http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/A bit of everything.en-EUMokoFeed10http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/df/2bd7e346442c229459b5cadfcaf2bd_160x200.jpghttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/10/14/sleeping-troubles-what-a-nuisance-4872659/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-10-14:/2008/10/14/sleeping-troubles-what-a-nuisance-4872659/Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:18:25 +0200 <p>I've moved, am in Sweden. Everything is fine, apartment isn't filled with boxes anymore, got a couple of new mates (as well as old ones) and I like the school. Not to mention I've found a very good MMA club which I'm loving.</p> <p>Encountered one problem in Sweden though, sleep. Oh and I know the reason as to why I can't sleep, it should disappear with time. The question is how long. It's been a bit longer than I expected but doesn't seem like I can speed up the process either...</p> <p>Basic jist would be that moving countries does not = leaving all problems behind. It should, but for me, it doesn't. *sigh* I can see myself how silly the whole situation is, I'm literally losing sleep over the past. Over what's done and dusted, gone and never to be seen again. Why the Fuck?</p> <p>I know I shouldn't, I know it serves no purpose whatsoever other than putting my mood down but well, I can't control my subconscious. Oh does it annoy me, I train, eat more or less healthily and used to be able to just lie down on the pillow and bam, next thing I know it's eight o'clock the next morning. Now it's very different.</p> <p>Lie down, try to think about something that's not a.. past issue. Attempt this for the next three hours and hope that finally everything turns black.<br> And oh it rarely does, started dreaming now as well. Never used to, well never used to remember dreams. Which also means that I always woke up refreshed (dreamless sleep = deep sleep), now I have dreams every fucking nights. Not bad dreams, not good dreams, just pointless dreams telling me I've not slept good enough. Argh!</p> <p>It's taking its' toll on me, I've started training quite hard now with the MMA practices + joining a school focused on sports in general. Add to that I'm getting into a new school, and I'm still sorting out our apartment. It's more or less finished now, but God, it's taking its' toll. Sometimes standing up will leave me in complete darkness for a good five seconds, as close to blacking out as you can get...</p> <p>Now I have no idea where I'm getting with this blog. I'm tired, but I know as soon as my back touches the bed I'll feel like sleep is the last thing I need. I'll just end the blog here. Conclusion: I need rest.<br> Pointless? Probably. I have nout better to do/write though, it's 20 past midnight a Tuesday night for Heavens sake <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/10/14/sleeping-troubles-what-a-nuisance-4872659/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifemovingissuesproblemsinsomaniashit-happenssleephttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/10/14/sleeping-troubles-what-a-nuisance-4872659/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/23/am-back-and-gone-4766696/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-09-23:/2008/09/23/am-back-and-gone-4766696/Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:44:32 +0200 <p>But back home now. Had quite the time being out though, I gotta say. Probably not going to have too many updates in the blog (like the last few weeks) due to all stuff I need to sort out. Moving in eight days, damn damn just damn. </p> <p>Other than that there's not really a lot to write about. Just sorting myself out right now, hah, made some stupid decisions in the last few weeks that I'm not going to repeat. Lesson well learnt.</p> <p>Had an amazing night yesterday though, first a good chillout time at the pub playing pool and then an adrenalin filled one. Not going to reveal details but it was quite immense.</p> <p>Uhuh, don't know what more to say so I'll just leave it here. My blog will become more organised and structured once things get sorted, and I'll probably have something interesting to write (I hope at least...). Once i have the time I might wander back to the slightly longer blog posts, but not now, not now.</p> <p>Well, Ciao! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/23/am-back-and-gone-4766696/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/23/am-back-and-gone-4766696/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/20/the-gates-are-shut-4752237/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-09-20:/2008/09/20/the-gates-are-shut-4752237/Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:35:37 +0200 <p>Where is the line between darkness and light? What differs the saint from the sinner?<br> Why can't you stay in the grey, leaning neither back nor forth? When the demon cries for help, do you reach out your hand, or do you banish it back into obscurity?</p> <p>Once a garden of delight, now a fortress of plight. The angel who fell from the Heavens never stopped falling, never screamed for redemption. Why did it change?</p> <p>The gates have been shut, but my devil is still ramming my doors. I won't let my essence once again be torn, but suddenly I bathe in fire.</p> <p>It's all alone, crying to be reborn. Reaching for the skies, it glimpses a blinding shine. A costume white but an essence black. </p> <p>Through the ages it cursed what it craved, punished what it loved. Through deception and lies, it caught what is mine. </p> <p>Seasons see change, and no more will the sorrow surround. Epiphanies caused dilemmas, and now I've banished it all. I may be black, I may be the imitation of evil, but I am no longer in chains.</p> <p>Through fiery gazes and water filled eyes I have to wander, for no one but myself. I murdered what I once saw as life, but through aeons I've seen that the angel that falls will only fly back to once again descend back into the flames.</p> <p>I deliver pain to free my own chains. The receiver of my blade may never stop bleeding. May never stop weeping. I am a soul coloured black, but at least I am a soul set free.</p> <p>Never again will my will be in chains, my thoughts be in vain. In my eyes I am the white light, though I know perfection will always want me damned. </p> <p>Your pain isn't my pleasure, but your pain has made me reborn. Now be gone, don't force my ears to block your cries. Let me rest, though you might not eye my words, I have now spoken. Be gone. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/20/the-gates-are-shut-4752237/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/20/the-gates-are-shut-4752237/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/09/waste-of-life-4703124/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-09-09:/2008/09/09/waste-of-life-4703124/Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:57:10 +0200 <p>I got another three weeks before I'm moving to Sweden and when I look at my life right now.. I can't even believe what a waste it is. Teenage scum, fucking junkie.. Both describes me quite well. Staying out until 3am, but to what purpose?