Room of Rumination

back from the blogging wilderness....

2012-01-04T12:24:00.000Z

It's been over 18 months since I last updated this blog, I had a conundrum of sorts with regards to the direction and the purpose of the blog itself. I felt like I was unable to establish a coherent flow and theme as such, but I've since decided that was precisely the allure in which impassioned me to blog in the first place. The ability to speak my mind on a multitude of subjects which happened to enthuse me at that particular time, was my process. A process that helped me catalogue my thoughts and musings, whilst sharing them with anyone who cared to indulge me for a brief few minutes of their day.

It is in that spirit I resume, if at least to provide myself with a platform to exercise my process of self-understanding and creative self-development.

I want this blog to be reflective of an eclectic mind, so please pardon the random theme(s).

My Kind of Politician

2010-05-16T16:28:00.001+01:00

Check out this clip of Rep. Governor Chris Christie putting a liberal reporter in his place. A man prepared to upset a few tabloids for the sake of getting the job done. Precisely the kind of personality and approach sorely missing in UK politics. I salute you sir.

My XI

2010-05-14T11:25:00.001+01:00

I can barely contain my excitement for next month's World Cup. Like every other credulous England fan, I'm blindly optimistic of our chances. Every four years this sanguine dream infects even the most ardent of critics amongst us and unites us in our hope to accomplish something that has evaded us for so many (too many) years. Our passion overwhelms our minds and we are left broken hearted. It's an all too familiar story, but a beautiful one at that.

The tournament also brings out the arm-chair manager in us, so after much deliberation i have taken the liberty of submitting my ideal starting XI (injuries permitting of course).

The Morning After.

2010-05-12T12:29:00.000+01:00

"I tell you why it's been rejected by most Labour MPs - because they know that they're [the Liberal Democrats] a bunch of opportunistic toerags, who'll say anything to anyone in order to get power. And they've done it this time, they've got power." MP Kim Howells

Last night was one of those evenings i long to forget, for two very different reasons. Firstly, my team (Nottingham Forest) were eliminated from the play-offs and most beleaguering of all, Nick Clegg was announced as Deputy PM. Yes, by now you are most familiar with my intolerance for this liberal clown. I've always managed to keep my Liberal-bashing proclivity in check though, glibly observing his ludicrous ideology in the fringes of UK politics. Now though, the realisation of his shrewd maneuver to the second most powerful position in UK politics is really getting under my skin. Let's be clear, the Lib Dems performed awfully in the general election losing 5 of their measly 50-odd seats. How is it then, in a parliamentary democracy, that the leader of such a party commands such a position?! I'm taking some comedic-solace though in the form of an interesting irony; One of the Liberal conditions of this coalition is the promise of electoral reform, just when they themselves appear to be the chief beneficiaries of the current system. I blogged previously on the perils of hung Parliament and it seems (with regret) my instincts have been proven right.

Simply Simon..

2010-05-10T18:28:00.000+01:00

Belated Bliss

2010-05-08T12:08:00.000+01:00

After 6 years in the making, Anathema's new album "We're Here because We're Here" is finally scheduled for release on May 31st. Anathema are not only the masters of melancholy, but also melody. There are very few bands that are able to conjure such achingly beautiful, spellbinding melodies in song. Despite evolving from the depths of doom metal to the atmospheric plateaus of progressive-alternative, they have been unable to forge a mainstream success. This has always baffled me, though i believe evading the mainstream has probably upheld their integrity and consistency as a genuine article.

The new album is co-produced by the genius Steven Wilson, which serves to further exalt my anticipation. Not only is the coverart elegant, but also fitting with themes of solitude and beauty embodied in the bands music. I'm not 100% sure, but it looks to be the work of Travis Smith.

I'll leave you with one of my personal favourites, a fragile, minimalist and contemplative piece with a nuanced depth both lyrically and musically. The outro never fails to send shivers down my spine! Enjoy your weekend.

I return (part II)

2010-05-05T10:48:00.001+01:00

Hello faithful followers. Apologies are due in part to those who have followed this blog, only to yet again witness it's abrupt and premature cessation. I also feel compelled to extend this apology to myself who has bore the brunt of the creative impotence. (Did i just use the words premature and impotent in the same paragraph? lol).

Moving swiftly on, i wanted to resume the blog on a political note. Election "fever" is sweeping the UK and though I'm admittedly relatively young and politically inclined, it is the most exciting race in my lifetime. The sad thing is, it is also unravelling into a rather tumultuous and uncertain future. The spectre of a "hung parliament" is very real and i am a staunch assailant of such a system/prospect. Though the last example in the UK transcends my own memory, it was fraught with monumental problems. More recent examples are evident in the likes of Denmark, Israel and Germany. Coalitions are without public mandate and are fraught with in-fighting, subsequently paralysing government with indecision and bickering. In a system which is already plighted with more debate than decision, it is imperative that we have a government/party with a overall majority to press through reform and their respective manifesto pledges. There is one thing worse than the wrong decision, indecision.

I don't believe in scaremongering, but I'm a realist. The most alarming event of this election is the popular rise of Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrat party (the same Nick Clegg who wanted us to join the Euro). For me, it encapsulates the problems of a naive section of the British electorate. The TV debates were good for this country and an important step in the much needed evolution of British politics, but there was always only going to be one benefactor (the party with the least to lose). Nick Clegg's cringe-worthy "I'm not like the other two" tactic, was quite frankly insulting to the intelligence of the electorate, though a sublime display of stellar acting. I've heard many people disillusioned with the two main parties and rightly so. I implore people to be more vigilant of the agendas of the fringe parties though, that includes both the right and the left. The Lib Dems want us to surrender our Trident deterrent, just at the time when despotic regimes are acquiring their own arsenal. This issue itself epitomises the naivety of the liberals. They argue that we should "set an example" to these countries. They seem to think these regimes have a moral compass and strive for a global utopia lol. Their policy on nuclear energy is also laden with destructive consequence. Britain is already being faced with black-outs within the next few years with the phasing and decommissioning of existing nuclear power stations. It is vital therefore that we embark on a massive plan to construct new stations to fill the impending hole in our energy supply whilst simultaneously meeting our CO2 targets. The Lib Dems also propose an amnesty and relocation for illegal immigrants, sending completely the wrong message to those seeking illegal refuge here. Such lax policy further strengthens the argument of the bigoted far-right and taints our progress as a multi-cultured nation. So yes, Nick Clegg is 100% right, a vote for yellow is a vote for a change, a change for the very worse.

Fly Shoe!!

2010-01-21T10:17:00.003Z

Big shout out to my boi Ade "E" Green for bringing these tv-themed kicks to my attention. These Limited Edition sneaks take inspiration from my favourite TV show "Lost", particularly the pseudo-airline "Oceanic". Although underwhelming-ly vague in it's inspiration(s), there are clear references in both colour and the insole pattern (see below).

A belated return to form?

2010-01-20T11:26:00.003Z

HIM's "Razorblade Romance" was one of those album's that literally changed my life. The adolescent in me embraced their fusion of love/death with an unrivalled allure and transfixion, providing the soundtrack to my youth/young adulthood.

