Tuesday 30 December 2014

Rocking songs of 2014

Another year passes by, another musical year is reviewed just as I did in 2012 Best songs of 2012 and last year Best songs of 2013 but this year nonetheless I have preferred to select less songs. What is more,  the list of this year is comprised of mostly rock songs. I have added some songs that are not rock ones, yet they are so great that  can be deemed as rocking songs. Hope you love them. 

ROCKING SONGS OF 2014
Foo Fighters Something from Nothing 

Counting Crows. Earthquake Driver

 Deep Six. Marilyn Manson Deep Six.

Addicted to you Avicii

Leonard Cohen Slow
                                        

Parquet Courts Content Nausea

Lana del Rey West Coast

The War on Drugs Red Eyes

 The Black Keys Fever


Calvin Harris Summer

Jack White Lazaretto

Riptide Vance Joy

Russian Red John Michael



Arctic Monkeys Snap Out of it

 Kiesza Hideaway

All About that bass Meghan Trainor


Prayer in C Robin Schulz Radio Edit


Rival Sons Electric Man

AC/DC Play Ball

FKA Twigs Two Weeks

Jenny Lewis Just One of the Guys

SIA Elastic Heart.

Charlie XCX Need Your Love

To end up, Victoria´s Secret models dance while one of the songs of the year is played.  Taylor Swift's Shake it off.

Have a wonderful new year. Do rate, share and comment.

Tuesday 23 December 2014

A Christmas Carol in Chinese!!!!

Just to prove my Mandarin Chinese lessons are worthy (or in other words to make me believe so) I am writing this post to wish all readers of this Halcombe Norilsk post a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!. This Christmas Carol must be sung bearing in mind the music from the famous English one: "We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year" Besides, I have not added accents as I am not in China!! Happy Holidays!!!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN MANDARIN CHINESE
Wo men zhu ni sheng dan kuai le, wo men zhu ni sheng dan kuai le, wo men zhu ni sheng dan kuai le zhu ni xin nian kuai le, wo men zhu ni sheng dan kuai le wo men zhu ni sheng dan kuai le, wo men zhu ni  sheng dan kuai le zhu ni xin nian kuai le!!! Ba xing xing dai dao mei yi ge jiao luo ba xin nian de xin xu dai gei ni men he wo.

Thursday 18 December 2014

RAMMSTEIN.

Rammstein
Till Lindemann . Rammstein 
RAMMSTEIN
 Rammstein's singer Till Lindemann . 
In order to celebrate that the entire catalogue of RAMMSTEIN is on Spotify, you can discover today great live performances and the best videoclips of Rammstein. 

This German metal group deserves to be included amongst the best bands that have never been created. Rammstein was formed officially in 1989 but it was not until 1994 they became famous as they won a contest in Germany which allowed them to record an album in a professional level. 

Despite Ramstein is a German place where a terrible crash plane took place in 1988 the double m implies they are inspired by a medieval weapon and Rammstein translates thereby as Ramming stone, or battering ram, this is not so evident. For instance, I have read Rammstein members saying they wrote the word Rammstein with a double m wrongly, yet perhaps they say this on purpose. Many claim they are happy with this ambiguous significance. German verb Rammen means ram. Rammstein

  I saw RAMMSTEIN live and I can assure you RAMMSTEIN live performances are spellbinding. Everything is brilliant, the leader Till Lindemann is a raucous, powerful and fearless front leader. By contrast, keyboardist Christian Lorenz seems feeble and inexperienced. Seeing a concert of  Rammstein makes you feel you are in a theatre because drama and comedy are mixed, besides the performance,  the eerie atmosphere, the mighty music, the unbelievable display of different tricks (many of them hot as hell) or fireworks do the rest.



KEY SONGS OF RAMMSTEIN
RAMMSTEIN Feuer Frei  (fire at will) gave Rammstein International fame as it was included  in a Hollywood action movie called xXx with Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson therein, Rammstein appears on the movie likewise.


RAMMSTEIN Best Songs
Till Lindemann-singer of Rammstein

RAMMSTEIN
Rammstein Marilyn Manson admires the band, Rammstein admires Marilyn Manson

RAMMSTEIN
                                               
RAMMSTEIN Live aus Berlin is comprised of some great Rammstein Live performances, asche zu asche is so gripping that its frontman, Till Lindemann, sweats blood. You have to see the video. This is my favourite RAMMSTEIN song. 

