Happy 2010

Happy New Year and I hope 2010 is a good one!

Belated Christmas wishes

Since I've been out of town for Christmas and don't have internet access there (yes, some people don't have it!) I'd like to extend Christmas wishes to all.
Like most newspapers, TV news programs and the like I may get a bit nostalgic in the coming days and recount some significant points of the 2000s, the decade known as the Noughties.

I Could Kick Your Ass

I'm not really into country music, or so I thought, but check out this cheeky song by US singer Justin Moore - called I Could Kick Your Ass .
Something about it strikes a chord.

Arrrr

Even if you aren't into horse racing this clip, a bit over a minute, is worth a watch.
The racehorse in question is called Arrrr - and I'm not kidding about that. The race caller has plenty of fun with it, that's for sure!!!

State of the union

It's hard to ignore that there have been problems between myself and my housemate over the last few weeks or so.
In an effort to work out exactly why, we're supposed to be having a chat later this evening. I thought it was the best thing to do after a bit of an awkward conversation this afternoon and what can only be described as an uncomfortable day.
We've been co-habitating for more than six years now and it is remarkable that we can get into childish silences.
I'm not pulling away from the fact that I have been responsible for some of them - my nature when I'm a bit peeved is to go quiet.
I don't know how things are going to turn out but I have noticed a shift in the relationship over a period. Without sounding like a teenage girl, I'm a bit tired of being hurt. Our natures have been clashing quite a bit and that is I think what could be behind the changes.
I'm also a bit disappointed with a couple of things, but I won't go into them.
Hopefully this can be resolved easily.

Avatar

I went into the session of the much hyped Avatar having read a review saying it was the best film the reviewer had ever seen. So needless to say my expectations were sky high.
The first thing I can say is that this is a visually spectacular film, made even more impressive by the 3D version I saw.
The second thing is that Sam Worthington is a very, very good actor. If you weren't convinced by him in Terminator then this should seal it. When your character is asked to carry the film it is a big burden, especially when there's $300 million or so invested. Worthington is excellent as Jake Sully, a wheelchair bound ex-marine who joins a mission on a planet called Pandora but becomes emotionally attached to the inhabitants.
I won't go into the plot - I think it has been pretty well publicised.
James Cameron has invested a decade, or so we are told, on Avatar and it shows. His attention to detail is unbelievable. I do think the technology still has a way to go though, because he was going for realism in the natives of Pandora and almost pulled it off except for a few scenes where they had to mix with real people.
Given that I expected this to be a standout film I find it a bit hard to rate. As I have said, visually this is pretty well second to none. The story is good, though the 'outsider who infiltrates the enemy then sympathises with them' plot has been done a billion times.
The casting is solid also. Worthington aside (and I'm not talking him up because he's an Aussie) there's the always excellent Sigourney Weaver, the quirky Giovanni Ribisi, tough girl Michelle Rodriguez among the cast.
I have to say that if Avatar wasn't an almost 3 hour film I'd be pretty keen to see it again soon. There's a lot to take in. At times I felt I was being bashed with an environmental message which was hard to miss given the humans were trying to pretty much destroy the planet.
My verdict is this: definitely a groundbreaking film overall, stunning to watch and one with a bit of intelligence. An 8.5 out of 10.
Not the best movie I've ever seen but one I enjoyed. Believe some of the hype but keep it in check.

Mid season thoughts

For a few episodes now I've been wondering whether One Tree Hill should continue.
The show is taking a midseason break for a month and I wonder what they have in store after producing the singularly most enjoyable episode of the season, titled Some Roads Lead Nowhere.
Season 7 is now 12 episodes old and at times I have thought they made a mistake moving on without Lucas and Peyton.
I gave it the benefit of the doubt early on and I have again reached the point of holding off judgement for a while longer.
This is largely due to the character of Clay (Robert Buckley, above left).
When they introduced him at the start of the season I thought there was more to him than met the eye and I was spot on, because he's easily the most interesting character (aside from the ever fun Jamie, but he's a seven year old). I've enjoyed his story lines, his personal struggle and his real-ness. That's one aspect of what's missing.
I mean, in Tree Hill is a multi-millionaire fashion designer (Brooke), an NBA star (Nathan), a pop star (Haley), assorted models, and a film producer (Julian). How big is this town?
As much as people love to hate him at times, the show is really missing Lucas. He's the one that holds it all together, he was the narrator, and the connection between most of the characters.
But as it looks like he's not coming back we have to move on.
My biggest disappointment of season 7 so far as been the absolute waste of the character Rachel. She's had basically one or two scenes of interaction with her old friends and the rest of the time she's been left to small bits of the Dan storyline.
I hope now that he has moved on she can return to Tree Hill and shake things up a bit. Otherwise I wonder what the point was in bringing her back.
Having not yet heard what lies ahead for the remainder of the season and the possibility of a season 8 I have this to say - if season 7 has to be the end then so be it, go out on a good note. I'd hate a truly enjoyable show to descend into something that I don't care about.

Three wheels

A trip to Parramatta today achieved the aim of picking up a present for the nephew for Christmas.
Fortunately he's easy to buy for. Aside from that and a bit of domestic stuff (washing sheets, cleaning up etc) it was a fairly good day off.
It's nice to wake up and look at the clock and see it almost 8am and not just after 6am like usual!
Tonight has been an interesting experience. After actually asking for it yesterday, the housemate invited his girlfriend over for dinner tonight and, really, at times it is like I'm not there. Whether that means they are comfortable or inconsiderate is debatable at this point.
Despite that it has been a reasonable night, though it's not hard to feel like a third wheel (in my own home) at times.
It's a start at least....

Battle Studies

Pretty much since he got his highly commercial Room For Squares album out of the way, John Mayer's work can take a bit of time to grow on you.
And so it is with Battle Studies, his fourth major release (though sixth if you count the debut EP Inside Wants Out and the Try! jazz release) and one that drips with the angst of relationships.
It's not really surprising since Mayer has been known more for his extra curricular activities lately than his music.
Battle Studies is rife with songs about regret, lost love and independence, either by force or by choice.
Unlike Continuum, which was groovy even when the song was a shade depressing, Battle Studies sounds like a war. It's hard work at times but, in true Mayer style, the brilliance of his songwriting shines through (except for one track which I find very pedestrian especially for him).
The opener Heartbreak Warfare gets us off to a very good start then he drops his bundle completely on the annoying All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye.
If one song stands out, aside from the fact it has been playing in my head all day, it is Half Of My Heart. It has life to it and is incredibly catchy, in the vein of Bigger Than My Body (sort of). Apparently it is a duet with Taylor Swift but unless he drowns her out completely she only sings two lines in the whole song. Go figure.
The slightly controversial Who Says is a solid song and Perfectly Lonely is passable.
One of the highlights for me is War Of My Life, which when I heard it the first time I immediately wanted to hear it again.
Of the final three I think Edge Of Desire stands out. If you're a Mayer fan (he's my favourite male singer) than this won't let you down, though it is not as consistent as Continuum or even Heavier Things.
Having said that he's done better than (my favourite female singer) Mariah Carey, who continues to pump out mediocre (on the whole) albums with only three or four standout tracks.

Outrage

Another win for the minorities.
Today, Racing Victoria announced that after the 2010 season it will cease jumping races for good.
This is a decision that is so bad it's not even close to being funny.
Not only are they placing thousands of racing industry participants in jeopardy by reducing their capacity to earn they are flying against the rest of the world where jumping is embraced and celebrated as part of racing culture.
And, they have condemned countless horses, who aren't good enough to be competitive in flat races, to certain death.
Now the do-gooders, RSPCA and such, claim that jumping racing is cruel and causes unnecessary death and injury to horses. Well now they themselves have caused unnecessary deaths to horses that would otherwise be nurtured.
People who own horses love them like children, some people more than their children, and these horses are cared for and pampered like kings and queens. These same horses will now become unviable and be sold off. There are very few places for them to go if they can't be moved into equestrian (which is more dangerous than racing, IMO) or used as lead horses. Most will end up at the knackery.
I love my racing and jumping is a big part of what keeps it interesting in the off season. Thankfully South Australia hasn't caved in, for now. They at least want to support their own industry. It is just a shame Racing Victoria doesn't.
It's more than a shame. A disgrace.