My enthusiasm diminished on the release of their "Dark Light" album. I'm not one to court cliches such as "selling out", in contrast i prefer to analyse things on a more thorough and analytical scale. The melodies and arrangements had become contrived and the lyrical content had shifted to a more satirical direction, counter to my taste!

Their new album is due out Feb 8th, entitled "Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice". I'm not holding out for a glorious return to form, but am curious as to whether this band that once revitalised my love for music, is able to show at least a glimmer of past excellence.

I'll be opting for the Ltd Dual Disc Digipack version.

Rock On!

2010-01-18T09:49:00.004Z

As i mentioned previously, i have the past few years neglected my rock/metal roots, to the extent in which i auctioned off all affiliated assets. Such as my Gibson SG guitar, customised with an EMG pick-up retrofit and my accompanying Marshall "Mode 4" Amplifier. I do not not regret the aforementioned, to the contrary I've welcomed the breathing space and ample time afforded to expand my horizons and appreciate music on a more eclectic scale. This pertains to critique and my own compositions alike.

To reflect, 4 years ago little other than rock would be heard in my vicinity. I was all too eager to shun other genre's and ridicule them for their lack of "musical adherence". A stance i do regret!!

As is always the case, tastes and trends come full circle. My passion and zeal for rock has been rekindled and subsequently so has my lust for the electric guitar. I've grown quite ashamed of my soft and supple fingertips and am longing for the callus mitts that must grace any discerning guitarist. Yes folks, Drama is in the market for a new guitar....rewind....Drama WAS in the market for a new guitar. This very morning i ordered this Epiphone Les Paul Zakk Wylde Custom bad boiiii! I was originally planning on a Gibson Les Paul, but in my opinion Gibson's quality has deteriorated since shifting manufacturing to China. Epiphone's quality, though traditionally regarded vastly inferior, has in fact improved and are producing some nice models. This model is again retrofitted with EMG pick-ups and a lovely body design.

I shall be updating soon with an acquisition of a new amp!!! God have mercy on my wallet/credit card!!!

Junk i Love!

2010-01-15T11:59:00.003Z

Junk de luxe, the European design house are really impressing me with their recent collections. They seamlessly blend danish fashion with clear elements of italian suit inspiration. I personally have updated my wardrobe with many of their garments over the past two years, mainly for business which is able to exude a formal sophistication with a finely-crafted casual nuance. This not only gives their collection a plural benefit, but also a distinct signature with its references to previous eras and "distressed" details.

What's more, the range seem to fit me perfectly, not needing to even try on the garments on also affords me the luxury of being able to shop online with great confidence. They have contoured their cut to perfection, with a slim fit sensibility that i dig on a big scale!

Please Donate...

2010-01-15T10:42:00.001Z

I'm sure nobody needs informing of the tragic disaster in Haiti, suffice to say that we are witnessing one of the most critical humanitarian crisis' in living memory. From the comfort of our sofas, it's is impossible to even comprehend the suffering of those affected. In the cruelest blow, nature has once again compounded hardship on a nation already under the plight of such immense adversity.

It's a sobering thought that we are rendered powerless in preventing such natural disasters, but we can help those affected.

Some of you may be considering which charities will be best equipped to utilise your donation effectively. Well two charities i can personally vouch are ActionAid & Red Cross. Remember the more you can give the better, but absolutely any amount will help ;)

I'm not trying to forcibly coerce you into donating lol, and never imagined i would take advantage of this medium for such agendas, but the severity of this crisis compells me to use any means i can to raise awareness.

An innocent pleasure...

2010-01-08T12:12:00.004Z

I've always been one to observe a strict health-conscious diet, avoiding saturated fat and excessive refined sugar. Whilst such a diet bares fruit (pun intended) in terms of ones general well being, it does not sit so well on the palette.

"Eat Natural" is small company producing, self-explanatory confectionery with purely natural ingredients. There are literally hundreds of similar players in the market, soaking up the healthy eating climate/trend. "Eat Natural" succeed where many fail though. Their little bars of magic are tantamount to edible sex (i exaggerate not!) and are testament to a clear mission statement with a twist of tongue-in-cheek marketing.

My personal favourite is this "Apricot & Almond Bar", which is a delicious concoction of apricots, almonds, puffed-rice, cereals and an ambrosial coating of yogurt. This bar does bend the rules a little and borrows a few "unnatural" ingredients (a fact the company highlight on the wrapper, with an amusing amount of trademark satire). It does provide a protein rich & vitamin fueled wholesome product that leaves you not feeling guilty after filling your face with it. Highly recommended.

For those of you scratching your heads as to why i felt compelled to write such an elaborate piece on a fruit bar, i suggest you pick one up and then judge me lol.

Check out the website here.

HD Willy

2010-01-07T13:32:00.004Z

Pardon my overt enthusiasm, but i cannot help but declare my love for anything 1080p.

I recently purchased one of my all-time favourite movies in Blu Ray format, that being Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (the original). Whilst technically it is far from a perfect transfer (suffering from grossly apparent filtering and heavy-handed grain), it does provide a vast improvement over my original VHS & DVD copies. It also provides an ample array of special features and PIP functionality. It's amazing that even so many years since my last viewing, with a far superior hardware setup and a matured critique, i am still able to appreciate this low-budget masterpiece.

I adore it's complex metaphors and mysterious edge that combine beautifully to make in my opinion one of the darkest films to grace our screens. Yet it simultaneously doubles up as an entertaining, morally-charged children's story that maintains it's relevance to this very day.

Gene Wilder, i salute you in all your high resolution glory!

Modern Warfare 2 Callsigns..

2010-01-07T12:36:00.002Z

Fellow Modern Warfare 2 "n00bs", we finally have a definitive list of CallSigns and Titles, complete with how to unlock them.

You can find it here.

Caught on Cam..

2010-01-05T09:38:00.004Z

As a man who prides himself on his proficiency with Modern Warfare 2, i feel obliged to empathise with the gamer on the end of this most embarrassing kill.

Second thoughts, no sympathy from me! Let me tell you, these "campers" are the bane of my life. Any discerning FPS enthusiast will vouch for the annoyance that these "campers" cause. For those unfamiliar with the gaming term "camper"; it refers not to ones sexual persuasion lol, but is used to describe gamers that insist on sitting at one point in a map throughout the whole game. Often spoiling the dynamic of the game through their boring tactic(s).

Kudos to the guy who pulled off this most impressive kill!

2009

2009-12-28T15:07:00.003Z

Greetings all! I trust everybody had a Holy Jolly Christmas. I certainly did if one is to take food and beverage as measure!!

As promised, i will commence my mini-review of 2009 today, with the first feature...

Jam's of 2009

2009 wasn't a year to particularly celebrate in terms of music, at least in my opinion. I'll leave that rant for the album category though. There were however a few exceptional highlights.

I had neglected my rock/metal roots for the past few years and had grown disenchanted with the seemingly lifeless genre, but The Used's "Artwork" reignited my love for the mosh pit. This gem in particular has had almost constant rotation on the pod throughout '09...

I make no secret of my love for good country music either and Brad Paisley's album "American Saturday Night" was a masterpiece in the genre. This uber hit ballad prompted much in-car crooning throughout the summer...

