Tales of Fizzbizzle

Time for work

2007-03-09T23:26:00.000+11:00

Gee I've been busy.

Not just busy in the 'spending too much time in the workplace' or '50 bazillion tasks to do today...' way, but in the way where things can't possibly be finished ever, and even when I'm not working and just sitting at home watching American Splendor (genius movie) or the Mighty Boosh (genius mad)(or possibly mad genius, have you heard Laura Imbruglia's Mad Scientist? Genius. Mad) I can't stop thinking about how I'm going to finish these impossible to finish tasks. Even my sentences are busy. How does one relax? Even these three all time favourite things (genius films, british comedy and music) do not have enough power to calm my cazy little mind.

Possibly it's just the insane amount of caffeine that I fool myself into thinking that I don't drink, because I've cut down on coffee (but increased Coke intake to compensate). And the lollies, ye gods the lollies! So much sugar.

I had a dream last night where I was doing the singing part of Substitute on Spicks and Specks. I rocked.

Just Trickin'

2007-02-26T22:47:00.000+11:00

I wish I could have a reasonable excuse for being away so long... but I don't . Oh well.

I've been thinking, and my thinking led me to the conclusion that I really like Gotye. Not that there was that much thinking really. Just a lot of listening and going 'wow'. If you haven't heard his latest I recommend a little listen. He's a classic overachiever, but still loves his mum.

Take more risks when buying music. That's my advice for the week. After much postulating over what CD to spend our last $30 on, I decided it had been too long since I'd bought music on a whim, and Gotye happened to be that whim. Good whim, chocolate treats for you.

The entire album was created in various Melbourne bedrooms. Not bad, but then again my experience of bedrooms at the moment has the bed taking up two thirds of the room, and the wardrobe taking another quarter. So the thought of anyone doing anyting of note in a bedroom (apart from sleeping and looking in wardrobes) is pretty amazing.

My new house is going good, by the way.

So I hope all is good, I hope you haven't abandoned me by now.

Peace.

Graphics Fun

2006-12-22T23:55:00.000+11:00

Hiatus No More!

2006-12-22T23:30:00.000+11:00

I hope.... don't hold me to that title.

Does anybody else get really excited by the new summer wrappers of Mars bars? I've been trying to stay away from them lately, but I bought one today just so I could put it in the fridge and watch it change! Trippy.

So anyway, I have no real excuse for being such a lazy bum and abandoning my blog. Lately I've just been enjoying my new house (if you could even call it a house, it's technically titled a Hekan Hut - we're guinea pigs into the possibility of long term residency in a space 2m sq)which is a bit of a squeeze, but the upside is the limited space means we look like we own heaps. Our first night in we sat back at a newly arranged room and thought to ourselves 'gee we look materialistic'. So many DVD's.

I've also been enjoying the loss of some dear friends, it seems I repel people. Or maybe there are better places than Tasmania to live. Though I have to say we get very good views from our Hekan. I think I like that our house has a name.

Glad I'm back?

Funny Picture

2006-11-10T23:22:00.000+11:00

I think this looks like Adam Hills. Who knows, it could be. It came off this guys site. Very funny guy.

That's gotta be the real Jesus too, right?

"The New Bono..."

2006-11-10T21:32:00.000+11:00

Yeah, I now I've been a lazy bum. And I probably have more interesting things like weddings to blog about than this particular story. But this has to be the sentence of the year:

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi is lavishing time and money on environmental charities to make up for "the huge hole in the ozone layer" that his flamboyant Eighties hairstyles created.

he he. He's actually been named the "new Bono". I kid you not.

But he explains he's merely wracked with guilt at his gratuitous hairspray use' and hopes it's not too late to make up for the damage he's caused the world.

The singer says, "It's because I feel guilty about the huge hole in the ozone layer my haircuts created. It's my responsibility to right the wrongs of the Eighties."

I got that story here.

2006-09-29T23:35:00.000+10:00

Yes. I have blogged.

The Lost Art of Taking a Holiday

2006-07-01T21:12:00.000+10:00

I don't know many people who would feel this tired after a holiday. But I'm pretty sure all of them reside here in the Po. I took two weeks off to recover some of my soul, which long ago fell asleep at the wheel. But first task was to live through the daily 7am rise for the morning interview based radio programme. Just one more week then the regular host gets back. That's ok, but no more EVER. Just one more? Next week? Well...OK. But my chances of getting any more time off in return are nil. The next obstacle to having time for little old me was that two out of three of my monthly rostered jobs fell within these weeks. Sure, I can swap, but that whole process is far more stressful than it's worth. Also, my biggest source of stress running this night time radio show is covering all the shifts, a responsibility that was still placed upon me. And still caused a phenominal amount of pain. Not to mention the wedding plans, which were the focus of my 'restful' stay with my parents. And then there was staying up to watch that appalling Aus v Italy match.

I spent nine hours last night doing a small favour.

So don't ask me how my holiday was.

Why be a Police Officer or a Surgeon?

2006-06-20T19:40:00.000+10:00

Did you know that it takes 5 years of study to become an official Twinings Tea taster? There's my future career...

Elusive

2006-06-20T19:22:00.000+10:00

I seem to have many entry titles refering to my lack of blog.
It's not like I can't blog, or can't be bothered. The truth is, my life is currently uninteresting. I came to this revelation when I realised that my last blog entry is evidence that I thought an incoherent sentence was more interesting than my personal experiences. In fact, I found my own life so boring that I've taken a holiday. That's right, my first holiday for a year and my decision came down to the fact that I was falling asleep at my desk out of sheer boredom.
One interesting thing that has happened, is that in my temporary role of presenter of a morning interview based programme I got to speak to Stephen Twining - of Twinings Tea! That was the most awesome thing that I've done for a long time. Thoughoughly English fella, very funny and very friendly. He's my new friend.
And I bought some of their new Chai and Vanilla tea and it's the best thing EVER!
I'll keep you updated when something else interesting happens.

Peace.

Pooped

2006-06-12T17:51:00.000+10:00

I just read this sentence:

"It too turns on the conflict of personalities, but whereas the documentary, a work rooted in fact and teasing the meaning from the accumulation of detail, reduces the world of detail to a colorful war of egos, the fictional recreation, taking liberties with history to create a dramatically exciting work of art, radiates outward from that central war of wills to pull in the myriad of factors that orbited around the conflict to suggest the web of complicated factors in the production and release of Citizen Kane, and the eventual reverberations of the entire wrestling match." - Sean Axmaker

It was tough.

The Conversion...

2006-06-04T17:58:00.000+10:00

Lately I have discovered the untold delights and riches to be found within Dan's Mac. Now, I grew up a PC girl (not the politcally correct meaning of the acronym, definately not that) and never thought I'd ever understand, nor appreciate, the Mac. They were evil, the scourge of the earth. But I have to admit that in recent times I've been drawn into the tiny, dark maroon-coloured, cold room adjoining the radio office, coaxed in by the dim glow reflecting on the whiteboard. The excitement of the unknown, exploration, experimentation, that has lasted well beyond bedtime into the wee cold hours of the morn.

Heather, with all her innocent smiles and friendly hellos showed me the joys of using iMovie to create slideshows, documentaries and films. And then there's the days worth of footage of Uluru that was put at my disposal (once I figured out Guy's incoherant scribblings as to what was where) and iDVD. I was instantaniously hooked.

