The Classic Eccentric

Me, Eurovision 2011, the final links and so long, farewell...(you can sing the rest)

2011-05-16T18:07:00.009+10:00

Well it’s time to say goodbye. I have decided to call it a day...blogging wise that is. The poor attempt I have been making this year does not make a well written (or received) blog. And it was time to close off that (almost) 5 year chapter that simply has run its course. And it’s not that I do not want to write or share anymore. There was never a specific reason why I started to blog other than a creative outlet. It was always about things I liked and I thought it would evolve over time like an organic diary or collection of observations. And it did. And I was very proud of some of the entry’s I wrote. Especially (but not limited to) the History of OZ TV...documenting my year of cookery (and I suggest anyone who has ever burnt toast to give it a crack – you just need time to cook – not skills, you get that over time but alas I digress for the last time) all that CAMP shit that I think makes grey dull life pink and funny, oh and my reviews of the Eurovision – so much fun!

Ok so I decided not to do Eurovision posts this year as slowly the crazies, loons and all that European colour has faded away in recent times making it a duller song competition. But then of course there was Jedwood from Ireland ( I could bloody hit that Louie for fuelling that sad mental fire). But there was some great songs this year from Hungary, Serbia ( I can’t stop playing the 1960’s sounding Caroban – it’s just a happy uplifting song and yes the Serbian version), Austria and Switzerland. It didn’t surprise me that Dana International (Israel) didn’t move past the semi finals – I mean really Darling Ding a Dong was a song back in 1970’s from Holland. And crying out loud Europe if you are a small former soviet/eastern Bloc country only speaks your language just SING IN ENGLISH! Actually it didn’t work for Blue this year so ignore me. Baku next year (Christ).

Before going I have found 2 excellent sites to share:-

Rule knitannia - The well stitched in time knitting blog from my old mate, the very talented Eddie in London Town – cushions, crowns and (iced) confections ( to name a few knitted creations) What not to love!

http://ruleknitannia.blogspot.com/

Everything is Terrible – unlike its title this is one of the best collections of camp, bizarre shit and plain funny clips from the net – I so love it:-

http://www.everythingisterrible.com/

In closing, I still can’t believe I made it almost 5 years. I would have never seen that coming. Neither in that time Apple making essentially a mini handheld computer (that makes calls) that has become part of 21st life. Face book, twitter, four square, linked in (etc) are the new media and social interaction. Google is the new scary giant, so then is India and China. The Australian Dollar is worth more than the US Dollar (and the average house price in Australia is over half a million AUD in most capital cities) but our AUD buys less than before. America finally getting a black president. Australia getting a female Prime minister. Kate and Wills getting hitched (Oh didn’t she look beautiful and who thought of trees in the abbey – fabulous). Life is changing so fast and it’s sometimes it gets scary. But it’s also gets better. As I'm getting older and I'm appreciating the weekend and randomn days off much more, laughing with your mates, a well needed hug from your partner and a home cooked meal - for me it would never be superseded by what a corporation or technology can boast.

So that’s it. Thank you for all for reading and feedback (though I would have happily welcomed more!). So as I’m listing to Nina from Serbia singing Caroban again (it’s on repeat and Andy’s away on business so no complaints) it’s only right to say Do viđenja prijatelj (Goodbye friend).

X b aka the classic eccentric (Brett).

Invisible...

2011-02-23T19:59:00.002+11:00

I got this sent to me the other day...if you need help look between the first two on the left

52 Recipes - The entire list

2011-01-17T20:24:00.005+11:00

Here is the full list of the recipes I cooked in 2010

JAN
4.1 1 Lobster Thermidor - The internet -Seafood
11.1 2 Indian Lamb kebabs - Indian in 6 Cookbook-Indian
18.1 3 Lamb Kofta - The internet -Greek
25.1 4 Pea & Prawn Linguini - Gourmet Traveller Cook book -Pasta/Seafood

FEB
1.2 5 Berry Trifle - A & B special -Dessert
8.2 6 Tandoori Chicken - Indian in 6 Cookbook -Indian
15.2 7 Dahl with Spinach - Indian in 6 Cookbook -Indian
22.2 8 Spanakopita - Gourmet Traveller (Mar 2010) -Greek

MAR
1.3 9 Sago Gula Melaka - Food Safari- Malay/Dessert
8.3 10 Slow Cooked Greek Lamb - The internet -Greek
15.3 11 Olive fetta & onion tart - The internet -Greek
22.3 12 Orange sugar puffs - Gorgeous Cakes Cookbook- Dessert
29.3 13 Hot Cross Buns - Gourmet Traveller (Apr 2010)- Baking

APR
5.4 14 Rabbit & Mushroom Pie - Gourmet Traveller (Apr 2010) -Game/Pie
12.4 15 Potato Gratin - The internet -Vegetable
19.4 16 Cassoulet - The internet -Main
26.4 17 Lemon Curd - The Cooks Companion -Baking

MAY
3.5 18 Welsh cakes - A &B special -Baking
10.5 19 Walnut & espresso cake - Gourmet Traveller (May 2010) -Baking
17.5 20 Lemon Meringue Cake - Nigella Lawson -Baking
24.5 21 Duck L’Orange - The internet -Game
31.5 22 Reine de Saba - Julia Childs -Baking

JUNE
7.6 23 Berry Bundt Cake - The internet -Baking
14.6 24 Fish Stock - Comfort Food (Gary M) -Stock
21.6 25 Paella - Margaret Fulton -Spanish
28.6 26 Spanish Donuts - Gourmet Traveller (Jun 2010) -Baking

JULY
5.7 27 Roasted Carrot soup - Gourmet Traveller (Jun 2010)-Soup
12.7 28 Oxtail Bolognaise - Comfort Food (Gary M) -Pasta
19.7 29 Prawn Cocktail - Gourmet Traveller (Jan 2010) -Seafood/Entree
26.7 30 Duck Liver Pate - French Cooking Class -Entree/Starter

AUG
2.8 31 Caramelised Onion Relish - French Cooking Class -Relish
9.8 32 Confit of Duck - French Cooking Class -Meat
16.8 33 Duck & Pear Salad - French Cooking Class -Entree
23.8 34 Fricassee of Chicken - French Cooking Class -Meat/Main
30.8 35 Fresh Pasta - French Cooking Class- Pasta

SEP
6.9 36 Concorde Cake - French Cooking Class -Baking
13.9 37 Lamb Ragu - The internet -Pasta
20.9 38 Chocolate Chip Cookies - The internet -Baking
27.9 39 Chilli Jam - The internet- Relish

OCT
4.10 40 Pesto - Maggies Harvest (Maggie Beare)-Pasta
11.10 41 Fruit Tarts - French Cookbook (JC) -Baking
18.10 42 Eton Mess - The internet -Desert
25.10 43 Raspb white choc.muffins - Donna Hay-Baking

NOV
1.11 44 Stuffed Vegetables - The internet-Vegetable
8.11 45 Peach Melba - Nigella Lawson -Desert
15.11 46 Passionfruit Curd - The Cooks Companion -Baking
22.11 47 Red Velvet Cupcakes - The internet -Baking
29.11 48 Borscht - Naomi -Soup

DEC
6.12 49 Coulibiac - Naomi -Fish/Pie
13.12 50 Fruit Mince Tarts - Gourmet Traveller ( Dec) -Baking
20.12 51 Roasted Duck & Cherries - Gourmet Traveller ( Dec) -Game
27.12 52 Cheese Straws - The internet -Baking

52 Recipes - December & Conclusion

2011-01-03T06:41:00.006+11:00

So finally I completed the 2010 New years resolution...and finished all 52 recipes

December
13.12 50 Fruit Mince Tarts - Gourmet Traveller ( Dec) Baking
20.12 51 Roasted Duck & Cherries - Gourmet Traveller ( Dec) Game
27.12 52 Cheese Straws - The internet (bookmarked) Baking

Overall I thought it would have gotten easier but I found that after the initial list of recipes I always wanted to try I had to get very inspired and motivated to try others. The french cooking course was a fabulous gift from Andrew and helped for the time when we were travelling ( sort of like cooking exam cramming) so good I'm back there next month for more so I'm very excited.

Nearly of the the recipes I tried I would definitely try again. The only one I wouldn't was the Sago pudding as it was just OK but still edible. Lobster Thermidor is a very special occasion dish and well worth it. Andrew initially laughed at why I bothered cooking Hot Cross Buns until I took them out of the oven and demolished 6 each with a lot of butter. Making the conserves and stock from scratch does make all the difference so Jamie Oliver and all the rest of those TV chefs aren't lying when they recommend making your own. I have to say the slow cooking was also a highlight, especially in the winter months.

Next post I will post the lot...and if anyone needs any recipe just drop me a line...or leave a comment. It seemed like a mammoth task but was worth it. Oh and my taste buds and cooking skills are all the better for it. And I weigh roughly the same so the gym ( and Chelsea my trainer) I have to say a big thanks too.

A Very Cyanide and Happiness Merry Xmas....

2010-12-25T06:14:00.002+11:00

52 Recipes - October & November

2010-11-27T17:15:00.005+11:00

OK so now another update with those recipes...October & November

OCT
4.10 40 Pesto - Maggies Harvest (Maggie Beare) Pasta
11.10 41 Fruit Tarts - French Cookbook (JC) Baking
18.10 42 Eton Mess - The internet (bookmarked) Desert
25.10 43 Raspb white choc.muffins - Donna Hay Baking

NOV
1.11 44 Stuffed Vegetables - The internet (bookmarked) Vegetable
8.11 45 Peach Melba - Nigella Lawson Desert
15.11 46 Passionfruit Curd - The Cooks Companion Baking
22.11 47 Red Velvet Cupcakes - The internet (bookmarked) Baking
29.11 48 Borscht - Naomi Soup

DEC
6.12 49 Coulibiac - Naomi Fish/Pie

A lot of Baking in the last few months...I will need to give the red Velvet cupcakes another go as I substituted sour cream for buttermilk ( I know mental). The Raspberry and white chocolate muffins worked a treat, and finally a recipe from the Domestic Goddess herself actually working and tasting fabulous ( in fact Peach Melba is becoming a regular dessert at Riversdale Road) . I have found as much as I love NIgella her recipes are a bit crap.

On a side note another couple and ourselves have been doing theme dinner monthly ( or when we remember) hence the recent Russian dishes...I must say Coulibiac is a fantastic Salmon & Mushroom Pie and was filling( I was worried it would not be enough). Spanish night was still the best for me ( paella & Churros - whats not to love).

So my final 3 are reserved for Xmas theme...thinking of Christmas tarts but unsure of the other 2...maybe a roasted duck with cherries...actually I haven't made egg nog either so best I read up on my Fanny Cradock and get back to you all in December.

La Concorde

2010-10-29T06:47:00.008+11:00

This is the cake I have been raving about for the last few months. This cake was created for the launch of the Concorde Jet back in the 1970's. I have never (baked) or eaten a better chocolate cake. Hands down.

Basically it is discs of chocolate meringue, sandwiched with the richest of chocolate mousse then decorated with broken sticks of meringue. It is layered, rich and all chocolate to the bank.

Perfectly good by itself, however I like it with a raspberry coulis ( don't add too much sugar in the coulis - the tartness of the raspberry is wonderfully with the richness of the chocolate) and whipped cream (somehow it enhances the cake more).

Now as I do not have the permission to give the recipe I was given class (I simply haven't asked Le Chef) I have posted a recipe link I found on a public site which is good:-

http://www.grouprecipes.com/53276/concorde-cake.html

What I do recommend is that you use the best quality dutch cocoa ( DON'T SKIMP - its expensive but you will thank me) free range eggs (why are people still using battery when free range is only a few dollars more - think of those poor chickens) and the best quality dark chocolate (couverture hands down - again DON'T SKIMP on the chocolate). The recipe link also includes vanilla (this is optional).I found the times I have baked it post cooking class I have run out of meringue sticks - so don't use a big nozzle on the piping bag.

Oh and only ever make this cake for company. Just reading the amount of butter, chocolate and eggs in this cake could make you gain weight - But you can get 8 to 10 serves out of this delight and then the butter/choc ratio is nothing. Well almost nothing.

Only 2 months to go - 9 recipes - for November and for 4 December. I will try to only do Xmas related ones in December...Well try that is.

52 Recipes - June to September

2010-10-16T12:28:00.006+11:00

Ok so I was VERY shabby in blog entries after returning from the big trip...the holiday is now a memory. But not shabby with keeping up with recipes...so an update is needed to fill you all in... ( classified as date/recipe title/source & type - for all you foodies and hungry masses)

JUNE
7.6 23 Berry Bundt Cake - The internet (bookmarked) Baking
14.6 24 Fish Stock - Comfort Food (Gary M) Stock
21.6 25 Paella - Margaret Fulton Spanish
28.6 26 Spanish Donuts - Gourmet Traveller (Jun 2010) Baking

JULY
5.7 27 Roasted Carrot soup - Gourmet Traveller (Jun 2010) Soup
12.7 28 Oxtail Bolognaise - Comfort Food (Gary M) Pasta
19.7 29 Prawn Cocktail - Gourmet Traveller (Jan 2010) Seafood/Entree
26.7 30 Duck Liver Pate - French Cooking Class Entree/Starter

AUG
2.8 31 Caramelised Onion Relish - French Cooking Class Relish
9.8 32 Confit of Duck - French Cooking Class Meat
16.8 33 Duck & Pear Salad - French Cooking Class Entree
23.8 34 Fricassee of Chicken - French Cooking Class Meat/Main
30.8 35 Fresh Pasta - French Cooking Class Pasta

SEP
6.9 36 La Concorde (Cake) - French Cooking Class Baking
13.9 37 Lamb Ragu - The internet (bookmarked) Pasta
20.9 38 Chocolate Chip Cookies - The internet (bookmarked) Baking
27.9 39 Chilli Jam - The internet (bookmarked) Relish

Ok so no recipes during the big trip... I was ahead of myself and I made up for it at cooking class. It was a fantastic day - we made 8 new recipes all fabulous and got to eat them at the end of the day!) It was that good I’m going back in feb (that was the earliest class I could get into!)