The Boys Are Back

Amid all the Hollywood hype over vampire movies and other blockbusters comes this story that is so simple it is easy to miss.

Set in South Australia, The Boys Are Back is about loss but it is also about men, of different ages, and how they cope with it.

Clive Owen plays Joe Warr, a sports journalist who left his wife and son in England when he fell in love with Katy (Laura Fraser) and they had a son together, Artie (Nicholas McAnulty).

Tragically, Katy dies of cancer and Joe is forced to face bringing up his son on his own. Complicating matters is the fact that Artie is a bit difficult, at times he seems as though he just switches off and doesn't listen. Perhaps that is his way of coping.

When Joe's English son Harry (George MacKay) arrives, wanting to get to know his father, Joe struggles to handle his two young sons - but for very different reasons.

Harry, who is eight years older than Artie, doesn't understand why he was abandoned (in his view) by his father when he started his new family. Artie battles to keep his father's attention when Harry arrives and when other people start to invade his space.

While not a comedy by any stretch there were some very funny moments.

I had to laugh when Joe tells Artie his shoes are on the wrong feet and Artie responds 'but they are the only feet I have'.

I have to say, also, that Joe must be a very highly paid sports reporter (for what appeared to be The Australian) to be able to have the lifestyle that he does!

One thing director Scott Hicks (remember Shine) doesn't give you is definite answers and while that might be unfulfilling I think it rings true to life.

He does give you excellent performances from Owen (who is almost always very good) and the two young boys. It's very well shot and the South Australian coast is a very scenic prop to use.

This is a nice movie but not one that is going to grab you and demand your attention. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, because sometimes subtlety works. A 7.5 out of 10.

The challenge

After having a mixed November when it comes to my punting I've decided it would be good for me to take a break.
Now, before I go any further I have to say this. I haven't got into any trouble, but aside from the Melbourne Cup trifecta it hasn't been a winning time of late.
So, as I said, I believe it will be good for me to take a break and find other things to do on a Saturday afternoon. Sure I will still have to watch the races eventually but that's what recording devices are for.
This is something I would usually do in the middle of the year but since I haven't for a few years it's a good time to prove to myself that I don't need to gamble.
One good thing about this little personal challenge is that it is something I have done before so that makes it (hopefully) much more manageable than it would otherwise.
I'm also hoping that by doing this it will help me to reduce the amount that I invest when I lift the ban after Christmas.
So, wish me luck.

New Moon

Despite being a shade boring in the first 20 minutes or so New Moon delivers on what it promised when Twilight finished up 12 months ago.

I don't really understand all the teenage girl hype that has been going on since Twilight hit screens last year (I find Edward to be a really painful character).

Anyway, New Moon begins with Bella's (Kristen Stewart) 18th birthday. She doesn't want to make a big deal of it but allows herself to be enticed by Edward (Robert Pattinson) into a celebration with his family.

As gifts are handed out with varying amounts of glee, Bella cuts herself and the blood that follows (despite it being a minor cut) clicks Jasper into action and he rushes at her. As a result of Edward's protection Bella is badly cut and he eventually decides it is time he left and the family packs up and moves away from Forks.

Bella plunges into depression.

Eventually she starts hanging out with Jacob (Taylor Launtner) and this is where the movie starts to pick up and get interesting.

I guess it is because Jacob is a bit more interesting than Edward and more three dimensional that makes the film much more watchable.

The best bits, though, involve the emergence of the werewolves and the introduction of the Volturi (fans will know what this is about). New Moon sees Jacob emerge as a player for Bella's affections and she is forced to choose.

I had hoped that New Moon would be significantly better than Twilight but I have to settle with it being on par.

However, there are some great things about New Moon. The aforementioned werewolves. The scene in which they appear through the trees is awesome and the fight between Paul and Jacob is great. The scenes with Laurent in the clearing, chasing Victoria, the cliff diving scene, Alice's return and her confrontation with Jacob, the Yellow Porsche, the weird date with Mike and Jacob to the movies. I could go on.

If you've read the book, the film will please you (after a slow start). If you haven't you won't really want to see it anyway.

So we move on to Eclipse and there are some awesome scenes I'm keen to see played out on screen. There's a new director for Twilight III and one that has more of a storyteller's reputation. So the hopes will again be raised.

As for New Moon, I'll go 8 out of 10 and bring on June 2010.

Grinch

When it comes to Christmas, which scarily is just over a month away, at times I've been a bit grinchy.
I'm not sure why. I always loved Christmas.
So, I'm going to make a concerted effort to enjoy the festive time this year. Last year was my first Christmas I was able to spend with family for almost a decade as I've always had to work the next day and 500km of driving each way within 36 hours isn't appealing or safe at that time. There have also been other reasons.
Anyway, what's not to like about Christmas? It's all about fun, you get to watch one of the greatest films of all time (It's A Wonderful Life) and it's great to watch the kids enjoying their presents.
So while I still think Festivus is a great idea and one I will note I'd like to give Christmas a proper try this time.

2012

I know I said in the review for The Box that I love films that make you think. I must add that there is a place for the blockbuster.

With its extensive use of CGI, 2012 is very much a spectacular, if overly long, ride. Based on the theory that the Mayan calendar will end on December 21, 2012, thus heralding the end of the world, 2012 doesn't hold back on the destruction.

It's almost like the director was practicing for this one when he made Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow.

For what it is worth, the story centres on a White House scientist Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who has discovered that the earth's core is heating up fast and that the world as we know it is coming to an end. Over a period of a few years (the discovery was 2009) the US government keeps it quiet as it builds hi-tech Arks to salvage some of humanity.

Our other focus is small time author and limo driver Jackson Curtis (John Cusack in a rare action type role) whose connection with his children is becoming more and more distant thanks to his ex-wife's (Amanda Peet) new man. I have to admit that John Cusack is one of my very favourite actors and his presence is handy.

Curtis stumbles upon a crazy doomsday believer Charlie (Woody Harrelson) on a camping trip to Yellowstone whose theories appear to be correct.

You don't really have to see the film to know what is going to happen with the Curtises, the reason to see this one is the spectacular destruction of the world. Nothing is spared and I have to admit it can be a shade unsettling if you think about it too much.

(I must have because last night my dreams were definitely influenced by seeing 2012, although inexplicably I had access to jet packs).

I have to admit that, if you do think about it, it does make you realise how much we are at the mercy of nature. We all like to think we can be in control of our destinies but there is a much bigger force out there than we like to admit.

2012 is not rocket science for a movie goer (though there is a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo) but it does fulfil its goal - taking you on one heck of a ride. A 7 out of 10.

The Box

I love a film that makes you think.
While it is mysterious, weird and requires your full attention, I thoroughly enjoyed The Box , made by the man behind the groundbreaking Donnie Darko.
If you've seen Donnie then you have a fair idea that all your questions aren't going to be answered. In fact, it might well raise more questions.
The Box features Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as Norma and Arthur Lewis, a seemingly perfect couple who live in Virginia in 1976.
Arthur wants to be an astronaut and has been working for NASA on a Mars project while Norma is a school teacher who has a disfigured foot, we find out because of a medical bungle when she was 17.
They have a son and while they live 'from paycheck to paycheck' they seem to have a good life.
Early one morning a package arrives and inside it is a plain looking brown box with a button on it and a card that says someone will call by at 5pm.
When that time arrives a gruesome looking man, Mr Steward, presents Norma with a gruesome proposal - if you push the button, I will give you $1 million but someone you don't know will die.
It raised a couple of questions for me.
Could I do such a thing, would my conscience allow an innocent (though unknown to me) person to die for a huge windfall? There's always a catch, isn't there. It made me think this way: if something looks too good to be true then it probably is.
Maybe the lesson is to appreciate what we have and that when we 'sell our souls' (regardless of whether literally or just by going against one's values) we don't always benefit.
I could go on and on and on about what's raised in this complex film but since I try not to do spoilers I won't go into what happens. I thought it was fairly well acted and it was nice to see James Marsden in a serious role.
Donnie Darko was an odd film and wasn't easy to follow. Thankfully The Box is a shade easier to go with but it still requires some work. I enjoyed it, though I have to say it was tough going at times. It's not necessarily a feel good film (neither was Donnie Darko) but one that, if nothing else, will get you thinking. I'm going 8 out of 10.

