Bad Habit!!

 
Ok .... everybody singalong:


She's a Naughty Girl with a
Bad Habit
Bad Habit for Drugs!!!

 

Ok ... whatevs australia!!

 Ok ... RIP AUS IDOL!!

 

Radiohead In Rainbows - my thoughts

OK  … In Rainbows

 
Firstly where’s the cover art biatches …. Surely they could have emailed that through along with the download link … or at least some information on who’s played what … and lyrics!!!

Anyhoo, Blow by Blow:

15 steps  .. lousy opener … same klattering percussion and biz-as-ush radiohead chord progressions … with his strangled yelp, its always a bit hard to hear what Thom is singing about … and the children’s shout outs at the end don’t really add anything to this … so moving along peops

 

Bodysnatchers … nice opening riffs …this should have been the opener I think … more strangled yelping from Thom. This sounds like early radiohead … Its actually a nice little rock-out in a fairly straightforward fashion …

 

Nude …. The album’s first slowey. Thom is developing a nice little vibrato on his falsetto. I am a little sick of this 6/8 time signature … but this is pleasant enough. There are some predictable but lovely chord resolutions. And the string like guitar passages help to flesh out the spare instrumentation on this track.

 

Weird Fishes/Arpeggi – ok triplets over a 4/4 beat …. This is typically radiohead … and a little passé …this is reminiscent of Thom’s solo effort Eraser … but the track does build up … which may seem obvious … but this is an experienced band … and its no mean feat … I suggest that you play this loud … and go with the cresecendoes …

 

All I need … ok midway through …. And this track makes me feel it … thankfully this is a short. I think this would work better live … lots of opportunities for Thom to emote … and lights to change … and the rest of the band rocks out till the finish.

 

Faust Arp …. Ok so far hands down my favourite track. Simple in execution … acoustic guitar and strings … almost beatlesque … but not quite. And best of all … it doesn’t outstay its welcome.

 

Reckoner … on first listen I felt I’ve been down this road so many times … but I think this will be the track that I will keep coming back to. I guess this makes sense … I liked the radiohead sound … which is why I Iove the band so much … and so why shouldn’t this radiohead-by-numbers track not appeal to me? My only real criticism of this track is that it just simply fades out … quite abruptly.

 

House of Cards – another mid-paced track … and it’s the most “happy” that I have heard Radiohead sound. There are no emotional peaks in the vocals … but the track is punctuated by swathes of synthesized sounds and distorted guitar passages that add a touch of nostalgia to this somehow … hard to explain but this is making me feel homesick … I do like it.

 

Jigsaw falling into place – this is pedestrian … not a lot I can say about this … but most likely the track that I will skip – there’s a pleasant enough key change towards the end … but not enough I’m afraid.

 

Videotape – phew! Last song … promising piano start. Nice off-kilter melody line … and curious but strangely addictive percussive riff playing underneath … and so it ends.

Another Radiohead release over and done with.

 

In summary, I don’t think this will win them any new fans … but I’m pretty sure that current fanbase will be happy enough with this release. On the plus side, I’m more likely to return to this album than I did Hail to the Thief … but I suspect that I will tire of this after a few listens like I did with Eraser. I guess we always hope for an Ok Computer or a KidA … but the band is getting older and a darnsight wealthier … but bowie still manages to pull it off … why can’t Thom and Co?? I think more effort has gone into the marketing (and peops lets pull the wool off our eyes … the pay what you want is a marketing strategy!!) of this than the music itself. Maybe they lived with these tracks for too long now … but it lacks the usual spark … maybe it’s the bit rate … maybe it’s the fact that I’m denied the physicality of a CD and the cover art and the credits … I have nothing to pour over and its left to the music in its entirety to move me … and so far so unmoved.

Radiohead Angst

Ok … Radiohead Angst!!! I have decided to order the Radiohead disc box online. I’m still not sure if I should do it now and risk not being here when the damn thing arrives, or wait until I get back from Singers. Oh this is too hard!! The digital download is available today. So I have bit the bullet and ordered that. I paid 5 GBP which I think is fair.

  

I can’t wait for the download now. I’m so distracted at work thinking about it. I even emailed the bloody customer service to ask their advice on delivery dates. But on the plus side, I have organized BDO tix … so I finally get to see Bjork live!! Hopefully Battles/LCD Soundsystem & Arcade Fire do not clash as they are the other 3 acts that I’m hanging to see. I can’t wait. I may even walk to the Showgrounds. I’ll have to be good and give the side shows a miss. I will be paying off my trip at that stage.

