OK... I just finished that mamoth post about clare bowditch, so i will go on to throw some other thoughts around.
1 - I believe, if you are good enough to get nominated for best album, you are good enough to perform. It would have been nice to see Augie March and The Sleepy Jackson get a go.
2 - Best Breakthrough? Is a bit subjective for my liking.
3 - Wolfmother. Glad they won 3 ARIAs. Also Glad they didnt win best album. I've talked about them lots, it will be good to see where they go from here.
4 - TV Rock. Will be a name that everyone will have forgotten in the not too distant future (Copland agrees with me, and basically, this point is more his than mine... go big fella).
5 - Eskimo Joe, were a little too excited for my liking to win the award (song of the year). Oh well, good luck to them. Its not like they have much shot at best group at the moment.
6 - Holly Throsby - YAY, nominated for best female. Glad Clare won it, but also glad that Holly got a mention!
7 - Human Nature... a bit tacky if you ask me.
8 - Midnight Oil, were very them... love for you to comment on that one grande.
9 - I loved the performance by Bernie, Clare and Kasey - the 3 part harmonies at the end were delicious.
10 - Bernard Fanning album of the year. I saw this coming. its not hard really. Its a good album, but for me, my vote for album of the year lies elsewhere.
Last Thoughts...
I'm so glad that it was balanced. I had this image of Wolfmother taking out 6 or 7... and well, no... they deserve 3, and thats good! Besides that... their acceptance speaches would have been insane by 6 or 7 wouldnt they?
Monday, October 30, 2006
Dedicated Aria Post
I just wanted to dedicate a whole post to one partiulcar part of the ARIA awards, last night.
That is, the amazing Clare Bowditch winning the award for Best Female Artist! As far as the general public goes, there are lots of people out there who don't know who she is, little lone experienced the amazing brilliance that is "What was Left".
I was flicking thru my entires over the last 12 months, and was surprised that I only mentioned Clare a few times (see here, here and here) besides my big rant about the album here. I have to say though, rereading my thoughts from almost 12 months ago, that my opinion has changed somewhat.
I have to say, that it would be my number 1 album of the last 12 months (although released last year). It just kept growing on me. And then... at a point, I realised some things, some thing that makes me a bit too arty farty wankish, but im gonna say it anyways. I have to ask forgiveness from everyone (Clare included) if I've gone too far with this, but its the way the album makes sense to me, its the way it affected me...
The album essential has a beautiful flow to it... one unlike any I can recall. Essentially the centre of the album is significant. I feel like the whole album in one way or another is connected to grief. Directly the first 9 tracks...
Track 7 (the centre) - the thing about grief, pretty much tells us where we've been going. The idea of loss and grief is very relevant throughout the album, songs about contemplating divorce, being disilussioned in a relationship(s), and many other subtle tracks that point us in the direction of dealing with things in life that just dont go perfectly (lips like oranges, might not be as quirky as she cuts hair by darren hanlon, but definately gets the point accross - in a refreshing and uplifting way) and which way to go puts us is a place we've all been, uncertainty.
Having said this, it isnt depressing (unless you want it to be).
After the thing about grief, its like Clare pushes us, and almost wants to break us down to experience her grief. The climax here is track 9 - when i was five... which paints a picture of dealing with the death of a sister at the age of 5, with the amazing lyric "and all these memories... are they mine or other peoples?".
Not leaving us in a heap on the floor (which i doubt would be her intention) the final tracks on the album are much more hopeful and lifefull (a word that i think i just made up). Yet, they still manage to have undertones of the world being a place that doesnt quite work out all the time.
Finishing with "Yes I miss you like the rain" is a beautiful way of saying, hey - this is where we've just been... dont forget it...
This album has just been so real to me. I have to say that lyrics are sometimes something that just disapeer for me, they are almost irelevant. But here... Its a perfect marriage of music and lyric. For more on the music check out my review from Dec 4 last year - more musically based.
I've just got the first album (Autumn Bone) and I imagine I will write something about that at some point.
So... whats the point. Congratulations Clare Bowditch! I have to admit that I never thought that this album would reach this many people, hopefully it meant something to others in the way it meant something to me.
That is, the amazing Clare Bowditch winning the award for Best Female Artist! As far as the general public goes, there are lots of people out there who don't know who she is, little lone experienced the amazing brilliance that is "What was Left".
I was flicking thru my entires over the last 12 months, and was surprised that I only mentioned Clare a few times (see here, here and here) besides my big rant about the album here. I have to say though, rereading my thoughts from almost 12 months ago, that my opinion has changed somewhat.