What has to change?

It's becoming clearer to me that something has to change but what isn't clear is what aspect of my life that it is.
Maybe I'm just frustrated a bit by a few things and am looking a bit too hard.
I know I need to get moving a lot more and I think that will also have a positive effect on the way I see things. It's amazing how a habit is relatively easy to form but really hard to break.
In spring I tend to get out of the habit of heading out for walks and this year the effect of that has been a lot more noticeable, both physically and mentally.
It's now November 7 and I'm running out of excuses (internally) for not going, the silly phobia that makes me indoorsy is basically now not an issue.
And the strange thing about it is that I really enjoy grabbing the discman (no, I haven't yet succumbed to the ipod craze) and heading out, usually barefoot, for a wander. Not only is it good exercise but it is soothing.

This Is It

If one thing is clear from watching This Is It it is that Michael Jackson was planning quite an extravagant show for his comeback/farewell tour.

On one hand while watching the documentary-style film of his rehearsals reminds you once again of what a great artist he was.

But on the other you can't help but look for signs that his health was failing. I couldn't find any obvious ones other than the fact that he looks thin. Then again, he has always been thin. A sick person could not perform the moves he does on stage with such fluency and precision, I can say that for sure.

But he also comes across as though he was trying to retain his youth by having this tiny body and his ageing face didn't fit it. Quite sad, really.

We meet the young dancers who have been chosen to perform with him and they are an eclectic bunch but clearly they see the opportunity as once in a lifetime. One of them says he's been searching for meaning or something to make life worthwhile and he believed that 'this is it'. How poetic.

As I said it's clear Michael had big plans for the show. And that is something that should surprise no-one - this is the guy who had 15 metre statues of himself pop up all over the world to promote his History CD.

From the cinematic Smooth Criminal, the CGI-enhanced crowd of thousands for They Don't Care About Us, the re-imagining of Thriller to the grandstanding of Earth Song, this was going to be massive.

You are able to get a glimpse of the perfectionist Michael was when it came to his music, a rare chance to see what drove him. He does a lot of saying 'God bless you' and 'I love you' to the people he is working with, describing them as his family.

There's one odd scene I will mention. The dancers appear to be taking classes in crotch-grabbing. There's something quite disturbing yet amusing about a bunch of 20-something dancers repeatedly grabbing themselves.

Overall, it's obvious this was thrown and mashed together from various rehearsals but it makes for interesting viewing. It's like having your own backstage pass to the creation of the tour. It's also hard not to want to sing along.

Another point worth making is how passionate he is about the environment and it made me wonder why he wasn't more outspoken in the last 5-10 years.

I'm not going to give the film a rating but I will say I'm glad I've seen it on the big screen.

Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel

It's taken me a while to buy the latest Mariah Carey album, largely because I really dislike the packaging.
Sure, it's a trivial reason not to buy something but I am a stickler for continuity when it comes to additions to a series.
That out of the way, Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is far from a classic Mariah Carey album - but having said that it isn't bad either.
While with previous releases there are a bunch of tracks I quickly ignore this one is nice enough to listen to most of the way through. However, there aren't many highlights.
I read somewhere that when they were making this album the idea was to make a greatest hits album without having any greatest hits, if that makes sense. Unfortunately Mariah has fired her two best shots with the first two singles, Obsessed and I Want To Know What Loves Is (the only song on here that qualifies as a greatest hit being a cover of an 80s classic and one of my top 10 of all time).
In my opinion there are four songs on here that are memorable. They are HATEU, The Impossible, Angels Cry and I Want To Know What Love Is. (Just on that song, I wonder why she ditched a verse and changed the first one to be a conglomeration of the first two - the first verse ends with 'in case I need it when I'm older' then goes into a second, not 'in case I need it when I'm colder').
The rest vary from nice to bearable.
Come on, Mariah. I know you're trying really hard not to be the wholesome girl from the 90s but that's who you profess to be much of the time.
I don't think we're going to get another Mariah album where you can sit back and listen to 90 per cent of the songs and want to listen over again (like Music Box, Daydream and even Charmbracelet). It's a shame, because she's an absolute master at the power ballad and the light pop tune but still rank amateur at the R&B crap she's dishing out.

If the shoe fits...

I spent an exorbitant amount of money on a new pair of shoes today.
Not normally my thing to top 100 bucks on shoes but it has been done in the name of better comfort for my feet, which have been a bit sore of late.
My shoes are usually fairly cheap (never spent three figures on them before) so hopefully they will prove a good investment. They are tailored to my feet so hopefully I will be able to see some results.

The safety paradox

Why is it that I could walk outside right now and not feel particularly threatened but I can sit in the comfort of home and feel so vulnerable?
Welcome to my world!
A world where, sometimes despite my best efforts, anxiety seems to reign. I can be in a perfectly enjoyable scenario yet feel so many things going on in the body that I have to pay attention. I hate it. And even though that is a very strong emotion I have to stand by it.
Why is it that I can be so easily distracted when everything is great but if you're feeling a bit low or not yourself it can be so hard to snap out of?
One thing I know is that I can't let this thing beat me. I'm not a particularly tough guy, outwardly, but beating off this mindset requires toughness.
People with depression refer to it as 'the black dog' and while I have been through that it doesn't describe how anxiety can get on top of you.
It's kind of like an electrical storm, with random lightning strikes.
I write this at the end of a day that has been a bit of a battle and in the hope that tomorrow is a better one.

Nightfall in Sydney

Moon

It's a rare treat to see a movie set in space that doesn't revolve around aliens and the like (not that they don't have their place).

Moon is one of these films and it is deceptively simple but terrifically insightful when it comes to exploring human emotion and need for connection.

Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the end of a three year contract working on a lunar station that is harvesting energy for use on Earth.

He's missing his family, a wife and young daughter, and occupies himself with solo games of ping pong, gardening, exercise and model building. His only company is a soulless robot named Gerty (voice eerily by Kevin Spacey).

One day Sam heads out to check on a harvester that is faulty and has an accident. When he wakes up things are very different for him.

Moon explores lonliness and the fragility of human life brilliantly.

There are no huge twists in the film but I won't go any further into the plot.

Sam Rockwell is basically the only actor in this film and that's a big responsibility. If he doesn't grab your attention and hold it the movie will fail. Fortunately he shines.

It's great to see a movie with a sci-fi edge that isn't alien obsessed and one that doesn't need special effects (there are basically none) to move the story along.

What Moon has going for it is a great acting performance, good story and something that will make you think when you leave the cinema. It's not the best movie I've seen this year but it is definitely one of the more interesting and gutsy.

A solid 8 out of 10.