 

You know how I mentioned Spring in a previous post …. Well today is a stunner of a day. And having a long sleeve t-shirt over a short sleeve T is overdressed .,. that’s how nice it is. I think I should bring my camera to work soon and take some random snaps. There’s a piece of the library building sitiing on a parapet near the delivery entrance that has a hand carved on it. I sooo want to steal it for the garden … its times like these I wish I had a whizzbang mobile with a camera. Or at least one of those slimline sony cams. Knowing me by the time I get round to organizing this, it would have gone.

 

I’m writing this at work because the bloody system is down … and has been since 9.30am and its now 2 in the arvo. My work is piling up so it’s a little inconvenient. And I’m a bit snuffly so I hope I’m not getting M’s cold. So please cold go away!! I was sick at my last B’day too, and I’d really like to have a fun time this year.

Systems back on ... so its back to work peops!!!

Mr Britpop-lite ... cya Later!

Ok .. so I don’t want to keep waffling on about Aus Idol but Britpop night left me totally underwhelmed. But I did get choked up with Jacob getting booted out. He was so gracious when he sang Let it Be and shook everyone’s hand. Poignant really, a hymn to fatality or creativity .. depending on which side of the denominational fence you are. Yet again I ask … what the fuck is Carl still doing in this competition!!! 

Fave listens at the mo: PJ Harvey and Alice Smith

 

Oh and we saw Ratatouille … I think M got more out of it than I did, but it was a lot of fun … and I absolutely adore the Sun Cinema in Yarraville … in fact I adore Yarraville full stop … we had a yummy lunch at HausFrau … We shared a chicken and rocket focc and a sweet corn and parmesan muffin … really good coffees too!!

 

And I have to curb my clothes spending … damn you David Jones sale!!!! No more unnecessary purchasing until singers …. But I still lust after those Kenneth Cole calf length boots.

 

Spoke to Dad yesterday and heard that C sold his Aura Park flat as part of an en bloc sale!!!! (sorry yet another Singers reference)  I loved that place. Wish I had digital photos to upload … but the last time I took pics over there I was still entrenched in the dark ages of celluloid film. It was perfectly positioned and had such a great outlook and feel. Plus there were a few hot bods below … with their slutty sarong party (only Singaporeans would get this and then would say that its pot calling the kettle black … haha) girls … you know the ones … straight floppy hair, perfect tan … designer jewelry and shoes!! Oh I so always wanted to be one … HAHAHA! And who could forget those crazy nuns in the convent across the way … screaming with laughter one new year’s eve, and the middle-aged german frump who always seemed to take her cigga break on the balcony when I was frolicking in the pool …and the pebbled floor of the showers …and Mariah wafting through the common void from the apartment below …oh happy days.

 

I made myself depressed again by googling my old schoolmates … well the ones that I remember anyways … its too pathetic isn’t it. But to bolster my confidence, I wrote a song .. now if I can only remember where my fingers should be on the piano …… hehe.

 

(The sewing machine is a hydra louching over my pillow whilst I sleep …. The red zip and cardie pulsate in my dreams … and everywhere I see shorts, shorts and more shorts)

Ok I am back … just kinda freaked out about the whole sewing machine saga … and because I’ve got that Imogen Heap song stuck in my head .. it’s like a constant reminder …

 

“Hide and Seek

Trains and Sewing Machines”

 

 

You know what peops, I really don’t want to grow old … or rather I really don’t want to act old and be around old people (and I’m not talking age). People who are excited about new things and pop culture craziness!!! People who still like drinking and laughing at silly totally unconnected things. Oh well.

 

I’m going to stop rambling now. Sorry readers!!

The Zoo .... as promised

Ok the Zoo the Zoo, hate to be parochial, but Melbourne Zoo ain’t no patch on Singers … and for $23, I really want more bang (or growl, or snarl) for my buck. Don’t go after lunch … the animals have fed and are sleeping their meals off … which means that you need bloody ultraviolet to pick out the fauna among the flaura. It was a lovely sunny day … and it is something to do. There weren’t too many photo-ops I’m afraid, only because most of the animals were in hiding or in shadow. The elephant trail was pretty impressive … but it would be even better if you got there when the elephants were actually walking through. We got to see one soaking in the water playing with a log which was entertaining enough (god they’re huge!!) but the set up (sort of faux idonesian/thai village) reminded me of the Malay village in Singapore … which by the way is woeful ….don’t even waste your time!!!

Oh and some of the punters … lordy lordy!!! We weren’t sure whether we were meant to look at the baboons in the cage or out of the cage!!! As for the hyenas … they were pretty quiet …. But girlfriend over here was giving an excellent demonstration of how they would sound like when hunting in a pack … !!