                                           
RAMMSTEIN  Du hast. The most famous Rammstein Song, everybody loves it. Even though it was translated into "You hate me", it means "you know me" as talks about the eternal union between a man and a woman that marriage creates but it is not natural. 

RAMMSTEIN Links 2,3,4. Some people accused Rammstein of being extreme right wing followers, NAZI propaganda indeed, this song proves otherwise, a group of humble ants attack filthy, fat and evil beetles. As it is said in the song, "the heart is on the left side" 

RAMMSTEIN
RAMMSTEIN Loves the city of Moskau, this is a love letter to Moscow

                                            
RAMMMSTEIN They tried to sing in English and Rammstein produced this, Are all we living in Amerika?


RAMMSTEIN Ich Will. Even bad guys become rich and famous because Media portrays them like stars shamelessly, this is what RAMMSTEIN does convey here. Ich Will means I want


Mein teil (My portion) Rammstein Many RAMMSTEIN lyrics are strong and tell of sleazy stories, this song besides is inspired by a real case of cannibalism that shocked Germany some years ago. Judicial systems are not ready enough to handle a case of that kind.


RAMMSTEIN
RAMMSTEIN

If you have the opportunity of seeing Rammstein in a live concert, do not think twice, take advantage of it as a live performance of German metal band RAMMSTEIN will blow your mind!! Have you ever seen a live performance of Rammstein? do share, rate or comment. Rammstein

Monday 15 December 2014

Dog Beer

My little dog is not happy at all when Autumn Rainfalls do arrive. My doggy gets depressed as the countryside is muddy hence she cannot smell nor run properly. In fact, the other weekend was so wet and rainy that we stayed at home, no matter how many steaks we ate or Family Guy´s chapters with Brian Griffin as main protagonist we watched, my pooch was really sad until I gave her a Dog Beer, to my amusement it was loved by her, my wonderment became stronger seeing how she drank the bottle entirely. I did not know until most recently this kind of beverages were available, the smell was good. Likewise, my dog enjoyed it, she does not usually try anything liquid that is not water. This Dog beer is made in Belgium, its named is Snuffle Dog Beer and it is so fabulous I recommend it to everybody in consequence!!!. I do not know if there are other brands available but this particular one was a very positive experience.

DOG BEER
Dog Beer
Dog Beer

Dog Beer
Dog Beer

Dog Beer
Dog Beer

Dog Beer
Dog Beer

Following the link you can visit the main site of Snuffle Dog Beer  Dog Beer

Sunday 14 December 2014

David Cameron´s Years in Power.