Lady Gaga turned me out with this non-single jam...

Finally, this farsi-rap anthem "Tasmim (decision)" from Erfan became probably the most potent tune of '09. Not least for it's eye-opening video featuring footage of the repressive acts of the Iranian government forces during the now infamous post-election events.

I Return ..

2009-12-22T10:45:00.008Z

Apologies for my absence, work commitments (and internet restrictions) have forbid me the pleasure of blogging the past 10 days.

Fortunately my return yielded some spare time last night and i was suitably able to catch up on some television. I was hoping the death of "Californication" would be afforded some respite with a stellar finale, but it was unable to untangle itself from the quagmire of character assassination inflicted in previous episodes.

But, just when i was presiding over the decline of television in '09, along came this bad boy...

HBO do it again!!! This show, featuring Gabriel Byrne as the protagonist, is both highly intelligent and captivatingly gripping. It presides over a shrinks appointments with both his patients and his own psychologist (perhaps an idea influenced from The Sopranos Dr Melfi storyline). Now, to some this sort of scenario could sound extremely boring, but it is in the manner in which it is executed where the genius lies. It plays on the insecurities and anecdotes of it's patients, not with a preconceived perception of the dysfunctional, but with an air of self-reflection. Dissecting not just the patients emotions, but the interviewers and indeed the viewers. Its ultra-realist approach also make it an emotionally challenging and self-reflective program of impeccable quality.

Highly recommended to those who relish nuanced writing, high substance and all-round food for thought.

- Befitting the time of year, i will be submitting my highlights of 2009 in the next few days. A reflection of a year that has proven to be quite strikingly tumultuous and eventful.

Boyce Avenue

2009-12-08T10:34:00.003Z

Following on from my last post, i have another unsigned artist to recommend... "Boyce Avenue". These guys have made somewhat of a name of themselves on YouTube due to their live renditions of various modern radio hits. Far from merely covering these songs in an acoustic setting, they actually make them their own through re-arrangements and magnificent musicianship.

Their talents happen to also extend to their own material. Their debut, self-funded album "All You Were Meant to Be" is a gem. The guys don't pretend to be anything they are not, they focus purely on soft rock ballads here, which is very much their forte. You won't find much in the way of experimentation or self-indulgence, what you will find though is all killer and absolutely no filler. The songs are delivered with a maturity and perfection usually reserved for established veterans.

Highly recommended to anyone partial to catchy, anthemic pop/rock.

A glimmer of metaphorical light...

2009-12-04T09:03:00.008Z

Ladies & Gents, i present to you the most exciting new artist in the pop world, Simon Curtis.

It's beautifully encouraging when an independent artist is able to release music of such cutting-edge production quality as Simon Curtis' non-label aligned, upcoming "freebie" album.

Simon's music embodies 90's pop with a rhythmical electro dynamic and seducing vocal melodies. What i admire most is that Simon clearly has focused a lot of energy and hard-work into the drum programming element of arrangement, building on the foundation of the song rather than sacrificing it. Combined with his taboo-laden, thought-provoking lyrics, it gives his music a unique signature and neoteric eminence over a very saturated and formulaic contemporary pop market.

The fact Simon sites Darren Hayes as his "idol" is clearly apparent in his vocal, and as someone mutually appreciative of the said individual, i feel obliged to consider Simon as not only a great artist, but also an artist with exceptional taste lol.

Dual-Purpose Headset

2009-12-01T12:13:00.006Z

What a fitting acquisition for the winter months...

These audible beasties are any FPS enthusiasts dream peripheral. 7.1 wireless headsets that deliver the full audio of a fictional battlefield and simultaneously warm up ones ears in these sub-zero times.

The advantages of these Turtle Beach headsets cannot be overlooked, for those of you who are into the field of competitive online gaming, i cannot recommend them enough. Imagine being able to pin-point the source of each bullet and snoop out enemy footsteps in your vicinity.

Along with crystal clear clarity, amazing frequency response and 7.1 surround sound, they also offer comfort in spades. A must for any self-respecting gamer.

Cause for Excitement...

2009-11-27T10:40:00.005Z

I'm really looking forward to "Just Cause 2". For those of you unfamiliar with the series and the previous installment, it is in essence a spy/action game set in an open-world, "sandbox" environment. The original was set in a fictional central-American country, that afforded you the luxury of exploring every single square foot of an entire idyllic island.

Check out this trailer for the game....

As you will see, a feature of the series is the ability to sky-dive thousands of feet from the air over the island, a feature that eclipses any claim of gimmick. It works extremely well and is a quite mesmerizing experience. The way it is executed creates a scene of intense celestial beauty that is hugely addictive. There was nothing as satisfying in the original than taking a plane 20,000 feet in the air and parachuting off lol. It is an element that will work even better for the upcoming game, considering the immense graphical detail and mind-blowing textures.

Release is scheduled for March 23rd 2010.

Only God Can Judge Me....

2009-11-25T09:11:00.005Z

I don't know what is more disturbing, the fact that i "dig" a JLS song or that i was caught admiring Susan Boyle's rendition of "Wild Horses". As I'm sure you're all aware, the hype-machine has been in full throttle for these X Factor/Britain's Got Talent participants. Notably, neither actually won their respective contest but have secured lucrative record deals nonetheless (where's the incentive for actually winning the contest?!).

For the record, let me reiterate my utter intolerance for "talent shows" and their attempt to sell imitation as art. I think Sting said it best.

Uber-producer Steve Mac is responsible for this gem, a songwriter/producer i have long admired. So it is no surprise that this track appeals to me. The song is reminiscent of the 90's Backstreet Boys ballad template and is executed very well. Please be assured that this appreciation of JLS goes no further than this one song "Crazy for You".

I've not done my alpha-male credentials any credit here, so I'm off before i dig an even deeper hole...

Shameful..

2009-11-23T10:25:00.002Z

I've grown that bored of the "expenses scandal", that i could no longer care less if an MP personally broke into my house and robbed my piggy bank (yes i do have one).

There is an irony and hypocrisy to it all. The "grand exposé" detectives @ The Telegraph and various other "newspapers" are incessant on milking the publics anger in order to fuel a lucrative career and inordinate profit. There's only one thing worse than the immorality of the original sin, and that's profiteering from it.

It therefore goes without saying that i hope these publications from the archangels of Telegraph (released just in time for Christmas of course), are resigned to the trash-heap of commercial failure.

Paradoxical Fall...

2009-11-22T18:45:00.004Z

There's something about this time of year that evokes introspection in me. As much as i love the summer months, the drawing autumn nights conjure an inner creativity and ethereal beauty that i thrive for. I know many abhor this British weather, but i relish it during these months.

This track is the perfect sonic accompaniment for these autumn nights. So minimalist and bleak, yet so intricate and uplifting.

Material Flamboyance..

2009-11-20T19:26:00.006Z

I've never been one to shy away from bright colours and "in your face" fashion. This also happens to extend to sportswear. Check out these customised Nike astroturf football boots. Thanks to those innovative and forward-thinking folks @ Nike, one can now customise their footwear to their individual taste. Of course, you have to pay for this privilege, but it is nonetheless a fantastic and rewarding service.