Oh and far be it from me to critique other people’s dress sense, but honey, if you’re preggers and know that you’re going to be walking round the zoo with your skanky ass boyfriend … don’t wear white pvc, pointy, high heel boots … apart from being soooo last season … its just going to make you grumpy and you know what …. Ur preggers …. Ur well and truly boned … no one’s going to be worrying about the turn of your heel or how thin your ankles aren’t!! Put on those Diana Ferrari slip-ons and slop into some traky-daks. If you need to bling it up, as invariably your types do … stick a bloody juicy couture patch on and pretend you’re in LA LA!! (or should that read Vegas) Oh am I being too mean … I’m sorry but try-hard fashion is worse than clueless fashion.

Anyways, here are some piccies … got to love those meerkats .. wish I had a gaggle of them in my backyard. .. way too cute!!

  

Spring can really hang you up the most

Ok so Spring can really hang you up the most!!

Once I was a sentimental thing,
Threw my heart away each spring;
Now a spring romance hasnt got a chance
Promised my first dance to winter;
All Ive got to shows a splinter for my little fling!

Spring this year has got me feeling like a horse that never left the post;
I lie in my room staring up at the ceiling,
Spring can really hang you up the most!

Mornings kiss wakes trees and flowers,
And to them Id like to drink a toast;
I walk in the park just to kill the lonely hours,
Spring can really hang you up the most.

All afternoon those birds twitter tweet,
I know the tune, this is love, this is it!
Heard it before and I know the score,
And Ive decided that spring is a bore!

Love seemed sure around the new year,
Now its april, love is just a ghost;
Spring arrived on time, only what became of you, dear?
Spring can really hang you up the most!
Spring can really hang you up the most!

Spring is here, theres no mistaking
Robins building nests from coast to coast;
My heart tries to sing so they wont hear it breaking,
Spring can really hang you up the most!

College boys are writing sonnets,
In the tender passion theyre engrossed;
But Im on the shelf with last years easter bonnets,
Spring can really hang you up the most!

Love came my way, I hope it would last;
We had our day, now thats all in the past!
Spring came along a season of son,
Full of sweet promise but womething went wrong!

Doctors once prescribed a tonic,
Sulphur and moloasses was the dose;
Didnt help a bit, my condition must be chronic,
Spring can really hang you up the most!

All alone, the partys over,
Old man winter was a gracious host;
But when you keep praying for snow to hide the clover
Spring can really hang you up the most!

I love this song … it’s the perfect encapsulation of what bittersweet is. I never really fully appreciated the mood swings that the change of seasons bring until actually working full time in Melbourne. Winter gets really glum in the final weeks and getting out of bed in a cold weatherboard house is a challenge and a half. But all this turns around when you get that light summery smell in the air …. And mounds of tissues start piling up, not because everyone has taken to their beds with colds, but because there’s a marked increase of pollen in the air as flowers start getting frisky with the warmer weather.

There’s literally a Spring in my step during Spring. Everything seems a little crisper, sharper somehow. The way the outlines of buildings in the city seem to almost slice into the blue sky above. The way the sun is warm on your face, but the wind chill cuts through your thin jumper that you put on now just because it is no longer winter by the calendar. There’s also a sense of hope and promise, you may have misspent the past of youth, and the future seems to have flat lined … but today! today! in the sun, nothing seems worth complaining about.

The Magnolia tree flowering in our backyard  signals the start of Spring for us with its pinky white flowers that really don’t stay on the tree for very long … a light gust of wind is enough to send them propelling to a murky brown death on the lawn below. For some reason I always think about friends and what they mean to me. We’re lucky to have such a rich tapestry to draw from. We’ve culled the fly-by-nighters and fair-weather acquaintances. And what we’re left with is so richly rewarding in so many ways … friends with no expectations. I always jokingly say that I’m not looking for new friends, but there is truth in this. Why would I need more when I have so much already? 

But I also think of family … and can’t help but feel a small pang of loss for childhood. This is my adult life now, separate and in some ways so very solitary. I no longer hide underneath my mother’s voluminous sari. My father no longer teases me with funny noises as he tickles my sides. No more shared epicurean joys at the dinner table, laughing at Peter Sellers and his minky, my brother C does not sing Misty at the piano, Jonah doesn’t show me pictures from his Birds of Prey book or scare me with stories of devilled Dobermans prowling the jungles around our estate, I don’t hear Benji quietly singing Dan Fogelberg’s Longer while strumming his guitar, left ear gently resting against the polished wooden frame listening to the acoustic vibrations coming from within .. they’re not laughing at my obsession with Abba and dressing up in the angel’s costume from the church nativity play ….

