Friday, December 31, 2010

Dark 7 Festival in London Underworld Camden 17-04-2011


Dark Electro-Industrial-EBM festival with:
SYSTEM:FX, MACHINE ROX, T3RR0R 3RR0R, GLOBAL CITIZEN, CEASE2XIST, DIGITAL DEFORMATION and FUTUREFRENETIC.
Buy your ticket directly from us for £10 instead of £12 at the door.
More info: synchrotrax@hotmail.com

Happy New Year from The Unheard Music!


2011 will be upon us shortly, although it may have already arrived for you depending on where you are in the world, so I wanted to take a few minutes and thank you all for visiting the site and let you know a little about what is coming in this new year. The site itself isn't changing or anything, the focus will still be upon unreleased or rare music, though there will be a few big projects coming up. Starting in January, twice a month I will be posting a Homemade Deluxe Edition of a classic Prince album, filled with b-sides, remixes and unreleased tracks. When I'm through Prince's discography up to 1992 I will start posting HDE versions of select Prince side-projects. As of now, there are three releases ready to go and they are 1999, Lovesexy and Dirty Mind. All are two disc versions apart from Dirty Mind. I don't have a plan as to which I'm releasing first or second so if you have a preference let me know. I could also use help with the artwork if anyone wants to contribute. Squirrelgrease is a really nice guy but I haven't heard from in a while so he must be tied up, so if anyone wants to work on packaging with me it would be greatly appreciated!

Apart from the general Unheard Music stuff and Prince releases, I'm also going to be posting V4 of The Paul's Boutique Companion which may actually be spread over two DVDs, one with the audio and the other with video. I'm also working on The Thriller Companion, a lossless collection of every available unreleased, non-album or rare tracks from Michael Jackson's Thriller era, but that will be the only MJ project and I probably won't release it through this site, at least not via regular methods. I'm also going to try and get more interviews this coming year with Prince Paul and Dan The Automator on my wish list. Matt Dike is also on that list but his lack of a public presence makes it less likely for me to find success there. Last, but certainly not least, I'm working on a project called the edits. I guess you could call it a band but it's not just music I intend to be working on. One of the first projects for the edits is starting a record with others input, with the second working on music just for the edits, but more will be revealed soon.

So, everyone have a wonderful New Years Eve, have an even better New Year and be safe! Don't get too ripped, don't drive drunk and be responsible! Much love to all of you and I'll be back in a few days!


Dave3, The Unheard Music

Grave Ritual - Euphoric Hymns From The Altar Of Death (2010)



Track list:

1.Intro 02:31
2.Beyond Diabolus 04:03
3.Sink Into the Grave 04:26
4.Abysmal Rotting 02:58
5.Drenched in Madness 04:11
6.Grotesque Summoning 02:41
7.Invoke the Realm of Tormenting Blasphemy 04:23
8.Morbid Aura of Desolation 04:43
9.Obscurdom 02:03
10.Incanted Celestial Devourment 05:03



Old School Death Metal, από τους Αμερικανούς Grave Ritual με το "Ephoric Hymns From The Altar Of Death", όπου και είναι το πρώτο άλμπουμ της μπάντας από την εταιρία Dark Descent Records. Το άλμπουμ περιέχει 10 κομμάτια αργού, βασανιστικού Death που αξίζει σοβαρά την προσοχή σας...

Revamp for UK bike test

The current format for the UK’s motorcycle licence test was only introduced in April 2009. Consisting of two parts, the first is conducted away from the roads and includes hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. The second element is a road riding assessment, which lasts for at least thirty minutes.



However, the system has received a lot of criticism. In particular, the first module has been slated for its content, as well as the number and geographic spread of the locations where it is carried out. Additionally, there have been calls to make the test a single event, rather than being split into two distinct parts that can rarely be taken on the same day.





In response, the government commenced a review back in June 2010, and the Department for Transport has now announced its initial proposals.



The aim is to return to a single, on-road test. This could mean that the hazard manoeuvre is carried out on the public road, provided the assessment still complied with EU standards. Meanwhile, the slow speed exercises (u-turn, slalom and figure of eight) might be delegated to examiners at training centres ahead of the main test.



Wisely, perhaps, the changes aren’t going to be rushed through. With the details still needing a lot of work, the plan is to trial the proposals in the early part of 2011, followed by a public consultation. The target would then be to introduce the new test during late 2011 or early 2012.

Revamp for UK bike test

The current format for the UK’s motorcycle licence test was only introduced in April 2009. Consisting of two parts, the first is conducted away from the roads and includes hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. The second element is a road riding assessment, which lasts for at least thirty minutes.