</p> <p>I'm not unhappy, by no means. It just bugs me a bit that I can't really do much with my life at the moment. Being single doesn't help with that, as disastrous as my last relationship was I at least knew there was something there. Something to work for. Am very glad it's over, but can you see my point?</p> <p>I've applied for a job but it doesn't seem to go anywhere. The school which was supposed to send me home studies are delaying it quite a bit.</p> <p>Leaves me in a state of indifference. Go out, stay in... Whatever.<br> My family is barely a family anymore, hence it's not really something I spend too much on. Part of growing up, I suppose.</p> <p>Lost motivation to work out as well, because.. well, I can't work purely for the sake of health, neither do I care much about if I got a jolly beer belly or a ripped six pack. Used to train to my limit to improve in boxing, but I've had to quit that as well for the moment.</p> <p>Oh well, I'm moving soon. As much as I'll hate leaving England it'll be a new start again. Can only wait and see what happens. Ah. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/09/waste-of-life-4703124/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifehttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/09/waste-of-life-4703124/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/04/birthdaytomorrow-and-im-chucked-out-4683253/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-09-04:/2008/09/04/birthdaytomorrow-and-im-chucked-out-4683253/Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:01:37 +0200 <p>Once again, hah!</p> <p>Had a bit of crap going on with parents and now it's toppled over again. Been out since Tuesday living at different mates. Started sleeping in a garage and now Im in an actual house. Pretty mint though, good cracks and GTA IV going.</p> <p>Gotta say I'm getting quite annoyed with it though, my parents and I don't get along very well. No it's not a case of their fault, my fault, it's both of us. But Christ, locking me out in the infamous British rain and actually destroying my iPod is jsut going over the line. I was married to that thing!</p> <p>Oh well though, getting back in tomorrow and we'll see how it goes. Hopefully some birthday money will have been sent by relatives so I can enjoy the night Otherwise.. I'm going to enjoy the night anyway because there's a party going on.</p> <p>Haven't been able to write for obvious reasons, so this one is just a.. filler. Not much content but at least I've shown I'm still alive.</p> <p>Popped down to the sports centre as well; applying for a job. They're going to call me asking a bit about myself, I guess you can call it a phone interview. And got my GCSE Science results back. An A* which will prove useful for my next school. At least I have some solid qualifications, rather than just some teachers comments.</p> <p>Ran out of my precious Marlboro Reds though. And if I don't get any birthday money + fail to get the job I will be a tad pissed off. </p> <p>What more? There#s not much happening as I'm just stopping at friends places at the moment, I'll come back on track in a few days. Assuming I'll still be allowed into my house <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/04/birthdaytomorrow-and-im-chucked-out-4683253/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>birthdaymarlborogtahomelesshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/09/04/birthdaytomorrow-and-im-chucked-out-4683253/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/28/horror-4651039/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-28:/2008/08/28/horror-4651039/Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:18:23 +0200 <p><em>To fear death, my friends, is only to think ourselves wise, without being wise: for it is to think that we know what we do not know.</em> - Socrates</p> <p>Essentially, how can you fear death without knowing it? It's just because of that, we don't know it. We fear the unknown. Looking into a cave and only seeing darkness, hearing a sound and thinking "What's that?". Two seconds later you realise it wasn't a bear, but you stood on a twig. But there is that moment where you wonder what it might be, and you fear for the worst.</p> <p>So why has the bloody film industry forgot about this? I look back at classics such as "The Shining" and wonder what happened to <em>real</em> horror films. </p> <p>Let's take a look at "The Shining". What made this film so great? Why is it so terrifying? No intestines fall out. Barely anyone dies. Neither does the whole 'horror' element of the film rely on shock value.</p> <p>Might be minor plot spoilers in the next paragraphs, just F.Y.I. </p> <p>This film draws its' suspense from completely different sources than guts and gore. Blood on its' own doesn't make a film scary, neither does showing the audience what could be described as 'barbaric'. They can all <em>help</em> make a film scary, but you can't rely on them. Yes I'm looking at you Hostel.</p> <p>Instead we're looking at a father losing his mind. He is not there for revenge, not for some sadistic mentality. He's normal, but he's going crazy. Simply seeing the loving father slowly turn into this twisted psycho is.. thrilling.<br> Which leads me to the first point; there's personality to the antagonist. At first we don't think much of him, just an everyday father. But when his mind twists and his dreams start appearing we know something's happening. </p> <p>We don't know what, but we know it's bad. We have on idea how far it'll go. Is he going to simply go on a rampage? Planning something more sinister? Or will he conquer his subconscious? </p> <p>The thrill in watching "The Shining" is that you don't really know what's going on. The antagonist isn't pure 'evil', but he's slowly turning into a psychopath. Now we can connect with the character, as we didn't hate him from the start. At every 'dramatic' scene we have that small hope that he will regain his sanity. Once again become that loving father. </p> <p>It remains this way throughout the film. Although in the end we lose that bit of hope, and instead just sit in suspense awaiting what will happen next. While we cringe a bit in the scene with the bathroom, in the labyrinth one it's a case of "Holy crap don't catch him". That he, the antagonist, would kill 'that character' seems unbelievable. <em>Because we connected with all the characters at the start of the film</em>. </p> <p>Not to mention the end scene, which really just adds the icing to the cake. It leaves us in a bit of a dilemma and does what a perfect ending should do. It leaves us thinking about it even when the film has finished.</p> <p>Now let's look at Hostel. A few teenagers are taken into the hostel and everything gets pretty fucked. That's pretty much it though. Sure, we can see everything that's happening. But what more is there to it? When I finished the movie my first words were "That was shit".<br> There is some suspense, of course, but it dies. Before anything's happened we'll fear the worst. Then the film delivers just that.