The Avalanches - Since I Left You: Original Version (not quite)

If you haven't heard The Avalanches, they're best described as a group of record collecting collage artists who make beautiful music to party to. Their earliest recordings are more in the vein of Check Your Head era Beastie Boys, but their best known recordings are more like Paul's Boutique or Double Dee & Steinski's Lessons records due to their heavy use of sampling. Like Paul's Boutique, Since I Left You is one huge collage, but unlike Paul's Boutique there are practically no vocals and the samples don't seem to go together nearly as seamlessly. It almost feels like The Avalanches were trying to combine any records they could find rather than finding grooves that went together, giving the album a really funky feeling. None of this is to say that the album sounds rough or uneasy though, rather it sounds like a wonderfully loose disco party spanning the ages, perfect for a summer party or get together.

When the album was initially released in 2000 on Australia's Modular Records, it was quickly noted that there were a lot of samples that had clearance issues. Because of this, when the album was released internationally, parts were re-recorded or substituted from other sources. Most of the changes weren't terribly noticeable to the average listener, but many fans were disappointed to find their new favorite record altered. With that said, people have been hunting original versions of the album since with mixed results. The Avalanches' mixtape, Gimix, gives a more party-centric spin on the album with lots of songs and samples that could never have been cleared for any version of the album, at least as they're presented there, but some careless bootleggers also created an edit of the Gimix mixtape called When I Met You, altering the flow of the original mixtape with extended portions of some of the songs featured therein. That bootleg should be ignored, while Gimix is thoroughly essential, but original versions of the album are essential too, so it is with great pleasure that I present to you a version of Since I Left You with all of the original samples intact!

This version of the album is sourced from an original Australian vinyl pressing of the album and therefore features a few gaps between tracks where they previously flowed together, though those gaps aren't really a big deal. I don't own the original vinyl, rather I received this a long time ago from a collector who had a 24 Bit, 96 khz vinyl rip with each side as it's own unsplit track. I decided to separate the tracks in accordance with the CD version so you'll find this version in the same order as any standard CD release.

I want to make clear that this post should not be a substitute for purchasing this album. Yes, the standard version has many altered samples but it is still a great release and if you like it you should support the group. If you can find a physical copy of the album, it's worth a purchase simply for the ridiculously thorough sample clearance list in the credits, and the CDs all sound good and have been mastered rather well so you won't find yourself cursing them due to compression or other mastering issues. Also, the US Elektra Records pressing of the CD include incredible video for Frontier Psychiatrist, and you really shouldn't miss out on that!

The Avalanches are still together and have supposedly completed their long-in-the-works follow up to Since I Left You. Their fanbase is chomping at the bit that it is released this year, although rumors of severe sample clearance issues holding up it's release are quite believable. Hopefully we will hear it soon as it will be well worth the wait! If you want to check up on them, you can always visit their official site where they have several free mixtapes available for download, all of which are immensely entertaining.

UPDATE: An excellent message with some great links was left by an anonymous visitor to this post. They bring up the point that the samples in Frontier Psychiatrist in the version of the album featured here are probably the re-recorded versions, used initially because they were unable to clear all the samples at the time of the album's first release. That would make this version of the album slightly butchered or re-edited, but still the same great album for the most part. Check their message in the comments for this post, it's very informative and contains lots of links to back-up their statements, and a big thanks to that anonymous poster for their details, it's truly appreciated! Sharing details like these is really important for fans of The Avalanches, hip-hop and music in general. Again, thank you very much!


