On a need to know basis

Music!

Arctic Monkeys are releasing their new album "Humbug" on August 17th. Listen to their single; "Crying Lightning". I mean, I guess you already know, but what if you didn't! - Right? Their sound hasn't changed, but Alex Turner's hair has, he looks like Jack White now.

Sergeant's new single "Counting Down The Days" is the ultimate example of a brit-rock pop genre-jewel. Suitably whiney, lively, depressive yet optimistic. Sounds like a classic to me!

Casiokids' awesome tune "Finn Bikkjen" (Spotify link - couldn't find it online elsewhere!) has the greatest Norwegian lyrics I've heard in a long time! It made me laugh and smile, really all it takes. Like it! ("For den som finner bikkjen/får den aller feteste premien").

The Boombox Hearts containing former lovely members of Oliver North Boy Choir have published some new soft melancholich lo-fi with a tint of 60's pop (Ivan, I really do think you pulled it off!) It's like White Birch with a proper producer!

Have you really heard Dove's newest album "Kingdom of Rust" through? Have you?! No?! Well I tell you straight away it's pretty mint, boy! You better do something about it.

And EEK I really AM going to see Prodigy live this autumn AND it will be absolutely crazy. Seriously.

And EEEHEEK! Röyksopp was so flippin amazing at Roskilde, that I now kind of regret not having tickets for their gig at the Oya festival in Oslo in a few weeks, but on the other hand I'm actually working so it wouldn't have worked out anyway :( But if you ever get the chance; seriously - you better go see them, and you better like them, you lucky bastard.

Last, but not least; The quirky sweetness of The Maccabees. Had me at hello! Especially "Toothpaste Kisses" (Spotify link.) from their album "Wall of Arms". Meeooo00oow!

From Portugal.

Neeew moosic

I know that you woke up today and thought; "Dang! What have Tora written about new music lately, really? It has all been old recycled stuff we've heard of before, it's hardly indie at all!"

Well I am sorry. My apologies. It is just that sometimes I have (not necessarily better) but other things to do, than to scan the webnet for new, steaming fresh music for you. I know, it is because I don't love you, and that I take you for granted, you always feel stumped about the way I harshly ignore you. I don't deserve you. Let me make it up to you.

Now this band I discovered around Christmas, but I totally and absolutely forgot about it since then! Such a shame, they're awesomely chill and supersexy sweet, like a sticky toffee apple from the big apple itself. I give you New York band "Violens". Wonderful! Can't get enough! Especially the track "Already Oslo". Amazing.

http://www.myspace.com/violens

Unfortunately that is really all I have time to hand to you at the moment.

This is my shelf, above my bed, when decorated for Christmas. Ehm. The lights are really the only addition. All the other things usually hang there.

Music Update: Alert! Aqua!

Aqua are having a comeback!

Or an attempted one, at least, with their release of the pop-single "Back To The 80's".

A very tactical choice of concept I think, considering "The 80's" is all very "now" and "The 80's is the new Friday" so forth. But sadly, Calvin Harris knew this back in 2007 already when releasing the much more justified 80's tribute: "Acceptable In The 80's" (it's true, and you know it).

Aqua's is a rather monotone tune that will rock the socks of every gay karaoke bar within range and hopefully the rest of us mortals will shrug it off as a joke.

This is .. danceable, not half as quirky as their previous classics like "Barbie Girl", "Dr. Jones", "Happy Boys and Girls" or "Lollipop (Candyman)" (songs we ALL love, seriously). It seems they are subtly attempting to be something more this time, more than just random and "laugh-at, not with". I mean, I like Aqua, really. But this is making them look like Wig-Wam. Sure - their track is an 80's tribute, and their wacky "style" has always been their trademark, but all the glow effects and the lack of REAL enthusiasm instrumentally (because the group itself is exploding with joy) is what holds this baby down.

It is not fair to judge pop music this way, and I know that. But the track is (unintentionally?) dropping hints of a "take-off", but the track really never gets going. It might qualify for Eurovision, but Tora the tiiiiiger is not impressed. I give them kudos for the attempt and hope that the Aqua who's sold over 30 million CD's worldwide will show us what they're made of when the entire album is released!

You can see their brand new video "Back to The 80's" here.

Early June Sweeeet Tracks

From by the river.

Here are some amazing songs to soften your membrane on this delightful Wednesday. 

We'll start off softly with the really heartfelt brit-rock/pop (listen to the beautiful lyrics) of Snow Patrol, followed by the dark, almost Joy Division-like throb of White Lies. Maxïmo Park will tickle the cockles of your heart with their upbeat though dark indie, Keane will as always simply enchant you. Some more MP because once is never enough, then some sexy, energetic Friendly Fires - finishing delicately with the unusual electronic glow of the Friendly Fires remix by my recent crush; swedish duo Air France. Aaah. 

