Flaming Passion

So today the Olympic torch is due to make its circuit around the capital. I'm planning to head over to watch the relay in about a couple of hours.
the last time I saw the flame in Canberra was for the Sydney olympics and I can tell you it is a very special sight. I had the great pleasure of watching the torch pass by my work. We all made an effort for the day (how many times in your life can you say you've seen the Olympic flame?) in the best of Aussie traditions, barbie and a couple of snag sangas with a beer or two.
I was cynical, I admit it. In my opinion the whole olympic movement was a facile joke. And then the torch came past, it was carried by a volunteer, a nobody. A person whose only claim to carrying the torch was that he asked for the privilege. He looked proud and why shouldn't he I thought. This is his moment, it isn't about anything else except an ordinary person been given the chance to have a go. Very Aussie.

Later that night I was in the pub after rock climbing and I saw one of the torch bearers in his kit. He was a special needs kiddie and he was enjoying a beer. Beside him was his torch baton. I wandered over, as you do, asked if I could shake his hand and tell this young chap I was impressed he had carried the olympic flame. The young chap, to his credit finished his beer first, shook my hand and his friend asked me if I'd like to hold the baton.
Did I what!!

In a few minutes we were all doing laps of the pub and cheering each other on. It was all a bit of fun, but also a bit of pride as well. We all got to hold the torch, nobody tired to ruin the moment for us. It wasn't about anything except the feeling of mateship and friendliness.
Fingers crossed all the runners gearing up for todays relay will have the chance to experience what I did in my own small way.

Fire in the Belly

Well in a good way at least. I met my good buddy Neil for our regular hotpot at an outstanding restaurant. Neil assures me that after his travels through China, this particular hotpot is as good as it gets.
So what is hotpot? Take ye cabbage, lettuce, spring onion and pork. Soak in chilli for for some time, heat up and serve to Jez and Neil.
Wait.

Now we wait, it won't be long before the train pulls out of the station, as they say...

I would walk a thousand steps...

There are a lot of things to be grateful for in ones life. Not the least of which is the opportunities I have to visit Melbourne on a regular basis.
Yesterday I had the challenge put up to me to tackle the fearsome 1000 Steps of the Dandenongs. Evie has spoken of this walk a number of times and it has always been a special place for her, so I of course took the challenge.
Firstly, I know that the people of Australia (this great wide brown land) have very few of what could charitably be called mountains. I my self grew up surrounded by mountains and the sea, they form a strong part of my early childhood memories. So I was a little trepidatious about trekking up a 100 steps in jeans, let alone a 1000.
The park is just outside Melbourne in a lovelly area just below the Dandenongs themselves. Very similar to the Blue Mountains, but a with a charming quality all their own. We set off about 10am up a beautiful walk between great gum trees and punga ferns (the 1000 steps kick off about half a klick from the carpark).
At the foot of the steps was a rest area, what I noticed immediately that deposited discreetly alongside the tracks were many full water bottles, waiting to refresh travellers who had gone up before us. What was I letting my self in for??

The path was also dedicated to the Kokoda trail and there were many sobering monuments to reflect upon on the walk up. The steps themselves were rock and concrete and we were warned of their potential slipperiness. The gully was closed over by old forest growth which had the effect of regulating the temperature and releaving me of the need to wear my hat. But there was no time for doubts about the ascent so off we went!

It was a very pleasant climb, and I confess I was just a little disappointed to learn there weren't actually a 1000 steps. Evie tells me that in the past erosion and track maintenance have shaved about a dozen steps off. Thankfully as you trekked uphill a thoughtful soul had marked a tally count of the steps every couple of meters.
It was I must say though a delightful walk made all the better for the company I was in and sentiment of the journey.

Afterward we had lunch I had the pleasure of combining two desserts, Devonshire Pancakes.
Worth the walk just for the pancakes!

Sore Tummy

Its self inflicted though I must say. This is what happens when you get home from work early and start absent mindedly eating gellato from the tub. You eat too much (but it tastes soo good).

I'll have to have something plain to take away the flavour, but not for a while. The last time I was this full was at Soul Mama's in St Kilda. But that at least was a good kind of full. Even though I couldn't move for hours.

Regretfully I've got to get up soon and get out of the house.
Rest easy my belly, soon...

Rock it

Always wished I had the body rythmn for this kind of dancing (can definately hits the drums as good as a fresh beat).
For the upcoming film that you WILL get your arse along to see...

Wondering where he got to...

A recent article from PJ O'Rouke. Glad to see he's still at it.
LINK

Golf Review

I didn't suck that much.
Actually managed some pretty good shots, drove the ball straight most of the time and wasn't the worst player on the team (ho-ho).
Canberra Royal is probably Australias best golf course and this time of year we were playing amongst trees in Autumn display, parrots and kangaroos.