However, the system has received a lot of criticism. In particular, the first module has been slated for its content, as well as the number and geographic spread of the locations where it is carried out. Additionally, there have been calls to make the test a single event, rather than being split into two distinct parts that can rarely be taken on the same day.





In response, the government commenced a review back in June 2010, and the Department for Transport has now announced its initial proposals.



The aim is to return to a single, on-road test. This could mean that the hazard manoeuvre is carried out on the public road, provided the assessment still complied with EU standards. Meanwhile, the slow speed exercises (u-turn, slalom and figure of eight) might be delegated to examiners at training centres ahead of the main test.



Wisely, perhaps, the changes aren’t going to be rushed through. With the details still needing a lot of work, the plan is to trial the proposals in the early part of 2011, followed by a public consultation. The target would then be to introduce the new test during late 2011 or early 2012.

ZX-10R recall explained

A couple of weeks ago, Kawasaki announced a ‘technical hold’ notice for its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R in North America - in other words, a recall.





Under the notice, all bikes already delivered to customers and those at dealers had to be returned to Kawasaki. The cause was said to be unexpected engine behaviour, but an official reason wasn’t disclosed at the time.





Now, though, it seems that Kawasaki engineers have got to the bottom of the problem. A statement from the company reads:



"It had been discovered that when some examples of the new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R were operated at high rpm under unique riding conditions - such as operating on a racetrack - the intake valve springs could surge. Should this rare incidence occur it could cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.



"Having examined the very small number of machines which exhibited this surge phenomenon, the Kawasaki factory engineers have designed and fully tested a countermeasure which solves the problem without affecting any facet of the new engine’s outstanding performance.



"On the limited number of machines produced so far, the camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves are being replaced to prevent the valve spring from surging. The same design update is automatically being incorporated into the ongoing production run of the newest and most powerful Ninja yet produced."


The European launch of the bike, which was delayed because of the technical issues, is now expected to be at the end of January 2011. In the UK, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be priced at £11,699, with ABS costing an additional £1,000.



ZX-10R recall explained

A couple of weeks ago, Kawasaki announced a ‘technical hold’ notice for its new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R in North America - in other words, a recall.





Under the notice, all bikes already delivered to customers and those at dealers had to be returned to Kawasaki. The cause was said to be unexpected engine behaviour, but an official reason wasn’t disclosed at the time.





Now, though, it seems that Kawasaki engineers have got to the bottom of the problem. A statement from the company reads:



"It had been discovered that when some examples of the new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R were operated at high rpm under unique riding conditions - such as operating on a racetrack - the intake valve springs could surge. Should this rare incidence occur it could cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly, resulting in poor engine performance.



"Having examined the very small number of machines which exhibited this surge phenomenon, the Kawasaki factory engineers have designed and fully tested a countermeasure which solves the problem without affecting any facet of the new engine’s outstanding performance.



"On the limited number of machines produced so far, the camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves are being replaced to prevent the valve spring from surging. The same design update is automatically being incorporated into the ongoing production run of the newest and most powerful Ninja yet produced."


The European launch of the bike, which was delayed because of the technical issues, is now expected to be at the end of January 2011. In the UK, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be priced at £11,699, with ABS costing an additional £1,000.



Model Vauxhall ECO Diesel Futuristic Car

Luxury Modern Vauxhall ECO Diesel Car Designvauxhall eco diesel is a design concept car modern futuristic for future. because this car use power diesel. and vauxhall is very cute and beautiful car.Modern Futuristic Vauxhall ECO Diesel Car DesignNews of the talks comes as Fiat, whose chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, has declared the world’s oversupplied automotive industry ripe

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassHQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassHQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassHQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassHQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassHQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassHQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassHQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : Mercedes-Benz

Automotive Wallpaper With 2010 Chevy Camaro Gallery Pictures

Best Automotive Wallpaper With 2010 Chevy Camaro Wallpaper Gallery Picture Best Automotive Wallpaper With 2010 Chevy Camaro Wallpaper Gallery PictureBest Automotive Wallpaper With 2010 Chevy Camaro Wallpaper Gallery PictureBest Automotive Wallpaper With 2010 Chevy Camaro Wallpaper Gallery PictureBest Automotive Wallpaper With 2010 Chevy Camaro Wallpaper Gallery Picture

Gold-plated Tata Nano

The Tata Nano and Ferrari 458 Italia don’t have much in common, but an unfortunate characteristic shared by early versions of both was a willingness to burst into flames.