</p> <p>And after that.. The worst doesn't really matter. Because we saw it coming. I know there are people who puke when they see gore, but personally I don't mind it at all. Let's face it, however vile you might think it is, it's not scary. If it was being a surgeon would be quite a pain, wouldn't it?</p> <p>At the end of the film (Hostel) I really just didn't care about who died and who didn't. I just thought "Good for him, but I don't give a shit". While the child died in "The Shining" it'd make be bit of a shock; "What? Did that really just happen?". </p> <p>Today, we don't have this. Other than a few exceptions (Wolf's Creek and Blair Witch for example) horror today is about showing as realistic gore as possible. When the blood floods the hotel in "The Shining" we all get bit of a shock and then sit in a state of confusion. We don't have any idea how it just happened, but damn it's creepy.<br> In contrast we have the scene from "Hostel" where (one of) the antagonist(s) decides to make the pain a bit more personal. Fire to the girls eye, yellowish goo pouring out.. It could be considered 'sick', but it's definitely not scary.<br> To be honest with you, I laughed out loud when the goo came out.</p> <p>I'm just getting annoyed at the sheer 'uncreepyness' in movies today. I'm not going to be afraid of a character dying if I don't care about him. If I know exactly what's going to happen in the next scene *surprise* it's not going to shock me. If you do manage to shock me, it's not going to work another two hundred times.</p> <p>We need another era with films like "The Shining", "Psycho" and "The Birds". Could bring in a recent example and say "Blair Witch Project". It wasn't a perfect film per se, but it relied on atmosphere and suspension rather than blood and guts. It's a step back, but it's a step in the right direction. I'm not liking the way the horror genre is headed, not one bit.</p> <p>I just hope I won't be seeing "Hostel: Part Nine" or "Saw VII" anytime in the future. Suppose we can only wait and see. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/28/horror-4651039/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>jack-nicholsonfilmhorrorentertainmenthostelthe-shininghttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/28/horror-4651039/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/26/so-that-thing-4640398/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-26:/2008/08/26/so-that-thing-4640398/Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:25:58 +0200 <p>Hello I'm back, just a short one as I'm still half asleep but.. So yeah.</p> <p>Y'know when you have that thing on your mind. The thing you really shouldn't worry about, yet you do. You keep telling yourself that the thing is irrelevant, that you're being silly and that it'll pass in time. Still, it stays. </p> <p>Got the thing going on in my mind. During daytime it isn't much of a problem, I'll be busy with other stuff. During night/evenings if I'm not in town it becomes more apparent. Still not a lot, but still enough to be quite a nuisance.</p> <p>And now all I can do is let the thing pass away. However much it's clutching to the back of my head, it'll lose its' grip eventually. Only problem is that until then it'll stay there. Always hidden in the oblivion of your mind, not enough to anger you, but enough to let your mood down just a tiny bit. Always that tiny bit.</p> <p>Oh well, what can one do? I intend to just wait it out, every scar can be healed with time. It's just annoying to know that I'm in the middle of the cycle. Still a lot of time needs passing, and scrapes need healing. Ah, life. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/26/so-that-thing-4640398/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifepointlessproblemrantannoyingnuisancehttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/26/so-that-thing-4640398/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/22/solfest-4620764/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-22:/2008/08/22/solfest-4620764/Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:22:52 +0200 <p>Been waiting for a year for this, and finally it's here. Solfest. Won't be writing for the duration of it which is three days. It's essentially a music festival and it's the biggest one in the county. Probably no head banging, but what can a person do?</p> <p>So aye, not expecting much musically, but damn it'll be a good time.</p> <p>I'll be off then.</p> <p>Later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/22/solfest-4620764/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/22/solfest-4620764/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/21/sweden-cut-military-ties-with-russia-4616493/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-21:/2008/08/21/sweden-cut-military-ties-with-russia-4616493/Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:15:37 +0200 <p>I'm not sure where the link went, but type it in on Google and you might find it. Why is this an issue at all?</p> <p>Well let me start off by saying Sweden's military power is paranormal. That was a joke. It's pathetic. If we have some agreements with Russia or not, to be frank, Russia could probably not give less of a shit. We're a small player in a much bigger game.</p> <p>Let me now tell you a bit about our history with Russia. If you ask me, we invaded Russia and got pretty damn far (doing a lot of arse kicking on the way). If you ask a Russian we managed to occupy some parts but were quickly pushed off their motherland.</p> <p>Who's right? Probably both of us. We did strike a pretty hard blow to Russia, but they also pushed us back. And we were far, far, far away from taking control of the furhats. </p> <p>But getting back to the point of the blog, why does it matter? Why would anyone care when a small country like Sweden cuts its' bonds with the beast called Russia?</p> <p>As I said, we're a small player in a much bigger game. <em>Note though, we're still a player in the game.</em> </p> <p>Sweden is part of the West. The West and Russia are on pretty bad terms right now. We're trying to stop them from advancing in Georgia and they're saying they are doing nothing wrong. </p> <p>People aren't blind, we all now realise that a 'proxy war' is being fought between Russia and the West through Georgia. A lot of propaganda on both sides, neither really getting anywhere. I'm not here to make predictions of the future. Cold War II, World War III, No One Cares IV. I don't know, something big might be coming up, it might not.</p> <p>Sweden's decision to dismantle all military agreements with Russia shows one thing. It shows how fragile the relations between Russia and the West are. When the U.S sent aid to Georgia not really anyone was baffled. America is a superpower and often the one who gets it their way. But Sweden? That they (Swedish Govt) took things into their own hands and actually did something.. Now this is baffling. </p> <p>You might not even know Sweden. You might think I'm talking about Switzerland. Why? We haven't been a big player in Europe. We were, long ago. But today? No. Last century? No. The one before that? Nope. We sat through World War I, and World War II. Winston Churchill was nice enough to leave us the "Sweden? That small coward country?". </p> <p>Well, we definitely haven't been the most warmongering of folks. In fact, we haven't done a thing for the last two hundred years. And now we're actually setting our foot down, against <em>Russia</em>?