Chaos versus control

There's a scene in the classic film Six Degrees Of Separation where two Kandinsky paintings are featured representing chaos and control.
On one side the painting is geometric and ordered, on the other it is vivid and boundless.
They are meant to be contrasting but in reality the two ideas go together so well.
Chaos, disorder, uncertainty. These can all be exciting or scary situations.
Control, habituality, surety. They aren't all they are cracked up to be.
I should know. I've been trying to control things that are out of my control for a very long time and it gets frustrating.
I don't like the idea of randomness most of the time. Spontaneity doesn't scare me but I've always preferred to be prepared.
Have you ever noticed how people who err on the side of chaos seem to be less easily stressed, worry less and seem to enjoy themselves more readily.
Ever seen the episode of Seinfeld where George decides to do the opposite of everything he normally does? That George is confident and chaotic and gets everything the other George would never have a shot at.
So is it that simple?
I've had a situation at work lately that has bothered me a lot more than I have let on. On the surface it is something that I should just brush aside and forget about but it lingers. I think about it a lot more than I should.
I say I don't care what people think quite readily but, truth be told, I must care a lot more than even I'm aware of. It's part of needing to control things, even if it is subconsciously.
I was faced with a situation today where my phone packed it an and I had the choice of replacing it straight away or sending it away to be repaired. Not knowing if it could be, how long it would take or what it would cost I elected just to replace it. I can't believe that I can't go for a week or two without a mobile phone. Control, see?
I'd love to try chaos as a way of life and see if I can thrive.
Whether the control part of me allows it is another thing.

Storm win

Much to the delight of my nephew and the dismay of my house mate, Melbourne has won the NRL grand final 23-16 over Parramatta.
It's quite an achievement for a team to make the final four years running, particularly with the salary cap the way it is.
It was above average as far as entertainment and intrigue goes in a game of footy. That's all you can ask for if you don't have anything invested in the game, as far as allegiances go.

Up

What can I say, Pixar has done it again.

Warning: I'm going to review the film in full so in case there is any plot movement that isn't meant to be known it's best not to proceed.

Up is of course the latest film by the genius that is the Pixar film studio. And it it right up there with the best, even if it has somewhat of a sombre beginning.

We meet the young Carl Fredrickson as he is captivated by the deeds of explorer Charles Muntz. After detailing Carl's life, his marriage and his wife's inability to conceive we are left with a man who is trying to deal with his wife's unfulfilled dreams. He meets an eager, if slightly misguided, boy scout called Russell and sends him on a wild goose chase to appease him.

When he is about to be shipped off to a retirement village Carl lets thousands of balloons tied to his chimney loose and the house floats off. He leaves in search of Rainbow Falls, his wife's dream adventure. Inadvertently, Russell comes along for the ride having chased something under Carl's house. It's a classic scene when he rings the doorbell as Carl is sailing along high in the sky.

When they arrive in South America the house is left in a precarious position and ever so close to Carl's dream.

While trying to drag the house to the final resting spot by the falls, Russell comes across a large rare and colourful bird he names Kevin (though we find out Kevin is in fact a girl), and a talking dog called Dug. The talking bit is quite clever and is a long running joke for the remainder of the film. Actually, the dog and his comrades are responsible for many a laugh throughout the film.

Like all the Pixar movies there is a lesson to be learned from Up. But I will leave that to you.

Despite its sad beginning, Up is a very funny and uplifting film (I saw it in 3D and it was awesome in that format). And, again like all the Pixar films, it is successful because of the characters - for me Russell and the dog Dug were the standouts.

Keep an eye out through the credits for a bit of a running gag, one that is not your usual Pixar fare to begin with.

Also, I must mention the opening short called Partly Cloudy, another absolute gem.

Up easily gets a 9 out of 10 from me and at this point is the best movie I've seen this year. Don't miss it.

The Rafters controversy

There's an uproar in the papers today about an episode of Packed To The Rafters that involved fantasies and suggestive material.

After checking my calendar I remembered we are almost into 2010 and it is not in fact the prudish times of the 50s and 60s (not that I was around then).

The controversy surrounds a couple of scenes involving, ahem, masturbation. Granted it wasn't handled quite as delicately as say Seinfeld did in the classic episode The Contest but I didn't think it was that big a deal.

And I will admit I had quite a laugh.

The episode of Packed To The Rafters centered on the character Nathan, an early 20s married guy who is having trouble dealing with his (female) boss coming onto him. So much so he has had the odd fantasy about her.

At one point his wife bursts in on him in the bathroom (why doesn't anybody lock the door in TV-land) doing ... that.

The other young guys the show are also having fantasy issues. Later there is another scene with the neighbour Carbo making a few noises while fantasising about a couple of girls.

There's also a wicked send up of the Jessica Simpson car wash scene in one of her film clips. Carbo has also been caught compromising himself once before in the show - but not a word was said then.

Look, I think people need to grow up a bit and stop pretending to be so offended by everything. The test will come next week to see if the themes continue. I tend to think they won't so much but there is a storyline running at the moment that needs to be continued.

The show is on at 8.30pm and does carry a warning about sexual references. I don't see what all the fuss is about. I would be more concerned if the show became lowbrow and resorted to Melrose Place-style antics. That would be a shame because it really is an outstanding Aussie show and one that has already proven that you don't need to be controversial to get people to watch.

CD's revisited: 1927's ...ish

I can't believe it has been 20 years since the release of ...ish, the debut album by Aussie band 1927.
It ranks very highly among the best debut albums in modern times and I remember when I bought it (on cassette!). I was in year eight in high school and I thought it was just about the best tape I owned.
1927, sadly, didn't have as long a run as they should have. Lineup changes after this album came out pretty much killed off any chance they had, despite the fact the next two albums were fairly good (particularly The Other Side).
That's When I Think Of You is the song that thrust 1927 into the limelight but it was the delicate ballad If I Could that everyone will still remember. The video clip with the small white chapel in lush surrounds, a young couple looking on as the band plays and an old woman dancing.
There are only 10 songs on ...ish but at least eight are first class and it was one of the rare albums that warranted five singles.
The opening track To Love Me is still a good song as is the third single You'll Never Know. Then there is the haunting Compulsory Hero, which is about conscription and is still my favourite song on the album.
When I was younger I loved the song Nothing In The Universe, I'm not sure that it has the same effect now.
I do this edition of Revisited (haven't done one in a while) as ...ish has just been re-released in a 20th anniversary edition and 1927 is playing a show in Sydney in November.
It would be cool to go along and see them again.

Living on Mars

You could be forgiven for thinking we're in some kind of twilight zone this morning.
Waking up and looking out the window to a sea of red is a bizarre experience. Like having a Total Recall moment.
Even now, behind the curtains, there is this eerie reddish presence.

Season 7 premiere thoughts

After last season's departure of Lucas and Peyton, the show's two central characters, I wasn't sure what season 7 of One Tree Hill would look like.
However, having now watched the new season opening I'm giving the new look OTH a tentative thumbs up.
The opening few minutes was a masterstroke, and really got me into the feel of One Tree Hill. Yes, it has a feel. Hard to describe.
I loved Haley's song and it seemed to sum everything up well (as the music always does).
The show picks up 14 months after last season and Lucas and Peyton are long in the past (though they do get the odd mention here and there). Nathan is an NBA star and his agent Clay (newcomer Robert Buckley) is working on a new contract for him.
Jamie is turning 7 and his aunt Quinn (Haley's other, not so evil, sister) arrives having, as we find out, split with her husband. Brooke and Julian are having a frustrating long distance relationship and Millicent seems to be the new Brooke, taking over a lot of the running of COB.
The best addition to the cast has been Clay, his character interested me a lot. On the surface he is a confident, womanizing guy but underneath, well we're not really sure yet. What we do find out, at the end, is that he ``doesn't believe in love''.
And then there is Dan. He can't have turned over a new leaf, that's just not him. Stay tuned there.
So far so good as far as I'm concerned. Like season 5 I think this one may take a few episodes to adjust, though I do hope the rumoured return of Lucas and Peyton (at least one off) happens.

On another, related, topic I watched the first episode of the new Melrose Place last week. In a word, meh.
Sure Sydney and Michael were in it, but like 90210 I really didn't care about the other characters. It just doesn't work.