I think someone needs to do a medical study on the negative effects to one's caffeine levels and sleeping habits when they're exposed to such addictive substances. I'm having withdrawals...

Graeme's gone AWOL...

2006-06-04T17:48:00.000+10:00

I can't remember what AWOL stands for...
So it's been a while, a lot has happened in that while. Getting back from Uluru I was straight into classes for two weeks! Which was actually really cool coz I got to see a whole bunch of mates again. But now I'm back at work, and I've been given an extra shift. Yay! I get to work with Benpaul. Yay! I rarely get any sleep and have been sick these past two weeks. Yay! Life's good.

I spoke in Po Worship this morning. Nervous as all hell, and I had to go to a four hour shift at the Bookshop immediately afterward! Ha! And then straight after that was a Media Training workshop that I'd barely planned. Fun in the sun.

Today I have a new identity

2006-05-13T16:26:00.000+10:00

In a moment of inspired genius, I chrisntened myself 'Graeme', and Graeme I shalt be from this day forth. Particularly when I go mining.

Hoorah for education!

2006-05-13T15:08:00.000+10:00

There is not supposed to be three of those headings here, I can't even remember how I would have made that mistake. So long ago. I think it was my blog having entry withdrawals. But I'm here now! I've struggled to be near a computer for the psat three weeks, and/or I've been slack. BUT I did go to Uluru, and I did have the most significant/challenging time of my life, and I did go see Ross Noble and had a good ol' cackle at that.

But back to Uluru. I struggle to find any few photos that could really sum it all up, but I'll try anyway.

Despite the fact that this was a special "watch the sunrise over Uluru" Dawn Service, we really did get up this early quite often. Sometimes earlier. Previous to this event, in fact, I had not slept for at least 30 hours. I was one of the lucky "Number Ones" which was supposed to refer to our position of power as per our Small Groups, but I believed also referred to a number of other factors, including the order of daily awakening (a meeting at 4am?). And let it be known that no matter how early I got up I never ever got to the showers early enough to not have to stand in a queue.

And dispite all of this, here I am in free time taking photos of OTHER people sleeping. Am I the only one who can't sleep on a bus full of kids? The bus became a little home for us all - there were days we were travelling in it for 14 hours. A big shout out to our bus driver Harry, who was an inspired chap, and entertained us many times with his random outbursts of song and useless trivia.

The Pick-Up Dance, invented by Tim, mastered by Ben, demonstrated here by Guy. This bizarre yet strangley compelling comment on the Western art of picking up at a nightclub/dance orientated gathering, became a very widespread method of self amusement during our 11 days together. No recorded instance of it having the desired effect, however.

The rock itself. A minor feature of our trip. Note the red bandanna, apparently no one in the history of the world ever has, or ever will have that very bandanna in their possesion unless they were part of the Pilgimage to Uluru 2006. Not bad. When the Apocolypse happens and Jesus arrives on earth to sort those who diserve eternal life from those who don't, that is how he will decide. The red bandanna.

Educational...and Fun!

2006-04-08T16:04:00.002+10:00

Yayyy! I saw Lano and Woodley and it was great fun. All of my buddies (we took up a row of ten seats!) had an awesome time too. Sad to say goodbye but. *sniff* (that was half in sadness and half coz of my cold...)
But it was also very educational, like "Hi guy, try Thai high pie. Bye!" as in all the different ways to spell the 'eye' sound. Very exciting.

Educational...and Fun!

2006-04-08T16:04:00.001+10:00

Educational...and Fun!

2006-04-08T16:04:00.000+10:00

Harry Potter...

2006-04-03T20:19:00.000+10:00

...and the Goblet of Fire made me cry. Again.

Some Good News and Some Bad News...

2006-04-02T17:40:00.000+10:00

The bad news is that Lano and Woodley, Australia's premier slapstick musical performing duo, who have, by the way, been performing for the entirety of my lifetime, have decided to split. Nooooo! But the good news is that I'm going to see them this Wednesday. Yaaaay! So I'll make sure I say goodbye. This is their picture for your perusal:

This is a photo of Ross Noble, my all time favourite Geordie comedian, who I'm going to see in approximately 4 weeks time.

Yay for live shows in Tasmania!

In the meantime, I've been made Promotions Manager, I'm going on the Pilgrimage to Uluru as a leader, doing some hard core wedding planning and trying to juggle many responsibilities. Hmm, I just remembered I also need to update my drivers license. Within the next two days. Whoops. Ah well. All part of the fun of living. And I'm very sunburnt from a full on Day Trip yesterday.

Until next time....

Forgive my Ignorance...

2006-03-26T18:43:00.000+11:00

Funny how when you type 'Poatina' into the Blogger search engine you suddenly discover a whole bunch of things. For instance, that could be how you came across this very entry. For other instance, there comes up a whole new batch of people whose blogs I should be linking. So here they are:
Guy Lowe - very entertaining even if you don't know him (or wish to..)
Clairence - she published a whole book of this stuff.
and Loz - a sweety.

Enjoy.

Of Fieldmice and Weblogs

2006-03-26T17:53:00.000+11:00

A fieldmouse said to me yesterday 'Gee, you haven't blogged for a while...' And he was right.

What's happened since we last left this tale? Well I'm now a fully fledged Media Training Course Administrator, Co-ordinator, and Trainer, so that's been taking up some of my time. Other than that I've been watching my box-set of the Goodies. That about sums it up.

Those who have been following the contnuing saga of 'Where is My Television?" will be pleased to know that it is safe and sound at home. Though not the same one that went in for repairs four months ago. After waiting that long for the manufacturers to send the right parts to the repair shop, and another week for the retailers to organise a replacement, it is now in my house entertaining the inhabitants. When I rang the reatilers for the fourth time I happened to speak to someone new - the brilliant, wonderful Dallas - who set it up for me to collect in literally five minutes. Good man, Dallas.

If you look to the right of your computer screen you will see I have new friends, or old friends with new blogs. Michael and Bec are new to the blogging world, so please make them feel welcome.

That's all, the fieldmouse said, before scurrying off to his home.

Panic Attack

2006-03-02T21:10:00.000+11:00

I had a panic yesterday. I lost my engagement ring! Aaaargh! The worst part was admitting it to people so they could help me look. I spent six hours worrying and panicking and thinking that I was the worst fiancee in the whole world!

But then I found it. My housemate found it. Thankyou housemate! So happy ending.

Lately I've been really getting into tea. And after a rather heated discussion with a very cool British housemate about why I should only ever buy fair trade food, I went up to our local gift shop (which conviently sells some free trade stuff) and bought some free trade tea. It is soooo nice! Better than Lipton. Which is still good, but I recommmend Tradewinds if you want something both delicious AND socially moral.

But apart from tales of rings and tea, I have my first ever Media Training workshop this Sunday afternoon. By that I mean that I'm now co-ordinator of a six month Media Training course, covering both radio and video. I'm not teaching this particular session, but I am running the introductory part along with my sidekick Daniel. Think of me as all of this comes together, it's a bit of a daunting thing for a twenty year old student and her comic relief cousin to take on. But let it be known that comic relief cousin is great support and taking on the task of writing a whole video stream for this course.

Peace.

Grow Some Facial Hair!

