Monday, December 31, 2007

D.I.Y. 2008

No public resolution, no promises, no regrets, only D.I.Y. kit: Take your chances and make some changes.

Unless you liked 2007 sooooo much you want 2008 to be exactly the same.

David Bowie: Changes

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Bones

When I was a kid I'd associate bones with dogs and He-man & The Masters of the Universe (loved this cartoon and adored Flash Gordon). Skeletor was excellent antagonist but quite scary too.

My next bigger bones encounter was connected with Clarissa Pincola Estes and her book: Women Who Run with the Wolves. She put skeletons and bones in to completely different perspective: more profound, symbolic and therapeutic. I never finished reading the book though, just couldn't chew on her elaboration of really cruel experiment with dogs. But bones wouldn't go away only to show another, much more sincere, decadent yet melodic side. Not once, not twice but three times. Here's my favorite melodic bones threesome:

1. Depeche mode: Stripped

When I first heard Stripped, I was astonished: "Let me hear you make decisions without your television"... Bones never sounded so sexy before: "Let me see you stripped down to the bones." It's still one of my favorite songs, whether in original or Rammstein remake version.

2. The Killers: Bones

Then there were The Killers- their first album was a blast, a second one was a slight disappointment and the third one - well I guess they ran out of new material so they republished their previous stuff and made some remakes. I still love the band and their work but can't help hoping they'll take more time to make their next album. I'd love to hear more of the new stuff - however this piece still is a pearl: "But I don’t really like you, apologetically dressed, in the best put on the heartbeat line..."

3. The Editors: Bones

The last but not the least are Editors, indie band from Birmingham who managed to live up to the expectations. Most of the bends who make a boom with their first album rarely succeed to repeat that success with the second one.

But they managed that - their second album "An end has a start" is just as good if not even better as their first one: "In the Back Room". I have to see them live and the rumors say they might come to Slovenia in March. Please do, cause I'm dying to hear this live:
"In the end all you can hope for
Is the love you felt to equal the pain you've gone through..."

Friday, December 28, 2007

R.I.P.


















Yesterday part of humanity died with her. Benazir Bhutto. Pakistan's former Primer Minister and one of the few leading female politicians was murdered. more...

I'm sure there is a good reason for everything I just fail to see one in her assassination. May she rest in peace.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."

Jimi Hendrix


Photo source.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Underground in Ljubljana?

You bet! And not just any kind but the best kind. The one that promises wild parties, good music and Saturday night fever.

Today is official opening of Subsub, a club that could bring back the glory of good old days when you didn't have to cruise through all the city to find a club that played acceptable music for reasonable price and wasn't crowded with high school kids.

Today they'll treat us with some hot Dubstep grooves which should satisfy the biggest hunger for beats.

Going downtown?

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Love or lust?

Probably both. I've found few new products to spend my money on - the only problem now is to decide what will come first.

The "Fusion"TM Messenger Bag









Ecostrip power strip








or SolarRoll















Can't help it - I'm such a green gadget slut!

See more of cool green gadgets - via Digg

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Partytime

Merry December at its best. I've hardly recovered from yesterday's party (which turned out great) and already I am looking forward to another one.

It's happening this Friday, 21st December at MKC Medvode. We start at 20:00 with an artistic video performance from Zvonka Simčič which will be followed by concert of Uluru, who promise to show us the dark side of the spoon.

Afterwards there'll be some quality party time where Djane Sladka and me will treat you with delicious indie, funky and electronic tunes. I suppose Joy Division, Bloc Party, Editors, Depeche mode, The Killers and Arctic Monkeys will be perfect for an appetizer. Wonder what main course will look like? Well come and join us then.

No entrance fee, lots of booze.

How to get there

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Hang the DJ!

I wasn't panicking, I was freaking out. I dunno why I said yes but now it's too late to change my mind. Deejaying on very commercial queer party it is. My first, my last but most certainly not my everything.

Playing commercial music? Hell will freeze over before I'll ever play any of Timberlake, Spears, Lopez, Simpson or look a likes. The playlist is prepared and full of 60's - 80's candies. I will survive - collateral ego damage included. I guess, it's a Chain reaction.

Thanks Sladka for reminding me of The Smiths - it's keeping me sane past few days and Maabee for yesterdays session.

The Smiths - Panic:

Panic on the streets of London
Panic on the streets of Birmingham
I wonder to myself
Could life ever be sane again ?
The Leeds side-streets that you slip down
I wonder to myself
Hopes may rise on the Grasmere
But Honey Pie, you're not safe here
So you run down
To the safety of the town
But there's Panic on the streets of Carlisle
Dublin, Dundee, Humberside
I wonder to myself

Burn down the disco
Hang the blessed DJ
Because the music that they constantly play
IT SAYS NOTHING TO ME ABOUT MY LIFE
Hang the blessed DJ
Because the music they constantly play


On the Leeds side-streets that you slip down
Provincial towns you jog 'round
Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ
Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ
HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ
HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ
HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ
Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ
HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ
HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ
Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ
HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ
HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ
Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJ
HANG THE DJ

Monday, December 10, 2007

Beer, chocolate and disorder

This weekend I visited the country of beer, chocolate and ...well, apparently also anarchy. Belgium has put an end to the "Belgium consensus" by being unable to establish government since their elections in June. The division of the country and the distribution of social welfare seems to be the problem and Belgium's who want to keep it as it is show their support by hanging the flag.