Good times, old man.

If There's a Rocket Tie Me To It by Snow Patrol

To Lose My Life by White Lies

I Haven't Seen Her in Ages by Maxïmo Park (Live)

Maybe I Can Change by Keane

In Another World by Maxïmo Park

Skeleton Boy by Friendly Fires

Skeleton Boy (Air France Remix) by Friendly Fires

The Playlist in Spotify (lacking Maxïmo Park, cos all their tracks aren't on there!)

HAVE I MENTIONED THAT NINTENDO HAVE ANNOUNCED THE NEXT ZELDA?! Holy flipping cow.

Brush up your language, boy

I just downloaded a custom brush plugin for Paint.NET and over 200 brushes which is quite SNAZZY if I might say so myself. I know I really should be drawing in photoshop, but the primitive tools in Paint.NET makes it so much more challenging! I don't want everything to "look nice" because of well-written, expensive software, I want my technique and "skill" to be what makes the images come together, not a garbazillion* blend effects. Right? Do it the hard way! I think maybe struggling with the basics will give me a better chance at accomplishing more complex imagery when the time is right. Yesyes!

The weather's been reeally nice lately, except of course from yesterday when it was raining like cheese and crackers. In other news our newest family member Ulla is slowly getting the rhythm of this joint by calming the frutz** down, which is about time. She's got so much energy and she's always bouncing about like a deer havin' had her cocktail spiked. We bathed her and she looked just like a closely shaved sheep, like Shaun. I can't wait for summer and revising for exams is so boring I don't think I am able to emphasize the boreditty*** or dangerously dull potential it has. Really.

I like playing around with language, even though I will be accused for destroying it in the end. But that doesn't really matter really, as long as I don't have to take a swim in the ocean yet. Brrr! Which reminds me that we all have to squeeze ourselves into bikini's any time now, which is really half (past) eight****, if you know what I mean. Yeah you do. Now look what I did today!

Before: (Just the basic outline and text)

After: (the background I cheated using blurs and tiles - but no cheat brushes!)

* This is not a real measurable amount.

** Frutz is a Norwegian ice-cream made of fruits, but it sounds like a skin-condition (Sorry, I can't make it, I got frutz all over me eyelids), so I use it as a cuss-word.

*** This isn't a word.

**** This means that something is in poor shape, or looks a little down, 08:30 is appointed time for shabbididitty*****

***** NO.

Moozix

Here's a refreshingly "pop"-influenced playlist for you. It is maybe a little unorthodox of me, I'm aware of that. But on the other hand, I don't like the idea of narrowing down to "genres" as it's not exactly very open-minded. Something I feel we really should be about music. Have in mind that some sexy electronica and a bit of superdark 80's tribute, depression rock fell in there, so don't take anything for granted to be pop-music. Here goes sweetie-pie, hang on to your knickers!

The Fear by Lily Allen Now I was surprised by the conviviality of this upbeat tune, but I like it.

Walking on a Dream by Empire of The Sun This video suddenly popped up on VH1, and I felt happy! Very sheek.

No Excuses by Air France I believe this daaahling to become an all-time summer classic, love it.

Somewhere a Clock is Ticking by Snow Patrol And here's an old blast from the past!

Jump in The Pool by Friendly Fires Going to see these at Roskilde, and yes I DO want to jump in the pool.

From The Stars by White Lies This ma new favourite dark and depressing track, got so much energy though.

Sushi by Kyle Andrews And this one, this one is just CRAZY-. AHA whwiow ohh.. Iih. 

MreeeoooowwhH! Thank you and good night.

Here's another picture I took in Molde, Norway.

Blogosphere!

There are bloggers all over the place, like seriously - I can't even take my rottweiller for walkies without bumping into at least five. The thing is just that even though there's such a remarkable amount of people "contributing" to the magnificent blog-o-verse (like me, for example) - there usually is a GREAT distance between the good blags.

So I wanted to grant you a window into a few good fashion-blogs that I now frequent. I'm not exactly very caught up with fashion, but these three are excellent writers, and sincerely deserve attention and admiration for their work. Really!

First up is the next-to-Godly, Doe Deere, from Doe Deere Blogazine she's even launched her own make-up line called Lime Crime, and she has the most GORGEOUS hair, I mean beautiful - and the sexiest cheekbones. She also has a bit of cheek and a large amount of style. Excellent read. Her husband takes beautiful photos as well, not to mention the genius of her excellent, and colourful sense of style.

