The Smiths still hold credence as pioneers of indie music and are considered one of the best British bands of the 80's If not all time.
15. Pretty girls make graves
14. Shakespeare's sister
13. Hand in glove
12. William, it was really nothing
11. I started something I couldn't finish
10. Girlfriend in an comma
9. Heaven knows I'm miserable now
8. Boy with a thorn in his side
7. Please let me get what I want
6. Panic
5. What difference does it make?
4. How soon is now?
3. Stop me if you think that you heard this one before
2. This charming man
1. There is a light that never goes out
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Countries of philosophy
Only several nations have produced such an abundant list of philosophers, influencing the world in both ancient and modern times. Each have had significance in the development of the modern world, the most important however is your decision.
Germany - Hegel, Kant, Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Engels, von Clausewitz, Strauss
Kant was crucial in his rejection of skepticism. Looking to unite reason with experience, and further our understanding of cognitive perceptions. Aiming to resolve disputes between empiricism and rationalism. Socialism is largely a product of German philosophy, the works of Marx and Engels on the communist manifesto, and the subsequent work of Weber and Durkheim had influenced one of the largest and most significant political movements.
France - Descartes, Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Tocqueville, Foucault
We live in a Cartesian world. The father of modern philosophy has influenced almost all aspects of western philosophy. French philosophy has also proved pivotal in the formation of most western liberal
Democracies. The ideological brunt of the French civil war (and other consequential revolutions) lay in the inalienable rights of man proclaimed by Rousseau and Voltaire. The separation of powers theorised by Montesquieu is used in many states to protect against tyranny.
Britain - Locke, Hobbes, Hume, Mill Bentham, Berlin, Bacon, Smith
Furthering ideas on the social contract, empiricism and economics, from the enlightenment onwards British philosophy has become largely influential on western culture. The wealth of nations is still a primary source of modern economics.
The stress on utilitarianism by Bentham and Mill can be considered the natural ethics behind democracy.
USA - franklin, Jefferson Payne, Adams, Hamilton, Dewey, pierce, James, Chomsky.
The American revolution, and the works of the founding fathers can be considered one of the greatest steps forward in the western world. It was a rejection of the old order, against the tyranny of governments and monarchs. A statement that the people had rights which could not be taken away at any cost. (Where they went wrong from there is a long story)
Philosophy in the US after the revolution is centred around pragmatism, influenced also from transcendentalism, the works of Peirce, James, and Dewey have had an influence in US culture and politics. The US has also provided the world with perhaps the greatest philosopher of our generation in linguist and political commentator Noam Chomsky
China - Confucius Mozi laozi, han fei Ze
Confucian philosophy centres around personal and governmental morality, the correctness of social relationships, traditions and sincerity. Along with legalism (the philosophy of Han fei Ze) it is responsible for creating the worlds first meritocracy. Despite the communist rule in china, historical philosophy still holds a great deal of respect and honour in china,
Greece - Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, homer Xenophon Antisthemes
Where would we be without Greek philosophy? It has influenced much of western thought since its inception. Subsequent ideas such as stoicism have been studied and furthered through the enlightenment era. Plato's work on the republic is the basis of western political structure.
Germany - Hegel, Kant, Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Engels, von Clausewitz, Strauss
Kant was crucial in his rejection of skepticism. Looking to unite reason with experience, and further our understanding of cognitive perceptions. Aiming to resolve disputes between empiricism and rationalism. Socialism is largely a product of German philosophy, the works of Marx and Engels on the communist manifesto, and the subsequent work of Weber and Durkheim had influenced one of the largest and most significant political movements.
France - Descartes, Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Tocqueville, Foucault
We live in a Cartesian world. The father of modern philosophy has influenced almost all aspects of western philosophy. French philosophy has also proved pivotal in the formation of most western liberal
Democracies. The ideological brunt of the French civil war (and other consequential revolutions) lay in the inalienable rights of man proclaimed by Rousseau and Voltaire. The separation of powers theorised by Montesquieu is used in many states to protect against tyranny.
Britain - Locke, Hobbes, Hume, Mill Bentham, Berlin, Bacon, Smith
Furthering ideas on the social contract, empiricism and economics, from the enlightenment onwards British philosophy has become largely influential on western culture. The wealth of nations is still a primary source of modern economics.
