Never Back Down

Expecting a cheap rip off of Fight Club, I was pleasantly surprised by Never Back Down .

The story is a tried and true formula: troubled teen comes to new town and has a run in with the school tough guy, largely over a girl. He gets angry and wants revenge but is counselled by a quiet, wise man who slowly gets through to him.

Sound familiar? I must say even though fighting was central, the film borrowed a lot more from The Karate Kid than Fight Club.

What makes this better than the cliched idea it was born from is the lead character Jake Tyler (Sean Faris). There won't be any Oscars but he held the movie together well as far as I'm concerned. Jake is haunted by the death of his father in a car accident where he wasn't strong enough to not allow his dad to drive while drunk.

He sees it as giving in.

That's where Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou) comes in. He's the master of a local `combat club' where angry teens can work out their aggression. He has a rule that no one is to fight outside the club. Of course Jake breaks the rule but is awarded a second chance.

Look, you can pretty much guess where this is headed. Ryan McCarthy (The OC's Cam Gigandet) is the bad guy, looking a lot like Brad Pitt in Fight Club coincidentally.

If you don't take it too seriously and get caught up in the Fight Club comparisons then you'll enjoy it. I certainly did and give it an 8 out of 10.

Inside information

Some people see introversion as a great thing, or a defining thing about them. Sometimes I think there is an extrovert inside trying to force its way out.
The struggle between wanting to be one way and accepting that you are who you are is an interesting one. I look at other people and wonder how they became how they are. Is it just nature?
I don't have this desire to all of a sudden become this completely out there person but I often wonder if I could be. I like my own space from time to time, I enjoy curling up on the couch with a movie or box set of One Tree Hill or one of my other guilty TV pleasures.
I see life very much as a contact sport.
Now I don't mean we should be causing harm to people or grabbing their `wheels' as some have done in rugby league this week. People were created for relationship with each other and the human touch has such a powerful effect.
Everyone needs their own personal space, definitely, but in a big city like this one we have lost sight of the fact that there is great comfort and energy to be drawn from the simple touch, and not just in the secular world. A handshake, a hug, a pat on the back, a friendly embrace. It's all good.
The guy who planted himself in Martin Place and started the Free Hugs campaign was on the right track. It's something so simple and he made it all the way to Oprah.
I reckon tomorrow everyone should make an effort to do one `good deed' or make a simple gesture to make someone else feel good.

There's nothing to tell

It's been a fairly standard week and I haven't felt overly inspired to write anything, so this is basically filler until I do.
Glad it's Friday tomorrow and I'm looking forward to a bit of a quiet weekend for a change.
Incidentally, the name of this post comprises the first line of dialogue from the very first episode of Friends.

A lyrical journey

Some random lyrics from songs I love....

`If you could see what's going on behind these private eyes, the truth would look so easy now but I'm running out of lies' - All I Want Is Everything (Def Leppard)

`And I know it aches and your heart it breaks, and you can only take so much.' - Walk On (U2)

`How do you block the sound of a voice you'd know anywhere.' - Insensitive (Jann Arden)

`And if you keep falling down don't you dare give in, you will arise safe and sound, so keep pressing on steadfastly, and you'll find what you need to prevail.' - Through The Rain (Mariah Carey)

`You grew up way too fast now there's nothing to believe, and re-runs all become our history.' - Name (Goo Goo Dolls)

`There's no need to say a thing when I'm before you, in this silence I feel refreshed with peace.' - When You Are Near (Jeremy Camp)

`Ever wonder why I never really truly connect although my eyes are open, I can hold your gaze but I am never connected.' - Darkness (Darren Hayes)

My part of the world...

Hidden treasure

Strange wildlife

Worlds collide

Bring me to life

Things sure have changed here on Walton's mountain.
Yeah, all right, I'll get serious.
It's amazing how the mind works. I've spent a lot of time over the last three years either in denial, desperation, despair or disillusionment, you get the point.
One small piece of information held so much power. Once the fear that knowledge nurtured disappeared everything became different. Almost overnight.
Instead of learning how to live in a negative way, placing limitations on myself, suddenly the door to the world has been flung open and I can step outside.
Chronic conditions are by nature difficult to deal with and you can easily reach the `what's the point' stage. Perseverence is hard. Giving in seems easy but once you've done that there's no turning back.
I am glad I persevered. I am fortunate I had some amazing, unconditional support, someone I could fall apart in front of if I needed to. I don't ever take that for granted. I am fortunate I have a faith which provides hope.
Learning how to live in a positive way after feeling so much negative emotion should be a walk in the park, right? I thought so but in a lot of ways the habits I have developed in the past few years are still there, and it is hard to get out of them. I guess I never was the type just to throw caution to the wind.
So much has changed in the last month. I feel different, less fearful, less worried. It's a great feeling. I won't go as far as to say reborn, certainly rejuvenated. It's easier to smile.
One little piece of information. It's all gone, there's no trace, no sign. Unbelievable, almost.
Time to move on, learn to live fully, experience, flourish, knowing I can handle it.

In the city

It turned out a great last day before work resumes.
I spent most of it in the great city area of Sydney, wandering around and observing the place. Kind of like a tourist, even though I have been there many a time, as when I am in the city it is usually for a purpose and not just for recreation.
Actually I did have a purpose. I had my acupuncture appointment but I got into town a couple of hours before so I could have a browse, pick up a DVD of Into The Wild as it was released today, and just enjoy Sydney on a sunny, pleasant autumn day.
I must do that more often. I didn't in the end head down to the water, to the Quay, but the city isn't bad in the middle of the day, there's plenty to see, always a busker or some other kind of street clutter to catch your eye.
The walk from Central station is a good one, about 20 minutes along George Street to where I needed to get to (that's normally) but I took a different path today and browsed in a comic book store, walked through the Pitt Street mall (haven't been there in ages) and had lunch at the QVB.
So I can happily say I ended my break with a top day. Shame I have to go back to work tomorrow but that isn't all bad as I really like my job.

Be Kind Rewind

Here's a movie that sounded good, had promise then fell flat on its face.
Be Kind Rewind is the latest Jack Black silly comedy but it lacks the class of previous efforts.
Jerry (Black) is magnetised while trying to sabotage the local power station and as a result he erases all the tapes at the struggling video store, Be Kind Rewind.
When a customer inquires about hiring Ghostbusters and Jerry and Mike (Mos Def) discover the tapes are erased they decide to remake the film themselves.
Their `Sweded' films become a neighbourhood smash and everyone wants remakes of their favourite films.
OK, so this is actually a fantastic idea for a movie and the scenes where Jerry and Mike `Swede' films like Robocop, Driving Miss Daisy, Rush Hour 2, and so on are very good.
Soon word gets out that this is happening and Hollywood sends in its goons to stamp out their piracy. Sigourney Weaver is criminally wasted in this role. When I saw her approaching I thought, wow she's going to ask for a remake of Alien or something like that, but alas that would be actually funny.
From there it degenerates into an uninteresting and well trodden `save the building' film and some kind of tribute to Fats Waller.
Be Kind Rewind had its moments, and when it did they were quite funny. But come on, this was a fantastic idea and it has gone begging. Or maybe Jack Black isn't as funny to me as he used to be. One things I will say is, and Rod will appreciate this, is that a love of movies brings the community together and I think that is a great thing.
A 6 out of 10 for the funny bits.

Penultimate day off

Well it is my second last day of holidays before I return to the world of 9 to 5 (or 7 to 3 as the case may be) and I have to say I am ready.
I suspected four weeks may have been too many and now I know, unless you have major travel or other plans that three is the optimum number.
It has been a good break, I really feel like I've taken time out even though I have spent quite some time paying attention to the races. But I enjoy that so why should I deprive myself of something I enjoy so much.
A two day work week to start back holds a lot of appeal. Two days on, two days off seems like a good deal to me, glad I thought of that and locked it in!