Second is Nice & Shiny, a Canadian DIY fashion-guru - she's got that bit of truthfully quirky originality about her that makes her extra lovable. She also displays a vast diversity of quirks and poses that are further enhanced by her affectionate writing. Also - she likes The Mighty Boosh. Friend of my friend, love ya!

Third and last is Tavi, 13 year old and extremely beautiful - not to mention grown up, that's currently running Style Rookie with a great and energetic (don't forget random) way of writing. What can I say? I'm just so impressed with her work! Respect. Also, not many others could pull of the headline "get down from there coffee you do not belong on that dog you are a beverage". Brilliant.

Today's tracks: 

You Lose by Cause Co-Motion!

Electricity ft. Fred Falke by Kris Menace

It been Googled, so it be truth

1. Type in "[your first name] needs" in the Google search:
Tora needs a safe environment in which to learn how to trust and be around humans again.
2. Type in "[your first name] looks like" in Google search
Have you realized how much Tora looks like a hamster? o_O
3. Type in "[your first name] hates" in Google search:
Tora hates humans and Tenquo seems to be the only person in the whole world who is the one and big exclusion
4. Type in "[your first name] goes" in Google search:
Tora Goes to the City
5. Type in "[your first name] loves" in Google search:
TORA [loves] PENELOPE.
6. Type in "[your first name] eats" in Google search:
Tora eats Sushi with a lot of Wasabi
7. Type in "[your first name] has" in Google search
Tora has held a variety of political positions, most recently as a Senator from 2001
8. Type in "[your first name] works" in Google search:
Tora works from command line but not launcher 
9. Type in"[your first name] lives" in Google search:

Tora lives in a poor household with her drudging mother and a brutal step-father who subjects her to repeated ...

Chasing the fuuuture!

I've always felt like I'm chasing the future one way or the other - there's always something ahead that I'm trying to chase further away, or chasing because I want to catch up with it. It's interesting how much of our modern lifestyle is based on goals and on preparations for the future. I know I always go on about this, but I got to think of it again today as I was looking at the sun - how we just keep rushing through everything without realizing.

Whenever I remember I try to be good at living in the present, but because I am also a dangerously good procrastinator I tend to enjoy the present a little too much sometimes. Often, actually. Living life like it's your last day is my favourite excuse to postpone anything I don't want to do. Lately I have gotten better at starting things that have a deadline far ahead though. Like a programming assignment – or painting all the nine Easter eggs for a diversity of siblings, parents and boyfriend before filling them with ridiculous things I’ve spent a long time hunting down. And this works quite well for me – as often the worst part of a task is to know which end to begin, so if you have the start settled – usually the rest kind of slips into place. I say usually because it makes it sound as if I have any experience on the matter.

In other news I’d like to present some music to you (again) now that everybody is more widespread than before (and that random strangers come up to me and say they’ve read stuff here) I find it satisfying to believe that someone might listen to some the music I feel the whole world should love. And please don’t burst my bubble, I am very easy to satisfy in my own land of self-deceit, I don’t really want to know whether I am able to staple some good music on to your forehead or not. If I believe it, then that’s enough – don’t question my religion.

Actually speaking of religion, I generate genuine satisfaction from raising the play count of the songs I like best on iTunes. So that I can sort all my tracks by “Times Played” and the best song ever will actually end up on the top. I suppose it sounds weird, but I feel like it means I have achieved something – which means I will be able to chase away another deadline while pretending to be productive on other matters.

Before I give you the music, I have to send out a happy birthday to Tante Bister, my most faithful reader! Happy Birthday to you!

Milky – Just The Way You Are (New video by Elin and me!!)
Static Jacks - Fire On The Bridge & The Tunnel Below (RAC Maury Mix)
Anya Marina – Move You
(picture is of Sangria in a restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal last fall).

Best April's Fools

I collaborated some of the best fools I found during April's Fools day!

Google created the world’s first Cognitive Autoheuristic Distributed-Intelligence Entity (CADIE), which supposedly was a computer that came alive and made changes at Google - like auto-replying to your Gmail - and planning on releasing Google Chrome (the internet browser) in 3D since “81% of households had red/blue 3D glasses lying around.” Cadie also introduced Google's all new Brain Search which works brilliantly. Cadie also turned Youtube "upside-down".

Blizzard showcased their in development system of P1mp My Mount, that would make everyone's World of Warcraft riding mount unique!

Pirate Bay cooperates with Warner Bros. Oh, the irony.

Opera's Face Gestures, Opera launched a new control system that allowed users controlling their computer using their face.

The Hotelicopter, World's first flying hotel!

