Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR


WELCOME

2009

BE
HAPPY
HEALTHY SUCCESSFUL PEACEFUL
AND JOYOUS

Stunning images from Hubble space telescope that show the life cycle of stars






Dal 2 Gennaio, al via i saldi

Dal 2 gennaio è già tempo di saldi

Amazing celebration of fireworks pictures in Sydney



















Meno furti, più rapine nel Vco


Da: RadioNews

E’ stato un anno con meno furti nel Vco, stando ai dati resi noti dal comandante provinciale dei carabinieri, tenente colonnello Adriano Vernole. 1.109 casi rispetto ai 1.594 del 2007. Le rapine sono invece più che raddoppiate: 15 contro 7 nel 2007. Tuttavia ne sono state scoperte ben tredici. Restano sostanzialmente stabili, con un lieve calo, i dati sul traffico di stupefacenti con 97 delitti nel 2008 rispetto ai 104 dell’anno precedente. Sono state inoltre denunciate 1.633 persone, contro le 1.426 del 2997, di cui 197 arrestate. L’attività preventiva sul territorio provinciale è stata condotta con 16.155 servizi eseguiti da 14.365 pattuglie. Un primato nazionale dei carabinieri del Vco, poi, riguarda la repressione dei furti con scasso agli sportelli bancomat. Sul fronte della prevenzione stradale, infine, sono stati rilevati 291 incidenti e accertate 2.855 infrazioni al codice della strada.Autore: CP Scrivi un commento

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Looking forward to 2009...

So 2008 was not my favorite year for music, but luckily 2009 is shaping up to be possibly the best music year we’ve ever seen (and I’m not exaggerating). Below is information on over 25 new albums I’m looking forward to. Eight or so are easily contenders for album of the year already.
Please let me know if I’m missing anything, because I’d like this to be as comprehensive a list as possible.

Melody Club
The first word on their new album surfaced on their website in mid September when they revealed that they were in the process of recording. Now their myspace confirms that there will be a new album in 2009 and I read somewhere that the recording process is finished. This is one band that I don’t even have to worry about quality-wise. Each of their three past albums have been equally amazing and I’m sure the new one will be one of the best pop records of the year. I can’t wait to hear the new single! (don’t know…my guess: Spring)

The Galvatrons
The debut album, titled Laser Graffiti, will come out in the Spring, preceded by the next single Cassandra in February. We’ve already heard Cassandra in demo form and it’s one of the group’s best songs so I hope it gives them the success they’ll need in the lead-up to the album. The album’s supposed to have a symphonic, cinematic synth-rock sound to it, which is in keeping with their past material and practically makes me drool in anticipation. On their youtube page they‘ve got a behind-the-scenes clip that includes the audio for the majority of a new (quite epic) track, which I suppose could either be The First Starfighter or S.R. 71 Blackbird, both being titles that have surfaced in prior interviews. (April)

Superfamily
They had my second favorite album of 2007 (would have been #1 if released in 2008), so I’m really excited that a new album is in the works for 2009. The band is currently in the recording process but have scheduled the new album for March. For more ongoing info make sure to check out their (very entertaining) blog. (March)

SuperJupiter
During the past month I have become absolutely obsessed with this Norwegian/Danish band. Their new Pop! EP comes out in January, but you can already listen to all the tracks on their myspace and they are consistently awesome and perfect. A full-length album is set for release later in the year, which might contain past singles like You Know and Got To Get Some as well, though I hope for a ton of mew material because these guys are awesome! (don’t know… my guess: Summer)

Scissor Sisters
After basically dropping off the face of the earth, a new album is expected from these guys in the first half of the year. Apparently they’ve worked with Kylie on the album, which is fantastic news, and a number of new songs have allegedly been revealed at secret concerts this past fall. Remember, this information is from wikipedia, but according to them new song titles include "Television", "Who's Your Money","Other Girls", "Major for You", "None of My Business", "Singularity", "The Strand", "Who's There", "Not the Loving Kind", "Taking Shape" (with Babydaddy on lead vocals), and "Uroboros". Intriguing, to say the least. (Spring/Summer)

Frankmusik

The debut album, Complete Me (cover to the right), is finally set for release in 2009 (or so everyone says). We’ve already heard so much from this guy, and he’s constantly putting new stuff up on his myspace, so he’s definitely got the material for an album. His most recent 3 Little Words EP was fantastic so I, along with the whole blog community, am looking forward to this album. (June)