Step into the confessional

While guilt is not a motivation for this revelation, and I don't feel any, I know a confession must be forthcoming from me to a friend who I have been misleading.
I just don't really want to have the conversation that I am sure will follow.
It all surrounds church, so anyone wondering what law I have broken or unspeakable thing I have done can settle down.
You see, I haven't been to church on a regular basis for almost a year.
For a quick recap, when I decided to stop going it was at a time when I was feeling very discouraged. This isn't really a good reason to stop, if anything a reason to keep going, but I just felt I couldn't do it any more.
I was disappointed, discouraged, disillusioned and defeated.
Yeah, there's a lot of D's there and I could probably reel off some more but you get the point. A while later I decided to casually visit a church not to far from where I live and have gone there on and off.
My confession is that I haven't been going as much as I have led some people to believe.
I don't feel like I can get straight back on the horse, so to speak, and I hate it that I am not being honest with one or two people who have inquired about my church status.
One in particular. And it is a conversation I have been meaning to have because I do feel bad that I am not being honest with him when he talks about it.
For me, church is in the too-hard basket. I know it shouldn't be but that's where I am leaving it for the time being. I will go to church on special occasions, no question.
That's where I stand right now, I just have to work up the courage to fess up about it.

A day at the races

Easter Saturday in Sydney, for me, means Derby Day at Randwick but after the horse flu last year things were put back.
So yesterday wasn't Derby Day, that's not for another month, but it was still a fine way to celebrate turning 33. Admittedly I didn't have much of a celebration - I hung out with people I know largely from and through work - but it was still a very good day out.
I took these pictures with my new camera and while I am far from a photographic expert I reckon they are all right. The top one is a mounting yard scene, where the horses parade prior to heading out to race.
The second is obviously an action shot, 100m to go in the first race at Randwick yesterday.
The winner, Rio Osa, is the horse in the cerise about to hit the lead. Sadly, the horse I backed, Acey Ducey, is the horse running third at this stage and he was only beaten a half head at the finish.

An interesting thing happened, I was wandering around the betting ring and I ran into a racehorse trainer who I have had a lot to do with over the last five or six years and a guy I get on well with.

He told me because he didn't have any horses racing he thought he'd come out and celebrate his birthday. Now I've known the guy for a while and didn't know we share a birthday. I reckon it's cool because he's one of the best people I know in the racing industry.

I didn't do any major partying last night but enjoyed watching the Knights beat Manly 13-12.

Birthday wishes

I'd like to extend birthday greetings to the following people:

1. Brant who turned 31 yesterday, though who is still celebrating as he lives in the US.
2. Matty D, who has another birthday on Monday (and I've forgotten his exact age).
3. Myself, who as of today is 33 and looking forward to spending the day at Randwick.

Halo

I didn't know this video clip existed and it's a song worth hearing. Halo by Aussie soul singer Eran James, from his album Ten Songs About Love.
It's a beautiful song, one I hear was inspired by his mother who had cancer and with a line like `when I'm lost, confused and scared of the night, I look up and find, there's a halo burning bright'.
This guy is seriously underexposed in Australia, has more talent than anyone who ever set foot on Idol, and deserves to be noticed, or at least heard, more.
Enjoy.

Horton Hears A Who!

The genius of Jim Carrey is so evident in the film Horton Hears A Who , the latest Dr Seuss classic to hit the big screen.
For a book published over 50 years ago, in 1954, Horton stands up very well to modern day and even uses some pop culture references (the Apocolypse Now one comes to mind).
On the fifteenth of May, in the Jungle of Nool, In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool, He was splashing ... enjoying the jungle's great joys . . When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.
The central message of the book/film is simple - everybody matters regardless of who they are - and it is repeated many times as `a person's a person, no matter how small'.
Animating this film was a masterstroke, getting Carrey (who played the Grinch in the live action film a few years back) was another because it is his film.
Horton is so loveable, whimsical, and he is dedicated to saving the people of Whoville, who live on a speck of dust.
The animators turned the elephant Horton into Carrey and it works (at this point I should mention I'm a big fan) as he goes against the way of the jungle (run by an evil Kangaroo voiced by the wonderful Carol Burnett) which says `if you can't see it and can't hear it, it doesn't exist' to ensure the safety of the Whos, even though no-one else believes they exist.
The Mayor Of Whoville (Steve Carrell) has similar problems. He can hear Horton but no one believes him.
I think there is a definite parallel with Christianity here in two places. The people of Whoville don't believe in the voice from the sky who is trying to protect them. It's the old question of faith. More telling though, I think, is the reference to a speck.
I'm talking from Matthew 7:3-5 which says `Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye....' The jungle animals are far too attentive to the `speck' Horton is carrying to pay attention to the `planks' which prevent them from seeing the truth.
I think the whole film carries a wonderful message, it's fun to watch and also funny and is great for people of all ages. There's a hilarious rendition of REO Speedwagon's classic Can't Fight This Feeling thrown in as well. Dr Seuss would be very proud. Easily the best thing I've seen so far this year and a 9 out of 10.

Vantage Point

There is a really good film in Vantage Point but somehow it just wasn't quite realised.

I don't know whether the filmmakers were trying to be too clever with the very interesting concept, which isn't exactly new but nevertheless isn't often used.

The film centres around an assassination attempt on the US President and is told from several different characters' `vantage points', including the Pres himself, a tourist, a bodyguard, and a couple of the people involved in the shooting.

The cast is solid with Dennis Quaid, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Forest Whitaker and Matthew Fox among them.

It's a little bit 24, a little bit Lost with some Bourne camera work thrown in. There are some twists, some surprising, some not so surprising, I thought Fox wasn't bad and Quaid kind of remided me of Kevin Costner in the Bodyguard - whether or not that's a good thing I'm not sure.

They overused their concept a bit and this is where some of the problem lay. One or two people in the session I was in remarked `not again' or words to that effect at about the fourth rewind to start a new vantage point. One could argue they should have expected it but I still stay the concept was overdone.

In all, there are far worse films out there and this wasn't bad at all. Less critical people than myself will say it's a solid action movie. And it is. I just expected more. There was a really good film that went begging here but what they came up with is passable. A 7 out of 10.

100 episodes and so many questions

There's so much to process after the 1o0th episode of One Tree Hill. Spoilers ahead.
Lucas (pictured) is all set to marry Lindsey, his mother and sister have returned along with Andy, Karen's flame of season 2, for the big day.
The evil nanny Carrie is also back. Dan is planning a `family reunion', Peyton wants to stop the wedding and it seems everyone else wants her to as well.
It took Haley about five seconds to work out Lucas' new book was all about Peyton, just like the first one, but somehow Lindsey can't see that - right up until Lucas says I Do when she finally realises the comet in the book is a reference to Peyton's car (nice throwback to the first episode by the way) and his longing for her.
There's a great imaginary scene where Peyton stops the wedding, but then a voiceover steps in and says `that's what I should have done, instead I said nothing'.
More pressing than Lindsey running out on the wedding is the fact that Carrie has kidnapped Jamie and wants to keep him as her son. Until Dan comes to the rescue. Is he the bad guy of the series or has be turned over a new leaf? I think not. But he does save the day.
Funniest scene goes to Brooke and Peyton where Brooke says, while hugging Peyton, `I want to have a baby' and Peyton responds with a worried looks: `with me!'. Hilarious, but Brooke quickly sets the record straight.
So much information, an outstanding episode, but a month's wait at least before the final six episodes of season 5.

Embarrassing admission #1

So I was listening to the music on my computer and a certain song started.
It was Reach by S Club 7.
This is the embarrassing admission: I love this song!
Yeah it is a manufactured pop song by a boy/girl band but it just makes me smile. It's bright, light, easy to listen to and the words mean something.

My favourite bit is: Don't believe in all that you've been told, the sky's the limit you can reach your goal, no-one knows just what the future holds, there ain't nothing you can't be, there's a whole world at your feet.

You're a tough crowd if this doesn't make you feel good.

