Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Janet comes to the 'Well
Spent the evening with Janet... the Divisional Youth Officer from the East of Scotland. We shared some dinner... some ping pong (will explain later)...
...and then discussed the upcoming Summer School - Olly and I have been asked to be Welfare Officers... Should be a laugh.
Great evening... thanks Janet!
Human Parkur
Loving this... by my man Royzoner... unfortunately he's the one filming and not doing the stunts!
Stop the traffik!
Technorati Tags: stop the traffik, parkur
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Santana's Abraxas

I'm on a real classic rock vibe just now... and Santana's second album Abraxas is just genius! The mix of guitar grooves and latin vibes is intoxicating. Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va are timeless. This is an album that deserves to be appreciated from start to finish... from a long lost time when analogue and real time were valued.
Recommended... a must for any collection.
Drinkin'
IKEA are selling Kopparbergs non-alcoholic pear cider along with the alcoholic equivalent... and I have to say its nice. Great to see a brewer taking a mature approach to the market and creating a product for people, like me, who do not drink alcohol.

I'm not a big fan of soft drinks like Coke when out and about... its too "everyday" for me. I prefer something different like fresh orange and cranberry juice combos (see above - mine's not the Guiness) or red bull and cranberry juice (I love cranberry juice).
We need more options... and more ideas. What's your fav non-alcoholic drink / juice combo? Leave a comment... or maybe even a recipe.

I'm not a big fan of soft drinks like Coke when out and about... its too "everyday" for me. I prefer something different like fresh orange and cranberry juice combos (see above - mine's not the Guiness) or red bull and cranberry juice (I love cranberry juice).
We need more options... and more ideas. What's your fav non-alcoholic drink / juice combo? Leave a comment... or maybe even a recipe.
Technorati Tags: non alcoholic
Stuff on the 'tinterweb
Both Olly and I are down with the cold... Olly is worse than me - splitting headache etc... I'm not as bad... except when I'm coughing up a lung... but hey when life gives you lemons (or in this case a cold) you turn it into a fun game whereby I guess the pantone shade of green!
Anyway... found some stuff on the 'tinterweb that may be of interest...
The hype around the iPhone is getting pretty mental... found this unofficial iPhone ad here - its well made and demonstrates the different peoples who make up NYC. Nice job!
Thought these "yaya con dios" Vans from the Van's Vault were way cool. Never owned a pair of Vans... and don't really need new shoes right now... but maybe one day I'll sport a cool pair of slip-ons.
Another blog of note in my Google Reader is David Seah's - he's on a journey with his Printable CEO productivity tool. I've not used it yet... but intend to try it out soon.
Anyway... he participated in a cross-posting experiment with a chap called Jeff from Equivocality (another blog for Google Reader). I really appreciate the post and recommend you check it out... The main gist was...
Anybody want to partake in a little cross-posting experimentation? Leave a comment... and we'll make it happen.
More inspiration from the NYPost on co-working...
The whole Fon thing has me pretty excited...
That's me for a wee while... let me know if you fancy a wee cross-post experiment.
Anyway... found some stuff on the 'tinterweb that may be of interest...
The hype around the iPhone is getting pretty mental... found this unofficial iPhone ad here - its well made and demonstrates the different peoples who make up NYC. Nice job!
Thought these "yaya con dios" Vans from the Van's Vault were way cool. Never owned a pair of Vans... and don't really need new shoes right now... but maybe one day I'll sport a cool pair of slip-ons.
Another blog of note in my Google Reader is David Seah's - he's on a journey with his Printable CEO productivity tool. I've not used it yet... but intend to try it out soon.
Anyway... he participated in a cross-posting experiment with a chap called Jeff from Equivocality (another blog for Google Reader). I really appreciate the post and recommend you check it out... The main gist was...
Inspiration is everywhere. It’s true.Great post... I have to say catching Flickritis was a great way to increase my creativity... I am inspired everyday by my surroundings and try to capture my world with my K800i. I want to get a Lomo camera and take my photography to the next level. I love to dream dreams too... but I struggle at times with the implementation. Appreciated this post - thanks David & Jeff!
The difficult part is finding it.
Buy a camera
You’ll start to see the world in a different way. The positioning of objects in a composition. The play of light in a scene. The subject of focus in the foreground.
Never stop dreaming
Dreaming is what gives us hope. It lets us see things that never were, and helps us think outside of the box. Some of the best ideas come from unconventional dreams.
Step out of your comfort zone
You’ll learn things about yourself that you never knew. You’ll discover your strengths and weaknesses. By placing yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you’re forcing yourself to confront that which makes you uncomfortable. If you can grow from this, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish, and you’ll wonder what was ever holding you back.
Anybody want to partake in a little cross-posting experimentation? Leave a comment... and we'll make it happen.
More inspiration from the NYPost on co-working...