The best recipe of the day ( of the year to be more exact) was the La Concorde – the most amazing chocolate cake I have ever made...I will be making it next weekend for Sunday Lunch desert ( Andy’s dad is visiting from out of town) – and will reveal the recipe for the BEST chocolate cake...EVER.

Mashups for today - I'm Back/The party's over

2010-10-05T06:37:00.006+11:00

Hello God it's me Margaret...er Brett. I'm back in business.

OK so I have been back in OZ since September...the holiday was 'just too marvellous for words' [as in the song - I blame the Glee for all this singing dear reader]. Having just over 2 months off from work to travel and to have time out has been fantastic, thank god for Long service leave. I was told during my travels that only OZ and dear old New Zealand offer this to long term employees globally! OMG I so thought it was an English thing that we copied. And if I stay for another 4 years with the same employer I get another month off. HA.

Alas its 6:30am and I'm back to work today. I slept OK but kept waking up every few hours. I was getting my gym bag packed last night and I was ironing clothes for today. It felt like I was heading back to school after Summer holidays - Whoa whoa I gotta go ...back to school [Grease 2 for those magical lyrics]. Jesus that was almost 20 years ago. I got an email recently from an old school friend to prepare for the 20 year reunion next year [I didn't go to the 10 year one because...actually I cant remember the reason now]. I'm still not 100% sure I want to go to this one either but I have many months to decide.

I have caught up on many a recipe ( I'm actually a few weeks ahead and more excited than ever) and I have all the lovely pics to upload and bore you with the trip [insert any song from the The road to ...movies here] I do feel very much rested and going back to work today isn't so much a chore, rather than its time.

So It's time to wind up the masquerade - Just make your mind up the piper must be paid

The piper? He's about 4th on the list after our trip. Thankfully he plays a sweet tune. Unlike the credit card statement.

X b

Au Revior...for now

2010-07-29T15:36:00.004+10:00

No I havent thrown in the towel as I've been quiet of late. I'm still blogging but no posts in August as we are off tomorrow around the world. We are packed & ready so having quiet nesting time before departure early tomorrow to Sydney then the globe.

See you all in September. Take care.

X b

We've only got for 4 weeks (until) to see the world

2010-07-05T07:33:00.005+10:00

OK so world stars Madonna and Justin we ain’t. However, we may be world travellers in a few weeks.

We have been planning this holiday for...well months really. We started discussing it well over a year or so ago. Perhaps even longer. I have 2 months of long service waiting and we hadn’t had an overseas trip since Andy’s 40Th birthday. I always wanted to use one month for travelling and one month for house stuff [assumption was that we would have bought a house by then, however with the spiralling cost of real estate in this country has been obscene to say the least that has not yet come to fruition]. However the plan is going to be seen through anyhow. I have so many odds and ends to do around the home...let alone some time just to put my feet up for a bit and do...well sweet fuck all really. But before all that lovely slothy house DVD marathon gets cracking the world is waiting to be seen.

So deciding on taking a holiday wasn’t the issue. Where to go was. We always said we wanted to see USA – and agreed upon San Francisco, Las Vegas and NYC. Lovely. Gay town, party town then the capital of the world. Lovely. Then we decided to say fuck it and continue to Europe. Now this meant some planning and negotiation. Which country? Which city? Which tour? I had already travelled to London, Paris and Italy. Now I liked Italy but want to see another part of the continent.

UK was clearly number one on the list. Catching up with old friends in London, and going off to Wales to see [meet for the first time] Andy’s family. There is just something about that island nation I actually feel at home there. It must have been all the expats and BBC shows I have known all my life in OZ. Oh and the shopping is quite good.

Andy wanted to see Paris again [his description of it in when her visited in the 1980’s was it stank of piss and everyone was rude] as it has changed so much since. Although I loved it when I visited in 2005 but I did have a reservation seeing it again this trip [only as I wanted to see go there for my 40Th birthday in a few years time] but the thought of seeing the beautiful boulevards, buildings and Boulangeries again was of course too much to refuse. And this time I would see it in summer not autumn. Je suis heureux !

But where to next. I had to convince Andrew to visit Croatia to see my where my family is from. From Dubrovnik to Spilt and the islands that surround. I have no expectation as I have never been but everyone says it’s amazing...Andrew was pleasantly surprised when friends showed him pictures of a French Riviera style waterfront of Split [ he thought Croatia being a former eastern bloc country would be similar to the land of Borat, I have corrected him Dragie!].

Last stop was easily agreed upon. Bali for a week in a Villa and doing less than nothing. Well nothing will include cocktails, pool, tunes and food. And sun sun sun [ Especially after my very expensive visit to the Dermatologist who said I have good skin, no cancers and generally tan well – well some trade off for losing my hair!]

But this trip is not just about a sunny holiday. It’s about having a break from the mundane of everyday life, getting in touch with ourselves and each other, our family roots, our mates and seeing more of this great planet we inhabit. And now the winter seems to be getting colder, the days dragging and all I can think about is the trip. Why is it always like this the closer to a big trip. Now just to get through these last few and [painfully] long weeks. So will be worth the wait.

X b

Soccer-poohs

2010-06-16T16:14:00.007+10:00

Jesus I’m sick of the soccer/football/world game etc. Well sick of the focus that the Australian Press is giving the Socceroos currently.

Australia -this goes out to you. You don’t have to be the best of every fucking sport on the planet. And yes that means the soccer too. Who cares if the Tim Cahill got a red, yellow, black or puce card by a referee. We are not going to win the World Cup anyway. Germany, Italy UK – well any European country have a chance to win as it is their choice sporte le mode.

We are obsessed with sport in this country. And we get really upset & pissed off when we don’t win every form of sport. There is a reason why we don’t win every sport. For example take the Winter Olympics. We have a great big desert as our Centre (and most of the continent) neither the Alps nor the Aspen are anywhere to be skied. And we complain when it’s colder than 15C. By Apparently snow usually needs below zero to stop from melting. Let alone the whines when it rains. Stephen Bradbury one of our first and few Winter Olympics Gold medallists won because the other 4 got silly and fell over each other before the finishing line. So that’s the Snow sports out for us.

Next let’s rule out the running and the athletics. USA is King here and is not going to be beaten. Except by the occasional African nation who run in their bare feet (and the rest of the world are glad that the US of A lost). Too much media has already been given to that revolting Jana – Pit-bull…er… Pitman. And she’s crap anyway as she has a gammy knee. So stop the track and field please. Oh and don’t even get me started on the wrestling or the boxing, weights and all that. Russia and China does that far too well. We simply don’t.

I live in a nation sports obsessed even though clearly I’m not. I’m not unpatriotic and yet I am regularly crucified (especially at work) if I have a dig at the OZ sport obsession. I will admit though that diving, swimming and the other water sports (don’t be dirty) we are quite good at. Oh and the cycling we can do. The beachy sporty stuff too (but with all that coast line that we are also so obsessed with we would be a bit rubbish if we didn’t use it). Apparently not too bad at the occasional shooting and some odd sports (not the curling thank god, I mean really anyone can sweep up love) and that’s good too.

But Australia, repeat after me, we are not going to win the world cup. Now breathe. See not so bad. We are still alive and kicking. Not drowning just waving (if you prefer the swimming reference). The boys will do the best they can - Lucas and Tim and the lads will look hot wearing their shorts and kicking a goal in South Africa (eventually) - but we are not going to win the world cup. Now with all that extra energy let’s have a crack at supporting the Arts in this land of ours. Now there’s a team that could do with our support. Not the running or the (roll of the eyes) curling. Or similar.

Saying that - I’m not ruling out support and cheers for the ice-skating though. But maybe that shows how gay I am rather than sports obsessed.

Eurovision 2010...Post Script

2010-05-31T07:27:00.007+10:00

Well its over for another year. And these schmucks [pictured] hosted the event! Well the girl on the right was actually good. The other one was mainly questionable and the Blondie twit in the middle really 'shared the moment' that he was a twit with a rather massive head. Too massive even for our wide screen TV.

But before you hear me become Rant Mcranty from Ranty town, the actual production and overall look of this years competition wasn't too bad. Especially the start [rather impressed with all the bubble graphics] and unlike previous host countries who use the night as a tourism promotion between songs this year, they simply used a shot of the capital of the country about to sing with the fans. A pleasant change from seeing landmarks, forests and [rather awful] beaches. But alas I digress.

Highlights included the gatecrasher who managed to dance while Spain was [rather dismal circus themed] singing, Serbia ugly bizarre song and singer, the pretty man from Israel [ song wasn't too bad seeing it was sung in Hebrew], Albania's surprise dance song [it was good - that was the surprise - and didn't sound like a song from Albania's hit musical 'Gypsy Olga and her magic Tractor'] and Romania delivering a great dance hit and finishing 3rd!

Yes my predictions were a bit crap there. Germany did win, but my other predictions finished in the top 10. And poor Iceland came 19th! It was a shock and dismay that Denmark came 5th [truly poor duet] and the less spoken about Turkey and Azerbaijan [ I had to spell that out 6 times] the better. The UK finished last. Shame Brits shame. Even Belarus beat you.

Aha but that is the Eurovision wheel of fortune! Or lack thereof you may say. Berlin next year and unlike this years rather good production from Norway, I am preying for a return for Eurovision from the past decades - complete with cheesy presenters telling poor jokes, shots of Hamburg looking dull and dancing girls on Mini Brandenburg gates with beer steins and lederhosens. Well I can prey. X b

Spoiler Alert...Eurovision 2010...The Winner

2010-05-30T09:09:00.003+10:00

Well the odd underweight singer with the indy whine from Germany with 'Satellite' wins the 2010 Eurovision. The Favourite wins again...I finally see a pattern emerging. Watch her on the below link [if you want].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmOeISUYXuI

All the campery will be played out tonight on SBS and full review of the sharing the magic of the moment etc etc etc will be posted later.

X b

Eurovision 2010...The Grand final(ists)

2010-05-29T08:42:00.005+10:00

So the semi's have been sung....they really did give there all [bless em] and now only the grand final remains...the lucky line up are as follows:-

01- Azerbaijan Safura Drip Drop
02- Spain Daniel Diges Algo Pequeñito
03- Norway Didrik Solli-Tangen My Heart Is Yours
04- Moldova Sunstroke Prjct & Olia Tira Run Away
05- Cyprus Jon Lilygreen&The Islanders Life Looks Better In Spring
06- Bosnia&Herzegovina Vukašin Brajić Thunder And Lightning
07- Belgium Tom Dice Me And My Guitar
08- Serbia Milan Stanković Ovo Je Balkan
09- Belarus 3+2 Butterflies
10- Ireland Niamh Kavanagh It's For You
11- Greece Giorgos Alkaios & Friends OPA
12- United Kingdom Josh That Sounds Good To Me
13- Georgia Sofia Nizharadze Shine
14- Turkey maNga We Could Be The Same
15- Albania Juliana Pasha It's All About You
16- Iceland Hera Björk Je Ne Sais Quoi
17- Ukraine Alyosha Sweet People
18- France Jessy Matador Allez Olla Olé
19- Romania Paula Seling & Ovi Playing With Fire
20- Russia Peter Nalitch & Friends Lost And Forgotten
21- Armenia Eva Rivas Apricot Stone
22- Germany Lena Satellite
23- Portugal Filipa Azevedo Há Dias Assim
24- Israel Harel Skaat Milim
25- Denmark Chanée & N'evergreen In A Moment Like This.

Poor Malta...I was suprised she was pipped at the post over [the Blonde haired ugly poofy from] Serbia but I digress. It is Eurovision after all...Olso must be wetting its panties over the grand final tonight [plus the fact its been how long since a grand final held in Western Europe].

So here are my top 5 predictions for Eurovision 2010

1- Germany Lena Satellite
2- Georgia Sofia Nizharadze Shine
3- Armenia Eva Rivas Apricot Stone
4- Greece Giorgos Alkaios & Friends OPA

5- Iceland Hera Björk Je Ne Sais Quoi

I dont like Apricot Stone and LOATH OPA however they have beern extremely popular with the Euro Folk. As much as I want Romania's playing with fire to end in the top 5 I dont think it will. But thankfully UK & Ireland wont either.

Oh well one more sleep and its over for another year...Andrew breathes a large sign of relief.

More Eurovision - Winner predictor gadget

2010-05-20T12:37:00.009+10:00

Oh so unexpected by Big Brother...er Google - I just found this this nifty little tool for the 2010 Eurovision Winner predictor gadget - v.excited.

Currently listing as at 20th Of May:- ( oh yes links to clips on YouTube too dear reader - just click on the name of the singer since the bastards stopped the linking - still mad)

1 Germany - Lena - Saterlite - 354
2 Georgia - Sofia Nizharadze - Shine - 233
3 Malta - Thea Garrett - My Dream - 119
4 Poland - Marcin Mroziński - Legenda - 115
5 Sweden - Anna Bergendahl - This Is My Life -115
6 Romania - Paula Seling & Ovi - Playing With Fire - 96
7 France - Jessy Matador - Allez, Ola, Ole - 91
8 Greece - Giorgos Alkaios & Friends - OPA! - 89
9 Azerbaijan - Safura - Drip, Drop - 86
10 Estonia - Malcolm Lincoln - Siren - 71

Now lets break this down...

1 - As mentioned, Germany is gagging to win...since well the 1950's really and they take this SERIOUSLY. They would be very happy with this so far. [have Google shares gone up in Deutchland I vunder?]
2 - Good to see my pick Shine is number 2 ( I also predicted the no.2 last year so I'm sorry Georgia if I have already put the mockers on the competition).
3 - Malta's not bad - reminds me of an Olympic theme song mixed with a Bond theme.
4 - Poland - crap song but he's a cutie.
5 - Sweden, always good for a pop song.
6 - Also a favourite of mine and hoping that Romania, usually submitting usual crapola finishes in the top 5. Bless.
7 - Like a french Usher come Jamaican pretty man.
8 - Well Greece really OPA? Could they not come up with anything else (must be the economic crisis clearly affecting song titles as well as debt).
9 & 10 - well when your 9 & 10th its a bit like 90th and 100th really.

