Compare and Contrast

Have dropped the 'Electric Kool Aid Acid Test' for 'She' by H Rider Haggard.

For those who came late summary;

'The Honey Thief'
Whinging, moaning, chick stuff, a bicycle, Gilmour Girls-esq interaction, a bad imitation of 'Remembrance of Things Past'.

'She'
The chaps, having left the halls of Cambridge for the coast of Africa, have been ship wrecked in a storm. Gathering themselves and their possessions, they are spending the night in a long boat under the shadow of a menacing mountain (shaped like an Ethiopians head!). Lions have just been heard entering the water and are heading towards them...!!!!!!

********************

The Honey Thief has two more chapters to make the grade.

A help with my reading assignment

Have begun the 'Honey Thief', hopefully Book Kitteh is right...

Lets do this thing!

Okay, having previously posted about the literary qualities of contemporary female authors I set myself a challenge; to read and review a recent release.

This evening I visited my local library and selected what looked like a good read. I was fair, I could've picked a dud but I felt my theory needed an impartial test. The book I've selected is 'The Honey Thief' by Elizabeth Graver. The dust cover synopsis sounds god awful, a mother-daughter intrigue involving shoplifting or whatever. The main thing is female reviewers loved it, I am not the target audience and I'm moving out of my comfort zone.

I'll begin tomorrow. For the sake of literary calibration 'The Honey Thief' is up against Tom Wolfe's 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test'. Let's roll!!

Please support your local library.

SkyHigh

Fire water!!
Which ought to indicate that I sat down with a plan to write something and am a bit stuck. I'll be heading into the station late today, because I can and hopefully because I'll be on to a new gig soon. So this is a winding down phase.

But it is also a being distracted phase. I find it hard to concentrate in moments like these. I'll make any excuse to distract myself from a task I've set. Its an odd reaction to trying to do something. So far I've put on two loads of washing (and hung them out) I've listened to the radio telling me of a brand new 'Afro Beat' compilation thats currently out (and sounds great!). I've put the kettle on twice, but haven't actually made a cup of tea. Threatened myself with morning television and played a game called Hex Empires [LINK, but I warn you it can be addictive] several times.

All while trying to write a description of the perfect weekend I just had. So what to tell you? It was my beloveds birthday on Saturday, so on Friday we went to Geelong for another birthday/housewarming. The house itself was incredible and we only saw it at night. Made the place we were staying in look like a run down beach shack.
Which is a pretty fair call, a friend of ours set us up with a friend of his for overnight accommodation in Torquay for $20 each. The house and land is rumoured to be worth a cool $1Mil. But very little has been invested in it since that late '80's when it was purchased. It looked like every beach house I ever stayed in right down to the beat up out of tune guitar in the corner! Despite the bare essential maintenance it was a great stay and I'd be tempted to go there again for the surfing and fishing around Torquay.

Saturday was the big day birth-wise and we spent it in fine fashion with a leisurely breakfast by the beach, a lunch time swim and a very casual meander back home. We unpacked felt slightly tired and went out for a birthday dinner at this amazing Thai place that was hidden at the back of some local shopping centre. On the Sunday we had family over and managed to do our first bit of real entertaining (since I arrived). There was more food than mouths and I personally drank and eat way too much. However we managed to return the house to good order and this morning is the start of another working week.

So having written how distracted I was and managed to get some focus in at last. Hooray for being able to distract my distraction ("I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.")

Waking up

(Haven't finished starting on my book challenge, accidentally began reading "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman. Bare with me.)

This morning I had a lot of trouble waking up. My eyes did not want to open, consciousness took a while to arrive. Every time I thought I was awake, I got out bed and wandered into the spare room (soon to be nursery) and checked the weather. As I do each day.
But I was dreaming myself awake. Which is an odd thing to do. To be aware within a dream that one is asleep and aware at the same time that they are awake within a dream. Whenever I would get up out of bed in my dream, something would stand out as obviously not part of the waking world. The room would be different in a subtle way or it could be the middle of the day or there was some feeling, nuance that told me this was a dream.

This occurred enough to remind me of those musings about dreams, the waking world and existence in either. I felt this morning was a good case for wondering if I'm not asleep still... (pretty boring dream so far, a lot less space aliens and random rock guitar solo's than I'd usually expect.)

Reasons to be Cheerful

I've been reading a stack of books these past few weeks (well at least its been a stack for me). In no particular order then;

• Love Me by Garrision Kellor
• I Claudius by Robert Graves
• The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
• Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders by John Mortimer (vale as of last month)

Two have been recent releases (the John Mortimer novel was his last and finally draws out the details of oft mentioned Penge Bungalow Murders as well as how She Who Must Be Obeyed and Rumpole got married) while the others are literary classics that are quite polar in style and subject matter. The Robert Graves book I found for $5 at the Bangalow Market while I was up in Byron recently, while 'The Big Sleep' is the second Pip Marlowe I've read in the past few months.

So, an opinion; I suggest that the book industry is still alive and well and that a book can capture the publics imagination (bear in mind I am very anti-television, so somewhat biased) witness the effect of Harry Potter. What I also suggest is that when I peruse the shelves of my local library or bookstore, I am struck by the amount of appalling rubbish etched onto murdered trees. Most of which is written by women.
As a rule of thumb I can tell if a book is worthwhile from the gender of the author, the age of the author and the first paragraph. I have been mistaken before, special mention to 'The Winter Queen' by Boris Akun, but this intuition usually serves me well. The book industry however knows their market better than I do and have good evidence that the majority of book buyers are women. [LINK to an interview with Ian McEwan]
Ergo print what your readers want to read.

I however find the quality of modern writing to be low and of little literary value. Of course not every book published is written by a woman and I would be as guilty as Peter Reuhl of stereotyping to invite you to seriously entertain my proposition. But I remain unsatisfied by new titles, the majority of which are penned by women authors, and as such I retreat into the vast a satisfying back catalogues for succour. Where are the new books for me? Am I an Early Adopter of new genre's and therefore worthy of market attention?
The answer to the second question is no; I am very conservative in my choice of reading and have to be coaxed into trying something new. So perhaps the answer to my issue with new titles is obvious, why not give them a chance?
My new challange for this month therefore is to read and review a recent release for your benefit.
Watch this space, open to suggestions.

I wanna be at this Party!!

In support of an arguement

Have a read of this, [LINK] courtesy of Boing Boing.

Its some more good arguements for smashing your TV and railing against its absurd 'watch what we want you to watch, when we want you to watch it' paradigm.

(Ha! first actual use of the word paradigm in its correct context)

What annoys me more

Boy I tell you whut, I was reading an article in the Fin Revue this morning about the AATE (The Australian Association for the Teaching of English) (Him read word good) . Well there are two things that bugged the shit out of me about the article, firstly the obviously slow moving target of contemporary English Literature education and the second is the obvious reference to those Baby Boomer leeches (things were so much better in my day etc).

With regards to the first, the topic of the article cited the incompetence of young people today in respect to the rules of grammar. The second issue I have is that the writer held me in sympathy until he announced that he was a Baby Boomer and as such is worried about the ability of the youth of today to get a job and sustain his retirement benefits.

So here's what I don't get, the education revolution of the late 1960's and 1970's was the result of Baby Boomers who graduated from university with an aim to implementing neocon/anarcho-feminist readings of English literature. To then in turn blame those who received this education is akin to King Canute bitching about tide charts. The moment you envoke a 'generation' as a badge of recognition is the moment you exclude any serious discussion about the state of education in Australia. It demonstrates a pandering to sterotypes as well as betraying an all too comon character trait of people like this author, avoiding responsibility.

I'm sure this article was written tongue in cheek, it is contradictory to state that the very people you blame for creating a problem a: have no responsibility for fixing it and the b: you people are clueless, skilled deprived and threaten the hand out/welfare culture of the BB Generation.

So I do have to protest the quality of the writting, the point of the exercise and dissapointing limit of the authors grasp of events and causality.