The Avalanches - Since I Left You: Original Version

01 Since I Left You
02 Stay Another Season
03 Radio
04 Two Hearts In 3/4 Time
05 Avalanche Rock
06 Flight Tonight
07 Close To You
08 Diners Only
09 A Different Feeling
10 Electricity
11 Tonight
12 Pablo's Cruise
13 Frontier Psychiatrist
14 Etoh
15 Summer Crane
16 Little Journey
17 Live At Dominoes
18 Extra Kings


The Avalanches and their guests on the album are:
Dexter: Animals and Westerns
Gordon McQuilten: Pianos and Percussion
The Villain Tony D: Halos and Heartstrings
Darren: Stand-Up Comedy and Brass Bands
Bobby: Choirs and Guitars

guests:
James De La Cruz: Turntables on Electricity
Antoinette Halloran & Sally Russell: Vocals on Electricity
Saian Supa Crew: Vocals on Flight Tonight


In case you didn't want to do a youtube search yourself, here are the videos for Frontier Psychiatrist and Since I Left You. You owe it to yourself to watch these!

Frontier Psychiatrist


Since I Left You


And just in case you haven't heard Gimix, check it out here. It's just as essential as Since I Left You.

2011 Buick Regal Fifth generation

In November 2009, in Los Angeles, GM revealed the model to the North American market, with a launch date of 2nd quarter 2010.In North America, the new Regal will slot just below the LaCrosse, and compete with upscale sedans such as the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It will debut with just one engine, the 2.4L Ecotec I4 rated at 182 hp. A turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec I4 rated at an estimated 220 hp will be

2010 Buick Enclave Markets

Sales in the United States and Canada began in 2007.In 2008, General Motors began exporting the Enclave to China, to be sold through Shanghai GM's Buick network.The Buick brand has been relaunched in Mexico for the 2010 model year, bringing the Enclave to that market.2010 Buick Enclave2010 Buick Enclave2010 Buick Enclave2010 Buick Enclave2010 Buick Enclave2010 Buick Enclave2010 Buick Enclave2010

2010 Buick LaCrosse Second generation

Arriving as a 2010 model, the new Buick Lacrosse is built upon the mid-size Epsilon II platform, which is also the basis for the Opel Insignia and the 2010 Saab 9-5.The design was based on 2008 Buick Invicta concept, and replaces both the Chinese and North American models. Buick states that the new LaCrosse will be "America's Lexus fighter".With the new 2011 Regal and the coming demise of Lucerne

GSX-R 25th anniversary

The first Suzuki to bear the GSX-R name was the 750F, launched back in 1985. Twenty-five years later, Suzuki has created special editions based on the current GSX-R range to celebrate the anniversary.



Earlier this year saw the arrival of the GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 Limited Editions. Both had blue and white paintwork inspired by earlier versions of the bikes, Yoshimura exhausts and commemorative plaques.



Now it’s the turn of the GSX-R1000 to get the Limited Edition treatment. Like its smaller siblings, it gets engraved Yoshimura exhaust end cans and a numbered plaque, but it also features laser etched wheel rim graphics and a unique colour scheme.

Perhaps confusing 25th and 50th anniversaries, Suzuki has gone for gold and white paint (surely silver would’ve been more appropriate?). Fair enough, except that the gold colour looks suspiciously like brown from the pictures.



That probably won’t put off buyers of the twenty-five examples that’ll be available in the UK, out of a total world-wide production of 1,000. And nor will the price: at £11,125 on the road, customers will be paying a £651 premium over the standard bike for what are - exhaust apart - purely cosmetic changes.



The order book for the GSX-R1000 Limited Edition opens on 1 June 2010 via the Suzuki website.

GSX-R 25th anniversary

The first Suzuki to bear the GSX-R name was the 750F, launched back in 1985. Twenty-five years later, Suzuki has created special editions based on the current GSX-R range to celebrate the anniversary.



Earlier this year saw the arrival of the GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 Limited Editions. Both had blue and white paintwork inspired by earlier versions of the bikes, Yoshimura exhausts and commemorative plaques.



Now it’s the turn of the GSX-R1000 to get the Limited Edition treatment. Like its smaller siblings, it gets engraved Yoshimura exhaust end cans and a numbered plaque, but it also features laser etched wheel rim graphics and a unique colour scheme.

Perhaps confusing 25th and 50th anniversaries, Suzuki has gone for gold and white paint (surely silver would’ve been more appropriate?). Fair enough, except that the gold colour looks suspiciously like brown from the pictures.



