Weekly Discussion: Untouchable Music July 15, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in music.Tags: cds, collecting, digital music, emusic, itunes, lps, mp3, music, rhapsody, vinyl
2 comments
Hello everyone, I’m back from my vacation and there’s another discussion to go at.
The past few years, CDs and LPs are getting more and more rare. Everything’s turning into digital format. iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, eMusic (and also Amazon & CDbaby) and many other sites are doing a great job presenting us with these digital MP3s, but sometimes I miss holding the CD in my hands, reading through the booklet and reading the liner notes. And I can appreciate some creative artwork too.
I’m a child of the CD age of course, and even though I like LP (vinyl) even better, I’ve adapted to CDs because they’re just more practical. And I’m sure, eventually the same will happen with the digital format. I’ll get used to it. And in a way I’m already adapting to it. Well, it’s not like it’s really a choice, and when possible and I can afford it, I still try to get the CD too. Though it might be even more as a nostalgic thing or as a collecter’s item.
I’m curious as to where you stand on the hardcopy (vinyl, cd) vs. the digital music. Are you still buying CDs? Or did you convert to the digital age? All these things have pros and cons, I’m just curious as to what you like best.
For me it’s probably CDs, since it’s the middle way. It’s still practicle and you still have the hardcopy music with artwork and booklets. And a CD in a CD case to put in your collection.
Weekly Discussion: No More Public Smoking July 1, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in Health, news, politics, world issues.Tags: banned, discussion, law, Netherlands, politics, smoking
5 comments
Like several other European countries (and I think some states in the US?), The Netherlands (as off yesterday) also issued a law that says people can’t smoke in bars, pubs, theaters, restaurants, etc. etc. At least, not inside. This is fine in the summer of course, but what happens in the winter, or when rain is pouring down?
Some of these places have sidewalk seats and some of them have heating lamps and a roofed terrace. But some places obviously don’t.
I am not a smoker, and I find it a filthy habit, yet I do wonder if this is a good thing economically. Smoking is a social event, and it is something that I think should be aloud in at least bars. I agree with theaters/restaurants, though I felt a seperate are for smokers wasn’t even all that bad.
Personally I don’t mind there’s no smoking, and it seems to work in other places like Ireland & Belgium, but I do wonder if it won’t hurt the bars/pubs visitors rates/sales. I’m sure eventually they’ll find a way to work around it or something, but I do think it might be kinda quiet in some places for awhile.
What are your thoughts about this? Do you think it’s a good thing, or a bad thing, or are you not sure what to think of it, just like me?
let me know, post a comment.
PS. I won’t be posting a discussion next week as I’m on vacation, away from the internet. But please continue to visti.
Weekly Discussion: Atrocity in Africa June 24, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in news, politics, world issues.Tags: Dutch embassy, elections, killing, Mugabe, presidency, Tsvangirai, violence, Zimbabwe
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All of you have probably heard about the violence, intimidations, corruption and killing going on in Zimbabwe, surrounding the (2nd round of) elections for the presidency. Sitting president, Robert Mugabe, also only president in the history of Zimbabwe (before that it was Rodesia and a British protectorate), is refusing to step back, even though he nearly destroyed the country. The inflation is about 100,000% and the country is flat bankrupt. Yes a country can be. And while Mugabe has everything he needs, the rest of the country is down in the gutter.
This is the first time that there was serious competition for Mugabe. Morgan Tsvangirai, formerly of Mugabe’s party, he is now running the opposition and even a 2nd round of elections was necessary, even though both parties claimed they had enough to win.
But with intimidation, and progressively worse violence and even many killings, Mugabe (once again, cause he is no stranger to violence & corruption) has been able to push Tsvangirai out of the elections. Tsvangirai wasn’t safe anymore and many of his supporters were killed by Mugabe controlled forces. He fled to the Dutch embassy in Harare for shelter, and naturally he got this.
The whole world is condemning Mugabe and the violence in Zimbabwe. Tsvangirai and institutions around the world (e.g. UN) are pushing for new, free, elections, but the Mugabe government is sticking to this 2nd round, but now that Tsvangirai has decided to drop out due to safety reasons, there’s no competition.
The discussion this week will be about Tsvangirai’s decision. Do you think that he made the right call by dropping out of the elections? Please explain why you believe this was the right or wrong decision.