******************************
Here is a supporting LINK to my general rant against Baby Boomers.

At last, something off my 'To Do' List

I've been wanting to surfboard for some time now. After all I can do just about everything else in the water (sail, boggie board, swim, body surf, fish, snorkel etc). To be honest I regret not trying it when I was much younger, but as I recall the much younger version of me wasn't interested...

Well we got back from a week of Byron Bay relaxing on Friday and for 3 of those days I learnt at last how ride a board. Admittedly the waves were only about a one or two feet tall but they did manage to give me a ride of 40 or 50 odd meters when I did catch one.

When I was a young lad I inherited from my cousins a yellow skateboard. There was nothing flash about it, it was small had chunky wheels and was made of plastic. But I liked fooling around on it and after a while I got pretty good. One of the things I used to love doing was waiting for a windy day (which was not a long wait where I grew up) and using a jacket or plastic bag as a sail!
The sense of free movement and control I felt then was the same feeling I got from turning my board into the wave and completing my first S-turn. It gave me a clarity of mind and thought.

While learning to surf I shared the water with fish of all sizes and big shark and a pod of dolphins. I had a great time and was not disappointed in the experience. Not everyone I know likes the beach as much as I do, but I hope that people remain open to new experiences. All I've done is learnt how to stand up and some rudimentary basics, for me that's a great place to begin. I'm looking forward to my next surfing trip.

Does anybody have any 'To do' things on their list they can get done?

Something I said

Last night in response to a particular sensory experience
"oh my god! If that smell was a cheese, it would be expensive!"

Gig Review

Last night I saw a piece of Funk and Soul history. I saw Mr Syl Jhonson ('Take me to the river', 'Is it because I'm black') and a backing band of funk soul power, The Bamboos.
Now I do have a problem with fools who take the name of Funk in vain ('its a funky little car', 'this is a funky workplace', 'Fat Boy Slim is fantastic').

Funk is not just music it's a feeling, an attitude, a sight and an energy.

Syl was the real deal and The Bamboos were good enough to beat the Dap Kings in a straight funk shoot out. What I enjoyed most about this gig was the energy that the room and the band and especially Syl generated. I mounted and grew so that by the end of the show I just wanted it to go on and on. The Bamboos drummer was the key to the energy, that little guy just looked liked he was having the best night of his life!

I've seen some okay funk and I've seen some average funk. Part of the problem for this genre is the sound of a live performance. It has to be both loud, powerful and at the same time subtle. The Bamboos incorporate a horn section and from the get go those guys had a crisp, clear and tuned sound. That is very hard for horns to be able to do, unless the player has prepared but also knows his instrument and what it can and can't do. The bassist, was good, he knew his job and drove the line, working with the drummer while the guitarist and keyboard hit the spotlights. They were a tight team, capable of true original innovation in leads and improvisation. Something that is again very difficult to do well, unless you know your instrument.

Syl himself looked and sounded very excited to be in town. I confess to not knowing too much about him prior to the gig, but hopes were raised when he came out with a Gibson ES-335 (and identified it as such). When he did play on it he showed his blues roots and carved out two great solo's on the Magic Sam standards, 'Sweet Home Chicago' and 'All your Love' (both of which I am told scored kicks of maniac approval from my child).

All in all it was a worthwhile and funky investment in the tickets and a good thing too, we found out that by the end of the night there were at least 200 people who could not join in the music.
So Bubbas, keep your ears and eyes out for The Bamboos in the future...

Allow me to retort

After my previous post about 'Man Childs', a learned article in defence of comics...
[HERE]

Owwiees

My head hurts. This afternoon I got a headache and it just will not go away.
I got this thing it seems that whenever there is a sudden change in air pressure (I think thats how the Doc described it) I get a headache.

Thankfully I don't get the migranes I used to get. But this is still a bummer, sort of a dizziness and nausea and headache all rolled into one.

Which sounds a lot like a hangover. But it isn't.

A Movie Review

So I've been following the Battlestar Galactica series by plot description on Wikipedia (because a: Downloading copies is illegal and really hard to work out as Google doesn't give very good links, b: its illegal and I wouldn't steal a handbag from a lady or her car or shoptlift a car and put a handbag it and frame a midget for the crime..... Sorry got a bit distracted)

Anyway, as you may know I am a fan of the Funny or Die website. The guys behind this cavalcade of hilarity made a movie called Step Brothers and I just watched it.
Funny ass sh*t.

Multiple ninja stars *************************************x10

Its got Wookie masks, helicopter's, men enjoying the wholesome companionship of Steven Segal movies. The fact that the majority of the dialogue was improvised is clear. But it is also the the fact that they are both 40 year old men living like adolescents that plays so very well.

(Imagine I'm sitting in a wood panelled room, I'm wearing a tweed jacket and I've just finished knocking the ash out of pipe.)

Me; I know a fair number of men like those two. Guys who have lost their way and who have become a Peter Pan, if you will.

You(played by someone else); Is there anyone in particular your referring too?

Me; You see, having an imagination is important. But an adult will use their creativity in different, more constructive ways than a Man Child.

You; Oh man, I don't like the tone of your voice. It sounds very judgemental. You better not be about to bad mouth Neil Gaiman or fu*king Vampires and Shi*t.

Me; Oh I'm going there, my friend.

You; You're not my friend!!

[scene ends]

Not sure where I was going with that.
So in conclusion, watch Step Brothers, there are valuable lessons for us all in this movie.

A simple plan

Well Bubbas, there is a simple plan at work here. Its a numbers game and a waiting game all in one.
I'm going to be a dad (later this year).

I've held off making an announcement on the blog for a couple of reasons. Firstly I wanted to tell people in person and secondly it was a question of just what kind of things I share with you. For example I don't discuss my work, full stop. Thats one of my rules. Also, I don't discuss people by their actual names (just in case I change my mind at a later date).
But this is wonderful news and it will change who I am. Which means my audience should probably know about this momentous, life changing event.

When I started Bubbajay it was a spin off from a blog that Hix had set up for the friends from Uni. The Hix blog fell over after a few months, people weren't contributing or whatever. But I found I enjoyed the experience and just started writing about little things in my life on my own. Well this is a big thing and its happening around May.

It also means that Bub will one day have the chance to read about my life pre-them. What will they think I wonder? Will they wonder about the places I've been? Will they ask about the people mentioned?
Probably. Maybe. I hope so. I don't know.

The very thought that I will be a dad, and sooner than I dare to think, is exciting beyond awesome even if awesome was a Surfboarding Ninja. I feel humbled and excitied and proud all at the same time.

Optimus Prime

Well Bubba's it is hot down here in Melbourne. I mean a week of 40C+ temperatures is hot in anyone's language. Right now I'm drinking a beer and sweating my arse off listening to John Mayer.
So I saw this at VideoGum and I love the voice over, hope you do too...

The Bart, The

I fracking hate Microsoft applications (as a user).
This article (LINK) is old news already, but it does have some links to ghastly/good mash ups of the Beastie Boys 'Intergalatic'.

I also enjoyed the quote from VideoGum 'It’s like Microsoft found some kind of home-schooling Christian commune in the woods and hired them to make their commercial'.

A sad day for Art Fans

Tony Hart has passed away and I am poorer for the loss (LINK).

Colours, painting, drawing, fun with shapes. As a young lad I loved Vision On (the little bouncy creature in the opening animation) it was wonderful and vivid and alive.
It was part of TV that had an innocence of focus groups and marketing departments. My brother and I would watch it in the afternoons before 'After School' came on. Its reminds me of the same simple and glorious eccentricity of 'Sesame Street' from the same period (the late '70's).

My artistic ability is not great, but I never felt crap watching Tony Hart. I appreciated what he could do and it made me enjoy my efforts.
Vale Tony Hart.

Straya Day

The latest message from Sam regarding bbq's this weekend is up (HERE) not as much fun as the 07 message, but still pretty good!!
2008 Here
2007 Here
2006 Here
2005 Here

Vote for your favourite!!
Should also point out Evie is a vego.