2006-02-23T21:54:00.000+11:00

March the 1st is National Moustache Day! Spread the word.

Whilst I myself, sadly, cannot partake in the growing of a moustache, I am more than happy to support such a cause...mostly because most of the guys around here are really getting into it and I can't wait to see their creations. So get into it everybody!

Yes, you too can look like Tom Selleck. Look how he glows!

2006-02-20T18:41:00.000+11:00

Bla

Embarrass...

2006-02-17T20:59:00.000+11:00

...Not me. My wonderful boy who wrote this for me on Valentines Day...

A VALENTINE PROSE

The noises of nature have become a layer that underlies the music as it builds slowly. I stand half in shade underneath a tree that has seen seven times my life. Birds, bugs and small animals watch from safety as the people before me part to create a path of leaves littered with petals. I thank God for my senses through this anxious anticipation but I don’t have to wait long because here she comes. Her cheeks flushed crimson, flowers in hair that has been cut like a credible pop star; her smile and the sparkle in her eyes are so inviting and so frightening. This person is not just a girl but rather a woman and while she is warmth she is also fire, this woman that I love and that I desire. And I know that I am in too deep but there is nowhere I’d rather be. She wears Cons on her feet and stripy socks and she steps slowly in time to the rhythm of the music. With each step time folds like waves washing over me and I can see dust in the air between us moving as if gravity has just departed. The gentle breeze teases her hair and ruffles the dress of white revealing the shape of her frame where it hugs lightly. The embroidered green and brown lines that curve like elvish runes catch the sunlight and speak to me in a language that I don’t understand but that makes perfect sense. If I have lost all grasp on the real world well I don’t intend to try and find my way back. She is to blame for this, her beauty and her love. I feel my heart choke and I breathe like I’ve never breathed before. The air is musky sweet and it stings my eyes, I cry a tear, I cry another when you come to stand by my side. I cry in joy to feel so whole and so alive.

*Let it be known that Kris Adams, the author of above article, does not endorse Valentine's Day, nor the celebration involved in said day.

Sheep in the Big City

2006-02-02T21:16:00.000+11:00

My, that was a good show.

Kris and I spent the weekend in Melbourne for the Big Day Out. After spending Saturday getting hopelessly lost, and seeing a very good film at a very good cinema, (not to mention the previous week spent in an intensive 7 day course, preceded by a few days of training to be a trainer of said course, preceded by another 7 day intensive course) we were pretty pooped by the time we got to Royal Park.

Whoo.

This is us..

My new Franz Ferdinand shirt...

The real Franz

Sweaty

We couldn't get any non-shakey photos of White Stripes, so we took a lot of arty blurry ones. They were clearly the best act of the entire day, though Franz, Cut Copy, Henry Rollins and Augie March blew me away too.

Tired. Me no more talk.

The Spoon Goes National

2006-01-20T21:00:00.000+11:00

The pants have made it back to Triple j. With my spoon. And both it and my wonderful self were mentioned by Ross himself on-air. Yay! Not bad for a bit of not-of-my-character spontaineity 'ay! (See previous blog entry for more info)

That is going to be downloaded and played to as many people as possible for the rest of eternity.

These people aren't me. But they were very nice, and if it weren't for the man in the overalls's suggestion of me signing my spoon, my name would never have been mentioned on triple j by Ross Noble. So, thank you man in overalls.

The Pants!

2006-01-19T21:09:00.000+11:00

I got to see the pants! I got to touch the pants even! So exciting. If you are one of the many that are thoroughly confused as to what that means, take a look here, though it may not help.

Ross Noble (best comedian in the WHOLE world) didn't know what to do with his pants, so he sent four pairs around Australia so they could meet people and have adventures. Then make their way back again, of course. And I was very excited to meet the Southern Pair, and to sign them, and contribute a spoon to their contents.

This is not me, in fact it is a short man and Adam Hills, with the very same pants as the ones I touched. Yes, I have touched the same pants as Adam Hills.

Though by the time the pants reached me they were a lot less pristine.

Listen 20th Jan to Triple j 12 noon - 3pm to hear the homecoming of the pants.

Note to self... Thou Shalt Not Worship False Idols

And you thought Vampires weren't real.

2006-01-13T23:23:00.000+11:00

This is so completely true, not just a product of my imagination. Though, I'm so tired these days it could easily be a hallucination...

Vampire goes for governor

Voters in the US state of Minnesota may find a self-proclaimed vampire on the ballot for the office this year.

Jonathan 'The Impaler' Sharkey says he plans to announce his bid for governor today on the ticket of the Vampyres, Witches and Pagans Party.

"I'm a Satanist who doesn't hate Jesus," Mr Sharkey said.

"I just hate God, the Father."

But 'The Impaler' says he respects all religions and if elected, will post "everything from the Ten Commandments to the Wicca Reed" in government buildings.

Mr Sharkey has also pledged to execute convicted murders and child molesters personally by impaling them on a wooden pole outside the state capitol.

He has told the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper he is a vampire "just like you see in the movies and TV".

"I sink my fangs into the neck of my donor... and drink their blood," he said, adding that his donor is his wife, Julie.

Mr Sharkey says he is announcing his candidacy today, on Friday 13, because that is his lucky number.

Please, if anyone's reading this in Minnesota, don't vote for this guy.

Biz Says Something Thoughtful and Profound

2006-01-06T23:58:00.000+11:00

Gee, I really like Dave Matthews Band.

Hurrah!

2006-01-06T22:19:00.000+11:00

Yay what good happenings bestoweth upon me. Just found out that not only am I getting my very own partner in crime for my radio show, which is a killer for a lone soul to do, BUT that very partner in crime happens to be one of my closest buddies from my old C4 days who was (until tonight) on the other side of the planet and i was never going to see him again. But hurrah! he shows up and saves me from my overwork woes. For those that know Brandon Hansen, you can understand the shock when he just shows up outside of my studio window, grinning and running in for a hug.

Sooooo glad he's back, and sticking around for at least six months. Some sane company

Oh look, now I'm getting all nostalgic

Weddings!

2006-01-06T11:04:00.000+11:00

Oh dear, the girly girl in me is struggling to burst out at the moment, with all the happenings going on at the moment. I recently became an Almost-Aunty, meaning that my fiancee's brother had a baby, a beautiful little girl called Bella. Then I find out that not only are other folk in the organisation that I work for are engaged, but THREE, that's right THREE of my old school girl buddies are engaged! Congrats Dani, Katrina and Anna! And of course THE big wedding tomorrow (the Royal wedding of Poatina, and indeed the entire International Movement) of Liz and David.

There's nothing like a wedding (not least of all a ROYAL wedding) to bring out the girly girl in us all. I even bought new shoes (with heels!) for the occasion. Pretty big considering I am intending to wear my smelly old cons to my own wedding! (Social norms are only there to be broken...)

Until next time...

Mildly Distracted

2006-01-05T10:09:00.000+11:00

Ok, so I've been a lazy bum and not bothered to update my blog since before Christmas. Been distracted by a little thing called real life. Now I'm back. Not a hugely exciting Christmas, except that I spent a small portion of the day in Emergency...Escorting my poor unfortunate Kris who was suffering insufferable pain (wisdom tooth). That was fun. And I also watched the Young Ones for the first time ever. Brilliance.