Personally, I don’t know if it was the right decision, but I sure understand it. He couldn’t be safe for his own life, and worse, his supporters were killed off slowly but surely. So what sense was there in going on with these elections if it’s bringing more pain that it is good?
More Euro2008 June 14, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in sports.Tags: austria, croatia, czech republic, euro2008, European Championships, european cup, football, France, germany, greece, italy, Netherlands, poland, portugal, romania, russia, soccer, spain, sweden, switzerland, turkey
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Portugal, Croatia & Netherlands have qualified for the next round (QF). Croatia won over Germany, and played decently, though still not the level they can play. Germany played very bland though.
In the same group, Austria & Poland tied 1-1 due to a penalty kick for Austria in the final seconds of the match. It was a penalty, but Poland felt like the victory was taken away from them. And that’s very understandable. Right too, actually, cause a bit of pulling and pushing happens all through the match. And then for the referree to whistle for that and give a penalty in the final seconds of the match, is kind of stupid. Then he should’ve given about 8 penalty kicks that match (and other matches should have had many more penalty kicks too).
Portugal deservedly qualified, which was to be expected in a group with Switzerland, Turkey & Czech Republic. Czech Republic & Turkey are gonna fight for the 2nd spot in the group. Too bad for the poor Swiss who are really trying so hard. I kinda feel for them.
In group C, Italy tied 1-1 with Romania, which was a deserved result in my eyes. Italy seemed to be in control a little more, but Romania did a fine job against the reigning world champions. However, just before half time, Italy got a goal denied. The referee called it offside, where it definitely was not. So in that light, they should’ve gotten the win. Especially since Romania failed to score a penalty kick in the 2nd half. It was a very good match though. Both teams played well, but should’ve scored more.
Then there was the match between France & Netherlands which, so far, might be the match of the tournament. The Netherlands won 4-1, but the last part of the first half, and parts of the 2nd half (until 3-1), France was pressing. It was quite an open match, with two great playing teams, but Netherlands having a more consistent goalie and a more productive offense, deserved the win. They are now group winners in group C and all the other 3 teams will have to fight for the 2nd place. If France & Italy tie in the last match, and Netherlands will win, all teams will have 2 points. This will be a record, as it would be the first time a team with less than 3 points (aka a team without a win in the group) will continue to the QF. It will be based on who scored the most goals who will continue, which would be between France & Romania.
Tonight Russia will play Greece. Both teams need a win. Reigning european champions Greece played badly in their first match against Sweden and lost, and Russia had no chance at all against Spain, even though they showed potential (though the match wasn’t great). I predict a 3-1 win for Russia.
Spain will play Sweden, and I hope Sweden will win. I’m kinda suspecting it’ll be a draw though. But in hopes, I am predicting a 3-2 win for Sweden, and I predict at least 1 penalty kick in that match.
Euro 2008 June 10, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in news, sports.Tags: austria, croatia, czech republic, euro2008, European Championships, european cup, football, France, germany, greece, italy, Netherlands, poland, portugal, romania, russia, soccer, spain, sweden, switzerland, turkey
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The European Championships/Europe Cup Soccer have started. Simply referred to as Euro 2008.
The Netherlands, though they had tough times, qualified for the tournament in a qualification group with Romania & Hungary as their prime opponents. (The top 2 would qualify).
Above you can see the group draws for the Euro 2008 tournament. My country, the Netherlands is in group C, aka the Group of Death, as it has World Cup winner Italy, World Cup Finalist France, & outsider Romania in the group, along with the Netherlands itself.
The tournament started on saturday June 7. Home team, Switzerland opened against Czech Republic. It wasn’t a very good match and the Czechs played quite cowardly. They were over-cautious, weren’t creative and were afraid to take risks. Switzerland, obviously lacking the quality/talent that some teams have, couldn’t really put much against it, but especially in the 2nd half, at least they tried. The match never really came to life, and though based on spirit, the Swiss would have deserved to win, it was Czech Republic who took the victory 1-0. The most memorable moment of the match was when Alexander Frei (Switzerland), the player who embodied the will to make something of this tournament for Switzerland, had to retire the game due to an unfortnate knee injury. It was sad to see him go. He’s probably Switzerland’s most talented player and a great sportsman. Hopefully Switzerland can take away at least 1 win, even if it’s just for Alexander Frei.