I have to say, that it would be my number 1 album of the last 12 months (although released last year). It just kept growing on me. And then... at a point, I realised some things, some thing that makes me a bit too arty farty wankish, but im gonna say it anyways. I have to ask forgiveness from everyone (Clare included) if I've gone too far with this, but its the way the album makes sense to me, its the way it affected me...
The album essential has a beautiful flow to it... one unlike any I can recall. Essentially the centre of the album is significant. I feel like the whole album in one way or another is connected to grief. Directly the first 9 tracks...
Track 7 (the centre) - the thing about grief, pretty much tells us where we've been going. The idea of loss and grief is very relevant throughout the album, songs about contemplating divorce, being disilussioned in a relationship(s), and many other subtle tracks that point us in the direction of dealing with things in life that just dont go perfectly (lips like oranges, might not be as quirky as she cuts hair by darren hanlon, but definately gets the point accross - in a refreshing and uplifting way) and which way to go puts us is a place we've all been, uncertainty.
Having said this, it isnt depressing (unless you want it to be).
After the thing about grief, its like Clare pushes us, and almost wants to break us down to experience her grief. The climax here is track 9 - when i was five... which paints a picture of dealing with the death of a sister at the age of 5, with the amazing lyric "and all these memories... are they mine or other peoples?".
Not leaving us in a heap on the floor (which i doubt would be her intention) the final tracks on the album are much more hopeful and lifefull (a word that i think i just made up). Yet, they still manage to have undertones of the world being a place that doesnt quite work out all the time.
Finishing with "Yes I miss you like the rain" is a beautiful way of saying, hey - this is where we've just been... dont forget it...
This album has just been so real to me. I have to say that lyrics are sometimes something that just disapeer for me, they are almost irelevant. But here... Its a perfect marriage of music and lyric. For more on the music check out my review from Dec 4 last year - more musically based.
I've just got the first album (Autumn Bone) and I imagine I will write something about that at some point.
So... whats the point. Congratulations Clare Bowditch! I have to admit that I never thought that this album would reach this many people, hopefully it meant something to others in the way it meant something to me.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
new photos?
i have a bunch of new photos of the boys ready to go up, but, i have no access at home at the moment. one of the first things i will sort out when i get my new connection will be to get them up. there's some good ones
ok... it wont be the first thing. that will be "Nightfall"
ok... it wont be the first thing. that will be "Nightfall"
Saturday, October 21, 2006
night is about to fall
on friday the new guild wars, nightfall, comes out!
i didnt buy the 2nd one, but it looks like the new one is going to be well worth it, stacks of new features (the heros look awesome), but still being able to link my old charecters to the new land.
anyways, thats all i'll say here, cause it'll just get way too nerdy! Thats ok though!
just know, i'm excited
i didnt buy the 2nd one, but it looks like the new one is going to be well worth it, stacks of new features (the heros look awesome), but still being able to link my old charecters to the new land.
anyways, thats all i'll say here, cause it'll just get way too nerdy! Thats ok though!
just know, i'm excited
Friday, October 20, 2006
new books - food for the mind
although my track record at finishing reading books isnt terrific, i thought i'd mention a few new books that have recently come into my posession.
the first one was my birthday present from zayden (smart little boy isnt he?).
spiritual direction: wisdom for the long walk of faith - henri nouwen.
This looks good, its an area that I really want to know more and more on. Its a ridiculous notion to expect everyone's expression of their faith to look the same, or even similar. I think this idea of fitting our personalities, interests and maybe even more of the fabric of who we are into our lives as followers of Christ is something that is only going to become more and more necessary.
well, the book will be worth a read anyway.
the next 2 i purchased with a gift voucher i was given.
the future of hope: christian tradition amid modernity and postmodernity - miroslav volf and william katerberg (editors)
anything to do with post-mo, put together by an excellent theologian and still focussing on the tradition of the church (which stretches at least 1500 years before modernity) is something that makes my ears perk up (yes i am a kangaroo - a nerdy kangaroo). Be interesting to see what the contributers have to say. I'm sure the approach i often lean on - "well, i'm postmodern so i can think whatever i like and not care about contradictions" may well have a few holes in it.
turning around the mainline: how renewal movements are changing the church - thomas c oden
what can i say? i was excited when i saw this book. sure... the whole concept has been thrashed around by stacks of authors, and normally i would just go... "yeah, yeah, jump on the bandwagon"... but it's Thom Oden!! The whole Paleo-Orthodoxy thing is something that I really think holds alot of worth. the future of the church and the movement are definatley linked (Robert Webber is the other P-O i like). Probably throw some more thoughts on this up here sometime... who knows, i never do...
last note...