Speaking of brilliance, I'm going to the Big Day Out in Melbourne! Yes, My OTHER life's dream is coming true (hey, I lead a shelterd life in Tasmania, OK!) thanks to my wonderful fiancee. Greatest part is that I get to see the mighty White Stripes. So I'm very excited. And I get to see my pal Megan and finally meet infamous cousin-to-be Leonie.

Well, to next time. Rock on.

Cop out

2005-12-23T23:24:00.000+11:00

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while...been too busy. But here's a reminder of why I love this world so much (also known as 'providing blog entry by copy and paste').

Letterman challenges harassment restraining order

"Lawyers for US comedian David Letterman have asked a judge to throw out a restraining order granted to a New Mexico woman who claims the late-night TV host is communicating with her through coded messages on his show.

Santa Fe District Court Judge Daniel Sanchez signed an order last week requiring the star of the CBS Late Show with David Letterman, which is taped in New York City, to stay at least 100 metres away from Colleen Nestler and to refrain from contacting her.

Ms Nestler claimed in her petition for a restraining order that Letterman had caused her bankruptcy, mental cruelty and sleep deprivation since May 1994.

She asked that in addition to being barred from approaching or contacting her that Letterman be ordered to not "think of me, and release me from his mental harassment and hammering".

Her court request was accompanied by a rambling, six-page typed letter in which Ms Nestler said Letterman and other TV personalities, including Regis Philbin and Kelsey Grammer, had secretly communicated with her through the public airwaves.

"The claims made are obviously absurd and frivolous," Letterman's attorney Jim Jackoway said in a statement.

"This constitutes an unfortunate abuse of the judicial process."

Ms Nestler wrote that she began sending Letterman "thoughts of love" in 1993 and that he responded to her on his show through the use of code words, gestures and "eye expressions" conveying his desire to marry her and train her as his co-host.

The restraining order signed by Judge Sanchez sets a court date for January 12, but Letterman's lawyers have asked for an expedited hearing on the matter.

Besides asserting that Ms Nestler's petition was without merit, they argued that the court lacked jurisdiction over Letterman, that Ms Nestler failed to serve him with necessary paperwork and that she failed to meet other procedural requirements.

"While Ms Nestler may deserve compassion and assistance, allowing her to bring claims against Mr Letterman is not in her interests or the interests of justice," his lawyers wrote in their motion to quash the restraining order.

"Celebrities deserve protection of their reputation and legal rights when the occasional fan becomes dangerous or deluded."

Neither Ms Nestler, who is representing herself, nor the judge could be reached for comment.

Judge Sanchez told the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper that he had read Ms Nestler's application and did not make a mistake, but declined to comment further."

-Reuters

Made me Laugh...

2005-12-15T11:17:00.000+11:00

I just played this song on the morning show I'm doing, and it has to be the most politically incorrect offensive song I've ever heard! But it was so funny for exactly that reason. People could get away with so much dodgy stuff in the 60's...

This guy is British by the way.
Charlie Drake - My Boomerang Wont Come Back:

(oom-yacka-wurka, oom-yacka-wurka, oom-yacka-wurka)
In the bad backlands of Australia,
many years ago,
The Aborigine tribes were meeting,
having a big pow-wow.
(oom-yacka-wurka, oom-yacka-wurka, oom-yacka-wurka)
'We've got a lot of trouble, Chief,
on account of your son Mac!'
'My boy Mac, what's wrong with him?'
'My boomerang won't come back!'
'Your boomerang won't come back?'
'My boomerang won't come back'

(Drake):My boomerang won't come back
I've waved the thing all over the place
Practiced till I was black in the face
I'm a big disgrace to the Aborigine race
My boomerang won't back

I can ride a kangaroo (yeah yeah)
Make kinkajou stew (yea yeah)
But I'm a big disgrace to the Aborigine race
My boomerang won't back

They banished him from the tribe then
& sent him on his way
He had a hapless boomerang,
so here he could not stay

(shrieks of animals)

(Drake): This is nice, isn't it? Getting banished at my time in life. What a way to spend an evening. Sittin' on a rock in the middle of the desert with me boomerang in me hand. I should very likely get bushwhacked.

(animal roars, Drake shrieks back)

(Drake): Get out of here, nasty bushwhackin' animal! Think I'll make a nice cup of tea. (boing boing boing) Good gracious! There goes a kangaroo! I must have a practice with me boomerang.
hit him right behind the left earhole, then slowly back...

(kangaroo): If you throw that thing at me, I'll jump right on your head! (laughs)

(Drake): Ain't it marvelous! In a land
full of kangaroos I had to pick that one!

For 3 long months he sat there,
or maybe it was 4
Then an old old man in a kangaroo skin
came a-knockin' at his door

'Well I'm the local withdoctor, son.
They call me George Alfred Black.
Now tell me, what's your trouble, boy?'
(Drake): 'My boomerang won't come back!'
(old man): 'Your boomerang won't come back?'
(Drake): 'My boomerang won't come back!

My boomerang won't come back
I've waved the thing all over the place
Practiced till I was black in the face
I'm a big disgrace t' the Aborigine race
My boomerang won't back

(old man): 'Don't worry, boy, I know the trick,
& to you I'm gonna show it.
If you want your boomerang to come back,
well, first you've got to throw it!'

(Drake): Oh yes, never thought of that. Daddy will be pleased. Must have a go...
Excuse me. Now then, slowly back...& throw! (sound of boomerang flying)

(Drake): Oh my God! I've hit the flying doctor! Hee-hee-he-he!
Can you do First Aid?'
(old man): 'Don't talk to me about first aid boy; you owe me 14 chickens for teaching
you to throw the boomerang; first things first.'
(Drake): 'Yes, I know that, but I mean, I
think, on this occasion, you know...'

What's even funnier is that one site I was getting these lyrics off had them completely screwed! Take for instance the line 'can you do first aid?' It came up as 'can you do farther eat?'

Shame...

2005-12-13T18:31:00.000+11:00

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a dick. He decided that Tookie still deserved to die and as of 1 minute past midnight Dec 13th - bummy American time - he was put to death. There goes a symbol of hope for hundreds of African Americans wanting to get out of the gang game, a proflific anti-violence activist, and any chance white America has of showing they care about disaffected youth and the right of every human being of redemption and forgiveness. Sorry if I sound preachy, but this case deserves a high-horse stance. Long Live Tookie.

Save Tookie

2005-12-13T00:22:00.000+11:00

Have you heard about Stan 'Tookie' Williams? I rarely take interest in American 'execution of ex-gang leaders' affairs, but this one blew me away when I heard about it first on Hack on Triple J. It's insane that anyone could execute that man, reformed, redeemed and saving lives. Execution on 13th Dec, fate lies in the hands of one Arnold Schwarzenegger (who the hell would have used that sentence three years ago?!).

I encourage you to read about this guy here so he'll at least leave some sort of legacy.

Oh, and you can send a christmas card to Tony Blair.

The Apocalypse Is NOW!

2005-12-01T11:26:00.000+11:00

Last night during tea I did my trademark Biz move - I spilt my coffee. My lovely host on whose tablecloth the unfortunate drops landed remarked "don't worry, it's not the end of the world". My dinner companions and I then had an in depth conversation on the possibility of spilt coffee actually sparking the apocalypse and realised that it's very likely.