As you can see, these babies are emblazoned with my assumed epithet "Pedgy Drama". A name bestowed upon me by friends, apparently due to the striking "character resemblance" with Entourage's "Johnny Drama" on television.

My initials also feature on the tongue. I fully intended to actually use these bad boys on the pitch, but I'm that attached to them that apprehension has reared its ugly head. I really do not want to damage them in combat and expose them to the wear and tear one assumes on the football pitch lol.

A simple solution would be to acquire a second pair, but i am currently convalescing from open-wallet surgery, as a result of excessive retail indulgence. So for the time-being i shall resort to merely admiring them from the box..

A celebratory return...

2009-11-19T09:43:00.007Z

Welcome back folks. After precisely a year in the blogging wilderness, i am glad to announce my return to the blogosphere, marking a year since my last post.

With a new sense of direction, purpose and approach, i endeavour to stick around this time and not cower to the wheels of inertia. I have vowed not to spell-out, dictate or adhere to a strict tone/direction for this blog and instead let it evolve into a form of conveyance that hopefully will be of interest to those of you kind enough to follow it. So without further ado, I'll resume with a subject that has very much been at the forefront of my (anti)social activity recently, along with millions of others...

Modern Warfare 2

23days, 13hours and 56 minutes. That is , according to the leader boards, the duration of my life spent on the previous installments 1st person multiplayer suite. I therefore need not declare my addiction, for it is palpable statistically. Cold turkey is not on the menu either, as i can see myself sacrificing even more of my spare time into this latest installment of the franchise.

For any discerning gamer, this a shooter par excellence.

Literally every aspect of the game has been improved and perfected beyond even my highest of expectations. It is testament to the developers and their vision that they have nailed the balance in bringing new aspects to the gameplay without the slightest sacrifice to the quintessence of the original.

Highly recommended to anybody with even the slightest interest in gaming and not just those of the 1st person-shooter persuasion.

** Special thanks to those who have encouraged me to return. In the next few days i will be playing around with the presentation of the blog, so please bare with me whilst i experiment with fonts and colours etc...

Pirates of the Aden..

2008-11-20T15:24:00.006Z

I thought I'd aptly reconvene from where i last left, that being the theme of piracy (the treasure chest/eye patch kind). You've no doubt heard about the Indian Navy sinking a hostile pirate ship of the Gulf of Aden by now.... Well I correctly predicted some Naval action off the coast of Somalia (although in jest), what i incorrectly forecast was the nation projecting the force. My intention to blog on this arose not from the headline itself but the profound statements that the Indian Navys action(s) underlyingly convey.

First of all, it is a timely reminder of Indias rise/intentions to superpower-dom, through it's ability to project it's military and subsequently protect it's strategic interests.

Secondly, and i believe more importantly, it successfully implies a "zero tolerance" doctrine, a return to the mantra held particularly by the US circa 1970 and beyond...."don't negotiate with terrorists".

India's INS Tabar frigate has done the world a great service as far as I'm concerned and set an important precedent thats force hopefully resonates to the pirates considering high jacking in the near future.

Or perhaps they are just in need of a role-model.....

??

Forward not Back..

2008-11-18T09:59:00.003Z

Since it's inception I've been a dutiful (like it?) consumer of Activisions Call of Duty video game series. Particularly it's vast multiplayer suite, which has siphoned months of my spare time into it's wildly addictive war-based first person, multiplayer world. The latest incarnation (Cod - World at War) has reverted back to the World War 2 setting, after it's predecessors highly successful dabble with modern warfare. This chronological reversion happens to also serve as a larger analogy for quality. In that the latest offering in almost every aspect is inferior to its predecessor and does little in the way of redemption for its development team Treyarch, who were chastised for their poor effort in the 3rd installment of the series.

It still remains a good first person shooter, and will more than likely take up alot of my time online with friends and "Team Quim".

Anyway, I'm off to watch the US Navy blow up some pirates, until next time...

A convenient ailement...

2008-11-12T09:05:00.003Z

Unfortunately i am currently nursing the ramifications of a malicious tackle on the football pitch. Restricted to crutches and the confines of my home during my recuperation has actually worked out pretty well as it goes. Not only does the injury coincide with the release of my most anticipated game "Gears of War2" (an epic game), but it has also given me the luxury of boredom, which in turn has turned rather fruitful....

In a fit of boredom i began shuffling through my vast back catalogue of CD's and re-visiting albums that i had previously disregarded. To my delight i subsequently unearthed two masterpieces, the calibre of which i was previously oblivious to or was unable to appreciate on originally sampling.

The pick of the duo has to be "Relationship of Command" by the now defunct American Hardcore band "At the Drive In". This highly energetic, non-formulaic quintet really know how to get the adrenaline pumping. Each track is laced with a mind-bending fusion of guitar driven, avant garde post-punk that also suceeds in its incessant catchiness. Its genius (whilst not immediately apparent), gradually unveils itself the more intently you listen to it. My hat also goes off to Ross Robinson the producer extraordinaire, who has successfully captured the live energy of the band in a studio setting, which i believe is not always an easy balance to achieve. If i have one complaint its that the CD begs for me to jump around aimlessly like a buffoon, a prompting that i unfortunately (in my ailing disposition) am unable to comply with lol.

Now the Hard Part...

2008-11-07T10:34:00.003Z

I, like many, was little short of ecstatic the moment Obama was deemed to have secured the presidency. Although the states are clearly divided on Obama, it seemed some sort of political reconciliation had taken place. Those disgruntled with the president elect even appeared to be slightly relieved. The current euphoria sweeping the world is a joy to watch and Obamas self-prescribed notion of hope certainly seems to have materialised as hearts and minds look to the future.

It was interesting to hear Obamas plee for patience, an obvious attempt to reduce expectations and more realistically, to rationalise the extent of the problems the world faces. I hope Obamas popularity affords him ample room to tackle the problems facing the world, rather than having to justify his actions to the media, which in my opinion has been a curse on Western governments for as long as i can remember. As i previously implied in an earlier blog, this is a test of public resolve as much as Obamas through these trying times.

I try to avoid parallels in politics, but Obamas gift of projecting hope and disseminating it reminds me very much of Ronald Reagan during the 80s. Though politically vastly dissimilar, their oratory and ability to connect with their audience are one in the same.

To hope...

Bring them Back!

2008-11-03T10:26:00.003Z

I decided to let the dust settle before passing comment on the Ross-Brand-Sachs debacle. I now feel obliged to defend the defendants. Not out of condonation of their actions, but out of protest to the media witch-hunt. Have we come to a stage of such intolerance, that mistakes are immediately met with calls for peoples heads? Lets face it, as soon as a public figure is found to have made a booby, the media produces its fangs and homes in for the kill. I for one am sick and tired of this inhumane approach that is inevitably sucking the talent and ingenuity from all walks of life.
Ross and Brand may have tested the boundaries of telephone etiquette and taste, but what i find highly hypocritical are the subsequent moral statements from Sachs grand-daughter, whom from all accounts should reflect on her own promiscuity and chosen vocation before preaching such morality.