And you can also list the losers... Belgium, Lithuania & Switzerland so far [more usual suspects, well they have nice chocolate and views of the water].

And you get the predictor to your blog via Google search - too easy. Thanks BB...errr Google.

52 Recipes - April & May

2010-05-17T19:22:00.003+10:00

Goodness we have been 'busy cookin' a plenty... just a quick update

APR
5.4 14 Rabbit & Mushroom Pie - Gourmet Traveller (Apr 2010)
12.4 15 Potato Gratin - The internet
19.4 16 Pork Cassoulet - The internet
26.4 17 Lemon Curd - The Cooks Companion

MAY
3.5 18 Welsh cakes - A &B special
10.5 19 Walnut & espresso cake - Gourmet Traveller (May 2010)
17.5 20 Lemon Meringue Cake - Nigella Lawson
24.5 21 Duck L’Orange - The internet
31.5 22 Reine de Saba - Julia Childs

I know that its still the middle of May and we have gone over but as we are away for 5 weeks in August we need to get ahead of ourselves or the NY resolution of 52 recipes wont be reached. And there is nothing I hate more than not finishing something...ooh it drives me insane.

Im quitre happy it is going well however I think my pants need letting out. Or the installation of an elastic bands. Otherwise I'm, as my grandmother would say, very 'healthy darling'( she would saw drougie as this is Croatian for darling but I digress). And it is rather cold in Melbourne at the moment. Unsure what to try next, thinking another slow cooked all in one number (a treat and a half in this cold season). Maybe some italian? Mmmm pasta...mmm cheese...mmm size 36 by june ( Noooooooooooooooo!).

Eurovision 2010...need I say more

2010-05-06T16:43:00.004+10:00

Well I thought it was time for a Eurovision Blog Entry. God knows I’m overdue. Still not over those You Tube bastards not allowing links to blogs but you can’t fight City hall. Especially when that City Hall is Google…but I digress.

Now I’m not sure if the sombre economic air of Europe has influenced this year’s contestants…but it’s not that crazy crap-tacular that you normally get. Sure old Eastern European entries are still a bit laughable [’ll get to that shortly] but overall its very contained and normal. Yes I’m aghast too dear reader. This year its very like a European ‘Idol’ – it’s ballads & serious pop. And everyone is so fucking young. No oldies (well only a few) – this is geared up for gen Y full stop this year. Haircuts & 80’s styling optional.

‘Share the moment’ is theme dujour in Oslo this year. I’m not sure who will be sharing the moment – well Italy, Austria, Hungary, Czech republic, Monaco & Luxembourg have decided not share anyhow and stay at home. Bully to you. However the rest of Europe will be sharing on the last weekend of May.

So my hot, not so hot, highlights & hits awards for 2010 are as follows:-

Don’t understand what your singing about award goes to Finland, Serbia, Spain & The Netherlands have decided to sing in their native tongue. Not really a good move in an international song contest when the language of Europe is…oh that’s right English. Not Finnish love. Never that.

Just got it wrong award goes to:- Russia, Serbia, Spain & Slovenia. Yes likely and repeat offenders here. Now Russia is singing in English but has decided to place their version of Simon & Garfunkel folk. Lovely. Serbia has an ugly poofy with the worst hydrogen peroxide blonde bob wearing a white Sgt Peppers jacket singing in Serbian. Goody. Spain decided to submit a Ginger singing a folky fairground tune. Marvellous. And finally Slovenia is a rock meets folk ditty wearing traditional costumes with a song similar to a car hitting a freight train. Enough! But real shame is that these are the only ones who really got it wrong this year. Shame and disappointment Europe. Shame and disappointment.

Lets hide a shit song with a pretty distraction award goes to:- Now Israel, Norway, Poland & UK have very very pretty lads this year. Israel is especially hot. But their songs are quite simply - Shit. Well there is definitely a career in gay porn for these handsome contestants post Oslo.

Now the highlights.

Estonia – Siren - this is a surprise as they usually lay a pretty ugly duckling – the song is very Paul McCartney in manner of ‘Wings’ and not too bad.

Georgia – Shine – now this one is one of my favourite – in ballad like style to Iceland entry last year with ‘ Is it true’ which came 2nd . Not bad for a former Soviet state.

Germany – Satellite – no this is not my cup of tea but it’s probably one of the most unique songs of the competition so it rates a mention. And Germany is gagging for a win.

Romania – Playing with fire – Again another surprise from a country usually famous for dictators and bad bad songs. I’m not sure how this is going to fare but the chorus is catchy and who doesn’t love a boy & girl pop duet.

Iceland – Je Ne Sais Quoi – Now this is one is my favourite of the competition. It’s your great euro trash dance song with even a French title of the Chorus – you’ll be hearing in this in any gay club in Europe this summer. Song by a rather large and not so pretty lass but a hit none the less.

Now for those in OZ dear SBS is broadcasting 'Countdown To Eurovision' specials on May 14th and May 21st at 4pm, including "The A to Z of Eurovision" – including the most memorable ( and not so memorable) moments of previous Eurovision. Now that’s the Eurovision of my youth I remember so well. Those were the days.

Needing more Eurovision - http://www.eurovision.tv/page/home

You Tube...No Tube

2010-04-24T07:22:00.008+10:00

Well here I am every year planning to share the high, well really the low lights of Eurovision. Imagine my surprise when I go to ol’ faithful You tube to find the top finalists of this craptacular song competition only to find out this [one woman show alert]...

You Tube no longer shares with blogger...yes dear reader blogger who is owned by Google who also owns You tube...have decided to not pursue the sharing arrangements of clips. Makes sense [yes Google that sense not Adsense you constantly sending me emails about].

Now why is this is? You can still link to Facebook, Twitter and the suchlike. That’s handy to bloggers. Are Google foreseeing a future without blogs due to these popular social networking sites? Or have they decided to start this ball rolling...[lights brighten centre stage]

So what does this mean? Google now is so huge it has the financial power and might of a Super Power. It’s that scary. Ok so I was impressed when they told China recently that they were removing Government based blocks for searches – Google used its power for good. But this? Why remove the linking to You Tube? And I might add, no explanation why just informing that they were removing it. More like China then you care to admit hey Google?

Ok so Im being a tad dramatic. Ta Da. [Exit stage left, music crescendos].

Needless to say I have not only been pissed off by this news but have lost a bit of motivation to post...hence my slovenly silence. Now I could just find another site that allows me to link to blogger...Daily motion for example. Trouble is that the content compared to You tube is of a lesser quality. And you know quality is word dujour when it comes to Eurovision.

So I will stop the rant and hope that another clip site will resolve my current dilemma. And when you think about the poor folks in China I need to shut up. As its not dilemma more than a diva dummy spit. [End Scene].

52 Recipes - March

2010-04-01T08:09:00.005+11:00

A quick update on the recipes.
Ok so now March is down and dusted....

1.3 9 Sago Gula Melaka - Food Safari (Season 2)
8.3 10 Slow Cooked Greek Lamb - The internet
15.3 11 Olive fetta & onion tart - The internet
22.3 12 Orange sugar puffs - Gorgeous Cakes Cookbook
29.3 13 Hot Cross Buns - Gourmet Traveller (Apr 2010)

Just baked the buns today - and they were a triumph!

Andy and I ate 4 straight out of the oven - OMG why I havent made these sooner!

Now for APR ( Planned)
5.4 14 Rabbit & Mushroom Pie - Gourmet Traveller (Apr 2010)
12.4 15 Potato Gratin - The internet

These are both for a dinner with friends on Saturday night....and yes I will be taking pictures!

You Tube:'Sneaky Gays

2010-03-30T17:27:00.001+11:00

A sneak peak of the next season of GLEE - esp like the many mentioned word swish

A day in my life - an ebay experience.

2010-03-10T19:02:00.006+11:00

I have been a great fan of ebay – selling and buying - and not had any issues. However my recent ebay purchase went like this...

Found item...watched item until last day of auction [I have been looking for similar item for last few months and all go for way too much].

Item in last day – came in and bid like crazy – won item! Paid under what I thought it would have gone for – brilliant.

Sent email for address for courier to collect [it was furniture] and informed the seller I paid via PayPal. She refunded it and said could I pay via bank account instead. PayPal did not debit me – not a problem.

Paid into bank account and emailed her. She confirmed address & she recommended a courier to use. I then organised the suggested Courier and agreed on a price. Too easy.

That was Monday - Delivery Wednesday. And now starts the drama.

Courier calls me this morning and lost address. Gave address again. Ok.

Bank calls me. PayPal have debited account and did I know that I am now overdrawn? Apologised to bank manager [my bank still believes in service ] I then transfer funds to cover. Not ok.

Courier calls me again. Seller not at home. I inform them they are 30 mins early. Courier said that they are busy so they thought they would get there early. I inform them again I was told 10-12 pick up and suggested that they call their office to sort out as I informed seller of this. Getting tetchy now.

Leave a message for seller. So not good right now.

I call PayPal. After 10 mins in an automated service designed to try a patience of a saint I speak to a disinterested agent called ‘Patrick’ [Prick would have been more fitting] who informs me that seller had no right to refund payment until she received it. And this is my problem? And anyway I would have to wait for 5 working days to appear in my Pay Pal account. Once appeared I can request to withdraw the funds from my PayPal account I now have to wait for a further 5 working days [ so 2 weeks minimum] before I can have the money back into my account. And no nothing can be done. I thank Patrick for his assistance and tell him that if he showed some empathy to customers they would be much easier to speak to and possibly his job could be easier too. Quite furious right now.

Courier calls again. They have waited until 10:05am and still no one at home. They are leaving and if I want to reorganise to call the office. I do. Owner of courier business give ME a frosty reception and states that he simply can’t do another trip to sellers today. Nor the rest of week. Possibly late next week IF an opening becomes available. I inform him I will call him back. I don’t.
I email seller to reschedule for later this week – maybe the weekend. No response.

I call another courier to get quote. Firstly I am informed that I have called the wrong department and given a new number. Then promptly disconnected. I call new number. Better automated voice and get through to agent. She can’t help me but takes my details and someone will call back soon. I ask when? Soon she repeats. I wait.

I make a coffee and contemplate why you can’t buy vallium over the counter anymore. It’s also the first time in 4 years I want to light up a cigarette and pretend I’m Baby Jane Hudson when I’m speaking to these phone incompetents. If anything just to practice my Bette.

So I try the seller again. She answers. She overslept and missed the whole thing. I tell her my morning and she apologises profusely and tells me she will drop in off within 2 hours. She sounds genuine. I thank her and say a Hail Mary just in case. Im not even Catholic.

Well she did. And she could not have been nicer about. She called the 1st courier to explain it was her issue and didn’t even take petrol money.

So I have my item which looks fantastic [ it is vintage post war Danish buffet for the Dining Room] and have saved on courier costs. Will eventually get my other money back.

Moral of this tale – PAYPAL are cunts but sellers on ebays are not. In fact this one was fabulous.

X b

Ps- Oh yeah 2nd courier company still has not called me back. But you guessed that already.

52 weeks

2010-02-20T07:43:00.004+11:00

Well now its February I decided to come clean about my new year’s resolution

Firstly I haven’t broken it!

Secondly I chose it as it specifically so I couldn’t break it. Naturally.

Thirdly it’s not shocking, dirty, drug or sex related, climbing Mt Everest or building an Ark [Jesus I tried that when i was about 8 with Lego and let me tell you it didn’t work then] nor am I trying to be more spiritual, find religion, give up a vice nor loving thy neighbour more [Even though one of the guys to our left is a bit hot I don’t thing Andy would appreciate my spying on the hot neighbour].

And the thing is that after collecting so many cookbooks over the years -16 at last count, 18 months worth of the Gourmet Traveller [ The OZ foodies bible] & a folder of cut out, scribbled on and given to – recipes, I thought it was time for action.

So my resolution was to try a new recipe per week for 2010. Period.

Criteria was simple – it must be something new I haven’t cooked before, sourced from anywhere & I must have at least 52 completed by 31st of Dec 2010. Yes I was a bit inspired by Julia & Julie but not inspired enough to do every day – Well I would if I didn’t have to work! Also these are the dry runs of what will be appearing on the menu for dinner parties at Casa del a Riversdale this year.

So here’s what I prepared [earlier] to date (with source):-

JAN
4.1 1 - Lobster Thermidor - The internet
11.1 2 - Indian Lamb kebabs - ‘Indian in 6’
18.1 3 - Lamb Kofta - The internet
25.1 4 - Pea & Prawn Linguini - ‘Gourmet Traveller Simple’

FEB
1.2 5 - Berry Trifle - A & B special [ made up this one]
8.2 6 - Tandoori Chicken - ‘Indian in 6’
15.2 7 - Dahl with Spinach - ‘Indian in 6’
21.2 8 – Spanakopita (planned) - Gourmet Traveller (march 2010)

So I think I have covered classics, Indian & Greek so far. Lobster Thermidor has indeed splendid & a marvellous start. All the Indian recipes were amazing [without burning our mouths] NB - less liquid with the Dahl, darl. I think Greek food hits the spot with my love affair with Lamb. Planning to roast a whole leg Greek style soon. μεγάλος!

I have decided that throughout the year I will be updating with my progress to date – no dear reader this is not becoming a foodie blog [There is much a rumbling with Eurovision 2010 to be had next month!] but I thought a new series just for ‘010- I will also take any suggestions or recipes sent from anyone– however nothing too unusual (I’m not eating insects, testicles etc) however would be open to different styles to push my cooking boundaries.

Email me recipes at urbanguy99@hotmail.com
[title your email recipe].

X b

You gotta have pride

2010-02-08T19:20:00.014+11:00

So on Sunday it was pride march in Melbourne town - more of the Midsumma madness. Andy & I sent our regrets as we were gardening that day. Before you say why we were not in attendance I figured I can miss a gay march after being out of the closet for almost 20 years [this year readers] & seen a few sights in that 20 years in the community & I didn’t need to go and see more. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the march with the many groups represented such as the bears nor PFLAG/dykes on bikes/gay parents/mature men nudists [wearing g’s no less – or they’ll get arrested] nor a support group for trannies of Dimboola or lesbian separatists Baptist church [Ah[Wo]men!]- Its just that they represent groups that I don’t relate to.

