Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Santa Claus and the Dutch Tradition: Sinterklaas

It's almost 5 December, Dutch people know what's gonna happen! 

A tall men dressed in red with a staff surrounded by a bunch of jumpy black men comes to Holland. And they will put gifts in your shoe.

Sinterklaas!

This man:








For the ones who don't know this man called 'Sinterklaas'... I 'll make you understand! But first I have to tell you something about the history. Because he isn't what you think he is!!
If you don't know Sinterklaas, one hint: Santa Claus has something to do with this man!!


To go back in history, around the year 280 the bishop Nicolaas van Myra was born. He was bishop in Turkey and helped the poor. He was killed on 6 December, we celebrate the birthday of Sinterklaas on the 5th of December.

Germanic God Wodan



To make this story even more interesting, there is Wodan, a Germanic God. He was the god who reigned the sea. This was a big man with (also) a staff, hat and a cape who flies around on a horse with eight legs. He had two slaves and had two ravens on his shoulder to tell him about what's happening with the human beings on earth.




If you put those two stories together you'll see the beginning of Sinterklaas!
The men with a hat, cape and a staff, who puts gifts in the shoes of children. Sinterklaas his birthday is celebrated on the 5th of December and on that day he comes with a lot of gifts.

He comes by boat to Holland, that's a tradition derived from Wodan who reigned over the sea.
The black men called 'pieten' who are helping him are the ravens and the slaves of Wodan put together.
And Sinterklaas always rides over the rooftops with Americo, his white horse just like Wodan and his horse fly around.

But why do we put our shoes at the fireplace to get a gift!?? That goes back to giving an offer to the gods. Children put their shoes at the fireplace for Sinterklaas with a carrot and a letter for the horse and Sinterklaas. Long ago people made offers to the gods at fireplaces to make sure that Satan wouldn't come into their houses through the chimney.

Well that's it for Sinterklaas, but now you're wondering about Santa Claus right?
Sinterklaas is brought to America by the Dutch and Geman people. Santa Claus is just a weird translation for Sinter Klaas.

Santa Claus is really a very good marketing job from Coca Cola. I know some people know Santa Claus came from Coca Cola but very little might know that Coca Cola picked up the idea of the dutch tradition Sinterklaas.

So if you're planning to celebrate Sinterklaas AND Santa Claus, make sure that you are aware that you're celebrating the same holiday twice!!


Happy Holiday(s) ;]

Friday, November 25, 2011

World class performance of the 'Wereldband'

Yesterday evening was the third time for me to visit a show from the Wereldband. (Worldband) This band is not only a band but brings much more to stage than just some songs. Every year is another suprise.

I'm talking about these funny mans:


The Wereldband always performs in theatres, not a miracle because around their music are amazing shows. In 1,5 hour they can show you that they can play a hundred different instrument each, with a fun show built around it. 

I fell in love with these mens (and shows) three years ago. In the town I live they gave a show when the theatre there was first opened. Most people know them by the first act you see here:

They can make music out of everything.

Yesterdays show was called GO! by 'The Wereldband & Friends'. Five men and this year also three girls. I was very curious about the show and how they would work together with the girls. 

I can tell you, they where AMAZING! The girls are just as funny as the band and have a lot of talent. 
I thought they were just dancers but they can sing beautiful and also played a couple of instrument during the show. The best part about this cooperation is seeing the man dance haha. That's new.

Every song has a performance. It's music-theatre-comic-dance. How they came up with it, I don't know. But it works! Every little show is hysterical funny and the musical style is different every 4 minutes but it all fits in one show. 
Look at the next picture

Yodeling girls with the men making music.

What can I say more? They are the best. Great music, funny theatre, awesome dancing and the best fun in just 1,5 hour. Please make that show longer!! 

Here another excample of with what they can make music:

Talented funny men, what do you need more? YES! The girls, it was great to see them together.