Hugging: the art of manliness

To hug or not to hug.
As a man it's a tricky one when it comes to your mates. But it shouldn't be.
This explains the rules in the US. Interesting, not irrelevant. Thanks Craig/Lairdy for the heads up.
Makes me think of the Free Hugs campaign, what a great thing that is.

The Two Of Me

In August last year Andrew Johns revealed he had suffered depression and bipolar disorder for pretty much his entire rugby league career.
As a big fan of Joey, as you can see from the photo, I was always going to read his book The Two Of Me with interest.
The first thing I can say is that it is easy to read, being largely a first person account of his life to date.
Some of it is easy to relate to, both as a fan of the Newcastle Knights and someone who has battled depression (though nowhere near as serious), and some of it is a bit ho hum.
However, the good very much outweighs the bad.
Of course some of the book's thunder was stolen when Johns was arrested in England with an ecstacy tablet in his possession and he had to confess to years of drug abuse and such. That interview was quite wrenching but probably the best thing to do.
What troubles me is that nobody tried very hard to reel him in when something was very obviously wrong. Perhaps it was because of who he is or maybe he was hard to talk to, I've only met him twice and you can't get a guide on who someone is based on a couple of two or three minute chats. I am certainly not going to judge, and I think what he's done since everything came out is admirable.
The big shame is that Knights fans won't get to see him play again.
If you're a fan you'll like it, though the book is probably above anyone not at least casually interested in rugby league.

Throwing a few things out there

It's after 10.30pm.
I am somewhere in the middle of a mild headcold and a bit tired.
I say in the middle because the sore throat is gone and my voice is now somewhat croaky.
Been a while since I've had one of these and it is probably because of this weird weather, or the cold my good friend/housemate brought back from overseas. (It's just easier to blame him, it probably isn't his fault!)
I am thinking of seeing an early movie tomorrow, haven't been for a while and it is cheap day.
I want to have a few easy days after all my travelling today and the plans for the weekend. Plus being on holidays I can take advantage of that luxury.
This afternoon I watched episode 11 of One Tree Hill season 5 and it rocked big time. Welcome back Chase and Rachel. Bring on the next one!!!
I finished reading Andrew Johns' book recently, should post a review soon.
I watched every game of rugby league this weekend except for the Tigers vs Dragons.
I could go on but it is time for bed...long day and all.

The digital age

It's been great getting out of Sydney for a while but now I'm back, still with a couple of weeks holidays up my sleeve.
Among the things I got up to was, wait for it, attending a 6-year-old's birthday party. And I can safely say I don't want to be in a room with that many kids for a while. It's quite amazing how much noise they can make. Perhaps I'm just getting old.
Speaking of getting older, I was given a digital camera for my birthday (which is not for a few days yet) by the family. So I have been dragged further into the digital age but at least it allows me to post photos that I take and such.
I took a few good ones of the nephew (who was rather naughty while I was home) which I am happy with and since it has been about 3 years between new photos it is a long time coming.
Now I'm into the third week of my break I think I have begun to relax properly and that's awesome. With Easter coming up and of course the dreaded GST birthday (that's 33 for those who don't know: 30 plus 10 per cent) coming up, roughly at the same time, the week ahead should be a good one.

Neighbours

I'm sure it is a big city thing, you know very little about the people who live nearby or in the same complex.
People seem to like to keep to themselves, admittedly I like to do that from time to time, but surely it is counter productive.
This came to light today. I arrived home around lunch time from a trip into the city for acupuncture and shopping to be greeted by four fire trucks, an ambulance and a police car and their occupants.
The reason: there was a fire in one of the apartments. Immediately I was concerned it could have been mine but was told otherwise by one of the firemen at the front of our driveway on the way in. I'm a little ashamed to say I still know nothing about the people whose lives have been severely disrupted by fire in their unit. I don't know their names, I wouldn't know anything about them.
Out of the many units in my complex I know the occupants of two of them and I have been here four years. How bad is that? I think I need to get to know a little bit about the people around me.

Down time

Not a lot to say at the moment, it has been a good first week off.
I haven't done an awful lot, aside from a trip to the city on Wednesday for a racing lunch at Star City (very nice), which is cool with me.
It appears like a big weekend ahead so that will be interesting....

Sixth year in Tree Hill

Whether or not the US writers strike had anything to do with it, it's great news that One Tree Hill has been confirmed for next season, its sixth year.
In season five, of which I have watched six episodes, they took the risk of skipping over the traditional college years and into new ground and picked up four years after the end of season 4.

So far it has worked and is just as addictive as ever.

Now if only Channel 10 would wake up to themselves and realise what a cracking show it is. But it is probably too late for OTH now, they only got half way through season 2 before dumping it after not giving it a chance.

Incidentally, when I was returning Disturbia to the video store OTH was playing and I asked the guy behind the counter as to why, and he said because it's the best show and he watches it whenever he is working there!

Numb

Wow, wow, wow, wow.
OK, straight up I have to say this movie could have been a bit better but the performance of Matthew Perry in Numb was unbelievable.
Perry, best known as Chandler in Friends, plays Hudson, a screenwriter who suffers from a depersonalisation disorder.
He floats through life in a daze, feeling detatched from the world and from people. He spends his days sleeping, watching the 24 hour golf channel (because green is an appealing colour and people whisper all the time) and his idea of a buzz comes from shoplifting.
He sees therapist after therapist and gets nowhere. I found a scene where he is given a counter to number his negative thoughts (which he clicks many, many times) quite amusng and sad at the same time.
There looks like light at the end of the tunnel when he meets Sara, an attractive but odd woman and the only person Hudson feels remotely normal around.
His problem now is that he wants her to save him. But the only person who can save Hudson is himself.
Say what you like about Matthew Perry but he is just amazing in this movie and the voice overs give you insight into how he struggles with life. As I said, the movie overall could have been a shade better, there was a lot of potential there, but it was saved by a career best performance from Perry, head and shoulders above any other film role I have seen him in.
Had I seen this at the movies I'd give it about 7 out of 10, but as far as performance goes it's a 10. Brilliant.

Movie day

With predictions of rain (that didn't eventuate) I hired a couple of movies to watch today and had a damn good time.
First up is Disturbia, the very smart thriller starring Shia LeBeouf (left) as a teen who, under house arrest, takes to spying on the neighbourhood and believes a serial killer lives among them.
I missed this at the movies and it was a bad miss because this is outstanding. Admittedly it does take a little while to warm up but it is not only enjoyable it has some great suspense. If you haven't seen it do yourself a favour.

My second film was one out of left-field. A movie that I hadn't heard of but that read well as I was browsing the aisles.

Called Big Eden it was definitely a surprise. There is no one of any huge note in the cast but it focuses on Henry Hart (Arye Gross), a New York artist who goes home to Big Eden (his home town) to look after his grandfather after he has a stroke.

The town is a warm, caring community and I think this puts Henry off kilter a bit. As he stays in the town he rekindles friendships and and old crush and comes to be relied upon by the locals.

All the while he's not comfortable in his skin. He can't let people in and there's a touching scene where his grandfather says `There are so many people here who want to pour love over you if only you would let them'.

Apparently this came out in 2000. It was an excellent film, surprising and warm.

A couple of other quotes struck me (though the context may help more):

- There's so few nice surprises in life. Seems to me that it'd be kind of a shame to squander one of them, don't ya think?

- Listen, you know what they say when you get lost in the woods? If you stay put, stay in one place and don't wander, they'll find you. And I was just hoping you'd let yourself be found this time. I was hoping you'd let us find you. But you keep wandering and we can't.

When you watch a couple of movies that engross or enlighten you it is time well spent. That's what I reckon anway.

