Censor Us

What a show!

2009-07-11T23:30:00.005+10:00

I like to discover new & different things to do around the city. Whether it is exhibition or amateur theatre I don't much mind, but there is nothing like live performance. Tonight we saw a show which was AMAZING! It blew me away like now show has done before. It didn't have elaborate sets or a 'Stella' cast (although the legend Paul Capsis is pretty 'Stella' to me), but it pushed boundaries and was a journey of creative expression towards the role of women.

The Burlesque Hour LEGENDS! presented by Finucane & Smith and fortyfivedownstairs was in the depths of the city. Down and down into the basement of fortyfivedownstairs we travelled to open the door to a spacious area which resembled a Vietnamese theatre circa 1960's.

The woman of the show were in deed stars, however the special guest was Paul Capsis. He always impresses me, but tonight. I have never, never heard, felt, been drawn in by him like this. His talent is mind boggling.

The rest of the show was just a brilliant. I admit that I might have looked too deep for the meaning behind some of the performances, but I got so much out of what was being 'said' or applied at least. The bent and twisted numbers by Moria Finucane were challenging and jaw dropping. The female symbols and stereotypes which she presented in an alternate universe where woman are strong, sexual, sadistic without solace, left me stunned - brilliant.

Favourite moment was Yumi Umiumare as a business woman, standing, elegant, typical, cultured. Twisted by the image needed to proceed in a man's corporate world; tearing up inside, a beast trying to get out, anxious, sick to her stomach - literally until she vomited on stage. WOW!

Furry little monsters

2009-06-24T23:30:00.004+10:00

I have been waiting years to see Avenue Q and it was worth the wait. After listening to the Original Broadway Soundtrack over and over, it was great to actually see how the songs actually fit into the story line. It is such a funny show - one of those things where it is politically incorrect to laugh, but you do anyway because it's true.

The crowd was very young, bit of a uni student feel - maybe that was just because it was mid-week, but that added to the raw feel of the show (even though it was pretty slick). Of course Trekkie Monster stole the show.

We had dinner at Seamstress beforehand - wow. Amazing food. I had been there for lunch before, but don't think I ordered correctly that day because what we ate was brilliant. The dishes are sorted into small, medium, large & x-large sizes are a contemporary Australasian perspective to traditional Cantonese cuisine, with some innovative South East Asian influences.

Dessert was just before the show at Oyster. I had been wanting to try this place for months, but because I'm not a 'fan' of oysters, there wasn't much point. Surprisingly the dessert selection was bigger then expected and decadent!

Superheros are go!

2009-06-06T23:00:00.002+10:00

We spend the night with the MSO Pops for a night with Superheros.

"Following the "out of this world" Space Classics experience in 2008, the MSO wears its undies on the outside for a concert event that is more super than superannuation, more heroic than a trip on a peak-hour tram. Your spidey sense will be tingling like mad when Superheroes With The Symphony brings you unforgettable music from the silver screen adventures of those super-heroic beings who spend all day saving civilisation (as we know it). Under the baton of the Maestro with Special Powers, Anthony Inglis, this concert really is more powerful than a locomotive."

Of course this is a great way to introduce people who are not normally interested in Classical music, to a night at the symphony. I was a little disappointed with the obscure selection of the first half, but the second was great with themes from Superman, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones & James Bond.

As I'm 'saving my pennies' a little at the moment, I did buy the cheapest seats and we ended up being up on the side of the orchestra which was a really interesting perspective. Unfortunately the sound was dominated by the Brass & Percussion sections, so after intermission we 'sneaked' down to the Stalls where there were many empty seats.

More Eurovision

2009-05-28T14:31:00.005+10:00

It is always around this time of the year when the Eurovision contest happens and I become completely obsessed with many of the songs. I had to share my favourites from this year!

What a great weekend!

2009-05-18T19:30:00.001+10:00

The weekend was filled with a lot of Eurovision. Since watching this song contest in 2005 while in Bruggue, Belgium, I have been excited to watch it each year.

Last year I was obsessed with the Ukraine entry. A 'Shady Lady' by the name of Ani Lorak. This year there were some good songs too, but nothing that really 'wowed' me. Three days of Eurovision certainly took a lot of time out of my life, but there is nothing better than a lot of European colour & movement.