</p> <p>If anything, it's an interesting advancement in this.. situation (whatever you want to call it). With Russia threatening Poland, U.S threatening Russia, Sweden diplomatically being (more or less) offensive.. This conflict is if anything escalating. More and more countries are joining in in one way or another. Is it for the better? Sweden's defence minister said it was more or less a matter of principle. Russia's acts aren't affecting Sweden, but Sweden cannot tolerate the way they're acting.</p> <p>It's really not what anyone would have expected. So yes, it's not a massive, make-all-headlines, topic. But it's definitely interesting. Now we'll only have to wait and see what happens. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/21/sweden-cut-military-ties-with-russia-4616493/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>armyworld-wartiescold-warbondswarpolandgeorgiarussiaswedenconflictmilitarynuclearhttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/21/sweden-cut-military-ties-with-russia-4616493/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/20/i-always-used-to-say-aquot-it-could-alwa-4612583/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-20:/2008/08/20/i-always-used-to-say-aquot-it-could-alwa-4612583/Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:58:06 +0200 <p>Here's an example for you.</p> <p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2580303/Motorist-goes-to-the-aid-of-a-dying-crash-victim-only-to-find-it-is-his-wife.html">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2580303/Motorist-goes-to-the-aid-of-a-dying-crash-victim-only-to-find-it-is-his-wife.html</a></p> <p>I'm speechless.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/20/i-always-used-to-say-aquot-it-could-alwa-4612583/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>deathmotoristdying-wifecrashrun-overvictimaccidenthttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/20/i-always-used-to-say-aquot-it-could-alwa-4612583/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/19/life-4611052/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-19:/2008/08/19/life-4611052/Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:03:39 +0200 <p>Life is awful. </p> <p>With every success comes failure. With every smile comes a tear. With every good soul born, another dies.</p> <p>Issues arise every day. Problem after problem. No matter how good a mood you are in, something is going to break it eventually. And even if you think you've found perfection, you'll soon realise you're far from it. Either that or you're simply blind to the world around you.</p> <p>Every being is filled with straight out failures. The five pounds you promised yourself you would lose just turned into an extra stone instead. The woman you've been chasing turns a blind eye to you. You're always in misery, shame, doubt. At times you'll be happier then sad, but when we come down to it, there's always <em>something</em> on your mind. A small thorn slowly digging in, deeper and deeper.</p> <p>Then comes the time where the mallet hits your face. A relative passes away. Your best friend just slept with your girlfriend. Your iPod broke. Your grades were well below what was expected. </p> <p>Be it small or big, every being handles their problems differently. And some don't handle them well at all. While one is slightly distressed over a relationships end, another will be shedding tears because a nail broke. See where I'm going?</p> <p>We're all different. Some are weak, some are strong. But no matter how much of a stone your heart is, you will face a day where the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Many of you probably have, and you will most likely all agree that it's ..unpleasant.</p> <p>And even a few months later, the thorn will still be in your mind. Not as bad as before, but it's still there. When it's gone, something new comes up.</p> <p>Life is awful. Isn't it?</p> <p>My personal answer to it would be: Who gives a shit? Why not make it better? Maybe even make it <em>good</em>?<br> As bad as it is at times, it could always be worse. And want to know a secret? Odds are, it's all your fault.</p> <p>Every issue, every problem, every solution depends on your mindset. I don't even want to know how many times I've had conversations where the lines "It's just not worth it", "Why even keep living?" and "I've given up" are used.</p> <p>Where did the "I'll push through this", "It's hard, but think about it, I could've been without a house" and "Whatever, come to the pub for a game of pool?" gone?<br> I don't know if it's today, or if it's always been like this. But people are remaining too negative.</p> <p>Cheer up!</p> <p>Before I go any further I'll explain some backstory of my life. I've not gone through the worst situations in history, but they've sure been unpleasant. From the general teenage relationship problems (Oh they're a pain *shudders*) to the more serious family troubles. My family switched from being a really average happy Swedish family to a.. group of pepople. Family bonds were cut, I was thrown out of my house and I resorted to drinking. Oh and I drank, drank and drank. There was a difference though. I didn't sit at a pub letting floods down my chins, nope. I made sure I had a good time. And if anything, I got some good (and stupid) memories of them days.</p> <p>Also, something happened in my life which I won't ever get past. I regret it to this day and if I could go back in time and change one thing in my life, it would be that. I committed a mistake that's unforgettable, and yes, its' left a permanent scar.<br> But what's done is done, all I can do now is respect the memory. Whatever pain it puts me through; is a good thing. After all, it's well deserved on my part.</p> <p>Again, what's done is done. There is nothing I can do about it anymore, other than keeping the memory until my last days. And that's exactly what I'm going to do. Weeping over the past isn't helping anyone. Even then I realised I needed to focus on the future and the present. While leaving my past behind me. I kept going, and intend to keep doing so.</p> <p>See where I'm getting?<br> Despite all the jack, I got comments in the lines of "How the Hell can you still be so happy?". Thing is, I wasn't, not in any way shape or form. But I tried to make the best of the situation.