Oh No Ono
I loved their debut a few years back and I’m so excited that this weird Danish pop group is releasing a follow-up in 2009. The record’s set for a Spring release (what a Spring this is gonna be!). The record’s self-produced and has been kept tightly under wraps for now. (April)

BWO
BWO will start off 2009 with a new Melodifestivalen single called You’re Not Alone that’s described as a big electronic gospel ballad--their “I Will Always Love You.” Then comes the album, which is said to be inspired by Girls Aloud and Xenomania. The group have signed with a new label that will allow distribution worldwide, so people outside of Scandinavia will be able to buy their music. This sounds absolutely fantastic! (Spring)

The Sounds
One of my favorite Swedish groups is back after a long time away. These guys have been touring for what seems like forever, so I’m glad they’ve had a chance to work on a new album as well. Click here to see a video of them working in the studio (and hear some of the music they’ve been writing). There hasn’t been a lot of news on this new record yet, but I’m hoping for a Spring or Summer release. (don't know...my guess: Summer)

Rihanna
After a gazillion singles and reissues in 2008, Rihanna’s coming back straightaway with a new album next year. There are so many rumored demos floating around the internet for this, the best being the very Prince-like Sexuality, which also sounds the closest of all of them to being fully produced. Beyond that, Rihanna‘s talked about the new album having a more techno-rock direction, which would quite frankly be massively awesome. (don’t know…my guess: Summer)

Pet Shop Boys
The new album, titled Yes, will be released in March, preceded by the first single Love, etc. Popjustice is raving about their new Xenomania produced work so it’s bound to be good. Almost everything they’ve recorded throughout their career has been brilliant so I’m sure this album won’t let us down. (March)

Patrick Wolf
The new album, Battle, is out in the Spring and there’s loads of info about it, including a megamix of some of the songs, on his bandstocks website, which is trying to help him raise money to finish the thing. The music itself sounds pretty interesting…pretty uptempo too. (Spring)

Lily Allen
It’s Not Me, It’s You (cover to the left) comes out at the beginning of February, and the first single (the very good The Fear) already has a video out. You can preview the songs from the album here. It sounds pretty good… a lot like her last record, surprisingly. (February)

Kevin Borg
The winner of this year’s Swedish Idol, Kevin’s debut album is on the fast-track to be releasing in February. That’s not too long to work on it, but I bet they’ve already selected most if not all the songs for it. I’m hoping for an energetic sound, a la past idol contestants Danny or Ola, but maybe with more of a rock edge. After all, Livin’ On A Prayer kind of became Borg’s signature song in the contest. The worst thing they could do is weight his down with drippy, boy band ballads. But this being Sweden, I’ve got a lot of faith. (February)

Kite
Although they probably won’t be releasing a full album in 2009, another EP (perhaps more than one) is on the way. Not a lot is known about it (including a release date) but thank god that these guys are working on more music. Download their best song, Ways To Dance, here (right click) for free! (don’t know…my guess: Spring)

Franz Ferdinand
Their new record, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (cover to the left), could go either way for me. I have not been impressed by the new single, Ulysses, but these guys have a history of crafting some great tracks so we’ll see. I will definitely be checking it out. (January)

Whyte Seeds
I’ve been awaiting the follow-up to Bold As Love for sometime now, and it appears that it may be coming in 2009. In the summer of this year the guys posted a message saying they were recording the new album but since then there hasn’t really been any news. I assume it’ll be out this year, though. (Don’t know…my guess: Summer)

No Doubt
These guys would have been much higher on my life since they’re one of the first bands I absolutely fell in love with, but there’s not a lot of certainty with this release. They’re definitely going on tour next year and are working on the reunion album, aimed at a release late next year (boy it’s taking a long time!). The sound will probably be close to what we heard on Rock Steady, since they’re working with one of the producers from that record. This will be a huge release when it finally hits. (Fall/Winter)

Kelly Clarkson
The new single, My Life Would Suck Without You, is out soon, followed by the record in March. After the commercial failure of My December, the plans are to go back to a more radio-friendly, Since U Been Gone sound. Okay by me. She’s working with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic fame, who promises big choruses. I hope so, since I was not at all impressed with her more recent material. (March)

Sebastian Karlsson

I’ve liked Sebastian’s previous albums, though his new single My Getaway is pretty underwhelming. Still, I’m hoping for a slam dunk with his new album. We’ll see when The Most Beautiful Lie comes out next month. (January)