On Saturday night, I met my old school friend and her hubby in the city to do the Melbourne Ghost Tour presented by the Haunted Bookshop. The ghost element of the tour was a little lame; the ghost stories needed to be a little scarier or entertaining, however I LOVED the historic part of the tour. I love Melbourne city history, so it was really interesting walking the streets of the city learning about old 'hot spots', cemeteries and other historic references.

Hey Jude

2009-04-20T11:00:00.001+10:00

Went to see Judith Lucy over the weekend, as part of the Comedy Festival. I have never seen her before, but Andrew was keen to see her. I have always thought she was funny. I really like her 'self deprecating' humor and her sarcastic, cynical view on the world. It pretty much reminds me of myself. LOL

Overall it was a quiet weekend, which was great. Just concentrated on my weight loss; eating & gym which I am really getting into. While the food is starting to get a bit boring, the results I am getting are fantastic. Since the start of the year I have lost about 10 kgs, so this is motivation to keep going.

Putting on my trousers this morning confirmed that I had lost more weight this week - they are getting very loose. I have a weigh in with 'Jenny' at 1pm and I expect to have lost approx 0.8kgs for the week. My goal was a full kg, but I had a bit too much alcohol on Saturday night and Lemon Meringue Pie yesterday. A little bad, but not the end of the world!

Rosa the Russian waxer!

2009-04-07T22:30:00.001+10:00

During January we went to see a few shows as part of the Midsumma festival. I always enjoy going to see the live shows on offer. Of course the lovely Luke Gallagher had a show and we also saw a Sydney cabaret show called Showqueen. This is a monthly review in Sydney of any performers who happen to be in town doing theatre etc. This was a great show and filled with many amazing performers including Paul Capsis, David Harris & the Russian sensation Rosa (the waxer). She had a show later in the year, so the very next day I bought tickets.

Tonight's show with Rosa was very clever. Subtle, sophisticated humor with a edge of titillation! At the end of the show she had this to say (with her Russian accent of course)......."My show went on sale on 16th January. By the 18th January, I had sold two tickets. By the 18th February, I had sold two tickets. This person is not known to me, but they are here tonight amongst us now. Their name is Paul Mooreheads. Please stand up! My waxing book it completely full until 2010, but for you I could squeeze you in." I stood up and took my bow.

Rosa, I'm your biggest fan!

Check out the very talented Marney McQueen at http://www.marneymcqueen.com/

Kiwi can't fly

2009-03-06T22:00:00.001+11:00

I have been traveling through the south island of New Zealand for the past 10 days - back home now. It is a wondrous place!

We were speaking about the fact that Kiwi's don't fly. Why? we wondered. I said that it was most probably because, like all animals on the earth (including Humans) their bodies would have adapted to the environment they lived. New Zealand doesn't have native mammals or reptiles, therefore it was likely that the Kiwis lost the ability over time to fly, because it didn't need to. I was only hypothesizing, but it was a likely theory.

I have been looking over the net to try and prove the theory, but haven't come up with much. Wiki.com had a similar comment, so maybe I was right: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Can_Kiwi_fly
Q. Can Kiwi fly?
A. No, they cannot. New Zealand prior to Moriori and Maori settlement had no predatory mammals so the Kiwi did not need to fly.

Either way, all I care about it that NZ doesn't have snakes!

Guy songs

2009-02-20T10:00:00.002+11:00

I haven't really been a fan of Guy Sebastian , but I downloaded a few of his songs last week from iTunes. This morning on the tram I was listening to his song "Angels Brought Me Here ". I realised that I often don't listen to the lyrics in songs. I get wrapped up in the tune & music but often don't know the words to some songs that I quite like. Anyway, I couldn't believe how beautiful the lyrics of this song were....I even got a little tear!