Touch My Body

No, it's not an invitation.
It's Mariah Carey's new song, Touch My Body, and it isn't bad.
As a long time fan (I have all her albums and have seen her in concert) I have to say that she is a great singer but whoever is advising her really ought to tell her to put some clothes back on.
I always found her more appealing back in the `wholesome' days where she always looked stunning but managed not to flash everything for the world to see. It may well be too late to go back now, having already sold the farm as it were, but I really don't see the need to be half naked in video clips.
Her songs are very good, mostly, and she didn't need to strip to be successful earlier on. For someone who has always professed a faith, and quite a few of her songs reflect that, it seems a bit hypocritical to be flaunting herself.
Concentrate on the music Mariah, that's my view. She's a beautiful woman and she shouldn't be degrading herself like she is.
My favourite Mariah songs are Hero, My Saving Grace, We Belong Together, Close My Eyes, Through The Rain, Make It Happen, Anytime You Need A Friend and Music Box.

March off

I'm happy to say that day 2 of my holidays is going well.
Sure, I haven't done much and I slept in after staying up late but I don't have to go to work tomorrow so it doesn't matter!
I'm certainly not counting, but with 28 more days off before I have to go back it's great not to be thinking too much about work.
I haven't had this much time off under good circumstances ever so it's a good feeling. Party on.

Rambo

What you see is what you get.
Some 20 years after the last outing, Sylvester Stallone dusts off Rambo for a blood filled romp through troubled Burma.
I can't really elaborate more on the film as the story is pretty simple, Rambo unwillingly helps a bunch of missionaries reach the troubled country and then gets drawn into the conflict.
The body count is astronomical as is the use of the tomato sauce.
I have to say I thought this was much better than I was expecting. It's not Shakespeare but Stallone does send Rambo off much in the same way as he did Rocky Balboa last year.
While Rocky was a much, much better film in all ways, Rambo is what you'd expect from his character.
A 6 out of 10 and it's definitely a big screen job with a bunch of guys.

Three years earlier

It's kind of fitting that the One Tree Hill episode I watched tonight, I Forgot to Remember to Forget, was essentially a flashback episode to events that happend three years earlier. (About a year after the end of season 4).
It's appropriate because I've been thinking alot about the last three years and the journey I have been on. I almost feel like I've been living in my own nightmare for three years and I just woke up. While bordering on over-dramatic, that's not far from the truth. There have been great moments but some of it seems like a bad dream, and I just couldn't get out of it.
Since the events of the past week I have begun to feel differently. I do at times have one eye over my shoulder but that's better than two.
I still have a way to go.
Anyway, season 5 of OTH has been going along great. It seems Lucas (he's the guy in the picture, the central character) isn't over his high school love but is in some decent denial about it. I was watching the special feaures on season 4's box set and there was a quote from one of the producers that stood out: ``we're never going to be a big show, but we'll be someone's favourite show''. Very true. This is a series that has heart, soul and a sense of humour.
I can't wait to watch the next one.....

Do I feel lucky?

I started thinking about this shortly after my doctor yesterday told me I was one of the lucky ones, that is, of the patients he has in my situation.
Over the last few years I have definitely felt unlucky, or unfortunate, and not appreciated that while there is something to deal with it is manageable.
So, the results of the tests I had last week were outstanding, surprising and confusing.
The fact that the condition has gone into `full remission' is awesome and I have to say it has taken a decent weight off my shoulders. This doesn't mean I should cease being vigilant as there is still the possibility, in fact likelihood, that it could return. But it means I need to start feeling fortunate and therefore more relaxed about it.
It was more surprising to the doctor, though I am also surprised, but I was also hopeful when I had the tests that things would be no worse as I felt I had done everything possible (aside from excessive worry) that I could.
Why is it confusing? When I came out of hospital (day stay) last week with the preliminary result which was similarly great, it all felt surreal. There was no evidence of the problem in the test that was done, the last time I had it (3 years ago) there was pretty decent evidence.
While it's great to be given an all clear for now I am puzzled because I don't know how to process it, something that has been an incredible burden isn't there, or at least isn't around at the moment, and I'm not used to that.
I do need to keep in mind that cases of this never reappearing are rare, so I can't all of a sudden be reckless plus I've become accustomed to a healthy lifestyle.
So I really need to realise that I am fortunate, lucky, whatever adjective is appropriate, and begin moving forward. But it's great news and I'm looking forward to it sinking in.

Season 5

After a slowish start, season 5 of One Tree is startingto get pretty good. It's a brave move sending them past the college days but it looks like it is going to work.
Even better, season 5 has been confirmed as having 18 episodes. That's down from the original 22 but with the writers' strike knocking out a lot of time just over three quarters of a season isn't bad.
I'm only four episodes into season 5 but it's in that groove where I just want more.

A different side

Tonight was a special night.
Yeah it's Sunday and Sunday means church but this time it wasn't your run of the mill church event.
I had the pleasure of witnessing my friend Andrew (it sounds weird referring to you as that mate!) take over ministerial duties at his new church.
His is a smallish congregation, from what I could gather, but one that has embraced him enthusiastically and I am sure one that will thrive.
What was especially great was to see him present a part of himself to the congregation by way of symbols, however dubious the Collingwood flag might be, and I think that says a lot about how he intends to serve that church.
Another great thing was to see the ``minister'' side to my friend. It's a side that has always been there, present in any even half-serious conversation, but it was different to see it in action.
Well done mate, and looking forward to the Botany open!

Another great song....

I alluded to this song about a year go and it was remiss of me not to have posted a link so the uninitiated could hear.
The song is We Belong Together by Gavin Degraw. It is a touch raw sounding but sensitive and beautiful. It will get your mind thinking good thoughts and leave you with a smile.
I first heard it on a episode of One Tree Hill (where else) and it struck me then and it gets better with each listen. My only frustration is that you can't seem to get it anywhere - it's not on iTunes and unless there was a Tristan & Isolde soundtrack (which I also can't find on iTunes) I'm not likely to get my hand on it.
If you happen to have this song on CD, please let me know!

Preliminary results

I got back from my hospital visit a couple of hours ago and feel pretty good.
The results of my test were, I must admit, a lot better than I was hoping for and even surprised my doctor.
I still have a bit of bloating and stomach action going on from the procedure but it's so far so good. I'll get the full results of a couple of samples taken in a week or two but the doc didn't suggest that there was any huge rush and wasn't expecting anything major.
So I will cross that bridge later.
It's a bit surreal actually, given the result sheet I have. Praise God.

I am Lucas!

Which One Tree Hill Character Are You?

Created by BuddyTV

Celebrating watching the end of One Tree Hill season 4 last night was great and it was an awesome ending. So I took the quiz, as you do, and I am Lucas which is a good result.

Everybody's Changing

This is a great song, it's by English band Keane.
It was in my head all day yesterday (I reckon I heard it while watching One Tree Hill recently) and took me a while to work out what song it was.
I'm planning to buy the album ASAP.

Here's an explanation from the band as to what the song is about:
``Everybody's Changing is a song about something I think a lot of people will experience, which is when people's lives start going different ways and you're sitting there, thinking my friends are doing this, what I am I doing? What do I do with my life? I think things like that are quite common to people and are probably more important than a lot of things that people write songs about. I mean, we haven't written any songs about politics. I think things like your friends, communication and love affect peoples lives more on a daily basis than who's in charge of the budget.''

Have a listen, it's an awesome track.

Discoveries

In the coming week I will probably find out why I haven't been myself in the last week or so.
There will likely be good news or not so good news as I have been booked in for a procedure that you can read about by clicking the link if you want to.
Despite not really wanting to do it, I know it is the best way to work out what is going on and treat it appropriately if required.
I don't really feel comfortable discussing the ins and outs of it here, most of you who read this blog would know what I'm talking about and if you want to know more feel free to email or call.
Regardless, by Wednesday night I am going to be in a much better position as to where I stand and where I head.
I will be praying for good news and I hope you will too.

The unexplained

It's been a rough week so far.
The thing is I can't put my finger on why, exactly what has caused me to feel so off this week.
To say I have experienced a bit of a rollercoaster would be fairly accurate. I think (and hope) I am coming out of it a bit now.
Monday and Tuesday were particularly tough, I just didn't feel like being at work or doing anything really but I somehow managed to be reasonably productive.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better again.
The good thing is that with all this cooler weather sleeping has been a lot easier than it would normally be in the middle of summer.
I don't think the problem is physical, though it has physical manifestations.
The problem is that I tend to worry too much, my mum says I have always been like that and while it's not really clear to me she'd be right as I have only noticed it in recent times.