The stress on utilitarianism by Bentham and Mill can be considered the natural ethics behind democracy.
USA - franklin, Jefferson Payne, Adams, Hamilton, Dewey, pierce, James, Chomsky.
The American revolution, and the works of the founding fathers can be considered one of the greatest steps forward in the western world. It was a rejection of the old order, against the tyranny of governments and monarchs. A statement that the people had rights which could not be taken away at any cost. (Where they went wrong from there is a long story)
Philosophy in the US after the revolution is centred around pragmatism, influenced also from transcendentalism, the works of Peirce, James, and Dewey have had an influence in US culture and politics. The US has also provided the world with perhaps the greatest philosopher of our generation in linguist and political commentator Noam Chomsky
China - Confucius Mozi laozi, han fei Ze
Confucian philosophy centres around personal and governmental morality, the correctness of social relationships, traditions and sincerity. Along with legalism (the philosophy of Han fei Ze) it is responsible for creating the worlds first meritocracy. Despite the communist rule in china, historical philosophy still holds a great deal of respect and honour in china,
Greece - Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, homer Xenophon Antisthemes
Where would we be without Greek philosophy? It has influenced much of western thought since its inception. Subsequent ideas such as stoicism have been studied and furthered through the enlightenment era. Plato's work on the republic is the basis of western political structure.
Saturday, 12 January 2013
World XV Rugby Team
Here is my top rugby players of the current era, I will include substitutes as it is hard to leave some players out,
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Adam Jones
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Richie Gray
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Richie McCaw
8. Sergio Parrise
9. Ruan Pienar
10. Dan Carter
11. Tommy Bowe
12. Brian O'Driscal
13. Manu Tuilagi
14. George North
15. Israel Dagg
Subs
Bismarck du Plesiss
Dan Cole
Geoff Parling
Kieran Reed
Fernandez Lobbe
Piri Weepu
Jonnie Sexton
Jonathan Davies
Cory Jane
Rob Kearny
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Adam Jones
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Richie Gray
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Richie McCaw
8. Sergio Parrise
9. Ruan Pienar
10. Dan Carter
11. Tommy Bowe
12. Brian O'Driscal
13. Manu Tuilagi
14. George North
15. Israel Dagg
Subs
Bismarck du Plesiss
Dan Cole
Geoff Parling
Kieran Reed
Fernandez Lobbe
Piri Weepu
Jonnie Sexton
Jonathan Davies
Cory Jane
Rob Kearny
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Top 20 united players of the Premiership years
20. Darren Fletcher
19. Andre Kinchelskis
18. Steve Bruce
17. Paul Ince
16. Patrice Evra
15. Ronnie Johnson
14. Dennis Irwin
13. Dwight Yorke
12. Nemanja Vidic
11. Andy Cole
10. Van Nistelrooy
9. David Beckham
8. Ole Solskajaer
7. Ryan Giggs
6. Wayne Rooney
5. Paul Scholes
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. Peter Schemichel
2. Roy Keane
1. Eric Cantona
19. Andre Kinchelskis
18. Steve Bruce
17. Paul Ince
16. Patrice Evra
15. Ronnie Johnson
14. Dennis Irwin
13. Dwight Yorke
12. Nemanja Vidic
11. Andy Cole
10. Van Nistelrooy
9. David Beckham
8. Ole Solskajaer
7. Ryan Giggs
6. Wayne Rooney
5. Paul Scholes
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. Peter Schemichel
2. Roy Keane
1. Eric Cantona
The increasingly bad decisions of arsenal and Arsene Wenger
Theo Walcott was banging in the goals over the weekend and with his ongoing contract negotiations looking to send him looking for a new club in the summer. If he is the next in line to exodus, and Arsenal suffer another trophy less season, surely it would spell the end for Wenger, we can see the journey here in the........
Defencive Changes - Since i have known football Arsenal have always had an awesome defence. Yet they have failed to emulate the class that they had during the invincible era. Such players as Cole, Campbell, Lauren and even the likes of Keown from years previous played with their hearts on their sleeves in every game. Only know through Vermealan and Sanga has some of that class returned, yet it has not been at the standard it was for a long while.