Angels Brought Me Here
It's been a long and winding journey
But I'm finally here tonight
Picking up the pieces and walking back into the light
Into the sunset of your glory
Where my heart and future lies
There's nothing like that feeling
When i look into your eyes

My dreams came true
When I found you
I found you
My miracle

[Chorus]
If you could see, what I see,
You're the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel, the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear
That angels brought me here

Standing here before you
Feels like I've been born again
Every breath is your love
Every heartbeat speaks your name

My dreams came true
Right here in front of you
My miracle

[Chorus]

Brought me here to be with you
I'll be forever grateful (oh forever Faithful)
My dreams came true
When I found you
My miracle

[Chorus]

Flat

2009-02-09T21:00:00.001+11:00

At the start of the year I was feeling so great about myself and life. I was off my anti-depression medication and feeling so much better about it. I was motivated and organised. The past week however, I have been a bit flat. I wish I could control how my mind controlled my mood and perspective on life. It seems so simple, but so hard to control. I certainly haven't allowed myself to get as 'down' or stressed as in the past, so I think that is a positive achievement. Hot weather certainly doesn't help. I have also had some exciting things happening which have kept my spirit on a positive level with the settlement of my land.

Andrew and I met my Mum on Saturday to see the block for the first time. It is a great block; private, great size and finally ready for construction. We celebrated with Moet at 11am burning to a crisp at 40 degrees, while we could see the smoke from the Bunyip National park bushfire begin in the distance. Today, 48 hours after our State has burned, 134 people are dead in the worst bush fires our country has seen. It is very likely that the number of deaths will increase.

I was very conscious of how my mother might be feeling today. In January 1965, six homes were lost and 7 people were killed in the Longwood bush fires where my mother lived. Nearly all of which were from her family. This weekend would have brought back many memories for her. At the time, her father (my Grandfather) was blamed for the deaths because he wasn't there to clear stock from the paddocks and help the family in the fires. I'm sure he still holds the scares and blame from that time, even though he could have done nothing to prevent the deaths. It is more likely that my mother, her sisters & parents would have been part of the fatalities

Autumn in January

2009-02-02T09:00:00.003+11:00

The last week in Melbourne was the hottest on record. I'm not great in the heat, but 4 days over 40 degrees celsius was ridiculous. Our public transport fell apart and our State's infrastructure was stretched to it maximum with power blackouts across the state.

What the State Government doesn't seem to care about is the fact that it hasn't rained in Melbourne for about 3 weeks. Our water storage is down to 32.9% and the state is being burnt to a crisp, while businesses, private schools and other 'water exceptions' waste more of our precious drinking water.

There is no sign of rain as the trees shed their leaves, carpeting the streets with Autumn colours (in the middle of Summer), and there is still no major action or solution. The inner city is still on Stage 3 (3a) restrictions, but reducing private home usage is not enough!

A friend said to me on Sunday, people want to do everything they can for the environment, as long as it doesn't effect their life in any way. I think this is true. People are really doing very little to help save water or even recycle correctly.

AGGRO ALERT
Being squashed like sardines in trams and trains every day to and from work is one thing, but people have no manners anymore;

cover your mouth when you cough or yawn
take your backpack OFF your back before you get into the vehicle. You can't feel it hitting everyone around you!
Turn down your bloody audio device - we don't want to hear you music through your cheap headphones
Don't talk so loudly on your mobile phone. Actually, you're not that important - just don't use it
Tram drivers - learn how to fucking drive the tram. Don't ride the break!

Meet the Parents

2009-01-16T23:30:00.006+11:00

Andrew's parents were over from Adieland to take a trip over Antartica - how cool is that! This would be the first time I have met them. They were nice people and it is interesting to be able to see how children pick up their parents manerisms. They are much older than I except parents to be, because being the eldest child in my family, my parents are really young. Of course, to my sister, who is 16 years my junior, has expereinced what it is like to have old parents.

On my quest to show Andrew what I think is the best steak in Melbourne, we took them to Squires Loft in South Yarra. I hadn't been there for such a long time and didn't realise until the eye fillet I ordered was melting in my mouth. Andrew and I had a bet, on the best steak in Melbourne......I had won before we had sat down!

http://www.squiresloft.com.au/

Soul 2 Soul

2009-01-14T19:30:00.003+11:00

I have never actually written an entry around what my spiritual beliefs are, but someone has asked me about them so I wanted to post the response I sent back to them. It is one thing to believe something in ones head, but to write it down and hope it still makes sense is totally different - especially when it comes to religious or spiritual beliefs which are often the basis to how one lives their life.