 Aah …Spring! It can really hang you up the most.

I guess no one really likes Portuguese Tarts

Ok ... so no more Mark Da Costa!! Pity ... I did find him mildly interesting. Although he's one of those blokes that shouldn't do the spray on jeans look ... especially with the cuban heels ... I know its all MatRock (sorry its a singers reference) and everything ... heavy metal T and red cord flares .... hanging out at Peninsula Plaza in the 80s ... but it just didn't gel with him ... FUCKnHell peops why is Carl still in ... c'mon australia ... we seriously can't all be that boring?? This is a sad call to arms for integration!! They should have a taste test for immigration ... we have enough conservative vanilla munching religious bigots who are scared of the sky falling down on them every time they step out of their suburban boundaries and god forbid!! experience something beyond Channel 7, 9 and 10, the local takeaway and their nearest stepford mall ... are you interesting culturally by default, speak a LOTE, eat or better yet cook foreign food, then tick yes and c'mon in .... 

 

 

After last Sunday's idol performances, Ben has moved straight to the top of my list with a rocket!!! I can't get that Imogen Heap song out of my head now. I didn't realise that "85% of the youth" would know this song ... is it on some OC-lite show somewhere?? But anyhoos ... the original is particularly spectacular .. in that its all vocoder, multitracked and acapella ... sorta Laurie Anderson on prozac. Ben did a sterling job ... why no touchdown Mark .... and how the hell did Daniel get one??? Just coz he got a little emotional?? thats coz he knows that he really doesn't cut it in this competition ... rabbit in the headlights.

 

Oh and before I forget ... P, I'm not getting aggressive!!! Its always been this way honey.... and I've decided that you can pull off a one button Assin jacket ... and those THomas Cameron pants are hot!!! I soooo need to get there and get tailormade!! I found an Akira my size ... I tried it on and then walked away .... I am very proud of myself for doing that ... however I caved in with an AG top. Oh and Saba has SS sizes ... P ... I think they would fit you perfectly.

 

Ok back to Idol ... this week its Brit pop nite .... now its always tricky when they set these themes .... are we talking any british based pop? Or are we talking BritPop as  journospeak genre ... meaning Blur, Primal, Oasis, Pulp et al??? Who knows ... but I'm hanging to find out the songlist.

 

On a slightly less savoury note ... I have a question ... why do we have armpit hair ... what fucking purpose does it serve??? Answers on the back of a postcard!!

 

(oh and yes Zoo Pics in next entry ... r u excited??? well then more fool you!!)

 

((oh and Heroes is Back!!! Milo shirtless and handcuffed in shipping container ... ooh babeee!!!))

 

 

Another Canto-Pop Karaoke Singer Bites the Dust!!

Ok … so they’ve finally booted Lana out!! She was a car crash waiting to happen anyways. Bless her, she’s young and pretty … but we don’t need another canto-pop karaoke singer … for south-east Asians old enough to get this …. Tracy Huang anyone??!!! Need I say more.

Tarisai was in the bottom three not because black rnb (not Pop … RnB) singers have never been a major market in Australia, not because she is a new Australian with big hair, big lips and big hips but because this girl needs to let rip and stop pretending to be the modest daisy among the tulips … if you have attitude show attitude!!! Don’t cry and pretend to be “oh Lana is my roommate and bestie” when you clearly were uncomfortable when she reached across to give you a hug at the start … you only went in for the kill when the camera was fully on you … oh honey!!! We’ve soooo got your number!!!

 

I think that Ben and Matt still remain my favourites, although I really didn’t think that was a touchdown performance … gosh we are so being manipulated here … but whatevs!!!

 

Daniel continues to bore me …. I’m going to have to downgrade him from husband material to one night stand … ok maybe fuckbuddy … coz I can’t resist that chest and face. Mark da Costa is great … but just not my cup of tea … BUT who knows … if he gets rid of the metal riff histrionics … I may very well be surprised … as for Carl ………………………………….. oops sorry I must have dozed off. Where was I, oh Natalie … you know she’s bordering on a Cossima for me … great voice, great expression on her face, seems like a really nice girl … but I think her range stylwise is limited. She needs to do the quiet "girl at her keyboard" songs. I bet if she sang Joni Mitchell’s “River” or “A Case of You” we’d have waterworks.

 

Now I hope everyone is watching Damages with Glenn Close and Rose Bryne!!! FAN-FUCKIN-TASTIC!!! As long as it doesn’t fall into a turgid screenwriters black hole like LOST did, I’ll be watching it till the cows come home, get fed and then slaughtered for some nice rump steaks for the Barbie. It twists and turns and you never know who to trust … orgasmic!!