</p> <p>Guess what happened then? The problems past. Instead of sitting at home bathing in my sorrow I got out and tried to keep going as usual. Hang around friends, head to the gym, some sparring sessions in the boxing club. While yes, I was probably a bit more quiet then usual, I was still able to have a laugh. Albeit forced at first, it quickly turned into a simple good ol' laugh. </p> <p>I told myself everything would turn fine again. At first my mind didn't give jack ass about what I told 'him', but after time it started to listen. Maybe it could be worse, maybe I'm not the wreck I think I am. Maybe I'm not fubar. </p> <p>Time passes and guess what happened? I've left all problems behind. While sure, my family is not what it once was, it's slowly rebuilding and now it's looking pretty damn good. I have no problem heading downstairs and having a three hour conversation with my dad about whatever's going on. Be it if a Cold War is coming up or what boxing club I should go to when I move back to Sweden (soonish).<br> This is something that was more or less illegal in my mind a couple of months ago. Look how it changed? The same person I saw as my enemy reverted back to just being the guy that would get home early from work just so I could get a lift to my boxing club (which is 30 minutes away, that's petrol for you). </p> <p>But oh, the point of this blog wasn't to tell you about what's been going on in my life, but to tell you to cheer the hell up.</p> <p>I realise your problems might be very apparent, and very bad. But think about it, shimmering away from reality and only leaving your sorrows behind.. What good does it do?<br> None at all of course, it makes it worse. </p> <p>What am I trying to say here?<br> Always make the best of a situation. If it's good, it'll turn so much better. If it's bad, it might just turn out good in the end.</p> <p>After all, you're still living. You still got a life ahead of you. Whether you're just starting out and progressing through school or if you're awaiting your last days, don't give up. Even if you're awaiting your last days, why fear it? Wait for it, make the most out of your last days, and finally leave this world a happy man.</p> <p>I know it's easier sitting here behind a keyboard and writing it, but ah! There's another problem. "You don't understand, no one can".<br> If no one can, what makes you think that <u>you</u> can? Isn't there a possibility that you're simply making a situation worse than it is? Even if what you thought the love of your life left you, that's not enough to put a rope around the neck. There's plenty of fish in the sea, and even if you can't find one now, what makes you think that you can't be happy without one? I have plenty of friends managing their single lives just fine, why can't you?</p> <p>Keep looking and you'll find it. The solution to your problems. It will be different for everyone. I don't know what triggered it for me, but I know I found it. I also know that trying to remain positive helped me, a lot. </p> <p>Everyone faces a time where they need a wake up call, what they need to do is accept it. Don't push away people trying to help you, don't try to not laugh, don't try and make your misery worse. Wake up and keep living. You're not dead yet, are you?</p> <p>And even if you are on the brink of dying (be it a disease or age), you're still alive. You still got some time left. Make the most of it. But this is really not something I can be saying without being in the position of facing Mr. Grim Reaper, is it?<br> Well fair enough then, I'll refer you to this guy : <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw</a></p> <p>Think you have a problem? This guy's losing everything. He's a father and a well respected teacher, and he's facing death. Unfair, why does he have to die?<br> No wait, here's the wrong mindset again. Just listen to the speech, and if you have the time, listen to the whole one. Trust me, it's worth it. I've seen people who "have everything" who're far from as happy then Dr. Randy Pausch.<br> Why? Because they haven't realised there's so much more to life than they can see in their situation. And that's where you need a smack in the face, a wake up call.</p> <p>Life is awful. But at the same time, it's bloody good. It's up to you to decide which it's going to be. Want it to be Hell? It will be. Want it to be <em>perfect</em>?<br> If you try hard enough, it will be.</p> <p>After all, you aren't dead yet, are you? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/19/life-4611052/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>helprandy-pauschproblemsemotionlifedepressionhappinessdistresssorrowhttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/19/life-4611052/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/guitar-hero-obviously-more-important-tha-4603192/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-18:/2008/08/18/guitar-hero-obviously-more-important-tha-4603192/Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:20:19 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.freshbite.info/fnews_1219025426_10779.htm">http://www.freshbite.info/fnews_1219025426_10779.htm</a></p> <p>At least in parts of it. If you're afraid of links I'll sum it up for you. These parents let their kid drop out high school to focus on Guitar Hero. He'll receive home tutoring but the main focus is still on Guitar Hero, which he (thinks) will make him quite a bit of money in the future. He's already won some in some leagues etc. but nowhere near what a person can live on.</p> <p>Seriously, what the Hell? This guy's never touched a real guitar, he's not a talented musician, not a son-of-Jesus athlete. He's good.. at a videogame. As much as I love games even I can agree that this is taking it way too far. This guy's screwed.</p> <p>And his parents.. Uh? They enrolled him to a Christian school then they let him drop out for Guitar Hero? What crack are they smoking?</p> <p>I feel bad for this kid, give it five, or ten years time and this game will be forgotten. What will he do then?</p> <p>I suppose someone's gotta clean the toilets. Eh. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/guitar-hero-obviously-more-important-tha-4603192/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>high-schoolschooldrop-outbad-parentingstupidityeducationguiat-herovideo-gameshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/guitar-hero-obviously-more-important-tha-4603192/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/16/all-flash-no-substance-4596026/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-16:/2008/08/16/all-flash-no-substance-4596026/Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:18:16 +0200 <p>Morning folks.</p> <p>Wasn't sure what to write about today, so keeping in with the last two blogs I'm chosing something completely different. </p> <p>A rant about fitness.</p> <p>So much has changed in the last fifty years (Yes I know I didn't live fifty years ago, but historians didn't live in the Stone Age, did they?).<br> Once upon a time, a boxer was a man. Today a boxer is a thug. The strong and bulky were considered real men, and women looked for men. But strong and bulky wasn't enough, they were only strong and bulky. Endurance was needed, and just general fitness. People wanted to be fit, be the fastest, the strongest, the best. Bodybuilders were considered men, and well, they might not be the fittest. But they're the best of the best when it comes to building muscle size. </p> <p>But what about today?