I now see that all the signs are there...the end of the world really is here. I have been an important piece of the puzzle since birth, in fact my very conception was marked out as a vital catalyst in the death of the earth as we know it. All of these years of coffee drinking, and the fact that I've spilt almost every cup, have been years of priming me up to fulfill my destiny. And there was probably some divine purpose in seeing the Goodies live in there as well.

One of the major signs that the end is nigh - I'm sitting here currently listening to Robbie Williams 'Advertising Space' and I'm hit by a remarkable revelation, that this is the second Robbie Williams single in a row that I've actually enjoyed. Admitting that I liked 'Tripping' was hard enough, but now another one? Something is seriously not right...

Stay tuned for more signs.

No More

2005-11-30T11:38:00.000+11:00

I've decided that there are a few more things I'd like to do in my life. I hear radio station Triple J is giving away a trip to London to see Little Britain LIVE! That got me dreaming about one day myself going on such a pilgrimage...a journey to discover what life is really about. So, in response to this epiphany, I will no longer devote my life entirely to the memory of the Goodies, rather I will take their spirit with me on other conquests, like seeing Little Britain live. I will now look forward and no longer backward!

Biz asks the big questions

2005-11-30T10:48:00.000+11:00

Huh?

I thought some people would be quite amused by this. Others will just be confused. I think I'm still in the second group...

Photo Shoot with a Penguin

2005-11-24T10:31:00.000+11:00

Here's my penguin

Sam, you're a star

2005-11-22T10:17:00.002+11:00

A few months ago I happened to stumble across an old school buddy doing his busking thing in the streets of Hobart. Now this appeared in the Sunday Tasmanian.

You make your point, Sam
By SIMON BEVILACQUA
20nov05

A LAUNCESTON busker has gone to extraordinary lengths to prove he is the real deal.

Sam Clark swallows swords in a fascinating show of physical dexterity.
But the 20-year-old contortionist has wearied of people who suspect he uses a trick sword in the act.

"People thought the sword was fake or collapsed or something," Sam said.

So the talented showman walked into the Royal Hobart Hospital last week and had a series of X-rays taken.

A hospital insider confirmed the blade banquet was fair dinkum.

"It's quite bizarre, the sword goes beyond the level of the heart to the bottom of the oesophagus," the doctor said.

Sam now carries the bizarre X-ray images with him to make the sceptics swallow their words.

The Sunday Tasmanian yesterday met the deep-throat in action at Salamanca Market in Hobart.

Sam is believed to be the youngest sword-swallower in the world and one of only about 50 doing the act.

He has a medical condition which gives him hyper-mobile joints and allows him to dislocate body joints including his shoulders.

So, for an encore, you can watch him pass his entire body through a stringless tennis racquet.

Go Sam!

Belated Joy

2005-11-17T11:19:00.000+11:00

It occurred to me that I haven't yet revealed the brilliance that carressed the stage of the Launceston Princess Theatre during the Goodies show. It was two weeks ago now (shame!) but I will attempt to relive the magic now....

*closes eyes and shudders, taking mind back through recent history (bumpy ride) to reach that point in time when last truly happy...*

...wow, awesome. How could three people, SO old still be so sharp and clued in to politics and to what makes humans laugh? Despite the series ending in the 70's the audience is a mix of folk from the era (I actually see a walking frame) and people my age. Actually, I think my generation has the monopoly on the theatre.

My biggest fear is that the show wll consist of old men capitalising on past success, trying to pull off the same stuff. But I am wrong. It is from the very outset dignified, like listening to Grandad's war stories. A very sharp and funny Grandad.

One of those war stories is the one that follows. Entirely true, got this excerpt from Wikipedia.

On 24 March 1975 Alex Mitchell, a 50-year-old bricklayer from King's Lynn literally died laughing while watching an episode of The Goodies. According to his wife, who was a witness, Mitchell was unable to stop laughing whilst watching a sketch in the episode "Kung Fu Kapers" in which Tim Brooke-Taylor, dressed as a kilted Scotsman, used a set of bagpipes to defend himself from a psychopathic black pudding in a demonstration of the Scottish martial art of "Hoots-Toot-ochaye." After twenty-five minutes of continuous laughter Mitchell finally slumped on the sofa and expired from heart failure. His widow later sent the Goodies a letter thanking them for making Mitchell's final moments so pleasant.

Yikes.

Woe is me

2005-11-11T22:39:00.000+11:00

My television blew up! Nooooo! He was so sweet, pretty hot, nice sense of humour AND with built in DVD player. My first ever tv and at three weeks old we found him dead in the lounge room. Such a sad day. He has now gone to have a transplant (if things go well) and it may be covered by warranty, it may not. But how I miss him so.

Woe is me!

I also think about how nice it would be to own The Office on DVD, that really was such a darn good show. And if I had those DVD's I could be so happy....

Goodbye young, brave TV, may we meet again. Don't know where, don't know when...

*sings* "...it seems to me you lived your life like a candle in the wind,never knowing who to cling to when the rain set in. And I would've like to known you but I was just a kid. Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did..."

It is come...

2005-11-11T22:28:00.000+11:00

Now there's one of those old fashioned phrases that don't get enough of a run these days. It's here! The tandem bike has come and I'm in the process of selling my car. No more petrol buying for me! No more stinky emmissions! Just plenty of communal exercise and sing-alongs. I am now converted to the way of life that is exampled by the Goodies.

note: All of the above may be made up. Including that "ye olde" phrase.

Tonight I Fulfill My Fate...

2005-11-05T14:00:00.000+11:00

Tonight, yes that's right,this very night (presuming you are reading this this very day) this very night the stars will be in alignment and the prophecy fulfilled. Since infancy I have been charged with a quest and now it will finally come to pass. For tonight I will have the honor of being in the mighty presence of the Goodies!

Yay! I have been a fan of them since I was very young (probbly too young) and so it is sort of a completion of my life that I get to go see them live. The shows geting darn good reviews too.

I'm very excited.

Goodie Goodie Yum Yum...

Bush Walk Expert

2005-11-01T21:02:00.000+11:00

WARNING: I've been reading a lot Jane Austen lately (see below)

There are several rules of ettiquette when a young lady is to take in the pleasures of a quiet lone stroll in the woodlands of her property.

Firstly, it is of great imperitiveness that she always be armed with a rather large obnoxious looking stick. Preferably taller than herself, with one end that looks sturdy and pointy enough to crush the skull of any potential serial killer/rapist.

Secondly, she must always watch where she steps so as not to muddy her skirts.

Thirdly, should she see someone else walking in the bush near her, she should make haste. The direction of said haste depends on recognisability / likability /
gender / build / dark look in their eyes / visible weaponry.

Finally, she must never break into a sweat, it only makes her seem uncouth.

Remember that folks.

Self Discovery

2005-10-27T17:40:00.000+11:00

I went and saw the new Pride and Prejudice the other day, having quite shamefully never seen or read any versions before. I REALLY really liked the film and the stroy and everything (it's funny how many purists despise the film, and the not-so-purists love it) but the I did discover something slightly unexpected.

I never thought myself to be one of those girls who'd swoon over Mr. Darcy. I always thought he'd be too much of a boring arrogant twonk for my liking. But DAMMIT! Did I ever swoon. Matthew MacFadyen in that film just does it so brilliantly I couldn't help but swoon whenever he appeared, especially in the scene in the rain...