 

Oh and how the hell did I get sucked into “So you think you can dance” and whats more … how the hell did M get sucked in along with me????

Australia Voted

Ok ..so goodbye Holly!!

Was it really because of song choice?? Is it really a case of drivel for the common multitude?? Are you forcing me to be elitist??? I mean come on!! Its only The Gossip!!! We're not talking anything horribly esoteric like Tuung or Dungen or Sigur Ros or Fennesz or .... shit the list goes on!!! Good Onya Holly!!!! Australian Idol .... surefire career path to Z-grade celebrity!! I mean Guy who?? Shannon what?? Casey Where??? 

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Comments:

~ wrote:

 

sweet heavens above, what a monstrous picture! she sure has let herself go hasn't she? any minute now you'll see tiny japanese men trying to harpoon her and drag her into the bow doors of a massive ship for 'scientific research'

8 Oct

As promised

Ok ... sorry! As promised ... some photos. Taken in the backyard ... by someone who is clueless when it comes to lighting and shutter speeds .. but I want to paint this sunset!

Fashion wants Spring 2007:


Blue and white pinstripe shorts from Calibre
AG vest
Farengi (?) black linen short sleeved shirt with tuxedo panelling
Another pair of skinny Cheap Monday jeans
Hugo white linen drawstring pant
Music Wants:
PJ Harvey's newie White Chalk
(oh and to have Daniel Mifsud's baby ... haha ... no scrap that!!!)

Orang Tuah

Ok … so I was surfing the web as you do when you first log on at work and came across a link to this article off the Yahoo website:

 

http://au.blogs.yahoo.com/mens-health/219/why-id-date-an-older-man/

 

Now the title alone compelled me to read on considering my proclivity for the aged pensioner … hehe … actually tragedies!!! I’m not far behind.

 

Anyways reality check!!! Who the hell is this article talking about??? You find me a man who embodies all these qualities whatever age, “and I am telling you I’m not Going!!!!!”

Seriously Lisa Jones whoever she or He maybe … this is a pure wankathon!!!

 

Let me break it down for you honey:

 

              He's experienced, but not fatherly

 

Its his way or the highway baby, that’s what experience is. And if he gives you the illusion that he kowtows to you all the time, don’t you worry, at some point it will all come out, otherwise you can count on his mindless indifference till the end of the relationship, because experience teaches you that you get whatever you can get, whether its up to standard or not. As for fatherly … lets see how you go when you’re on a driving holiday next, he’s got the steering wheel and you are navigating and he wants to know left or right because you know you’ve been there heaps of times, then lets just watch his “fatherly” instincts kick in

 

He's intelligent, yet hip

 

Honey Intelligence does not come with age. The amount of white hairs on his head does not denote wisdom. He’s either savvy with an acute intellect … or he just has loud opinions that he shouts over others in a conversation!! As for hip, ditto darl!!! You’re either got it, or you don’t!! Hip is an attitude, a personality, not a shop window display that you have thrown over your head and dumped in your living room.

 

He's successful, but not flashy

 

OK!!! Success does not come with age. And anyways, what is the measure of success … lets ride the bull on its horns here and assume that given this is a Men’s Health article, success means a mortgage, shiny European car, 4 star holidays and an investment portfolio … in which case … unless he comes from old money … he is going to be flashy to the max!!!! Listen to Beyonce’s Upgrade U and you will have all the basic touchpoints of what it means to have success, the trappings as it were, which I think Lisa may not consider flashy, because of the designer labels attached. I could be wrong!!! But I’ve seen those red Posrches (or worse, wannabe Japanese coupes) with the IMHOT license Plates, and they’re not being driven by your wannabe under 25 yr olds with the KnifePoint hair!!

 

He's in shape and healthy

 

OMG You Got To Be Kidding Me!!!! Enuff Said.

 

He's stylish, but also age-appropriate

 