I have to check out the irresistable revolution sometime as some ppl i really respect have mentioned it.
last last note....
just need to find time to read. who needs to sleep, really?
the first one was my birthday present from zayden (smart little boy isnt he?).
spiritual direction: wisdom for the long walk of faith - henri nouwen.
This looks good, its an area that I really want to know more and more on. Its a ridiculous notion to expect everyone's expression of their faith to look the same, or even similar. I think this idea of fitting our personalities, interests and maybe even more of the fabric of who we are into our lives as followers of Christ is something that is only going to become more and more necessary.
well, the book will be worth a read anyway.
the next 2 i purchased with a gift voucher i was given.
the future of hope: christian tradition amid modernity and postmodernity - miroslav volf and william katerberg (editors)
anything to do with post-mo, put together by an excellent theologian and still focussing on the tradition of the church (which stretches at least 1500 years before modernity) is something that makes my ears perk up (yes i am a kangaroo - a nerdy kangaroo). Be interesting to see what the contributers have to say. I'm sure the approach i often lean on - "well, i'm postmodern so i can think whatever i like and not care about contradictions" may well have a few holes in it.
turning around the mainline: how renewal movements are changing the church - thomas c oden
what can i say? i was excited when i saw this book. sure... the whole concept has been thrashed around by stacks of authors, and normally i would just go... "yeah, yeah, jump on the bandwagon"... but it's Thom Oden!! The whole Paleo-Orthodoxy thing is something that I really think holds alot of worth. the future of the church and the movement are definatley linked (Robert Webber is the other P-O i like). Probably throw some more thoughts on this up here sometime... who knows, i never do...
last note...
I have to check out the irresistable revolution sometime as some ppl i really respect have mentioned it.
last last note....
just need to find time to read. who needs to sleep, really?
Thursday, October 19, 2006
what does life look like when everything runs smoothly?
its a myth, its a myth
anyways, my main point is that my net is down again at home. i'm changing providers and it will hopefully be up by the end of next week.
anyways, my main point is that my net is down again at home. i'm changing providers and it will hopefully be up by the end of next week.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
boytown!
nj and i went to see a pre-release screening of boytown tonight.
a little cliche in parts, but it was meant to be
not as crass as i thought it would have been
very funny, particularly the film clips
glen robbins is definately one of the funniest men in the country
the songs were really clever
great ending... leaves it right open for a sequel - oops, dont mean to wreck it :)
probably 3 1/2 stars
a little cliche in parts, but it was meant to be
not as crass as i thought it would have been
very funny, particularly the film clips
glen robbins is definately one of the funniest men in the country
the songs were really clever
great ending... leaves it right open for a sequel - oops, dont mean to wreck it :)
probably 3 1/2 stars
Monday, October 16, 2006
experimental church project - new directions?
over the last few weeks, richard and i have been talking a little, and i guess we've both been thinking alot about the direction of the experiement. i think i've mentioned this before but the biggest problems that we've had so far (from my point of view) are:
1 - problem: too event based - nothing happening outside of the events
ideas: a. still have events, but maybe have many more small ones, places and times to meet as a community. Some of these would be structured worship, other discussion, others (most) spending time together, getting to know each other over coffee, a meal, a picnic etc. really becoming part of each others lives. maybe we could set up 3 times a week where ppl involved can meet if they are available, a morning, an afternoon and a meal on sunday (at someone's house, at a cafe, at the beach... who knows...?
b. a forum set up online where we can share about our lives and maybe some journalling (good ol soap) and share and reflect together. this would include reflections on the bible, life, prayer, reading other books, etc. don't know if we would have the time to put into this or not, just an idea.
2 - problem: trying to make it work for everyone - square peg round hole stuff.
ideas: coming to a place where we can say, "well that's ok, maybe others need to put together some prasie and worship type stuff, or find something that is going where they are".
3 - problem: everything is being done by 2 people.
ideas: cut back on the things that need doing. Maybe have some of that stuff, but let it grow and develop much more.
The Big Idea?
remember the point of all this. making the gospel make sense to people who dont get church as we know it. removing the cultural baggage that the church has brought along over the years, and rethinking exactly what church needs to be. Jesus needs to be accessible for all, not just those who can put up with singing "Just as I am" 32 times in a row - or whatever variant of this fits ("...everything was done, so you would come...")
In all this focussing primarily on the love of God, how he showed us that love - Jesus, and how we are enabled by the spirit to live in ways that truly reflect the love and community that we find in the trinity.
i think also the opening prayer that we developed may well sum up alot of who we are and want to be.
please comment on this if you are involved in our group or not. love to hear thoughts on where we might be going.