GO! to the site and make sure you see this show GO! before it's over.

All my love goes to this band!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Nice to be home.

Since July I left home to go live on my own. It's very comfy and I love it.
The only problem is that I need to move out in January for some rebuilding in house. So everything I got in my room now has to get out again, that's gonna be a hell of an operation.

I want all my stuff to be here and get ready to arrange everything in my room, but I have to wait.

That doesn't mean I’m not thinking about my room decoration!

Today I bought the most awesome decoration for my room! It was hard to get it from the centre to my room by bike but I did it! (With help from a great friend <3)

Look at it:

It's a beautiful wooden box. (If you were wondering what in the picture I was talking about ;])

I'm so happy with it. It's precisely what I was looking for.
Not only a nice decoration but handy too! My board games are hidden in it and I’m gonna use it as a side table after the rebuilding.

Don't you think it gives a feeling like home? What you can't see is that the box is standing in my fire place (sadly not working).

Like you would notice, the cute guitar is mine too ;] my big love. Strangely enough the name of my guitar is Foxie and is in the colour of my blog. FoolTheWorldFOX!!

To end my blog, a beautiful song about leaving home like I did.




Lyrics:

"I never knew much about the world
  I was living inside this bubble
Nothing less and nothing more
My daddy sat there in his chair
Didn't say much but mumbled

It's time to fly my little girl
Live to learn and learn while living
Go out there and find
Your own life

And I'm moving on
And I'm leaving home
I gotta go
But I will always let you know
What's going on
I'm sure I'll find my way into the light
  I know you'll miss me but you'll be all right

I've always been afraid to leave this place
Took a deep breath and I walked out
To break the circle I let go
I'm not saying you should walk around the earth
Life can take you anywhere

But let me tell you it feels great
I love to love the ones I love
Just as sure
For me again

And I'm moving on
And I'm leaving home
 I gotta go
But I will always let you know
What's going on
I'm sure I'll find my way into the light
  I know you'll miss me but you'll be all right

Don't ever think
That I'll forget when you stood by me
  A fall from a swing or a broken heart
  All these memories I've locked up safe inside me

I'm leaving home 
But you'll never leave my heart

I'm moving on
I'm leaving home
And I'm moving on
And I'm leaving home
But I will always let you know
What's going on
I'm sure I'll find my way into the light
  I know you'll miss me but you'll be all right."


 See yaa!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Pretty Reckless - Taylor Momsen

 Today a review about a concert I recently went to.

I've been to Tivoli so many times. It's a great place for cheap and great concerts. Also some really famous artist have been on that stage. Tonight it was Taylor Momsen with her band 'The Pretty Reckless'.

Let's start by saying it was different than the concerts i've been to before. Everybody was pumped with energy which made a real good vibe.

When Taylor came on stage it was overall just a furry-witchy-white-hairy girl. Her hair was sooo long.
I know i've got a crappy camera but look at the next pic.



Really long hair, with my camera I couldn't even capture her face.
<- This would be the length of her hair during this concert.








And what I was expecting was the cute girl we know. Do you even remember the little girl who played in 'The Grinch'!? Look at the bottum right picture :). I think most of you know here from the serie 'Gossip Girl' where she played Jenny Humphrey.



Well that time must be over now. 

In my opinion just her standing on stage would be enough, that while the audience was singing her songs. During her songs you could barely hear her, the thing you heard where only her fans. Such a shame. 

I love to listen to the album 'Light me Up'. The songs are good and she got a nice voice. So I was a bit disapointed.

Let's just say I miss that cute little girl from 'The Grinch' and the rebellious girl from 'Gossip Girl'.
I will recommend to listen to the album 'Light me Up' but skip the concert.

For more of my music recommendations read my blog about music I listen here.

See you next time!
F.


Sunday, November 13, 2011

Music is my one big love.

Last.fm keeps track of everything I listen to on my computer.