Ok baby, this is a truly tricky proposition. As with hipness and intellect, Style is something that is innate … it can be taught to a certain extent, but it does rely on gut instinct to be most effective, which ultimately lets the truly unstylish down!!! Being age appropriate, well that’s a little more interesting. I have to tread these waters very carefully as I am pushing 40 and still pumping in skinny jeans!! But then I’ve always been attracted to fashion that is slightly left off centre. So age will probably not erode that. If you are comfortable enough with your age and are happy to take risks, then more power to you. But if you’re friends deride you for your fashion stance, and you can’t hack it, then maybe you should reign it in a little. But babe, if a basic shirt with a loud print is enough to start the naysayers tattling away, then just give up!!! People see you as old, so back to the Chinos, straight legged jeans and collared shirts in neutral colours. But be careful!!! Don’t let your girlfriends trick you into buying some hideous off the rack 3 season’s old designer rip-off from the tired old suburban shopping centre …. You don’t want to look like your reclaiming your youth and desperately behind times all at once. I’ve seen the over 40s with their paint splattered denim and striped shirt with what looks like a tag down one side panel … DON’T OK DON’T … that look is as old as you are!! And girls don’t make him buy those slim fit single front pants and then let him wear it with his 1990s target shirt with the short collar in Sateen (drip dry) cement grey, or worse … Brown pointy shoes (coz all the hot boys are wearing them when they’re out raging at their nearest Westpoint shopping centre)… when his hair is like mama combed it in 1967. DON’T OK DON’T

Some trends even the young-uns can barely pull off. Bear that in mind.

 

He acknowledges his age, but doesn't focus on it

 

Right, that is until you want to cuddle, have mad passionate sex or go out raging!!! Or when you want to do hip groovy things like search out cute little shops and cafés to lounge around in … or hang out where all the cool bohemian types do … then honey, you can’t shut him up about how old he is.

 

He makes me dream about taking him to bed

 

Lisa, when or rather IF he has the energy, all he wants is to get his rocks off and go to sleep. Please also refer to above.

 

He knows what he wants

 

You know what? He does!!! I agree!!! Because all he wants is to either sit in front of his PC or in front of the TV, preferable in a supine position, and slowly drifting off to sleep, only to wake up and have a drink, pee, shit or something to eat. And that’s it!!!

Maafkan Saya!!

Ok ... excuse me for being lazy and otherwise pre-occupied!! Everyone seems to have migrated over to either My Space (if you wear skinny jeans and have a fringe ... Snap! David!) or Facebook (presumably for the over 30's!!) I refuse to accept any invitations as I am more than happy quietly journalising brief periods of my life on this long suffering, uncomplicated live journal site. This is me in Melbourne Librarian mode ... none of that flashy neon "in ur face muthafucker" electroclash ping pong emo raving geometric txt messaging palaver that goes on these days. In fact, I will NOT be filling this entry with any crazy fonts or photos just to make the point!!

Lets re-cap!! Now that we are well and truly into the Aussie Idol season, let me just say that I am loving every minute of it ... it has made up for the lack of belly laughs I am currently experiencing on the new season of Kath & Kim (sorry, I know, Sacrilege!!!) What I find surprising is that the one true soul voice belongs in a package that ordinarily I would raise on a flag pole whilst screaming out "No more rounds ... this is it!!!" has left me stony cold. Wassup wichyu girl!!! Drop the tude ... and lets have some honesty!! Listen ur either Mary J (keepin it real) Blige or Whitney "crack is cheap" Houston ... either way they've both found Jesus ... but have kept the bling!! So enough with the praise jesus and that stupid doe-eyed look on your face ... coz it ain't kickin' it ... ya dig!!! Daniel Mifsud ... if ever there was a look that I go for ... honey ...you are iT!! Jack ... I woudl pay to see you ... Husny I would buy your CDs ... everyone else doesn't matter enough for me to comment ... they're all consistently good ... Matt has the best voice so he's my favourite ... the modulations from those vocal chords .. shivers!!! And straight boys please take note ... this is how you should dress if you're under 22 and are still living it large ... leave those shop windows behind ... take some risks!! Tight jeans ... overlong T-shirts ... and a great jacket ... James looked hot in that Tuxedo blaser with the vertical black and white striped shirt ... I'm pilfering that look for Christmas ... which this year will be in SINGERS!!!!

I cannot wait!!! We had such a foul time last time being unemployed and all that!! This time round its going to be sooooo much better ... I'm just going to eat and explore differnet parts of the city ... I'm too fat for clothes shopping anyways ... Certainly going to go to all those cute little shops in Chinatown and down Arab Street ... there's a chick who does these lurid papercuts that I am determined to get hold of ... and I want some calf high boots that won't cost me $850 (damn you Kenneth Cole!!!).

And let me tell you, getting tix for the flight was drama and a half. I went to 3 travel agents, all of whom told me that SIA had no seats available during the time periods I was hoping to leave and return. They tried to book me on Qantas ... and quoted me roughly the same ridiculous amount of money!!! I was almost palpitating coz they all said "only 2 seats left" you'd need to let us know soon!!!