1 - problem: too event based - nothing happening outside of the events
ideas: a. still have events, but maybe have many more small ones, places and times to meet as a community. Some of these would be structured worship, other discussion, others (most) spending time together, getting to know each other over coffee, a meal, a picnic etc. really becoming part of each others lives. maybe we could set up 3 times a week where ppl involved can meet if they are available, a morning, an afternoon and a meal on sunday (at someone's house, at a cafe, at the beach... who knows...?
b. a forum set up online where we can share about our lives and maybe some journalling (good ol soap) and share and reflect together. this would include reflections on the bible, life, prayer, reading other books, etc. don't know if we would have the time to put into this or not, just an idea.
2 - problem: trying to make it work for everyone - square peg round hole stuff.
ideas: coming to a place where we can say, "well that's ok, maybe others need to put together some prasie and worship type stuff, or find something that is going where they are".
3 - problem: everything is being done by 2 people.
ideas: cut back on the things that need doing. Maybe have some of that stuff, but let it grow and develop much more.
The Big Idea?
remember the point of all this. making the gospel make sense to people who dont get church as we know it. removing the cultural baggage that the church has brought along over the years, and rethinking exactly what church needs to be. Jesus needs to be accessible for all, not just those who can put up with singing "Just as I am" 32 times in a row - or whatever variant of this fits ("...everything was done, so you would come...")
In all this focussing primarily on the love of God, how he showed us that love - Jesus, and how we are enabled by the spirit to live in ways that truly reflect the love and community that we find in the trinity.
i think also the opening prayer that we developed may well sum up alot of who we are and want to be.
please comment on this if you are involved in our group or not. love to hear thoughts on where we might be going.
the food of india
finally did something with the gift voucher i got for my birthday today and went and got the food of india - a journey for food lovers. I actually bought this book 2-3? years ago for a wedding gift for Dan and Lyd. Mind you, I got hardcover for the same price back then that I paid for paperback for me... oh well...
its a terrific book anyways, perfect if you want to make everything from scratch. For indian food its just a terrific experience and so rewarding, not to just do a bit, but the whole lot yourself. So it includes how to make your own garam masala and thickening of yoghurt and coconut cream. If you dont wanna go to all that effort you dont have to, but its worth it.
Anyways, I think I'm going to take some of the Daal recipes out for a spin as well as some of my all time favourite dishes - creamy coconut prawn curry, chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh. There are also other awesome looking dishes in there, its just a matter of working thru it. well i love indian, so it shouldnt be toooo hard.
thankyou
found out today that a fellow chaplain is finishing up at the end of the year. I don't know if its common knowledge yet, particularly at their school so, I wont mention their name. But if your reading this, you know you wear armor, are a sabath breaker and will always be F-ing awesome.
Just wanted to give you a huge shout out and say thanx for everything. I have really felt supported and encouraged by the whole organisation (SU) and for me, you have been an integral part of that. I know im a bit nuts and strange at time, but i fully apreciate our friendship and have learnt stacks from you. so please... lets keep in touch even though you are moving to the dark side (oops i mean north side) of town.
I feel like God used us bumping into each other to help us move down our roads, closer to him. Glad you like Brian and Donald, if thats the only impact I've had, then its more than enuff, those 2 blokes changed my life.
Anyways, All the best mate!
Just wanted to throw it all out there.
Just wanted to give you a huge shout out and say thanx for everything. I have really felt supported and encouraged by the whole organisation (SU) and for me, you have been an integral part of that. I know im a bit nuts and strange at time, but i fully apreciate our friendship and have learnt stacks from you. so please... lets keep in touch even though you are moving to the dark side (oops i mean north side) of town.
I feel like God used us bumping into each other to help us move down our roads, closer to him. Glad you like Brian and Donald, if thats the only impact I've had, then its more than enuff, those 2 blokes changed my life.
Anyways, All the best mate!
Just wanted to throw it all out there.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
almost famous soundtrack
one of the awesome gifts I recieved for my birthday was the soundtrack for almost famous (a brilliant film in my opinion - i love the music, and movies about it). Anyways, its just a terrific selection of songs. In no way cliche in my opinion. Sure, some of the usual suspects from the era are there, but not the typical songs by those bands... Yes, The Who, Bowie, Lynryd Skynyrd, Led Zep, Elton and Cat Stevens all get a mention, but its not the songs you'd expect.
I really like it anyways. It captures the era as well as the vibe of the film and gives you a bunch of songs you might not be too familar with.