This is a fun tool

Every now and again the internets gives us something actually useful. By that I mean something useful for me. Wordle (LINK) will take text, quickly count the recurrence of words then display them in a 'Word Cloud'.
Why is this useful? For what I do it means I can write a series of documents around a theme, plug the text into wordle and see how prominently those words appear. It is a useful indication of how numerous the dog whistles are.
Have a play for yourself. Perhaps you are an unhinged teacher and wanted to see themes from a compare and contrast essay? perhaps you bored enough to plug in the Gospel of St John or Othello or that crappy script you've been working on?

Here's one I did earlier LINK

First one for the year

Thought I'd start off the 09 season of occasional music goodies early. This song is by a French outfit called Phoenix. You have probably heard this track before (I hope).
What catches my ear with this one is the rhythm and timing of the lyrics. When you listen to the introduction there is this lovely disco-esq guitar and high hat (which is actually the bridge for the chorus). As soon as the first verse starts the guitar drops back for the vocals. So the rhythm in essence remains the same but the phrasing of the lyrics is what to listen out for, its just after the beat (with the chorus the phrasing is on the beat as usual). It gives the song a wonderful manic quality, as if the singer is trying to keep up with the song.
Anyway, Phoenix is a one hit wonder to enjoy in years to come at retro nights...

Not a Positive Experience

This is actually happened (LINK) and the possibility of it has been in my mind ever since I first got on a chair lift. But from my perspective, hopping off a chair lift was for the purposes of bombing in on a run.
How the hell did this guy manage it...?!?

2008 Clip Show

And now onto the wondrous new year that will be 2009.
Are there any highlights for you? any goals to meet or exceed? will you be happy to have just taken part?
Upon review of my goals from last year;

1. Travel to Europe
2. Appear in Community Theatre

I can say without hesitation that I made some progress toward goal one (I began studying French) but in the end, it is fair to say, that I did not go to Europe. In fact it is fair to say that there will be no trips in that direction for a least a year or two.
With regards to the second goal, it did not happen at all. In all honesty by the time I had gotten to grips with the year and all the activities I undertook, number 2 was not going to happen. Just not enough hours in the day.

So despite missing both my stated goals by a wide margin, in my opinion 2008 was a great year!! Worthy of a review of some of the highlights;

• Started the year with a new life and with a lot of optimism.
• Had some major car troubles but they were sorted out by February
• Met a wonderful person
• Had a lot of travel which is always good for a Gemini
• Played a lot of soccer (and scored some awesome goals)
  
• Made some new friends
• Did a lot of Radio with Artsound (on some weeks I was on air Mon, Tues, Fri)
• Went Skiing for the first time in 5 years. This is a huge personal achievement, I love skiing, I love the snow and mountains. For 5 years I was in a situation were all of this joy and happiness was shut off from me and it is just simply wonderful to be able to connect with this passion once more.
• Learnt French. Its been fantastic to have challenged the brain in this way. Its like going to a brain gym and getting super buff super quick. I thoroughly recommend it as a course of action for anyone.
• Discovered the pretty little country world of Bright in Northern Victoria.
• Helped to win a State Election (in my own small way)
• Went 12 months without a television
• Read a lot of wonderful books
• Listened to a lot of fantastic music
• Moved interstate
  
• And finally I can say that I had a whole lot of fun.

Well I am highly confident that this year ahead is going to special in an amazing way. I won't go into detail just yet, suffice to say 2009 is going to be a hard one to top!!
All the best everybody, lets make 2009 the best we can for us all!!

Thats it for 2008

Well almost in a few days time it will be. Until then have a wonderful and most importantly a safe Christmas and a happy New Year.

What will 2009 hold for us? Bare in mind that we are now only 3 years away from 2012 the so called end, according to the Mayan calender. Will 2009 have any portents? What signs should we watch for?

• The CERN LHC has not yet destroyed the planet, nor the solar system. Probably helped by the fact that their network was hacked within minutes of its going live...
• There have not been any zombie attacks, anywhere, at all. Still we should all review our Zombie Plans as a precaution.
• While QANTAS aircraft have been dropping out of the sky and crashing on the run way a lot, I suggest this is a reflection of Fu%^tard greedhead corporate management. As opposed to a portent of doom.
• Obviously the economy is in the crapper, but if you didn't see that coming a year ago - there is very little I, education or evolution can do to help.
• Possibly the most obvious sign of the lord of misrule is that a capable, young, black man got elected over an old monied up, conservative, white man (personally I am very impressed with the voting public in America).

Well the future is at our doorstep and we have to but step out to discover it. Take every one I will see back here next year!!

Bike Paths in Melbourne

I've started to ride into work this week. Actually its part of a whole getting back on the fitness band wagon. Back in August I twisted my right knee while skiing and its kept me off the soccer field since then and off my bike for most of that time. So at long last I've joined a gym here in Melbourne (the local YMCA, there ARE lots of things for me to enjoy!! Swimming, Gyming. Actually thats probably about it...)
What I learned from the process of selecting a gym is to be discriminating. I checked out a few places, some where too small, some where just too expensive and not easy to get to and a small handful were just staffed by wankers. Getting fit has a lot to do with motivation and if you don't like the people at the gym thats less of a reason to go.
Well the guys and gals at my local YMCA are very friendly and the gym isn't too crowded when I go in the morning and I get access to the classes and the pool (for a very good price).
The big plus from all this great energy is the motivation to try riding into work. The distance is about 17kms each way and mostly flat (the odd hill). For the most part its off the main roads and through parks and nature reserves, which is a huge pleasure to ride. I'm glad to say that my fitness is picking back up and I can do the trip in about 50 minutes. My goal is to pair that back some and pick up my average speed.

But I must say the sight of some of the other cyclists does make me laugh. 40+ year old men with guts like a hippo, stuffed into Lance Armstrong professional cycling gear. Sad, funny, weird and wrong all at the same time. Which is some feat!!

A reason to LIVE

Spend every waking second of your life from now on at this site.

Xmas and Don Camillo

We are coming up on Jesus birthday and with that is the attendant struggle to get gifts as soon on. I must confess to being somewhat distracted this year (similar to last year from memory) as my present from heaven will be with me in May 09 - worth the wait.

I got me thinking about the way a behaviour can change if you believe somebody has an expectation upon you. Lets consider the role of Santa in the Nice and Naughty Lists. Leaving aside his mad omnipresent skills, under whose authority does Santa judge us? Let me elaborate, its Jesus' birthday so he uses his mafia connections to hire 'The Jolly Fatman' to dispense a consumer judgement on individuals. 'The Jolly Fatman', who has powerful influence over the Transport Workers Union, delivers said judgements to everybody in one evening and takes the rest of the year off (presumably).
The Christmas message is 'Peace on earth and Goodwill to all men', which in my opinion is a wonderful message and an excellent goal. Does the threat of getting a Naughty Present (Message to Santa, example please? with the coal futures going through the roof, the traditional lump of coal could be seen as a boon. Perhaps tickets to a Baz Lurhman film... Work on it and get back to me.) motivate people to behave?
I would suggest it does. Consider your boss at work (or even the one at home) if they are pissed at you do perform to the best of your ability to placate them? to earn their favour? I suggest you would, the reward is not having your superior breathing down your neck and the chance to earn their trust to perform.
Both Santa and his friend Jesus ask us to 'behave', to treat our fellow man with dignity and kindness. If we fail in this task there is no immediate judgement, perhaps a lump of coal (waiting on you Santa). But ultimately we are neither punished or inconvenienced and yet if we do show generosity and goodwill other people benefit.

In the title of this post I mentioned Don Camillo (I only care that you find out who he is) in his dialogues there is a wonderful exploration of the theme of virtue and our place in the community. This year consider your community, consider your family. Consider what you've done for other people.
I propose that Christmas can be a reflective period, not just about shopping and pavlova and beer. Perhaps that is what Santa is after as a return on his investment on shipping and logistics...