In my opinion these calls were not malicious in intent, offensive maybe, but nothing worthy of resignations and/or suspensions. I only wish Ross and Brand had used the intense hype as a platform to attack the media.

"Bite Tongue, Deep Breath, Count to Ten, Nod your head...."

2008-10-22T09:16:00.006+01:00

There's something abundantly charming, cute and quite frankly sexy about Imogen Heap that radiates whenever i watch her video blogs. The lady is insanely talented and i just can't wait for her new album. Her last offering "Speak For Yourself" was nothing short of a masterpiece. It transpires that Immy has, instead of sticking to an original deadline, opted for the luxury of an extension. I personally hold the opinion that deadlines actually often work toward creativity rather than act as a barrier. My reason being that time constraints often promote in-studio improvisation and give far less time to reason, consideration and deliberation. This in turn, usually gives birth to something quite fresh. Too much time can result in an artist becoming over-analytical as a pose to the spontaneity that deadlines can bring. . Rushing for the sake of a deadline is a big "no no", there is a fine line there. Whatever my thoughts, Immys new album is a sure thing and whilst shes still recording she can continue to woo me with her intimate video blogs :D

All Work and No Play..

2008-10-20T09:23:00.002+01:00

As you may have noticed, my Blogs have been rather sporadic recently. This isn't out of a lack of trying or a lack of things to say, i've just been extremely busy with ongoing projects (soon to be revealed).

A few things to note:

Babaks album "Delhore Va Arezooha" - Fantastic debut, those swarming, immersive pads have almost a sleep inducing and ethereal quality that perfectly compliment Babaks soul searching lyrics. Great job!
"Dead Space", the new survival horror game, is released on Friday along with FarCry2, going to snap up both. Fun times!
New season of Entourage has been hit and miss so far, with the exception of Ari's character providing a plethora of priceless jibes. The story arc seems weak and stagnant, hoping for some advances in upcoming episodes to give the season a much needed kick up the ass!
Recieved my new Tony Soprano canvas art, very impressive and provides a suitable bold and brash focal piece to my boudoir
When you monitor something out of fear, you inevitbly serve to only feed it. Its basic psychology, so why the surprise reaction to stock market volatility when it is front page of every major media outlet in the world?!

"Big Brother" or Self-Preservation?

2008-10-15T14:32:00.006+01:00

I've just read an interesting article regarding the UK governments intention to impose further surveillance measures on the public. What really irks me are the liberal lobbyist "Big Brother" allegations. Are the paranoid concerns of privacy invasion more important than that of the safety of the public?! Are these people that self-indulged and self-absorbed that they believe their sacrosanct private lives to be of interest to our security services?! We grant the authority to our elected officials to take the necessary measures to protect the public, for they are the ones best-placed to assess the threat. What's more, our democracy permits debate and government disclosure in order to safe-guard concerns.

The 21st century unfortunately presents dystopian challenges that require us to relinquish some idyllic-striven and insignificant comforts in order to preserve our way of life, it's ironic but abundantly necessary. Let's be frank though, if you have nothing to hide then you have no concern. We had the same argument prior to the introduction of CCTV and DNA, the effectiveness of which goes without saying. If someone wants to monitor the websites i visit (adult-themed included) for the sake of public safety, so be it. This isn't naivety, its merely being cognizant of reality.

To the future..

2008-10-12T16:37:00.004+01:00

As you've no doubt realised, the impending US presidential election has been closely followed and scrutinized by moi over the past few months. Until now I've sat on the fence, but I'm going to buck the trend of neutrality and declare my support for democratic nominee Barack Obama. This tenet stems not from any general liberal inclination(s), in fact in the past I've been a very stern critic of past democratic naivety, particularly pertaining to foreign policy. America however is in a precarious situation, it needs to rekindle the "American dream" (pardon the romanticism) and win back hearts and minds not only domestically, but throughout the world. In order to preserve its "superpower" status and to re-capture and resonate its message of "the greater good", a president with a mandate and a refreshing aura of hope is a necessity, cue Barack Obama.

This Delicate Film He's Made

2008-10-08T11:11:00.005+01:00

I've just secured my Deluxe Version of Darren Hayes' "This Delicate Film..", which is basically an animated film depicting themes of his album "This Delicate Thing We've Made". Several little teasers and clips have been shared by Darren in his blog. It looks absolutely fabulous and more importantly, original and innovative. Darren has implied that this is the way he always intended to present the album, as the art of animation and the feature length is a better tool of conveyance than simple promo vids themselves. The deluxe version is specially packaged and comes with 3d glasses for use on a special 3d feature video, yay!!

Faunadestia!

2008-10-06T09:29:00.006+01:00

I'm not much of an "art-lover" per se and am brutally honest in admitting my lack of knowledge in the subject. That aside though, i have become extremely partial to Marilyn Mansons original watercolour pieces. So much so that i have shelled out some serious wedge for 2 original and signed works. Manson is a person i have long admired and even idolised, not just musically but thematically. Never shying away from controversy or testing boundaries of safe-given ideals, his complexity and articulation is beyond anything I've ever experienced in modern music or celebrity personas.

Manson has acknowledged his love of mixing extremes, that irony is evident and perfectly embodied in his provocative paintings. I just can't wait to get hold of them!

It's on like Donkey Kong!

2008-10-03T15:22:00.003+01:00

I've been a staunch follower of EA sports Fifa series on the new generation consoles. The age old debate and competition between PES and Fifa can now be rendered obsolete. EA have raised the bar and now offer, in my opinion, the only definitive and accurate sports simulation package for soccer fans. Even some of my friends (Hello Rakesh), have seen the light and converted to EA's superior offering.

Anyway, with the game in my possession, a few chilled beers prepared and a take away menu within my grasp i shall be whooping some ass with some homies tonight to celebrate its release.

P.S. Aaron, by the love of god i hope they have rid the game of that "finesse button"!!

Top 500..

2008-10-01T10:12:00.004+01:00

As a subscriber to Empire magazine i was relishing this months issue due to its "Top 500 Films of All Time" feature. Disappointment and disagreement were inevitable, not only is it impossible to satisfy every ones taste, but the whole notion of "top films of all time" is open to interpretation, striking an observing and impartial balance between commercial, artistic and innovation aspects is a debate which this hierarchical article ultimately presents.

The Godfather, was deemed to be the "greatest of all time", a selection i vehemently disagree with. Furthermore, the dearth of any comedies also serves to ilegitimise the list. The absence of films such as "Dumb and Dumber" and "American Pie" in the top 500 i consider to not just be overlooked, but clearly ignorant to the lasting and obvious influence on cinema and adolescent culture these films were responsible for. Genre bias in my opinion is paramount to the allegation of partiality that only serves to discredit the whole feature.

On a paradoxical note, What's my number 1 you ask? I'd have to say American History X. An emotionally charged and evoking story that not only serves as a moral anecdote but as an honest, brutal and timely portrayal of contemporary America that is strikingly relevant, with stellar performances by all cast!

SexY Box!

2008-09-29T14:50:00.005+01:00

Check out the above custom designed XBox 360's, crafted by artists Chris Judge and Zombie Flesh Eaters respectively.