English: David Cameron is a British politician...
David Cameron  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
David Cameron has faced several issues that have impacted severely. Firstly, after nearly 13 years of Labour government a new Tory politician was in power, have the wounds yet to heal or everything is no longer germane? I am talking of course of Margaret Thatcher who divided the country in such a painful way that its consequences can still be seen deeply throughout British society. In fact, it is assured rich people do vote Labour in the north of England. By contrast, poor people vote Tory in the south. This can happen in sport where a person follows a football team forever, in politics though, it is not the most sensible way to see reality and it was not like that until Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister. What is more, Scotland, once a Tory stronghold, rarely sees a Tory MP, this relevant part of Britain was on the verge of being independent, this was the major threat Britain has overlooked since World War Two, the difference though is there was not a foreign army ready to invade Britain, rather, a place inhabited by brothers and sisters with whom English, Welsh and Northern Ireland population have lived peacefully for centuries decided it was the proper time for them to be independent. Northern relatives were tired of being part of the United Kingdom. I find peculiar how many people deem Britain as a powerful country, do envy their lifestyle or its own currency but some of those who live therein yearn for independence, it is rather shocking and this is something historical alike, now time has passed by hence we do not recognize what was to happen, something that could have broken a whole country for once and all. With regards to this, many could claim David Cameron has won. In my personal opinion, he risked unnecessary something as serious as the sovereignty of a nation. No even Alex Salmond, leader of SNP, (who has resigned since he lost the Independence referendum albeit one can say he won given the repercussion and the result he obtained), thought he was going to have such a utter eminent profile, the whole world was watching, European Union trembling, private sector worrying and I presume, David Cameron without a proper bedtime. Alex Salmond wanted more powers to Scotland as his political agenda had promised in Scotland´s general elections, yet David Cameron unexpectedly allowed him to have a radical choice, to break away from Britain or to maintain the status of Scotland, in my view, Mr. Cameron decided to oblige supporters of Scottish Independence to forget their dream. However, it was Alex Salmond who obliged Westminster politicians to take it into account. Nobody could have expected Scotland was on the verge of going independent. David Cameron was sure the referendum was going to be won by people who love Britain thus Scotland´s pro-independence movement would end forever, at first, this was thought, but little by little the situation did change, it was so worrying Westminster politicians went north in order to plead Scottish people to remain British. This was when David Cameron (hated in Scotland as any Tory politician would be) rendered his most memorable speech to date urging Scottish people to keep the current status, yet it was him who allowed the risky situation.  In the end, Scotland did not go alone but David Cameron was close to become the most hatred British politician ever. In fact, the speech we have read to pen this piece of work could have been the last in Britain´s history!!!. I believe he should have given Scotland more powers to start with, something it is said is to do now hence his work on this area has not been positive from my point of view. By contrast, David Cameron had a great summer in 2012 Olympic Games that took place in London where British Olympic Team did have a great result and for some time United Kingdom seemed more united than ever, what is more, a Briton born in Scotland, Andy Murray, won Wimbledon, ending a long search for the most important tennis tournament, the best played in grass courts, Wimbledon. Still, Queen Elizabeth saw her family enlarged with the welcoming of a new Royal member, a baby that makes Britain to have its future ensured. However, David Cameron did decide to appear on American Television, (Late Night with David Letterman You can watch it here) to promote Britain and its Olympic Games but as these live shows prove you cannot trust your knowledge enough, a group of screenwriters and TV presenter (David Letterman) did made David Cameron a fool of himself as he could not answered adroitly some questions about United Kingdom, he did not know Magna Carta in deep for instance. This was a big embarrassment for him, as the day he was seen in an official dinner with a t-shirt wrongly unbuttoned or when he was caught in camera sleeping, a picture that went viral, in these times when everybody is allowed to have a camera and an Internet connection far too many people have a say, everybody can ruined you in consequence above all when you are a renowned political leader. Perhaps is not so important but while many Britons live in poverty and when Britain has a huge deficit (as Britain has its own Bank of England it does not depend on others hence can spend happily although this can be reckless) he decided to go to American television notwithstanding, something not so important, he did so because his nemesis, the famous and brilliant conservative politician, Boris Johnson, (current mayor of London to whom he is competing as Johnson does want not only be the leader of Conservative Party but also to rule Britain), did a great performance in the same programme Mr. Cameron was jealous of him therefore he appeared there too, he somewhat seemed more focus on this battle than to improve the reality of Britain. Nevertheless, this can also be seen as a modern day for politicians as they go to television. In fact, David Cameron does want this notion, he took paternal leave when his new son was born or when he would ride a bike to work. These help to modernise politics but have to be attempted properly. Now, David Cameron has a new problem called Ukip, this party is changing British Politics in a way nobody could have expected once David Cameron read his speech, Ukip is stealing votes from traditional Tory grounds as people who are suffering a lot in the current global crisis does not fell close enough to Westminster politicians like David Cameron, we ought to point out that British politicians come from privileged backgrounds more than any other country thus they are highly educated having not seen real problems in their lives. Ukip state Immigration and European Union are the ones to blame for all the problems in Britain. British Economy is recovering rapidly if compared to other European countries for instance. However, the corollary effect it has had from European Union is a hefty fine in the sense other European Countries are suffering a lot hence Britain (the Netherlands has also been requested to do so) has to pay money, this has exacerbated the dislike many Britons own towards European Union, Ukip is gaining space, is obtaining great results, this is why I do believe David Cameron´s strategy to see European Union from a negative point of view lies. This is a political strategy so that counteract the recent fame of Ukip, I immigration reform likewise. Once Cameron remained Prime Minister Britain will keep within European Union and immigrants would be welcome albeit this is only my opinion and the truth is that a date it has been established to vote whether Britain stays in Europe or not and also some measures to battle immigration have been debated. From losing Scotland to leave European Union, this is what I have to say about the significance and historical transcendence of David Cameron´s years in power. 