But enough about the government, Brussels is an excellent place for shopping. Please note that shopping wasn't one of my original plans but my friend made it almost impossible to avoid. After warning him I might need some control in Ikea, he'd instantly put my mind at ease: "Don't worry about not being able to bring back stuff you buy 'cause I'm coming to Ljubljana in two weeks and I can bring it to you then."

Well, that's not really the control I had in mind but why argue, the shopping master has spoken. Too many stores had my name written all over them and I'm lucky to have left my credit card at home. We had to stop for a bio snack to be able to continue the shopping adventure.











The only disappointment was to discover there are no lesbian bar in Brussels. Outrageous! The only one that was mentioned was open on Wednesdays. Party on Wednesday? But seriously. Nevertheless I had great time and will go back for sure. After all they do have about 300 hundred brands of beer I haven't tried out yet ;)

Morning view from the balcony











Evening view from the balcony











My bed for the weekend

















Next stop: Berlin.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

What really happened?

You might have noticed this abandoned bike in the center of the city, relaxing itself and minding its own business.

Luckily the humans passing by are sticking their noses where they don't have to. So what's the story behind the bike? Why don't you tell me what really happened:

Story No 1:
Bike was luckily married and lived in a big house at the suburbs. So did his sexy and single neighbor. Since his wife was away most of the time, the Bike enjoyed coffee time with the vicious neighbor. It wasn't long before their communication got a Biblical note and they figured out that having so much coffee is not really healthy while having sex stimulates the blood circulation. And staying healthy is important indeed. But then one day the wife came home earlier than expected and found her husband playing naughty with the neighbor. Still in shock she screamed: "Jack, I can't believe you're cheating on me with my husband! " Naturally she kicked him out and since then he is living on the streets.

Story No 2:
Bike is originally from India and is traveling around the world, searching for the meaning of life. First he tried to find it in Poland by talking to random folk but got wasted with Zubrowka instead. He woke up in a train to Spain with a heavy hang over hugging half naked prostitute. He continued his quest in Alicante where he was picked by a group of backpackers, doing a research on European night life. And boy did they research.
After few days of intense work the bike still didn't find the meaning of life. However he could name 50 all the best night clubs in Spain. Eager to find what he was looking for he flew to Australia to live with Aborigines. He spent few months with them but was unable to understand a word they were saying, so he took off. Finally he decided to visit a totally unknown country he knew nothing about and ended up in Slovenia. He didn't understand the language nor the culture so he decided to meditate until he finds what we is looking for.

Story No 3:
The bike is actually undercover CIA agent, looking deeply into secrets of everyday life. Her task is to find the key to Slovenian success, being able to keep their country a secret. Originally CI wanted to discover the disappearance of quite few foreign intellectuals. After tagging the phones and reading confidential documents they found out all the intellectuals had something in common: they visited this small European country that nobody new existed. First visit was usually fatal and they'd all eventually move there.
Bike couldn't decide whether this slovenian secret weapon was hidden in the gorgeous girls, breath taking landscape, the strange language they are speaking or the home made fruit liquor that brought instant happiness to everyone. After few years of investigation Bike decided she needed some more time to make the final conclusion. The time has passed and soon CIA lost contact with their agent. They closed the investigation and proclaimed Slovenia European Bermuda triangle Europe. And the Bike? Well, I guess she's still investigating...

Monday, December 3, 2007

Shadowplay

Betty thinks I'm obsessed but Jota and me know it's only passion. I'm seriously considering playing the Killers version of Shadowplay on quite commercially orientated party next weekend. I can already see the grumpy man freaking out and asking for another DJ.

Still I'm quite tempted. Should I?

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Welcome to America

Guess what I found on the lighter I bought recently? Instructions on how to use it:
  1. Step one -touch it from above,
  2. Step two - push it down.
Which brings a couple of rhetorical questions to my mind: Do people who wouldn't know how to use it actually exist and if so wouldn't they be able to figure it out in like 15 seconds? Next thing you know we'll be having "Don't iron clothes while wearing them" and "You shouldnt' microwave your cat" warning signs.

Like I hear they have in America. If we're lucky maybe they'll treat us with instructions on how to use a bag of chips or a bottle of oil. Don't use oil for hamster bathing. Open the bag before you eat the chips. Do not mix chips with the cleaning products. Don't use it instead of contact lenses.

Why not simplify the whole procedure and just make a general sign to apply on every possible thing we can think off. Something like:

Think before using this. Not stupid proof.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Indie friday with the Saund

Tonight I'm checking out the new indie place in Ljubljana on Zaloska 35. Actually the only official indie place in Slovenia as far as I know. Being genuine indie slut I've been really anxious about it since I heard the rumors about its opening.