I have some 'out there' ideas about the world. LOL. I have always been a Spiritual person, probably more than Agnostic because I do believe in a higher power. I don't believe in religion at all, so if I say I believe in a God, I certainly don't mean the 'Christian' God, but more that God is the total of the universe; evenly balanced and perfect. To me, God is not an individual or sole entity.

I also believe in karma; the 'law' of course and effect. So if the law of karma is in play across the universe, then when they say God is perfect, then everything that happens is in the universe; the world we can see (and can't see) is working as it should.

One of my favourite sayings is "We are soul beings having a human experience". The person we currently are (or this lifetime) is just one of many that we have had or will have. Our soul experiences different lives, in order to learn. It learns good & bad, all with the intent of becoming more and more perfect (within itself). Because our 'true-selves' (or soul) is apart of God, we are God. I am God and you are God, because we are of the same thing. We are apart of the greater whole (which is, of course perfect).

Things we may have done or experienced in a past life may have an effect in this lifetime. This is where the law of Karma comes into play on a soul level (but it is the same as how the whole universe works). We may be expereincing something because we need to learn a lesson due to past Karma. Of course, we may see this as a negative, but in fact, it is all positive as it is allows our soul to grow, to become more advanced. It is often hard to deal with some of our human issues; may they be internal or external factors, but the soul is always learning. We have to ask ourselves "What am I learning for this experience". Granted, while we are 'in' an experience or having feelings which that are not great - it is often hard to be rational or make sense of it all. Because I have these beliefs, they sit in the back of my mind and I know that what I am experiencing (good or bad) is for the greater good of my soul.

So, in essence, I chose this life. I'm not sure if it is a type of 'physical' decision somewhere on another plain of existence before I was born or if it was a totality of 'my' past karma(s) which defined it naturally, but I think that everything that happens, is happening for a reason. I think that suicide is probably the worst type of Karma that a soul can obtain. It seems like a waste of the work (up to that point) that the soul has done. All those lessons and experiences of that particular lifetime have been wasted. It is more than likely that the main lesson wasn't learnt and that the soul will have to live the same life again. It will keep going until it gets it right. So to me, this is a good deterrent for suicide.

I love many of the amazing 'human' experiences I have had so far, but there are times where I feel very dark, lost, upset, frightened and fed-up with life, however I want to move forward and allow my soul to grow. I certainly keep in the back of mind that I don't want to live the same life again. I also know that who I 'think' I am in this lifetime is not who I really am. My body & mind (brain); the way it looks and works, is NOT really who I (my soul) is. It is purely a 'shell' in which to experience this human world.

Wii wii

2009-01-12T11:00:00.002+11:00

My weekends have become alot more productive since the new year which is much more fulfilling. It is also great not spending so much time out at pubs & clubs like I was the same time last year. We went to Steve's new apartment in Newport for a BBQ on Saturday night with a few of his friends.

Steve had got a new puppy that day. The Spoodle puppy was so cute and I really can't wait to get a dog later in the year. My intention is to get a dog from the Lost Dogs Home or the R.S.P.C.A, but it will be hard to resist the puppy factor. Not sure what type of dog it will be yet. I might just come across the right dog at the time, but I am thinking of a few - Dachshund, Labrador, Beagle or a Border Collie.

After eating delicious food and drinking a little too much wine, we ended up playing a few games on Nintendo Wii. I'm not really a computer game type of guy, but it was fun, especially not being restricted by cords etc like when using PlayStation.

We are travelling to New Zealand at the end of February for a couple of weeks where we are planning a few exciting things like sky diving and bungee jumping. I have just found out however, that sky diving has a weight restriction and I will have to loose a couple kgs if I want to do it. Good in a way - motivation!

AGGRO ALERT
I'm at the gym quite often, mostly doing cardio at the moment. I can't believe that many people don't bring a sweat towel with them to the gym, or often don't bother to wipe their machine down after they have used it. Some people just don't think they sweat. It's disgusting. I also can't believe that my gym, Fitness First, don't do more to enforce that a sweat towel is used. I watch people sweating all over the machine they are on and simply walk away, leaving it for someone else to exercise in their germs. I'm sure there is a health & safety issue! Yuck!