<br> Strength is really second hand, barely anyone cares about how much you can or can't lift. If your muscles get big they might become 'too big'. If you were 'too big' you will weight more, completely disregarding the fact that muscle weights four times more than fat, you're now officially fat. Without actually being fat.<br> If you're a bodybuilder you're gay. Because obviously, building muscle size for the sake of aesthetics represents your sexuality. How using mens' perfume is considered 'manly' is something I'll never understand. Having muscle is gay but smelling of flowers is manly. What?</p> <p>How do you become 'the man' today then? You don't have to do a lot, just burn some fat and have a good six pack showing. And I speak from bloody experience, six pack is worth much more than muscle today. Which is quite sad really, there's a myth going on about this particular subject. "It's impossible to get for anyone except the crazy ass folks". Well that's bollox, getting the actual six pack is not as hard as you might think. It requires dedication, sure, but it takes a longer time leveling your character to level 70 in World of Warcraft then it does to lose a few % bodyfat.</p> <p>And we have the same problem heading to a gym. Seeing late teenage boys doing their bicep curls, bench press, endless situps and then leave. Wait what? Curls, press and situps? They went into the bloody gym, paid a fee, to do three exercises? Why not just stay at home and replace the curls with chin ups, the bench presses with one armed press ups and situps with.. situps?</p> <p>Well let me tell you a secret. No matter how many times you do situps, how many bicep curls you do, how often you bench press. Your improvement will reach a plateau. Why? Because you lack variation. Without variation, your body adapts to the current situation. And all that's happening is you'll become better at these three exercises, but nothing else.<br> Sure, it might be good for impressing on your soon to be girlfriend, but if to take your fitness to a new level, it's more or less useless.</p> <p>Not to mention, you forgot your whole lower body.</p> <p>And here's another element it seems that people lack nowadays. Cardio. There are two types of cardio (and you should know this unless you slept through school). Anaerobic and aerobic cardio. When you go running for 20 minutes, you are improving your aerobic cardio. If you run intervals you're improving your anaerobic cardio. The difference: aerobic cardio uses oxygen, anaerobic doesn't. Anaerobic is working too hard to get the amount of oxygen needed, I'm hoping you get what I mean. If not, just google it, no need to fill this blog up with details. Folks run for 20-60 minutes expecting to get fitter. And well, they do get fitter, but they don't get fit. You need both anaerobic and aerobic endurance to become fit, not just one of them (unless you're a marathon runner..). </p> <p>It just bugs me how general fitness is completely disregarded while low body fat and ab muscles are praised to death. </p> <p>Well, I suppose it's just how the world works today. *sigh*</p> <p>Oh and if you are one of the curlers in the gym, before you comment, please try and pull of a 100 burpees. Google it <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>-Rob </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/16/all-flash-no-substance-4596026/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>healthfitnessgymranthttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/16/all-flash-no-substance-4596026/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/music-and-metal-a-rant-4593517/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-15:/2008/08/15/music-and-metal-a-rant-4593517/Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:10:39 +0200 <p>G'day.</p> <p>Having been an avid heavy metal fan for several years there are several things that I'd like to discuss / rant about <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"><br> A change of pace from the politically focused blog as well.</p> <p>Within music, people are often close minded unless they can feel a connection to the song after the first listening. That is probably why Hip Hop has become so popular. It's much easier to get into than many other genres. There are other factors of course, the street value, the general 'coolness' associated with the music today, but no genre becomes popular without great artists. I am in no way a fan of hip hop, but I can recognize the genius of musicians like James Brown.</p> <p>For similar reasons people liked bands like Nirvana, Green Day and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. I am not here to argue what band is good and what isn't, but most of us can agree that these bands are easy to listen to. Whether you like classical music, country or Mcing you will surely be able to find a riff you like by one of these bands. </p> <p>As goes for Robbie Williams, Madonna Céline Dion. Their musical styles are all very different, but we're all able to pick out a tune after the first listen and enjoy it. Why is this? The emotion portrayed by these musicians is often in the outer layer of the music, your ears will hear it the first time and your brain will interpret it. Note that I'm not saying these musicians are lacking, no, just bear with me.</p> <p>It's not always been like this though. If you go back to the roots of metal (you'll probably just stare at these words; I'll explain in a bit); classical music. This is very different from today's music, not just in technical terms (new instruments etc), not in pace, rhythm or song structure. These factors are evident, and we all know them. No I'm talking about something else; musical depth.<br> Listening to "Die Valküre" by Wagner will probably (remind you of Star Wars, but that's besides the point) leave you in a state of grandeur. It's powerful, it portrays something powerful, and it can definitely be heard within the music. The music is rich, and here comes the point. It gets richer every time you listen to it. No matter how many times you listen to a composition by musicians like Wagner, Beethoven, Mozard, Pachelbel, you will always find something new.<br> Why? Because the music has several layers of depth. The average brain and ear won't be able to interpret all the factors that make it a great composition. If you listen carefully, you'll always find something new, and there's so much. You could probably write a book based around a single composition. These artists have spent years upon years perfecting their art, and if you listen carefully, you can see (actually, hear) it.<br> There are changes in dynamics, rhythm, instruments, sound, chords (how they are played) etc. </p> <p>This is something, I am sorry to say, is very lacking in todays music. Again, there are many great artists even today. Although I dislike most of them because of my personal musical taste, I can hear why people like them. That's what's genius about music isn't it? Whatever person you may be, you'll find something that connects with you. Be it because you like a riff, a lyric, because it reminds you of something (be it good or bad), there's always something you can connect with.<br> Music is culture, what would humanity be without culture? </p> <p>Now when I've got the background covered, I'll go to the point. Heavy Metal.