Intermission

I'm off for a few days of R & R, very much well earned if I say so myself.
Won't be in cyberspace for a while, which isn't a bad thing, and will probably only check email once in the next little while.
Enjoy...

Realising the truth

There's a truth in my world that I have kind of ignored because I don't want to believe it.
I'm so blinded by an ideal surrounding one of my friends.
The fact has come to a head for me this week after some discussions with other friend-type people.
What I have realised, yet again, is that I'm held in nowhere near as high regard by my friend than I thought and hoped. When you find out things about people you thought you were close to third hand and long after a significant thing happened it makes you (well in this case me) wonder how good a friend you are seen as.
I've got to say that coming to this conclusion really hurts. I'd love to say I hope I am wrong but I really don't think I am.
Perhaps this is all a bit 10th grade but I don't know what to do about it.
Do I just accept it and try to move past it? That seems the obvious but hard option.
Is it something worth raising? Again it's a bit high school-ish.
Am I reading into things too much? Possibly, but there's pretty compelling evidence.
I guess it is a little like in any relationship (at least it works as an analogy), what do you do when you realise the other person doesn't like you as much as you like them, even if you are mates?

Gary Unmarried

Just when you think there are no new shows coming through that are any good (hey, they are remaking Melrose Place!) comes Gary Unmarried.
I know this comedy has been through its first season in the States, but in keeping with Australian TV trends the executives wouldn't know a good show if it bit them.
So finally, just as season 2 is about to start in the US, Gary Unmarried premiered here on Thursday - and it's awesome!
The likeable Jay Mohr plays Gary, a recently divorced painting contractor with two kids and whose ex-wife has just announced she is marrying their old marriage counsellor.
From what I hear, this show gets better as it goes on but based on the first episodes (pretty sure we got the first two in an hour-long episode) I'm coming back again. Very funny.
In other news, I had an interesting experience while trying to purchase The Simpsons Season 12 box seat.
At Big W they advertised the 3D head box set for $39 but the normal box set is apparently still $53 despite the fact that everywhere else the two are the same price. I couldn't convince them that the two packagings contained exactly the same thing and went around to JB Hi-Fi and got the one I wanted. (I'm a stickler for continuity when collecting things).
At JB they gave me a free Simpsons DVD with the season 12 box set. So there, Big W.

Mariah covers a classic

Cover versions tends to be a pet hate of mine so when my favourite artist covers one of my very favourite song what am I to think?
It can only be a good thing but you always hate a classic being butchered.
Happily, Mariah Carey's version of the legendary Foreigner song I Want To Know What Love Is is a worthy cover, though I have to have the original on top as the superior version (which is almost always the case).
The song has been stripped back a bit to a piano based track and that really works for a Mariah ballad. The emotion is there, it still sends chills up my spine, and it has been very much done in her classic ballad style, building to the high pitched whistle-style at the end.
Being a Mariah Carey song it is going to go on high rotation not to mention it being one of my top 10 all time songs.
I'm looking forward to the new Mariah album, Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, and hoping there are more songs on there that I like than can easily skip like a couple of her recent releases.

Speed

Have you noticed how fast things happen these days?
It's the end of August and we're looking at spring now and pretty soon we'll be talking Christmas plans and New Years celebrations. The Noughties are finished, what do we call the 2010s?
I say all this because I've realised how a lot of the time I want things to happen fast.
I want to get to work quickly (and leave work quickly), I eat quickly (at times to my detriment but I should expect that), I walk quickly, I don't have long showers. You get the point.
Everything doesn't need to happen so fast but somehow I get caught up in it. Maybe it is a Sydney thing, or at least a big city thing.
Happily I have holidays coming up in a couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to the break. I enjoy getting out of the rat race if I can and I'm also looking forward to a few days in Melbourne coming up.
Having been there a couple of times this year I now know a few people so that will make the trip this time a bit more fun (and I have had a pretty darn good time in those two trips).
Needless to say I should try to slow down.
Really, there's no need to rush. Ferris Bueller had it right - 'life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop once in a while and look around you could miss it' (or something like that).

Fighting

There is an excellent film in the movie Fighting but as illustrated by the unimaginative title the great story isn't really on display.

Films involving fighting are a dime a dozen these days so what sets one apart from the other is the story. Fight Club has a lot to answer for.

Fighting is a grittier film than most of the genre and that's where the storytelling gets lost. The fight scenes are raw and brutal, almost primal.

The last movie like this I saw was Never Back Down and while it had its flaws the story was there, the characters were three dimensional and it just seemed to work.

The big problem with Fighting is that the two lead characters are two dimensional at best and have little chemistry. Shawn McArthur (Channing Tatum) is trying to make a life in New York but is forced to hustling books on the street to make cash. It's there he meets Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) who is not dissimilar to Shawn but seems to have a network.

Harvey discovers that Shawn can handle himself in a fistfight and swoops in to manage his underground fighting career, with the carrot of a minimum $10,000 if he wins.

This is all well and good for me but we really don't find out too much more about Harvey other than he's struggling to make ends meet despite the appearances.

Shawn, we learn, despises his father and this comes to a head when Evan Hailey (Brian White) re-enters his life. Hailey trained with Shawn under his father's coaching and was the preferred protege. Thus we have the tension of the past.

Like I've said, I think there's a good movie here but a lack of imagination has prevented it from being made. That said, I did enjoy it somewhat.

Channing Tatum is not a great actor, or his character is highly underdeveloped, and I suggest he is there because of his imposing stature. The best thing about Fighting is the realness of the fight scenes, though they are a bit short at times. I wouldn't say don't see it, because I'm giving it a 7 out of 10, I'd just love to see this film if it were a 9.

Good as new

Aside from a bit of obvious landscaping still to be completed the house is finally finished.
It was an odd feeling staying there last weekend. The same address but a different house.
Essentially the house is the same dimensions but there are significant changes inside and it is much more modern - and much nicer.
The days of long hot summers and sleepless nights should be well and truly over in that house from now on with all the refurbishments.
Sleeping in my old room, well the new version of it, was also strange. It's slightly bigger than it used to be and has proper windows, the lounge room is big enough to incorporate a dining area and the kitchen is pretty schmick now too.
I'd been at my parents for many years about getting a new house and while I'm sure everyone didn't want to get it the way it happened, they are happy enough with the results. As I said there are a few little things to be finished and finalised but it looks good to me.

In other news

It's been a pretty big week but happily I have tomorrow off and am heading away for the weekend.
I had quite a nice lunch on Tuesday at Otto in Wooloomooloo, pretty swanky joint and I'd hate to think how much it cost. Whether it was worth it or not it was a media lunch so I didn't have to worry about that. Had some unpleasantness there but I'd rather not go into it, as it has passed.

Over the past few weeks I've had kind of a sore throat and I got it checked out a couple of days
ago. To my surprise I found out I have ulcers in the throat and have to go on antibiotics. Hopefully they will clear up without much trouble.

My parents have moved into their `new' house and I'm told it is a bit weird to be back at the old address in the new house. It's been more than a year since the fire so I can understand how strange it must be. It will be odd going there and it not being the same house.

District 9

This is one weird film.

It's hard to accurately describe District 9 other than to say it's a sci-fi film that you haven't seen before.

That fact is the best thing the film has going for it. Uniqueness is hard to find these days where everything is either a remake or a well trodden idea. You only have to look at the previews. The fact it is 'presented by Peter Jackson' makes absolutely no difference, by the way, it's just a selling point that he found it interesting and gets a producer credit.

District 9 is set in Johannesburg where an alien ship has been perched over the city for 20 years and remains unmoved.

The inhabitants have been relocated into what becomes a ghetto and it is decided to move them out of the city. This is where things go awry.

The unlikely hero of the story is Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) who is leading the alien task force in evicting the aliens from the ghetto.

There are all sorts of commentaries going on here, with racism being high on the agenda, as is the treatment of the poor. The humans refer to the aliens as 'prawns', largely because they kind of look like prawns but also because they are scavengers. They have also developed a taste for cat food.