Today the promise to treat us with a band that is playing songs of Franz Ferdinand, White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys and others. Indie after party included. So where are you gonna be tonight?

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Bussiness time

Thank you Jinx for introducing me Flight of the Conchords. New Zealand seems to have a lot to offer apart from being the first country to give women right to vote and filming Xena. Way to go!

I've lost control...

Irrational behavior might not always be desirable, explainable or predictable, actually it's not any of those things most of the time. But really, what feels better: doing what you think or what you feel? Naturally I don't make all the decisions irrationally, just the important ones. Being a women I don't need any other excuse for it.

Missing Control at this years film festival was almost unforgivable, so I went to see it the moment it hit the regular cinema program. Twice. There's just something irresistible in the combination of big screen, Anton Corbijn's black & white photography and Joy Division. The film is amazing and worth every minute spent on those uncomfortable seats. Intrigued?

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Because they're worth it

Usability testing results took an interesting turn at New York Times. If you don't know how to make online ads less irritating then at least you can annoy your readers with little banner ads. Make them remember it, so why not make an ad that:
  • appears from nowhere,
  • covers the content you want to read,
  • can't be closed down,
  • makes many annoying little cursors when you try to close it.














What an excellent idea! Maybe we can't make them buy the product but at least we can piss the suckers off. Just a little something for Nielsen to add to his findings.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Exaggerating?

I don't know, you tell me:

Natural cosmetics, not tested on animals.








I've tried lots of different brands until now but only Lush feels different.

So what's your excuse?

Friday, November 23, 2007

Irresistable blondes

The Long Blondes to be more exact, indie band from Sheffield. Their Album Someone to drive you home was released in November 2006 and received excellent critics. Their style is an interesting mixture of 60's pop, post punk an new wave but in the end it sounds like synthetic rock.

Band members Kate Jackson (voice), Dorian Cox (guitar), Emma Chaplin (guitar and keyboards), Reenie Hollies (bass) and Mark Turvey alias Screech Louder (drums) have unmistakable glam punk image and are worth all the attention.

Enjoy their hit Giddy Stratospheres

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Liffe after 2nd week

So it's over. Finally. It has been exhausting 15 days of intense film consumption: some good, some bad and some you just want to forget before you leave the cinema. This year the number of bad films I saw was a bit higher than usual but for all that I know it could have all been just bad luck. I'll go again next year to check :) So here's what I saw:

This is England: Interesting insight through eyes of 12 year old boy about skinheads, racism, British politics and first love. Story was supposedly based on director's/writer's personal experience and I must admit it revealed some new aspects, at least to me. I'd give it an 8 but probably wouldn't go to see it again.

Jar city is an excellent story that connects crime to DNA and people's pasts. Characters and relations between them are well built plus the casting was excellent. The film is typical northern European drama and has taste of bizarreness yet specialness. I loved the gradual revealing of the story as it kept me in suspense almost until the very end. I'd give it 10 and definitely go to see it again. Yes, I have a thing for northern European films.

Even though Michael Clayton has all the typical mainstream movie elements, it delivers absolutely brilliant story. Excellent screenplay is upgraded by George Clooney's marvelous acting. The story is quite simple yet somehow complicated and therefore lovable. Great directing, great feeling after the film. I'd give it 9.5 and would see it again too.

The Journals of Knud Rasmussen was somewhat confusing. Maybe I was expecting much more from Danish/Canadian crew than foggy story about Inuits becoming Christians with maintaining the distance between the audience and the characters. Maybe I just didn't understand it or it was too arty for me. Haven't got a clue who is that Knud Rasmussen character is since it wasn't mentioned at all. I'd give it a 6 for nice photography and good idea.

Viva was horribly stereotypical. I found the main character extremely shallow and annoying, dialogs seemed like patchwork of lines taken out od 60's commercials and the story felt like it wanted to be a parody, only it wasn't. It could be just me but I didn't find any real message about sexual revolution/emancipation of women in that movie. What I understood was: Liberation makes prostitutes out of housewives and rape is OK as long as it's followed by a success in the show business. Lame. I'd give it 1.

Les Anges exterminateurs
has an interesting story and some really great erotic scenes. However I failed to see angels motives, their role and drive of the main character. The ending was expected but still a bit weird and somehow unfair. I'm a bit confused, I'd give it a 5 and ask the director for additional explanation.

Le Pressentiment was extremely refreshing. For most part of the movie I wasn't able to guess what is going to happen or wasn't trying to guess at all. Lovable main character, great antagonists and I loved the whole plot about lawyer who gives up his luxurious life to become a writer. The false climax was simply brilliant and I think I'd go an see it again just for that. I'd give it 8.5.

Now I think I'll take a short off cinema recovery to give my eyes a bit of R & R. Not too long though as the next film festival will begin really soon.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Take it away, Stephen!