<br> We all know the stereotypes of it, whatever genre, hair metal in the 80s, black metal of the 90s. The scum of society. They've tried banning it due to explicit lyrics and themes. They've banned bands from attending concerts due to their religious views.<br> This is wrong. Wrong.</p> <p>Music is rich. Music portrays emotion. Music connects with us as human beings. Is it not logical that there should be music which agrees with everyone's tastes? Should there not be music which displays what's wrong in this world, what's horrible? However much we don't want it; hatred, anger and fear are very much a reality. It's all around us, despite our attempts to ignore it.</p> <p>This is where heavy metal comes in. It displays anger, hatred, revenge, fear and Evil. This is no different than ancient paintings. Art has always displayed all aspects of life and death, including the negative ones.<br> With the way our society is going, this is changing. Games are only allowed a certain amount of gore. Anti religious beliefs in movies etc. are mostly a big No No. </p> <p>But metal has remained the same, despite law suits even the most controversial genres are still going strong. And so they should.</p> <p>I'm not going to talk about popular metal genres here, because.. as we know, they're popular. Bands like Iron Maiden, Dragonforce, Trivium, Metallica and Megadeth are anything but unknown. Arguing that metal isn't receiving the praise it should basing on them bands would be pointless. </p> <p>No, I'm here with a known, but not very popular genre. Extreme metal. Includes black metal, death metal and the countless variations.</p> <p>If I start with death metal which is a mildly popular genre. It's not unheard of, a lot of people know what death metal is. But not a lot of people has given time to listen to it. Odds are, even you are expecting wild rantings from a metalhead, trying to excuse the "music" (or sound) known as death metal. </p> <p>Surprise. There's more than "just screaming", "smashing the guitars" and "singing about immature subjects". I know, and every other death metal fan knows, that death metal is NOT easy to listen too. You can try once, twice, three times, twelve times and still just heard sound.<br> But here's the secret; an open mind and patience. It's easier to enjoy life if you can enjoy as much as possible, so why not enjoy death metal?<br> If you keep an open mind and listen to it. Don't try to find any catchy riffs, don't look for melodic phrases. Look for emotion. Hate, anger.<br> Listen to the drumming and the guitars (sometimes the bass). To play at such speed requires great musicianship. Listen and learn. Try to play it yourself. It's far far far from easy. And if you're educated in music, do listen a lot. You'll notice the focus on the Tri Tone (or Devil's Note), actually, a lot of songs are entirely based on it.<br> Now to the more controversial part, the vocals. These are hard to swallow, and takes a lot getting used to. They are not the main part of death metal though, merely an extra layer. See it as the plot for an action film. It's not the most important aspect, but in no way can you make a good action film without a decent plot.<br> If you want to recognize talent, listen to the different pitches of the screams and growls. Listen to the length of a single scream. Try doing it yourself, you'll most likely start coughing after barely a mere four seconds. You need to train your lungs and your throat to be able to perform death metal vocals. Without the lung capacity you'll run out of breath, without the throat resistance you'll start coughing.</p> <p>Lastly, the lyrics. Lyrics in death metal are tongue-in-cheek, as Corpsegrinder (Or was it Webster? One of them..) said "I don't really expect monsters to be crawling out of anyones guts anytime soon". It's art, and it can portray anything. Death metal tries to be the most extreme of the extreme, I mean, listen to the music. It would be slightly weird if they were singing about the beautiful Princess Goodheart in the Kingdom of Pink and Fluffy Fairies.<br> And if you don't like the lyrics, well to be fair, just don't read them. I doubt you'll be able to hear them, I know I can't.</p> <p>Moving on (I just realised how long this blog post has been, but it can't be helped). Now venturing to my favourite genre; black metal.<br> This is the most controversial genre in history. Period. I won't go over the history of black metal, wikipedia it if you like. A short version would be that churches have been burnt, band members murdered/jailed/committed suicide. But how do you appreciate black metal?<br> Low production quality, simple guitar riffs, vocals often remain at the same pitch... There's not much diversity, not on the outside anyway.<br> Here's the difference between black metal and most other music genres. Black metal is not only music, it's an ideology. Black metal musicians are more than that. Some are Satanists, others are Pagan and some are simply agnostic. The music they play delivers a message, and these messages differ from band to band, song to song and album to album. Of course, there are black metal bands who simply play black metal, but the ideology remains. Whether they want to be part of it or not.<br> How do you listen to black metal? I can't really find a better explanation then "Embrace the Dark Side (Young Skywalker)". Don't look for good in this music, look for darkness. Mysteries. Turn all lights off, or better yet, walk through the forest at night with your iPod delivering some tunes from De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. Don't focus on the music, don't look for musical phrases or such, just listen. Maybe you'll be afraid, but maybe.. you'll feel relaxed, something just feels right. Black metal perfectly portrays darkness, and mysteries. What lies beyond? </p> <p>In contrast to death metal, lyrics play a large part in black metal. But you don't have to read these, although they do enrich the music. If you don't agree with the Satanic views, if you're a Christian who believes the opposite.. You should still be able to appreciate black metal. It's atmospheric music, darkness, evil but also peace can be found in the music. While it may portray a war, somehow I can at least feel peace in my mind. For that very reason, I haven't gone to sleep without black metal for a very long time.<br> You can find any form of darkness here, be it aggressive or calm. Look for the band that agrees with you, and I promise you will like it.</p> <p>Where people go wrong is where they listen once and say "It's just screaming". No, it's not. There's much more than that to both black and death metal. There's atmosphere, emotion, and of course musicianship. You might prefer Hip Hop, this blog post will probably not change that. But hopefully you'll give black and death metal (and other genres) a try, and another, and one more.. To at least see what the thousands of metalheads on this planet like about the music.