The other match that day was between Portugal & Turkey. Portugal was far, far, far superior but only made 2 goals. Young superstar Christiano Ronaldo wasn’t as omnipresent as he seemed to be in the English Premier League this year, but he played a solid match, as did most of the Portugese. And although they should have no trouble qualifying for the quarter finals, they need to pull out a little more of their famous creativity and swiftness to reach the semis or even the final. No more holding back after the group phase, if they really want to prove their status as a favorite.
On sunday there was the heated battle between Germany & Poland. Manager Leo Beenhakker (Don Leo for insiders) had cleverly created a coherent team spirit with the team & supporters, after a Polish paper published a photo with Beenhakker holding the heads of German manager Löw & captain Ballack. Beenhakker, several times, explicitely emphasized that the team, staff and as he hoped, the Polish people would have nothing to do with that publication. The Polish people are very happy they qualified for the Euro 2008 tournament, but now that they’re here, they want more. And who knows, maybe they could upset Germany. But unfortunately for them, Germany was clearly too strong. Without playing brilliantly, Germany was clearly the better team. With a decent and efficient (pretty much like German cars) performance, Germany took home a 2-0 win. Itchy detail is that the goals were both made by Podolski who was born in Poland, and at least for the first goal, Klose (also born in Poland) had the assist. This was quite bitter for the Polish people, but high-spirited as they are, they have not given up hope and are trying to make this tournament a success no matter what.
Austria, the other home team of this tournament played Croatia that same day. Croatia impressed many people during the qualifications in a group with Russia & England, among others. In the final match, when Croatia was already qualified, they beat England 3-2, which denied England a place on these European Championships, and got Russia on board. That was a great match of soccer and made many people realize that Croatia is a team to watch. Partially based on that, I tipped them for the European title this year. But their match against Austria wasn’t very convincing at all. Austria, only #92 in the world standings, had never reached the final rounds of a EC or WC. They are only here now, because they are co-hosting the tournament. They couldn’t bring much to the pitch, though they have some players with potential. Croatia was slightly better in this match, which said more about Croatia, who were clearly playing not to lose instead of playing to win, than it says of Austria. Croatia took home the victory, but hardly deserved it. But they can still grow into the tournement.
Then the 3rd day, group C’s turn. The “Group of Death” as it has been named. People were hoping that today would finally bring us exciting, and well-played soccer matches. But the first match of the day between France & Romania was a very, very bland 0-0 draw. Both teams had only a few good chances and weren’t able to really put their name on the match. France probably was slightly better, but not so much that they deserved a win. The 0-0 was probably the right result for this game, but the fans, neutral or not, probably did not enjoy this match.
Then current world champions Italy took the pitch to play the creative soccer team from the Netherlands. The Netherlands who took the European crown in ’88 are hungry for another international title. Playing well in 98, 2000, 2004 & 2006, though 2006 was still quite a letdown after losing to Portugal in the quarter finals, they feel like they are ready to take another title home. The Dutch people and press were very concerned though, as there were signs that the defense wasn’t quite as strong compared to other international teams. And especially in this tough group, many Dutch people fear that it might not be a very successful European Cup.
However, the players and staff have always insisted they have a great team that is capable of doing great things. And once Euro 2008 started, the whole nation woke up, dressed in orange (national sports colors) and is standing strong behind the team as a 12th man. And the Dutch team delivered. Not just to the Dutch supporters, but to soccer fans all over the world (with maybe the exception of Italian fans), because finally there was the display of great soccer on Euro 2008. With a demostration of great form and good insights (both technically & tactically), the Dutch overpowered the Italians in the first half, taking a 2-0 lead. In the 2nd half, you could tell that the Dutch team was slightly worn out from all the effort put in the match already and Italy got a few good chances of scoring, but goalie (probably the best in the world) Edwin van der Sar saved all 3 to 4 attempts, and the Dutch team recovered and even took the score to 3-0. There were chances to score a 4th or even 5th goal, but the final score remained 3-0. A very deserved win for a well-playing Dutch team, that for the first time in many months (with maybe the exception of the test match against Croatia) finally operated as a team. Everyone played well. And on top of it, it was man of the match Gio van Bronckhorst, who made the final goal. For most of the night there was plenty of noise and loudness on the streets in the Netherlands, as a country started celebrating. But they shouldn’t cheer too much yet, as they still have to play 2 more matches in the group phase to make it to the quarter finals. But a performance like this brings new hope to the Dutch people.