Friday 12 December 2014

Interpreting Elizabeth Bishop´s Poem: "12 O' Clock News"

The author of the poem we are consigned to analyse is Elizabeth Bishop and its title is 12 O'Clock News. It belongs to the book Geography III that was published in 1976, an epoch where the innocence was somehow lost in the sense everybody realised the world was not so friendly anymore seeing how Vietnam War ended. Bishop herself was born in the United States, although she lived overseas too she knew perfectly the reality of her country. In artistic terms, she was a perfectionist poet who captured vivid scenes with visual dexterity. Regarding her personal life, Bishop had an unconventional and turbulent existence. 
Elizabeth Bishop´s poem Twelve O'Clock News
Twelve O'Clock News Elizabeth Bishop

Ser un Tusitala

       ELIZABETH BISHOP´S 12 O'CLOCK NEWS INTERPRETATION

Contingent upon the fact we must analyse Elizabeth Bishop´s poem 12 O'Clock News in compliance with New Historicism we ought to express what Vietnam War conveys inasmuch as it was a relevant and famous conflict that changed the world forever. Hitherto United States had been victorious in all major conflicts it was involved within hence becoming a global superpower, notwithstanding, Vietnam War showed they were not as powerful as dismissed though, what is more, its citizens saw reality was no longer a perfect dream changing all consequently. Even though it was not firstly written bearing Vietnam War (1955-75) in mind, had it as inspiration as a matter of fact, likewise, Nixon resignation that took place in 1974 made everybody aware Western civilization was not a perfect dream. Elizabeth Bishop makes use of several instruments we all normally see to make us aware with sheer lucid and ironical language that what we see can be deceiving or hide an underlying truth. As the harsh reality implies those in charge do anything in order to prevail thus who is possessed of the truth in reality?. Any action hides an intention. A known face belies something else. In 1970s Pop Music and comedies were replaced by punk music and dramas without going any further. Indeed, people woke up seeing how The United States and Soviet Union were entangled in a cruel Cold War. As if it were written in the current Information Age, Elizabeth Bishop asks us, do we really know something? Can we still believe?

Do share, rate or comment. (Second part of this work about Elizabeth Bishop´s 12 O' Clock News poem can be read following this link). Part 2 Elizabeth Bishop´s poem 12 o clock news

Elizabeth Bishop
Elizabeth Bishop. Twelve O'Clock News

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Drinking Tea. George Mikes, How to be an alien

Regarding the text “Drinking tea” I do believe it is a droll article as it conveys in a funny way what British people are believed to be like. It is assured they always follow their traditions however strange they must seem. Likewise, even though they will not express it deliberately they stick to their ideas until they convince you they are right albeit everybody else says otherwise. In fact, tea was not invented in Britain, yet people relate it to the United Kingdom. What is more, they have a great sense of humour, rather ironic but also they make laugh of themselves shamelessly, this is why this text express Britishness perfectly. Despite globalization or the Internet Age I do not consider the text old-fashioned at all, traditions that display their distinction will always be there. Indeed, newest British political Party is Ukip, if they read it they may like it… 

ORIGINAL TEXT 
TEA by George Mikes,  an Hungarian born writer, author of many books, his most famous one, How to be an alien about life in Great Britain.


Tea, How to be an alien George Mikes
Tea, How to be an alien, about Britain and British people, George Mikes