Grrrrrrrrr...............

So I basically played out in my thoughts exactly what Jane Austen was trying to say with the 'Prejudice' part. Well, my name is Elizabeth after all...

Teachers have adventures too

2005-10-22T15:45:00.000+11:00

"TWO NIGTS IN BUSH AFTER WALK ERROR" - by Tom Ellison (The Examiner Wed Oct 12 2005)

'A Launceston man was resting at home yesterday after spending an unplanned two nights in bushland near Cradle Valley.

Brian Deacon was reported missing on Monday morning after failing to return from a walk in the remote Reynolds Falls region west of the Cradle Mountain Lodge.'

Yes, that's right. THE Brian Deacon. Making headlines no less. For all of you who aren't from my very illustrious High School years, which is probably a vast majority of you, Brian Deacon was my Grade 8 Maths/Science/Pastoral group teacher.

And now he's lost in the bush. Classic.

I'm laughing at silliness...

2005-10-21T16:43:00.000+11:00

"When a passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage tootle him with vigor." -- From a brochure at a Tokyo car rental firm.

I love to tootle with vigor.

Finally!

2005-10-15T13:23:00.000+11:00

My engagement ring!

Taken with a pretty flower...

Road Trips are fun

2005-10-08T23:28:00.000+11:00

Today Joshy, Kris and I went to Hobart Town for a bit of a laugh. It's fair to say that there were a few interesting highlights.

I saw my old friend Samora...

He was lovely

He was an avid street theatre and freakshow trainee all through high school, and I finally got to see him plying his skills. A happy accident, we stumbled apon him at Salamanca Markets where he climbed through a tennis racquet, then proceeded to swallow a sword. Fun.

Joshy and I went to KFC for lunch where we were attacked by several joyous/embarressed employees celebrating Colonel Sanders birthday. Yay for BIRTHDAYS!

Then we played on play equipment, shopped till we were dead, ate tragically bad roadside diner food, and went home.

Oh, and I got my engagement ring.

Awww...

2005-10-06T16:32:00.000+11:00

This is my Kris 29 years ago, and I think Id' marry him just so I could have children that looked like this...

Yay for me!

2005-10-06T16:12:00.000+11:00

Yeah Ok, I'm engaged. It's a bit weird, kinda feels like we're playing a silly game. But since it came out it's become a lot more real. And pretty exciting too.

It was a bit of a shock for the parents, but only in a pleasant surprise kinda way.

Yay for me!
Pity for all who are lonely and depressed (not targeting anyone, of course.)

Oh, and Ben just created a blog! He's sitting next to me moaning that no one's ever going to read it, nor does he have any idea why he made one. So everyone visit here!

Sausage Rolls at 3am

2005-09-29T20:57:00.000+10:00

Well this morning I had sausage rolls (with sauce) at 3am. Never done that before. Especially with the entire contigent of an International Conference. We had business meetings last night (full of thrills) and spent four hours on a decision that didn't get made.

But I did also get me some of that Jamaican dancing. Seeing our ageing International Director attempting that was fun.

Mickey

2005-09-28T13:58:00.000+10:00

is a stud.

Conference Photo Scrapbook

2005-09-26T14:18:00.000+10:00

Outside session (up scrub)

Certificate IV ladies looking smashing.

(Rachel, housemate Sheralee, Captain Midnighter Kylie, and their esteemed leader Bron on Expo Day)

True blue Aussie trooper Ashley Hansen, of Canada

Heather, also of Canada, also of Diploma, also looking smashing

I will get my photos in a slide-show, someday...someday...

"Feel the rhythm...

2005-09-26T14:15:00.000+10:00

...feel the rhyme,
Come on JAMAICA
it's Bob-Sled time!*"

I want to go to Jamaica!

Krystalyn (another Canadian) over in sunny Jamaica.

*may not be actual Jamaican National Anthem, or actual Jamaica.

Biz - still at International Conference

"Oh Canada...

2005-09-26T14:03:00.000+10:00

...oh Canada,
How bountiful our Pine-Trees*"

I want to go to Canada!

Paul Robertson doing the Canadian report with home-made banner (very impressive)

*may not be actual Canadian National Anthem

Biz - Coming to you from International Conference.

Conference Begins!

2005-09-22T23:55:00.000+10:00

Woah. Day Two (and a half) of International Conference and I'm already pooped. In a good way though I guess. I have a whole bunch of ex-Captain Midnighters back in town wanting to do my show for me, so that's not a problem. But Conference in general is a drainer.

But I heard reports from all centres around Australia and the UK so far, and they've been worth it. I'm beginning to realise that the people I work for is not a tool of the Devil (surprise surprise), but can actually be as effective and important as they aspire to be. It's easy for a lot of us students to jaded and cynical about ideology, after living with it for a while and taking it for granted. But tonight I saw people in depressed English towns becoming inspired and refreshed by what we offer over there, surprised that someone cares that much. So many ordinary people with hope that they can give their youth a chance and turn their towns into something worth believing in.

Work certainly is unique in both its ideas and practices. It's just such a shame that most of us die of exhaustion.

Our only hope of survival is to pretend we are Moose, for our Canadian photographer while eating Brie and mini-toasts at 1am.

Yep, that's Conference.

Travel Itinerary

2005-09-19T23:22:00.000+10:00

My ever expanding travel itinerary wishlist has been radically altered/added to with the arrival of this:

This is the single greatest thing I have ever seen, and I long with my whole being to one day climb it.

It's 20-feet long, woollen, and lays on the side of a mountain (Colletto Fava) in Italy. The bunny is supposed to stay there for the next twenty years, and people are welcome to climb it and rest on it's soft, warm belly....

Out of Hiding She Comes...

2005-09-14T19:42:00.000+10:00

I have fallen into the Poatina study trap whereby my posts are few and far between (see Bowen). But here I am! I haven't run away, or lost interest, I'm just busy. it's not going to get much better because it's conference time again!

International Conference is where Fusion people from around the world (as the name would suggest) come to this tiny little town and attempt to get along and present reports and make big decisions. It sounds really boring and uninteresting, and largely it is. But sometimes there are moments that make the whole thing worthwhile.

Such as the Jamaican contingent making sure everyone's well practice in the art of reggae dance, the Canadians losing out to the Aussies at International Street Hockey, the re-enactment of a busy Greek train station, souvlaki's, stilts, puppets, balloons and all, and the little white pet rocks given to everyone, handpicked by Marty on the island of Patmos.

Plus there's the fact that a whole lot of people I love and miss willbe making the trip here for the next two weeks. Word on the street is that they're packing 320 visitors into this town, a remarkable feat given they're having trouble accomadating me and my two housemates.

Catch up with you after the craziness.....If I survive.....

Do your homework, Little Man

2005-08-31T22:48:00.000+10:00

If anyone is unsure, the Dave Matthews Band and Dave Stuart and the Spiritual Cowboys really have little in common, and are not to be confused in general conversation.

Grab a deckchair, have an early summer!

