AGAIN cuz of my stupid fucker of a printer.

GRRRR!

another voyage with the Kev! fun fun fun campers.

So… G’Day mates.

Xx

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports:

We asked former House majority leader Dick Armey, whose FreedomWorks organization has helped stir up some of the more vocal “tea party” protests of the past few months, whether some of the rhetoric has gotten out of hand.

Specifically, did House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, cross a line when he called the health care bill “the greatest threat to freedom that I've seen in the 19 years I've been in Washington”?

No way, Armey told us on ABCNews.com's “Top Line” today: “I was there before John Boehner. It's the greatest threat to individual liberty I've seen in my time,” said Armey, R-Texas.

“If you find your personal liberty precious, if you understand the best decisions in commerce and production and distribution and product is decisions made in the private sector, then you find it very tyrannical to have a government dictate to you: 'You must buy this product, as I specify, this product, at the price I set for this product. If you don't do so you will be subject to even criminal sanctions and jail sentences, severe fines and penalties,'” he said.

“The Pointer Sisters had a great point about the song 'Mr. Big Shot, Who Do You Think You Are?' I mean, where the government gets off telling me what I must buy, where I must buy it, what its dimensions or specifications must be, and what price to pay — who do they think they are?”

Asked if there's room in the party for moderate Republicans — such as Senate candidates Charlie Crist, R-Fla., Carly Fiorina, R-Calif., and Mark Kirk, R-Ill., all of whom are mistrusted by conservatives — Armey said:

“People who seek high office, who think the stimulus package was a good thing, endorse such trespasses against past privacy rights as card-check and so forth, are people that we think will be counterproductive to our prosperity to our safety and security and rights as citizens — irrespective of party.”

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports:

We asked former House majority leader Dick Armey, whose FreedomWorks organization has helped stir up some of the more vocal “tea party” protests of the past few months, whether some of the rhetoric has gotten out of hand.

Specifically, did House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, cross a line when he called the health care bill “the greatest threat to freedom that I've seen in the 19 years I've been in Washington”?

No way, Armey told us on ABCNews.com's “Top Line” today: “I was there before John Boehner. It's the greatest threat to individual liberty I've seen in my time,” said Armey, R-Texas.

“If you find your personal liberty precious, if you understand the best decisions in commerce and production and distribution and product is decisions made in the private sector, then you find it very tyrannical to have a government dictate to you: 'You must buy this product, as I specify, this product, at the price I set for this product. If you don't do so you will be subject to even criminal sanctions and jail sentences, severe fines and penalties,'” he said.

“The Pointer Sisters had a great point about the song 'Mr. Big Shot, Who Do You Think You Are?' I mean, where the government gets off telling me what I must buy, where I must buy it, what its dimensions or specifications must be, and what price to pay — who do they think they are?”

Asked if there's room in the party for moderate Republicans — such as Senate candidates Charlie Crist, R-Fla., Carly Fiorina, R-Calif., and Mark Kirk, R-Ill., all of whom are mistrusted by conservatives — Armey said:

“People who seek high office, who think the stimulus package was a good thing, endorse such trespasses against past privacy rights as card-check and so forth, are people that we think will be counterproductive to our prosperity to our safety and security and rights as citizens — irrespective of party.”

Dirt Crew@VERY Special Club in Berlin

Mirror

New image in the windy flags photography contest

…
very large Vietnames flag photography picture

New image in the repetitive patterns photography contest

…
very useful photography picture

First Minister Alex Salmond says the financial situation for Aberdeen’s Glencraft workshop for blind and disabled people is serious…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: business in a recession. The blog is also related to: economy in recession.

New image in the shoes photography contest

Ad for a shoe shop in St. Paul de Vence, France …
(Very) High Heels photography picture