For the Nano, that might partly explain why its sales figures are in freefall. Tata managed to shift 9,000 units in July, but the tiny car found just 509 buyers in November.



In such a situation, most manufacturers would resort to a special edition to help boost interest. And sure enough, it’s a tactic that Tata is using with the Nano, except the result is a little, well, unconventional.





Produced ostensibly to celebrate the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewellery, the Goldplus Nano will be gold-plated. It’s named after a Titan Industries jewellery brand which, conveniently, is also part of the Tata Group. Might as well keep things in the family…



The design was chosen following a competition, and the Goldplus Nano is expected to be launched in April or May of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Gold-plated Tata Nano

The Tata Nano and Ferrari 458 Italia don’t have much in common, but an unfortunate characteristic shared by early versions of both was a willingness to burst into flames.



For the Nano, that might partly explain why its sales figures are in freefall. Tata managed to shift 9,000 units in July, but the tiny car found just 509 buyers in November.



In such a situation, most manufacturers would resort to a special edition to help boost interest. And sure enough, it’s a tactic that Tata is using with the Nano, except the result is a little, well, unconventional.





Produced ostensibly to celebrate the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewellery, the Goldplus Nano will be gold-plated. It’s named after a Titan Industries jewellery brand which, conveniently, is also part of the Tata Group. Might as well keep things in the family…



The design was chosen following a competition, and the Goldplus Nano is expected to be launched in April or May of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

The mysterious ways of fashion ... The recognition of a functional classic : The Wellington Boots and the "come back"of "Hunters"


Around Chistmas many European countries were touched by the "mixed"blessings of a White Christmas ... Time to get your "Wellis" out of the closet ... but since a couple of years, the Wellington boots and its most sophisticated version, in quality and form, got a remarkable recognition from "trendy" people ... when the "timeless" meets real functional quality, the problem of style gets a natural affirmation, capable even to resist the erosion of fashion ...





The Duke of Wellington instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James's Street, London, to modify the 18th-century Hessian boot. The resulting new boot was fabricated in soft calfskin leather, had the trim removed and was cut to fit more closely around the leg. The heels were low cut, stacked around an inch (2.5 centimetres), and the boot stopped at mid-calf. It was suitably hard-wearing for battle, yet comfortable for the evening. The boot was dubbed the Wellington and the name has stuck in British English language ever since. The Duke can be seen wearing his namesake boots, which are tasseled, in an 1815 portrait by James Lonsdale.[2]

Wellington's dashing new boots quickly caught on with patriotic British gentlemen eager to emulate their war hero. Considered fashionable and foppish in the best circles and worn by dandies, such as Beau Brummell, they remained the main fashion for men through the 1840s. In the 1850s they were more commonly made in the calf-high version, and in the 1860s they were both superseded by the ankle boot, except for riding. Wellington is one of only two British Prime Ministers to have given his name to an item of clothing, the other being Anthony Eden (his distinctive Homburg hat).[3]

Wellington boots were at first made of leather. However in 1852 Hiram Hutchinson met Charles Goodyear, who had just invented the vulcanization process for natural rubber. While Goodyear decided to manufacture tyres, Hutchinson bought the patent to manufacture footwear and moved to France to establish "A l'Aigle" ("To the Eagle") in 1853, to honour his home country. The company today is simply called "AIGLE", "Eagle"). In a country where 95% of the population were working on fields with wooden clogs as they had been for generations, the introduction of the wholly water-proof Wellington-type rubber boot became an instant success: farmers would be able to come back home with clean, dry feet.

Production of the Wellington boot was dramatically boosted with the advent of World War I and a requirement for footwear suitable for the conditions in Europe's flooded trenches. The North British Rubber Company (now Hunter Boot Ltd) was asked by the War Office to construct a boot suitable for such conditions. The mills ran day and night to produce immense quantities of these trench boots. In total, 1,185,036 pairs were made to meet the British Army's demands.

In World War II, Hunter Boot was again requested to supply vast quantities of Wellington and thigh boots. 80% of production was of war materials - from (rubber) ground sheets to life belts and gas masks. In Holland, the British forces were working in flooded conditions which demanded Wellingtons and thigh boots in vast supplies.

By the end of the war in 1945, the Wellington had become popular among men, women and children for wet weather wear. The boot had developed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with the rationing of that time, labourers began to use them for daily work.