Understand...I do not

Trying to bring myself up from what seems to have been a mid-level panic episode this morning.
There's no reason for it, that I can understand anyway, aside from feeling reasonably tired (largely due to waking up about 10 times in the early hours of Saturday morning) after a hectic period lately.
It's clear I don't react to this situation at all well. That could well be the understatement of this blog to date.
I have started trying out some meditation and am hopeful that will be beneficial.
The good thing is that I don't feel ill at all, just a bit edgy. I've had a massage today and that was excellent (recently they've been a bit ordinary at the place I go to) and am planning perhaps a relaxing bath or at least a longish shower this evening.
Now that's something to look forward to.

Forgiveness (The Runaway Found)

It's all about forgiveness.
Something we all can take heed of, that people are worthy of being forgiven because it is not up to us to condemn. That is for God to decide.
Yep I got that from The Runaway Found, episode 18 of One Tree Hill S4 (Thanks for pic), ain't it amazing what you can be reminded of out of a little television show.
I am guilty of letting hurts or anger get in the way of clearing the air when in dispute with someone, when a simple apology or discussion would solve the issue. Doesn't it suck how stubborn we (especially guys) are.
So while viewing this pivotal episode where Peyton offers forgiveness to the man who stalked and tried to harm her (as pictured) the message of letting go of anger or whatever you are holding onto and offering forgiveness is vital as it is the first step towards healing.
We are all human. We all make mistakes. We all let pride get in the way. We are all weak.
What makes us strong is knowing that there is forgiveness out there if you want to accept it.
Only three episodes of S4 to go until I get stuck into the new ones, set four years later.
Can't wait.

Australia Day

It's that day of the year where we remember how fortunate we are to be Australian. And by remember I mean celebrate, because that's what Aussies do pretty well.
So today there will be the obligatory fireworks display (getting a bit over them) and packed beaches. Fortunately it is a nice, warm day.

Congrats to Lee Kernaghan for being named Australian Of The Year. At least it wasn't a cricketer this year.

The best crap movie ever...maybe

And the award goes to.....Shoot 'Em Up.
Yes it's a straight to DVD action comedy (has to be rated a comedy) starring Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti. You read it right, two of the better actors of our present time. How they ended up in this film I don't know, hopefully they wanted to poke fun at the genre.
The acting is terrible, the script is terrible and unclear at times but the action. The action makes the acting and the script unimportant.
It's so over the top and ridiculous this film is one of the funniest I've seen in a while, right up there with Blades Of Glory and Good Luck Chuck which were actually meant to be comedies.
The good thing is that with the title, you know what you're in for.
Great exchange from Owen and Giamatti where Owen, holding a carrot I think, says `What's up doc?' and Giamatti replies `why you are a wascaly wabbit aren't you'. Crap, but gold.

A single cloud hanging

As far as permanency goes, I am for all purposes churchless at the moment.
I like it.
I am enjoying the freedom that comes from having no fixed abode. I have been going to church from time to time. Again I enjoy seeing what else is out there.
This is not to say that what had before wasn't significant. Six years is a long time but it was becoming clear, quite a while ago, that it was long enough.
I'm not going devote any time now to deep explanation as to why I have made the decision to move on. It wasn't quite `simply time' but that will do for now.
One problem I do have is that I am a loyal person so that makes it difficult to part ways with something that has been a large part of life. I have to say that I grew immensely, spiritually, from the six years.
Funnily enough my first experience there came on the September 11. Talk about red letter days, so it makes it easy to remember the first night.
However, my time there also coincided with some of the most difficult times in my life so far, not just the obvious one. Such is my nature, throughout the last six months or so I have done a few experiments to help me make this decision. Since every one of them failed it was a pretty easy call.
I have only one regret that is clear in my mind from the whole period and it relates to something that happened about a year ago that taught me a valuable lesson and cost me potentially a very good friendship. Well almost, as I haven't given up on it.
Church is a very important part of life, particularly for a Christian, but what is also important is the right one. Consider that the single cloud hanging over me at the moment.
That search has been going for a short time, and over the past six months or s I have been fortunate to meet and get to know some great people as a result, but it hasn't been serious yet, I haven't felt ready to try one out properly. That will come as the burnout wears off.

Juno

Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is not your average 16-year-old.

Not only does she have an odd name (after Zeus' wife so we are told but it is apparently Jupiter's wife) she has odd friends, odd parents, lives in an odd town and has a very odd best friend in Paul Bleeker (Michael Cera).

After a period of boredom Juno amuses herself and Michael comes along for the ride - the result is a somewhat surprising (to Juno) pregnancy.

She decides she doesn't want a baby at 16 and decides to terminate but can't go through with it.

Then she comes across a couple desperate to adopt, Mark and Vanessa (played by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner), and decides to give them the baby when it is born.

Things aren't all they seem with the happy couple. But it's not what you think. And it's not what you're thinking now I've said that either.

That's your basic rundown.

Offbeat goes a long way to describe this film. It's very easy to watch, quite amusing and even a shade touching.

Juno is not for everyone but it is very enjoyable. While it won't feature in the top five for the year it gets a very odd 7.5 out of 10. I enjoyed it and that's all you can ask in most films.

Ellen Page is very good in the lead role and Michael Cera is at his awkward best. I do fear that he is in very grave danger of being typecast, much like say Jason Biggs, because he is the same awkward teen here as he was in Arrested Development.

Pictures of You

A thought provoking episode of One Tree viewed last night (picture is of Brooke (Sophia Bush) and the interesting new character Chase (Stephen Colletti)focusing on how you see yourself and how others see you.
Characters were paid off with a list of activities for their assignment before they take their `picture of you':
1. Share something personal with your partner.
2. Lighten up. Do an impression of a celebrity or a famous character.
3. Admit something that worries you, or something you are afraid of.
4. What do you want to be in ten years?
5. Tell your partner something secret.

So I thought I'd try that here.
1. I have a lot of trouble believing in myself, in my ability to achieve things.
2. I do a good Bill Lawry, a good Chandler Bing, bit hard to do that one in this space.
3. I worry/am afraid that there is nothing I can do to prevent a relapse and focus far too much on it. My mum says I've always been inclined to worry too much.
4. I'd love to think in 10 years I am married and have a child. You never know.
5. The thought of going to church at the moment is unpleasant.

Hmmm. Anyway One Tree is trucking along nicely, can't wait to get to the end of season 4 to get stuck into the next one. That's if the other guys don't hold things up too long!

Self fulfilling prophecies

I was just doing a bit of fishing around my room, checking what I had in storage (if you can call it that) and came across my old journals from university.
It't not that I didn't know they were there, just it's been a while since I looked through some things from that era.
Anyway, I noticed something I wrote dated October 4, 1995, that really struck me.
``In the end, the only thing I have to fall back on when all else fails is my work and I have to devote as much time to that as possible.''
Hmmm. Any wonder I am like I am now? I've always been that way, even before I had a job.
Speaking of jobs, a few weeks later (dated October 28, 1995) I wrote the following, so it isn't all bad.
``Hopefully, I'd like to be a racing journalist because I relly enoy the races and have been enjoying them for 10 years.''
So, some dreams do come true.
Here's one for those who like a laugh, from November 6, 1995.
``I have a reputation around here as being a TV addict....'', some things never change. I recall packing about half a dozen people into my dorm room (which wasn't really big enough for 6 people) to watch the first ever episode of Friends. I was the only one who laughed.
I hope you enjoyed this blast from the past.