Coworking Brooklyn doesn't have the trappings of a conventional office - there's no receptionist, no water cooler, no humming copiers or fax machines. The room is dominated by two old couches and a large table, where, on most days, four or five people sit with laptops. A dog and a cat wander between the working room and the adjoining art gallery, and an erudite collection of books, from Nabokov to Jung, fills the bookshelves lining the walls. Music is on all day (but if a particular song gets on your nerves, no one minds if you change it).I love the idea of building communities like this... Nice. I'm going to explore this more on the Hardthought. Thanks to the co-working blog for the heads-up on this. ((another quality read))
The whole Fon thing has me pretty excited...
FON is the largest WiFi community in the world. FON is a Community of people making WiFi universal and free. Our vision is WiFi everywhere made possible by the members of the Community, Foneros. We share some of our home Internet connection and get free access to the Community’s FON Spots worldwide!Could this be the answer for churches..? Imagine my Corps setting up a Fon router as a means of making some money... and/or attracting people to the space. Hmm???
That's me for a wee while... let me know if you fancy a wee cross-post experiment.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
There is no more hip
"The idea I had is—forget about doing something subversive to the status quo, forget about trying to do something hip or underground. There is no more underground. There is no more hip. It's impossible to do it because everything is instantly out there. I wanted to do something that was an alternative, something personal."Ian Schrager
I try to read as widely as I can... and one of the blogs I check out is Influx - its a fab read on design, branding, technology etc.
I found this quote to be really interesting... but not necessarily for the intended subject matter. Sure I've stayed in some fab hotels recently and gladly welcome more personalisation and individualisation in their design... Its great to know Ian Schrager will be working with the Marriott hotel chain.
Where my thoughts went were towards church... and the creation of events / experiences / touchpoints. Maybe its time to move away from being deliberately subversive and anti the norm... towards a more personal experience. An alternative, yes, but one that works on a different level. Something unique and individual... something personal.
Its not about trying to do something hip or trendy... or even underground per se. Its about values such as authenticity and individuality... the salad bowl approach where all the unique tastes and textures work together to make the meal. Where all the body of Christ is represented... and everyone can be participants and not passengers.
Thanks Mr Schrager!
Staple Design on Behance
Great to see the Staple Design team on Behance. Big fan of Jeff Staple's work and its good to get an insight into how he knits his team together. Here's some thoughts...
There are a few tips and tricks he’s picked up over the years:Sweet. Read the rest here and throw Behance into your Google Reader... its a great read.
* "Having a properly working syncing system between your PC and Handheld PDA is VITAL."
* "Your contacts and appointments must be identical between your PDA and your PC. If you're not using a PDA, you're slightly behind the game. If you're not syncing, you might as well as be using a Franklin or Post It notepads."
In addition, there are three lists he has on him at all times:
* "HAVE TO" is basically a priority list. Stuff he MUST do, mostly work related things. Examples he provides are "fedex this," "pay this," "fire him," "hire her," etc…
* "SHOULD DO" includes things that Jeff would like to TRY to do, things that would probably help his life and business, but are not urgent and lack deadlines (i.e., Backup PCs, order more promotional items, etc...).
* "WANT TO" includes personal things that Jeff aspires to do or accomplish someday, examples might include “see a chiropractor, get a colonic, check out the Vitsoe line, buy Shoe Goo."
More busy busy in netlabel land
Not long after I posted the previous post... I discovered MORE new netlabel tunage...
First off... we have another fabulous compilation from 1-bit wonder entitled Celebration Compilation 3 - tons of minimal techno, dubby vibes and deep listening electronica. Sounds great on the iPod in rush hour. Here's what they are saying about it...
Next up we have the Clicktrack compilation from Aplinechic - this is way more diverse that the i-bit comp and has a real "soundtrack" feel to it. More vocals too... which are always welcomed. It varies from the indie guitar and violin work of my eve proposal through the electronic rock of le zero and Mr Soul via an 80's acid vibe from Severin 24 and Piquet (great to hear the 808). Diverse and valuable as a soundtrack to your life.
My last.fm pal awx from Lithuania keeps me abreast of any Suetmos releases... while scouting out his blog... I cam across another netlabel :: Kyoto_Digital and recognised a couple of names on their roster from the Flow.ers compilation from Suetmos - I recommend the dubby electronica of Xoki and Hieronymous - releases 5 and 6 respectfully are tremendous... downbeat electronica with lazy dub sensibilities. Lovely.
More for your iPod... No need to steal music when all this great music is available for free. Check it out.
First off... we have another fabulous compilation from 1-bit wonder entitled Celebration Compilation 3 - tons of minimal techno, dubby vibes and deep listening electronica. Sounds great on the iPod in rush hour. Here's what they are saying about it...
It took us a long time to get this collection done, but finally we have a new compilation! And again, it's a perfect cross section of the sound of 1bit. Starting with pumpin' minimal tech the journey continues via dub and funk to reach its end with beautiful electronica and rough blues sounds. Old faces meet new artists - great talent joining the 1bit family. Have a listen and join us in looking forward to another year of 1bit sounds!Favs so far include Juno6 and Frank Molder - need to give it more time... but I like what I hear so far.