Daniel Karlsson
Another Karlsson, and another idol contestant, released his brilliant debut single Would You Believe a few months ago and it sounds very Ark-like so I am thrilled. His debut, Commercial Suicide, comes out next year and if it’s as good as the single then we’re in for a treat. (don’t know…my guess: Spring)

Boy Crisis
This is an interesting MGMT-meets-r&b/pop band that could surprise us and release one of the strongest debuts of the year. I’ve liked all their singles so far so a fully-produced album could really be a treat. (Spring)

Alexandra Burke
The winner of this year’s X-Factor, it’ll be good if they go the dance-pop direction, horrible if they go the Leona direction. (March)

Other (probable or definite) releases:

Dolly Daggers - in the studio, no word on a release date.

Dangerous Muse - in the studio (and have been forever), working on debut record.

Under The Influence of Giants - working on next record, not sure about release date.

Sahara Hotnights - recording new material, just released cover of In Private--hopefully an indication of the album’s direction.

U2 - not too excited about this, but who knows?

Antony & The Johnsons - probably won’t reach the heights of their last album, but we’ll see.

Other Swedish Idol contestants - especially Johan and the two Robins.

King Of Trolls - an album's been promised for awhile...we'll see if it actually happens in 2009.

Morrissey - Out in February... could be good.

Marie Serneholt - After her Melodifestivalen entry, Disconnect Me, her long-toiled-upon album should finally see the light of day.

Emmon - The new single, Secrets & Lies, is already out with an album to follow in February.

Kamera - This Swedish synthpop band's next record should be out sometime next year. It's their chance to enter the big leagues.

Universal Poplab - Another Swdish band currently in the studio.

Hopefuls:

The Ark - Something tells me we’ll hear from these guys before the year is over. Now that Ola’s finished with his role in Jesus Christ Superstar he’ll have time to do some writing. I’m hoping for a new album in the fall (if not earlier!).
UPDATE: Apparently there's been some word about recording starting in March and a tour later in the year. Let's hope so. I would die for a new Ark album!

Daggers - Still unsigned, these guys keep churning out flawless pop songs each month. They’ve already got enough for an album so I hope we see some kind of an official release in 2009. The world needs them.

Verbania: Capodanno in piazza


Da: VCO AzzurraTV

Prosegue il conto alla rovescia e cresce l’attesa per la grande festa del CAPODANNO IN PIAZZA sul lungolago di Pallanza, organizzata nel quadro delle manifestazioni di fine anno da Verbania MillEventi per il NATALE insieme – Momenti di Festa e di Solidarietà a Verbania, con Comune, Sport Pro Motion, Verbeat Musica e Città, Commercianti e altre associazioni. Per concludere l’anno alla grande e aprire il 2009 sotto i migliori auspici, viene promossa dalle ore 21 del 31 dicembre un una serie di appuntamenti di richiamo e di sicuro divertimento attorno alla pista di pattinaggio di AVIS Verbania On Ice, che per l’occasione resta aperta fino alle 3. Ai presenti viene offerta fino alla stessa ora in due distinti punti del lungolago la possibilità di ascoltare musica dal vivo e di ballare con il complesso Mass.Media e altra musica con i deejay di RVL La Radio. Un accurato servizio di ristorazione con piatti caldi viene offerto sin dal pomeriggio a prezzi modici dalla cucina viaggiante dell’Associazione novarese “Vino & Riso”,panettone, pandoro e spumante per il brindisi al 2009. non è tutto. Poco dopo la mezzanotte c’è l’appuntamento con il GRANDE SPETTACOLO PIROTECNICO sul lago che per l’occasione prepara cotechino con lenticchie e tapulone con polenta, da degustare con vino Doc delle colline novaresi. L’organizzazione cura inoltre direttamente la distribuzione con libera offerta di della ditta Parente per salutare il Nuovo Anno: un evento senza precedenti per Verbania nella circostanza, che sottolinea ulteriormente il clima festoso e coinvolgente della festa trascorsa in compagnia. Le libere offerte raccolte evidenziano anche in questa occasione le finalità solidaristiche del programma di Verbania MillEventi, poiché saranno destinate al fondo istituito dalla Fondazione Comunitaria del Vco per iniziative nei settori del bisogno sociale, della solidarietà, del no-profit, del volontariato....Scrivi un commento

2009 Pinoy Showbiz Predictions: Angel Locsin Will Regain Stardom, Marian Rivera's Falldown, and Other Showbiz Hula

Psychic and Feng Shui Consultant Madame Suzette Arandela predicts that Angel Locsin will have a brighter 2009 ahead of her.