But I tell you whut Bubbas, it is actually very tiring standing up for 5 hours. I would not have credited golf as being such a wearing experience. But to be fair a combination of sun, the odd beer and concentrating on hitting something can take its toll.

And I would have to agree a bad day of golf is far superior to being at a desk anytime.

Short Album Review

In Ghost Colours by Cut and Copy

I must confess that I do like a bit of the electronica, especially when its a new sound. Cut and Copy are an Aussie duo who appear to be following the footsteps of Air and Daft Punk. There is a positive French sound to their mixes, however they are not the next Avalanches.
The album was, apparently, recorded last year but held back from release until a global deal could be signed.
Personally I would have used that time to weed out the less useful tracks. The first half of the album is good, quite like it myself. But the guy who is doing the singing... Someone in his family is Smiths fan (possibly his dad...) I was not a Smiths fan because Morrisey voice gives me the shits. After 9 tracks it repeats the same formula, low fi funky riff, back beat, then Morrisey voice.
It kinda grates.

Well I recommend you check it out at least and I definitely recommend you check our Air and La Caution if this turns out to be your bag.

First Half; 3+ Ninja Stars ***+
Second Half; No Ninja Stars

Green, Golf and Gym

Yesterday morning I had the chance to join some mates on an early morning bike ride around Lake BG. Autumn in Canberra is just a breathtaking and beautiful time of the year (as you'll see for yourself Evie). The light is transitioning from Summer to that clear alpine high blue skies.
Riding around the lake is a great journey and first thing in the morning is the best time to catch some great sights. Trees aflame with colour, the kind of colour that would inspire Robert Frost, if you know what I mean.
Starting my day surrounded by beauty and welcoming the sun is how I like to roll. So I was delighted to get an invitation to hear Don Henry talk at the press club (another way to say this the Australian Conservation Council is a dead weight organisation who need people to fill tables for the press club address). I would not normally be interested in such an address if the Greens did not hold the balance of power in the Senate.
What struck me first of all about the crowd was the prevalence of unflattering facial hair on the men and bad haircuts for everybody. The address was the usual mix of great ideas to save the planet and ruin the economy. But I did get an invite to a golf day at Canberra Royal on Thursday.
The last time I played golf it was frankly an embarrassment to the whole world of golf. Hopefully I won't have to play and can get away hanging around the club house having a couple of beers.

Its all good!!

Something Funny

Maybe you've seen Armtsrong and Miller before, I haven't, but I just heard about them.
This is my favourite sketch...

Rugby, Beer, Pies

I love my life! There are so many things for which to be grateful for. Not the least of which is great friends. Yesterday lunch time (while I was up in Sydney finishing off a meeting) a buddy of mine rang with a ticket for the Super 14 game that evening!!

Its been a busy week, so I left Sydney early and drove back to Canberra full of excitement. Then I realised I also had a radio show to do.... (duh, duh, duuhhh) Thankfully I had a week weeks ago prerecorded an hour for just such an emergency. Horrah, all set for the Brumbies vs the Chiefs.

I was exhausted from a 3 hour drive and an intense week in three cities, but I was so glad to have friends who wanted to go to the rugby. The Brumbies were beaten (I saw the Hurricanes match and I was also a resounding thumping of the home team) soundly by the Chiefs. It was actually quite embarrassing to watch. Mid way through the second half a lot of people were leaving, in shame. Canberra stadium has a capacity upward of 20 thousand but last night was only about 14 thou. People are staying away.
Still there is in my opinion something great about watching the footy with your mates and a couple of beers and pie. Great times Eddie, Great times!

Final score Chiefs 42 Brumbies 28.

French class update

Trust my luck, the first evening in a month (have been doing the Saturday classes) and its 2 hours of tests!!
But you want to know the best part, I passed with flying colours. Felt a little rusty and I can see where I am behind. However I can definitely say I haven't forgotten too much.

My teacher did suggest I also pop into the Saturday class just to cover off the rest of the module.
Overall feeling tres bien!!

Better than me

Found this link to the Magnum Studio website.

I love a good photo, I think the camera has a magical quality.
Enjoy!

While you were out

This story would have to be an April Fools gag, if the print date wasn't from last month.
There is a game called Guitar Hero, they use a replica of a Gibson Les Paul as the 'guitar'. The game has been out for 3 years in various formats.

Gibson is now suing the game developer for copyright infringement.

Two things spring to mind, 1: Where the hell have Gibson been for the last 3 years (probably ROCKING IT UP at concerts and even more likely talking to girls at the same time), 2: Playing an actual Gibson Les Paul as opposed to Guitar Hero is a very different experience.

Check this out LINK