The lower cost and ease of rubber "Wellington" boot manufacture, and being entirely water-proof, lent itself immediately to being the preferred protective shoe to leather in all forms of industry. Increased attention to occupational health and safety requirements led to the steel toe or steel-capped Wellington: a protective (commonly internal) toe capping to protect the foot from crush and puncture injuries. Although traditionally made of steel, the reinforcement may be a composite or a plastic material such as ThermoPlastic Polyurethane (TPU). Such steel-toe Wellingtons are nearly indispensable in an enormous range of industry and are often mandatory wear to meet local occupational health and safety legislation or insurance requirements.



Hunter History
1817 was the year the wellington first made its appearance. At this time men's fashion was going through major changes as gentlemen everywhere discarded their knee breeches in favour of trousers. This however, led to a problem regarding comfortable footwear. The previously popular Hessian boot, worn with breeches, was styled with a curvy turned-down top and heavy metallic braid - totally unsuitable for wearing under trousers.

To this end, Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, instructed his shoemaker, Hoby of St. James Street, London, to modify the 18th century boot. The resulting new boot designed in soft calfskin leather had the trim removed and was cut closer around the leg. It was hard wearing for battle yet comfortable for the evening. The Iron Duke didn't know what he'd started - the boot was dubbed the Wellington and the name has stuck ever since.

These boots quickly caught on with patriotic British gentlemen eager to emulate their war hero. Considered fashionable and foppish in the best circles, they remained the main fashion for men through the 1840's. In the 50's they were more commonly made in the calf high version and in the 60's they were both superseded by the ankle boot, except for riding.

All these boots were made of leather, however in America, where there was more experimentation in shoemaking, producers were beginning to manufacture with rubber. One such entrepreneur, Mr. Henry Lee Norris, came to Scotland in search of a suitable site to produce rubber footwear.



Having acquired a block of buildings in Edinburgh, known as the Castle Silk Mills, the North British Rubber Company was registered as a limited liability company in September 1856.

Mr. Norris then had to find employees skilled in the manufacture of rubber footwear. This was no simple task for such a new industry. The problem was solved by importing labour. Four adventurous individuals from New York set sail on a ship laden with manufacturing machinery bound to become pioneers of the rubber industry in Scotland. They were employed not only to make the boots, but also to instruct others in the process.

Although this company began its life as a manufacturer of rubber boots and shoes, it quickly expanded to produce an extensive range of rubber products. These included tyres, conveyor belts, combs, golf balls, hot water bottles and rubber flooring - to name just a few.

Initially the rubber boot was produced in a limited number but production was dramatically boosted with the advent of World War I. The North British Rubber Company was asked by the War Office to construct a sturdy boot suitable for the conditions in flooded trenches. The mills ran day and night to produce immense quantities of these trench boots. In total, 1,185,036 pairs were made to cope with the Army's demands. This fashionable boot was now a functional necessity.

Again the company made an important contribution during World War II. At the outbreak of war in September 1939, 80% of the entire output consisted of war materials. The list of contributions was extensive, including ground sheets, life belts, bomb covers, gas masks and wellington boots.

Although trench warfare was not a feature of the war, the wellington still played an important role. Those forces assigned the task of clearing Holland of the enemy had to work in terrible flooded conditions. Thus The North British Rubber Company was called upon to supply vast quantities of wellingtons and thigh boots.

By the end of the war the wellington had become popular among men, women and children for wear in wet weather. The boot had developed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with the rationing of that time, labourers began to use them for daily work.

To deal with this success the company extended their manufacturing premises in 1946, acquiring an extensive factory in Dumfriesshire. This factory, known as Heathhall, had been built in 1912 originally to manufacture car and aeronautical engines.

The North British Rubber Company continued to prosper introducing both the Green Hunter and Royal Hunter wellingtons into the market in 1958. Trade reaction was very slow - an order of 36 pairs was regarded as quite an achievement. However, the company persisted in their promotion taking them to county shows.

In 1966, The North British Rubber Company underwent a name change and from that date operated under the name of Uniroyal Limited. In 1978, the golf ball production side of the business was sold off. This was shortly followed by the sale of the tyre factory at Newbridge near Edinburgh to Continental.

In 1986 The Gates Rubber Company Limited of Colorado, Denver bought Uniroyal and the following year the name of the Scottish company was changed to The Gates Rubber Company Ltd. In 1996 Gates was bought by Tomkins PLC of London and then later Hunter became the Hunter Division of Interfloor.

In 2004 the management of the Hunter Division of Interfloor, together with external investors, funded a management buy-out of the company and the company became the Hunter Rubber Co. Ltd.