I discovered Stephen Lynch few years ago and developed almost immediate severe addiction. He's a brilliant singer and performer and I never get tired of listening to his songs. They are all so good I couldn't even decide what to publish. I chose two and was really tempted to have three. What the heck, you'll have to Google for more :P

If you haven't seen him yet I strongly recommend you download the whole show, especially if you're black humor fan. He's absolutely worth it. Here's what Irena might call the desert of the day.

Best friends



Lullaby

Monday, November 19, 2007

The recovery soup

All work and no fun makes Jane as charming as George Bush and less entertaining than The English Patient.

Having fun is essential to almost every human being (except Chuck Norris) and it's of extreme importance that we nurture it. While doing so your body might scream gimme more, but a day after that it might as well say it was too much.

Luckily there is a recovery soup that will give your body some quality shut up time. It is really easy to make and it takes about 20 minutes.

You'll need some:
  • potatoes,
  • leek,
  • flour,
  • oil,
  • salt
  • Vegeta and
  • water.

Peel the potatoes and chop them to smaller chunks, add some water, salt and a spoon of Vegeta and cook them for about 15 minutes.















Add chopped leek.



Take a spoon/two of flour and fry it on the heated up oil.




Add to the soup and cook for another 5 minutes. All that's left now is to sit down and enjoy your soup :)

Friday, November 16, 2007

Ascertainment of the day

It's not worth to compromise culture for love life.

I exchanged Control for a heartache and I'd do just about anything to see that movie now. Silly silly silly things we do for love...

Interpol: C'mere

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Can you smell the snow?

When I think of snow and winter, I somehow associate it with Rammstein. I was surprised to hear many Germans don't like them because they are supposed to be right wing nationalists, only pretending to be left for the popularity.

Honestly, I can't think of any right wing person who'd be able to or would want to pretend to be left for the popularity. It's like vegetarian pretending to like meat just to blend in. Nevertheless, I adore their music and would go to their concert again. They definitely know how to make a good show.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Liffe after 1st week

So first week of Ljubljana's international film festival is over. Here is what impressed me most - in a good or a bad way.

The Darjeeling Limited was nice and cute. It's not what you call state of the art movie, but I'd definitely see it again. It's easygoing, fun with interesting story and characters who manage to find what they were looking for in the places, they weren't looking for it at all. It's a fair 8 with special plus to Jason Schwartzman for his co-writing skills and great role. I guess he liked his characters in I heart Huckabees and Spun so much he brought them to another movie. Well done Jason, the screenplay is excellent!

XXY
was surprisingly good, considering the topic it was tackling with. No big drama, no suicides or suicide attempts and no Hollywood baggage. Not to mention great directing and photography. The main actress deserves an award for totally owning the role of 15 year old hermaphrodite. I don't think I'd see it again but I still give it an 8.

Delirious was also nice, even though it had a little bit too much of Hollywood taste as far as I am concerned. Nevertheless it had few great dialogs and good directing. I'd give it a 7 and might see it again - it's a great easy movie to light you up but that's all.

Syndroms and century was the crappiest movie I've seen since Odete. Both Jotaeater and me fell asleep during it a couple of times. The story was somehow unconnected and some frames were absolutely too long to make any point at all. Two is more than generous mark for it. I can't believe this movie is competing for an audience award.

Empties is totally different story though - not only I loved the movie, I'd go to see it again immediately. It totally had my attention from the very beginning. Haven't seen such a witty story with great characters and unbelievable charm since Czech Dream and Dark horse. I'd give it straight 10, an award of the audience and best screenplay award. It's absolutely worth it!

2 Days in Paris was refreshing: good and witty dialogs, interesting characters with nice French touch. I loved the story for its slightly political tone, however I felt a bit disappointed as Julie Delpy elegantly avoided the building up of the characters and their final confrontation by explaining it all in an off voice. It was a bit of a let down to rip the audience off what could have been the best scene in the movie when she already proved she's excellent in screenplay writing. It still deserves 8.5 and I'd probably see it again too.

Goodbye Bafana was touching enough to make me cry. It's definitely not an easy Sunday movie, nevertheless it is worth seeing, especially if you life political films. Nelson Mandela's fight for freedom reminds you about true value of things, we take for granted. It also shows how personal experience can change people's values. I'd give it 8.5 .

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Last minute call...

...got me playing at tonights private girls only party. While refreshing my playlist this groovy song got its way onto my charts. Todays morning movie had something to do with it.

The Dandy Warhols
: Bohemian Like You

Friday, November 9, 2007

Song 4 C.

It's one of those Fridays that doesn't feel like a Friday because of the shitty weather. I need something strong and I need it fast.

Bloc Party to the rescue.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Another revolution in online advertising?

After last weeks boom with Google's OpenSocial Facebook is returning the new hit by changing the face of brand advertising online and unveiling their ad strategy. So what exactly is so revolutionary, changing or social about it anyway?

Not much really. After discovering banner blindness, marketers have found yet another way to stuff the ads down our throats. But not just any kind of ads - this time they are supposed to be personalized. Gee, thanks for caring.