2005-08-29T21:20:00.000+10:00

Last night on my travels I had Elvis "the King" Costello accompanying my lonely self on the journey home. Not the real Elvis Costello, though that would have been a bit of a laugh. Actually, for the sake of the creative opportunities that the internet presents, let's say it WAS the real Elvis Costello, and I was just giving him a lift to the Great Lakes, where he has a cozy little chateau. He just happened to have his guitar on him (the mountain air is great for writer's block, so I'm told), and he played me a few tunes. One song in particular perked my ears up and caused a bit of a sing-a-long. It's very eighties and just a little daggy, but there's something about that song that gets me every time. After a brief discussion with Mr. Costello I realised it's because it reminds me so much of last summer. And it seems I really enjoyed last summer.

It never ceases to amaze me how much sound/music relates so closely to memory. To this day listening to They Might Be Giants' Mink Car conjures images of Bilbo Baggins roaming around Middle Earth, simply due to my choice of soundtrack while reading the Hobbit. So it suprised me how fondly I looked back on last summer as Elvis strummed away with his...synth keyboards, because I'm not one who puts that much affection into summers. But this particular one was pretty darn special. I was just wrapping up my Cert. IV course and probably had a better understanding of myself than I have ever had, I had so many close friends at that time that currently I miss dearly, and a burgeoning relationship with my current boyfriend. So when I hear Elvis' "Everyday I Write The Book" it brings back feelings of driving through my home town in an insufferably hot car, laying in my bed as the morning sun illuminates my room, and all the feelings of contentment and happiness I felt at the time.

And to think, if I hadn't picked up that bespeccled hitchhiker with his guitar/synth keyboard last night, I probably wouldn't have even realised any of this.

παρακαλώ! (Or, How I Learnt to Stop Worrying and Appreciate Street Theatre)

2005-08-20T17:56:00.000+10:00

All my friends are going to Greece! Well actually, they're gone already, flying out of the country yesterday morning. Boy I'm jealous. I was planning to go this year but then I did Diploma instead. What a silly idea that turned out to be. Kidding, of course.

A whole bunch of people who are a part of this Youth and Community organisation that I study with (that is, Fusion) are going to Greece to do, well, youth and community work. Which in this case is Open-Crowd Festivals, which is Fusion-speak for mass street theatre. Which means that the rest of us are expected to pick up the slack while they're off playing. I wish I was with them.

Below are Heather, Bec and Geri (with some very distracting blokes in the background, thanks guys!) saying goodbye before they jump on a plane. They are three of many who are venturing into a country where they dont know the language, but are required to do a lot more communicating with the locals than a regular tourist would. Some of them have never been out of the country before, so prayer for them would be very appreciated. Peace.

A.I.

2005-08-20T17:39:00.000+10:00

Artificial Intelligence my foot! I dont know how this happened, or how we can make it un-happen, but somehow the image on the monitor of a HeartFM work computer suddenly decided to look at the world from a different point of view, expecting us to join in,and refuses to go the right way up again.
We tried to get some co-operation, but all we got were sore necks and a retraining of our motor skills trying to use the mouse...

Brrrrr...

2005-08-17T19:57:00.000+10:00

It's cold.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodnight...

2005-08-12T12:55:00.000+10:00

Well Monday night was Senior Presenter Kris' last official night on the Captain Midnight Show, and being the shy gremlin that he is, he wanted to sneak out of town without anyone noticing. So what did we do? AMBUSH! Yay! Canons and all came charging over the deceptively quiet peasant-worked field, while the mightiest rode on galliant stallions weilding broadsword and fruit platters.

So Kris hid. Yes, the whole of Heart FM and all his trainee children who had not yet gone forth to forge their own path in radio like others before them, showed up just to show their love, and he ran away. Once found, however, he had a great time, and so did the rest of us. Though I have to say, that many people in such a small radio studio made for interesting manouvering. Here's a bunch of really daggy photos taken on the night.

The blurry station ghost, aka Joe Baxter, gives Kris one last haunting.

Yay! Murder! Daniel goes about his daily "business"

Chleo works it for the camera

The teacher has one last reflective moment, taking in his place of deep learning one last time, before haning it over to the apprentice, aka me, who surpassed the teacher long ago....

Colours

2005-08-08T12:00:00.000+10:00

I was inadvertedly caused to think about colours just then. "Strange", you may be thinking. "I would have thought that with the abundance of colours in this world you would either be thinking about it constantly, or have ignored the topic for the rest of your life". But really, all that colours are and what they represent. I'm so glad colours exist. Of course there's literal colours, blue, green etc. They're great. But also in terms of diferentiation, racial, national, political, sporting, chess clubs, clothing, anything that defines individuality.

Actually, lets stick with the chess analogy. Black and white, you and me. That's all there is, really. And we tend to view the world a bit like that. Us and them. Good and bad. I was listening to Conversation of the Nation last night (first time ever, actually) with Mal Garvin, and it raised a few issues like this. Like how do we view citizenship? What makes an Aussie and what makes a foreigner or migrant, and should there really be that definition between them? The issue wasn't resolved, but it really makes you think. (Mal Garvin joke).

Well, that's my ponderings for today. Yay! Go colours!

Success!

2005-08-06T18:16:00.000+10:00

Oh, and I got the thumbs up from Daniel on the picture (see below)! Well, more like a "Yee-ha!" and a high five, really. I love enthusiasm.

Well, here I go...

2005-08-06T13:45:00.000+10:00

Kris leaves in three days. And with him being both my boyfriend and the now ex-team leader of my radio show, it means a WHOLE lot of stuff is going to change for me. This past week has been my first week at my diploma placement at Heart FM studios, and it's been pretty hard getting my head around all my new responsibilities. Also not having a place to live or any money has presented a few interesting challenges. I'm currently shacked up in the local backpackers, next week I move to a pretty darn luxurious house-sitting sort of arrangement for six weeks, then who knows what. I'm a nomad. Roaming the far reaching lands of Poatina looking for shelter.

With the departure of Kris the Captain Midnight Show is all mine. And the kids who get taught there in the art of media are all mine too. Gee I hope I don't stuff anybody up. So all these little worries have been on my mind, and then yesterday they all came tumbling down. Crash. It made that sound and all. In Poatina we have a strange little ritual whereby all residents spend morning tea together and someone sits up the front and talks. Yesterday that person was Steve Bell. Long story short, he had a car accident last year which put him in hospital for four months and he still can't walk with as much ease as he used to. And he used to be a performer too. So his story is pretty insane, and I can't really do justice to what he said, so I wont try. All I can say is that it caused a LOT of tears. Not in a sappy, sentimental way, but in a pretty raw, honest way. Nitty gritty stuff, as he called it.

So I've been given a bit of perspective, it's fair to say. Gee I love it when that happens, it gives me more appreciation of other people's ability to improve me.

Socks!

2005-08-04T13:05:00.001+10:00

Socks are marvelous, magical things. They live in the forest of Ooshdoop, down near the river of Dingly-Dell.
I just got a new pair to live on my feet, and we are getting along quite swell-ingly. They are knee-high, brown with orange and green spots, and flowers just below the top. It is an exciting time of discovery when one tries out a new pair of socks, especially ones as overbearingly attractive as these. Such is the power of these socka, that all bow in awe of the IMMENSE POWER AND MAJESTY THEY BEHOLD! MWAHAHAHA!! Lucky for everyone I'm not a megalomaniac, otherwise I could quite easily rule the universe. At the moment I'm too distracted just trying to run a radio show. It's hard work, OK! Geez, you don't have to be so mean about it.