"Babalik ang dating ningning ng kanyang bituin. Makakabawi ang kanyang career ngayong 2009." Madam Suzette shares to Abante-Tonite.

When it comes to her lovelife, Angel will also have a stable relationship with current boyfriend Luis Manzano.

How about this year's hottest star - Marian Rivera?

According to Madam Suzette, if Marian (who was involved with so many intrigues this year) will not change her attitude, her career in 2009 will just be average.

"Kapag hindi nagbago ang attitude niya, magiging average lang ang kanyang career sa 2009. Malamang na mag-slow down ang kanyang career dahil sa kanyang ugali. May isang babaing sisikat ngayong 2009 na masasapawan siya.” she said.

On People's Taliba, it has also been reported that Marian Rivera's career in 2009 will not be as lucky as in 2008.

Quoting from the said article, "Marami ang nagsasabing kahit na nagpakawala ng 'sandosenang appliances si Marian Rivera sa mga entertainment press bago mag-Pasko, hindi pa rin daw ito susuwertihin sa taong 2009. Sabi ng ibang showbiz manghuhula, sasabit daw ang kamalasan kay Marian sa taong 2009 dahil sa mga taong natapakan niya at nasaktan nitong 2008. Dahil nasa personality na raw ni Marian ang pagiging mataray at mapang-api, marami raw ang magwi-wish sa kanyang downfall sa dara-ting na taon."

Other predictions, according to Madame Suzette, includes reconciliation between Sam Milby and Anne Curtis, blockbuster movie for KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez, another woman in between James Yap and Kris Aquino, health problems for Joey De Leon and Willie Revillame, more awards for Anne Curtis and Bea Alonzo might get pregnant if becomes careless.

Here are Madame Suzette's predictions for 2009 on some other showbiz personalities:

WILLIE REVILLAME: "Mananatili ang pamamayagpag ng kanyang Wowowee show, pero dapat niyang ingatan ang kanyang kalusugan dahil nakikita kong maoospital siya. Malamang na magkaroon siya ng surgery. Prone pa rin siya sa scandals at mai-involve siya sa ilang mga artistang babae. Magkakaroon siya ng bagong pag-ibig."

RICHARD GUTIERREZ: "Mananatiling pataas ang career niya kahit sino pa ang itambal sa kanya. Dadami pa ang kanyang endorsement. Mag-iingat lang siya sa pagmomotor. Ingatan niya ang kanyang left leg. Pagdating sa kanyang lovelife, wala siyang seryosong makakarelasyon, pero mas magki-click ang tambalan nila ni KC Concepcion. Mas madadalas ang kanyang pagta-travel. Mas magiging ok ang kalusugan ng nanay niyang si Annabelle Rama, pero mas dapat pang mag-ingat ang tatay niyang si Eddie Gutierrez sa kalusugan nito."

KC CONCEPCION: ­"Mas magniningning pa ang bituin. Magkakaroon ng regular TV show. Maghi-hit ang pelikula nila ni Richard (When I Met You). Malamang na mag-aral uli siya. May kinalaman sa art ang pag-aaralan niya. Mas gaganda ang relasyon nila ng amang si Gabby Concepcion, pero prone to sickness ang ama."

SHARON CUNETA: "May darating na family problem, pero pagdating sa career, mananatiling nasa top pa rin, pero may slow month siya sa kanyang career sa buwan ng July at August. Mas magta-travel pa. Malamang na mag-soul searching."

RUFFA GUTIERREZ: ­ "Hindi pa tuluyang natatapos ang istorya nila ni Yilmaz (Bektas). Madalas pa rin silang magko-communicate dahil sa mga anak nilang sina Lorin at Venice. Tungkol sa lovelife, may isang politician na maghahabol sa kanya. Career-wise, mas magiging ok siya at magkakaroon ng bagong pelikula at bagong TV show sa ABS-CBN."

KRIS AQUINO: "Hindi tuluyang matatahimik ang relasyon nila ng mister na si James Yap. Mai-involve si James sa ibang babae, pero hindi sila maghihiwalay. Nakikita kong mahal siya ni James, pero madali itong matukso sa ibang babae. Ingatan niya ang anak na si Joshua dahil prone ito sa sickness.”