Yummy!!

Apparently this is an actual book.

How would you tell people where you got the recipes from...?
It like going over to your friends house to play with his wii.

He's Back!!

Spaceman Jack is back in Blog world!!
Check out his stuff HERE

Straya! The Movie

Australia has an almost universal lack of self criticism when it comes to the arts. Its something of a blind spot. Now I use the word criticism in its professional sense, people who are trained to make judgments about the merit of a work. Now I can say that if there was ever a skill that I have been trained professionally for it is literary criticism, one of my majors is English Lit. So while I rarely exercise the muscles of my critical faculty in the public space (my movie reviews are hardly exhaustive) I do have a feel for the value of calling a spade a good spade or a Baz Luhrmans film unwatchable shit.
I was prompted to examine the failure of arts criticism by (ironically) an English rock journo writing in the Australian edition of Rolling Stone. His observation was that there is NO criticism of useful construction in the Australian music scene. every so called critic must gush over the sacred cows, no one is allowed to say this band is actually mediocre or that band is quite shit. He sited the examples of Powderfinger and Silverchair the Triple J wunderkinds.
To criticise these bands negatively is to perpetuate the tall poppy syndrome. In fact to criticise any mainstream art in Australia is to be guilty of tall poppy or heaven forbid unAustralian!!!
It is worth noting that the three major media outlets in Australia News Corp, PBL and Fairfax control the publication of almost everything that is read, heard or watched. They have a vested interest in selling units, so negative publicity (in any form) is unacceptable.
This has a damming effect on the ability of the public to spot the naked emperor.

Baz Luhrmans new movie 'Australia' is out in cinemas at the moment. I won't be going to see it. I can say in all honesty that I'm not a Baz fan, I don't like his style of movie making and do not enjoy watching Nicole Kidman. The public have been feed several rumours about the movie, that its over budget, that the 'script' was written on the fly and that the final print was completed within hours of the premier. Perhaps some of these juicy rumours are true, perhaps all, perhaps none. But what is true is the gamble the Australian Tourism board is taking in promoting the movie 'Australia' to promote Australia the country.
Australia is secretly very ashamed that one of the most iconic of Australian films is 'Crocodile Dundee' and not 'Strictly Ballroom' or 'Two Hands' etc I'm not, I liked Croc Dundee and I enjoy Paul Hogan.

So you may hear a lot of gushing reviews for 'Australia' the movie. Please bear in mind the unstated vested interests of the media outlets to push and promote attendance in this film. It is estimated that 1/3 of all Australians will need to see it at least once for it to break even. To me that sounds like Baz is pushing for public investment in his vision. Tough break, if you wanted my money make a film about Hobbits or ninjas or god forbid Henry Lawson.

Just don't use Nicole Kidman.

Bondy!!

Saw 'Quantum of Solace' yesterday, the first film I've seen since moving down to Melby town and it was a cracker.
I have been somewhat let down by the previous studio brand movies that I've seen this year (in fact this is true for a large number of films full stop). This latest episode in the Bond franchise picks up just where the last one left off, literally.
So as is my usual way I will not bore you with the plot, go and see it for yourself.
What I will comment on and what impressed me was the acting and the nice little references to past Bond films. But I have to say that I was very impressed, very impressed indeed, by the continuity of the two films. This is given that there are two different directors at work. Have to say I was suspicious as to how well that would work from a visual perspective.
Would there be a change in style etc. Well as this film does have a separate theme to the previous (despite the continuity) the pace and pathos is different. But its different in a manner that befits the development of the Bond character. Which is really what these two films are doing, they are a prologue.

Other things that stuck out in my mind was the gradual revelations about the Quantum organisation (Mr White, Mr Greene (tres Reservior Dogs)). The 'asymmetrical' nature of it all. I think Quantum is a worthy interpretation of SMERSH and Spectre.

I give 'Quantum of Solace' and large number of ninja stars and bowler hats.
^^^^^**********

Meetings, old people and rules

Last night was the AGM for the radio station I'm volunteering at. I had some time up my sleeve so I thought I'd drop by and see the differences between ArtSound and 3MBS. The biggest difference that I could tell was the docility of the 3MBS AGM. At ArtSound you get foolish ex (or soon to be retired)public servants with too much time on their hands thinking their Rumpole of the Bailey talking FOR EVER ABOUT NOTHING.
Its the principle reason why I did not get involved in the 'back office' part of ArtSound. I would never have been able to work with the people who were treating the station as an emotional investment, that no one would ever truly 'get' and therefore remain outside of the true spirit of the station...
(Sounds a little melodramatic I know, but pretty bloody accurate. I sat in a meeting to discuss the Radiothon earlier this year, over 40 minutes was taken up by one person heaving and emoting that they did all the work last year, no one helped them and all the new ideas a stupid because the committee (there is always a committee for anything in Canberra) reported on all the stupid ideas you are thinking about right now. I made it to two meetings, realised the barrier to success was personality, weighed up the amount of free time and care I had and never went back to another meeting.)(also worth noting that the committee was comprised of the same people year in year out representing a somewhat limited world view for entertaining new ideas.)
3MBS was different at least in that respect. It was quieter for a start, no body grandstanded (except one retired accountant desperately starved for attention) and for the most part the station president did a very good job of steering the meeting.

Interesting comparison between the caliber of volunteers and both stations.

Global Money

A lot of talk is 'out there' at the moment about the current economic situation. Several countries have declared a recession, pundits are crying doom, gloom etc...

There has been some discussion about Greed Sickness amongst the stock market types and even amongst the Dumb Poor who get convinced they need larger tv's, better back yards and more DVD's (as opposed to books).

My corporate experience was early this year, my boss at the time (someone who just did not 'get' the market he was working with). We had a contract in place with our major customer that had a clause permitting a price increase in line with the Bureau of Statistics indicies. The issue was we had a monopoly market, the customer resented buying the product from us and wanted a whole raft of improvements. My boss's plan, push through the price increase - because we can, its in the contract.

Whenever I get information relating to the current woes and dramas I'm reminded of the conversations I had explaining why that was not a good idea. Problem is the customer couldn't go anywhere else, we had a monopoly. So in that sense there was no way the company could lose (in terms of units sold).
But there was a cost, in the terms of the big picture, a larger deal we had been chasing started to show signs of failing. Key stakeholders heard about what the company had done and began foiling the deal.

I left soon afterward for a whole raft of reasons. But I've kept this experience in mind. There was no need or value in pursuing the short term gains versus the long term effects on the relationship with the customer. It was an exercise in corporate greed.

Buddy Movie Idea

Here's a pitch its a buddy movie/road trip, add a dash of one or two musical numbers.
Elvis and Jesus.
It traces their rise from obscurity as a techno pop duo to the heights of fame in Las Vegas and then the inevitable decline...
(Jesus is the reclusive one)

Update

So after 10 years of living in Canberra I've moved to Melbourne.
I've loved living in Canberra and being part of the local community. I've loved knowing my way around it and having a group of people there who I know.
But the time has come for me to move on.
In ever situation in life there must usually be a compelling reason to perform an action. In my case the reason was a wonderful one and helped to resolve a lot of issues I'd been trying to deal with.

So I'll now be blogging about my goings on from a new city!!

Learning to live without...

I've spent the past 12 months without a television in my house. Which is not to say that I've been without DVD's (watch 'em on my laptop). But it is to say that I've avoided for the most part 12 months of free to air television.
Guess what I learned;
* TV rarely if ever has anything worth the time you invest in it to watch
* If you get rid of your TV it will enable you to have conversations
* You'll also get out the house and into your community more often

and most importantly
* I can honestly say that I did not miss out on a thing

I would encourage everybody to try a week without TV, trust me you won't miss it. By all means watch DVD's to your hearts content, but I suggest you plan doing stuff other than TV watching. Its easier than you think.