Darren Dein - Although it can't be helped who a player has as their agent, it may be a blessing for arsenal that they have seen the back of Dein but perhaps not the players he represented.
Current squad not good enough - You don't necessarily have to have the superstars, however there are certain players that are 100% not good enough for Arsenal to challenge at the calibre they should be.
Stubborn business style - It's understandable that Arsenal don't have the access to the same funds as Chelsea or City, however there is money there. It was shown last season when Wenger did his panic buys after the 8-2 thumping to Man United. I like the style of buying young and cheap, however is it not better to at least buy one or two superstars? especially when tow of the best player in the world have recently left the club.
Beautiful football not enough - It is great to watch beautiful football, but if it doesn't bring trophies is it not in vein? Arsenal fans are notoriously stubborn, however the desire for success and trophies is what drives football fans. For some success may be promotion or staying up, yet for a team of Arsenal's quality, success is trophies.
Expectations of Henry - Henry was a phenomenal player. but every player Wenger buys is not the next Henry.
Failure to keep big players - this is ultimately the key reason why Arsenal are not the team they once were. A lot of the reasons aforementioned do play a factor in why Arsenal cant keep players, and it is not necessarily always Arsene's fault. Despite this, excuses now seem to be falling on deaf ears. Arsene's 10 year plan to build another winning squad of young talented players has failed. The players bought in this first phase of building a new squad do not want to sacrifice their careers for the promise of future success. It is no wonder the likes of Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Adebayour, Van Perise, Cliche and now maybe Wallcott have left. It may be hard to keep a player that does want to go, however should it have been that easy for players to go? It was reported that their was difficulties at training sessions with players that wanted out of Arsenal, but this is where the manager plays one of their most crucial roles. Wenger has failed to keep the moral of his team high at crucial points. (Most notably their drop in form after the 2-2 draw with Birmingham in 2008 which saw Eduardo break his leg.) Looking at the players listed above, filter in some of the current Arsenal squad and you would have probably the best team in England, if not Europe and the World.
Increasingly bad decisions of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger
Defencive Changes - Since i have known football Arsenal have always had an awesome defence. Yet they have failed to emulate the class that they had during the invincible era. Such players as Cole, Campbell, Lauren and even the likes of Keown from years previous played with their hearts on their sleeves in every game. Only know through Vermealan and Sanga has some of that class returned, yet it has not been at the standard it was for a long while.
Darren Dein - Although it can't be helped who a player has as their agent, it may be a blessing for arsenal that they have seen the back of Dein but perhaps not the players he represented.
Current squad not good enough - You don't necessarily have to have the superstars, however there are certain players that are 100% not good enough for Arsenal to challenge at the calibre they should be.
Stubborn business style - It's understandable that Arsenal don't have the access to the same funds as Chelsea or City, however there is money there. It was shown last season when Wenger did his panic buys after the 8-2 thumping to Man United. I like the style of buying young and cheap, however is it not better to at least buy one or two superstars? especially when tow of the best player in the world have recently left the club.
Beautiful football not enough - It is great to watch beautiful football, but if it doesn't bring trophies is it not in vein? Arsenal fans are notoriously stubborn, however the desire for success and trophies is what drives football fans. For some success may be promotion or staying up, yet for a team of Arsenal's quality, success is trophies.
Expectations of Henry - Henry was a phenomenal player. but every player Wenger buys is not the next Henry.
Failure to keep big players - this is ultimately the key reason why Arsenal are not the team they once were. A lot of the reasons aforementioned do play a factor in why Arsenal cant keep players, and it is not necessarily always Arsene's fault. Despite this, excuses now seem to be falling on deaf ears. Arsene's 10 year plan to build another winning squad of young talented players has failed. The players bought in this first phase of building a new squad do not want to sacrifice their careers for the promise of future success. It is no wonder the likes of Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Adebayour, Van Perise, Cliche and now maybe Wallcott have left. It may be hard to keep a player that does want to go, however should it have been that easy for players to go? It was reported that their was difficulties at training sessions with players that wanted out of Arsenal, but this is where the manager plays one of their most crucial roles. Wenger has failed to keep the moral of his team high at crucial points. (Most notably their drop in form after the 2-2 draw with Birmingham in 2008 which saw Eduardo break his leg.) Looking at the players listed above, filter in some of the current Arsenal squad and you would have probably the best team in England, if not Europe and the World.