I Am Legend

What would we do without Will Smith to save the world yet again?
This time, though, the result is not satisfying in I Am Legend.
The scene of New York deserted and decaying is unsettling, the animals that now roam the streets that have been overgrown with bushland prey on each other and the one man left trys to prey on them.
This is all well and good until we find out the creatures that come out at night are the remaining people who weren't killed off by the virus that took 90 per cent of the world's population.
Smith is one of the 1 per cent who were mysteriously immune and being hunted by the other nine per cent who mutated, for want of a better word, as a result of the virus.
Robert Neville (Smith) is desperately trying to cure the virus but he's also losing hope as a result of being the only person around. He even tries using mannequins as `friends' in a few slightly amusing yet saddening scenes.
The problem with I Am Legend, which is yet another Hollywood remake, is that it's a pretty ordinary film. There is little to no suspense, I didn't find it scary (not sure whether it was supposed to be scary either) and you weren't given enough insight into Smith's character. What we do know was told in flashbacks (which is getting very tired) and they spent very little time going into Neville's unravelling after his companion dog Sam succumbs to the virus.
Technically the film is quite good but it lacks substance. Maybe I had higher expectations than I should have but I can only go as high as a 5 out of 10. Pretty disappointing and makes Independence Day look like a masterpiece.

The Woodenelves

I know 2008 is only 11 days old but I think I might have stumbled upon the Aussie album of the year.
Perhaps it didn't come out this year but I came across it by chance today and haven't been able to put it down.
The band in question is The Woodenelves and their debut album called Trips Between Worlds.
How to describe it. Soft rock fits best and that's probably my favourite type of music (some would argue pop is my favourite but despite it being very well represented in the collection I assure you soft rock is the one).
This short review of them is on one and a bit listens (first impressions are always significant) but their songs are all original and that's a great recommendation. They don't need covers and I admire that.
On the first listen the tracks that hit me were A Little Bit Of Me, You've Only Got Yourself To Blame, What It Is and Everything.
If you see this band around the traps check them out. I think I'm going to enjoy this CD for quite a while because if I like it so much on one listen they tend to get even better.
Only negative, and it's a gripe I have quite a bit, is that there are no lyrics in the package.

Songs To Love And Die By

We don't realise how precious life is and how little things like telling the people you love that you care about them can make a difference.
We don't realise until something bad happens.
Since I saw the film It's A Wonderful Life in late 2006 it has struck me that you just don't realise the impact you can have on other people and the impact other people have on your life.
I'm here to say we should start realising.
Of all places I was reminded of this when I was getting back into One Tree Hill last night. Based on the aforementioned classic movie is the episode Songs To Love And Die By, where Lucas gets the opportunity to see what life would have been like in Tree Hill if he was a different type of person, that is, not the good guy he is.

In a voiceover Lucas (pictured) says: Have you ever wondered what marks our time here? If one life can really make an impact on the world? Or if the choices we make matter? I believe they do. And I believe that one man can change many lives... for better or worse!

There are a number of people who have had a profound impact on my life and were they not there I am certain I would be a different person myself and may well be in a different situation.
What a difference you could make to someone just by smiling at them or saying hello, asking how they are. You never know what is going on in someone's life and by acting kindly or doing something positive could change their life for the better.
You don't need to be a super hero to save someone. You just have to be there.

I try to make sure those I care about know that. Sometimes I might sound silly but at the end of the day I'd rather them know how I feel.
Life is too short. Take the risk, a leap of faith. Tell your friends. It can only do good.
And at times there seems there isn't enough good in the world. Even if there is, there is always room for more.
So what are you waiting for?

Furry Happy Monsters

Proving that REM has a sense of humour is this video, a rip off of their song Shiny Happy People.
It's pretty funny, though I must say I was hoping the yellow monster attacked the band member at the end. Still, you can't have everything.
Enjoy.

Chris and the magic bus

I've been thinking about what I've seen and read with Into The Wild, the story of Chris McCandless' ill-fated trip into the Alaskan wilderness.
Assessing Chris is a difficult task but it is helped by reading Jon Krakauer's account of his short life which ended in 1992 in tragic circumstances (you don't realise how tragic until you read the book).
I have got to say that I recommend seeing the movie first. Having read the book later I find that it fleshes out the movie very nicely, making me appreciate the movie more and understand Chris that little bit better.
Personally I don't understand the urge to abandon society and the trappings of the wealth we experience in western society. But that's just me.
From a young age it seems Chris disliked being priveliged and comes across as a shade self-centred. This is explained a bit by his relationship with his father who led a life of bigamy for a period before settling with Chris' mother.
He was a smart young man, there's no doubt.
He was also somewhat of a paradox. On one hand he comes across as righteous yet is emotionally detatched from most things. He's single minded yet clearly has a big heart. He leaves to be on his own but makes friends so easily and seemingly craves the company when he comes across it. He seeks advice yet disgregards any kind of warning about what he's getting himself into.
It's like he's having a midlife crisis at 24.
What struck me about Chris while reading the book, and this doesn't come across so much in the film, is that I found him to be a shade crazy. A nutcase almost.
But on closer inspection he isn't, though it is very disconcerting that much of the diary entries in the book are in the third person. Clearly he didn't want to be Chris while in the wilderness, he wanted to be Alex.
I could go on for ages. He was a fascinating person and it is a huge shame he didn't survive to be able to tell his tale in person. It's clear he was planning to return to the world not long before he succumbed to posioning and malnutrition in the magic bus. Perhaps the story wouldn't have been as poignant but there would be fewer questions about why he acted as he did.
If you haven't read the book or seen the film yet, it's riveting but do the film first.

P.S. I Love You

It's New Year's Day and the traditional light film to start the year, usually a romantic comedy and 2008 is no exception.
P.S. I Love You is a rom-com with a slight difference in that the leading man dies early on (no it's not Ghost) and his widow must learn how to move on with her life.
Gerry (Gerard Butler) has arranged for 10 letters written by him to be sent to Holly (Hilary Swank) over the course of several months to aid the healing process. Strangely enough it works.
I must admit it took a while to warm to Hilary Swank in the romantic lead as I'd only really seen her in tough girl roles. Maybe next time. Gerard Butler was a standout and I think he made up for where she lacked a bit.
The support cast was great including Lisa Kudrow, James Marsters (Spike from the Buffy TV show) and the always brilliant Kathy Bates.
This isn't the best film of its genre in recent years but it certainly is warm, funny at times, emotional at others, and easily watchable. It wasn't up there with recent classics like The Holiday and Love Actually but was a good two hours spent.
A 7.5 out of 10 and a solid start to the year.

Happy 2008!

Another year down, another year where I have to work on New Year's Day.
I wish everyone a better year in 2008 than 2007 was.

The 2007 Raymo awards

We've come to the end of a pretty decent year of film and I saw 32 movies at the cinema.
It's a tough one to pick but it has been made easier by having five films rate a 9/10, I had four 8.5s and nine 8/10s so that's 17 of the 32 rating an eight or better. A quality year.
Here are the top five films of 2007.....

1. Reign Over Me
An absolutely stunning film about Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler), a man who lost his way after his family was taken in the September 11 attacks. Sandler is amazing in this role. He's completely shut down and lives a life that revolves around entertaining himself without having to face reality. Until he meets an old friend who needs healing in his own way. A moving film about friendship and a deserved number one.
2. Into The Wild
The true story of 24-year-old Chris McCandless, who in 1992 donated all his money to charity and abandoned his life to discover America, and himself. Directed by Sean Penn, this film is breathtaking from the scenery, the brilliant performance by Emile Hirsch and the subtle messages about life it tells. In any other year this would be a clear number one but just misses out.
3. Breach
An acting tour de force with Chris Cooper and Ryan Phillippe facing off as a corrupt FBI agent and the junior brought in by the authorities to bring him down. The fantastic Laura Linney also shines here. Based on the true story of Robert Hanssen, they get the mystery of what happens at the end out of the way right at the start so you can get down to finding out how he came unstuck. Not a flashy film at all, very bleak in appearance but outstanding in every way.
4. The Simpsons Movie
A change of pace from the top three and this surprises nobody. Pretty much a really, really good 90 minute episode of the longest running animated TV show and it holds up. There are superhero pigs (well just one), dares, nude scenes and environmental distasters - just your standard Simpsons fare. Very fun, particularly if you're a fan like me.
5. Spider-Man 3
Some people thought there was too much stuffed in to this movie and it became a bit crowded. I see the point but maybe I am a bit biased because I love Spiderman in a favourite superhero kind of way. They handled Venom well and I thought Topher Grace was good in that role. I thought it was at least as good as Spider-Man 2.