In 2006 the ownership of the company changed and it now trades as Hunter Boot Limited.

During its long lifespan, the Hunter wellington boot has undergone a major revolution ... From being a solely practical item it has now become an extremely popular fashion brand.





DB9 special editions

Aston Martin has been busy during 2010 creating special editions of its DBS (Carbon Black and UB2010), V8 Vantage (N420) and V12 Vantage (Carbon Black).



Now it’s the turn of the DB9 to receive the ‘let’s see if we can shift a few more units’ treatment.



The DB9 Morning Frost specification is aimed at those wanting a little more luxury. Finished in pearlescent white with a metallic bronze leather interior, other distinguishing features include silver grilles and brake calipers, plus 19" ten-spoke alloy wheels.





By contrast, the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are intended to be sportier. Named after their body paint colours, both feature Obsidian Black interiors with coarse silver stitching, real glass switchgear and a piano black centre console. They also come with a remapped sports exhaust for a better sound (Aston Martin isn’t claiming any increase over the standard car’s 470 bhp / 350 kW / 477 PS), graphite tailpipes, 19” ten-spoke gloss black alloys and black grilles.





The DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver will all have Touchtronic II transmission fitted as standard. They are available to order now, although curiously pricing has yet to be revealed.

DB9 special editions

Aston Martin has been busy during 2010 creating special editions of its DBS (Carbon Black and UB2010), V8 Vantage (N420) and V12 Vantage (Carbon Black).



Now it’s the turn of the DB9 to receive the ‘let’s see if we can shift a few more units’ treatment.



The DB9 Morning Frost specification is aimed at those wanting a little more luxury. Finished in pearlescent white with a metallic bronze leather interior, other distinguishing features include silver grilles and brake calipers, plus 19" ten-spoke alloy wheels.





By contrast, the DB9 Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are intended to be sportier. Named after their body paint colours, both feature Obsidian Black interiors with coarse silver stitching, real glass switchgear and a piano black centre console. They also come with a remapped sports exhaust for a better sound (Aston Martin isn’t claiming any increase over the standard car’s 470 bhp / 350 kW / 477 PS), graphite tailpipes, 19” ten-spoke gloss black alloys and black grilles.





The DB9 Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver will all have Touchtronic II transmission fitted as standard. They are available to order now, although curiously pricing has yet to be revealed.

Ferrari 458 Italia Oakley Design

.fullpost{display:inline;} Ferrari 458 Italia Oakley DesignThe tuners at Oakley Design have released the updates for the Ferrari 458 Italia package that will increase the production to seven cars, instead of the previously planned five. High demand for this unique Ferrari car has pushed the tuning company to make a couple more, and each will hold an individual numbered plaque. A new

2010 Citroen Metropolis Sports Car Concept

Citroën Metropolis will be on show in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai World Fair from 1st May to 31st October, 2010. Citroën has revealed the spectacular new Citroën Metropolis Concept - a sleek and muscular concept car that pays homage to China's extraordinary development. Created by Citroën's international design team - based in Shanghai since 2008.2010 Citroen MetropolisCitroen is one of

2011 Next-Gen Kia Optima Sports Sedan

The next generation Kia Optima is set to make its world premiere at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. "The next generation of Kia Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia - and that's exactly what we set out to achieve." Kia has officially unveiled the next Optima four-door coupe,

What fake names does Justin Bieber use at hotels?

Justin Bieber has so many names for himself, we can barely keep up.

First, there's his rapping alter-ago Shawty Mane. And today, we've uncovered what fake name he used from a hit TV show to book a hotel room in Miami, where he hung with Selena Gomez.

The Biebs' latest alias is...

Chandler Bing!

A source confirms to me that he opted to use Matthew Perry's character name from Friends when he checked into the Gansevoort Hotel recently.

And Chandler Justin somehow managed to lock himself out of his suite after he ordered room service from STK around 1 a.m. on December 18.

When the hotel delivered his order, they found him locked out in the hallway with none other than Selena, Life & Style reports!

But this teenaged twosome wasn't drinking during their hotel hang. They ordered ginger ale and Pepsi. At least we have one Disney darling who's still (sorta) behaving herself!



eonline.com


Justin cries at the end of Down to Earth. :"(



Burnham covers Justin Bieber's Love Me!



Justin Bieber has opened up alot of doors? For Who?

How does Cody Simpson feel about all those Justin Bieber comparisons?

MORE JUSTIN BIEBER SONGS LEAKED! =O





If u did't know yet.. Justin Bieber was on TinyChat on Dec 28!