That probably won’t put off buyers of the twenty-five examples that’ll be available in the UK, out of a total world-wide production of 1,000. And nor will the price: at £11,125 on the road, customers will be paying a £651 premium over the standard bike for what are - exhaust apart - purely cosmetic changes.



The order book for the GSX-R1000 Limited Edition opens on 1 June 2010 via the Suzuki website.

2010 Audi A8 Features

* All LED headlights with cornering light, country mode, highway mode, intersection mode, city mode and Adaptive highbeam. * Night vision system with infrared technology and pedestrian recognition * Speed limit display * adaptive cruise control with Stop&go function * Lane departure warning system: Lane Assist * Blind Spot Monitor: Side Assist * Precrash system for front (with full

Audi A3 Marketing

In the Spring of 2005, Audi began a massive alternate reality game to advertise for the A3, known as The Art of the Heist.In February 2010, the A3 TDI was featured in Audi's "Green Car" Super Bowl spot, which highlighted that model's "2010 Green Car of the Year" designation by Green Car Journal.Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3Audi A3All Review

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Skepticism of EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Several road tests have led to skepticism about the front-drive four-cylinder Equinox's EPA fuel economy ratings. After achieving 18.8 mpg-US (8.0 km/l) in a road test, Edmunds InsideLine stated, "...our testing didn't come close to achieving , even though we're usually within 1 mpg of the EPA combined number." Car and Driver recorded another 18 mpg-US (7.7 km/l) figure and noted its "...fuel

Ford Gran Torino Popularity

Although muscle cars are very popular today, the Ford Torino has not quite gained the status of many other cars from that era. The 1960s and 1970s Torinos are nowhere near as popular with collectors as its contemporary competitors of the day. Today, a Chevrolet Chevelle or a Plymouth Road Runner commands much greater popularity and value compared to a similarly equipped Torino. Among Ford Motor

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer name

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a family car built by Mitsubishi Motors. It has been known as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and will be sold as the Galant Fortis in its home market from 2007. It has also been sold as Lancer

2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor origins

Its design origins can be traced back to the Mitsubishi SSU which debuted at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, although the Endeavor does not share the concept's mechanical underpinnings.The prototype was powered by a 305 hp (227 kW) version of the 6A13TT 2.5 liter twin-turbo V6, which directed the power to a full-time all wheel drive system through its INVECS-II five-speed

Tesla Roadster History

The car was officially unveiled to the public on July 19, 2006, in Santa Monica, California, at a 350-person invitation-only event held in Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport.The San Francisco International Auto Show, held on November 18–26, 2006, was the Tesla Roadster's first auto show. Tesla Roadsters have been featured in numerous subsequent auto shows, including international shows in Los

2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Infiniti debuted the G25 sedan at the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition along with the Infiniti EX25.The sedan received the 2.5 L V6 VQ25HR producing 235 PS (165 kW) @ 258 N·m .Currently Infiniti hasn't sold the G25 sedan or the EX25 Crossover in any other region except for China.2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe2010

Dodge Challenger Performance 1/4 mile

* 340: 14.8 @ 96 mph (154 km/h) * 340 T/A: 14.51 @ 99.6 mph (160.3 km/h) Auto with 3.55 same car used on all published test * 383 2-barrel: 15.1 @ 96 mph (154 km/h) * 383 Magnum R/T: 14.3 @ 99 mph (159 km/h) * 440 Magnum R/T: 13.8 @ 102 mph (164 km/h) * 440 Six-Pack: 13.4 @ 107 mph (172 km/h) * 426 Hemi: 14.2 @ 108 mph (174 km/h)Dodge ChallengerDodge ChallengerDodge ChallengerDodge

Dennis Hopper Dies From Prostate Cancer

Hollywood lost a legend today. Dennis Hopper, 74, has died after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Hopper is best known for his roles in "Easy Rider", "Rebel Without A Cause", and "Blue Velvet". While most knew him from these classic movies, he was also known for less rebellious roles in "Hoosiers", "Apocalypse Now", and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2."