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Songs of 2012
With the end of 2012 nigh it's time to take a look back at the best songs of the year. This is not necessarily the top selling, most popular, or my favourite but what I feel to be the best releases.
Songs of 2012
Labyrinth - express yourself
Great song, one of the better sounds of dubstep this year
Muse - madness
Not there biggest fan but can't fault this song, same epic sound they produce.
Architects - alpha and omega
First song from the new album, great sound
Beach House - Myth
So beautifully chilled out, the repetitive rhythm and haunting voice make this an easy song to listen to and float away
Kanye & Jay Z - Niggas in Paris
Couldn't go anywhere without hearing this song, although a rip off of soldier boy, definitely a sound of 2012
The Zolas - Knot In My Heart
hadn't heard of this band previously however this first songs has been a continuous player on my i-pod
Fun. - some nights
Great blend of sounds, epic sound, favourite song of 2012
Wiz khalifa - work hard, play hard
Liked the song
A day to remember - enough is enough (violence)
Hard sound and vocals a classic adtr song
Mumford and sons - babel
it could have been any song from the new album but I think babel takes it just for being an amazing introduction
Of monsters and men - little talks
From nowhere they turn up with a phenomenal album the first single little talks is one of the best debut singles I have heard.
Saturday, 29 December 2012
The top 10 world changing actions of the US since the 20th century
Choosing a first topic was always going to be the hardest. Its always good to start with a bang, something that may take note, or something that may have a greater meaning. Do i start with one of my favourite topics, such as sport, or food? or perhaps i should start with something a bit more controversial like politics, or religion?
I have decided to take my influence today from the prolix topics of world news, which at the moment (as always) is the USA. Perfect for me i guess with my degree in American history & politics. So here it is, the first of many on the absolute archive, and it is.......
I have decided to take my influence today from the prolix topics of world news, which at the moment (as always) is the USA. Perfect for me i guess with my degree in American history & politics. So here it is, the first of many on the absolute archive, and it is.......
The top 10 world changing actions of the US since the 20th century
The reason i have chosen since the 20th century is mostly due to the fact that US foreign policy was practically non existent during the 19th century, baring the Monroe doctrine, and some activities in Latin America, the US' influence on the world stage was pretty minimal, whilst the colonial nations of Europe were pillaging around the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia and South America, the US was still settling in the likes of Utah, Texas and California.
10. The Vietnam War.
The Vietnam War is perhaps the most infamous US campaign. Most repercussions of the Vietnam War were seen in domestically in the US. However to the world it showed the US in a new light, far from the heroic saviours in WWII, and the bastion of free market liberalism and democracy against the Soviets. It showed the US a bullies, tyrants, the horrors of what napalm and agent orange did to the innocent civilians. Moreover it showed the US had weaknesses, that their military strength and prowess could be beaten.
9. The CIA
Heralded for discovering some of the greatest espionage cases in history, and has accusations of human rights violations, the CIA can be seen as both beneficial to world safety, and an organisation based on torture and assassination. Good or Bad? That's your decision.
8. Bretton Woods System and collapse
Designed as a basis for monetary rules between trading nations, it set about establishing and controlling exchange rates. Active between 1945-71 its collapse lead to the US terminating the convertibility of the US $ to gold (the reserve currency of most nations) and subsequently created the US $ to be the reserve currency for most nations.
7. Operation Condor
Operation Condor was a controversial foreign policy plan from the US, designed to infiltrate nations of the Southern Cone in South America with pro American Governments. The operation consisted of funding pro US dictators, supplying arms to revolutionaries, and reducing the control of drug cartels on governments.
6. START
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Signed in 1991 between the US and USSR, START negotiated the largest and most complex arms control treaty in history, resulting in the removal of about 80 percent of all strategic nuclear weapons then in existence.
5. War on Terror
A consequence of 9/11, it has sent the US into Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Africa, The Philippines and areas of the Middle East. The US has now largely succeeded in its missions of overthrowing Iraqi Dictator Suddam Hussain, the assassination of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and the control of piracy off the Horn of Africa. However these missions are not with out their controversy, and legality issues. The invasion of Iraq was largely criticised by many governing bodies and was considered illegal in the eyes of the UN. The continued occupation of Afghanistan has lead to disillusion in the war, with increasing occurrences of Afghan soldiers turning on the US soldiers training them. Since 9/11 there have been bombings in countries such as UK. Spain and Indonesia, which targeted Australian tourists. As well as foiled plots for more bombings of the US.