See the track listing (and lyrics) here
official gold coast drive like an idiot day
As I drifted down the highway deeper into the gold coast I noticed something. People felt like they needed to outdo each other when it came to stupidity. I was tailgated, whilst I was going over the speed limit (by not too much) by at least 5 different cars. This even happened when I wasn't in the right lane. The traffic was flowing quite quickly (around 120), but I saw several cars going at least 140! Where were the cops?
The classic was one car that refused to give up on his tailgating, even holding down his horn for ages. Hats off to the guy who wouldnt move. I figure if your going 10 k's over the limit and thats not fast enough, then thats someone elses problem. The moron in question, once overtaking was too busy yelling out his window at the defiant one, to notice that he almost crashed, swerving into another lane. A little bit psycho!
All I can guess is that a higher frequency of idiots are around due to indy aproaching? I just dont know.
The classic was one car that refused to give up on his tailgating, even holding down his horn for ages. Hats off to the guy who wouldnt move. I figure if your going 10 k's over the limit and thats not fast enough, then thats someone elses problem. The moron in question, once overtaking was too busy yelling out his window at the defiant one, to notice that he almost crashed, swerving into another lane. A little bit psycho!
All I can guess is that a higher frequency of idiots are around due to indy aproaching? I just dont know.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Categorise this!
someone got a lifebouy? I think i just went overboard.
I just finished categorising my blog (over 200 entires, over a years worth).
I made stacks of categories, cause im random and have lots of things to say.
hopefully they will make it easier to look at things that interest you, and not other stuff. As well as being easier for me personally to navigate it all.
Well, I hope its worth it.
I just finished categorising my blog (over 200 entires, over a years worth).
I made stacks of categories, cause im random and have lots of things to say.
hopefully they will make it easier to look at things that interest you, and not other stuff. As well as being easier for me personally to navigate it all.
Well, I hope its worth it.
how does this affect you? if hell wasn't an option
here's a thought...
if you knew for a fact - an undeniable fact, that everyone would go to heaven, would you still be a follower of Jesus? Or... is faith just about fire insurance?
love to hear comments.
Personally, I would still follow Jesus. I believe he showed us a way to live that is the way we were meant to live.
Note: I'm not saying I believe that everyone goes to heaven, just throwing it out there to think about.
if you knew for a fact - an undeniable fact, that everyone would go to heaven, would you still be a follower of Jesus? Or... is faith just about fire insurance?
love to hear comments.
Personally, I would still follow Jesus. I believe he showed us a way to live that is the way we were meant to live.
Note: I'm not saying I believe that everyone goes to heaven, just throwing it out there to think about.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
people round for dinner
it seems like forever since we had people round for dinner. Tonight we broke the drought and had 2 awesome peoples round (Christal and Mel). I cooked, from Jamie Oliver's "Jamie's Dinners". Really nice Egglant Pasta.
Basically
1 Eggplant 1cm cube - covered in oil, cooked on medium heat for about 8 min.
Throw in a diced onion, and 2 garlic cloves sliced.
Cook til brown
Throw in 2 tins of roma tomatoes and 1 Tbsp Balsamic
Season
Throw in a few basil stalks - chopped.
Cook the Pasta - Penne is fine
Throw in 4 tbsp of cream.
Then when its good to go add a handful of ripped basil leaves and about 200g ripped up mozarella.
mix it all together!
Voila!
Quite yummy indeed. I havent been a fan of eggplant in the past (or in the pasta) but this worked well. Very easy too.
Going off.
note to self: i need to start taking photos of what i cook
Basically
1 Eggplant 1cm cube - covered in oil, cooked on medium heat for about 8 min.
Throw in a diced onion, and 2 garlic cloves sliced.
Cook til brown
Throw in 2 tins of roma tomatoes and 1 Tbsp Balsamic
Season
Throw in a few basil stalks - chopped.
Cook the Pasta - Penne is fine
Throw in 4 tbsp of cream.
Then when its good to go add a handful of ripped basil leaves and about 200g ripped up mozarella.
mix it all together!
Voila!
Quite yummy indeed. I havent been a fan of eggplant in the past (or in the pasta) but this worked well. Very easy too.
Going off.
note to self: i need to start taking photos of what i cook
Monday, October 09, 2006
still kicking
hey all...
im still alive, just been busy and/or preoccupied with things i dont really feel like blogging about
namely - school/chaplaincy stuff, oz idol and guild wars
on another note, we went away last week - noosa. will put some photos up sometime i guess. see how we go
oh and today i turned 28. yay me
im still alive, just been busy and/or preoccupied with things i dont really feel like blogging about
namely - school/chaplaincy stuff, oz idol and guild wars
on another note, we went away last week - noosa. will put some photos up sometime i guess. see how we go
oh and today i turned 28. yay me
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