During the course of his career he won two Academy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.

Hopper had been married five times and was currently in a legal battle with his current wife, Victoria, who insisted that Hopper was trying to cut her out of the will and her inheritance. The feud was still in full swing up until his death.

His second marriage, to singer-actress Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, lasted only eight days.
_

THE ROYAL THAMES YATCH CLUB

O Royal Thames Yatch Club é o clube de "Vela" mais antigo de Inglaterra. Ele data de 1775 ...

Um membro de honra do Clube é o Duke de Edinburgh que vemos em baixo a atribuir o "Mansura Trophy" , importante Prémio e iniciativa pois visa a instalação de motores híbridos, destinados a extinguir os motores a "diesel" altamente poluentes ... assim as lanchas que vemos em baixo, na "Henley Regata" já estão instaladas com estes tipos de motores amigos do ambiente ...

Heidi Montag Splits With Husband Spencer Pratt

Oh, how sweet it is when certain cookies crumble, and this crumbling took less then two years!

News is out that fake celebrity Heidi Montag has split with her doubly fake, and irritating husband Spencer Pratt.

One of Heidi's minions told TMZ,

"Heidi is looking to move out due to all the fake bad press that Spencer controls. She's tired of it and is looking for a place and wants to focus on her acting career and is looking for her own home in Malibu".

Just last month the two celebufakes called the police on Heidi's mother when she apparently showed up at their house uninvited, and who can forgot Spencer's baby antics on the MTV series "I'm a celebrity get me out of here". Police actually got involved when the reality shows producer's feared Pratt's "threats of terror" toward the production staff had gone too far.

Now that this celebrity emergency is over we can get back to work on the economy, oil spill, European collapse, and a host of other more pressing issues.
_

Pontiac Solstice Discontinuation

In April 2009, after GM announced the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010, CEO Fritz Henderson stated that the Solstice would not continue under another GM brand.Although they considered selling the Wilmington plant and the Solstice/Sky products to an outside business, the Wilmington assembly plant closed in July 2009.In October 2009, the DeLorean Motor Company expressed

Pontiac Cars List

* Pontiac 2+2 (1964-1970) * Pontiac 2000 (1983) * Pontiac 2000 Sunbird (1984) * Pontiac 6000 (1982-1991) * Pontiac Acadian (1976-1987, Canada) * Pontiac Astre (1975-1977; 1973-1977 Canada) * Pontiac Aztek (2001-2005) * Pontiac Bonneville (1957-2005) * Pontiac Catalina (1959-1981) * Pontiac Chieftain (1950-1958) * Pontiac Custom S (1969) * Pontiac De-Lux (1937) * Pontiac

2010 Pontiac G8 Specification levels

The base G8, referred to in Pontiac sales literature as the "G8 Sedan", is available with a 3.6 liter High Feature V6 engine, producing 256 horsepower (191 kW). The only transmission available is a five-speed GM 5L40-E automatic; fuel economy is officially rated at 17 mpg-US (14 L/100 km) city/25 mpg-US (9.4 L/100 km) highway.2010 Pontiac G82010 Pontiac G82010 Pontiac G82010 Pontiac G82010

Actor Gary Coleman Has Died

UPDATE: Friday 5/28/2010

Gary Coleman has died. His wife Shanon made the decision to end life support and Gary died at 12:05 pm.

A representative issued the following statement:

"Thanks to everyone for their well wishing and support during this tragic time. Now that Gary has passed, we know he will be missed because of all the love and support shown in the past couple of days. Gary is now at peace and his memory will be kept in the hearts of those who were entertained by him throughout the years."

------------

Actor Gary Coleman, who starred on the hit series "Different Strokes", has been hospitalized in Provo Utah.

News reports indicate that Coleman, 42, was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery after suffering a fall.

Little more is known about the circumstances or his prognosis.

Coleman was admitted to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and his brother-in-law told reporters the actor was in critical condition.