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News stories about this match
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=128097
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=3d189cbc-7447-4eec-8f3b-550d9db687ba
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7011219375
http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?no=382814&rel_no=1
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/90871/6426938.html
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/10/content_8336546.htm
http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSL0935175320080610
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/10/content_8336337.htm
http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=729963
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Tomorrow Spain will take on Russia and Greece will play Sweden. Both matches could be interesting and I’m looking forward to them. I’ll be rooting for Russia & Sweden.
Return of the Blogging June 10, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in Uncategorized.add a comment
Hey everyone,
I haven’t been on a blogging spree lately. Causes: Cayte visited from the US, as well as her parents. So I took some time off. Been on a job/intern search, trying to finish my thesis (pretty much done with that), working on a birthday project for Lifehouse frontman Jason Wade (though that, in fact isn’t taking up too much of my time), re-designing my website Inner Ear and transferring it to another domain (this is taking me time and some trouble).
I could think of a lot more stuff that got in the way, and all the things I mentioned are indeed part of the reason I’ve been so deadly quiet on here, but it’s not the real reason I haven’t posted anything at all.
I was out of words, didn’t really know what to write about. Though when I actually thought about it, I could have told so many things that I saw, experienced, and so on. Came across plenty of interesting things. I’m not gonna try to make up the lost time, but I’ll be posting more regularly again. I can’t promise I won’t do another disappearing act in the future, but I’ll try not to. I just get these periods of time where I seem to sizzle out of exclamation.
This was just a little note to say “Hi all, I’m back around”
DIY April 22, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in Uncategorized.add a comment
Do It Yourself, yes that is what my housemate(s) & I are bringing into practice. Especially my housemate Rico & I have been working on a surround system in the livingroom, working away all the cables with cable gutters (I’m just translating this word straight out of Dutch, as I have no clue what it’s called in English) and I’m setting up a web server for our student house (no, it’s not a dorm, but it is student housing). Also we made our curtains decent (they were a mile too long, and all sticky and dirty, so we shortened them and made them look a lot nicer). We also hooked up all our devices (TV, DVD/DVR, Stereo/Amp, Web Server and some other stuff) to our selfmade surround system, which extends into the kitchen. We also shopped for a new couch, a new tv chest and a new storage chest to put stuff (like glasses, mugs, coffee, tea, sugar, etc.) in. They’ll bring that on thursday morning, so we’ll have to get that into place too.
Also, we cleaned out the living room & the balcony. Lot of stuff to bring down (mind you we are living on the 4th floor without an elevator). We also fixed a light in the hallway (yeah, that was the easiest part, lol). And we also cut a new doormat to size as the student housing corp. wasn’t gonna provide us with a new one.
So basically we spent a crapload of money in the past few days, and Rico, Harm, Jacob (my housemates) & I have been working like dogs to get it all installed and working. Took some time, but it’s already looking very decent. Almost too decent for student housing. But ah well, I’m enjoying it. I still think we should have a better storage system in the kitchen, as it, even though it’s the cleanest kitchen in the whole complex (which is quite large), fills up fast and gets icky pretty fast. Though I guess for student housing that’s to be expected.
We’re done for the most part, but tomorrow I’ll install the last parts for the web server, so that should be all set. Then thursday the tv chest and the storage chest and the couch will be delivered, so we can put those into place, reconnect everything to the TV, subwoofer (incl. 2 seperate speakers), DVR, PS2) and put all our crap in the storage chest, and then we should be all done, and have the nicest living room ever in any student housing that ever existed.
And the best part, we all did it ourselves. 
And See Eye Yes April 11, 2008
Posted by gogonutz in movies, tv.Tags: Abigail 'Abby' Sciuto, Anthony DiNozzo, Brian Dietzen, Character leaving, Cote de Pablo, David McCallum, Donald 'Ducky' Mallard, Jenny Shepard, Jimmy Palmer, Lauren Holly, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Navy NCIS, NCIS, Pauley Perette, Sean Murray, Timothy McGee, Ziva David
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TVGuide’s editor Ausiello posted a blog about NCIS. According to him a major cast member (a regular) will be leaving the show in the 2nd half of season 5, which currently runs on CBS (this week the 2nd half of the season premiered with episode 12).
Here’s what Ausiello wrote:
“Exclusive: NCIS Star Goes AWOL!
There’s another shake-up brewing over at NCIS, only this time it’s happening on screen.