My REAL Age

2009-01-07T10:05:00.005+11:00

I just completed my Real Age test at Real Age.com and was plesently surprised by the results.

The only comments as to what was making my 'real age' even older, was my weight/height ratio being above average (which I knew anyway). I will just have to sow my mouth closed! It is so hard to lose weight. I would recommend ALL people to do the gym or extra excersise when they are younger, even if they are slim. Once fat finds its way into 'bad' places, it is almost impssible to remove. So much hard work is needed and over the past 5 years I haven't been able to achieve it yet. Maybe this is the year?

What a joke

2009-01-07T09:13:00.003+11:00

I was sent an email this morning which I wanted to include on my blog becuase I am, ...well, basically outraged. This article (written by Christian Taylor from Same Same) explains Mr. John Howard's new award as a 'peace keeper'. LOL, what a joke!!!!

Former Prime Minister John Howard is being awarded the highest civilian honour from the United States - the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award that, in the words of White House spokeswoman, Dana Perino, "is honouring [him] for [his] work to improve the lives of [Australians] and for [his] efforts to promote democracy, human rights and peace."

Since when has John Howard been a crusader for democracy, human rights and peace? In fact, one doesn't have to look very hard at all to find specific examples where Howard actively stood in the way of these ideals - sending Australians off to war, placing genuine refugees and their children in detention, maintaining the Northern Territory's mandatory detention laws for children, not to mention his staunch refusal to apologise to the stolen generations, or his blatant disregard for the rights of gay, bi and transgender communities.

This honour places John Howard alongside other recipients including former South African leader Nelson Mandela and astronauts Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin - the first men to ever step foot on the moon. For once, I'm speechless. Of course, being a new year and all, one must look at the bright side. This award is George Bush's last grand act as President. It's akin to the Emperor's New Clothes, an honour that is completely undeserved, and everybody knows it.

A new routine

2009-01-06T20:45:00.002+11:00

After all the work during the holidays organising the house, I almost fell back into my old ways last night. When I got home, I was so tired that everything got dumped on the floor; I ate badly and went to bed early for a short nap, which turned into a whole night sleep. Nothing achieved at all.

To make sure I didn't fall back into the old routine, I got up early this morning and cleaned up the house, watered the plants and got organised again. Its really important to me that I achieve something every day which is not related to my work.

One of my resolutions for 2009 was to concentrate on my personal life rather than work. I was finding myself worrying about work matters all night and the first thing in the morning every day; about work politics, my position within the company, who was taking advantage of me, who's position was better than me - all sorts of useless stuff! Two days into the work year, I have been better at NOT doing this. To be able to concentrate on other aspects of my life and achieving new things, I hope my work life won't 'take over' my life.

Shopping in Richmond

2009-01-04T23:30:00.003+11:00

I spent the day with Andrew, shopping for a few things he needs to make his house more 'homely' than it already is. His place is in a brilliant location and has a large open plan living area. It is a great place to hang out and is looking good. All the basics are there, but he needs to add a few pictures on the walls and some more personality, so I like to shop with him to point out good and interesting items for him to buy - not that he ever does. That's fine though, it is good to hang out and look around for the possibilities that could work in the space. One day I'll get him to buy something - it's always fun spending someone else's money. The problem is that I end up spending more money on myself. I so don't need anything!

Over the past year, I have had some frustrating experiences in shops and restaurants or just with stupid people. I have to wonder sometimes if the world is filled with stupid people and if I am one of them too. I do some stupid things sometimes, but I try to be aware of my surroundings. Many people simply don't think about anyone else but themselves and are completely absorbed with 'their world'.

The main reason that I get annoyed in shops & restaurants is because they expect us to spend money with them, yet the staff, experience, food, products etc, are often very average. I normally satisfy my aggravation by never going back, but I have to wonder if I should let them know of my poor experience. Maybe if they were aware, they would improve and then increase the money they are trying to make from us. In reality, they just don't care. It is like they expect the public to buy from them and they are doing 'us' a favour. Is this because the materialist world has 'become' our life?