Justin Bieber Never Say Never: Where It All Began



Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Everything That Ever Was, Available Forever


Before reading this post, you should read this article written by Patton Oswalt.

Okay, read it? Now we can talk.

Oswalt is an interesting guy. I find his humor funny but also intelligent in a way that other intelligent comedians or writers often fail. He is an everyman but he's also representative of a very specific time and place. You didn't have to grow up with him to appreciate his experiences or where he's been, anyone who has had a few bumps in the road can relate to him. Best of all, he doesn't try to hold this data over people like he's bestowing wisdom upon them. He says what he thinks and if you like it that's cool. If you don't like it, so what? I don't agree with his political beliefs and, thankfully, he keeps his mouth shut for the most part when it comes to such topics, unlike David Cross who is also wonderfully funny but wields his opinions like a massive blade. Cross is similarly brilliant but I can't listen to him unless I know what to expect. For instance, on one of his cd's he has a lengthy rant on how stupid George W. Bush is, how stupid anyone who voted for him is and how awful he thinks the country is for letting him win the presidency. He does all of this while drunk. (editors note: first off, I don't have an editor so this is just me. second, the David Cross performing drunk statement isn't me talking shit about him, it's what I recall he wrote in the liner notes to the Shut Up You Fucking Baby CD. I'm going to re-verify this and if I'm wrong I'll remove the aforementioned sentence. sorry if that pissed anyone off.) People laugh along with his commentary, but I felt uncomfortable and not because I did or didn't vote for Bush. It was a really idiotic statement from someone who is smarter than that and it also probably hurt a lot of feelings. I'm not saying his opinion was wrong or right, and I'm sure he doesn't care if people agree with him or not, but I thought it was hateful and hurtful, nothing that needed to be said. Patton, thankfully, mostly avoids such things and it's a lot easier to enjoy someone you don't agree with when they aren't saying how awful you are for having your own perspective.

Anyway, that lengthy statement about opinions leads into Patton's article for Wired Magazine, Wake Up, Geek Culture. Time To Die. It's intelligent and well written, and again, if you've ever been outside of the "popular" crowd you'll relate to what he's saying, even if you don't recognize all the references he lists or even what the article's title is referring to. It's a fun read, but I can't say that I agree with his outlook on the future of geek/nerd/otaku culture. His main gripe is how we can inform ourselves with every detail of a complicated topic in a brief amount of time and become a pseudo-expert practically overnight due to the availability of the internet. I've thought about that too and it can be bothersome, leading me to occasionally recall when you couldn't read every detail about some amazing band, book, comic, movie or whatever within seconds of thinking about those details. That kind of mystery is what made me who I am and a lot of the reason for this site's existence. But I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that everything is becoming available at a rate of speed faster than anyone could ever have imagined. It's wonderful that Rom can tell me to see Welt am Draht, I can Google it, find I can't rent or purchase it in America but download a very good rip of it with English subtitles and watch it later that evening or the next day. Back in the day I would have had to make an extra long drive to possibly find a copy, go to a hit-or-miss film convention, beg on a lo-tech message board via a service like Prodigy for someone to make me a copy of an umpteenth generation VHS bootleg, order from an overseas catalog that might just run off with my money or, heaven forbid, just find a copy out of shear luck! Yeah, I really appreciated my copy when I finally got it but why is it a bad thing that I can reduce that time from months or years to days, hours or simply minutes? "Everything That Ever Was, Available Forever" is not such a bad thing.

One point Patton hits on that I must agree completely with is the idiotic tendency of Hollywood or whatever organization(s) to rape old ideas for new profits. Sometimes a remake can bring new ideas to a forgotten concept (Ocean's Eleven), sometimes a retread or "reboot" (the asshole who decided that was a good buzzword needs to be shot) can breathe new life into something that was brilliant but has grown stale (The Dark Knight), and when these things work both the audience and producers should be very happy, but why beat a good thing into the ground? Why remake everything? Sometimes I wanna ask why they should make anything at all? I haven't seen the new Yogi Bear movie, but why in god's name would I want to? Do kids want to see it? Was there a consortium of Yogi Bear fans who started an international petition to have a well-known cartoon character resurrected in 3D with what is most likely a hack storyline and no concern other than profit? Here's another one, who in their right mind thought giving T.I. a chance in a feature film was a good idea? Not much of a rapper but he sold a lot of records, maybe he's a great actor? Did people see Takers? If a film or any artistic product is good, people will pay attention. Taken, an action film that came out in the US last year if I remember correctly, had been widely available through bootlegging channels due to it's having been released internationally long before being issued in the US and it was even officially available on Blu-Ray and DVD! It was still a success at the box office. Not saying it was a great movie or anything but it was fun and it didn't involve trying to make a no-talent a star or turn an old idea into money-making brilliance. Will it surprise anyone that I hope lightning strikes the theater where the Spiderman musical is playing and burns the place to the ground?