The trouble comes to a head when Wikus is infected with some alien DNA and becomes the target of government agencies wanting to dissect him for science. Wikus and one of the aliens become unlikely (and quite hilarious) allies in trying to help him recover as he tries to give the aliens their freedom.

What is very cool about District 9 is the hovering mother ship which is in the background in most of the film. It gives the movie an ominous feel.

The movie is also quite gory and has gun fights to rival the latest Rambo film, at least in gratuity.

This is a hard movie to sum up. I'd say if it interests you it's worth a look. It is unlike any film I've seen in a long time, it is part documentary, part slasher film, part war movie, part alien invasion. I give a 6.5 out of 10 and I just hope they don't go thinking about sequels. It would undermine all the reasons this movie stands out.

But it's still really weird.

Public Enemies

Whether or not some aspects of John Dillinger's life have been enhanced for the screen and for good narrative, I left Public Enemies with one word in my mind - meh.

It's the 1930s and robbing banks is all the rage. Dillinger (Johnny Depp) is something of an expert in that regard and at one point in the film says it takes him a minute and a half to get the job done.

Fair enough. The fact I find it hard to believe Dillinger would give a glib interview to a host of reporters while on his way to a jail cell can go to the side. It may have happened but you really don't get a sense for who Dillinger was.

Similarly outrageous is the thought that he could wander into the 'Dillinger Division' of the Chicago police and go completely un-noticed. It did make for one of only a few highlights in an overall disppointing film.

Director Michael Mann, who seems to still be living off the reputation for the gripping Heat, can take some of the blame. The shaky camera work is so 2005 and adds nothing.

The casting is questionable. Depp has proven he can be just about anyone. Christian Bale is boring and I don't think it is his character Melvin Purvis. I'm not from the 30s but I couldn't understand why Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard) was in love with Dillinger when he treated her like a possession.

There were some excellent moments, including the aforementioned Dillinger Division scene, some of the gunfights and the script also had some humour.

In the end, why should we care about Dillinger? We only got the sense that he was a smug, confident criminal. As I said at the start. Meh. A 5.5 out of 10.

The Old Man And The Sea

In my efforts to include more culture in life, I've been reading some 'classic' literature.
Even though I am yet to finish Huckleberry Finn (but am close) I've ripped through Hemingway's The Old Man And The Sea and I have to say I thoroughly recommend it.
A simple story, written clearly and concisely.
That's what makes it remarkable. That a writer doesn't need page after page of action to hold the reader's interest is a sign of a great writer. Now I hadn't read any Hemingway prior to this one so didn't know what to expect.
At around 96 pages it is far from a long book and it is not in chapters. What Hemingway has done with this story is brilliant because he has taken a tale of a man who does not stand out in any way, except that he is a fisherman.
It's his relationship with the sea and with the fish he is in pursuit of that draws you in and keeps you turning the page. If you haven't read it, seek it out. You won't regret it.
Next up, as I have mentioned earlier, is Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The Simpsons need to age

I don't think this idea will shock anyone, but after watching the latest episode of The Simpsons tonight I again concluded it needs to be refreshed.
The only way the writers can do this, in my view, is to let Bart, Lisa and Maggie age by a year.
I know, I know, South Park did that at one point but they also did an episode called Simpsons Already Did It so stealing from other animated shows is not new.
Heck, South Park, Family Guy and American Dad are all crude rip-offs of the Simpsons anyway.
By letting the characters age it can put them into new situations, new regular characters can be introduced and new ideas tried.
We had a glimpse in an episode where Lisa was promoted to 3rd grade and Bart demoted but they didn't go far enough.
What would happen if Bart made it to fifth grade (he could go on an episode of Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader), how would Lisa cope with third grade, Maggie might finally get to speak a bit. The possibilities are endless.
Something needs to be done to bring The Simpsons back to its former glory. Season 12 is about to be released on DVD and by this stage the show was less consistent and memorable episodes fewer and far between. The classic Pinchy episode is now over 10 years old and I don't think there has been an episode since anywhere near as funny.
So, challenge extended writers. Over to you....

Why isn't getting real as easy as it should be?

Perhaps it's just something you go through when blogging, but I can't seem to generate the enthusiasm at times to keep it up.
Writing movie reviews, music reviews and commenting on trivial stuff is so easy.
Getting real is not so easy.
It seems it is that way in life in general, not just in the cyber world.
Maybe I'm concentrating on the wrong people, or maybe I'm just not going to get what I want.
Yeah I want something real, something that feels...something.
I go back to my previous statement - am I focusing in the wrong direction? Some aspects of my world are so deeply entrenched in keeping reality at arm's length.
Others are so caught up in reality there seems little hope of turning back. Doesn't matter how much you want to, if you can't get in the driver's seat you can't steer.
In some ways I'm very simple and as the ad says the simple things in life are often the best.
But why are the simple things never as simple as they should be?
While it's fun being a bit cryptic and colourful, I think it's pretty clear what I'm talking about.
(It's all about relationships, not necessarily romantic ones but not excluding them either.)

Recap

A lot has happened in the past week and a half, mostly positive, a few challenges and maybe a lesson or two.

Starting at the start, last week I was thrust into the position of acting editor.

I guess they don't call it a baptism of fire for nothing. With little experience in the everyday (and more crucially the deadline day) running everything fell onto me for a week while the boss was away. You see we have had cutbacks, as most workplaces have, and that has left us a lot shorter than we are used to - particularly when someone is on holidays.

One advantage I had was that I paid a bit of attention to what was going on over the past couple of years when it came to how the paper is operated. So at least I had some idea. But when the boss neglects to tell you a few things here and there it can leave you on the hop a bit.

Fortunately it all went pretty smoothly. I was busy, for sure, and it seemed that any time I tried to get something done the phone would ring and I'd have to deal with something.

What I learned was that I'm not ready for that responsibility just yet but that I can handle it. That was the only issue as I approached the week. I wasn't sure if I could pull it off.

By the end of the week I was a bit drained but otherwise fine. I took the attitude that I wasn't going to let anything stress me out too much, I wasn't going to panic if something went wrong. It was a good plan but one that ultimately went untested.

After a cruisy Friday night I went to a bucks party (that's most of the crew in the photo) at the Lowenbrau in the Rocks. For those who don't know it is a German theme restaurant and beer house and the scene for many a bucks party over the years I'm sure.

Whether the night actually counts as a bucks night is debatable being a second marriage but we thought we'd kidnap the guy and treat him to a night out.

Largely it was a good one. After several hours there we pressed on in search of something that was ultimately unattainable - a live band.

This meant wandering around the Rocks for a while then onto Surry Hills where we traipsed around the streets frustratingly and came up empty handed.

We then crammed six people into my car and drove to Botany to a 24-hour pub where we played a bit of pool and put old songs on the video jukebox until about 2am.

Then I drove most of them home with all sorts of antics going on. I was breath tested on the way home. I always find this amusing. One time when asked how long since my last drink I replied `about three years'. This time I was more restrained. While I was never in danger there were a good dozen cars pulled over whose drivers had obviously exceeded the limit.

It had to be the latest night I've had for a long time. I was able to sleep in until about 9 in the morning but it takes an effect.

On other topics, later that day my sister and nephew dropped around for a while. I had to postpone a catch-up with a new friend that I was looking forward to, hopefully that will happen this weekend. It's great when you meet someone new and kinda click.

I'm almost finished reading The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (will review upon completion) and have bought A Midsummer Night's Dream for my next read.

Yeah, I'm going for a bit of culture in my reading at the moment.

Intermission

It has been a big last seven days and I really haven't got around to posting.
Will get to it shortly....