The pop-up overkill was not enough to prevent annoying flash animations, putting commercials in public toilets and filling our mails/blogs with "customized" ads. Why stop there when there is still so much to be discovered? Now they want to customize the ads to fit our needs by advertising things we like/want. I'm not sure which I dislike more: the "progress" in advertising or the pretension of doing this for the benefit of the users.

We know it's really not about wanting to help you getting what you want, but earning few bucks with things we might like and probably don't need. The consumers don't know what they want anyway, right?

Now I don't know about others, but I certainly don't want anyone scanning my profile to offer me products I might like. If I ever wanted anything like that, I'd invite them over and let them check my closets to find out my favorite underwear brand or ask them for few book recommendations. Luckily I know what I want most of the time and have a temporary solution for the things I don't know. There are always things I don't want to know so please let me have the privilege of keeping it that way.

However there are two things I believe really could make a revolution in online advertising:
  • software that would "clean" the websites of advertisements
  • following a simple yet worldwide successful principle: Less is more.

Well, assuming they really care about the consumer ;)

Monday, November 5, 2007

Sassy seasons

Autumn gives trees gorgeous evening dresses.

Then winter comes and strips them off naked.

I blame him for the idea of autumn impression and the tree for inspiration.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Computer nag

Nothing pisses me off more than computers/programs that don't work as they are supposed to. Where there's love there's also hate. At this very moment I hate Bill Gates for his Outlook 2007.

I might have few ideas on how to fix the problem:

Friday, November 2, 2007

Sexy mushrooms

Mushrooms might be the sexiest vegetable I've ever tasted. They are so tender, soft and....well delicious. They are quite simple to prepare to and go well with just about everything. Willing to try? This recipe is not mine - I got it at the picnic after bugging a cook. Nevertheless it was worth it. Presenting:

The mushroom sauce:
  • mushrooms
  • butter
  • sweet cream
  • cheese
  • salt
Braise cut & salted mushrooms on melted butter until they soften up. Add sweet cream and cheese. Boil for few more minutes and your sauce is ready. As simple as that. It goes well with pasta or cooked & grilled polenta.

If you want to make your meal a bit more fresh and healthy, make an Autumn salad:
  • red chicory
  • tomato
  • corn
  • chic peas
  • tofu
  • olive oil
  • vinegar
  • salt




Bon apetit!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Bill Gates and his sudden charity inch

Obviously people think Bill Gates has sudden and unexplainable urge to give money away to people. Yeah, just like that. Well, to be more exact - to give 245 EUR to everyone who forwards certain spam email to others and they forward it too.

It might sound unbelievable probably because it is but many people obviously think: What the heck, it can't hurt if I try, right? My mailbox says too many...

There should be a new word for describing chain letters since annoying doesn't quite fit anymore. Please stop it.

Bill Gates is rich for a reason. Sending emails is not the reason.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Friday, October 26, 2007

Thursday, October 25, 2007

iCook

Forget Facebook, there's Tastebook, Valley's another interesting startup. This one is for everyone who likes cooking or know someone who likes it. The concept of Tastebook reminds me a little bit on Coolinarika's system, but then again Coolinarika is not only about cooking.











Unlike Coolinarika's offer to print the recipes in a book format and order a book cover from them, Tastebook offers you the whole book for about 25 EURO's. Not so bad and the design is quite catchy too.

I think I'm willing to try it. If nothing else, I can add some of my mom's recipes and give it to her in a book-form as x-mas present. Priceless.

P.S: Two drawbacks: Website is in flash & they don't send Tastebooks outside US :(

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Non-existance

There are at least two weeks per year, when I disappear for most of my friends and family. No hanging around, no partying, no coffee chitchatting or occasional wasting of time. All my every day activities are cut down to minimum and so is my answering the phone. No, it's not preparation for a concert of my life, it's Liffe. During these two weeks I'm hiding from the world in the cinema. And what a lovely place to be indeed.

Today they start selling the tickets and I have a really hard job of careful planning how to include everything I'd like to see. Naturally I want to see all or at least most of them. Especially all Danish films and most of the Extravagance section. Then of course Perspectives, Against the wind and Focus. Avant Premiers can wait till few weeks later, when they come to regular cinema. Unless of course they're showing any of the Lars candies (gimme gimme).

Movie a day keeps the doctor away? I'll take three then!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Dating

It's funny how dating gets more complicated as you grow older. When you are a teenager things are quite simple - it's enough if the person is cute and likes you. Sometimes it's enough even that you're both drunk and there. Not much of getting to know each other and long exhausting talks about meaning of life or your expectations. Of course most of these "relationships" ended up just as quickly as they begun. Well, at least that was my experience.

As you have a couple of "the wrong ones" you eventually become more careful about who you're getting involved with. Especially when you want to avoid meaningless relationships. You are now ready for an upgraded version of the dating game.

Now it's not enough anymore for the person to be cute. No, you want them to be smart, easygoing and fun. Possibly with similar music taste to yours. Somehow I can't imagine myself with anyone who prefers turbo folk, slovenian pop, r'n'b or Britney Spears kinda things. But it doesn't stop there, oh no. Political beliefs matter too. No conservativeness, no anti - ecological or anti-artistic behavior and most of all no obsessions with money, appearance or fanciness.