I thought about posting a picture of my socks for all to fully grasp the beauty of the power of such creatures, but then you'd all become my brain-altered zombie-like slaves, and I don't really want that responsibilty.

Oh, and fickle me is changing my photo back.

This is becoming a Regular Art Gallery...

2005-08-01T10:25:00.000+10:00

I thought that since my profile pic was so old (well, 8 months or so) I should update it. Incidently, it's the last picture taken of me in my room. Yes, I'm moving out. And it has a nice winter feel to it too. Note the hoard of angry Dalek's that also live in my room...

Here's the pic of Little Man that Megski requested...

A Scene Altogether Unworthy of Depiction

2005-07-30T17:16:00.000+10:00

My buddy/workmate/cuz Daniel Townsend has just released his very own brand new debut album, entitled 'A Scene Altogether Unworthy of Depiction' and it's pretty smashing if you ask for my opinion, and in this case I think you should. It's a bit of a family affair, featuring cover art by the talented Dr. Bowen (who also does some backing vocals, hehe), which is designed by Joshy, and one track ('Soul in my belly') features Miss Meagan and Tim, recorded live on MY radio show. I'm excited cause I got my first ever commissioned portrait and I just finished it (yes, there is a self-glorifying element to this post)! Yay! And I'm about to send it off to see what he thinks of it. Feedback is welcome from all peoples.

In the meantime, you can listen to some songs Here. Enjoy.

Sombre Ponderings

2005-07-29T10:28:00.000+10:00

There is a guy I know, who's constantly excited, enthusiastic and energised. While we all stand around coughing and muttering about the bloody weather, he runs amok, shouting movie quotes into the wind. Some people get annoyed by him, saying he's far too positive about everything. Huh!? As grumpy as I can be in the mornings I never fail to appreciate the fact that this one guy keeps his spirit up despite his circumstances, and is able to keep things in perspective. He sees the good in everything, and quite frankly, I wish I had that power.

Lately I've been letting my righteous anger get a hold of me. I hate George Bush, I hate this stupid war in Iraq, I hate American policy on guns and the death sentance. And yes, I am a Michael Moore fan. While I still stand firm that there is very little good in any of these things, recently a new friend (an American, no less) challenged my perspective. While I am still trying to process our lengthy conversation, I am thankful because I spend less time being just angry, I try to see the good as well. It's not about being for or against, I'm still against, it's more about trusting that not all humans are bad, evil beings intent on destroying the universe.

I just got a beautiful email from another friend, with these amazing photos from Iraq which starkly contrast the prisoner torture photos. Here's an example. Peace.

Get behind me Satan

2005-07-28T19:33:00.000+10:00

No, this is not review of the new White Stripes album. This is a genuine plea for help as I come under pressure from the powers of evil. And which of Satan's many minions is bothering me lately? Centrelink. Yes, Beezlebub has been chasing me through the Valley of the Shadow of Youth Allowance claim forms, trying to twart my attempts to understand what the many illegible questions mean. And I'm not alone in this. Almost every person I've chased up to answer my questions has had less of a clue than me. I'm beginning to form a theory that this is Satan's desperate attempt to bring down the enthusiasm of any new faith worker/student. And it's working. Almost. Down with beaurocratic life-draining forms! Down with beaurocrats! Heck, I may even go so far as to say 'Down with illegible rubbish!'. Harsh words.

Well, that's a lot off my chest. Now, on to my Family Actual Means Test, Centrepay Deduction Form, and Rent Assistance...

What about Kris?

2005-07-26T16:40:00.000+10:00

Some of you (well, one person) wanted to know what my boyfriend Kris was up to. So I thought it was a perfect opportunity to babble on about how fantastic and thoughtful and gorgeous he was. But I wont. So it's safe to keep reading. He's leaving town (the town that is called Poatina, and may or may not have anything to do with porridge) and going to another town (one that is called Wynyard and sounds like a sheep graziers association, but is in fact a coastal fishing town on the North-West coast of Tassie). There he is doing a lot of radio things that have been abandoned by people who've come here (that is, the town called Poatina) to do a Certificate IV course (See Bowen's Blog) Got that? If you didn't, forward on your questions to me and I'll get back to you. Perhaps.

It's actually his Captain Midnight radio show that I'm now in charge of, which is very strange. And it'll be interesting to see how I go being so far away from him (well ok, it could have been Brisbane rather than Wynyard, but being a Tasmanian my perception of distances is warped) and how he's going to go taking on managerial position. Keep your eyes on this space for updates on that one.

In the meantime, here's a picture of him as a child at the end of a very long bicycle (just in case you wanted to know what he looked like).

Peace.

Make your own Dr. Who Scarf!

2005-07-26T16:18:00.000+10:00

Feeling the cold?
Wanting to tackle a new knitting project?
Think Tom Baker's the fashion genius of the century?

Then knit your very own Dr Who scarf!

Yes that's right, as the winter months settle in there's nothing I appreciate more than an exceedingly long multicoloured scarf to wrap around my snap-frozen neck, allowing blood to flow to the head once again.

All you need is several hundred balls of wool, the pattern (provided below) and a willing mum/grandma.

I have one, and my life is better for it.

So, get clicking (as in, on the net) and get clacking (as in, knititng needles) today!
Dr Who scarf pattern website

What it's like to be an Official Blogger

2005-07-25T17:39:00.000+10:00

Well I must say on reflection that it may be tough to keep this blog up to date with all the craziness going on for me. I'm kinda flying by the seat of the only good pants I have right now. Heck, I don't even know where I'm going to live. They call it 'Living with Ambiguity". In three months time I'll be so full of ambiguity that I'll have plenty to throw around. So bear with me. For now I'll soldier on.

Week 2 begins of Diploma in Youth and Community work. I don't know precisley what it means to be in week 2 of such a course, but given that I haven't experienced one before, I'm kind of excited. And so the whole purpose of this particular entry was to announce such a fact.

Oh, and thanks to Ludicrousity for the promo. Check out her blog in the links menu.

Welcome to my Life

2005-07-25T12:52:00.000+10:00

Well, what a happy occasion. My first blog.

Shouldn't there be some sort of ceremony to go along with this? I should really speak to the people in charge, see what I can do. For now I will have to attempt to put my innane ponderings into words as I tackle a pretty full on two-or-so years. What's going on, you ask? Well here goes....

(Sigh) Read that sigh? That was involuntary. Because this past two weeks, and indeed these past five days, have been so unbelieveably insane. The first week was Foundations, a week long course all about...well, life, really. They try to equip us with the words to describe to others what it was like but it's impossible really. It's a pretty full on week, Sunday til Sunday, 8.30am til well after the designated 9.15pm, and at the end of it everyone is tired and sick and completely emotionally drained.

So what do I do the following day? Respond to an offer to start Diploma! Which is more of the same except over 2 or more years, and I decided to take it on within three hours of it commencing. So for now I don't get a day off (or at the very least, an early night) until next Thursday. Yay! Then I take over a late night radio show full time. For everyone who knows what doing Diploma (especially in Poatina) means, this news will appall you. For those who don't, you can be the ones who act happy for me.

It really is a huge thing to be doing. Will I survive? Well you'll just have to tune in and see folks, because I don't have a flippin' clue. Peace.