These beauties are worth tens of thousands of pounds, mainly due to the limited numbers produced and the calibre of artist(s). I unfortunately do not have such wild capital to my disposal. So i'm therefore currently drafting a few concepts and sketches of my own that will potentially grace my elite version of the console. I have absolutely no experience in like projects, but hey, absolutely nothing can go wrong.....right? lol.

Jamon!

2008-09-28T10:42:00.003+01:00

As with many people my age, my love of music began with the spectacle that was Michael Jackson. MJ was, and is, a true artist in every sense of the word, songs that still to this day are unsurpassed, instantly recognisable and absolutely timeless. Combined with the cutting edge, "larger than life" image, MJ in my honest opinion is the greatest artist to ever grace the planet.

It goes without saying that my back catalogue consists of every wide release and Ltd edition that came to my attention. This Japanese collectors set however had until now somehow circumvented the radar. I now have the baby proudly in my possession!!

Ooops!

2008-09-25T14:24:00.004+01:00

Any hope John McCain had of clinching the Whitehouse may have vanished with one foul swoop of miscalculated spin. Opinion polls were slightly favouring Obama, but with an estimated 18% of the electorate undecided and a margin of error to consider, McCain had all to play for.

I can't help but think McCains decision to postpone not only Fridays TV dual but his campaign is tantamount to defeat. Shortly prior to his announcement both campaigns had agreed to issue a joint statement on the Financial crisis, McCain had other intentions and ironically played a risky game of politics with the predicament when gesturing to the contrary through procrastination.

Never say never, but i feel McCain may have forced himself into a needless impasse, that could prove costly!

Time Out....

2008-09-22T20:52:00.007+01:00

I have recently been reading and studying the Book of Revelation, which is by any standard a complex, albeit significant piece of literature. Ok, it's theme is wholly apocalyptic, and you may argue morbid and depressing, but in the field of theology it is extremely relevant. Deciphering it has been very much an arduous task and has been fiercely debated by scholars in the field of theology and eschatology respectively. Naturally this has only heightened my curiosity of the text and is definitely proving to be an intense and thoroughly rewarding read thus far.

One does however, require a little light hearted humour and a time out from the intensity of such study, so I'll leave you with my favourite stand up comedian and Clip of The Week, Chris Rock...Hilarious!!!

N.B. Strong Language!!

Yes please!

2008-09-22T08:57:00.004+01:00

As you may recall, i have already blogged on this highly hyped sequel and my intent on getting the Ltd edition. That was until i came across this golden gem. I have pre-ordered my copy of this world exclusive edition, featuring a golden replica of the famed "Lancer" weapon. I'm a fan of most things Ltd Edition, so suffice to say i can't wait to get my mitts on this bad boy!

What makes a great guitar solo?

2008-09-18T18:43:00.004+01:00

As an ardent guitarist, i've long been an admirer of the good old guitar solo. I was debating the subject with a good friend recently, sharing our fondest solo's and mooting over the recipe for a spell binding solo. Of course, it goes without saying there isn't an exact formula and in fact we agreed that speed (noodling) and self-indulged "fret wanking" was indeed an unecessary element. To prove as much, i leave you with my all-time favourite guitar solo (04:01). The style opts for what i call "melody in context" and contributes not only as a perfect outro but more importantly, a zenith to which the notes just weep. I suggest listening to the full song to fully appreciate it...

Anathema - One Last Goodbye

N.B. This song was written as an ode to their mother who had sadly passed away. Very touching..

Pain @ the Pump!

2008-09-15T15:11:00.005+01:00

Yes folks, our protracted castigation at the pump persists. With oil prices soaring and spiralling with incontinence, we were effectively rendered powerless in containing the high inflation at the pump. However, over the past weeks sweet crude has fallen considerably, now trading at $96 a barrel. So why haven't the petrol prices reciprocated in a proportional fashion i ask?! Be it demand, supply or whatever; There is a severe absence of effective industry regulation in this sector!

Yes i drive a fairly high performance machine and am therefore a relative hypocrite, but i now, publicly, solemnly declare an investment in a push bike!!

Do they do high performance ones?!

Glued to the TV!

2008-09-14T11:16:00.002+01:00

It seems the dire summer TV schedule was the calm before the storm. With the new seasons of Prison Break and Entourage now showing, its hard to peel myself away from the TV. The show I'm most anticipating however is the new BBC documentary entitled "Amazon", brought to us by the admirable anthropologist and explorer Bruce Parry. His "Tribe" series remains one of my favourite documentaries of all time. It changed my life and approach to travelling, such was the magnitude of it's impression on me.

On another note, I'm also halfway through David Duchovny's latest TV series "Californication", i had presided over it for awhile due to concerns over a possible "Fox Mulder" typecast, but after hearing my good friend Pouryas endorsement i didn't hesitate and picked it up. As ever his recommendation was expertly warranted as this show is fast, clever and witty. The dialogue and execution is fantastic, reminding me a lot of the flow of Ari Golds (Jeremy Piven) performance in Entourage. Top Class!

Music is Dead...?

2008-09-12T10:01:00.004+01:00

In light of the recent MTV Video Awards....

As the years pass by i can't help but observe the gradational erosion of ingenuity, originality and quality within the music industry with utmost discontent. It seems the aforementioned qualities have been superseded with the mantra of observing trends rather than creating them. Madonas latest album is a prime example, for decades she had thrived through a cycle of reinvention and innovation, but on this occassion resorted to the overused super-producer Timbaland ticket that we've heard for the past 5-10 years. Totally uninspiring and furthermore seems to serve as a wider example of where music is today....

The industry seems more aligned to egos and private lives than music and message. Does anyone give a f*ck about Britneys diet, Kanyes kicks or Pinks political leanings? Don't get me wrong, there are artists defying the trend, but usually to the detriment of career and even subsequent commercial suicide. Many artists have since jumped boat to independent labels to salvage integrity and to relenquish the shackles of major label control, but with limited distribution and marketing comes other challenges.

We've heard "Rock is Dead" and "Hip-Hop is Dead", but it's become an onerous task to locate any indication of life in any genre, at least in mainstream terms. May those artists resisting the trend save us, please!

A Man and His Toy!

2008-09-11T14:35:00.004+01:00

It's true what they say, boys will be boys and yours truly is no exception. My XBox and I have been inseparable these last few days and I'm currently in a phase of what can only be described as "reality re-introduction". As a gaming enthusiast i insist on total immersion when experiencing a new game, Rainbow 6 Vegas is no exception, restricting me to the confines of my room and comfort food for the past few days. With the release of several top titles due this fall, i can envisage most the autumn/winter spent in the warm indoors.

Reason and Madness

2008-09-09T18:58:00.002+01:00

I'm currently indulging in the delights of gothic/orchestral metal band Hanging Doll, my younger sibling Aryan's band. Their debut album is due for release next month through Phoenix Music/Cargo Records. I have of course the privelage of sampling this extremely melodic and atmospheric album prior to release, and bias aside, it has really made an impression on me considering i'm not generally very partial to this particular brand of music.

Apocalypse now?