So what's the deal? Does it get any easier after 30 or do you eventually stop fussing about it? Maybe I'm just too demanding, having too much fun with "the wrong ones" or maybe I just like being single a bit too much :)

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Depeche mode moment

I'm having one. Severely.

The cold is in and so is the time for my winter music.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Blog action day

I have a thing for plants. Being able to produce everything they need (apart from water and soil) they really are self-sufficient. Our romance started on one of those spontaneous and wild student getaways that finish at the seaside around 3 a.m. Sitting on a beach with my friends, finishing a bottle of cheap wine I got one of my unexplainable urges - to hug a tree. So I did. She knows how good that feels and yes, I still do it.

My first "serious" ecological encounters were somehow connected to moving to new apartments, a genuine nightmare of every person who has to rent. It is only then when I noticed how much stuff I managed to accumulate in a year or so. Not to mention most of it was useless decoration and things you keep for the memories sake. So I started to fight my nesting habit by trying to reuse the garbage I couldn't give up. Turbo-ecology full time. My next encounter will include a make over of an old closet. Simply irresistible.

Not only I had a lot of fun making new things out of old ones, it also saved me money for presents, boosted my imagination and reduced the Ikea moment. That's the moment when you realize half of your your friends have exactly the same furniture/clothes/shoes/... as you. Just lovely isn't it?.

I'm not sure when it happened, but today I strangely drawn towards sustainable development. I even changed my mind about wanting SUV as my dream car. I admit seeing lovely Greenpeace commercial bellow helped a lot. I need nature and its goods to relax and enjoy myself so I guess it's fair to give something back. Respect is a good way to start.

Reading about eco towns actually got me thinking about living in some kind of ecological house. After all natural resources offer plenty of opportunities for creative minds, the most eager ones can even turn food into fuel. The pleasure of having your own ecological energy source and growing organic food is not only sustainable, but also means paying less to the System. Now that's a skill for life ;)

I'm glad Blog action day is about environment, even if only for the hype reasons. It is the thought that counts.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Fever

Lately I've been hearing a lot of coughing and sneezing around me but was still kinda hoping it would pass me by without any consequences. Well, think again. For the past two days my throat is sore, my head feels funny (i.e. more than usual) and my nose is running (luckily not in the Kafka kinda of way).

So this song is dedicated to all of you virus providers out there. Special thanks to Black Betty and her generous distribution of bacterias to other bloggers. Luv u too honey :P

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Muse-ic

I just couldn't resist. Today is the day for the Muse fans. Jotaeater is coming and so are Andy D-mashine, Black Betty and many others, including myself.

I've never gone to a rock concert with a sprained ankle before. Will that stop me from jumping around? I doubt it. After all, it's Muse we're talking about ;)

Monday, October 8, 2007

Misheard lyrics

Did it every happen to you that you misunderstood the lyrics of a song? It's quite usual phenomenon with metal or hard rock tracks, where singers scream, mumble or moan to the microphone. For some songs it's even hard to figure out which language they sing in. However it can also happen with totally random songs. Like Status Quo's "In the army now". For some weird reason I thought they were singing "oooooooooooh you're in Miami now" when they actually sung "Oh, oh, you're in the army now". I know it makes no sense at all, but I guess senses sometimes play tricks with our brains (or is it the other way around).

Anyway, funniest misheard lyrics I heard came from my friends. Instead of Relight my fire they heard "We like Papaya". Untill I recently discovered Misheard lyrics. Plenty of fun guaranteed. I chose only few pearls and leave you to discover some more...

The Police: Every Breath You Take

Original Lyrics:
I'll be watching you.

Misheard Lyrics:
I'll be washing you.

Original Lyrics:
How my poor heart aches

Misheard Lyrics:
How my poo hole aches

Original Lyrics:
Every night you stay.

Misheard Lyrics:
Every nacho's dead.

System Of A Down: Aerials

Original Lyrics:
Aerials in the sky
When you lose small mind, you free your life.

Misheard Lyrics:
Aerials in disguise
When you lose your life, you fell alright.
&
Aerials, in the sky
When you lose your mind, you freakin' die.

Madonna: Who's That Girl?

Original Lyrics:
Senorita, mas fina

Misheard Lyrics:
Senorita, must feed her

Madonna: Vogue
Original Lyrics:
Strike a pose.

Misheard Lyrics:
Strike a pony.

U2: One
Original Lyrics:
It's too late tonight to bring the past out into the light.

Misheard Lyrics:
It's too late, tonight, to bring the pasta into the light.

Original Lyrics:
Love is a temple.

Misheard Lyrics:
Love is a tampon.

REM: Shiny Happy People

Original Lyrics:
Shiny happy people laughing

Misheard Lyrics:
Chinese happy people laughing
&
Shiny crappy people laughing.