So it’s only apt that I was reading a blog article titled Create a Unifying Term for the Community in the Queers united blog [http://queersunited.blogspot.com ] basically calling for a united name for the GLBTIQA – Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Questioning ( I know - how the fuck did that one get in - NB some know this as Queer but in OZ its Questioning) and Asexual. Why don’t we just call it GLBTIQASupercalifragilisticexpialidociousfuckingstupidname community as the adding of the letters has become too ridiculous for...words.

Now I totally agree with one unified name for the community however where do you start? Queer on the face of it seems to fit the bill but it’s just too queer for words and too 1970’s. Same with those nicknames of ‘Nancy’ &‘Mary’ as they are old ladies names now. Faggot rhymes with maggot too much & poofs reeks of the 1960’s Carry on Films [actually I don’t mind that one really as you can make it poofie, poofta, wooly woofter, woofter & my latest poofer however even I concede that this may be a bit of a setback for the community at large]. Bent really means you're a criminal. Friends of Dorothy missed the bus ride years ago or should I say the house ride. Queen refers to her majesty [we are NOT a republic yet]. Funny, that way inclined & effeminate is just that & let’s face it gay really refers to homosexual men. Well all I have mentioned do relate to gay men as gay men even when being oppressed need to have the spotlight[s].

Maybe then it’s time we split the community into groups instead of unifying. Do lesbians & gays really need or want to share the dinner table? Do transsexuals really want asexuals sharing their upstairs/downstairs flat too? Do bisexuals want to mix with intersexes over cocktails & canapes? And where do we put the "questionables" – give them a map to Gaytown with a exit back to Normalville when they have had enough? Let alone all the others we are yet to include? In this global community is it not time that we have enough players to stand alone? You would think so if you trawl through all those specific groups in Face book - Stick to your own kind day say I ? Or Do I.

Before declaring that I’m becoming a gay separatist on the Isle of Brett the Gay Poofer Gardener bar & grill theme park I was drawn back to an Aesop tale – The Bundle of sticks from the 6th century [ taken from From http://www.bartleby.com/17/1/72.html ]

AN OLD man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to bring in a faggot of sticks, and said to his eldest son: “Break it.” The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the Bundle. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. “Untie the faggots,” said the father, “and each of you take a stick.” When they had done so, he called out to them: “Now, break,” and each stick was easily broken. “You see my meaning,” said their father.

Interesting as it mentions ‘broken faggots’ and the moral being how united we stand but divided we fall. There is a real need for the community to still march down the street affirming our identity while accepting our diversity too.

I think we need more time on the name. Now that’s a conversation for the 21st century - Oh Boy/girl/ladyboy/unassigned !

You Tube:Girls Aloud - The Promise

2010-02-06T12:55:00.001+11:00

Yes I know this is old. Yes I know its girls aloud and yes its bad BAD pop. But I saw it the other day and the video is so heaven - The stylists had a field day with this - ENJOY!

T dance and the snappy happy crowd

2010-01-21T06:41:00.030+11:00

Well Midsumma's T-dance was a boon this year - yes the weather was far better last year [storm clouds were toying with us all afternoon and into the evening] - but the company was as just as thrilling. The line up was pretty good too. I do remember seeing Inaya Day for only a brief moment but clearly I was losing track of time. Especially given the days celebrations [Carnival and the entire Midsumma festival can be very taxing]. The patrons, like previous years, were great. Well in the paid area anyway.

Now having accquired the iphone very recently [as with every other poof in the park] everyone was a bit snap happy. And my photos were not the best. However a rather lovely young man called Oliver we all met was was taking pics of all and sundry. He managed to snap a very nice one of us [I'm on the end in the aqua/teal/insert affected colour here].

Well it turns out this young man is a photographer [in between his day job in our airways] and has a rather wonderful blog himself called FLY FROM NEARBY http://flyfromnearby.tumblr.com - as he states in the description - A photo blog of my first 365 days of being a non-smoker.I take a photo every day, of anything and anyone. He regularly updates the blog with new and very interesting snaps. Each one is a snapshot of his life. Hard day in the office.They are bizarre, interesting and rather wonderful pictures. These are just a sample.
Oliver is clearly inspired by his mates.
I love this - its like a marathon runner tossed it in when arriving at the beach. And here is Oliver with the Satorialist no less. Patron & apprentice?

Skater vs urban chic?
And The girls at T- dance - this one made it in! Lucy, Claire and the English gals. This snap summed up the day very well for me. Thankfully he wasn't taking snaps of us at the end of the night. Well at least the light is more forgiving then.

Blogs to check out

2010-01-16T13:53:00.010+11:00

Hello and welcome to 2010 [I'm still trying to say 20-10 a opposed to two thousand and ten - its taking longer than expected] - Just a few blog links that I have been enjoying lately over my holidays that I want to share:-

I do believe I came with a hat - http://idobelieveicamewithahat.com/

This is fabulous - an old school etiquette site for living in 2010 - Especially like the tag line - One gentleman's guide to not getting thrown out, not throwing up and how to throw a party! I must have him around for dinner - I just hope the linen will be pressed enough!

One fine gay - http://onefinegay.blogspot.com/

This blog is a day to day adventures of a gay man in the Manchester UK - Its funny, cute and well written - love a rant from a scouce who enjoys a shant. Oh and the play on words title is v.clever.

Project 76 - http://blog.project76.tv/

Another UK gay blog gem - especially like his posts to do with Dr Who, UK food ( chips and other fried varieties) and all about UK Telly - v good. Oh and he have 76 in the title [which is somewhat a joke between myself and Tonzy but I digress] which is always good.

And finally...

Deep Dish - http://marcharshbarger.blogspot.com/

This is heaven - Retro TV/Music/Film rants with shots of hot men - all I need now is a 12 inch disco remix/poolside/sunglasses/cocktail and whoosh I'm away!

Speaking of which - I'm off to T-dance this afternoon and V.excited - hopefully it won't rain.

X b

You tube: Flash Mob Dance in Melbourne

2010-01-09T08:12:00.001+11:00

As part of Summer Fun in the City - City Of Melbourne organised a Flash Mob for Bourke St Mall - I was only in the audience not a participant - its a shame that the video does show it was almost the entire length of the mall itself.

Summertime

2010-01-05T13:10:00.004+11:00

This is was my Sunday - City Beach (Perth Western Australia)

And this my monday ( same beach) ...back home on today. The beach was...awesome.

Another 10 for (20)10

2009-12-20T18:18:00.009+11:00

Jesus I just realised that it’s the end of the year, and the decade in less than 2 weeks.

You know I can remember [barely mind] new years eve 1979. I mean I was only 5 but clearly remember that date. You never forget certain dates no matter what age. Especially in that year as my birthday party was shared with my sister [we are separated by 2 years but are born 3 days apart!] never nice to share birthdays unwillingly. I do remember though different birthday cakes. She had Donald Duck & I had Mickey Mouse - those piped whipped creations of birthday past. I remember that year vividly Perth celebrating its 150 sequentennial. Black Swans for days EVERYWHERE. But NYE '79 - we were dragged to a party to a local community hall in North Beach. I remember party lights, halter necks & moustaches, women drinking cask Moselle and men drinking Beer. Lots of tanned and red skin. Oh and everyone was smoking. I remember the highlight being the Conga line, streamers and horns at midnight. More Don's Party [even the politics spoken] than Abigail's Party. 1980 would bring a whole decade of school and ‘the bright future’. Whatever that was.

Then NYE 1989. I had finished lower school with only 2 more to go, Love shack was just on the radio [destined to be a hit] and I was 15 with a fringe from hell, at a house party in the suburbs. The women had moved onto perms and chardonnay, while the men still on beer. It had been a big year in an even bigger decade. We saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Cold War was over apparently]. We also saw [the rise and rise and subsequent] fall of the stock market and about to head into a murky recession. And fash was still mental. I remember all the teenage kids were all hanging out near the pool taking shit and embarrassed for our parents. Midnight came - no dancing - but well wishes for the new decade. I made a plan that night that I was going to fall in love before the next year eve. And I did. I just didn’t know at the time it was going to be with a man.

Next was 1999 and I didn't party like the song suggested. I was at a very grown up private house party in the right bit of South Yarra. It was champagne with a view of the fireworks at midnight with people I didn't know and never saw again. Pleasant, smart but restrained -a little disappointing for the end of the decade/century & millennium. In bed by 1am. Alone. It summed up the last 10 years for me – trying to do the right things and being myself. Struggling to find my own way in the world. Coming out and all the drama with it - especially with my family. Going to university, finishing my degree and then never using it. A 3 and a half year relationship that fizzed out and a string of jobs I was never really happy with. The new decade/century & millennium was going to be a fresh start.

And the last 10 years have been. Personally and professionally they have had their challenges but many triumphs. The last year has been much harder than the rest as much has happened, especially with our families, work and each other. [NB I wanted to originally use this blog for most of my personal experiences but even I can’t go into these details as they are too personal and private. I think there is something to be said to share your life, but you always need to have some of it private for personal sanctuary].

So NYE 2009. We are going to be in Perth. No plans. And it doesn’t matter as it’s just another day in the big scheme of things. But it’s good to reflect on the years past. And welcome in the new one, no matter what it brings.

Have a safe holiday and I'll be back in 2010.

X b

B52s LIVE: They came from Planet Clare

2009-12-05T13:12:00.018+11:00

Melbourne has many old theatres. Most of these grand old dames have been revamped and rebuilt in the last few years. Their beauty restored but in this process they have lost some of their character. Some may say that it was that lived in look, so to speak. One still remains that has not had a spit and polish - still rusty, dusty and musty, like something out of an old movie. Given its age I’m not surprised if you see the ghost of Norma Desmond herself on any given night peering out of one of the towers balcony on Flinders Street haunting the corner below. The building is from a forgotten bygone era, the paint is cracked and its guarding gargoyles saddened by its faded glory. And its one of my favourites in town as it's still got 'it'.
Unlike its sisters in the trade which now stick to strictly musicals and the suchlike, The Forum still plays a variety of entertainers. Its forte are comedians [see Melbourne comedy festival] and live music. It’s not surprising that that band once described as the new wave kiddie rock punk band – The B52’s came to play. After the support act of the Proclaimers [Lady Norton - my date du jour - was pleased to hear them sing about their in-common hometown of Leith] the 30+ aged crowd was getting very excited by the headline act.

Now I have been an avid fan since the 80’s of this band and have been waiting to see them live since then. Yes it did start with Love shack [Even Rocklobster was before my time] but then I collected all their previous albums and listened to music that I never would have heard before [52 girls, Dance this mess around and Devil’s in my car to name a few]. My taste in music up to then consisted of Olivia Newton John, Bananarama and Wham [yes I way too gay beyond my years]. The success of the Cosmic thing album made them a worldwide household name. This after a long journey through tough gigs [The Mudd Club in NYC- the same era but the antithesis of Studio 54] music experimentation [Whammy & Mesopotamia to name a few], tragic loss [Cindy’s brother Ricky, the fifth band member sadly died of AIDS in the 80’s] and not to forgot all those god damn wigs.

So after donning three champers and a few pink frozen cocktails [aptly named Love shack] with the Lady Norton, the sound technician made his final checks and we are waiting for the countdown. Lights flash and Keith Strickland suddenly comes bounding out first. Now I have always fancied Keith – something about tall cute men. However I didn’t recognise him as Keith has decided to mix his look now into Goth & Marilyn Manson inspired- not what I remembered. Next was Fred Schneider - Fred did look like a very mad old homo and appeared not so happy to be there. But in fairness Fred was always the serious one and always looked like a mad old homo. But I was then nervous. Would Cindy Wilson just look like a Drag queen and Kate Pierson look like her mother - Goth like Keith and angry Fred troubled me so. Would they sound as good as I had heard so many years ago? Was their paint cracking ? Then the girls appeared, looking...so fine – sequins, feathers , 1960's frocks and those wigs – exactly what I thought they would look like. Good. No mothers of Drag Queens here. Good. Now breathe in and let them play.

They started singing. And they were...amazing. Fucking awesome actually.

Yes they are older [Jesus who isn’t] but their energy is still there. That very same energy they had when I heard them so many years ago in my teenage bedroom in Hamersley [so another story there but I digress]. And they played a variety of songs too [who doesn’t like a music buffet cooked up by their favourite band ?] Mesopotamia was earthy and rich while Private Idaho was punchy and exciting. Fred’s commanding lyrics in Strobe light made me shiver. Cindy singing Give me back my man ['Cindy Ill give you fish to sing that song again] and both of the girls blasting out Roam was so bloody fantastic it brought the house down. Lady Norton even managed to get us down to the front for the encore - Planet Clare & Rocklobster no less. So I did manage to Dance this mess around...and do all 16 dances.

They still got 'it'. I hear that even Norma was seen in the tower shimmying in a Lurex gown that night.

Movie Review:2012 [What a disaster]

2009-11-15T07:09:00.009+11:00

Now before I launch into a one woman show about the state of films in 2009 and Hollywood and unoriginality – I want express my love – love love love for disaster films. My first disaster film was Towering Inferno – the mega skyscraper in the skyline of San Francisco that bursts into flames – a stellar cast of actual somebody’s – Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire, Richard Chamberlain to name but a few – I remembering watching it on TV in the early 80’s and loved it [I was also pleased that it was made in the year of my birth but I digress]. Likewise the Poseidon Adventure – that giant boat hit by the tidal wave - you can’t forget Shelley Winters performance and her swimming medal or the fact that the tables stuck on the ceiling – and Airport with the glamorous soap opera styling that lead to a string of sequels [I will try to forget about Karen Black landing the plane in a later sequel].

In recent years they have remade Poseidon [which was not a copy rather a good film in its own right] and [thankfully] also revamped the genre to suit audiences tastes – look at Cloverfield – Godzilla with Blair Witch styling’s and a good storyline. Or Titanic – the love story where the boat sinks [minus the fact that a woman of breeding would never flip the bird but that’s James Cameron for you] Now with CGI the disasters actually look real – and that much more scary because they do look believable.