2008-09-08T14:03:00.003+01:00

The Large Hadron Collider will be switched on Wednesday and will attempt particle collisions in a Big Bang replication. Cynics have alarmed us that such steps could create black holes that could potentially swallow the earth. Scientists have since stepped in to quell any such apocalyptic theories and to defend it's safety and scientific purpose.

I don't fear any such catastrophic eventualities in this instance, but i do know as science and the quest for knowledge enters new realms of discovery, that risk inevitably comes with reward. Fingers crossed lol!

Where is my love?!

2008-09-07T10:43:00.005+01:00

Steven Wilson is a name synonymous with quality, whether it's with Porcupine Tree, Opeth or in this case Blackfield. I procured this gem rather belatedly due to being initially put off by uninspiring clips. Well those were a resounding injustice because this sophomore album is, simply put, fantastic. Not a filler in sight, this is my album of the year so far :)

Spanish Spooks..

2008-09-06T09:46:00.005+01:00

I love my horror films particularly of the Japanese persuasion. Well here's a Spanish feature film that really shocked me in terms of quality aswell as spooks. Following in the handheld cam vein of "Blair Witch Project" and "Cloverfield", but executed in a much more authentic and relevant manner than the later, Rec is a rare feature to behold in a dwindling horror market and a beacon of light in Spanish cinema! Much recommended.

A Tail of Stark Contrasts!

2008-09-04T11:12:00.004+01:00

There's more than a vast ocean between Republican starlet Sarah Palin and Gordon Brown right now. SP's anticipated speech was a resounding success and hailed as such in the media this morning, bringing excitement and glamour to the Whitehouse race. Gordon Brown on the other hand must have been watching with envy. He woke up again facing mounting pressure to resign, this time the call emanating from the vicinity of our former jug-eared Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Isn't it funny how one is berated for his record on leading the country but is simultaneously distracted from doing so with constantly having to defend ones tenure at the helm. Surely, political stalwarts such as Charles Clarke (whom i previously admired as a politician), should show restraint instead of playing political points and being hell-bent on usurping a leaders authority and influence within his own political party?

Well therein lays my "rant" for the day :)

Hit or Miss....

2008-09-03T19:38:00.004+01:00

Pop/Rock band revivals are very much flavour of the decade. Some have failed, some have prospered, but when is it right? What are the elements to secondary success? Well whatever they are, The Verve should have taken heed. I was a huge fan of this Wigan based "brit pop" quartet in the late nineties, their songs were anthemic and will forever stand the test of time. A band that quit at the top, which in hind sight was actually an extremely smart move (artistically at least), securing a fantastic legacy.

The latest offering in my opinion was slightly miscalculated. Whilst far from being a bad record, it just isn't consistent enough and provides very little in the way of grandiose tunes that we've previously become accustomed to from the band.

So will this tarnish the legacy?....

and

What does the extent to which we hold hope in bands reuniting, tell us about the state of music today?

Babak!

2008-09-02T10:47:00.009+01:00

Where is the "Indian Summer" promised by our good chums over at the met office i ask?!! The weather has been terrible, even by UK standards!

Well in an attempt to mitigate the punishment of those perpetual cold fronts, i would like to introduce an upcoming artist who has been turning me out to his cutting edge dance music for the last 18 months. Those familiar with Iranian music will no doubt be aware of Babak and his eclectic fusion of dance/electronica, most notably through his monthly "Universal Show" on Bia2.com.

Let me tell you, I'm not the greatest admirer of dance/trance music (at least not in it's generic form), but Babak carves out an impeccable example of ethereal, atmospheric, melancholic and dynamic tunes that are accessible beyond it's Iranian realm and indeed that of it's core genre. Not only that but from what i've heard of his songs so far they are abundantly catchy and at times almost dream-like in execution.

After months of postponement Babaks debut album will be released worldwide, through Universal/Donya Records, on 1st October. I can barely contain my excitement, it comes with great pride to see a young UK-based Persian artist coming to prominence in the music industry!

Meanwhile, you can check out Babak's "Universal Show" here.

Salamati!!

2008-09-01T11:33:00.006+01:00

Look at this treasure currently lurking in my drinks cabinet. Yes, that's right folks, Iranian Vodka, it's an acquired taste lol.

Joking aside, the significance of this potable beauty exceeds that of it's rarity. It is a symbol, derivative and delineation of pre-revolutionary times, thus holding a deep sentimental value.

Who?!

2008-08-31T12:17:00.004+01:00

Last week i made a bold yet casual prediction on the US VP tickets, i was of course wrong on both accounts, although i did mention Joe Biden (acknowledgment please lol)!!

Who could have foreseen McCains selection though, a complete and utter surprise even to those within the Republican party. An outspoken, young and attractive mother of five Sarah Palin, was until now a relatively unknown, albeit popular, Alaskan Governor in her first term.

Her selection has really made me re-evaluate the entire race and in particular the element of experience. With any position, political and vocational alike, experience is generally regarded as an extremely vital element in ones arsenal, but have we now reached a point where experience is rendered void in the quest for new ideas and self-proclaimed notions of change.

It certainly has injected a new zest of excitement into the race and will certainly open things up as the race enters it's penultimate phase.

Btw, i'm not one to pry or expiscate, but it should also be noted Sarah Palin was a former Ms Alaska pagaent. Who needs experience when you have that in your résumé lol :)

70 days and counting...

2008-08-29T11:31:00.004+01:00

Oh looky look :)

As a gaming junky, it goes without saying that the upcoming release of Gears of War 2 is something I've etched on my calender. The original incarnation was the game that set the standard for all next-generation game developers to aspire to. Not only was it's visual aesthetic captivating, but the atmosphere embodied by it's theme of decay and cataclysm really intensified the whole experience.

As always, I've opted for the Limited Edition featuring an embossed tin case, glossy art book, picture cards and bonus "Making Of" DVD.

Rewind.....1994 and The "good ol' times"

2008-08-28T11:18:00.003+01:00

I'm absolutely fascinated by the relationship between music/film and memories. Isn't it funny how just one song or film can bring back vivid memories of times/events/people in your life and how we often try to reconcile them with the present. The conceptual, nostalgic, and sometimes paradoxical , significance of such is something that never ceases to amaze and interest me.

On a less intense, albeit related note, i'm going to rewind back to 1994 and celebrate some timeless Jim Carey antics...."i've got a package people" lol.

De Oppresso Liber!!

2008-08-27T10:20:00.003+01:00

This relatively new military drama featuring Dennis Haysbert (24) and Robert Patrick (Terminator, X Files) has been the ideal antidote for those rainy summer nights. Being a military dilettante so to speak, this show has a wider appeal for me and i just can't get enough of it.

Clip of the Week!

2008-08-26T14:38:00.002+01:00

Hello people,

Another quick post, i just had to share this with y'all...

I'm literally crying with laughter at my desk at work watching this comical beauty, God Bless youtube, and Jim Carey for that matter!

Enjoy!!!

Masters of Melancholy!

2008-08-26T13:35:00.005+01:00

Anathema - Hindsight (2008)

Here is a release that i have been eagerly awaiting for months, an acoustic studio album of re-worked classics from one of my favourite bands of all time, Anathema. This Liverpool based band, have for over a decade now, produced some of the most hauntingly beautiful and sorrowful songs to ever grace the planet. They seem to possess this effortless ability to conjure and amalgamate melodies that literally send shivers down your spine.