Original Lyrics:
Shiny happy people holding hands

Misheard Lyrics:
Shiny happy people, holy cow.
&
Shiny, happy ceilings holdings pans

Friday, October 5, 2007

Oldies goldies

Štrudl successfully managed to awaken my grunge nostalgia and once the door was already open... well I just couldn't resist not to dig into my teen favorites. I love them either because of the music, lyrics or fabulously crazy videos.

Unfortunately they don't make them like this anymore and I'll be more than happy if you remind me of anything similar.

Presenting the nostalgic threesome:

Men at work: Land down under


Paul Simon: Call me Al


Prefab Sprout: The King Of Rock 'N' Roll

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Bloger's SIOL soap opera

Finally we got one! And it's all about who was picked for "house bloger" - allegedly blogers who'd get payed for providing content. I'm not gonna repeat the whole story since others have done that for me a couple of times. However I can't help noticing how much fuss the whole thing brought to Slovenian blogosphere.

People are now wondering whether SIOL secretly "infiltrates" its employees in the blogosphere, whether the whole voting thing was fair and whether there will be more "blog deleting" protests to demonstrate one's opinion. What can I think about all of this?
Not much really.

It's just another on-line soap opera to enjoy and will probably soon be forgotten like the ones before. I could care less about who's getting payed for writing (as long as it's not me) or what SIOL does, as I was never too fond of the company anyway. Fame is overrated so I wish only the best to the ones who dare to flirt with it. And the rest I leave to Mudhoney and his Generation Spokesmodel.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

The one and only

Or should I say the one and lonely. Today I read an article about The 10 Rarest Animals in the World. We all know some animals are being extinct so it's not shocking big news and some might even call it the natural cycle of life. However there is something very touching about the whole story. Curious?

Lonesome George, the only existing Pinta Island tortoise. When he dies, his species will extinct. The Charles Darwin Research Station offered an award of $10,000 for a Pinta female. No luck so far. George has never seen any tortoise of his kind or ever mated. He's been living an involuntarily celibacy his whole life.

Now I don't know how George feels (if he feels anything at all) having no company of his own species, but only thinking about it makes me really sad. Even though I hate crowds and would prefer to move someplace less populated (possibly not populated at all) I know I couldn't be completely by myself for the rest of my life. Luckily I have a choice.

This song is for George, the lonesome turtle in the Galapagos.

Beth Gibbons: Mysteries

Monday, October 1, 2007

Happy pizza

One of the essential ingredients of every successful meal is good mood. Anyone who ever tried cooking know dishes taste better if you're not cranky or in a hurry when cooking. Since we don't have any good mood button (which would be handy indeed), the buttons on your recorder will do the trick. For starters pick something romantic and easy going or just put your favorite song on repeat, turn up the volume and you're ready for cooking.

Step 1: Dough
Put flour in a bowl and make a hole in the middle. Usually I take some plain and some wholewheat flour or mix few types together. Warm up 1/2 deciliters of milk (warm not hot), put a teaspoon of sugar in it and half of fresh yeast. Stir it up with spoon until the yeast melts and pour it into the flour. Cover with napkin and leave for 15 minutes (possibly on a warm place).

After 15 minutes it's time to change your record as you will need a song with explicitly positive vibrations. If you're having hard time to choose, I recommend some reggae music - you can never go wrong with that.

Add half teaspoon of salt and 2 spoons of olive oil, some warm water and stir the batter until you get dough. If necessary add more flour and leave to rinse for another 15-30 minutes. Then make dough gently with your hands and add flour/warm water if necessary. Pizza will be much more fluffy, yummy and soft if you don't use the machine for making dough. Roll out the dough into pizza shape. You can use rolling pin for that or drag the dough using your hands (for those more experienced).














Step 2: Pizza making

Put some ketchup or tomato sauce on top of the dough and add vegetables. This time I used corn, fresh mushrooms and zucchini. However also tomatoes, peppers or aubergines are quite delicious. When you've decorated your pizza, add cheese (mozzarella, gauda, other) and spices (oregano, basilica).














Step 3: Baking

Bake pizza for 15 minutes at 200oC. Yup, as simple as that. I assure you your happy pizza will be the most delicious pizza you've tried. Bon apetit!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Music for rainy days

It's a slow rainy Friday, the lazy one when you want to get under your blanket with a cup of tea (possibly with rum) and watch your favorite film/series until you fall asleep. Of course there's special kind of music that fits the relaxed rainy atmosphere or should I say it doesn't interrupt your doing of nothing.

There are several artists I listen to this occasions, but Telefon tel Aviv is without doubt the winner in the situation. Easy electronic "flow-through" music of American music group artists is just perfect for chillout and dance. The group was formed in 1999 in Chicago and relocated in 2001 in New Orleans. Charles Cooper and Joshua Eustis are the heart of Telefon tel Aviv and have by now produced three albums: Fahrenheit Fair Enough (2001), Map of What Is Effortless (2004) and Remixes Compiled (2007).