DENNIS TRILLO:­ "Magiging ok ang kanyang career. Babalik ang dating sigla ng kanyang career. Magkakaproblema lang siya sa babae. Isang showbiz girl at isang non-showbiz girl ang mai-involve sa kanya. Dapat na mag-ingat siya dahil malamang na makabuntis uli siya."

HEART EVANGELISTA:­ "Mas gaganda ang lovelife. Hindi na talaga sila magkakabalikan ni Jericho (Rosales). “Mas magki-click pa kung ibabalik ang tambalan nila ni Richard (Gutierrez)."

JC DE VERA: "Mas aangat pa ang career this 2009. Mas gaganda ang relasyon nila ni RhianMagkakaroon pa ng maraming investments. Magta-travel din siya. May isang babaing galit pa rin sa kanya hanggang ngayon."

VILMA SANTOS: "Malamang na magkaroon ng surgery na may kinalaman sa uterus, kaya dapat mag-ingat."

NORA AUNOR: "Hindi pa rin makakabawi sa kanyang career. Marami akong nakikitang negative sa kanya. Tungkol sa pera, hindi pa rin maganda ang dating sa kanya at magpapatuloy siya sa paglipat-lipat ng tirahan."

VIC SOTTO:­ "Mananatiling maganda ang relasyon nila ni Pia (Guanio). Patuloy na mamamayagpag ang kanyang career. Malamang na magpakasal ang isang anak niya at magkaroon uli siya ng anak."

JOEY DE LEON: "Dapat careful siya sa kanyang health, lalo na sa kanyang heart. Kikita siya ng malaki sa pagpe-painting. May isang anak na naman siya na papasukin ang showbiz.”

RUFA MAE QUINTO: "Mababawasan ng intriga ang kanyang buhay at tatlong pelikula ang gagawin niya. Hindi pa rin niya mahahanap ang kanyang Mr. Right sa 2009."

OGIE ALCASID: "Magpapatuloy ang kanyang tagumpay at mas gaganda ang relasyon
nila ni Regine."

REGINE VELASQUEZ: "Malamang na magkaroon siya ng accident sa isang malayong lugar. Malamang na ma-hospital sa August o September."

GRETCHEN BARRETTO: "Puro problema sa pag-ibig, pero hindi pa rin sila maghihiwalay ni Tonyboy (Cojuangco)."

PIOLO PASCUAL:­ "Hindi pa rin siya magkakaroon ng serious love relationship. Mas magta-travel."

SAM MILBY: ­"Ingatan niya ang kanyang left leg. Malamang na magkabalikan sila ni Anne (Curtis)."

ANNE CURTIS: ­ "Tatanggap pa ng award. Magiging maganda ang lovelife."

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ: ­"Magkakaroon ng bagong girlfriend."

BEA ALONZO: ­ "May poor health problem. Mai-inlove sa isang non-showbiz guy,
pero mag-ingat at baka mabuntis."

Roberto Maroni sugli sci al Mottarone


Da: VCO AzzurraTV

Sciatore “eccellente”, oggi sulle piste del Mottarone. Il ministro dell’interno, Roberto Maroni è giunto sulla vetta cusiana e ha dedicato la mattinata allo sci. E basta. Niente dichiarazioni alla stampa, protetto da uno stretto cordone di sicurezza, il ministro ha approfittato della giornata di relax scandendo lungo i pendii della cima che separa il Verbano dal Cusio. E non è certo una novità, visto che non si tratta della prima volta al Mottarone per Maroni. Impegni parlamentari permettendo, infatti, il lunedì mattina spesso il ministro è stato visto scendere lungo le discese che guardano il Lago Maggiore e dalla cui vetta si può godere di uno dei panorami più suggestivi della provincia azzurra. Quest’anno, inoltre, si potrà vedere spesso alle prese con sci e scarponi sul Mottarone, il titolare del dicastero degli affari interni: infatti, secondo attendibili indiscrezioni, il ministro ha ricevuto in dono per Natale anche uno ski-pass annuale valido per gli impianti della cima cusiana. Dunque, il Mottarone si afferma quale meta ideale per piacevoli giornate all’insegna dello sport in quota: facilmente raggiungibile, piste che non presentano pericolosità eccessive, servizi per piacevoli soste enogastronomiche e, ciliegina sulla torta, uno spettacolo naturale che, specialmente nelle giornate di sole, per la sua unicità, sarebbe difficilmente credibile se riprodotto in forma artistica. L’arte espressa della natura, al Mottarone, davvero ineguagliabile....Scrivi un commento