Xbox's Alpine Legend, the "guitar hero" from the alps, yoodle-i-hoo!

World War II Database claimed Hitler was still alive.

Expedia offered flights to Mars!

BMW launched their Magnetic Tow Technology, a system that would make your BMW capable of simply "sucking" itself on a car ahead - turn off it's own engine and simply be towed along effortlessly. 

EcoAsia proposed Nasa were initiating used CRT television cables as fuel for spacecrafts. Note that the Project Reference is 1D10T.

Norton AntiVirus warned against the Conficker Worm Virus that was supposed to be activated and destroy millions of computers on Aprils fools day. Guess what? April's fools!

I was on my way to school yesterday and the tram driver announced that the king was getting on on the next stop (which was the one outside the castle) so we better make room for him. All the old ladies craned their necks - then they got disappointed. Haha.

You have got to be kidding!

Through my new favourite website www.rcrdlbl.com - I have discovered some new music that might potentially blow your mind. Like, really. So yes -- it's another music post, sorry - just bare with me!

Seb Leon is actually releasing an album that's called "Cranes of Glitter". Do I need to say more? - I'll say it anyway! --- I flippin love cranes! And glitter! We were definitely made for each other from the start! How delightful. At least I love the track called Backwards, and I'm happily working my way through the rest. I strictly encourage you to give it a listen. It's careless, soul'y and kind of energizing in a mysterious way that I can't really seem to figure out!

This song is for my electronic siblings. See The Light (Calvin Harris Vocal Remix) by The Hours. It's weird! It's Cassius meeting Benjamin Diamond meeting something different - Bent, perhaps? A bit trance-ish, but with heavy, delicious house elements. if this doesn't make you want to dance - seriously, what will?! Love it! The ultimate accessory for any vorspiel (explanation).

Then one of my own discoveries - which is Delphic. Album expected April 14th -- flowery, repetitive electronica with smooth, beautiful male vocals. Absolutely awesome! Their track Counterpart goes great for anyone feeling happy - or anyone feeling sad, likely to accellerate (or exacerbate) either of these emotions. Probably the reason why I love electronica so much - it's capable of anything in its own, bittersweet way. And unlike a lot of the music I listen to, this grew on me instantly, like happy-cancer.

It's cloudy here. Cleo is recovering a little too quickly I think, it is as if she hasn't had any surgery at all! Excellent news though. She's getting along so great. My dancing shoes are tickling by the way, I don't think it was a good idea to serial-repeat all this great house and trance music all day. Might have to go see Dimitri From Paris on the night to May 1st. to dance off the worst of it. Especially seeing there might be no trip to Ibiza this year :( Oh well! I guess that's a problem I can work off quite easily though, really!

Ravenous Röyksopp

As you may be well aware of - Röyksopp have shockingly allowed their entire new album (Junior) to be heard for free on their website even though the official release date isn't until March 23rd. Pretty far out!

http://royksopp.com/music/junior

But on the other hand everything leaks out on the interwebs pre-release anyway-- so they might as well pretend like they approve of it. And all the fans are most likely going to purchase the album anyway (and if not - that still doesn't matter) as most their income from this release will probably be from live performances. So far I'm really falling from the track featuring Lykke Li - "Miss it So Much" it's cotton-candy sweet, an excellent tune - really. I'm not yet convinced, but I'll listen through some more while paying attention and then come back to you with a full review (if you like). 

Also a kick to prejudice in general. I am so sick of it. What is the point of judging everything by its cover? Nobody has anything to earn from it, not short term, not long term. Nothing. In fact - the most inspiring and rewarding acts are those of allowing to be influenced by new impulses, meeting new people, new cultures, new music - new ways of life. While some may have reason to be sceptical, nobody have reason enough to treat other people unfairly when they don't even know them. Just like with gays! Who people kiss or sleep with really isn't any of my business just like who I kiss and sleep with is no one elses business. So as long as I don't get judged by who I love - I wont judge anyone by the same.

I feel we have the right to be judgmental when someone is getting hurt - and sometimes the one getting judged is the victim. So when you are being judgmental, you are worse than anyone. If I catch you doing it - I wont be merciful in my verdict!

I'm hungry :<

(Illustration done in paint.net)

43,2 - and You!

I'm sure Foss get's his little bum slapped more often than this blog gets a hit (which is in this moment at average 43,2 hits per day over the past two years and eleven days). Considering that I visit this blog about thirty times a day, and sometimes I double-click the refresh button, added with the "followers" of this blog - means about 2 hits are done by random people I don't know each day. Statistically. Which is interesting. 

Who are you?

Over the course of the last four days I have had (actually quite accurately) four people whom which I had no clue even knew this blog existed - randomly express their interest for it in person. (Well, not exactly interest, more exactly their discovery of it, but you know what I mean). It always kind of freaks me out, really, honestly - I know that what I'm writing is online and that it's out there, but I rarely do take into consideration that it's actually read by someone. Or anyone except from the ones I already know reads it. It is also quite amazing because I haven't actually written anything here, have I? Not really. There isn't actually anything here, these are just words put together to make sentences - of nothing!

And when people confront me and say they have read my "stuff" (I like that word, it is fitting) it inspires me so much. It also makes me feel guilty for wasting their time by not really putting anything of actual interest into my posts - so I'm sorry for that. And if you're unhappy with the content I suggest you assign me to write about a specific topic, no problem! I am happy to fulfill your wishes. But until then I can tell you that I like the shape of eggs, it is a nice, soft kind of shape - which unlike a perfect circle - has mobility issues. Interesting.

(The illustration I did in Paint.net).

Plej

I've heard 26 seconds of Swedish electronica something (duo? Trio? One man thing? I don't know!) called Plej. I love it.



Love it with me!
Edit: Their sound is like a soft Booka Shade, featuring hints of Röyksopp - even some Bent, a touch of lounge piano, some chill Phoenix/Phonique with a kiss of beachy sophistication. Definitely worth a listen.

Vertical search

Wikipedia says:

"Vertical search, or domain-specific search, part of a larger sub-grouping known
as "specialized" search, is a relatively new tier in the Internet search,
industry consisting of search engines that focus on specific slices of content.
The type of content in special focus may be based on topicality or information
type. For example, a medical search engine would clearly be specialized in terms
of its topical focus, whereas a video search engine would seek out results
within content that is in a video format. So vertical search may focus on all
manner of differentiating criteria, such as particular locations, multimedia
object types and so on."

Internet contains so much random information that the most common way to find what you are looking for is by using various search engines. While as some engines simply plough through the masses and gives you results from all kinds of sources -it has now become more common to create search engines tailored to your needs.

Audun told me about Pipl, which is a search engine specialized for finding people on the internet. But my favourite vertical search engines are the engines that specialize in questions. That way, I can always be pretty sure to find exactly what I'm looking for. The ones I like best are http://www.querycat.com/, http://www.ask.com/ and http://www.snappyfingers.com/

I just thought I should mention as the job of sorting all the shit on interspace has turned out to be an incredibly massive task.

Star Wreck

Acoording to my sources this film is the first ever Finnish sci-fi parody. Supposedly a fine humoristic blend of Star Wars and Babylon 5. Worth a peek?

"Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning is a feature-length sci-fi parody, seven years in the making. It is the product of a core group of five Finns, and over 300 extras, assistants and supporters. The film combines world-class visual effects, a rough-and-ready sense of humour, and a passion that provide the basis for the first-ever Finnish science fiction adventure. "

http://www.starwreck.com/

Paint.net

This beautiful freeware program called paint.net (which can be found, ironically - at www.paint.net or www.getpaint.net) is a fabulously liberating application. It's user interface is simple and has followed every rule of intuitive learning. In other words - easy as peas to use and learn how to use. The program is in itself is like a soft blend of PhotoShop and MS Paint, simplified, but brilliantly creative and inviting. I am actually impressed by it's strength and professional options considering it is free.

If you are an experienced computer artist that swear to applications like PhotoShop, Gimp or CorelDraw-- you might find paint.net to be a little retarded. But compared to other freeware paint programs (like Rita) paint.net is exquisite and simply a jewel. It's great for random doodling, clipboard activities, detailed drawings or even light photo manipulation! Look at this for example:

Just a regular photo:

A few clicks in paint.net:

Both effective and impressive! (Look at the eye, seriously - it only took a second using one of the effects!) I am baffled and pleased. Paint.net and I, we shall be friends.

David Hasselhoff - Rhinestone Cowboy

You asked for it.

I know that nobody likes my music posts, but I can't consider everyone else all the time!

GO listen! 

http://www.myspace.com/beastsband

Oh, and this youtube comment was kind of funny:

I thought this was quite interesting

Weird, but interesting. "Within the last 40-50 years women went from loose underwear around the thighs to tight underwear going across the middle of the buttock. Underwear that has tight elastic across the buttock limits blood flow, encouraging cellulite to form. Wearing thongs, boyshorts, or sleeping naked can reduce the impact underwear plays on cellulite's development.

Cellulite describes a condition that occurs in men and women (although much more common in women)".

 Sometimes I get very afraid of what the internet is doing to me.