Raising the bar

While flicking channels during dinner I couldn't help but keep an eye on the Oz top 50 countdown that was happening on one of the music channels.
The impact of Michael Jackson is still being felt. At one stage there, in the low 20s, he had four out of five songs that were played while I was watching. The likes of Bad, You Are Not Alone, Heal The World and Beat It - all these songs ranging in age from 27 years to 14 years.
I wonder, actually I hope moreso, whether these songs regaining popularity will lead to the bar being raised for music these days.
We have far too many artists taking the easy way with cheekily vulgar songs or so called R&B, too many of the likes of Lily Allen, Lady Gaga, heck they all seem the same to me.
There used to be a time that I'd almost religiously watch the music video shows on the weekend and I'd like the large majority of songs. Now I look at the charts and can count the number of songs I like with my two hands - with the exception of the last couple of weeks with the Jackson influence.
I used to buy a CD a week almost. Now I might buy one a month, or maybe average 1.5 a month.
I hate it how some artists feel they need to copy the trashy, unappealing young girls, I fear that the new Mariah Carey CD will continue the trend of her having a few good songs and a heap of throwaway songs. I read that they were trying to create a greatest hits CD with new songs and while that is a high bar to set maybe they should first look at her hit list - great songs that didn't need sex to sell them. She should be paying more attention to singers like Pink and realising you don't need to undress to have attitude. Great songs speak for themselves.

Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince

It is getting to the stage where we need to start these films with 'previously on Harry Potter...' because it is hard to keep up for those who haven't read the books.

One thing I will say is that Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince is a lot better than its predecessor, the Order Of The Phoenix.
What strikes you as we get towards the end of the series is how much the three leads have grown up - they really looked like little kids in the first film and now they are well and truly young adults.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), in his sixth year at Hogwarts, takes a potions class run by the mysterious Professor Horace Slughorn at the encouragement of Dumbledore. Potions aren't really Harry's thing.

He acquires a potions text book that carries the writing 'property of the Half-Blood Prince' and seems to carry the secrets that the standard texts don't - Harry subsequently outdoes everyone else, including a frustrated Hermoine (Emma Watson).

Meanwhile, the deliciously ambiguous Professor Snape (again wonderfully played by Alan Rickman) takes an oath to oversee Draco Malfoy as he performs a task for the dark lord (Voldemort).

Elsewhere, love seems to be in the air as Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) is pursued by girls after starring in a Quidditch game much to Hermoine's disgust.

In what has been described as quite a dark film there is an awful lot of comedy going on and that really lifts this instalment. Particularly the scene where Harry drinks a liquid luck potion and seems to wander around in a state of inflated good feeling, and he wanders down to visit Hagrid who is mourning the death of his super-tarantula. Weird and very amusing.

I'm happy to say the Half-Blood Prince is a massive improvement on the last film but not quite up there with the high standard set by the first four. A 7.5 out of 10 and we head to the two-part finale interested in how they are going to do it.

Baptism of fire

They say the best way to learn something is the hard way.
As a general rule I'm not sure I agree but I found out at work today that being thrown in the deep end is actually beneficial. You find out whether you can handle a difficult task.
At this stage I think I handled a difficult task quite well, though I didn't have lunch until 2.30pm or so and thought I might explode (for different reasons) around lunch time. So much information to take in and so many different people coming to you for instruction.
So running the show today was unexpected, it wasn't supposed to happen until next week, but it seems a baptism of fire can tell you a lot about yourself.
And, in hindsight I think it was great to get the experience today for next week.
Like I said a while ago, careful what you wish for.

Cradlesong

A few years ago Rob Thomas released a cracking solo album called Something To Be that was so good many thought it spelled the end for Matchbox 20.
Great pop/rock songs like Lonely No More, This Is How A Heart Breaks, Ever The Same and the title track suggested Rob Thomas was about to become the next George Michael or Jimmy Barnes and break away from the group that made them famous.

With the release of Cradlesong it seems the future of Matchbox 20 is secure because Rob Thomas has produced a handy, passable follow up that will knock nobody off their feet. I'm a fairly decent fan of Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas and I liked Cradlesong but I could quite easily put it away and go back to Something To Be.

One problem for me is that the lead single and first song Her Diamonds is pretty annoying. It is a bit catchy but I simply don't like it. Fortunately the third track Give Me The Meltdown is much more like it and leads to a few decent songs. Still Ain't Over You is in contention for best song on the album and the title track and finale Getting Late are excellent and wind up the record well.

If you're a fan you will like it but wonder why he didn't do better. It's almost like he tried to be too laid back and introspective (on some songs) whereas Something To Be had a bit more guts.

I hope it is an album that grows on me, as some do, but even if it does it is still a poor cousin to his debut solo record.

So Rob it's either back to Matchbox 20 or to the drawing board for the solo stuff mate. Cradlesong is nice and has its highlights but you can to a whole lot better than this.

How to win $1 million in style

If you haven't seen this clip it is worth a watch.
I don't know if I could be as composed, or as brazen I might add, as this guy but it makes great television.

The Listener

Every now and then you find a new TV show that's a cut above the drivel the networks serve us up.
Mostly, sadly for us Aussies, to watch the quality stuff you have to rely on the internet. So it is with the Canadian drama The Listener which although it is not a new concept caught my attention in one episode.
Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik) is a mid-20s paramedic who, through something he sees as a curse, can read minds. Only one person, his childhood counsellor, knows of his ability.
With his past somewhat cloudy, Toby starts to see his ability as a gift and seeks to help people (he really does pry quite a lot into things ambos probably don't ever go near).
It's not the concept that makes the show appealing but the characters and certainly the lead, who I have never heard of before.
So far 13 episodes have been produced and it has apparently been picked up by NBC in the States for the summer. It will be interesting to see how it goes, since I am only in the early stages at the moment.

`Head in the sand'

Yesterday I met a guy called Scott.
From what I can tell he'd be in his early 20s and he seems just like anyone else.
I met Scott at a seminar about IBD.
What struck me about him is, just as I said, he appears your average inner-wester, he seems happy.
He also has IBD, not the same as me but not entirely different.
He was there because, in his words, he has his `head in the sand' about it and thought it was a good idea to hear a few experts speak on the topic.
I was there for somewhat similar reasons although I can't get away with saying I've been ignorant because that is far from the truth. If anything I'm a little too informed.
We had a bit of a chat and during it I think something clicked for me.
Here's a young guy who, despite admitting to his ignorance about his condition, has been living life as best he can.
It occurred to me that I hadn't been and today I felt pretty good about myself. All the negative emotions are really not helpful and when they are around things seem to spiral out of control.
I'm not saying I am going to stick my head into the sand and ignore everything but at the same time there is merit in doing it occasionally, in a way.
Before I left I gave Scott a business card (I can't believe I actually had one on me because there have been many times when one would have come in handy and I was out of them) in case he wanted to get in contact. I don't expect him to though (and said that).
The good thing is I learned something by meeting Scott, and I wouldn't have if I didn't go along.

Chance meeting

I don't know whether it is significant or not but today I bumped into a guy I hadn't seen in maybe four years since he left church.
Funny thing was, initially I didn't remember his name. It was on the tip of my tongue but I just couldn't place it. Fortunately we had a bit of a chat and a coffee (well he had the coffee) and when ordering it they asked his name. Bingo, and it saved me a bit of embarrassment.
Ever seen the movie Sliding Doors? Well had I not caught the train I did this afternoon I would have arrived at the shopping centre 20 minutes later than I did and would not have bumped into him. I don't know if that is a significant thing or not. But it was odd after so long.

Winter blues

For a few weeks I've been feeling a little lower than normal. It's not depression but a lot of the time I'd describe myself as a bit negative.
And it is getting to me.
It is clear to me that the biggest issue I have is that I worry too much and that is a big part of this lower mood as I tend to allow what most people would deem minor things become potentially major. Mountains and molehills and all that.
This became apparent yet again today as I felt crummy for most of the day and spent too much time and energy over analysing what was going on.
I'm far too sensitive to what the body is up to and as a result the imagination starts running. I wish there was a button I could push that will stop the times of worry.
I know that it is a battle I have to fight harder, to condition myself not to get caught up in `what if' and everything else that goes with it.
Is it as easy as saying to yourself `I won't worry today' or something to that effect? Like everyone else I want an easy fix but I realise it ain't going to happen like that. They don't call it the hard way for nothing!