I want to tell you more about my top 8 artists on Last.fm.
The artists I listen to most of the time are:

Nr1: P!nk.
Best artist. Great voice. She makes beautiful music with a message. The song "Fuckin' Perfect" is one of my favorites. I really love playing the song myself but the funny thing about P!nk is that you think you can sing it... But the notes are really high, you just don't realise it when you listen to it. I really want to go to her show when she comes to the Netherlands. Every song of her is differant and great in its own way

Nr2: Ilse deLange.
Ilse is sooo good! I've seen her a lot on stage and what can I say? Just the best (also live) voice with a great sound. The songs she makes are perfect and there is a great diversity in her style. My favourite will be "I'd Be Yours" it's catchy and speaks in pictures.

Nr3: Paramore. 
The best in Pop/Rock/Punk. "The Only Exception" is really nice and sweet but the most of their songs are very cool. "CrushCrushCrush" will be the best. Got nothing more to say than: Awesome!!

Nr4: Megan & Liz.
I don't  have to tell you guys about them. Just youtube artists that will make it into the big scene soon! (I hope) My Blog about Megan&Liz



Nr5: Jack johnson.
This man can play the guitar like crazy! His music makes my happy but can also make me sad. "Witchi Tai To" is the best lullaby. The album "In Between Dreams" is overall great. He also makes funny music for kids like "The Sharing Song". Listen and get your rest.

Nr6: Angus & Julia Stone.
Indie music. Got a nice swing and her voice has a weird touch to it that makes it interesting, it's like a little girl. "Soldier" and "Hollywood" are both amazing. You like it or you hate it... What do you think? I <3 it.

Nr7:  Jack's Mannequin.
Awesome rockband that isn't that well known. It's such a shame, their music is delicious to listen too. "We Were Made For Each Other" must be the best, but it's hard to point out a real favourite. Love to listen to this band.

Nr8: Krystl.
This is my new discovery. Dutch singer, breaking through at the moment. Serious talent of radio 3FM. "Leaving Home" is beautiful and slow but the rest of the album is catchy and I can't stop listening to it. In 2 weeks time she made it in my top 8 of last.fm, which is scrobbling (Taking track of my listening) for a year now.


Well I really hope you try some of these artist and listen to a couple of songs.

Just one song of another band I love that JUST didn't make it in the top 8:
 (and don't forget Yasmin!!)


Personal: Because music is a personal style which you can share with everyone. Share your music with me!!
Thank you.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Stick To Your Deal

"How many times have I got to say
Stick to your deal
That's the way to make friends"

One of the many awesome lyrics of the CD Friend or Foe by YASMIN

Listen to this song:


A young girl with a great voice. I really love listening to her music. 
It's tender but also really rocky at the right moments.

This is the CD:

The Starbucks makes the picture complete don't you think?

For sure worth listening. She plays the guitar herself and has the most awesome voice. 
I was pleasantly suprised that she was even better live. 
If you keep searching on Youtube you can find some great live versions.

Music is a big part of me so there will be following more blogs about great artists!
I would love to know what you think about her music.

"I get my last kiss, now leave me alone!!"

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Oy With the Poodles Already

Sooo.

Who else thinks that "pudding" is a funny word? A know somebody who is in love with that word. Which brings me to the subject of my next blog!! Gilmore Girls!

Best serie I have ever seen!

For you to understand the connection between this serie and the word pudding I got you a short vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-14dux8zKi0
(Sorry, Blogger can't find the video! Very weird. First scene. The others are funny too!)

Alright,
Gilmore Girls it is! Funny serie with great cast and the best scenes.

If you don't know it, be ashamed ;]


Talking fast! Just like I do most of the time haha.

Go buy it!!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

First!!

It's time for me to put my own nonsense on internet.

I'll be posting about the things I love, hate, want, need, see, think and like to get know by more people. 

I hope some of you might like me!



Lets get it started in here!!

Under construction.