UPDATE: Friday 5/28/2010 - The family reports that Coleman is unconscious and on life support after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage.
_

London Congestion Charge

London Mayor Boris Johnson has proposed changes to the Congestion Charge.



Good news for drivers is that the Western Extension zone would be abolished, effective from 24 December 2010.

Perhaps not so good is the cost of driving in the remaining Congestion Charge area, which is set to increase. Currently the daily fee is £8 if paid in advance or on the day, or £10 if paid the day after, but both these amounts would increase by £2 under the Mayor’s plans.



To help those who make a habit of forgetting to pay the charge (and consequently earn themselves Penalty Charge Notices, i.e. fines), they’ll be able to register with a proposed new Congestion Charging Auto Pay scheme. Basically it does as the name implies - register a credit or debit card, and it’ll automatically be billed each time the Congestion Charge zone is entered. Under the system the daily charge is reduced to £9, but users will have to pay £10 annually to participate.



A major change that’s being planned - and one which will be important to anyone thinking of buying a car to use in central London - is the scrapping of the Alternative Fuel Discount (AFD), which meant that any vehicle not powered solely by petrol or diesel qualified for a 100% discount on the Congestion Charge.



In its place will be the Greener Vehicle Discount (GVD). This makes sense, since under GVD rules any vehicles (including non-hybrids) that emit 100 g/km or less of CO2 and are Euro 5 compliant will now be eligible for the 100% discount, subject to a £10 annual registration fee.



Cars qualifying for the GVD would include:

• Audi A3 1.6 TDI 105 Stop Start


• Citroen C3 1.6 HDi 90 Airdream


• Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi 90 Dstyle


• Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCI Econetic


• Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 109 Econetic


• Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi 90 Economiqe


• Smart Fortwo 0.8 CDI cabrio and coupe


• SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDCi Ecomotive


• SEAT Leon 1.6 TDI 105 Ecomotive


• Skoda Fabia Greenline


• Toyota Auris 1.8 VVT-I HSD


• Toyota Prius


• Toyota iQ


• Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CTDi ecoFLEX


• Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI BlueMotion


• Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 BlueMotion


• Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe

However, cars currently eligible for the AFD that wouldn’t meet GVD criteria (and therefore would have to pay the full Congestion Charge) are:

• Honda Civic Hybrid saloon (109 g/km CO2)


• Honda CR-Z (117 g/km CO2)


• Honda Insight (101 g/km CO2)


• Lexus GS 450h (179 g/km CO2)


• Lexus LS 600h (218 g/km CO2)


• Lexus RX 450h (148 g/km CO2)

It was a mockery of the AFD that those Lexus models ever qualified. Nevertheless, as a concession to owners of vehicles no longer exempt if the GVD is introduced, the 100% discount will continue for two years until 24 December 2012, provided the car is registered under the AFD scheme before 24 December 2010.



Finally, the current 100% discount for fully electrically propelled vehicles would continue, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles also being included in this discount category for the first time.



The proposed changes are in the consultation phase at the moment. Anyone with any views on them has to let Transport for London know by 2 August 2010.

London Congestion Charge

London Mayor Boris Johnson has proposed changes to the Congestion Charge.



Good news for drivers is that the Western Extension zone would be abolished, effective from 24 December 2010.

Perhaps not so good is the cost of driving in the remaining Congestion Charge area, which is set to increase. Currently the daily fee is £8 if paid in advance or on the day, or £10 if paid the day after, but both these amounts would increase by £2 under the Mayor’s plans.



To help those who make a habit of forgetting to pay the charge (and consequently earn themselves Penalty Charge Notices, i.e. fines), they’ll be able to register with a proposed new Congestion Charging Auto Pay scheme. Basically it does as the name implies - register a credit or debit card, and it’ll automatically be billed each time the Congestion Charge zone is entered. Under the system the daily charge is reduced to £9, but users will have to pay £10 annually to participate.