Back to Patton's opinions about everything being available and that being too much, from my perspective, the only way to combat an overabundance is to limit the information you're providing. I don't know what people would say to that but it's always been the way when you're promoting a product you want to be huge. You share just enough info about a movie to get people psyched to go. You play just enough songs from your album to make people buy it. You give just enough away to get people salivating. But why not do this more often? When you release your DVD or Blu-Ray, why not sell it cheap and give almost no bonus material? Tell no secrets, reveal nothing. Let people talk, monitor their chatter and decide when to reveal more. Have the stars of your film give NOTHING away in interviews. Make it very non-chalant, as though it doesn't matter, all the while putting more wood on the fire if not lighter fluid! Why not extend this perspective to every aspect of your product? Not everything should be like that of course, and if you're going to play that game you better be sure your product is a winner. Snakes On A Plane had incredible pre-release hype based entirely on the fact there was only one great trailer and barely any public info, but not even Samuel L. Jackson could save that plane from crashing. The other option is giving your product an unpronounceable name that can't be Googled and hoping that will either keep your fan base minimal and focused or it will get you mentioned by publications that want to look cool. Sounds promising, but I guarantee you Witch House will not catch on with the public, much in the same way Prince got mocked for changing his name to a symbol, so think long and hard before you name your product after the shape or a shadow that you took a photo of and altered slightly in Photoshop. I don't think I have to say it but that's a losing tactic.

Thoughts? Just for the record, no, I won't discuss my political beliefs, but you shouldn't worry about those anyway. Also, my nickname was Otaku no David back in 2001, a decent amount of time before you could purchase anything anime related at a Best Buy. And no, I'm not ultra obsessed over anything, although I'm sure my family will disagree with me on that point.

V/A - Invocation Of Death Vol.1 (2010)


Τι να πεις κανείς για αυτήν εδώ την συλλογή..10 κομμάτια κλασσικό Old School Death Metal...Το σημαντικότερο...είναι ΚΑΣΣΕΤΑ...ένα μεγάλο μπράβο στην εταιρία που την έβγαλε την Death Invocation Records...
Όσο για τα κομμάτια..σκοτώνουν..
track list:
1.Mass Death - Malevolent Conjuration 03:21
2.Eviscerated - Burial Ground 07:17
3.Vanhelgd - Nec Spe, Nec Metu 03:21
4.Zombified - Necroleptic 03:47
5.Abduction - Funeral Plague 02:15
6.Entrapment - My Sanctuary 02:17
7.Gravehammer - Omens Of A Macabre End 04:04
8.Decapitation - The Beyond... 05:08
9.Reincarnage - Call For The Beast 04:00
10.Manipulator - Massgraves 04:02


Graupel - Am Pranger... (2010)




Track list:

1. Daemonicum 04:28
2. Das Blutende Mal 05:41
3. Schwarze Feder 06:25
4. Herkünfte Schatten 06:35
5. Kalte Fessel 08:49
6. Ekel 05:39
7. Entgeistert (Outro) 07:06







Raw Black Metal από τους Γερμανούς Graupel, μια μπάντα που γεννήθηκε το 1995 και έχει στο ενεργητικό της ένα άλμπουμ το "Αuf alten Wegen" (2005), ενα demo "Als der Nebel" (2001) και δυο split (2004-2006).
Για την τελευταια τους δουλειά το "Am Pranger...", πρόκειται για ένα άλμπουμ με διάρκεια 44:45 λεπτών, με 7 κομμάτια, πραγματικά πυροβόλα..

http://www.myspace.com/graupel666

Πάρτε μια γεύση..

A Transylvanian Funeral - The Outsider (2010)


Track list:
1.Syzygy

2.Winter's Worm

3.Worship a Dead Fucking Goat

4.Premonitions

5.Dismembered by Spirits

6.A Ghoul Rising from the Grave

7.Creation of my Phylactery

8.Going Blind

9.When Sky and Ocean are One

10.To Die in the Dark

11.Bilocation in the Garden of Forking Paths

12.The Outsider


Με ένα άλμπουμ στο ενεργητικό τους "A Transylvanian Funeral"(2009) και δυο split οι Αμερικάνοι Black Metallers, A Transylvanian Funeral, προχώρησαν στην καινούρια τους δουλειά με τίτλο "The Outsider" από την Forbidden Records.
O ήχος τους βραχύς, ξερός άλλα και σκοτενά μελωδικός, κάνει την νέα τους δουλειά αξιοπρόσεκτη.
Πάρτε λοιπόν μια ιδέα για το τι γίνεται..