TEA
The trouble with tea is that originally it was quite a good drink. So a group of the most eminent British scientists put their heads together, and made complicated biological experiments to find a way of spoiling it. To the eternal glory of British science their labour bore fruit. They suggested that if you do not drink it clear, or with lemon or rum and sugar, but pour a few drops of cold milk into it, and no sugar at all, the desired object is achieved.
Once this refreshing, aromatic, oriental beverage was successfully transformed into colourless and tasteless gargling-water, it suddenly
became the national drink of Great Britain and Ireland - still retaining, indeed usurping, the high-sounding title of tea
There are some occasions when you must not refuse a cup of tea, otherwise you are judged an exotic and barbarous bird without any hope of ever being able to take your place in civilised society. If you are invited to an English home, at five o'clock in the morning you get a cup of tea. It is either brought in by a heartily smiling hostess or an almost malevolently silent maid. When you are disturbed in your sweetest morning sleep you must not say: 'Madame (or Mabel), I think you are a cruel, spiteful and malignant person who
deserves to be shot.' On the contrary, you have to declare with your best five o'clock smile: Thank you so much. I do adore a cup of early morning tea, especially early in the morning.' If they leave you alone with the liquid, you may pour it down the washbasin. Then you have tea for breakfast; then you have tea at eleven o'clock in the morning; then after lunch; then you have tea for tea; then after supper; and again at eleven o'clock at
night. You must not refuse any additional cups of tea under the following circumstances: if it is hot; if it is cold; if you are tired; if anybody thinks that you might be tired; if you are nervous; if you are gay; before you go out; if you are out; if you have just returned home; if you feel like it; if you do not feel like it; if you have had no tea for some time; if you have just
had a cup... (it continues but my piece of work does not) do share, rate and comment.

Wednesday 3 December 2014

The New York Times: Not all of Spain is buying

The New York Times
The New York Times building in New York,
The New York Times
 Logo of The New York Times
Your article has reminded me (perhaps I forgot it on purpose) of the reality of my country Spain. The real issue we are facing is the lack of real projects. Following the new millennial it was thought building houses (Spaniards do have the notion we must end up our days owning one however happens) building big hotels to foreigners likewise were the best options available, it worked indeed for many years until one day the bubble exploded notwithstanding.  Now, some light is seen but the philosophy to apply is to be the same, if it failed so severely in the past (no so long ago) why is to work again?. European Union is no helping the South of Europe as they should be because Southern countries owe too much money, yet we should expect more from our politicians, above all when the Spanish coastline and countryside (once beautiful and impressive) are now only a pastime for rich and tourists. Furthermore, land and resources are limited as the patience of the people who leave this country looking for job opportunities elsewhere

This text was written regarding the following article published by The New York Times The New York Times Do share, rate and comment.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Current Victoria´s Secret Angels

Victoria´s Secret Angels
:Lindsay Ellingson 


In 1995 Victoria´s Secret Fashion Show was created but it was no until 2001 the Show appeared in television (CBS Channel tends to promote it telling "The sexiest night on television"). Being an Angel of Victoria´s Secret is a prestigious title. Current VS Angels are Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Karlie Kross, Lindsay Ellingson, Adriana Lima and Behati Prinsloo. Read an improved version of this post following this link Victoria´s Secret Fashion Show
  1. Candice Swanepoel Born and raised in rural South Africa, her boyfriend is also a model, is one of the most important Victoria´s Secret Angels
  2. Lily Aldridge Married to rock star Caleb Folowill with whom she has a child, she is also a Sports Illustrated model, cover girl of 2014 Swimsuit Issue  for instance
  3. Doutzen Kroes From The Netherlands, she speaks a minority language called Frisian.
  4. Alessandra Ambrosio Another legendary VS Angel she is wearing with Adriana Lima this year´s Victoria´s Secret Special bra
  5. Karlie Kloss Newest VS Angel, she has a bright future according to Fashion Pundits
  6. Lindsay Ellingson She was studying Biology at University when she moved to Paris where she entered the Fashion Industry
  7. Adriana Lima Brazilian angel and Catholic angel too who has been in VS Fashion Show almost every year since 2000 (she has only missed one). She has two children with Serbian Basketball player Marco Jaric although they are now divorced.
  8. Behati Prinsloo Married to Adam Levine, frontman of Maroon 5 Pop Band. She was born in Namibia hence she also speaks Afrikaans
The models who have worn the special bra on more than one occasion are Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen and Tyra Banks (and now Alessandra Ambrosio.) The model who worn it on 3 occasions was Heidi Klum (and now Adriana Lima), the model who worn the most expensive special bra ever was Gisele Bundchen. (More than 12 million dollars was valued). It can be also interesting to point out that there are some models who are not in the group of Angels (there are other models that are on different campaigns for Victoria´s Secret although they might not be in the show as angels, there are 8 angels and other supermodels who work for the brand regularly) who promote a line called Pink aimed at teenagers and University students. Inside the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show there is a part dedicated to Pink as well. Hope you have found this interesting, do share, rate and comment. Victoria´s Secret