Two Novels That Can Change A Teenager’s Life…

This is my first attempt at a new blog post in aaagggeeesss. A new year – a new decade, in fact – seems like the right time to start writing somewhat regularly again. So I’ll start small with a quote I found today on Ralloblog which is SPOT ON :-)

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old’s life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

– John Rogers, on the blog Kung Fu Monkey

Hedgehog chewing

I came across this video thanks to a twitter by Jonathon Ross. It’s so cute ;-)

Breastmilk Window

I trust Luka is getting enough to drink from me now as he’s really rather heavy (almost 7kgs at almost 3 months), but I remember all too well the uncertainty if he was getting enough milk in him during the early weeks. There were many times I wished for a window like this one. At the time I didn’t have the energy to make one – but now I do :-)

Lily’s Second

I quite like Lily Allen’s new album It’s Not Me It’s You. It’s not as good as her debut Alright, Still, but she’s managed to write some catchy new tunes, some of which are the kind that echo in your head for days, like F*ck You.

The album is a mishmash of styles: balkan, country and burlesque-type tunes. Her lyrics and London accent are still her unique selling point, although I feel she’s had a harder time coming up with the lyrical goods this time than the first.

Lily is currently touring. I had the (dis)pleasure of seeing her live at the Paradiso here in Amsterdam a couple of years ago. That was a bit of a let-down as she performed rather lethargically in a track suit, smoking throughout the entire concert yet complaining that her voice was letting her down. She seemed to be plodding through the setlist, eager to leave the venue a.s.a.p. Not someone who ‘takes the stage’.

The video below shows her performing at the Bowery in New York. At least she dressed up for this gig and seems a little more motivated, but now her stamina (or nerves?) seem to be letting her down as she’s not reaching those notes and her stage presence is not particularly strong either.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like Lily Allen, but I think her music is best enjoyed as a high volume singalong in the car rather than as a live act.

Everyone's At It – Live @ Bowery Ballroom / MySpace Secret S

iPhoto 09

I’m playing with iPhoto 09’s new face recognition tool. As you can see, it’s not error-free ;-)

Blog has been quiet

And this is why… I had a son, Luka. Born on December 5th 2008. So I’m still enjoying him and not actually getting that much time at the computer. A good excuse for a netbook so i can couchsurf ;-)

Lily Allen Returns

Lily Allen has been working on her second album and recently completed this video to the single “The Fear”. I like the verses – very Lily Allen-ish, but the chorus is just too Stock Aitken Waterman “poppy” for me. The video itself doesn’t do much for me either as it lacks the humour I am used to from her first album’s videos and despite what she writes on her blog, I don’t get the impression she was really having fun making this.

Bye Bye Magic Mushroom

I really miss being proud of this country and the freedom and tolerance that it was once famous for. Our sphincter-mouthed Prime Minister continually stresses the importance of ‘personal morals and responsibility’ but then proceeds to implement an ever-increasing number of rules, thereby chipping away at our ability to make our own responsible choices. They are chipping away at the social welfare system and adding those chips to an ever-growing ‘moralistic’ nanny state – dictating to us what is and is not acceptable in our society. (more…)

Love for All – but not in Holland

Björn Borg made this ad which is shown in Sweden and elsewhere of two priests getting married. The Netherlands used to be a free, progressive country too, but apparently the Dutch Björn Borg CEO decided not to air this commercial as it’s too controversial and might offend someone. Yes, people, our Christian-led government, aided and abetted by the right-wing-in-disguise-flip-flop Labour party (PvdA) has successfully thrown The Netherlands back into the moral corset of the 1950’s.

Engrish… kind of…

Through my friend Blobby Bobby I discovered this rather humourous subtitling event on YouTube.