I want to start documenting alot of these bad experiences; to get my aggro 'off my chest'; make others aware (they may have had similar experiences) and to record a list of places which I won't go back. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't effect my life in a huge way. I normally forget about the whole experience the day after and my aggravation will probably sound really 'petty' too, but I always say "that I'm going to write a letter" to complain about bad service - this is an easy way to do something similar.

AGGRO ALERT
Today at Chadstone, we had an Iced Chocolate from a new store called "Theobroma Chocolate Lounge". We like to try and find the best Iced Chocolate in Melbourne - well, this WASN'T it! We thought being an exclusive looking establishment and a chocolate 'specialist' that it could be a possible contender......wrong. While it cost over $6, there was literally no chocolate in the drink; warm milk and totally tasteless. I make a better Iced Chocolate at home, so will do so from now on.

Day one......2009

2009-01-01T22:00:00.002+11:00

I spent the first day of 2009 continuing to organise my home; cleaning cupboards, sorting old junk, consolidating bits & pieces. I am the first to admit that I buy alot of stuff and my house is getting to the point where it can no longer hold everything, so it was time to cleanse.

It has really been important that this 'stuff' doesn't 'own' me. I spend so much money, that I need to honour the things in my house, otherwise they have no meaning at all. I was beginning to drown in the 'stuff' - not good at all.

To open a cupboard and see it organised and clean is very satisfying to me and I now feel great that the house is organised. I have thrown heaps of paper and junk away, have a pile of items to sell and also give to charity. I feel 'lighter' within myself; clean & refreshed.

It's a right off!

2008-04-05T10:36:00.000+11:00

The plan last night was to get wasted. This is something that isn't great for my body, but essential for my brain; to completely 'turn off' and just have fun.

Getting wasted isn't something I normally set out to achieve. Sure, I do end-up very drunk sometimes, but that isn't always the intention.

Beginning at the Cho Goa Asian Beer Cafe in Melbourne Central, we knocked back about 16 jugs of beer (Happy hour has $10 jugs!) between 10 of us in 2 hours. Basically wasted at that point! But it didn't stop there. As our group separated slowly across the city, 4 of us found ourselves in one of the most fabulous bars I have seen for ages.

Melbourne has many great bars and there seems to be new ones popping up every week. Blue Diamond is hidden in a regular office building and features a spectacular red carpet lit low, which exaggerates the city skyline - very New York. I was surprised the bar staff continued to serve us, as we were so loud and already extremely drunk. After Tequila & Jagger shots (among other drinks), we left to find friends.

I don't really remember much after this, although I'm told we were denied entry into many venues because I was too drunk, but I do remember falling face first in the middle of the road, broking my watch and almost getting run over. After being ditched by friends at Madam Brussels, I staggered home via a tram. I don't know how I did it........ wasted!

Blue Diamond

Madam Brussels

Music of the night

2007-11-09T13:40:00.000+11:00

I was lucky enough to be given Phantom of the Opera tickets by Michelle for my birthday. She knows I love a musical and the fact that I had never seen this show before was exciting. We saw it last night and what a production.

I have to say that it was a little dated and parts of the show were a little boring, but overall it was very good. Anthony Warlow stole the show. He was AMAZING – and sexy (even with the disfigured make-up).

It was great to finally see the actual production. Having known many of the songs, it was good to see them in context with the story they were written. My friend Jarrod had played the role of “Roul” in the London production last year which I didn’t realise was such a large part – crucial to the storyline. Roul was played by John Bowles in this Melbourne production; the former Young Talent Time, boy next-door entertainer.

The role of “Christine”, the love interest of the Phantom was played by a Danni Minogue look-alike. A lot of the costumes and characters (especially the women) had this ‘cutesy’ look about them, but ended up looking like “Baby Jane” with too much hair and make-up. Maybe that was because we were 3rd row? Either way, the lead actress is destined to look like Mrs Howe from Gillian’s Island – mark my words!

Good to finally see, but there are better shows to see these days!

Long time

2007-10-26T11:27:00.002+10:00

It has been far to long since I have written in my blog.

So much has been happening.