Long departed from their humble doom metal roots, we have here an experienced and honest band, re-living their best and most melancholic moments in a semi-acoustic setting. Generally speaking, I'm very skeptical when it comes to acoustic albums as more often than not the convergence reaps an inferior alternative to the original. Not here though folks, the songs have been stripped down and re-arranged intricately, rather than adhering to the safe confines of merely unplugging their amps. This is everything an acoustic album should be, and much more.

This delectable release is the perfect aperitif to the new studio album produced by Steven Wilson (Blackfield, Porcupine Tree, Opeth), which is scheduled for release this Autumn. Exciting times :)

2012 and the shape of things to come..

2008-08-25T16:30:00.006+01:00

What a spectacle these 2008 Olympic Games have been, the Chinese have really put on a fabulous event and have over-shadowed what was originally perceived to be a political nightmare for the communist country.

Minor protests and the "too ugly to perform" debacle aside, the games have been a resounding success for the athletes and particularly China, whose hosting of the event comes simultaneously with their significant economic rise and emerging super-power potential. So my hat goes off to our noodle eating hosts.

The bar has been raised and the pressure is now on us Brits to host an equally prestigious 2012 Olympics. With the budget already stretched, one could be so inclined to be inordinately apprehensive, but fear not my fellow Brits, all is in good hands.......

I'll leave you with Boris Johnson, the infamous Mayor of London at the handing over ceremony in Beijing. Absolutely priceless...

Amaretto Appreciation Day!!!

2008-08-24T18:01:00.004+01:00

I hereby announce today the Amaretto appreciation day. With the remnants of last nights borderline inappropriate antics haunting me in the form of an moderate hangover, i can take solace in the belated discovery of this ambrosial delight.

This Italian almond-based liquor will certainly become a permanent fixture in my spirits cabinet.

VP ?

2008-08-22T11:50:00.006+01:00

Second post of the day...

I've been following the Whitehouse race extremely closely and it has been an exhilarating experience for an incumbent (pardon the pun) outsider like myself. Opinion polls at this stage are often touted as premature, but it's interesting to see that as the election draws nearer that McCain is becoming more puissant as it becomes less about an aura of "change" and more about policy and substance.

I'm going to make a prediction on the VP tickets.

Obama - Clinton

McCain - Romney

With Obama losing his momentum he needs someone who will guarantee him extra votes, only Clinton has that ability, she will no doubt sway the Latino and female electorate in the democrats favour, she also has experience, Obamas achilles heel. My money was on Joe Biden due to his foreign policy credentials, but i just have this hunch.

McCain needs someone more youthful and with strong conservative credentials, enter Mitt Romney, his former GOP Presidential Candidate rival.

I will more than likely be wrong on both accounts, but hey, i couldn't resist a cheeky prediction and after all this is politics, entirely unpredictable.

Go Go Gadget Synth!!

2008-08-22T09:20:00.006+01:00

After almost 2 years in the musical wilderness, i shall be embarking on a huge solo project. Not only does the challenge lie in the way of composition and theme but i also endeavour to assemble myself a compact home studio. Financial constraints aside, one of the most difficult tasks is deciding on hardware and software relevant to my vision. I've always admired and strived for artistic integrity and i don't intend to cede my intent for such now, so I've raised the bar for this project and set myself a criteria.

Basically, i endeavour to use software and hardware that i have absolutely no experience with. This project isn't just a musical vision, it's a journey in which i want to learn and experiment.

So with the benchmark set i came across this absolute gem, a totally integrated hardware synth, its sound scape knows no boundaries and is precisely the type of kit i've been after. I couldn't leave this baby alone at the music store and was utterly dismayed with the fact that i was all too well aware my wallet was shaking its metaphoric head.

It was a heart-wrenching moment, i think Jim Carey said it best in Dumb and Dumber; "Goodbye my loooooooove" lol!

Another pay day and she will be mine!!

Team GB!

2008-08-21T09:13:00.004+01:00

Well isn't it nice to go into a sporting event expecting nothing and actually reaping huge success for once!!!

It's been an archetypal trait for us Brits to pile on huge pressure on our team/athletes prior to any sporting event and then witness a huge anti-climax in the form of defeat. Well, for once the pressure was alleviated and our team have reciprocated with this astonishing achievement. Currently positioned 3rd in the medal tables! In fact, such is the magnitude of success that it hasn't been emulated for over 100 years. Well done Team GB you've done us proud, even if it was accomplished in the form of the "lesser" events such as cycling, yachting and swimming lol!

On another note, my allegiance at the events is always torn between GB and Iran and it was nice to see Iran finally picking up a medal in the way of a bronze in the Wrestling. Iran now ironically enough sits just one place above Israel in medal tables at 73rd!

Don Corleone!

2008-08-20T11:55:00.000+01:00

Oh look what arrived in the post this morning..

This critically acclaimed trilogy has up until now escaped my radar, not out of ignorance but out of lack of interest in the whole "mafia" genre. Well after completing the excellent "Sopranos" i garnered a thirst for more mobster antics. After a usual daily surf of "Amazon" i came across this little beauty, a limited edition tin trilogy, that is apparently exclusive to Amazon.co.uk.

The films themselves have been digitally remastered and include a plethora of special features. I've not had the pleasure of viewing the actual films yet, but I've gelled my hair back, prepared a Cuban cigar and purchased some Grappa all in preparation for the ultimate viewing experience :)

Another one :)

2008-08-19T15:44:00.000+01:00

I'm going to capitalise on the novelty factor and make a second post today. Or more to the point, a rant.

Are we all fed up of hearing about the "Credit Crunch" already?!?!?!

There is no doubt in my mind we are witnessing an economic slowdown due to several facets of global significance, but at what point does this become a media-induced, self-fulfilling prophecy?!! Enough of the scare-mongering BBC, CNN, AFP before you rob me of my disposable income and force me to shove my money in a boring ISA or an equally boring saving scheme!!

So it begins....

2008-08-19T14:10:00.000+01:00

I've been pondering and chewing over the prospect of blogging for sometime now. As an ardent follower of many bloggers who for years have humoured, entertained and subsequently inspired me to also delve into the crowded arena with my own blog.

Take a look at that baby....(and thats only the std edition!)

What better way to start than aptly with my favourite artist. Darren Hayes' "Time Machine Tour DVD".

It's a release i have been hotly anticipating ever since i attended the tour in person. I managed to get my hands on the strictly limited "Deluxe Edition", which is an absolute gem, from its subtle embossed font and neon insignia, to the comprehensive photo booklet, this is everything a Ltd Edition should be. Although released a few weeks ago, i've only now had the chance to sit down and watch it.

Those of you who know me, will know of my love for this artist and his eclectic mix of electronica/pop and suffice to say this DVD doesn't disappoint one iota. The production is a spectacle, in support of his concept album, the stage show and setlist are perfectly arranged to best portray the theme of time travel and the metaphors that come along with it. This captures an intelligent, experienced and extremely talented artist at the pinnacle of his artistic career. I can't recommend it enough!