an ordinary blog — andr3.net

First and foremost, I wish you all a belated happy 2006. Or 0x7D6. Or even 03726. Or if you're really geeky, 11111010110. I've been taking some time off the web and computers altogether, so that's why this place has been kind of slow. That and the exams have started early this time. But I'm back now, so you can expect the usual non-sense.

For those that didn't get the Halloween joke, it's a well known geek-joke which states that geeks confuse halloween with christmas because 31 OCTal equals 25 DECimal. (numerical systems)

It's the time of year for people to evaluate what's wrong in their lives and set their goals for the new year. Not that they'll actually do any of it, but it's a nice way to convince ourselves this is going to be a better year than the one that has just finished.

I'm not that much of a foreteller, but I'll write down some predictions to serve as a reference for the rest of the year. Let's see if any of these will come true or not.

My predictions

• Ajax hype will continue, however its usage will be more moderate and educated.
• In terms of webdesign tendencies, black is the new black. More and more websites will sport dark clothing layouts. I hope people will take readability into consideration though. Alternative stylesheets would be nice.
• Personally, I believe 2006 will turn out to be the Year of the Webstandards for Portugal. Towards the end of 2005, I noticed an increase of awareness by Portuguese folks. It should continue to grow exponentially.
• Intel Macs will prove to be a stunning success – unsurprisingly – which, IMO, goes to show the importance of Windows compatibility in today's life. Think about it.

Damn, I really suck at this. :)

And just in case you're interested, here's the compulsory best albums of 2005. Feel free to add some more of your own personal taste.

Best Albums of 2005

1. The Mars Volta
   Frances the mute
   (progr. rock)
   
   I was afraid to be disappointed with Mars Volta's second album since it followed the master piece that is De-loused in the comatorium (2003). It's always hard to live up to the expectations, but they managed to do just that, or even surpass them. I still get the chills while listening to the electrifying and endless Cassandra Gemini. Definitely first spot.

2. Jack Johnson
   In Between Dreams
   (pop rock)
   
   Jack's 3rd album finally brought him the recognition he deserved. A regular presence on my playlists all throughout the year. What I like the most about this album is the rich lyrics. The whole record is very easy-listening, but that doesn't mean it's shallow or bad.

3. Antony and the Johnsons
   I am a bird now
   (alternative/indie rock)
   
   Antony visited Portugal twice, but left an album to be remembered for many years to come. Lovely, melancholic songs about a peculiar subject (gender confusion in children). A chilling voice with remarkable musicians, this album is very consistent. Guess appearances by Devendra Banhart, Rufus Wainright, Boy George (remember him?) and Lou Reed.

4. Devendra Banhart
   Cripple crow
   (acoustic/indie/folk)
   
   I missed his concert but I just love this album. Sounds so true and honest. If you haven't checked it out and are into simple, acoustic tunes, give it a listen.

5. Turin Brakes
   Jackinabox
   (acoustic pop rock)
   
   I've been following these two guys from their previous album, Ether Song (2003). Great lyrics – straight to the point – sided by cheerful acoustic guitars makes this one album to keep at close range.

6. Bloc Party
   Silent Alarm
   (indie rock)
   
   This came late in the year for me, but surprised me right off the bat. I've been listening to it a lot and I was a bit reluctant to put it this far up on the list. Let's see if it stands the test of time.

7. Feeder
   Pushing the senses
   (brit. indie rock)
   
   Even though it was released very early in the year (31st January) it still makes the list. It's their fifth album and they show no signs of getting old. This album sounds as fresh now as it did when I first listened to it. It has from power ballads to fully fledged rock songs. Very complete.

8. Jamiroquai
   Dynamite
   (funk)
   
   The first single was kind of weak, but when Seven days in sunny June came out I jumped at the album and it has been growing on me ever since. I've always liked his singles, but this is the first album of his that I've actually took the time to discover. Good stuff.

9. Athlete
   Tourist
   (indie pop rock)
   
   I really liked the album when it came out and it could be taking one of the first spots, but I lost interest in it. It's still a good album, but it's not an album I constantly pick up to listen anymore. Maybe I overplayed it?

10. Damien Rice
    O
    (folk/acoustic)
    
    At first, I thought this album was "ok", but nothing more than that. You can see that by the low rating I gave it on my playlist (6/10). With time, however, I started to like it more and more. I ended up playing it on a regular basis. It's soothing and kind of hypnotizing. Two songs included in this album really made an impression on me through two movies. Blower's Daughter on Closer and Delicate on Dear Frankie.

(wow... I need to start listening to more Portuguese artists. o_O)

I was going to make a list of the best movies of 2005, but since I haven't seen a couple of them that are great candidates to earn a spot in the top 10, I'll leave it out – I'll maybe do it later. I just want to get this post out and continue with the usual pace of the blog. I've been in a lock down because I want this to be the first post of the year. So stay tuned for fresh content. ;) I'm back!