Frank Lloyd Wright called the TV 'an ugly piece of furniture' and I agree. Television has become so dumbed down, so pandering to the lowest intellectual percentile that it and I have nothing in common. TV in Australia is terrible, the shows are god awful and force truly mindless drivel in our faces. It reduces the daily syntax, it celebrates presenters of mediocre talent and ability (because they are typical of the audience watching them) and it offends me with its banality and irrelevance.
Further more TV is becoming less and less vital in a world dominated by the internet. With TV you have to watch what they want, when they want. With the internet I can browse, surf, explore and watch what I want, when I want. I can also check my emails, interact with people (to some extent) and more and more importantly I can do so from almost anywhere in the world.

I predict an end to TV as we know it. I predict an end to liner broadcasting. But with most things in life it will not be long before that lower intellectual percentile of the population is on line and then the whole process will be slowed down for them. It will be the final victory of the Bell Curve.

Until then I urge all of you who are smarter than TV to find higher ground before the idiots adopt the internet. That higher ground is in your community, its in your local arts, its in sharing food and conversation, perhaps its in playing a sport or reading a book or listening to the radio.
But it is not in the passive consumption of a medium whose intellectual value is becoming more and more diminished.

Good or Profitable

Today I had a lunch meeting with a sister station to ArtSound here in Melbourne (more on that later). As we talked what struck me was the theme of good versus profitable in the arts. A few years ago I read a very excellent article in the New York Review of Books by Norman Mailer. Norman (I call him that in private) was reviewing the latest Tom Wolfe novel (I forget which one) but he was doing so in the context of the elusive 'Great American Novel'. In this context he examined possible contenders for this title, not in the traditional sense of setting or content (ie 'The naked and the dead' may be discounted by some judges as the majority of action takes place outside of America)(while others would argue about the internal country that is taken with each of the characters) but instead the sense of success.

In doing so he admits in opening a Pandora's box of complexity and issues colouring the definition and recognition of success. Norman suggested there were two ways to measure success; either by the quality of the work or financial return from the work. So by way of illustration we could say JK Rowling is a successful author, in the sense that her books have made richer than the Queen of England. But does that mean her work will be held in high regard in a 100 years time? Are they actually held in high regard now? What if JK Rowling wrote something else how would that measure in terms of units sold to Harry Potter?

So in todays terms a successful writer is not necessarily a writer with an outstanding talent or ability, it may probably just be someone who can sell units.
Myself I don't agree completely with Mr Mailers assessment or his definitions. I think maybe there is room for both. In fact to the best of my knowledge the so called masters of English literature from previous centuries were all pro-capitalism and would have or did happily 'sell out'.

But the conversation I had at lunch was in terms of community radio and the quality of presenters on board. So in a way we were discussing improving the caliber of presenters, but doing so in order to gain more funding or sponsorship. So its an interesting question, if there is a balance to be found between commercial success and professional success - what are the ratios?

Reconstruction

Well Bubbas, its that time again - moving time!!
I'm currently boxing up my flat and getting ready to move down to Melbourne (from whence I came 10 years ago). I love Canberra, its been wonderful living here.

But I digress, this is not a sentimental look back at the past a 'montage/clip-show'. No this is about the phenomenon of drinking beer at one of those Belgium cafes. You'll have seen them around fo' sho'. They have that very 'clean' look that all the franchise pubs in the entire universe have.
Even the floor gets cleaned, once a day, every day even if it wants it or not. Thats the kind of clean we're talking. In fact while I'm thinking about it, I noticed the decline in ACTUAL PROPER PUBS in Melbourne. Time was I could stroll down my local, get a beer, burger and chips and sit in the sun smoking (in the days when I used to) and reading an awesome Len Deighton novel. All the while chatting away with the locals and maybe have time to fit a game of pool or two in. I judged pubs by the friendliness of the staff and clientele. I judged them by the simplicity of the pub food, when I order a burger and chips... THATS WHAT I F*&KING WANT. I do not want it sissied up with a f&*king salad. At any time, at all, ever.
For the love of Jebus, this is a pub, why the f*(K would I want a salad. AC/DC on the juke box? YES, a level pool table? YES 10 kinds of sport on the tv? YES. I do not want a F*&KING salad.
It pisses me off even more when they inflate to price of the meal to cover the cost of the salad...

So in brief, the culture of pubs is in decline and I blame dickheads and the corporate franchise system (ps east shit and die Starbucks. pps I believe the 'free' wireless internet at many of the former cess pit locations is still active - check it out for FREE internets!!)
So before I get carried away, re pubs in Melbourne let me finish what I began re the Belgium (TM) in Kingston (a comfortable staggering distance from my place)(well at least for the next few days). A buddy of mine is expecting his second chils this weekend - so we decided to focus on me and my leaving town.
When we got into the pub it was daylight and league grand final was on. At some point we left and it was dark. And I can't recall too much in between...
You see the beers at the Belgium pub have an average alcohol level of 9%. It's as if the law in Belgium decrees pubs can only be open between the hours of 5.30pm and 7.30pm. So while you can't drink as much, they'll make sure you get the same effect for only a few beers.
I don't think I felt perfectly well again until yesterday...

I'll miss many things about Canberra, but I am looking forward to Melbourne. Its the right time for me to move and I know I'm going in the right direction. Also I'm hoping that somewhere, hidden away from sight and wankers is an actual old timey pub. The kind of joint that will do a burger and chips just the way i like it.

Worth keeping in perspective

Headline

How about this for a titillating headline (I saw it on Yahoo news)
'Tomato hair explains human resistance'

I mean as an opening line to a sci fi story about aliens trying to conquer earth... brilliant. Or maybe there is a talking tomato with very well spoken hair...
Or maybe human resistance is the subject here, resistance to what? or whom? and why tomato's?!?!?!
Questions, Questions...

Wine, bikes and freaky country towns

I have a cold or maybe its hay fever, I can't tell EXACTLY which.
But that does not stop me from having fun.

On Friday I got into a car with some buddies of mine and headed off to sunny Rutherglen. It was all in a good cause, wine drinking and bicycling. In fact I recall doing something very similar about a year ago...

So anyway, I was suffering from a sore throat/cold combination thing but was dealing with it through the powers of modern medical science (I may have been sitting in a spa gargling whiskey until one in the morning...). I was feeling on top of my game!

So I slept for most of the 5 hour drive, pausing only to have a pitstop and somewhere called Tarcutta (swear to god, its about 30 people and goat)(and a pub) and somewhere else called Holbrook (its got a submarine parked in the middle of the town. It really has).

We got into town around 6pm or so (having left Canberra after lunch) and settled in. There was a get together with the rest of the participants at a pub, so after discovering I had left my toothbrush, saving kit and deodorant in Canberra; I figured I may as well have a beer.
Interesting fact, cold and flu tablets don't necessarily mix well with beer, gin and tonics and vodka lemon and limes.
I mention this combination because Evie was driving up from Melbourne and arrived to find me in a pub 'smelling of beer' (her words). My friends ofcourse were keen to point out that I had been fretting as to when she would arrive and had, in fact, been drinking to steady my nerves (she didn't buy it...).

The next day saw a strong and persistent headwind for all the cyclists. I myself was unaffected being driving about the country side from winery to winery. It was a grand day all in all. The chance to be out in the open in a new environment, seeing the sights and meeting the locals.

The next day after a sterling breakfast, Evie headed back to Melbourne and I headed back to Canberra. Which brings me to a brief message on the value of sticking to the main roads (they actually get you to where you are going). The Hume highway is undergoing roadworks to double the lanes from about Yass to the border, roughly 400kms odd of works in various stages. People who plan the driving trips may think to themselves; boy howdy - I'd best avoid the highway for fear of being delayed slightly. Whereas I think; ah, the highway, plenty of traffic and places to stop for petrol and lunch.
Some people may even be dumb enough to recommend alternate routes through the back woods and some people may be lured into thinking its a good plan to follow this path.
We did...