So that's the top five and a pretty solid one at that. If you haven't seen the top three, as they weren't major blockbuster releases like the other two I wholly recommend them. If you like thought provoking films, excellent acting and a good drama they are well and truly must sees.

Honourable mentions go to: The Number 23, Transformers, Amazing Grace, Death At A Funeral and the hugely under rated Australian film Noise.
Surprise of the year: the infectious musical Hairspray.
Runner-up: the Australian league film The Final Winter.
Flop of the year: I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry - all the funny bits were in the preview. Sandler gets best and worst film of the year in a rare feat.

See you at the movies in 2008, a year which at the moment is looking a bit patchy with Prince Caspian looking a mid-year highlight.

Season 4!

Yesterday I picked up the long awaited box set of One Tree Hill season 4.
So I'm about to get back into the best show on the box (my box anyway, it's still not on normal TV and don't think it ever will be now) after what seems like quite a while away.
With season 5 starting soon in the States a lot of interest is in what happens in the second half of this season - the part I haven't seen yet.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

The 32nd and possibly last movie of the year for me is the family adventure National Treasure: Book Of Secrets starring Nicholas Cage as Ben Gates.
Now I didn't see the original, for reasons unknown at this time, but it wasn't tough to follow for a newbie.
Gates is searching for the Book Of Secrets, a presidential tome that holds the answers to all the big questions in the world but that the world need not know (apparently), to clear the name of an ancestor who was allegedly involved in the assassination of Lincoln.
Yeah it is far fetched. But you know it is also quite fun. The support cast is first class including Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Jon Voigt and Helen Mirren. But it is Ben's sidekick Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) that really impressed me. He was the comic relief.
This isn't the greatest film by any means but it is enjoyable, light, and good fun. Sometimes that's all you need in a movie. A 7 out of 10.
Coming in a few days is the all important 2007 review so stay tuned....

End of an era

OK, so a while back I eluded to making a decision on something I have been doing for a while. It's not an earth-shattering, life-changing decision (actually it is rather trivial) but when you've been doing something for 16 years and you decide not to it is quite momentus.
As most people know I am a bit of a music nut and since 1991 I have been compiling my own music charts, both because when I started it was fun and as a way to keep up with what was happening with music.
I have a rather thick folder with every music chart I have done since then including a top 100 for the year (except the last 2 years when I didn't do the end of year one) and I have a list of every song that has been number 1 and how many weeks it was there.
But, disappointingly, the music scene these days is pretty ordinary. Maybe I am just getting old, but a lot of the music out there now really doesn't interest me and seems to be dominated by inane rap/R&B stuff.
So as of this week I will no longer be doing my music charts.
It started in 1991 and my top five songs of 5/1/1991 were as follows:
1. Let's Make It Last All Night-Jimmy Barnes
2. Unchained Melody-Righteous Brothers
3. Disapper-INXS
4. Always & Ever-Southern Sons
5. I Touch Myself-Divinyls

The final chart, for the week ending 5/1/2008 is as follows.
1. Believe Again-Delta Goodrem
2. In Pieces-Shannon Noll
3. Touched By Love-Eran James
4. Misery-Good Charlotte
5. Into The Night-Santana featuring Chad Kroeger

Make of those what you will. My music taste is pretty eclectic but has remained fairly constant over the years. Following are some statistics about my musical experience in the last 16 years.
Most weeks at number 1: How To Save A Life-The Fray (21), Lift-Shannon Noll (20), If You Could Only See-Tonic (19), Over My Head (Cable Car)-The Fray (17), One Sweet Day-Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men (16), Spending My Time-Roxette (15).
Most number 1's: Mariah Carey (19), Roxette (14), Savage Garden/Darren Hayes (14), Shannon Noll (8), Kylie Minogue (8).
Interestingly, my three favourite songs I'll Be There For You (Rembrandts), Hero (Mariah Carey) and Crash And Burn (Savage Garden) spent five, one and 13 weeks at number one respectively.
In a way it is going to be strange not doing this anymore but I see no point. There's only really 10 or so songs I like at any one time on the radio/video shows so doing a chart seems redundant. Plus, as you would note from some of the artists that have dominated I am a creature of habit and still like their music. Yeah, I am a dag. But the 80s-90s were just awesome for music and the 00s have not been as significant, except for a few artists here and there.
So there you have it, the end of an era. I am glad I am going out with a number 1 that I really, really like, a positive uplifting song and, at the end of the day, that is what music should do for you. Now if only I listened to myself on that one.....

Merry Christmas

Having awoken from an afternoon nap (which I think I have needed all day) I offer somewhat belated Christmas greetings to everyone.
It has been a strange one today, quite cool (weather wise) by our standards and while that is not something to complain about it makes it an unusual Christmas. But, nevertheless, a good one.

No Festivus miracles

I think that's a good thing. As a general rule festivus miracles tend to be rather unfortunate or uncomfortable and involved chance situations that you'd rather not have to endure.
So, in honur of Festivus 2007 I announce my grievances....
1. The politicians who kept sending the same propaganda to me on a daily basis in the last couple of weeks of the election. They know who they are.
2. The guy responsible for taking EI out of the quarantine centre and destroying the spring carnival.
3. Kylie Minogue for releasing a mediocre album as her comeback from cancer. C'mon the electronica stuff didn't really work for Madonna a few years ago, why will it work now?
4. Channel 7 for now showing the last 2 episodes of the current season of Heroes (thank God for the internet or I'd have to wait until February to see them).
5. Yet again Channel 10 for not showing One Tree Hill and to whoever is responsible for releasing it on DVD and making us wait until goodness known when (again thanks to importing things on your own we don't have to wait so long).
6. Magpies
7. The canteen ladies at work who refuse to carry out the simple instructions you give on how you'd like your toast spread.

That's all I can think of right now. Happy Festivus everyone!

Slight revision

It's one thing to be witty and clever unintentionally, or naturally.
It's another to be a try-hard.
In refocusing this blog I fell guilty of the latter.
So, now that I have realised I was getting ahead of myself thinking I could describe each post with a deftly placed song title was short sighted I am backing out of that pledge.
Call it a re-refocusing.
The content will still have more depth, most of the time, and I don't have to be a try-hard.

You can still be free

Summer in Sydney - muggy, then rains, still muggy, sunshine, finally a cool breeze. Until it starts all over again.
Still, 26 degrees or so is a lot nicer than it could be. Enough about the weather.
Today was a bit surreal. I went out to Randwick races for the first time in what seemed like ages, it's probably been six months at least.
I was drawn out there to watch a particular racehorse, Takeover Target, race and he didn't let me down. Though there was an anxious moment there on the winning post.
A bit of an absence from the track lately for me meant I hadn't seen quite a few people I usually mix with so it was good to resurface and catch up with them.
A sense of freedom today.
It's been a pretty massive week or so and I've held up fairly well. Topping off a big week with another day out (and a trip to the races is equal to any working day) isn't something I've done a lot of this year. So be in a positiion where I seem to have no problem (to date anyway) with it is very enouraging.
That's about it, a nice day and here's to many more. By the way, tomorrow is Festivus - I will have to think of some grievances. But that's another issue.