A major change that’s being planned - and one which will be important to anyone thinking of buying a car to use in central London - is the scrapping of the Alternative Fuel Discount (AFD), which meant that any vehicle not powered solely by petrol or diesel qualified for a 100% discount on the Congestion Charge.



In its place will be the Greener Vehicle Discount (GVD). This makes sense, since under GVD rules any vehicles (including non-hybrids) that emit 100 g/km or less of CO2 and are Euro 5 compliant will now be eligible for the 100% discount, subject to a £10 annual registration fee.



Cars qualifying for the GVD would include:

• Audi A3 1.6 TDI 105 Stop Start


• Citroen C3 1.6 HDi 90 Airdream


• Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi 90 Dstyle


• Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCI Econetic


• Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 109 Econetic


• Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi 90 Economiqe


• Smart Fortwo 0.8 CDI cabrio and coupe


• SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDCi Ecomotive


• SEAT Leon 1.6 TDI 105 Ecomotive


• Skoda Fabia Greenline


• Toyota Auris 1.8 VVT-I HSD


• Toyota Prius


• Toyota iQ


• Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CTDi ecoFLEX


• Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI BlueMotion


• Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 BlueMotion


• Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe

However, cars currently eligible for the AFD that wouldn’t meet GVD criteria (and therefore would have to pay the full Congestion Charge) are:

• Honda Civic Hybrid saloon (109 g/km CO2)


• Honda CR-Z (117 g/km CO2)


• Honda Insight (101 g/km CO2)


• Lexus GS 450h (179 g/km CO2)


• Lexus LS 600h (218 g/km CO2)


• Lexus RX 450h (148 g/km CO2)

It was a mockery of the AFD that those Lexus models ever qualified. Nevertheless, as a concession to owners of vehicles no longer exempt if the GVD is introduced, the 100% discount will continue for two years until 24 December 2012, provided the car is registered under the AFD scheme before 24 December 2010.



Finally, the current 100% discount for fully electrically propelled vehicles would continue, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles also being included in this discount category for the first time.



The proposed changes are in the consultation phase at the moment. Anyone with any views on them has to let Transport for London know by 2 August 2010.

Honda Civic Type S debuted

The Type-S variant debuted as a 2007 model and uses the identical drivetrain found in the US and Canadian market 2006+ Honda Civic Si which consists of a 2.0L I4, 197 horsepower (147 kW) i-VTEC engine, 6-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential. The "sport-tuned" suspension is identical to the US-only 2007+ Honda Civic Si sedan with stiffer springs, firmer damping and

Honda S2000 Reviews and awards

The S2000 has received much praise from critics and motoring journalists and has received favourable reviews from such publications as Car and Driver, Car Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Road & Track magazine. Among the features highlighted are the high output of the engine, the high redline, the balanced handling, and the smooth gearbox. User surveys have named the S2000 as a favorite for

2011 BMW Z4 First generation

The first-generation BMW Z4 was designated the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupé form. It was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming.2011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z42011 BMW Z4All Review videos and more of:• Infiniti• Mitsubishi• Aston Martin• Isuzu• Nissan• Audi• Jaguar •

2010 BMW M3 Notable publication accolades

In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.In 2007 "Evo" Magazine rated the E30 M3 Sport Evolution top of all the M series BMWs at time of printIn 2007 "Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under the 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.2010 BMW M32010 BMW M32010 BMW M32010 BMW M32010 BMW

GTI or vRS or Cupra?

The new Volkswagen Polo GTI, Skoda Fabia vRS and Seat Ibiza SC Cupra.



All have a 176 bhp (180 PS / 132 kW) 1.4 litre petrol engine that’s both turbocharged and supercharged, all come with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, all will accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in about seven seconds, all have a top speed of around 140 mph (225 km/h), and all are based on the same platform.

So then, essentially the same cars. Except when it comes to price.



Perhaps unsurprisingly the Skoda is the cheapest, with a UK on the road price of £15,700 for the five-door hatch or £16,495 for the estate. Next up is the Seat, available only as a three-door at £16,545. Then comes the Volkswagen, which costs £18,275 for the three-door or £18,875 for the five-door.