2 things to report on this trip, firstly the Hay plains are flat, they are vast and flat and sit on the edge of desert. They are not somewhere I would ever want to be stranded. Secondly, many inland country towns in NSW close on Sunday. I don't mean some of the shops, I mean the entire town CLOSES on a Sunday. We drive into one joint in the middle of nowhere (lets call it Bumblescum) and the entire joint is empty. Its like a scene from a horror movie, totally empty streets with no life moving anywhere. All except one crusty old dude, who is leaving town. This dude is kind enough to inform us that the nearest petrol station is either 50km West or 50km East. Well at least we have a choice.
Thankfully no one ran out of fuel, though it was a close run thing and a 5 hour drive did turn into a 7 hour drive. So what the bloody purpose of avoiding the roadworks was meant to have been = FAIL.

On a positive note, we did have an adventure and really, really great weekend!!

Funny

Every now and again I come across something that is just plain out original and funny. Its a new take or a great concept or its a completely new idea. While I can't say this is a completely new idea, it is still brilliant.
Have a look (LINK)...

Add a little Bruce Dickinson magic!!!

Find an mp3 that you like and go here to improve it.
(LINK)

Too much time

Earlier I blogged about a computer game stealing my valuable free time...

Well there are some people, with too much time on their hands (or maybe not enough?)

Check this out, LINK, the bible translated into LOL Cats speak. Srsly, kthx.

Public Service Announcement

Saw this on Boing Boing, something in it for us all.

Just one more...

I did something over the weekend I have not done for some time. I started playing a computer game.
In previous blogs I have posted about how stupid and repetitive a lot of games are (console and PC) but they do have the ability to draw me in. Well the game I'm playing at the moment is called 'Warhammer 40k, Dark Crusade' or some such. Any how, I got it because of sentimental reasons, this used to be a table top game and I liked collecting the wee army guys. From memory I've only every played a handful of the table top games and yet I've dragged these plastic and lead characters around with me from city to city (I think subconsciously I'm hoping to either a: leave to my future children or b: flog them when they become rare and expensive).

So I digress, this game then is a chance to play with my toys on a computer screen. If you want a summary of the game/game play... two words, Star Craft. I'm playing because I know the back story of the races so well and because of the sentimentality of it all. The little units are beautifully animated, my two favourites are the Basilisk self propelled gun and the Imperial Guard Heavy Weapons unit. Great little animations on the both of them.

But there is a catch, the game play is entirely repetitive: build up your base, defend choke points then tank rush. Although it should be said I am playing it on easy... The other catch is the amount of time its eating up, I didn't get to bed until midnight last night, playing this silly game.
Now I tired with things to do and when I close my eyes I see my heavy bolter squad shredding Chaos marines...

Knee

So now my knee hurts. I did 'something' to it while skiing the other week and it hasn't been quite right since. Sometimes it gets a bit cramped but otherwise its just a bit stiff. Mostly it points to the fact my knee is not in a good shape.

So its an end to soccer and a lot of my weekend, no yoga, no mountain biking. Will have to book in and see the physio next week.

Hope it can be fixed soon, I have a 50km and a 60km bike ride coming up in the next few weeks...

Snow Recap

Well bubbas in the past four weeks I have been skiing every weekend. In fact during this triumphant return to the snow I have been on the mountains more often this season than any time previous (helped by the fact that I have people who love skiing as much as I do around me).
I've been to Perisher twice, Mt Buller once and Mt Hotham. Its been the best season I know of for years. Mt Buller which is normally pretty ordinary is reported on Monday morning a dump of 11cm's overnight (on a base of 120cm)!!! The last time I skied Mt Buller, they were ecstatic with 10cm's across some of the resort.

I figured this weekend just gone was the last for the season. Usually the Spring rain kicks in and Summer begins to stir. Well maybe not, with an average snow base of 1m most of the resorts should be in good condition for a week or two yet. Its good news for the rivers and really good news for the fishing.

As for next year? Well I read this (LINK) and while it could be bad news for some, its good news for next Winter!

From one extreme to the other

Hope that doesn't sound too melodramatic!
I actually mean temperature wise, this evening I'm up in Brisbane and yesterday I was skiing on top of Mt Buller. Mt Buller was -2c and here in lovely Brissy it's 20c!!

Quite a difference indeed.
So I'm sitting here jotting down a few thoughts and enjoying a well earnt break from travel and work.
I've had a lot of late nights and early starts over the last week. So tonite its off to bed at the usual time a bit of a sleep in before kicking off again.
Back home tomorrow night.

Good Fortune from the Sky

As you know I have great friends who care about me and I am grateful to have people like that in my life.
So a bunch of these marvelous people went to snow on the weekend and I was 'encouraged' (read: hassled in a good way) to join them. due to other commitments I couldn't make it until Saturday evening, but Sunday was awesome.
It was my first time back on the snow in about 6 years or so. I have to tell you I was a little nervous (eg will I remember how to; turn, go down the mountain etc). The weather forecast was for blizzard conditions which added somewhat to my nerves.

As we drove up toward Perisher the snow started to drift in, fine and powdery. The sky was overcast and periodically the wind shifted and whited out the road ahead. By the time we reached the car park (did I mention I was driving?) I was happy to say the poor visibility would make it harder for people to see how bad I was...

Turns out I need not have worried. After an hour it was like I'd never been away. The first run was a little unsteady, but I found my balance soon enough and by the afternoon was totally owning the back country runs. I managed about 6 or so hours before the legs started to give out and my knees started to protest (wussy knees!).

But the weather!! The whole day was semi-blizzard conditions. It was dumping powder the whole time we were there. As an example after lunch, runs that were carved up had been smoothed over by the wind and the fresh snow. It was incredible!!
The only downside was freezing my arse off as we went up the chair lifts. Not fun having snow blasted into your face, especially when the lift stops.

It was a great confidence builder for the mammoth 3 days to come up at Mt Hotham!!
Thanks again to the Rebecca's for motivating my butt onto the snow!!

Is good, Yes?!?

I was not a fan of 'Buffy the vampire etc etc', can't say I've ever seen more than a couple of episodes. Never really got into it, never had the time.
Did like Firefly though.

Well I was reading in the news about a project Joss Whedon undertook during the recent Writers Guild strike. Entitled 'Dr Horribles Sing-a-long Blog' it features some very familiar faces.
I think its fun, good old fashioned fun at that (pity its such a good idea, otherwise it would make an excellent 48 Hour Film entry). Does get weird toward the end though...

Enjoy LINK

An odd thng happened on the way to the snow...

I'm off to Mt Hotham on the 15th for my first return to the snow in 6 years. So I needed to get some new ski pants, the last pair being a little snug around the waist as I recall.
So I wandered into a store and as per my policy of buying from people who are courteous, I bought a pair of pants. So I'm there trying them out and this old guy wanders into the store and starts paying out on the young guys there for not buying his honey. He goes to town on them, thick east European accent and all.
One of them relents and pays $5 for a jar of fresh honey.

I had a slight moment of indecision as to whether or not to change out of my pants... Anyway I have sitting next to be a jar of very delicious honey.
My other rule for shopping is to always buy from good salesmen, whatever it is they are selling...

Its good to score

Goals I mean, why what did you think?
At soccer this morning laid in 2 mighty shots to help us to a 5-1 VICTORY. I think its only the second game we've won this season!!
Its a great league, we just play for fun and the chance to be outside.
But I do have to say the first goal was a surprise, it was 5 minutes into the first half and I gave a half hearted tap toward to the goal. The ball wasn't going all that fast and the keeper just watched it roll toward him. Perhaps he thought, as I did, that I had missed. The ball rolled right past him and into the back of the net...

Then it seemed the goal gates just opened. We played with confidence and vigour, my next goal came of my left foot, so I'm even more awesome than before for that.
All in all, a good game.

Sighing of the waves of a retreating sea...