Speed camera openness

The UK government’s Department for Transport has announced proposals that could see information being published about the country’s numerous speed cameras.



Under the plan, statistics released might include accident rates at camera sites, recorded vehicle speeds and the number of offenders prosecuted or alternatively offered speed awareness courses.





Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said, “Public bodies should be accountable and if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.



“The proposals I have announced today will help show what impact cameras are having on accident and casualty rates and also how the police are dealing with offenders. This is in line with our commitment to improve transparency of government data so that the public are able to make more informed judgements about the work of local and central government.”



At least the government is now referring to them as ‘speed cameras’, instead of the disingenuous ‘safety cameras’.



While this spirit of glasnost is to be welcomed, such data on its own may be pretty much useless. The number of accidents (and injuries sustained) that occurred before a speed camera was installed would have to be known too, otherwise it’s impossible to judge whether the camera is effective or not. Even then, the actual causes of crashes at the site would also have to be disclosed to see how many were actually speed-related.



One important thing that the proposals seem to ignore is what then happens with the results? Will a camera be removed if it can be demonstrated that it plays no role in road safety? Will a particular speed limit be raised to a more appropriate level if it’s found that there are minimal speed-related accidents? If it’s just business as usual, and nothing is done, then publishing the data in the first place seems rather pointless.



The Department for Transport will be consulting with the Highways Agency, police forces and local authorities to decide exactly what will be revealed. It’s intended that data will be made available to the public from April 2011.

Speed camera openness

The UK government’s Department for Transport has announced proposals that could see information being published about the country’s numerous speed cameras.



Under the plan, statistics released might include accident rates at camera sites, recorded vehicle speeds and the number of offenders prosecuted or alternatively offered speed awareness courses.





Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said, “Public bodies should be accountable and if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.



“The proposals I have announced today will help show what impact cameras are having on accident and casualty rates and also how the police are dealing with offenders. This is in line with our commitment to improve transparency of government data so that the public are able to make more informed judgements about the work of local and central government.”



At least the government is now referring to them as ‘speed cameras’, instead of the disingenuous ‘safety cameras’.



While this spirit of glasnost is to be welcomed, such data on its own may be pretty much useless. The number of accidents (and injuries sustained) that occurred before a speed camera was installed would have to be known too, otherwise it’s impossible to judge whether the camera is effective or not. Even then, the actual causes of crashes at the site would also have to be disclosed to see how many were actually speed-related.



One important thing that the proposals seem to ignore is what then happens with the results? Will a camera be removed if it can be demonstrated that it plays no role in road safety? Will a particular speed limit be raised to a more appropriate level if it’s found that there are minimal speed-related accidents? If it’s just business as usual, and nothing is done, then publishing the data in the first place seems rather pointless.



The Department for Transport will be consulting with the Highways Agency, police forces and local authorities to decide exactly what will be revealed. It’s intended that data will be made available to the public from April 2011.

Aasgard - Ravens Hymns Foreshadows The End (2010)



Track list:

1.Intro(to ashes)

2.Sodomized the slave of the god

3.Rising Swords In Paganland

4.Tragos adi eis mnimi necron

5.Goatwar

6.Ravens Hymns Foreshadows The End

7.Elevation Of Satanic Lore

8.Denier




Mε το πρώτο ολοκληρωμένο τους άλμπουμ αφήνουν το 2010 οι Αθηναίοι Aasgard και το όνομα αυτού"Ravens Hymns Foreshadows The End". Είχαν προηγηθεί ένα demo το "Behold" το 2007 και ένα Ep το "Nyx" το 2008.
Το " Ravens Hymns Foreshadows The End" είναι ένα καθαρόαιμο, αρχέγονο, χαοτικό, παγανιστικό Black Metal άλμπουμ με 8 κομμάτια και διατιθεται σε 666 κόπιες από την Nekrogoat Heresy Productions.
Κατά την γνώμη μου, αν ο ήχος αυτός σας αρέσει (όπως εμένα)...ο δίσκος είναι απίστευτος!

http://www.myspace.com/aasgardgr