Next up we have the Clicktrack compilation from Aplinechic - this is way more diverse that the i-bit comp and has a real "soundtrack" feel to it. More vocals too... which are always welcomed. It varies from the indie guitar and violin work of my eve proposal through the electronic rock of le zero and Mr Soul via an 80's acid vibe from Severin 24 and Piquet (great to hear the 808). Diverse and valuable as a soundtrack to your life.
My last.fm pal awx from Lithuania keeps me abreast of any Suetmos releases... while scouting out his blog... I cam across another netlabel :: Kyoto_Digital and recognised a couple of names on their roster from the Flow.ers compilation from Suetmos - I recommend the dubby electronica of Xoki and Hieronymous - releases 5 and 6 respectfully are tremendous... downbeat electronica with lazy dub sensibilities. Lovely.
More for your iPod... No need to steal music when all this great music is available for free. Check it out.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Busy busy in netlabel land
Loads of tunes have dropped in netlabel land very recently...
First off... this mix is kind of old, but wonderful nonetheless... In Vitro has created a beautiful sound collage of some great ambient electronica that is worthy of an hour of your time. Well curated and mixed for a continuous stream of consciousness. Lovely.
Next up we have the follow up to Electronica Unplugged from aerotone :: The imaginatively titled Electronica Unplugged 2 is a tremendous follow up to the first album with some great tracks. Here's what they say...
While we are over visiting aerotone they have another fantastic release... Bluebridge Quartet's Adjusted for low noise tape EP is a wonderful selection of nu-jazz from Sweden. Here's what they say...
Heading back to a more ambient flavour... apollon's metabelief on Earth Monkey Productions is an album of dark, haunting ambient sculptures. Apollon utilises retro techniques, tape looping, found sound and percussion to form cut up these soundscapes. From what I've heard its a great collection of tracks... although you need to be in the mood for it. Was a wee bit hesitant with the dark ambience title... but am enjoying it so far. Its dense and rich like a great espresso.
Lastly, sutemos have dropped another bomb from 3tronik ((the chap who's first release k0ma prog3ct kicked the label off...)) Anpassung is glitchy and beepy and jumpy... just the way I like it. Sure, as they say, IDM is no longer something exclusive...
What makes sutemos releases extra special is they additional artwork...
Let me know what you think... Leave a comment or something.
First off... this mix is kind of old, but wonderful nonetheless... In Vitro has created a beautiful sound collage of some great ambient electronica that is worthy of an hour of your time. Well curated and mixed for a continuous stream of consciousness. Lovely.
Next up we have the follow up to Electronica Unplugged from aerotone :: The imaginatively titled Electronica Unplugged 2 is a tremendous follow up to the first album with some great tracks. Here's what they say...
A second chance for acoustic influenced electronica (or the other way round?). "Electronica unplugged 2" is a collection of 10 tracks, by 10 artists which shows a slightly different side of netaudio these days. It is probably just a part of the start to different genres in free audio. We hope so.I certainly hope so... loving these compilations! The musicianship is second-to-none and a wonderful sub-genre that is quickly becoming special to me. Loving Bersarin Quartett and BalĂșn. If you like music that's leftfield and overflowing with new ideas then you need this comp on your iPod... or in your car.
While we are over visiting aerotone they have another fantastic release... Bluebridge Quartet's Adjusted for low noise tape EP is a wonderful selection of nu-jazz from Sweden. Here's what they say...
A live recorded EP wich focuses on instrumental playfulness, dynamics and moods. 20 minutes of wanting something different without removing the core of music. Vibrating and organic tunes carried out by the warmth of analog taperecording and instruments.Loving it. Its the sort of thing GP would be seriously pimping on Worldwide. So much so... its revived my passion for nu-jazz. Simply wonderful.
Heading back to a more ambient flavour... apollon's metabelief on Earth Monkey Productions is an album of dark, haunting ambient sculptures. Apollon utilises retro techniques, tape looping, found sound and percussion to form cut up these soundscapes. From what I've heard its a great collection of tracks... although you need to be in the mood for it. Was a wee bit hesitant with the dark ambience title... but am enjoying it so far. Its dense and rich like a great espresso.
Lastly, sutemos have dropped another bomb from 3tronik ((the chap who's first release k0ma prog3ct kicked the label off...)) Anpassung is glitchy and beepy and jumpy... just the way I like it. Sure, as they say, IDM is no longer something exclusive...
IDM is no longer some kind of musical phenomenon. It is also no longer a choice of only devoted musical gourmands. This kind of music has already become a competent musical genre which even has allusions to pop music at some occassions....especially with Boards of Canada being used on TV. But I love it... and this album from 3tronik is good.
What makes sutemos releases extra special is they additional artwork...
The music of 3tronik was always concurrent with photos of Laurent ver Alleman (aka MDG). This synthesis of two forms of art has enchanted us from the very first moment we encountered it. Even three years later I still have these French noisy, warm sights full of 3tronik's music. This time we didin't really want to anything else but his art.Stunning.
Let me know what you think... Leave a comment or something.
Technorati Tags: netlabels
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