</p> <p>I won't lie, I'm getting tired. I would assume that the same goes for you, but I appreciate you taking all time to read this. Whether you agree with it or not, I hope I provided some insight. And thanks for taking your time to read this bizarrely long blog. Didn't have any plans for today so been writing this on and off.</p> <p>And before someone asks, no, I don't agree with church burnings.</p> <p>-Rob</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/music-and-metal-a-rant-4593517/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>heavy-metalclassicalblack-metalrockextreme-metalhip-hopmusicmetaldeath-metalhttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/music-and-metal-a-rant-4593517/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/war-4592594/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-15:/2008/08/15/war-4592594/Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:53:51 +0200 <p>We all know it by now, Russia invaded Georgia and innocent Georgia pleads for help. But depending on where you live you might have heard of Georgia murdering Russian citizen and Russia retaliating.</p> <p>Propaganda, it's something we all know it's here but we still don't expect it. It's 2008, our Western civilization has gone far ways since the Cold War. Europe is now a democracy, without the fear of the Soviet Union. Yet this happens. Reading a news source from Russia, one from Georgia and finally one from America will show you some drastic differences. The Georgians reported Russian tanks advancing towards their capital, while Russia denied this.<br> It wasn't before a Swedish journalist actually saw the convoy (of about fifty military vehicles) the news spread. And thanks to the Internet, the pictures could be found anywhere. Discussions are raging wildly in mostly every discussion board. </p> <p>And here comes the problems, peoples attitudes. If I received a penny for every thread predicting World War III, I'd be a millionaire. If I received a penny for every poster who seems to *want* the war to escalate, I'd never need to work again.</p> <p>Peace is boring.<br> This sentence sums up so many views. And of course, peace IS boring. There's nothing exciting happening, no risks, no fears.. no pride?<br> Compared to the fierce battles fought by the hero's of our nations, peace is like watching paint dry.</p> <p>This is much easier said sitting behind your wide screen computer, far away from all conflicts, from the deaths, ruined cities etc. And don't say "No I do actually care", because the way we work, we can't really feel the dread of something so far away. Unless we have some connection to it, which most of us don't.<br> DOn't tell me you mourn every death you read about in the news, every accident, every injury. I know for a fact that I don't.</p> <p>You may be wondering where I'm getting at, and now I'll tell you.<br> I'm quite disgusted at what some people are telling the public. "It's just a small country, when you think about the big picture it you'd rather want Georgia to be captured then the world to be at war".<br> Yes exactly, I completely agree with you. It's exactly what we did before World War II wasn't it? No harm could be done if we let Hitler take some old German land back. No wait, didn't he conquer most of Europe which resulted in the death of over fifty million people? Oops, should have remembered that.<br> Georgia is a country, don't have a mindset like Stalins. There are people living there, families just like yours. Sure, they might not be playing on an Xbox 360 (although some of them will do), but their kids are definitely playing. Just like ours.<br> I doubt you have ever walked around in your neighbourhood thinking "If someone let everyone here die in an attempt to prevent an escalation to a greater conflict, that's perfectly fine and reasonable".</p> <p>And finally, Bush is sending help. Here comes the Bush haters. "He's a true moron, why why why does he involve our country in other countries affairs?". "War mongering idiot, finish your business in Iraq before moving somewhere else".<br> Hehe, I'm glad to be part of such a lovely species. People are dying, a small country is being invaded by a much stronger aggressor, and you complain when they get help? Excuse the language but what the ****?</p> <p>I don't know what's going to happen, but I do think this conflict will get solved eventually. I doubt I'll be living in a vault anytime soon (Fallout anyone?).<br> But as much a risk it might be for America to help Georgia, the acts are not unreasonable. People plead for help, and we should help them. We're past the times where a country can go to war as they see fit. We're more united. Whatever ethnicity, nationality, religion, we're advancing as a civilization and by doing so we're advancing what unites us all; humanity. We should NOT be letting aggressors overthrow governments (please don't bring up Iraq here, I beg you) for their personal reasons, if people are in need, we should help them. Our world will never be perfect, but can't we at least try?</p> <p>I had a completely different idea for this blog but it seems my mind just wanders. It might be a bit messy, unstructured, have its' flaws. Please leave your feedback, if you agree, disagree, how I could improve my blog. </p> <p>And lastly, thanks for taking your time to read it. Have a good day!</p> <p>-Rob </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/war-4592594/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>russiainternetwareastern-europeconflictgeorgiaforumspoliticshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/war-4592594/#commentshttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/first-blog-post-4592437/tag:dodkanin.blog.co.uk,2008-08-15:/2008/08/15/first-blog-post-4592437/Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:22:49 +0200 <p>Hello.</p> <p>This would be my first blog entry, so I'll try to keep it short. I'll use this blog to write whatever's on my mind. Be it that angry driver next door or the ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe. </p> <p>A little bit about me.<br> I am a Swedish citizen, born and brought up in Sweden until the age of nine. My dad then got relocated to Belgium where I attended a Scandinavian School located in Waterloo. I have to say it's probably the best school I've ever had the pleasure to go to. Although the French lessons left a lot to be desired.<br> After four years of living in the small Scandinavian community in Belgium (I still don't a single person who's Belgian, does that tell you something?) my dad switched job and moved to England. Against everyone's wishes (well, me and my sisters) we settled down in a small local town called Cockermouth, in Cumbria.<br> And if you think this is some form of a bad joke, wikipedia it.</p> <p>There's another relocation coming up though, you can probably expect me to write about it in about two months time. And that'll do for the introduction. If you took the time to read it, welcome to my blog and I hope you'll come back.</p> <p>-Rob </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/first-blog-post-4592437/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>new-hello-welcomehttp://dodkanin.blog.co.uk/2008/08/15/first-blog-post-4592437/#comments