Unfortunately I couldn't find any decent videos on their official website. However you can listen to their tracks on the website. I wanted to dig out my favorite one "When it happens don't hesitate" which reminds me on David Lynch movies. Somehow Youtube only provided me with some low quality concert recordings so here's the best I got.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Bag of clichés' to go please

Clichés' are inevitable. When you talk to friends, colleagues, relatives or strangers they will just randomly pop out your mouth: How are you, what you're doing, have fun, wish you luck, happy new year, bless you and many many more.

Is it wrong to say all those things without thinking about it or meaning it? I think not. After all it is only a tool to start up a conversation or a cover up the fact you have nothing else to say. It might not seem so but clichés' can glue together fragile human relationships.

Let's say you run into an old friend. You had your disputes in the past and haven't heard from each other for some time. Eventually you let things go but now you don't know how to start or what to say. Clichés' sure come in handy. But does cliché remains cliché even when you really mean what you are saying? Can you tell the difference between being polite and sincere? Can clichés' hurt people when they mistake them for real feelings? Does that show they have a value?

There's something ironically cheap about them. Nevertheless I can't help wondering whether they don't hide a treasure underneath the faded surface. Even when it seems we don't really talk anymore but exchange clichés' instead.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Busy life

Sometimes I wonder how on earth do I manage to keep my life so busy at all times. I'm starting to believe it is impossible for me to cut down on the activities and just have time to do nothing. I don't want to do nothing. Every time I try to save some time by cancelling few obligations, I somehow find myself getting involved in new ones. So this week will busy as hell with lots of running around, handling bureaucracy, meetings, plans, rehearsals and social life (if I'll be lucky enough to have any at all), starting today big time.

Nevertheless , I wouldn't have it any other way so it must be a bliss. Even though it's just another hectic week, I want to start it big.

Muse: Bliss

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Growing up sucks unless you break some rules

Growing up brings quite a some advantages to person's life. One of them is being able to do things your parents told you not to. Like sticking fingers up your nose, playing with food and talking to strangers. Especially the last one proved to be pretty much inevitable once I started blogging. It also turned out to be quite therapeutic. Lost you already? Good.

After my concert/festival abstinence I had a bit of crisis. Especially after reading people's reports on Sziget, Frequency and Exit festivals. I missed the camping, the festival atmosphere, discovering the new bands and the crowds under stage. It almost felt like a disease and I had the goddamn itch every time someone would mention anything remotely connected to live music.

While browsing through blogs I ran into Jotaeater's reports on all the events I wanted to see. Couldn't help leaving few comments on how jealous I was on them especially because of Interpol. The result was quite surprising. They're going to see them again in November and just happen to have an extra place in their car. Needless to say the car is full now and I'm thrilled.

Talking to strangers might not get you far but I can certainly get you to a rock concert ;)

Friday, September 14, 2007

DJ's favourite dilemmas

Once you start Deejaying, you figure out there are three types of music:
  1. Music you listen to and also play at the parties,
  2. Music others want you to play (and most of the times doesn't fit your taste at all),
  3. Music you listen to but only play for yourself.
Sooner or later every DJ faces some crises in connection to those three point. Firstly, music you like and play is not necessarily music people know and want to hear. Empty dance floor could feel even worse than embarrassing yourself on first date so you have to take compromises. You always prepare few hits people know and you like. However, I am still quite reluctant to play commercial music only. Regardless the situation, I'd always try to fit in some indie rock. I like t think of it as music education but some obviously consider it as an invitation. So they come and complain about it.

Which brings us to our second and probably most popular DJ dilemma: music wishes. I know exactly how it feels to want to hear a song you think would fit in perfectly. Come to think of it I've had quite a few music wishes up till now. To be completely honest, talking to DJs was pretty much my regular activity. But once you are on the other side, it just becomes annoying. Not so much because of distractions as because of realising people want to listen to Britney Spears, turbo folk and Slovenian pop. Saying you don't have that exact CD doesn't really help as they will bring their own. The Iron Lady ways right: JUST SAY NO!

And of course there is also music you like and listen to, but would not play for others. Most of the times because people can't dance to it, nobody knows it (apart from you and your friends), nobody heard about that artist or it is just not your style. For instance Frank Sinatra: I love his work since I was a teenager and his double CD was the only valentines special offer I'd ever buy. To myself of course. Even cynical darkers have soft moments now and then. Normally I don't share my Frankie boy but this time I'll make an exception. This one is really worth it.:

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Adding insult to injury

Add n to X
This piece is my mental preparation for Saturdays Party. Excellent British band Add N to (X) was introduced to me by DJ Sladka for which I am still very thankful. Their name was supposedly taken from a computer program command that creates an unknown electronic third force.

Photo source: Mute records

Vintage synthesizers
have been ever so popular since 80's and the band certainly mastered their sounds. It probably helped having a producer as a band member.

I got quite excited about their album Add insult to injury and about their slightly obscene and sexy videos. The most famous video "Plug me in" would feature porn actress playing with sex toys. Unfortunately they split up. Barry Smith, Ann Shenton and Steven Claydon went pursuing their individual careers. Too bad for their fans and Mute records.

Metal fingers in my body is one of my favourite singles and a track from their third album Avant hard. The video is quite interesting too.

Enjoy it: