Sunday, March 27, 2011

Culture Class: DST Change Your Clock Today


It's the 27th of March and it is time to change your clocks to an hour forward. We'll be getting an hour less of sleep but the pro is that Summer is on the way and to me that overrules losing an hour's sleep. So switch those clocks and get with the program, otherwise you'll be late :)

Monday, March 21, 2011

Photo of the Week 10


Location: Semmering Mountain Range, Vienna, Austria
Photographer: the International Local

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Press pLAy : Adam Lambert


I recently heard the acoustic version of Adam Lambert's Aftermath track and wow this former American Idol finalist can sure sing.

Here are the lyrics for his song Aftermath:

Have you lost your way?
Living in the shadow of the messes that you made
And so it goes
Everything inside your circle starts to overflow

Take a step before you leap
Into the colors that you seek
You get back what you give away
So don’t look back on yesterday

Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don’t be afraid of what’s inside
Gonna tell ya, you’ll be alright
In the Aftermath
Anytime anybody pulls you down
Anytime anybody says you’re not allowed
Just remember you are not alone
In the Aftermath

You feel the weight
Of lies and contradictions that you live with everyday
And it’s not too late
Think of what can be if you rewrite the role you play

Take a step before you leap
Into the colors that you seek
You get back what you give away
So don’t look back on yesterday

Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don’t be afraid of what’s inside
Gonna tell ya, you’ll be alright
In the Aftermath
Anytime anybody pulls you down
Anytime anybody says you’re not allowed
Just remember you are not alone
In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath

Before you break you have to shed your armor 
Take a trip and fall into the glitter
Tell a stranger that they're beatiful
So all you feel is love, love
All you feel is love,love

Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don’t be afraid of what’s inside
Gonna tell ya, you’ll be alright
In the Aftermath

Wanna scream out
No more hiding
Don’t be afraid of what’s inside
Gonna tell ya, you’ll be alright
In the Aftermath

Anytime anybody pulls you down
Anytime anybody says you’re not allowed
Just remember you are not alone
In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath
In the Aftermath

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Culture Class: Learning a Foreign Language

I have been living in Austria for almost 8 months now and although that sounds like sufficient time to get to grips with German, which is the language spoken here, let me tell you, the words go in one ear and out the other. It's definitely a challenge learning a foreign language, although its also not impossible. Guess it just takes effort and practice.

This is about all the English to German I have learnt whilst living abroad:
* monkey - affe
* castle - burg
* hello - hallo
* good night - gute nacht

And the list of random things/sayings goes on.. But really most of them are useless in everyday speech. Especially when you walk into a shop and want to ask for a piece of meat cut in a certain way, but don't have the words to articulate your wish. It gets awkward. lol!

Mostly I have learnt through hearing people speak with each other or being taught the words by the kids I work with. Pronounciation is probably the hardest part. German has something funny going on with the 'r' sound, and for the life of me, I can't say it right.

The language I want to grapple with next is Czech. I started learning the basics about 8 months ago, but havent really continued since I've been in Austria and surrounded by German.

All I can say is keep trying, eventually you will get it. It'll never be perfect, but you'll feel proud of yourself and you'll have fun trying out what you learn in real life :)

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Press pLAy : Dr Dre, Eminem and Skylar Grey


Can't get I Need a Doctor by Dr Dre, featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey outta my head. It's a powerful song dedicated to the passing of rapper Eric Wright in 1995. The music video is off the hook amazing.

Do yourself a big favour and listen to this song asap. Wow! I've always been a fan of Eminem, but seeing and hearing him working alongside his mentor Dr Dre and with the beautiful voice of Skylar Grey (recently heard in Coming Home with Diddy), this song is on some other level.

Press pLAy :)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Press pLAy : Avril Lavigne


Goodbye Lullaby is Avril Lavigne's latest album. I don't know about you, but I have been so looking forward to this release, especially after hearing her single What the hell. This Canadian singer knows how to sing and this album is as brilliant as her others have been, maybe even better. I'll let you judge that. I can see where her inspiration comes from and I'm in the same "place" at the moment, so I'll definitely be listening to Goodbye Lullaby alot. Music heals the soul and heart, well at least i hope.

Best tracks include:
* Not Enough
* 4 real
* Push
* Wish You Were Here
* Stop Standing There

I could honestly say almost every track on the album is really good!! Take a listen, it's the kind of music that makes you feel something, and this album will hopefully make you feel really good.

Press pLAy!!!

  

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Press pLAy : Aura Dione


Aura Dione is the new voice to keep an ear out for. Her latest album Columbine has hit the shelves a while back and trust me, its pretty dam amazing. Aura Dione hails from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Just like her album cover shows, she has a flair for the beautiful different and it shows in her music. Her album rocks! There's something for every mood and feeling.

Best tracks include:
* Song For Sophie
* Stay The Same
* Something From Nothing
* I Will Love You Monday

Press pLAy asap :) Peace & Love