Now, the Fabia may only have manual air conditioning, as opposed to the climate control that’s fitted as standard to the Ibiza and Polo, and its rear windows must be manually wound up and down. But otherwise all three cars have pretty much the same specification, which includes traction control, XDS electronic differential lock, sports seats and 17” alloy wheels.



The obvious question is why would anyone in their right mind pay the not insignificant £3,175 extra for the five-door version of the Volkswagen, instead of buying the Skoda? That’s a premium of over 20%.

Is it down to badge snobbery, or a vain fear of what others may think of Fabia drivers? Anyone who still believes there’s anything wrong with either the Skoda brand or its products is at least fifteen years behind the times, so their opinion shouldn’t really count for much anyway.



To prove that particular point, Skoda recently won the Best Car Manufacturer Award from UK consumer magazine ‘Which?’. The marque achieved 89% as a customer score, 79% for the quality of its dealerships, 81% for dealer service and 79% for reliability of cars up to eight years old. By contrast, its Audi, Volkswagen, and Seat sister brands didn’t even make the shortlist.

GTI or vRS or Cupra?

The new Volkswagen Polo GTI, Skoda Fabia vRS and Seat Ibiza SC Cupra.



All have a 176 bhp (180 PS / 132 kW) 1.4 litre petrol engine that’s both turbocharged and supercharged, all come with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, all will accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in about seven seconds, all have a top speed of around 140 mph (225 km/h), and all are based on the same platform.

So then, essentially the same cars. Except when it comes to price.



Perhaps unsurprisingly the Skoda is the cheapest, with a UK on the road price of £15,700 for the five-door hatch or £16,495 for the estate. Next up is the Seat, available only as a three-door at £16,545. Then comes the Volkswagen, which costs £18,275 for the three-door or £18,875 for the five-door.

Now, the Fabia may only have manual air conditioning, as opposed to the climate control that’s fitted as standard to the Ibiza and Polo, and its rear windows must be manually wound up and down. But otherwise all three cars have pretty much the same specification, which includes traction control, XDS electronic differential lock, sports seats and 17” alloy wheels.



The obvious question is why would anyone in their right mind pay the not insignificant £3,175 extra for the five-door version of the Volkswagen, instead of buying the Skoda? That’s a premium of over 20%.

Is it down to badge snobbery, or a vain fear of what others may think of Fabia drivers? Anyone who still believes there’s anything wrong with either the Skoda brand or its products is at least fifteen years behind the times, so their opinion shouldn’t really count for much anyway.



To prove that particular point, Skoda recently won the Best Car Manufacturer Award from UK consumer magazine ‘Which?’. The marque achieved 89% as a customer score, 79% for the quality of its dealerships, 81% for dealer service and 79% for reliability of cars up to eight years old. By contrast, its Audi, Volkswagen, and Seat sister brands didn’t even make the shortlist.

STATE OPENING OF THE PARLIAMENT

STATE OPENING OF THE PARLIAMENT

State Opening of Parliament"