Fads come and go. There is a whole field of psychology devoted to the study of fads and popular movements. They spring up for the oddest reasons and burn bright (but not always clear) across the peoples consciousness.
But this is good news (LINK) I have never liked these stores for the simple reason that good coffee is plentiful and can be served with courtesy and charm, not plastic service and bored teenagers.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

New Batman Movie

Have to say it, didn't think it was that great.
Batman really looked like a total tool running about with his cape and 'put on' gravelly voice. Sure the Joker was well played by Heath. Personally I just thank goodness this will be the role he is remembered for, an evil clown with a make up fetish and not for touching another cowboys bottom.
The movie just seems to go on and on. If you've seen Heat and Dog Day Afternoon (and Lethal Weapon (any of them)), do yourself a big fat favour and spend your money on chocolate (seriously, the really good stuff). It'll be just as sugary and afterward you'll regret having eaten so much, but the good news - within 30 hours not a trace will be left and you'll be clean again.

Its not that the new Batman film wasn't 'competent' its just... well frankly I just didn't care about a single person in the film. Jim Gordon looked harrased and put upon the whole 3 hours (note to Greater Union, please play better trailers next time). The Harvey Dent charater, well he's like Two Face for 3 minutes, so whatever...
The others did not make an impression on me, except the reporter. At first I thought he was the kid from Silver Spoons, turns out he's the kid from 'Weird Science' - Awesome!! Also liked the bank manager, he does creepy guys REALLY well (ie the weird cop from GO!).

The movie did nothing for me and once again I feel jipped by a Hollywood blockbuster. Perhaps Quantum of Solace will restore my faith in overblown, unimaginative studio grind.

Batman: The Dark Knight
Rating - One Ninja Star and One question mark: *?

It has taken me a while

You must all go now to 'Funny or Die' (LINK) immediately.
I've been very remiss in posting a link to this site.

If you don't like it, well then sorry my friend I don't believe we can hang out anymore. as a test of our friendship watch this video and laugh, unless you hate kittens.

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

Another Great Song

This is the last 'official' single from the Smashing Pumpkins. While they were undoubtedly an incredibly pretentious group, they did have a certain zeitergiest sound that captured the mid nineties very well.
I like this 'final/fairwell' single for the blend of acoustic and electric guitars along with the high whining solo at the end. There is also a wonderful sensation of leaving captured by this track. Have a listen and let me know what you think.

An interesting Interview

Found this short interview with Chuck Palahnuik (link).
What I found interesting (and why I am sharing it) is the description of the creative process. Chuck works with a writers group, reads aloud his works in progress and claims to spend time in hospital waiting rooms to work.

I would have to say a hospital waiting room does not leap out at me as the most obvious choice for inspiration. But I do agree that certain locations are more conducive to the writing process. For me, its airports. Doesn't seem to matter which airport, but I always make a point of traveling with a note pad, scribbling down thoughts and ideas. Perhaps it the because my phone is off and traveling for me (I'm usually on business and going solo) is a shuttle between office, hotel and airport. Usually the airport departure lounge is my only space where I'm not distracted, I don't have to be anywhere else and for a few minutes I'm 'off the grid' as the saying goes.
I can collect my thoughts and ideas.

So my question for the Bubba's out there, literary or otherwise, do you have a creative zone? Is a mind state or building or a time of year?

Props from radio land

Did the drive show yesterday, theres always a lot going on during this slot. 2 competitions, lots of phoning in etc etc.
There are things I like about the show and things that bug me, but I won't get distracted just yet.
The purpose of the Drive show is to guide people into the weekend, so as I do with my Friday World Vibe show my aim is to uplift spirits. To do this I aim for 'happy' or lighter pieces for the audience. As a rule I don't play a lot of 'classical' tracks, there's is enough of that genre on the airwaves (dedicated Classic FM on the ABC franchise, for example). Though some Rossini et al does make it through on occasion.

I focus on jazz (by which I mean good jazz), folk (ibid) funk, soul and a heavy serve of World Music. The result, well yesterday I got phone calls from first time listeners saying they loved the music and would become members of the station because of what they heard!!!
Thats why I love doing what I do and thats why stations that have the tag 'greater variety' really bug me for the lying snow job artists they are.

Global Funk

I tell you whut Bubbas, sometimes after a great radio show you feel... well you feel pretty bloody great!
Tonite I filled in for the World Vibe presenter (MIA with lurgie). It was all last minute, some accuse me of being unable to say NO to the station. But truth be told I just love being able to get behind the mic and spin the tunes I want. So its rarely an imposition.
Well it was all a bit last minute for tonites show, but I found a whole bunch of tracks I've been searching for ages for (Angelique Kidjo, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Geraldo Pino and the Heartbeats). The whole show just came together and an hour just seemed hardly enough time.
Perhaps I was enjoying myself too much :)

Sore legs

I've restarted my cardio exercise routines. This wintery weather has begun to make me a little doughy, must be the cooler temperatures. So my plan is to keep up the bike riding in the evenings and try and make it to as many of my 3 weekend soccer games as I can.

My start this week has been good, so far I've been riding about 15kms regularly and played yesterday and today (no goals so far!!).
Not feeling too sore so far...

Soulsville USA

'You'll never get what you want if you don't ask for it.'

I had the chance to see a free concert on Sunday. Deano rang me and told me about the Stax Music Academy (part of the Soulsville Foundation). A wonderful bunch of kids who are mentored by the venerable Stax Records people. The sound at the concert wasn't the best it could be, but the energy of the kids was fantastic!!

So the concert finishes and Deano and I are heading out to the car park. And I get this thought, why don't I go back stage and ask for an interview? Its one of thoughts that come with a 'you'll regret it if you don't' feeling.
So I went backstage, introduced myself to the CEO of the academy and got an interview!!

I'll post some of the interview in a later blog, but let me say it was a wonderful experience to talk with the CEO and some of the kids. I even got a free t-shirt for my efforts!!
But it reminded me that its not possible to get what you want out of life if you don't ask for it.

Some advice for farmers

A song heard on the radio yesterday;

"Ladies, save a horse - ride a cowboy"

Something there for all of us...

Driving

I tell you whut, there is nothing I like better than a long drive. Road trips are a real turn on for me. Packing the car, forgetting stuff, hot jams on the stereo, booking last minute accomodation - to me its all good.
And it helps that I live on one of the most sparsely populated continents in the world (Antarctica being the other).

For me its the thrill of the open road, its watching the country zoom by and most of all its doing it while other people are at work. Perhaps its a Gemini thing but give me a full tank of petrol and point in a compass direction and I am as happy as a pig in mud.
Take yesterday, drove to and from Sydney, now for me thats a 6 or 7 hour round trip (allowing for traffic at either end) and I know that road extremely well. In my mind I can replay each kilometer quite clearly. The changes in the light during the different times of the day and the different seasons. I know almost all of the little towns along the way. They each have their own character and charm, I love the little village atmospheres.
What I also enjoy is cruising through the radio channels for local stations. In one section (about 50 kms south of Mittagong up to about 20kms north of Bowral) is a community radio station with focus solely on Country music in 'all its genres'. Here was I thinking there are only 2.

The longest continual drive I've managed (to date) is 800kms in one day is the Barossa Valley SA to Canberra, 18 hours. I've driven all over the East Coast of Australia, from Melbourne to Cairns and I love it. I'd do it again and more if I had the time. Pack a tent, sleeping bag, some food and the fishing rods.

Conversation

Have a look at this LINK
Its an essay on the art of conversation with regards to middle aged men and women. For the most part to me it seems to fall on the side of women interesting, men boring. It does sight an example of the stimulating conversation one could expect - TOPIC: Lipstick, ref Colour.
You have to be kidding me...

In my opinion the art of conversation is the art of exploring the common interests or unique passions of another person. I love to hear about something that something, that one passion that fires someone up (exception, AFL). To me I am fascinated by getting a glimpse of what makes someone tick. You get to see a part of their inner self.
But to me conversation is also and act of harmony, there are people with which you'll just hit it off, there are people you need to work with and then there are those rare individuals for whom you have nothing in common.
its all about the variety of life and society. I for example can't stand that mock sport AFL. It does nothing for me. But to talk with someone who has a passion for it, well its courteous to listen - you might learn something for the trivia file (probably not, but ...). The trade off, again in my opinion, is that person gets to hear about my thoughts etc. Sometimes this digresses into a dick measuring contest, but usually it can be a great way to try another topic or direction.