4. Start of Cold War
The start of the Cold War began a new period in history. The colonial powers had died and it was now the time of the super powers. Civilians lived in fear of Nuclear War, propaganda lead to a world spread fear of Communism, many smaller nations became the scenarios of proxy wars. The 45 years of Soviet-US tensions ultimately defined the later part of the 20th century.
3. Support of Israel
The US' continued support of the state of Israel is a large catalyst in the hostility towards them from Islamic nations. Israel's nuclear capability can be largely linked to the US. The ongoing conflicts between Israel and the states around it has lead the US into numerous military conflicts, most notably the 1983 bombing of army barracks in Lebanon killing 241 US marines and 58 French servicemen.
2. Joining WWII
Sparing pro British rhetoric (because the Battle of Britain did win the war) The US joining the allies after the attack on pearl harbour was a major turning point in world history. It altered Hitler's plans, where he concentrated troops, his emphasis on theatres of war. In another scenario had the Soviets liberated more of Europe, could communism have spread further? One thing for sure it was perhaps the greatest decision on foreign policy they have made.
1. The economic collapses of 29,70's and now
The Great Depression lead to one of the greatest chapters in modern history, the rise of the NAZI party. Germany was perhaps the hardest hit country from the GD due to the Treaty of Versailles, the consequential collapse of the Wiemar Republic lead to disillusion in Germany and built a platform for the rise of national socialism, and we all know what happened from there.
Whilst the recession of the1970s was not on the same scale as the GD it had some underlying effects on US foreign relations. It's not surprising that during the worst economic period of US it was the period of lowest tensions (detente) during the Cold War. In the US and UK the move out of the recession can largely linked to the new conservative governments of Thatcher and Reagan, two infamous leaders.
The current recession is largely down to the ignorance of US leading companies as well as many fuck ups by banks and monetary regulations that govern them. Now on the verge of a double dip recession the economic climate has been stagnant for the last 4 years and shows little signs of recovering soon.....
4. Start of Cold War
The start of the Cold War began a new period in history. The colonial powers had died and it was now the time of the super powers. Civilians lived in fear of Nuclear War, propaganda lead to a world spread fear of Communism, many smaller nations became the scenarios of proxy wars. The 45 years of Soviet-US tensions ultimately defined the later part of the 20th century.
3. Support of Israel
The US' continued support of the state of Israel is a large catalyst in the hostility towards them from Islamic nations. Israel's nuclear capability can be largely linked to the US. The ongoing conflicts between Israel and the states around it has lead the US into numerous military conflicts, most notably the 1983 bombing of army barracks in Lebanon killing 241 US marines and 58 French servicemen.
2. Joining WWII
Sparing pro British rhetoric (because the Battle of Britain did win the war) The US joining the allies after the attack on pearl harbour was a major turning point in world history. It altered Hitler's plans, where he concentrated troops, his emphasis on theatres of war. In another scenario had the Soviets liberated more of Europe, could communism have spread further? One thing for sure it was perhaps the greatest decision on foreign policy they have made.
1. The economic collapses of 29,70's and now
The Great Depression lead to one of the greatest chapters in modern history, the rise of the NAZI party. Germany was perhaps the hardest hit country from the GD due to the Treaty of Versailles, the consequential collapse of the Wiemar Republic lead to disillusion in Germany and built a platform for the rise of national socialism, and we all know what happened from there.
Whilst the recession of the1970s was not on the same scale as the GD it had some underlying effects on US foreign relations. It's not surprising that during the worst economic period of US it was the period of lowest tensions (detente) during the Cold War. In the US and UK the move out of the recession can largely linked to the new conservative governments of Thatcher and Reagan, two infamous leaders.
The current recession is largely down to the ignorance of US leading companies as well as many fuck ups by banks and monetary regulations that govern them. Now on the verge of a double dip recession the economic climate has been stagnant for the last 4 years and shows little signs of recovering soon.....
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