A cerimónia da abertura do Parlamento que toma lugar tradicionalmente no período entre Novembro e Dezembro de cada ano, no conjunto arquitectónico conhecido como "Houses of Parliament"em Londres , constitui um dos grandes momentos sobreviventes da conjugação única entre "Decor", ( O magnifico e iniguanável conjunto arquitectónico ) atributos, (heráldica, uniformes,estandartes,objectos- constuindo uma fenómeno de "Pageantry" único) e Cerimonial Simbólico ( Conjunto de série de cortejos, militaria e vozes de comando, música, momentos de simbolismo profundo no que diz respeito à Constituição Política e os seus princípios e valores-"Pomp and Circunstance").Este Acto revela e simboliza, ritualiza e comprova, como a união única entre Monarquia Constitucional e Democrática e a sua Constituição Politica enriquecem , garantem e salvaguardam a Metafisica do Estado e a União Patriótica Heterogénea do Reino Unido.
Em primeiro lugar, num acto simbólico, procede-se à busca das(Beefeeters) caves do Palácio de Westminster, recordando assim a tentativa do atentado em 1605 desenvolvida pelos Católicos, que tinha como objectivo a destruição do Parlamento e o assassinato em massa do rei Protestante james I e da aristocracia, simultâneamente.
Antes da partida do Cortejo Real do Palácio de Buckingham, a residência da Rainha, a Coroa leva um membro dos Comuns para o Palácio como "Refém" simbólico, afim de garantir a entrada em segurança da Rainha no Parlamento. Aqui já temos vários actos simbólicos de uma Monarquia sem poder absoluto e dependente da Vontade Popular e dos seus Representantes Eleitos Democraticamente. O "Refém" é devolvido ao Parlamento e à Casa dos Comuns depois da chegada em segurança da Rainha.
Também antes da partida da Rainha e do seu Cortejo em direcção ao Parlamento a Imperial State Crown é transportada, com Circunstância, na sua própria carruagem. Ela e outros dois símbolos e atributos da autoridade e direito Monárquico, The sword of State e The Cap of Maintenance são transportadas no cortejo inicial já no interior para serem expostas na Royal Gallery do mesmo Palácio de Westminster.
A Rainha chega ao Palácio de Westminster, no conjunto das "Houses of Parliament", acompanhada pelo Duke of Edimburgh e entra no Palácio através da Victoria Tower. A Union Flag é substituída pelo estandarte Real. É neste momento de entrada que se ouvem sincopadamente e intervaladamente as vozes de comando dos regimentos presentes.
Depois de ter vestido The Robes of State e colocado The Imperial State Crown a Rainha procede em Cortejo através da Royal Gallery em direcção à House of Lords. Há ainda uma particularidade ... neste percurso dois ( costumavam ser quatro) dos seus acompanhantes, os da frente, caminham para trás durante todo o percurso de maneira a nunca voltarem as costas à soberana e aos símbolos que a acompanham.
O costume de utilizar sempre a Câmara dos Lordes para a cerimónia iniciou-se no Sec.XVII, depois de Carlos I em 1642 ter entrado na Câmara dos Comuns com a sua guarda afim de prender cinco membros dos Comuns. O Speaker recusou entregá-los. Depois deste incidente nunca mais nenhum monarca entrou na Câmara dos Comuns.
Este facto é importante para o acto simbólico que passo a descrever... Depois da entrada da Rainha e do Duke de Edimburgh na Câmara dos Lordes e da Rainha ter pronunciado a famosa frase "My Lords pray be seated", O Lord Great Chamberlain eleva o seu símbolo de cargo e sinaliza a instrução ao Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, personagem que traja de negro, para se dirigir à Câmara dos Comuns afim de chamar os Comuns para virem assistir ao Discurso da Rainha ... e ... num momento de um simbolismo sublime ... a porta é-lhe fechada na cara, impedindo a sua entrada e assim afirmando a autoridade dos Comuns Eleitos pelo Povo perante o emissário Real. Só depois de ter batido à porta três vezes com a sua vara (o Black Rod) é admitido. Tendo entrado, ele dirigi-se ao Speaker e pronuncia a famosa frase "Mr/Madam Speaker, The Queen commands this honourable House to attend Her Majesty immediately in the House of Peers"
Os membros dos Comuns, acompanhados pelo Bastão Cerimonial, formam um cortejo informal de dois a dois, liderados pelos lideres dos dois partidos, onde é tradição uma certa informalidade, conversa e ironias, afim de simbolizar a sua liberdade.
Os membros chegados à Câmara dos Comuns, a Rainha inicia a leitura do Discurso escrito pelo Gabinete no poder, e onde o programa politico do ano que se inicia é revelado ... a Rainha lê o discurso sem ênfases de forma a acentuar a sua neutralidade e imparcialidade.
No próximo post incluo as imagens + ou- nesta ordem