But [back to the rant] for every Poseidon or Inferno – there is an Earthquake [please they just shook the camera and pushed over Ava Gardner] and Independence Day [the least I say about that waste of time, film and my life seeing that the better]. And unfortunately 2012 is not so much the ship hitting the iceberg – it’s really the giant moth of 1960’s Japanese disaster film Mosura laying the giant egg of a celluloid stinker in your local theatre.

So your basic premise of any disaster the film is the actual disaster and the effects – generally the best of that year of the film release [Even I have to admit Inferno is now dated and clearly a lego model - but at the time totally believable ]. Now I must admit that 2012 effects are extraordinary. LA plunging into the sea, tidal waves the size of Mt Everest, earthquakes to swallow Las Vegas and a Volcano to rival the destruction of Pompeii – well that is worth seeing on the big screen for – hands down.

But with any movie it’s also about the story - essentially the story of survival for disaster films. Now you need to choose your stars and their characters wisely as you want them to survive and you want to cheer when they do. 2012 - I couldn’t care less if all of the characters were swallowed up by the sea and you just watched more destruction of the Earth due to the alignment of planets [as predicted by the Mayan’s – that’s the premise]. Poor script, poor characters and poor choice of stars. Hands down.

I hope the next blockbuster disaster film won’t be so [insert own cliche here] If you go – go on a 2 for 1 deal or similar and only go for the effects.

2 natural disasters out of 5 [again only for the CGI].

You Tube:Michael Jackson Fail

2009-11-04T20:09:00.001+11:00

I promised I would not post anything MJ related however I saw this hot guy dancing..let alone the ending...will post proper next time folks.

You tube: Tron [pt 2]

2009-10-25T07:41:00.001+11:00

Ok now being it forward 28 years with digital effects but the same concept in 3D...hottest film tipped for 2010.

Decade

2009-10-12T19:45:00.014+11:00

Firstly this is not about Duran Duran. Sorry Eddy, Paula and Bek.

Secondly [to completely change the subject] I don’t talk about work here...and won’t ever – I truly believe in separating work and home life – true work life balance - let alone now talking about people or work and getting in strife with HR – oh no not for me. I still won’t talk about work with the exception of this brief entry. So saying that I got to work this morning and received an email stating that I had been there for 10 years.

Shit.

I knew it was coming up but would you believe it I completely forgot the actual start date [well it was 10 years ago]. It’s funny how it happened. I moved to Melbourne a few years before and after working at a hotel for 6 months I then started working at a bank. I worked a 5 day week and then worked my weekend at the hotel for almost 3 years. The plan was to work as hard as possible to save money [for travel, rainy day stuff etc] but instead I managed to blow it all on...well...shit.

Well after working 6 sometimes 7 days a week it took it out of me...I had enough of both and applied for a new job – completely new field and industry [that will remain nameless - see above] and low and behold got it. That was October 11th 1999. In the last decade of the old millennium. I thought [after being at a hotel and bank for 3 years –my longest employers then to date] I would work there for 2 years or more then transfer to Sydney then move on [ at the time i had a lot of friends in Sydney and thought I would become another queen in the Harbour city].

Well that didn't happen did it.

Well what has happened since October 1999...[workwise]

10 years at the same employer also 10 years of a cash bonus [thankyou very much]
9 different managers [well at least]
8 different roles
7 Xmas party attendances [even I had to have a few years off]
6 actual different jobs
5 declined internal jobs
4 restructures
3 divisional moves and 3 different offices
2 secondments
1 management program
Countless workmates & work related piss ups

Its funny that’s all happened in 10 years – 30 years ago that might have happened over someone’s entire career[with the exception of the Xmas Party attendance]. Thank god I like my job, the people I work with and company I work for. And after receiving a nice gift and almost 2 and a half months off [hopefully for travel I missed out in my 20's as I spent my money on shit] to take sometime soon. Its so been worth it.

Then I realised...I have been working full time for almost 13 years [part time/casual for 8 years prior to that due to studies] and now as I’m 35 years old [I hate it when people usually over 50 call themselves x years young- you’re old you old fart no matter what age]...and now that retirement age in OZ will be at least 70 for my generation...I have another 35 years left of working life.

Shit.

You Tube:Food Court Musical

2009-10-08T07:00:00.001+11:00

This is what really happens when people start singing in normal life...not like they do in the musicals...v.funny though.

UP, up and away

2009-09-30T08:32:00.008+10:00

Firstly I want to start by saying I love animation. Period.

It’s a shame that I can’t remember the first actual animation film I watched as a child. However I do remember Dot & the Kangaroo (well known to OZ Gen Xers). Crappy animation but tear jerker of an ending. Yes of course I remember the Disney films well (an avid viewer of Sunday nights Wonderful world of Disney – after countdown no less). I can’t say I had a favourite of Disney as I liked them all...well until I watched Beauty & the Beast many years later (I discovered it after all the hype – so I missed out on the musical but saw it on ice – can you imagine 2 X 30 something gay men in a sea of children yelling Brava for a teapot skating on ice...but I digress).

But animation (cartoons in my day) shifted from hand drawn Aristocats, Cinderella, The Rescuers etc to the technological animation advances like Toy Story. Smart funny and full of toy nostalgia – aimed at kids (or Gen Xers?). There was the multicoloured brilliance of Finding Nemo... tropical fish are that alive when it comes to their colour. Then the tiny details of Bugs life – the antennae of the ants alone were fantastic. The bar was raised when the classic post war modern styled The Incredibles. Edna (clearly based on Hollywood costume designer Edith Head) I fell in love with the moment she poked her tiny head/massive bob cut on the screen. Of course there are always the shit ones like Cars – so Yawn - but generally these films are an exploration of ideas and technology telling a story.

UP is yet another great animation film. Simply one man’s life dream to visit a remote jungle in South America and the old travellers he grudgingly collects along the way. The characters are funny and likable. The story is sweet - but not that Disney sugar coated nonsense - just a pleasant tale.

Now Disney ( or I should say PIXAR) have raised the bar yet again. The colours used in this film are amazing. The balloons and that bird even beat the palate of Nemo. I think they stole Florence Broadhurst old wallpaper catalogue (I’m reading her biography at the moment hence the reference but more of that later) Actually the Bird and the dog steal the show. I especially liked when the bird impersonates the old man...too funny. There are many hilarious moments in this film - The dogs with their talking collars is very clever – The main cute mutt you want to adopt, even if you are a cat person.

Anything else would be telling too much. This is a film that will easily universally be accepted for any age group – entertaining for the kids as well as the adults (or should I say Gen Xers taking their kids/nephews & nieces/ Partners). Yes like Dot & the Kangaroo there are sad moments – minus the crappy animation of course...making UP Pixar’s best film to date. Period.

4 and a half balloons of out 5.

You Tube:Air New Zealand Ad

2009-09-23T07:55:00.001+10:00

You may need to watch this ad a few times for the penny to drop - very clever. Next post will be proper post as been super busy. X b

Ýou Tube: Song For a Future Generation

2009-08-31T09:21:00.001+10:00

For my 250th post I would like to celebrate with the B-52's with a song now over 25 years old- once described as the original new wave kiddie punk rock band - still dancing and messin around...and I finally get to see them in December! Will they do all 16 dances?

Movie review: Project 9

2009-08-19T08:44:00.006+10:00

Now I have been told that I get things mixed up...occasionally. I once got Margo Kidder mixed up with Stockhard Channing with a character ‘Margo Channing’ – played by Bette Davis in All about Eve. Just recently I have been calling HBO The wire – Wired. And I thought singer Kate Perry was also actress Zooey Deschanel [ yes who? Fooey the Chanel?] Hence why I mixed them up.

And so when I got the new disaster flick 2012 mixed up with Project 9 this was no surprise to Andrew. We sat there in the cinema and it dawned upon me [ this after booking & purchase of the tickets as well as the buckets of popcorn the size of our bodies] that yet again I mixed the movies up after the trailer of 2012 came on prior to the film.

Set in current day Johannesburg South Africa, an alien spacecraft has been suspended in the air for the last 20 years packed full of aliens refugees. But don’t think this is a purely sci fi film. Its starts in the documentary hand held way to introduce the main characters – but this is not a mock-u-mentry. It’s also funny but this isn’t a comedy. Basically the government of the day is planning to move the alien precinct to 250Km outside of Joburg. The parallels to the world’s treatment of foreign or [alien] refugees in a post 911 world are quite obvious. But this is a not a social commentary film either. This mixed up film of genres makes you wonder what is going to happen or occur in the film – or what this film is really about.

Peter Jackson is the producer and his early films [before the Rings] were always very quirky and off the wall – look at ‘Meet the Feebles’’ & ‘Braindead’- funny yet dark and grim. But instead of the films just becoming being a gore or shock film, there is always as strong story line, and this is also apparent in 9.

Without telling more of the story or ruining the film, there is something going on with the aliens...and something much darker going on with the ominous military group of why they want the aliens to move. The main character is really the anti hero – and initially quite annoying. No big stars in this and thankfully so - you concentrate on the characters and story rather than the name.

There are some violent scenes in the film, but don’t be put off. The chase scenes will get your heart racing [the sci fi geek next to me was jumping around his seat and cheering when the 'badies' get shot but don’t be put off from seeing this film as that’s the crowd you get at the Victoria Gardens at the early session Saturday night – I digress] and the aliens are very realistic looking – not the wobbly plastic circa 1976 Doctor Who/Blake 7 type at all. I was also genuinely convinced of all of the South African accents - not like Meryl in Out of Africa – all mixed up in a wrong way. This film is all mixed up in the right way. And my dears there is nothing wrong about that.

4 shaken not stirred UFO’s out of 5.

You Tube: Bawdy 1970s hospital sketch

2009-08-09T08:04:00.001+10:00

I loved the carrry on films and also love That Mitchell and Webb look - ooooh MATRON! I love it

Lunch with Brack & Dali for tea

2009-07-29T10:15:00.011+10:00

Making the most of a day off last week I finally went to see exhibitions of John Brack and Dali at the NGV galleries. I used to frequent art galleries when I was in my 20’s but I find it harder now I’m working full time so I was glad I managed to find the time to view both artists as I admire them both for different reasons.After lunch it was then to Fed Square for Brack. I love retrospectives as having all the paintings in the same space it becomes clear how the artist developed and evolved. Brack started painting subjects very architecturally, added to this his ongoing commentary on post war suburban life, gave his work such a distinctive style quite unique in Australia at the time.

The first John Brack I saw was at the Art Gallery of WA in the 1980’s – one of his pair of ballroom dancers painted in black, white and lime green. I loved it. It was wonderful that the piece was included in the exhibition. I loved all the other ballroom paintings included as well such as Latin American Grand Final and didn’t realise that they were the inspiration of Baz Lurhman’s flashback scene in Strictly Ballroom. He managed to capture the same glamour and wonderful movement as Brack did. His later work removed subjects and concentrated on inanimate objects which although had much meaning behind them...to be honest it was a bit lost on me. I feel that his human subjects proved a better source of his style.I then headed to St Kilda road gallery for High Tea to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Well, as a lover of High T – I must admit the gallery’s was v. good. After about 3 bottles of sparking the HT troupe made our way to the exhibition. Surprisingly after viewing Australian post war artist to the King of Surrealism was actually not such a leap – but it could have been the wine playing art travel agent.
Now Dali was never one of my favourites. It was always too ‘weird ‘when I was younger and quite frankly ‘messy’. Ah how our tastes change when we get older [thankfully for the better]as the exhibition was amazing. Subtitled ‘Liquid Desire’ it showcased some of his most spectacular works. The selection was so varied from painting to film to jewellery, sculpture and animation. Again I think some of the work was lost on me and I question the critic’s text to explain the painting – sometimes it comes across as dictating a subjective point of view of the art to the viewer – however his landscapes and portraits really touched me. The choice of colour palate and how he framed the scene [especially those of Spain] clearly showed he had a great understanding of his subject as well as his skills as an artist – same way Brack framed Collins St at 5pm – different artists & styles but creating wonderful art.
I really enjoyed the animation of Destino and thought it was a shame that Disney didn’t proceed with Dali’s animation at the time – its amazing the man had the intelligence to engage an artist but not the balls to carry it through.
Even if you are not a fan of either artist its a fantastic opportunity to view both of these masters work in the one space.

John Brack: Inside and Outside – until the 9th of August 2009 - NGV at Fed Square.
Dali: Liquid Desire – until 4th of October 2009 - NGV at St Kilda Road.

5 melting clocks out of 5 ballroom dancers.

Sites to check out...From Rogues & Turkeys to masterspieces

2009-07-16T06:45:00.008+10:00

Well goodness its cold in Melbourne town at the moment...thankfully I have been enjoying the indoors with a lovely new laptop [sorry notebook] and enjoying bejewelled & farmville games on Facebook [but enough of my 80's gamer obsession for now] I found 3 sites which I want to share...

Firstly from the [ominous] news.com.au site - the Rogues gallery - there snapshots of criminals behaving like...common criminals...like our sample photo friend above...mother of the year no less...v.funny.

http://www.news.com.au/gallery/0,23607,5058703-5007150,00.html#

Next is blog featuring the polar opposite... you look marvelous is exactly that - images of pop art, ads and other incredible objects of beauty...always nice to cheers you up and remember life is also filled with glamour...if not just for a moment.

http://youlookmarvelous.tumblr.com/

And finally and totally off the subject - as winter is the time for staying in and basically...eating...I found a very useful Turkey calculator for Andy when he was cooking one - it came in very handy this Xmas in July [ which made it the triumph it was].

http://www.todaysturkey.com.au/common/turkey_calculator.aspx

I'll be back soon but the Love my way DVD is calling me back to bed....

You Tube: Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version

2009-07-08T18:50:00.001+10:00

This is heaven - some smarty made a literal version of this of the classic Bonnie Tyler song - so so funny - esp how they get away with the new lyrics

That was the week that was

2009-06-22T17:13:00.010+10:00

Well Jesus what a week!