I guess what bugs me the most about the perspective of the essay is the decision that somehow a conversation with a women is more stimulating than a conversation with a man. to my mind given the situations described in the essay it would be hard for guys to get a decent conversation. All the situations described are women meeting other women with men in tow. Its not for the benefit of the guy, he's been brought along on a 'play date' with other men.
Ofcourse he shuts up, given the choice between spending free time with your mates or going on a socially orchestrated play date, which would anybody choose?

Perhaps I'm being too cranky. But as someone who gets paid to meet strangers and establish relationships, conversation is an art. An art as important as courtesy and good manners.

Have a read of the essay and decide for yourself.

Thoughts after a game of Soccer

Just played my Sunday game of soccer (the Sat game is on hiatus while French class is on). To be honest while we lost 2 nil, I'm not happy because it was a bit of a dirty match. The guys on the other team were playing aggressively. Making hard tackles on the girls on our team (which is against the spirit of the league) and hard tackles on the boys.
Well they did until I responded by knocking over one of their guys as we both raced for the ball. Ref said it was boderline, but I knew it was deliberate - I knocked the guy off his legs and sent him 2 or 3 feet back. It calmed the match down (which was what I was hoping for and calmed the guys on our side, who were getting ready for a bit of biff).
But it was wrong and I feel bad for reacting.

A New Poll

Have been messing about with the survey/poll system that Blogger uses.
Its been a lot of fun.
But saw this on LOL cats. The ultimate poll question for any household...

Getting back on the Bike

I did two rides over the weekend and I learnt 2 things.
Firstly I learnt that I haven't on my bike for some time and secondly that riding regularly makes a difference.

The first ride was about 28kms and I was shagged by the end of it. I mean the real jelly knees scene and everything. It wasn't all that long ago I would have shrugged off such a ride but then again it wasn't all that long ago I stopped/forgot going for rides.
The good news is my fitness level will return with more practice. Which is going to come in handy for ski season.

A year in the Life

Movie Review; 'Sex and the City'

(featuring special guest star Heather Locklear)

I wish... (come back season 7 all is forgiven) Well this is one franchise that Aaron Spelling couldn't own nor insert his hideously deformed daughter into, you know the one with the deep down awfulness, the kind the doctors just can't get rid of.
Which of course begs the question why there wasn't a Melrose Place movie...

But there is a 'Sex and the City' movie and I think it only fair to insist that any assessment of the merits of the film must incorporate the TV series. Which in turn begs the question why an actual movie and not a telemovie? I don't know the answer, but its here now and we should deal with it.
Heralded as the ultimate chick flick it follows the lives of the 4 main characters, 5 years after the end of the TV series, across 12 months in New York. Truly a year in life movie, which would only work with strong characters. Thankfully a 10 year run on TV has helped to cement the ensemble cast.

So from a guys perspective what is there to like? There are no car chases, no ninjas, explosions, jet planes with rocking soundtracks or Samuel L Jackson. On paper then, this movie is behind the 8 ball (no pool halls either)(plenty of fashionable restaurants and gay chaps though).
But here is what it has a the plus side, really great characters. I like a good movie with strong character development. In this film we don't necessarily see character development per see, but we do see 4 people who the audience have gotten to know very well. I myself have only begun to watch the TV series (who knew?) and already I want to kick Big's arse for his gutless behaviour.
Giving all us handsome dudes everywhere a bad wrap... for shame!

In summary I did enjoy this film, it ended on a note of hope and harmony. I think the journey there was a mixture of strong story lines and perhaps some weaker ones. But you know what, thats okay.

I give Sex and the City 4 ninja stars; ****

ps Went to an early session with my beloved, when we got out of the theatre I was the only guy for about 30 metres past the queue waiting to get in!!!

An Article

Thought you might enjoy this one LINK
Its a rather clever paper looking at gaming in this modern age.
Can corroborate that the new GTA made more money than any 2 blockbusters this year.

Food for thought.

MOVIE Opinion

Saw the new Indiana Jones movie 'Indiana Jones dicks around for an hour and half'.

The long and the short of is, why did he bother to return the crystal skull??? I'll come back to that in a minute, so don't forget that thought.

Indiana Jones is a man who can sustain a lot of damage and keep going. He can be locked up in the trunk of car for hours (lets not forget he can hold his breath underwater for like forever while holding onto a U-Boat) he get smacked about by commies, shot at, fall through windscreens AND survive a nuclear blast.
This is one tough cookie. With an equally tough hat.

So I could go through a plot synopsis, but frankly thats what Wikipedia is for. I'd rather focus on one plot point that has been bugging me. Indiana is tough and resourceful for sure, he finds the crystal skull and some long dead dudes, when no one else can...
So he tries to return the crystal skull before the bad guys (commies) get their hands on it. But having returned the crystal skull, the aliens kill all the bad guys and Indiana (et co) are trapped above a lake in the middle of a hostile jungle filled with man killing ants.

Heres a thought Mr Jones, why not just give the bad guys the skull? They'll probably let you off at a hotel or nearby pub. Then all you'd have to do is wait for the mysterious lights/explosion/ electromagnetic event on the horizon to know nature has taken its course.
Less fist fights, fewer bullets and a much shorter walk back to civilisation.
I mean, just a thought.

So in conclusion, Mr Jones is certainly a good watch, but I think the sequels have never really captured the spirit of the first movie. Having said that I was glad to have spent the money to see it.

3 Ninja Stars; ***

My Spidey Senses are tingling!!!

Boy this month has been a total blur (thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday for last week!!).
I've been up and down the coast (Syd, Mel, Adl, Cnb) and have been super busy the whole time. But I think my body is starting to pack up on me, my stomach has been causing me no end of problems the last couple of days.
Not nausea so much a shit load of acid reflux. I'm calling it stress.

In fact as I write this I am reminded that I should be at French class, but I figure the last thing I need today is getting my arse handed to me again, in another language.
So thats my excuse.

Coming up next: Indiana Jones Movie Review

MOVIE REVIEW

Iron Man by that guy from Swingers (you know Monica's boyfriend from Friends)

Without knowing too much about the comic, I naturally assumed Iron Man was one of the Power Rangers.

Power Rangers wear power ranger outfits and fight unfeasibly large evil robots. Replace the words Power Rangers with Iron Man and I think I've just summerised the entire movie in one sentence.
What was captivating was the guy who played Tony Stark, a shinning light to all those brave, patriotic and handsome people who work in the Defence Industry. May I also say how disappointed I was Jeff 'The Dude' Bridges playing a villainous character who openly flaunted ITARs legislation, selling arms and equipment to badly dressed 'villains'. Shame on you Mr Dude. Bald people everywhere who work in the Defence Industry are hanging their beautiful heads in despair tonite.

But I'm calling like it is.
Iron Man was almost good, I for one would like to have seen more mighty morphing fighting of stuff. He blows up just one tank!! Only one. In the whole film. Why double VC winner Charles Upham did more then that with only a tommy gun and some number 8 fencing fire.
But the worst part was leaving before the credits had finished and missing out on Sam L Jacksons cameo. Roll on DVD I say.

So was it a good film? Yes, I was good. One for the family and dateless nerds alike. Personally I'm looking forward to the 'Sex and the City' movie so we'll see how they stack up against each other.

Iron Man rates 3 ninja Stars ***

Little Victories

Saw Iron Man on Friday, stay tuned for in depth movie review.

There are occasions we we get the chance to learn something new, such as blowing a bubble with chewing gum.
On Sunday, while driving back from the Blue Mountains, I had the great privilege of teach Evie this wonderful skill. All with the help of my favourite flavour of chewing gum, Hubba Bubba blueberry!!

How they Did It

Found this on The Onion, as long as we are on an Olympic Theme...

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