SOON MY ARSE!!! After much frothing over the phone with Martin, I went online directly to the SIA site ... started to follow the prompts .. and 1, 2, 3!! I booked return flights on exactly the days I wanted, saved $300, and got to reserve my seats on the flight ... one of the pairs at the back of the plane. So sometimes it does pay to go direct. Cut out the middle man .. if you're just looking for straightforward travel. Even Zuji.com was more expensive!! Don't travel agents have access to the entire manifest anymore??? Fuck I had economic globalization!!!

Work is still cruising along ... although I would like a bit more pedal and a little less cruise control!!! But I'm not complaining. Its so much less stress ... and now I'm getting the urge to cook again!!! And I've been playing more ... and listening more ... and reading more .... all I need to do now is focus on the things that I've been wanting to do creatively, and getting on with it!!!

I'll do my best to have photos next time. Loving the new MIA!! Can't stop listening to it. Loving the new Caribou!!! And looking forward to the new PJ Harvey due out soon. And I have re-discovered Jarvic Cocker and the new Air .... was recently sick as a dog with a cold ... and they were the 2 CDs I could stomach listening to.

Little Star

Ok ... I promise I promise I will do more updates soon. But here's a summary of what's been going down so far:

 

(i) Love Unkle, Justice, Simian Mobile Disco and "shock horror" Siobhan Donaghy!!!
(ii) Finally finished training ... now fully into work ... "love" isn't exactly the way I describe it ... but it is much better than before stresswise ... peops are nice ... fringe benefits are great ... location yah!
(iii) still hate PT ... but car is being fixed ... for under a grand ... thank fuck!!! Woods quoted me 3 grand ... so gotta be kidding me!!!
(iv) D is preggers ... YAY!!! caught up with her an M for a fundraiser (i have trouble remembering this word!!!) at the Keilor bowls club ... and D if you're reading this ... at least we were honest ...everyone else sooooo cheated!!!
(v) spent a sunday with the in-laws ... which really wasn't that bad .... until teh end when there were words ... at least M wasn't involved this time ... well at least not directly
(vi) A and the kids are here for a visit this weekend up from geelong .... omg ... how will I survive a whole 2 days with kids!!!!

I am just a little star in a firmament of stars ... no its not a quote ... just how I feel sometimes ... but at least I'm a star!!!

 

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Comments:

Danise wrote:

 

HOLEY CRAPOLA.
That is the BEST news. I will soooo email her..
i miss you.. come and see me !!
I don't want to be 33.. make it stop .
hugs xxxx

31 July

Dayelsford Photo Biennale

Ok ... so we trundled off to Daylesford on the recommendation of L and S to see some of the exhibitions as part of the Photo Biennale. It was cold and wet, but some of the photos were well and truly worth the visit. We also discovered to our delight how wonderful a vegetarian meal could be when done correctly.

We started off at the cinema/town hall which was hosting portraiture. Saw some fantatic photos from people who I would gladly pay to have a photo-portrait done. No glamour shots here I can tell you ... and who would want them? Why shell out hundreds of dollars to look like an extra in Dynasty??? Hello do these people not have taste??? Bet the men who shoot these as a living have plucked eyebrows, fake tans and gold bracelets!!! Unfortunately I did not take any shots myself apart from the outside of the building:

This was a shot of one of the pottery studios which at some stage had an upstairs verandah, and now looks like a door opening out to nowhere:

Feeling a little peckish and purely by chance we ended up in the Himalaya cafe, which is your standard upmarket, organice, hippiesque cafe run, most likely, by lesbians (I don't mean this perjoratively ... but if it gave you a giggle then "all my best friends are lesbians!!!")

M had a risotto of wild mushrooms ... and I know I use this term alot ... but hello orgasmic!!!! It was truly truly scrumptious!! No doubt about that. I had an open sandwich of roasted red capsicums, avocado with a white bean paste ... and that was pretty much on par!! Not the cheapest in terms of cafe nosh, but money well and truly spent. Coffee was pretty darn amazing too. So if you're ever in Daylesford, ignore all those posh eateries on the high street, and head straight for Himalaya. I'm talking high street here, because you can't go past Cliffy's!!!!

Warmed up from our food, we headed off to the Botanic Gardens where the next exhibition was held in the open with the photos laminated and hanging off the fence. It was raining and really icy but the photos made up for the hideous weather and got us all excited. I wasn't planning to take any photos ... coz it sort of feels wierd taking a photo OF a photo, but when I turned the corner and saw a photo of Lee Li Chin, the SBS newsreader, I just had to have a snap. Which then started the ball rolling, and we took more photos of photos. I'm only sorry that I didn't take any details down ... but honey it was cold!!! And I could barely stop shaking enough to steady the camera and focus.