So let me tell you whats been going since the [acopolypic] post eurovision world that was May

Well it all started last Friday - it was our last day at the old office - now don't get me wrong - working [just off] the tree lined vista that is St Kilda Road sounds like a great location...well to live - not work. Especially after working on Collins Street for 8 years to work with all the city delights then to work in South Melbourne - which their delights [ahem] paling in comparison. So we were treated to a farewell party in the afternoon [which was a lot of fun] at a local nightclub [which it is always weird to go to a nightclub in the afternoon unless you are attending a recovery as you have already been out for days] and although only 4 drink cards were issued many more were drunk. Then a trip to the casino[I know when did i become a bogan?] and ending the night at the Peel. Tidy. Gay Tidy that is.

Needless to say the mix of the champers, then beer then vodka[of course] did not agree with myself and Saturday consisted of the C's - couch, [take away] chicken, chips, coke & curry. I didn't feel the best Carmel.

I did attempt to go to the gym on Sunday but was still feeling rough - it later turned out that I was not still hungover but I had gotten a virus that most of the Friday party goers also came down in record numbers - so the glam new office with all its brand new furniture & paint & naughties concepts were only half full this week as most of us were at home sick!

I always have sick issues - I am forever needling to do things so staying on my arse in bed watching Kerry Anne/that bogan on 10 and Oprah starts to get to me so i caught up with some serious DVD watching - Kill Bill VOL 1 & 2, The Pianist[ I did heavy weeping] and Victoria Wood as seen on TV - I know quite a combination - A bit like ordering a steak from Hogsbreath cafe with a Cheese Souffle from Jacques Raymond and a Marks & Spencer raspberry Trifle from the trolley - but I digress.

So bless in my team have been hobbling in with their post war-party -virus wounds and have settled in to the new environment quite well - its really weird to go from a 20 year old office to one that is now so state of the art - 'quiet' meeting rooms & break out rooms resembling the big brother house - hexagon like workstations with bright colours & sophisicated lighting and no bins - nearly everything gets recycled- all very 2009 - you are really aware of your environment - Was this the shock of the new they used to refer to with post war modernism architecture or just the shock of the new office?

And more shock & guff with Utegate emails & the government. Well quite frankly they should all just shut up about it and complete signing off on the carbon emissions scheme - enough said on that sordid,sad and shitty bit of federal politics. Jesus its making State politics looking like a better adversary. LOL. Please even I couldn't keep a straight face with that statement.

And now even more shock this morning - RIP Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson - losing a Charlie angel and a Jackson in the same 24 hours - Jesus. I always say when 2 celebrities die a third is close by - Remember Gianni Versace then Princess Di then Mother Theresa all in a short space of time in 1997- you know then another 70's & 80's star is on the way - I'm sorry to put it out there but its gonna happen.

So now what? So on top of the next celebrity death I'm also predicting a relationship breakdown - Danni & her most beautiful beau - well I hope not as I like them both quite a lot. Dancing with Stars actually bombing this season maybe instead? Have you seen the Z-List celebrities they trawled for that catastrophic car crash? However Daniel MacPherson does look hotter than ever with the new cut and Sonia Kruger - who doesn't love Tina Sparkle?

What a week that was!

You Tube: Dinner Party on the Tube

2009-06-13T13:38:00.001+10:00

I love this - take a group of good friends who arrange an interactive dinner party on the tube - certainly brightens up the journey to Baker Street - I can't imagine this on crappy Connex trains here but possibly with Yarra Trams maybe?

Stop Me

2009-06-06T07:13:00.001+10:00

Well post Eurovision and I was in need of DECENT music again and I'm all in love with the music of Mark Ronson at the moment - From Amy to Lily to Daniel let alone all the remixes - Now just to get him and the Freemasons together and I can die a happy gay.

Eurovision 2009 - Postscript

2009-05-17T21:22:00.006+10:00

Well its over for another year - and in reflection it has been quieter than years gone by.

Sure there was Ukraine drumming away when singing and dancing with half naked centurions...Fire throwers when Finland was rappin'...Germany kissin' and a bangin' with Guest act Ditte Von Teese...all very Eurotrash and lovin' it. But Moldova, Norway and Azerbaijan going back to folky past [obviously working in Norway's favour]was the surprise. I think all the crazy's get the boot in the semi's...so needless to say I'll be placing on emphasis on that for 2010.

Israel, Iceland, France, UK and Malta all delivered Divas Du Jour of the competition - Sweden's Pop-pera star seemed to be dulled down after her performance from her original in her home country and no opera face to be seen.

The men didn't fair as well as the ladies I'm afraid - Greece was just playing to the gays as was Germany [too plastic fantastic for my liking], Denmark was just too Rowan Keating looki-and-soundy-likey [already covered in previous post ]and the Croatian lad was hot but again sang in Croatian that no one understands other than the locals.

But not all bad -The set was truly amazing - though I would have to be the one in trouble if the turning electronic show didn't work - I suppose Dress rehearsal is for that sort of thing - shame the presenters needed to practice their lines/sketches they add so willingly that no one really wants?

Eurovision 2009 is over for Russia and Moscow- Oslo Next year!

The winner is...Norway!

2009-05-17T08:18:00.004+10:00

Well I managed to watch bleary eyed just the last 10 minutes via web stream from the official site [is it just me but I'm still impressed that the net offers such a service? But try to get a postage stamp without fuss from the Post office - I digress slavishly] and Norway - the favourite - won!

I think what I am more impressed about this morning is that my top 3 predictions of Norway [1st], Iceland [2nd] & Turkey [4th] were pretty much correct - the only one I missed out was Azerbaijan who came 3rd - which to me sounded like Turkey from 5 years ago but obviously was right on the night. I told you the voting was fickle!

I will be watching tonight on SBS at 7:30pm - expect a silly, sardonic, sarcastic and sensationalist post script by tomorrow.

Eurovision 2009 - The second semi...

2009-05-16T12:38:00.009+10:00

Well yet another fabulous Russian TV telethon production for the 2nd final, [highlights included the giant babushka doll - bless - and the Russian Ballet at interval - Russia can definitely take the ballet as one of their monumental artistic achievements but I digress]- and the results are in for the final...

The 25 songs participating in the Grand Final are the following:

1. Lithuania: Sasha Son will sing Love

2. Israel: Noa & Mira Awad will sing There Must Be Another Way

3. France: Patricia Kaas will sing Et S'il Fallait Le Faire

4. Sweden: Malena Ernman will sing La Voix

5. Croatia: Igor Cukrov feat. Andrea will sing Lijepa Tena

6. Portugal: Flor-De-Lis will sing Todas As Ruas Do Amor

7. Iceland: Yohanna will sing Is It True

8. Greece: Sakis Rouvas will sing This Is Our Night

9. Armenia: Inga & Anush will sing Jan Jan

10. Russia: Anastasia Prikhodko will sing Mamo

11. Azerbaijan: AySel & Arash will sing Always

12. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Regina will sing Bistra Voda

13. Moldova: Nelly Ciobanu will sing Hora Din Moldova

14. Malta: Chiara will sing What If We

15. Estonia: Urban Symphony will sing Rändajad

16. Denmark: Brinck will sing Believe Again

17. Germany: Alex Swings Oscar Sings will sing Miss Kiss Kiss Bang

18. Turkey: Hadise will sing Düm Tek Tek

19. Albania: Kejsi Tola will sing Carry Me in Your Dreams

20. Norway: Alexander Rybak will sing Fairytale

21. Ukraine: Svetlana Loboda will sing Be My Valentine! (Anti-Crisis Girl)

22. Romania: Elena will sing The Balkan Girls

23. United Kingdom: Jade Ewen will sing It's My Time

24. Finland: Waldo's People will sing Lose Control

25. Spain: Soraya will sing La Noche Es Para Mi

Boo Hiss boo for not allowing the gay disco track from Hungary in [although in reality I'm not surprised]...however very happy that the fro from Serbia didn't get a mention let alone those pack of sado's from the Netherlands [I mean really, silver lyrca suits!]

A surprise finalist here is the very ethic polka from Moldova [truely shite]... Mr Kiss Kiss Bang-i-ty nonsense got in too...as did the dark horse 'Believe again' from Denmark - interesting to note the most looki-likey in the whole competition - sounds and looks like Rowan Keating...and the song was written by...you guessed it...Rowan Keating. In a world first...well in my blog anyway I am predicting the top 3 of the grand final will include Norway with Fairytale, Turkey with Dum Tek Tek & Iceland Is It True.

Only a short time now and the winner of Eurovision 2009 will be announced...I have already planned evening in no less.

Eurovision 2009 - the first out of the hat...

2009-05-13T17:55:00.005+10:00

Well the first final hit Europe last night...and, well all I can describe it as a Russian Telethon meets Big brother elimination show from the 80's ( if it wasn't so communist then mind you ) and kudos to the presenters with their Russian-English speech - a real tribute to Good morning Moscow sketch from Fast Forward ( for those from OZ who can remember ].

The 1st group of finalists are:-
Turkey
Sweden
Israel
Portugal
Malta
Finland
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Romania
Armenia
Iceland

Actually not a bad selection so far...the losers included the idiot Gypsy superhero from the Czech republic missed out (boo hoo) as did Bulgaria [or as I would like to say - Vulgaria after this years performance] neither did the Copycat Elvis from Belgium or the pseudo weird 70's pop singer from Belarus [so awful i can't describe].

However the only actual rock band Lovebugs from Switzerland didn't cut the mustard either...so is fickle word of Eurovision voting [lest we forget 1969 with 4 equal winners!]...another final to go then the big one this weekend...and it's only going to be that much more crap-tac-ular!

Eurovision 2009 - Highlights - Switzerland

2009-05-10T08:14:00.001+10:00

Lovebugs -The Highest Heights - This is from the first rehearsal of the finals . A real band is a rare thing in the contest - who knew the Swiss like rock not just banks and chocolate.

Eurovision 2009 - Highlights - Denmark

2009-05-10T08:08:00.001+10:00

Niels Brinck - Believe again - is really something you would hear from IDOL - but saying that its not too bad. It may not be catchy enough for a united continent vite though...you decide.

Eurovision 2009 - The dark horse - Turkey

2009-05-09T15:23:00.001+10:00

Hadise - Dum Tek Tek - is now the outsiders chance of winning - This Turkish Beyonce has the moves with this ethnic pop dance tune. I expect many dancers on the night in manner of ring on it when she performs

Eurovision 2009 - Bloggers choice - Iceland

2009-05-03T11:32:00.001+10:00

Jóhanna Guðrún - Is It True - is actually my song du jour of the competition. The gorgeous Jóhanna sings a love song without being too sappy or sentimental. Jesus I do have a heart...sob

Eurovision 2009 - The Favourite to win - Norway

2009-04-29T19:18:00.001+10:00

Alexander Rybak - Fairytale - This is the song the bookies are betting will win - Folky pop by a violinist boy from Belarus who now calls Norway home - Is this the winner?

RIP - Bea Arthur

2009-04-26T15:32:00.001+10:00

Known best as 'Bossom Buddy' Vera Charles from Mame, '70's pro feminist' Maude from Maude and my favourite Dorothy from 'Golden Girls' - she will be greatly missed. Here singing ' "What'll I Do?" RIP Bea.

Eurovision 2009 Highlights continued - Sweden

2009-04-19T15:44:00.001+10:00

Malena Ernman - La Voix - This is definately gets my vote for 80's DIVA award of Eurovision 2009 - Especially like ' Crazy Opera face' [3:05] similar vein to crazy choir face, but sung with operettas instead of choral music.

Eurovision 2009 Highlights - Hungary

2009-04-19T10:10:00.001+10:00

Zoli Ádok - Dance With Me - is possibly the gayest song ever - but its a little catchy and yes I would dance to it at the Peel on a Friday night if the moment so takes me after bevies du jour...needless to say the filmclip is the second gayest thing ever (after the song)

Eurovision 2009 - 2nd Semi final

2009-04-15T09:23:00.001+10:00

Well the Slavic countries are the highlight here esp Crazy 'Fro from Serbia however Norways Fairytale polks folk and those sad baby boomers clad in silver suits from Netherlands give the old east bloc a run for there money - Enjoy!

Eurovision 2009 - 1st Semi Final

2009-04-15T09:12:00.001+10:00

Lordy a treat here for the 1st semi finalists - including A superhero from the Czech Rep. Elvis from Belgium and a fat Celine Dion from Malta - Enjoy!

Eurovision 2009

2009-04-08T15:51:00.017+10:00

Well I'm back [from holidays] and so is Eurovision.

Ahh Eurovision - this is one of my many crap-tack-ular highlights of the year - never failing to please. Now I started to think that as this year it is held in Russia that all the old Balkan/East Bloc countries will just sing in Russian out of habit [or possibly fear of the old days] - I'm glad to say that's not the case. And whether the economic crisis is hitting the contest, or just tastes are changing [assuming you had taste to begin with] this year flavour has changed...to more subdued. Well for Eurovision it is.

Now there are still the pop songs and future [gay] dance floor hits - thanks to Finland, Greece & Montenegro [with the original lyric of Just get out of my head, just get out of my bed then repeat - Lennon would be envious !] - but this year there is definitely folky/slow and dramatic being theme dujour highlight. France, after entering the Charles Manson look alike DJ with his cutting edge song in '08 has gone for a dramatic SLOW love song in manner of Edith Piaff...Norway goes with 'Fairy tale' waltzy folk complete with a violinist singer...and there is a semi operetta from Sweden.

For me, however this year is all about looki-likeys or I should say ' Soundseelikey'. Germany offers its own Crooner [in manner of Michael Buble] with Miss Kiss Kiss Bang [ not of course too dissimilar to Dionne Warwick's MR kiss kiss bang bang but I digress] Switzerland gives its own version of the Coldplay [I didn't know they got franchised] A Danish back street boys, A Jimmy Sommerville like castrato from Bulgaria [thankfully sung in English] and Andorra offers it's Natalie Imbruglia [yes dear readers I had to google her to write her name correctly] - just to name a few.

I will [of course] be posting clips of the favourites before the big night in May.

Let Eurovision 2009 Begin! [Offical site belowif you need a bigger fix]

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/moscow2009

Another 10...