My relationship has ended after four & half years. I am excited about a new beginning, but it is always difficult parting from someone that you love and who has become intertwined in your life. There is a new job on the horizon. Currently on holidays and have spent time in Port Douglas to see my cousin get married.

I am preoccupied by looking for a new home, but will try to keep more up to date on here after that.

Speak low

2007-06-09T21:00:00.000+10:00

A while ago, Michelle asked if I wanted to see the Dali Lama. She asks me to many things, so without really understanding the importance of this man, I agreed. Thank God for Michelle. We had one of the most wonderful, peaceful and calming days that I can remember. We begun the day at Federation Square in the city, where we were privileged to an impromptu performance of an African singing group who are touring Australia at the moment. The warmth, depth & strength of these voices touched the soul. AMAZING!

We caught the current exhibition at the NGV; The Australian Impressionists. I studied the Heidelberg School during my art classes at Secondary College and have an appreciation for these artists, especially my favourite; Fredrick McCubbin. The exhibition was more thorough than I expected with many of the iconic Australian pieces included.

In the early afternoon we caught up with Michelle's friend Helen ('blue eye-shadow' Helen, as I like to call her). She had previously met the Dali Lama and has attended many past speeches. His free speech was held at Princess Park. Many years ago, my grandmother and I would travel to Princess Park almost every weekend. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, as it was only for Carlton 'home' games, but nonetheless, traveling up Elizabeth St to the football oval brought back many pleasant memories.

Inside the oval, 20,000 people sat patiently for the speaker. The mood was so calm. It was an uplifting feeling to be be amongst so many people with very little sound - just the wind blowing through the stands.

When he did begin, his words were about compassion and understanding. Simple, thought-provoking examples of why it is better to show compassion, rather than hate, jealousy & anger. He begun saying that he was not god, or a healer, but just a man. Human like us all. He hoped we found his words meaningful and confirmed that he didn't have all the answers to the worlds problems, admitting that some of them were very complex issues.

It was a interesting day which made me feel peaceful and hopeful towards the world, but also made me think of how lucky my life is.

Beautiful

2007-06-04T14:30:00.000+10:00

Many years ago my friend Tony returned home to Australia after living in New York for 11 years, as his father had become very sick. During those difficult months, I put together a selection of my favourite songs for him. The tape was entitled Nanna and featured easy listening music & traditional ‘standards’ by a wide array of artists from Peter Allen to Bette Midler. The enjoyment of these songs prompted a further two releases; Nanna 2 & Nanna 3.

While Tony’s family visited his father in hospital, these tapes played in the background of the room. The tapes became quite special to Tony & his family as the music was a comfort at this hard time, but also represented their last few months with their father.

To date there are 14 CD’s in the collection and are only given to selected people, but the series has taken on a life of its own. More and more people have been introduced to them and love them just as much as Tony & his family originally did.

These collections are practically the only music I listen too anymore. Today I was listening to Nanna 12 and the song "You are so beautiful" by Joe Cocker came on. I obviously think this song is beautiful, otherwise I wouldn't have put it in the collection, but I didn't realise how beautiful it truly was!

You are so beautiful to me
You are so beautiful to me
Can't you see
Your everything I hoped for
Your everything I need
You are so beautiful to me
Such joy and happiness you bring
Such joy and happiness you bring
Like a dream
A guiding light that shines in the night
Heavens gift to me
You are so beautiful to me

Not alot to the lyric - LOL. I think it is the music and the emotion in which he sings the song.

Aye Vegas! What have they done to you?

2007-05-30T21:45:00.000+10:00

I am very excited by the offical news that Bette Midler will be replacing Celine Dion at Ceasars Palace with a 2 year contract to appear in 100 shows each year. We will definatley be making a trip to the States do see this show. Tickets are much cheaper (even with currency conversion) than the shows here in Australia during her "Kiss My Brass" tour in 2005, nonethelss I am sure it will be a 'brassy' as ever!

The Divine Miss M had this to say: "Get ready Vegas 'cause here I come! Caesars Palace will never be the same and to all those critics who have accused me of being 'tacky,' 'too much' and 'over the top' I say, you ain't seen nuthin' yet!"

How funny is this publicity photo! She is so funny and it is so photoshoped!