* You Can Still Be Free is a song by Savage Garden

Standing still

Fear is an interesting thing.
It can make you do things you didn't think you were capable of. At the same time it can make you feel like less of a person, sometimes unable to function.
Over the past year I have swung in between both those descriptions. Much to my frustration I am unable to explain how it reached such extremes.
The times when you feel invincible, strong and powerful are awesome. When you feel weak, vulnerable and powerless are frightening.
Again, to my dismay, one day it's the former the next it's the latter and there doesn't seem to be a reason. OK sometimes there is a reason. My mind, like most people I imagine, can work overtime on things it really shouldn't.
It jumps on a bandwagon of thought and just runs with it until all possible scenarios have been brought to my attention. While insight is a good thing, too much insight is counter-productive.
I am trying to learn not to dwell on what has been. Focusing on now and what is to come is much more positive but again it depends what day I am on.
The bible says that worry won't add a second to a person's life but we still do it. We feel like it is protecting us from the bad things of the world. In the end worrying just makes us less surprised and more frightened of the unknown.
I've been through that. Am I out the other side?
I don't know. Some days I am sure it is behind me. Other days I am back at square one. Perhaps not square one but maybe square two or three.
I haven't been standing still completely. There has been definite, irrefutable evidence of steps forward. Not fast enough though.

* Standing Still is a song by Jewel

1408

Before I begin this review of the film 1408 I have to declare that I am a huge John Cusack fan.
Based on a Stephen King short story 1408 is about writer Mike Enslin (Cusack), a fairly lightly taken ghost and ghouls story writer who documents the scariest places to visit and such.
Then he stumbles upon the Dolphin Hotel in New York and the room 1408 which for unknown reasons continues to feature in suicide reports in newspapers. Enslin seeks out this room for his next spooky tale.
Enter the hotel manager (Samuel L Jackson, in what is almost a cameo role) who goes to extraordinary lengths (for `selfish reasons') to dissuade Mike from spending the night in 1408.
I think you get the drift from here.
This film is very intense. It's not scary nor does it attempt the tacky thrills of movies such as Saw and the so-called horror films.
It is unsettling when you realise what the movie is really about. If you see this one expecting to see some grand twist or explanation as to why the room as it is let me spoil it for you - there isn't one. It's not about that.
We all have a past and Mike takes his with him into 1408. That's where the real scares come from.
This is all John Cusack's film, as you would expect, and he doesn't disappoint for a second. One of the final lines in the movie struck me - `bad memories can't be thrown away, you just have to live with them' - and I think this is the moral to the story.
I'm pretty confident I haven't spoiled the story. There is no mystery to be unpacked. It's all about Mike. And it's all about us.
An 8 out of 10 and worthy of a look if it appeals to you.

A change will do you good

I've been thinking about this blog and have decided I am going to change focus and make it much less trivial that it is currently.
It isn't that I don't enjoy the content here, on the whole, but if I am going to continue I think it is of more value to make it more real.
The value there is for me, largely, but if through what I might say that someone out there reads (assuming others read it) and learns from my experience then that's a good thing.
I'm not going to say that every post will contain life experiences, deep insight or anything particularly exceptional but I am saying I intend from now to be more real than trivial, because I hate that a lot of the world is seemingly trivial.
I will attempt to have some fun at the same time. My favourite show at the moment, One Tree Hill (what else, after all I named this blog after it), gets all its episode names from song titles. So I'm going to try to head up each post that fulfils my new charter in that manner (starting with this one)*. I will still post my ever popular movie reviews and music comments, both because most people (including me sometimes) feel I missed my calling as an entertainment reporter.
Let's see how it goes....

* The song `A Change Will Do You Good' is by Sheryl Crow.

The Anthem of 2007

I participated in a survey on the Anthem of 2007 and am shocked and dismayed at the songs they proposed (ok it was a ninemsn thing but still).
Of those listed I could only rate Fergie's Big Girls Don't Cry as a good song (though Silverchair's Straight Lines is a good song but I'm sick of it).
I propose the Anthem of 2007 is How To Save A Life by The Fray.
While I have an eclectic taste in music I don't like the crap that is being constantly at the top of the charts these days.
As a result, coming soon is an announcement that will see the end of an era....

Back at the track

It's been a big week and today it continued with a trip to the races for the first time in over five months.
It was great to get back out there and despite being pretty hot, I had a good day all round. Wrapped it up with a barbecue at a mate's place with a very nice bunch of people and it's been one of those awesome days.
Thank goodness it is Sunday tomorrow!

Die Hard and other random things

After almost 20 years I have finally seen Die Hard, yes the original action film starring Bruce Willis that has been sequalised three times (and funnily enough I have seen the three subsequent films).
And I've got to say it holds up pretty well despite being a product of the tragic late 1980s. That's largely due to Willis and Alan Rickman's character (he's a seriously under-rated actor).
So I enjoyed it and that blight on my movie credibility is now gone.

I was given the first series of The Chaser's War On Everything on DVD for Christmas by the family (yes I know Christmas is another 12 days away but I won't be there for it) and it is a very welcome addition to the collection. I haven't seen most of the first series as I only discovered the show on repeats earlier this year. The Brokeback Mountain - Christian Edition and Twenty20 Lawn Bowls were some early highlights and I'm sure there will be more.

My week off has flown by and it has been a good one. Caught up with a good mate I hadn't seen for a while on Monday, which was nice, and discovered he's planning to be part of a short term mission to Cambodia next year.

I bought the book Into The Wild, which the film I saw recently (and loved, reviewed further down the page) is based on. Have just started it so can't make any further comments yet. If you haven't seen the film, you're missing out on one of the year's best.

Plenty of festivities happening this weekend, hope there are enough hours in the days....

Ventilation

Time to breathe a bit.
I have a week off (well, technically nine days if you count weekends and nine days sounds better than five!) and while it won't nearly be long enough it is very well received.
Generally I am in pretty good shape (touch wood) and am doing my getting out of the ratrace ritual in a couple of days time.
As much as I have learned over the year I still need to learn how to cool off properly, how to switch off the mind and not get caught up in things I have no business being concerned about.
I have an extended break planned for March so this week off is just a freshen up so I don't go six months between holidays. If you call a week a holiday.
This time last year things weren't exactly brilliant and downward spiral is a pretty good description of where I was placed. Fortunately (again touch wood) I am nowhere near that kind of scenario and thank God for that.
Learning how to live is difficult, small steps are needed when, of course, giant leaps are what I want to take.

Not so Divine

Shock news today that Divinyls singer Chrissie Amphlett has suffered from MS for several years.
I saw her performing at the Idol grand final and she looked fine so it is a testament to her strength and determination. Hearing her talk about it today there have obviously been hard times, and there will be more, but given she's embarking on a national tour with the Divinyls says a lot about her.
Many of us could learn from her experience and I hope I can.

Into The Wild

Everybody is searching for something.
For Chris McCandless (Emile Hirsch) it's the great American adventure, to throw off the burdens of society and lead a free, basic life.
That freedom comes at a cost. But it's a cost that Chris doesn't realise, or at least refuses to acknowledge.
Directed by Sean Penn, Into The Wild is all class. It's a grand presentation starring nature itself, the breathtaking wilderness where society's rules don't apply.
Chris is a smart young man, university educated and a man who would have whatever he wanted in life, the life that the society he despises so much would give him. He's not destitute, as he points out, but he's very much running away from his life.
It is remarkable how naive Chris is, at least that is how he comes across when you consider what he is running from. Clearly he has been hurt but he also doesn't realise how what he is doing affects others. The reality of what he has done doesn't hit him until very late but when it does it is heartbreaking.
Along the way Chris, who changes his name to Alexander Supertramp, meets a number of interesting people including a hippie couple (one of which is the excellent Catherine Keener), a Scandinavian couple, an enterprising wheat farmer called Wayne (Vince Vaughn) and a lonely old man who takes Chris into his home and into his heart and begs Chris not to continue his journey to Alaska.
This is a long film but it doesn't really feel like it. It has to be a long film because to tell this story in 90 minutes wouldn't do it justice. Emile Hirsch, who I admit had never heard of before) is outstanding and he has to be for you to invest in the story. Into The Wild is warm, funny at times, but also very stark and real. It's a journey worth taking. A must see. A 9 out of 10.