CBS and Paramount declined comment, but sources confirm to me exclusively that a major castmember — a series regular — is on the way out. And as tempted as I am to blab this person’s identity, after much soul searching, I’ve decided that doing so would prove WTS (Way Too Spoilery). And here’s why: The actor in question will exit the series in a dramatic fashion. I might even go so far as to call it a major freakin’ twist, the repercussions of which will be felt well into next season and, perhaps, beyond.
One thing I feel reasonably comfortable letting you know is that the aforementioned twist does, in fact, occur this season — i.e., sometime between tomorrow night’s post-strike return and the season finale in May.” - Link
Of course this is an interesting blog, and Ausiello’s sources are usually right. The regulars in the show are:
Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon)
Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly)
Abigail ‘Abby’ Sciuto (Pauley Perette)
Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard (David McCallum)
Ziva David (Cote de Pablo)
Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly)
Timothy McGee (Sean Murray)
Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen)
It could be that Mark Harmon really wants to leave this time (he wanted out earlier in the show but then Bellisario agreed on being less prominently involved in the show) but my gut says it’s not him. If he really wanted out, he would’ve left earlier. I could be wrong of course, and since Ausiello says it will be felt way into the next season, Gibbs still is a candidate, because as the team leader he’s in important character, and a lot of the show hangs on his personality. He’s not indispensible, but the show would absolutely suffer would he go.
Could it be Tony? I really do hope not, because he’s really becoming my favorite character. He ties all the other characters together, even more than Gibbs or Abby do. Besides, I’m a movie buff too 
But my feeling says it is him. He’s still coping with his break-up with Jeanne, and there are other things going on with him. Sometimes it seems like he’s getting back to his old self, but he’s also missing things in investigations. Or maybe that’s just me seeing things. I do think it would impact the show greatly if he would be the one to go. Some people say it won’t, but it’s not easy to replace his character, and you need him for balance and cohesion.
Ziva, don’t think it’s her. I just don’t think it would really impact the show. I didn’t like that they replaced Kate with Ziva, like most of the fans back then, but like most of those critical fans, I too, grew accustomed to Ziva and I actually do think she fits in at least just as well as Kate did. But yeah, I don’t think it would impact as much as Ausiello hints at.
McGee, I love the dorky, slightly neurotic, insecure McGee. He’s brilliant, but would the show really suffer when he leaves? I doubt it. I really don’t want him to leave, but I don’t think he will. He’s a great character, but he’s not vital for the show.
Director Shepard, her goodbye itself wouldn’t impact the show, as there would simply come another director. HOWEVER, it could stir up a whole new dynamics if one of the team would be director. Gibbs would most likely become acting director until a decision has been made. Gibbs doesn’t really want to be director, so evidently someone else could move up. Tony? maybe even FBI Agent Fornell (Joe Spano) since he seems to be kinda done with the FBI. Another option is that Gibbs will be the new director and hires Lieutenant-Colonel Mann for NCIS and makes her part of the team. Whatever happens, as long as there’s no outside director and the team stays the team, there definitely is a big impact that can be felt into the next season. And even if there’s an outside director, it could change things within NCIS considerably.
Abby, I would hate for her to leave, but my gut says that if it’s not Tony, it will be Abby. Everyone loves Abby, so it would be a great tragedy if she might die or leave dramatically. The show won’t be the same without her. And it is impossible to really replace her. You can put a new forensic scientist there, but it wouldn’t be the same.
Ducky, maybe? David McCallum is one of my favorite actors, has been for a long time. But even though his character is essential in the show, it’s far from vital. Palmer could just take over. It would impact if Ducky left, but not so hugely that it can be felt waaay in the next season.
And if Palmer left, I think hardly anyone will notice. He’s technically not even a regular.
Of course, the way in which the character that leaves will be written out of the show (murdered, died of disease, becomes a terrorist, takes his/her own life, etc. etc.) will contribute to the impact it makes. In order of what I think could be the one to leave:
1. Tony
2. Abby
3. Jenny
4. Gibbs
5. Ducky
I hope none of these leaves, but if one has to, I hope it’ll be Jenny. I like her, but out of the regulars she’s my least favorite and adds least to the show for me. Well, I’d vote for Palmer first because for the show he doesn’t really matter (though I think Brian Dietzen is doing an incredible job playing him) and since it’s supposed to make an impact, I really don’t think it’s him.
Ah well, let me know what you think.