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

To the surprise of everyone, Transformers was a massive hit and rightly so because it absolutely rocked.
Sadly, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen comes in a disappointing second as someone forgot to hire an editor to keep the film flowing.
While the original film was fast paced, tongue in cheek and packed with action its sequel is high on the action but low on the editing and as a result we have an overly long movie that lags far too often.
It is also childish in its humour, largely, as opposed to laughing at itself.
Now that I've said that you'll think I hated the film. I didn't hate it, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I expected and it definitely didn't live up to the hype.
Like the first film, the best thing going for it is its lead Shia LeBeouf as Sam Witwicky. His presence is what holds it together and what helps it later in the movie when he finally becomes the human focus. Megan Fox provides the eye candy and, sadly for her, she is reduced to just that as she is stuffed into short shorts and tank tops and asked to do a lot of running. Yeah we were all drooling, and that's what they were going for, but geez.
I thought the sidekick Leo had potential but he turned into a wimpy, blubbering mess midway through and that wasn't funny. His focus on his groin was pretty amusing though.
Of course, being Transformers, the story revolves around the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons and the writers went ahead an confused us right from the start by introducing the character called The Fallen and not explaining him nearly enough. Some of the new robots are either annoying (the twins) or just plain weird.
We're taken from prehistoric times when he landed on earth to him holed up near death on some outer planet waiting for the energy source he needs to be found. Hello? We need continuity people.
When things did get going it was great action and even though it did wind up pretty quickly (as opposed to taking forever to get going) there was some redemption. But at 150 minutes they were pushing it.
Hopefully when Transformers 3 comes around they can produce something slick like the original and not rushed like this second outing. My advice, lower your expectations. It gets a 7 out of 10 - the original got an 8.5 from me.

My top 5 Michael Jackson songs

Like most people around the world I reacted to the news of Michael Jackson's passing with a fair amount of shock.
But, and I wonder if this is a different thought to others, it's because he was one of those personalities you thought would be around forever. Some people, above the rank of celebrity, seem immortal. Princess Diana was one of those.
So in honour of the King of Pop, these are my favourite Michael Jackson songs. They may not be his biggest sellers or signature tunes but I reckon they were supreme anthems.

5. Man In The Mirror
A haunting memory from my high school days, this song is actually quite inspiring. If you want to change things start with yourself, a great message.
4. Smooth Criminal
I'm not exactly sure to this day what the song is actually about but it is so infectious.
3. You Are Not Alone
This song is a perfect example of what he was capable of, a perfect ballad. It's heartfelt and moving and I never tire of hearing it.
2. Come Together
While the Beatles version is excellent I think this is one of the few covers that surpasses the original. What he did to this song was give it the guts it needed, the heavier sound. It's also the only song I have sung karaoke more than once.
1. Give In To Me
Dangerous was the first CD I ever owned and this song was always the standout. With Slash on the guitar, this song also has guts and a sound that makes me want to scream out the words. The video clip is awesomely cool as well.

Careful what you wish for

Tomorrow sees the beginning of what will be a fairly steep learning curve for me at work.
It's a great thing, because it is something I have wanted a crack at for a while, but the last week or so it has occurred to me that I might not be ready.
I have some experience at what I will be doing but, basically, within a month I have to know how to run the show on my own. Big step. A fair bit daunting. Totally achievable, though.
It is exciting, and does show to me that hard work is rewarded sometimes. The circumstances aren't the best, though, and that is making things a bit strange.
The important thing, I think, when I'm learning in the coming weeks is to not expect to know everything straight away. Take it a step or two at a time.
On other topics, I love rainy weekends occasionally. So this weekend was kinda nice. Although both days started with a big tease of a fine day before those hopes were dashed fairly quickly.
Aside from State Of Origin II this week the anticipation for the Transformers sequel is pretty high. It has been caned a bit in the reviews this weekend but I come to expect that from most of the critics I read.
I'm not really expecting a great storyline (hey, they are 80s ex-cartoon robots) and with 150 minutes to get through that is some concern. But if the action is as good as the trailer makes out then it should be a wild ride.
I've otherwise had a fairly good weekend. I finished reading the fourth instalment of Buffy season 8 and it is starting to lose its appeal. They should have stuck with the TV series, but then again it is a comic so I shouldn't be too harsh. I do enjoy finding out what happened next and you don't get that with a lot of TV shows.

The Hangover

Just a little contrary to a lot of reviews, I don't think The Hangover is one of the funniest movies you'll see - but it is a good laugh.

It's a pretty simple premise. Four guys head to Vegas for a bucks party and wake up the next morning with no memory of what happened, only a trail of destruction.

It's how they got to that point, to the point of losing the buck, that is the bulk of the story and the bulk of the fun.

Somehow there were chickens, a tiger, a hooker, Mike Tyson, a stolen police car and a somewhat strange Asian man. Most of it is explained, some of it is left up to the imagination.

Of the four main characters, Alan (Zack Galifianakis) steals the show. He's hard to sum up and you kind of have to see him to get it. Bradley Cooper (seen in Yes Man among others) is Phil, a school teacher who seems to hate his students and is up for a good time. Dentist Stu (Ed Helms) is about to propose to his girlfriend despite the fact she is mean to him and has already cheated once that he knows of. This trio spend most of the film working out what happened to them and where Doug (Justin Bartha) ended up.

Heather Graham makes a return to film as the hooker Jade and she actually adds a bit of class.

Overall, I had a pretty good laugh at this film and it was awesome when they did the big reveal of what actually happened. However, I Love You Man was much funnier, despite the wraps for The Hangover.

Having said that it is worth a watch and you can't ask for a lot more than a good laugh most of the time. I see they are considering a sequel. Bad idea.

A 7.5 out of 10.

New Moon trailer

The second film in the Twilight series, New Moon is a step closer to release with the first trailer now doing the rounds.
From the first look it appears faithful to the book again, which is important, and it gives us the first viewing of the new Jacob (same actor of course), something that was hinted at for those who were listening at the end of Twilight when Edward was escorting Bella into the ball.
Naturally, if you've read the books there are no surprises only anticipation as to how it will all look (the Italy stuff could be pretty cool). Personally, I'm looking forward to a few scenes that should be in Eclipse, the third film, coming out next year.
If you haven't read the books I'd advise it, while it will spoil what is going to happen in some ways it will open up the story more. When I watched Twilight I could easily fill in the gaps that the film had and I think that helped, rather than hindered which can happen with adaptations.

Infighting

I had a bit of an off day yesterday and after having a chat with a friend about it had a few thoughts on the matter. I spent the day feeling rather negative, largely to do with some little things going on that I managed to turn into big things.
To be clearer, even though I know better I let some minor aches and sensations bother me to the extent that I wondered if there was something seriously wrong. It's a common complaint of someone who has suffered anxiety, and it bothers me greatly that I let my mind run away with me.
It seems to me that when there should be unity between the body and the mind they just keep fighting each other. When I was chatting to my friend about it he said, and quite appropriately, that if you want to find something wrong with yourself then if you look hard enough you will find something, regardless of how minor it is.
Life can be hard enough without being your own worst enemy, I reckon.
I'm also having difficulties with another friend of mine who just doesn't let other people in when times are tough. I really want to be supportive, and not just lip-service supportive, but he's good at not letting me, making him harder to care for than it should be.
The big issue is that there is a major event in his life and I don't know how badly it is affecting him because he won't show it. Occasionally I might get a glimpse, even tonight I could tell.
I'm doing my utmost to let him know I care (and he knows that without any doubt, I'm sure of that) and I hope that is enough, for now.