2009-03-15T17:06:00.010+11:00

[thanks to FreeFoto.com for the snap]

Well its finally time for a holiday - which is well overdue. I'm looking forward to 2 weeks of sun, catching up with old friends & family. I have really struggled this year to get to this point however it was the end goal of a few months of stress. So I've made a short list of goodies to look forward to post holidays.

1 - Easter. I know its sounds lame but how many christian holidays you get to pig out on chocolate eggs, hot cross buns and get 4 days off. It would beat Christmas [If it wasn't for turkey, pudding & gifts really].

2. Autumn. Yes again another one sounding lame however after the summer that was like every oven, car engine, hair drier, electric heater and anything else warm was turned up to extreme. Let alone all the fires around Victoria - We need the rain [currently Melbourne damns are under 30% - we'll be on rations soon! It will be like the war...without the war]. And Melbourne is ever so pretty with the autumnal colours.

3. Judith Lucy. Melbourne Comedy festival is on next month and this year Miss Judith Lucy is back with " “Judith Lucy’s Not Getting Any Younger” This will be Judith’s ninth solo show and I can not wait. She is gold.

4. Eurovision.My crap-o-metre is already off the planet as Russia is hosting and yes one of my first entries when I'm back will be short listing the favourites...and the not so favourites. Especially like the new deal that Graham Norton will be taking the place of Terry Wogan as compare, a worthy replacement no less.

5. Home sweet home. We are in the market and have attended a few auctions - still going for higher than what we want to pay however hoping the 'credit crisis', 'Great Recession' or whatever you want to call it will help us buy...finally.

6. Cheque from the PM. I still can't believe this. The Commonwealth government is basically giving everyone in OZ about a grand to spend to stimulate the economy. Of course what happens is everyone saves it or pays off debit. Oh well finally some of that tax payer money coming to me instead of away. Hello new laptop.

7. My birthday. Yes another lame one for everyone who is not me.

8. Missing Melbourne Grand Prix. By a strange twist of fate [and excellent timing] we miss the Grand Prix this year. Boo Hoo. And in the process miss the yobbo's, rev heads, noise [ don't even get me started on the MASSIVE carbon footprint it leaves]. Boo Hoo.

9. More Miss Lily Allen. I. Just. Love. Her.

[Maybe a bit too much at the moment - see last post].

10. Planning more trips - All worktime and No playtime is just wrong.

See you in April

X b.

Lily Allen - The Fear

2009-03-14T19:20:00.001+11:00

OMG I'm just so in love with Miss Allen at the moment - The fear is just heaven - I wonder if she needs a fag bangle???

Comments from Craig

2009-03-07T16:33:00.010+11:00

One of the things I love about my fair city is the quirkiness of some its residents.

Meet Craig - apparently he is plastering the light & tram poles of Prahran & Windsor with his thoughts and ideas of what he likes...

I do like how he wants to get others on his band wagon of fun...and explanations of...well stuff really...Ladies looking for Love? Look no further - with Craig's DVD collection & his snappy dress sense who would need anything else?

And Craig is obviously a thinking man - and cares for the globe and the economy...
I love this - if you see more around the streets of Melbourne please let me know...

You Tube:Danny Boy

2009-02-26T19:48:00.001+11:00

I loved the muppets.Clearly the three best singers the Muppets have ever had to offer, together at last. Enjoy.

That was the thing that was....

2009-02-16T17:22:00.024+11:00

After finding the Old Skyline Drive-in clip on You tube it started me thinking about how much fun the drive-in was and how it simply died after 30 years of public service. The advent of home video recorders was the killer, which was then super seceded a decade or so later with DVD and now - Blue ray. This started me thinking about technology - sometimes it paves the way for a whole new product or process making instant changes in habits or lifestyles that makes other product or processes vertically obsolete over night.
Historically - the Penny farthing, the Gas light, the humble horse and cart - superseded by the bicycle, the electric bulb & the automobile [respectively]. All had a very useful purpose for many years and even today. However I don't think I would want to read by gas light now or clean up after the horse [the cat is bad enough] let alone mounting a giant wheel for a ride. Good technology also makes items so much easier to use like the computer. My mother told me that one of her first office jobs in the 1960's the computer took up half the floor of the building [like the ones from James Bond or Space films of the same era] and could only 10 calculations per hour or so.

Jump to now and the humble PC does more things that the ones NASA was using to place Neil Armstrong on the moon. And now with the email who needs the humble postage service for a letter? Goodbye to the humble typewriter or even fax machine too. Let alone the endless possibilities that the Internet can offer - information from shopping to online billing & banking services, gaming, history, networking sites like Facebook and [of course] porn, all delivered via the humble phone line. And now you can be wireless anywhere [within service range] with devices such as the iphone - delivering a range of technologies and mediums from phone, internet, music & gaming - the lot - in that tiny shiny sexy little casing. Selling a lifestyle with the added bonus of making our lives that much easier.Now I don't want to sound like an Luddite about to smash Spinning Jennies into the Grand Junction Canal [how many dated references there missus] but sometimes all this technology is just too much. The humble telly is now a wafer thin flat screen device that sucks the equivalent energy a third world country would use in a year. Yes it looks fab but what about that nasty carbon footprint it leaves every time you turn it on. Does the matching surround sound system really need to be the same as a multiplex cinema for a bachelors flat? Let alone does a car really need a camera to help you reverse park? What about making it more fuel efficient? Or better still a car that runs on Hydrogen or H2O? And for that matter -If they can make Viagra for men to get hard ons why not still a cure for AIDS? Or the humble cold?

Now don't get me wrong - I'm advocating to go back the horse and cart or [for that matter] for women to start wearing bustles & frock coats for men. Neither do I want Betacord back, listen to tape cassettes or work with card punch machines. Technology should be used for good not evil - but that's not Technology's fault - its for those of us consuming these follies...maybe we need to be more choosy about what impact they have on the environment as well as their convenience. To shun those who does not take our precious environment into account. Or each other for that matter.

Now I do sound like a modern day Luddite. Best go back to the days of sending telegrams to the Prussian Consulate in Siam before I listen to my old 78's on my gramophone and foxtrot the night away to forget these stresses of modern day living.

Fuck that - I'll email them instead and listen to music in the ipod like everyone else does nowdays as its way too easy to use. My Foxtrot is just fine by the way- its my crumping that needs practice.

You Tube: Skyline Drive-in

2009-02-06T07:24:00.001+11:00

Ahh the lost drive ins of my youth - although I was not around when this was made. I especially like the direction of how to use the speaker (which never worked ) and the glamourous food stand ( which was never that nice) - still miss it though

OZ day - Blogs to check out

2009-01-24T07:46:00.013+11:00

[Ah Pauline - I have always wondered why only rednecks drape the flag like a cape. Probably because the rest of us can afford clothes].

Australia Day - the 26th of January is the official OZ birthday. We plan to head off to an picnic to celebrate [by celebrate I mean to go out in public, stuff our faces and drink too much to make boules & frisbee more interesting] & I thought how could I share our national holiday with the globe...and as I can not bake green & gold cupcakes to all and sundry [I just don't have the oven space nor a good relationship with my local post office however I digress] so instead I wanted to share some Aussies blogs which I enjoy immensely.

Firstly beginning with A - Crazy Cousin Anne [from tough at the top fame] has gone from Melbourne to Darwin to Berlin & back to Melbourne again [in manner of not so much Auntie Mame around the world more like the big trip of a daughter of a certain Moonee Ponds housewife] Wonderfully titled Bless me father for I have sinned [That catholic guilt just never goes away does it] dearest Anne has decided to start to reminisce about her very funny childhood...http://annneedmonds.blogspot.com/

Oh & this was her travel blog Anne in Berlin http://anniegoesoverseas.blogspot.com/
[Eich ein Berliner Anne? Nein Frau Anne].

Yarraville Paul - Another gay Melbournian's rant of pop culture, hot men, technology & politics - a good read - always! http://yarravillepaul.blogspot.com/

Punk & Blanket combines art & culture [and the love of Karl Lagerfeld] into one convenient size that fits all http://punkandblanket.blogspot.com/

But it's not all about things that go POP - the geeky greenie sometimes beats the pop bitch in me - Peter Parker [no not Spidey] from Melbourne on transport gives his views on how to fix our transport chaos. Possibly the planet too http://melbourneontransit.blogspot.com/.

Formerly of Big Queen Rod - this Sydney sider has now transformed his blog to the heavenly Popsickle yet another OZ pop culture icon http://bigqueen.org/popsickle/

And for the love of TV - the only blog to consult is TV tonight - for all doings, comings & goings of OZ TV http://www.tvtonight.com.au/

Now that where I should end it...but that's not it...

There is one more I need to share...it's not really Australian [in fact its American - how appropriate on our National Holiday to involve yanks!] and quite rude too [oh yes this blog is so not for work dear reader]...however its my most favourite blog of the moment - lurid digs - it combines very witty Interior design commentary [in manner of Dorothy Parker meets Martha Stewart at the Blue Oyster bar] & when gays get it wrong [especially when they are trying to be sexy in there own homes] urgh! http://www.luriddigs.com/ - its a fucking kak!

Happy OZ day!

You Tube:Natalie Bassingthwaighte - Alive

2009-01-23T08:43:00.001+11:00

I'm loving Nat at the moment - the 'So you think you can dance[OZ]' host's latest- and I love the golden/sepia Nat in this clip of many looks

Film Review: AUSTRALIA

2009-01-07T08:16:00.006+11:00

Well after reading all the reviews on this film you would think that Baz delivered a lemon to the big screen. In fact, probably why it took me so long to go see it.

Well let me tell you that's just not the case. In fact it’s quite the opposite.

AUSTRALIA is film which evokes the golden age of film epics. It is so well suited the big screen as the viewer can appreciate the rich landscapes, the eccentric characters and the overall tale it tells. Set between the backdrop of Pre war Darwin [the last Australian capital city which was even up to recently was a backwater outpost] and the extreme Australian outback, it is essentially a love story between the two leads Lady Ashley [Nicole Kidman] & the drover [Hugh Jackman].
Now don’t get me wrong, the first twenty minutes of hearing Nic’s English accent is unsettling, as with how Baz does the whole quick play of how she comes to Australia [this verges on the camp – yes even for moi] thankfully this is only one part of the tale.

This film makes many references to great films of the past, the most obvious is the ‘Wizard of OZ’ of course. However there are some scenes he has deliberately lit like the Hollywood sound stages of the 1940’s which so suits the era of which the film is set. Theses scenes created by Baz are wonderful. The Victorian homestead of Faraway downs is so typically rural Australia. The Cocktail Party scene at Government house could easily been an ex-pat party in Hong Kong or Singapore of the era. The bombing of Darwin and aftermath of it are both shocking and devastating [no it is not a knock off of Pearl Harbor]. But the landscape of the bush, the hard earth and the extreme temperature, are the real scene stealer of this film's cinematography.
Speaking of which, the quality of each performer are equally as high. So many accomplished Australian actors [which the exception of Geoffrey Rush & Kate Blanchet!] are in this film. Jack Thompson plays a drunk Englishman in a supporting role which is very funny. Nicole is very good [minus the first 20 minutes of the accent] and Hugh, well he is very believable as the Drover [and yes he gets his shirt off a few times] and I didn’t even mind the ‘crikey’ slang he speaks. The young actor Brandon Walters is brilliant as the aboriginal boy caught between his traditional roots and the world of ‘white Australia’ of the 1940’s. In fact the entire cast does a marvelous job.

Go see it as it's meant for the big screen – Baz did a fabulous job with this.

4 Billabongs out of 5.

Holiday Ste(wart) Crazy

2009-01-04T16:43:00.013+11:00

Well its been a busy holiday season...one that Martha herself would be most proud...just not in that orange outfit [uh isn't bad enough to send people to jail LET alone choose the colour orange - ironically it is a majestic colour...the Royal house of Holland is known as the House of orange...but I digress.] We have been entertaining quite a bit - like everyone else [of course] over the holiday period...Christmas day lunch, then supper, Boxing Day lunch, then off to a Birthday drinks, a quick trip to the country, a house guest, a NYE party then another luncheon & a movie before heading back to work. All in ten days no less. Martha & Tina Brown would be proud.

Unlike previous years where we have gone from one party to another then another party - this year we were VERY sensible and had one day on one day off...to rest the body & mind...let alone a break from all the rich food and booze [we kept the makers of Rennie in Christmas booty over the break]. Of course now I would love some turkey in my sandwich but alas all gone...There is [thankfully] a Christmas pudding still here so not all bad news.
So on top of the entertaining...I managed to make Pea & Ham soup (from left over Christmas Ham) and jam and liqueur from a friends bumper crop of Cherry Plums (both pictured above, and yes still waiting on Ms Stewart to call for the recipe)...waiting on the apricots for more jam and lemons for preserving...so in between the hostess [with definitely the most'est] gig I'm doing my best impersonation of a 50's housewife - which I don't mind however I don't think I would have the same pinny as her below....but I do like her mixer.
Got me thinking that Housewife's role hasn't really disappeared rather really just merged with ourselves [Yes I know some more than others- moi for example] - and unlike the Fabulous 50's housewife of yesteryear we have just taken some of the traditional tasks and chosen the ones we like and discarded the ones we do not like/use or made redundant. Or employ others to action [like house cleaner, child carer etc]. This, of course, isn't a bad thing.

But give me the option I'd much rather kissing Andy goodbye every morning before I start polishing the silver, dusting my knick knacks, getting a pot roast on for dinner and planning the next luncheon rather than working until retirement [another 35 -40 years in the future - urgh!] - and for those saying I would get bored...well chance will be a fine thing...

Best plan the next holiday and get the next tram to work so I can pay for it.

You Tube:Cha Cha Heels

2008-12-27T07:49:00.001+11:00

RIP Eartha Kitt aged 81. I loved her - and especially loved this number when it used to play at Freakazoid.

A Fiery Mexican, a Drunk Belgian & Nude Australian run into this pub see...

2008-12-21T09:24:00.016+11:00

My life turned into a working men's club comedians bad joke last night. Circa '76.