Tower at the top of the Botanical Gardens near the actual exhibition

On our way back, we stopped at an old church hall that had a 20% sale on fine furnishings ... well, more of the nanna kind, but we did find a sun clock ... which is something I've always wanted!!! And is now hanging in the kitchen ... I love my sun clock. Thank you so much M for buying it. Now we need to do something about the Arkeleys ....

Comfort is Secondary

Ok ... so when it comes to couture, comfort is secondary. Anyone who rails against fashion should watch the devil wears prada ... there's a scene where Anne Hathaway sniggers at the notion of choosing between 2 belts that she sees as similar, which leads to Meryl Steep's soliloquy about the cerulean jumper .. top stuff!! But why were we having this convo in the first place ... what was the context and where were we? Well the context was to put it plainly, downing 2 bottles of wine and the where? Well this leads us to the concept of the Cook Up.

P, M and moir get together every once in awhile to do a cook-up. Which is basically an excuse to pig out and drink copious amounts of wine at a leirsurely pace (of course!). However the point of the exercise is to stretch our culinary wings and attempt a meal that we consider to be fiddly and complex enough to stand in the pantheon of haute cuisine ... i.e. if we were running a restaurant, you'd be shelling out at least $40 per plate (we hope).

For our 4th attempt we went to P's  house. And the menu was as follows:

Entree - Buffalo Mozarella in a Red Pepper Sauce

Main - Braised Ox Cheeks in a Red wine sauce with Parmesan and Blue Veined Goats Cheese Mash served with Asparagus and Beans with a Porcini drizzle

Dessert - Creme Caramel with an Orange and Grapefruit sauce

Picking out the menu from our ever burgeoning collection of recipes - glimpse of P's antique table

The day started at about 2pm with a trip down to the organic grocers for some provisions. Those places are dangerous .. they drag you in with their organic and specialty produce and you're suckered at the check out into feeling like you've done a good deed by paying premium prices ... although I have to admit the tomatoes were to die for ... and I'm not entirely a fan.

Then it was off to Simon Johnston ... where I almost had an orgasm in the cheese room ... why is that slightly off fishy smell so appealing? But as per our previous attempt at lobster, we baulked at the prices for black truffle ... $245 for 50gm??? I don't think so!!! So we reassesed the black truffle risotto .. and went with the beans and asparagus. But I am determined to do it one day along with the lobster ... and lets hang the cost!!!

Anyhoo ... back at P's we sat down to a mini lunch of cheese and crackers with scrumptious bread from Babka ... and of course our beloved Turra Murra. And then we got stuck into it ... and the time just flew ... along with any sense of moderation ... so much for my cholestorel level ... !!!

Ox Cheeks: P kindly bought the Ox Cheeks, which he pre-ordered from Jonathan's and then marinaded overnight in wine and your standard provincial carrots, celery, bayleaves, onions etc ... P you are a dedicated follower of all things posh ... and that extends to your wardrobe as well ... I've never seen anyone dress down in cashmere!!!

 Ox Cheeks in red wine marinade

What Ox Cheeks actually look like

I started on entree and got the baking dish ready with the beginnings of the red pepper sauce.

 Red Pepper Sauce Ingredients in tray ready for the oven
 

The rest of the crew started work on the oxcheeks and the creme caramel.

P & M hard at work in the kitchen

Pretty soon the oxcheeks were braising in the pot with the added veal stock ... the smell was heavenly.

 Slow Braising Ox Cheeks in veal and wine sauce

M prepared the orange/grapefruit citrus sauce for the creme caramel.

 Citrus sauce for the Creme Caramel

More wine and friendly banter about music and fashion ensued till it was time for me to finish off the entree.

 Putting the final touches on our entree

Which we then devoured with gusto:

 The Final result on the stove

 Entree plated and on the table ... please note P's gorgeous house!!

 Buffalo Mozarella in Red Pepper Sauce

 2 soon to be satisfied customers

There's nothing like a red pepper sauce ... goes with bread, pasta, rice ... you name it. I do my spag bol with red pepper sauce too!!! Then it was time for the main event ....plated and ready for the table!!!

 Braised Ox Cheeks in Red Wine sauce, Goats Cheese Mash Potatoes and Beans and Asparagus drizzled with Porcini oil

And here's me ... slightly pissed ... and already full as a goog!!

More wine and friendly banter ... then it was dessert! After spending some time in a makeshift bain marie,

the little angels were ready for the table:

 Creme Caramel ... we did it!!!

All in all , I thought the night was a huge success ... so hurrah to all involved!!! And I'm sorry this all sounds terribly pedestrian ... but its late sunday night and I seriously CBA!!

Can't wait for the next one!!!