It all started with Margarita's and Mexican for dinner...after receiving heartburn similar to the Volcano El Chichon erupting [I forgot about my lack of tolerance to Tequila's & chilli's combined with the lava flows of cheese] I left Andy at home to meet with a B & D at the Belgian Beer Garden.

Now usually the Belgian Beer Garden is a very smart sunday afternoon affair where groomed Melbournians enjoy jazz and European Beer in a setting of a beautiful Bluestone Historical building and it's charming gardens. Lovely.

Not on A Saturday Night though. Apparently not as fussy with it's clientele admissions.
Granted I was a bit sober [too many Antacids to keep the Alamo of a digestion occuring in my stomach] and I walked into, what I can only describe as, the Belgian Beer Garden putsch of 2008.

B & I met a charming fellow at the bar called 'Jacko' and his insightful view of the crowd 'all these fuckers are stuck up here' unlike his local pub [unnamed but I have a sneaking suspicion it appeared in the TV show 'Underbelly'], gave B his address just in case 'you leave your hubby sexy' [what a charmer - who could resist!] and proceeded to order 14 Bourbon & cokes for himself [or as N likes to call them 'suburban & cokes'].

Well our new mate disappears into the chaos and we managed to settle in for evening. I'm trying to calm my indigestion with a glass of Sauvigon Blanc finding that Mexican and French do not mix well [will pop a note through to the Epicure in The Age with that pearl of wisdom]. However about an hour later Jacko appears from one of the hedges, completely starkers [the suburban & cokes kicking in] and does a nudie run through the venue and out to St Kilda Road, with his finale being a helicopter and then British Bull dog [see Puppetry of Penis] for the maddening crowd.

The thing is that Jacko kept his [sort of] big gun for last [no excuses for the pun] and the only thing to top it was - well nothing really. Leaving is an excellent encore in that situation as opposed to getting arrested which is the alternative. I am actually surprised that the crowd didn't really care about it and continued drinking. B & I thought I was very funny. Bless Jacko for making our night.

D was found later on quite drunk kissing one of his work mates however for those who don't live in Australia that isn't a new thing for Heterosexual Australian men when they are drunk. Usually before a nudie run and well prior to fisty cuffs.

I managed to get home by 1am and was completely sober.
Pants on I would like to say too.

Decking your halls...

2008-12-09T06:04:00.018+11:00

Well yes its that time again at Casa de finnoccio...er..I mean Casa de la Riversdale - Christmas...every year we go to town getting ready for Christmas...usually decorations are brought out in December however Andy was bored and set up in November [yes we are heathens in this household bishop].Really its the same look as last year[click on Christmas link below for other years past]...however Red is colour du jour...and I especially like the Red Star - homage to Lenin & the Soviets... which [of course] are a whole world away from the yuletide seasonings. Well Moscow is near the North Pole and Lenin always looked like a thin Santa [Well she was wearing red at least].

And the theme is carried to all objet d'art around the abode - as well as Du rogue. Full Stop.

It's also a good excuse to get out the Murano glassware too - So I'm happy there.

And just to be mental I have bought red napkins & already have place settings to match [of course I have]. Now just another 3 Christmas drinks/do's/parties prior to the big day to get thru/to and myself and the liver will need drying out...2009 is then looking like a dry zone [ again who Am I kidding].

You Tube:Fat Cat VS Small Box

2008-12-07T08:32:00.001+11:00

I love animals. I especially like it when fat animals forget that they are fat...and unco...

Cyanide and Happiness

2008-12-03T06:08:00.004+11:00

MOvember - Finale

2008-11-28T07:19:00.016+11:00

Well its near the end of November and my upper lip is starting to scratch.

This month I have been called a Porn star, one of the Village people, and a member of the Australia Cricket team circa '76 - however overall the most comments I have had is that I apparently look like I'm on my way to a bank job or being sent down to Pentridge Prison.

Nice.

I have managed to raise so far $431.03 [AUD] - A BIG BIG thank you for all those who contributed so far - if you haven't please feel free to as well...

https://www.movember.com/au/donate/donate-details.php?action=sponsorlink®o=1534941&country=au

Remember all donations over $2 are tax deductible and you are supporting Beyond Blue & Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - 2 organisations which are helping to improve men's health in OZ.

I will be returning the Classic Eccentric back to regular transmission soon.

MOvember - update

2008-11-18T06:26:00.006+11:00

Update for Movember current Pic of my mo so far...
Apparently I’m trying for a chopper meets the village people – your basic butch camp mo circa ’76…you know what I mean

A BIG BIG Thanks to those who has already donated – if you haven’t I would really appreciate it – the link is below

https://www.movember.com/au/donate/donate-details.php?action=sponsorlink&rego=1534941&country=au

Remember all donations over $2 are tax deductable and you are supporting Beyond Blue & Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia – and I look a pillock for the month!

MOvember

2008-11-05T19:54:00.004+11:00

During Movember (the month formerly known as November) I'm growing a Mo for charity - men's health to be precise.

Did you know:
Depression affects 1 in 6 men in OZ - the sad thing is that most don't seek help. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide.

And last year in OZ 18,700 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 2,900 died of prostate cancer - equivalent to the number of women who will die from breast cancer annually.

So I'm bringing the Mo back because I'm passionate about tackling men's health issues and being proactive in the fight against men's depression and prostate cancer

[before the mo....]

I will be uploading the progression the mo during the month...Unsure whether or not to go handlebar, pirate, biker or just plain white trash....I'm always open to suggestions.

If you want to donate to my Mo you can :
Click this link https://www.movember.com/au/donate/donate-details.php?action=sponsorlink&rego=1534941&country=au and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account.

Remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.The money raised by Movember is used to raise awareness of men's health issues and donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue –the national depression initiative. The PCFA and beyondblue will use the funds to fund research and increase support networks for those men who suffer from prostate cancer and depression.

Carn the mo!

You tube:Liza with a

2008-10-22T20:33:00.001+11:00

Matt is a genius - and I want his number so he can come to parties and do this...especially like the muppet style ending.

Cyanide and Happiness,

2008-10-15T07:18:00.002+11:00

You Tube: More Lookey Likey

2008-10-10T13:08:00.001+11:00

It's frightening that Tina didn't even need to write anything new lines for her Sarah Palin sketches...Could this really be the USA's next VP?

Spring & society

2008-09-29T07:50:00.006+10:00

Well there has been a bit of this lately...

It started with marvellous Spanish lunch at Movida (Hosier Lane) with Dermo & B, all good fun...then an Italian lunch at Cicciolina in St Kilda with an old friend from the UK, followed by some dinner parties, a 30th birthday party and a very boozy Moroccan Sunday lunch.

That was just the first 3 weeks of September. It must be Spring.

The wonderful citizens of Melbourne have survived the dreaded mid year seasons [winter and the football] and have their party shoes on to celebrate the return of one of my favourite seasons - Spring.

Not only the season has changed. Thankfully so has the fashions. The winter coats and [football] scarfs have been folded away for lighter clothing and more tailored wear. The skinny cigarette jean is [unfortunately] still rearing it's sickly head however the fashions this summer are looking rather becoming with lots of stripes and [shock horror for this Melbournian] lots of colour. However I'm sure black is still very much welcomed at the luncheon table.

So the fashion and the food hold me no concern. Since going to the gym I can justify the food and puddings rather easily. It the amount of the wine and hard liquor that I seem to constantly be plying into my body during Spring's return that is.

So given this when I heard that my old boss (now an ex pat in Singapore) was in town I was going to catch a quick drink at Riverland on Friday night. And I did...then another then another then dinner then the Prince of Wales and finally ( to my horror ] the Xchange hotel dancing on a podium and realising that maybe as my sister and her family were arriving the next day I best get myself home. And woke up Andrew when I got it [oops].

Bless Spring!

You Tube:Tina Fey or Sarah Palin?

2008-09-18T18:53:00.001+10:00

I love Tina Fey - especially when she is doing vice presidential elect Sarah Palin -enjoy!

Cyanide and Happiness

2008-09-07T08:48:00.001+10:00

The Spring Weekender - guests of nature Pt 2

2008-09-03T07:55:00.025+10:00

Other than the scenic trip ocean drives are, the landscape on the Australian coast is not just beautiful, but so peaceful and serene. It always helps to clear my head and to relax.
The Beach is such an OZ icon. Growing up in Western Australia, the beaches are white sands & the Indian Ocean - quite stunning. The Victorian Coast is different as it's more earthy and rugged, as if it's endured many changes and lifetimes.
The Bridge over Separation Creek - I love how the bush meets the sea.
A close up of the river stones. I so wanted to steal these for the garden but realised the petrol we used to drive here was already a bigger carbon footprint I wanted to leave on the plan [my green conscious couldn't live with guilt].

We went to Kennett River on Saturday afternoon to go for a walk in the bush and to see the koalas. I love the above shot as the eucalyptus trees in the forest are so tall. And yes it was so peaceful.

What still amazes me is the amount of koala's in the trees - I have never seen so many outside a Zoo in my life. There they all are - sittin' up like Jackie - eating & sleeping away - well they don't really do much else. And don't need to.

I quite like this one - He [or she] looks like a very old soul - especially like the big button noses. It comforting to see so much wildlife in their natural setting.

To any visitors out there - never try not to pet them as they are still wild animals and can quite nasty - although you'll never guess to look at them.

However the birds are a different story as they are far more interactive. The Parakeets and the Rosella's are happy to feed straight from your hands. This time they came to us on the balcony.

White Gallahs - they look nice but they are really the bullies of the bird world. They are very large and make a god awful racket in the morning.

And yet another OZ Gallah - this time with 2 birds in my hands. These birds are almost like pets. The colours of their feathers are so vibrant.Two days and nights were just not long enough on the coast. Hopefully the four of us can do this all again at the end of Summer.

The Spring Weekender - down the coast Pt 1

2008-09-01T08:12:00.024+10:00

As Melbourne's winter has been so incredibly cold and any invitation to escape it, even if just for a moment, is always welcomed. When B & D said we could all use a relatives beach house for the weekend we jumped at the chance. To manage to time it at the start of Spring was pure luck.We were staying at Wye River, a little hamlet hide way on the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for those fallen soldiers of WWI. It is an ocean side road from Torquay all the way to Warrnambool on the south west coastline of Victoria. Its one of my favorite roads in all of Australia - twisting and turning around the coastline with ocean views virtually the entire way. It is around 280 kilometres long so its a long slow relaxing drive.

I love signs like this - apparently many tourists have almost driven off the many cliffs to their deaths or head on collisions on the road - hence the above sign was born.

This the view from the house - straight to the ocean - quite amazing and very peaceful.
B & Andy in the frame - there a few towns on the road built after WWII as beach side getaways for Melbournians. Once you'll find only cheap cement cottages - now are slowly being demolished for million dollar homes...like the below.Our accommodation was not as salubrious or Architectural digest as this one - however still cosy for the weekend - the log fire was essential for the cool nights on the coast.
The view from the beach - you can see the houses are dotted between the tree tops - again very pretty. Below is very lovely Wye River Beach - it was a little cool but the sun was out and that made up for the wind !

Although we spend most of our time in Wye, we did drive to the equally pretty Apollo Bay for breakfast on Sunday.
Main Street- apparently in Summer you can't move, let alone find somewhere cheap to stay.

Apollo Bay has these rolling hills that surround it - it feels almost like Ireland (without the accent or the cold - mostly). Below is the harbour, again very picturesque.

As I havent been on this part of the coast for over 5 years, I completely forgot the nature and landscape and how both don't mind the interaction with the visting city folk.

To be continued...

200

2008-08-22T07:27:00.021+10:00

Well it's been 2 years and 200 posts since I started the classic eccentric - which I didn't think was too bad a rate of post - over 8 per month - while working full time (changing 3 job roles in the same company and studying as well), being in a relationship, having a cat (anyone who has a cat will SO get that) and living in the world that is 2008.
However back in 2006 when I started the blog, I had the intentions of a web diary with a bit of extra stuff (funny bits, my obsessive collecting, pop culture pollava - all types of interesting shit really) and it has just worked out to be something else that I honestly still don't know what that it is. However an evolving blog is open to change and movement that then lends itself to explore. And does allow a whole of a funny crap too rather than just being about me me me.
However being a little conceited and part of a generation who thinks of themselves first (um which generation? Oh that's right ALL generations) I did expect to get more feedback on the content of the posts. And also to make sure someone other than myself and Andy were reading! The comments I have received have been interesting & welcoming. The funny thing is the most reaction I have had in the last 2 years were my posts on Corey Worthington, the party animal of Narre Warren. So much for my witty posts of OZ life - just get a dickhead from the burbs to steal the show! So Gen Y....which is a little rich coming from the cynical Gen X'er that I am.
Cynic or not I'm glad I did start the blog. It has given an outlet for my creative side. I'm also glad in the last year or so I have concentrated more on the content rather than the amount of posts. I'm glad I wrote about the history OZ TV - it was something I spent a lot of time on, as well as showing my love for the box. But saying that you tube posts are fun and quick - and sometimes images are much more interesting than words alone. Especially when they are either handsome men from Spunk Alerts posts (contrary to a comment made - Spunk in OZ means sexy or hot - not the UK meaning!), unfortunate singing moments from Eurovision to Idol to Jan Terry and, my favourite, the venomous Cyanide and Happiness comics...just too twisted and a bit wrong.

And the next 200?

Well hopefully this blog will continue to evolve further still...

You Tube: Dancin' Matt

2008-08-16T12:18:00.001+10:00

I saw this on Sunrise the other week and I really liked it - dancin' across the world with matt - and connecting with all...quite moving

You Tube:The B-52's - Funplex

2008-08-16T11:55:00.001+10:00

Once described as 'new wave kiddy camp rockers' when they used to play in the Mudd Club (NYC in the 70's while wearing woman corsetry) now still rockin' on making comment of the world nowdays...bless them.

Cyanide and Happiness

2008-08-12T07:12:00.003+10:00

Site to Check out - Tough at the top

2008-08-05T18:14:00.008+10:00

Tough at the top is a new online TV show created by the infamous Crazy Cousin Anne - (well not my cousin - actually a dear friend Brigid's cousin but I digress).

Basically it all started after a move to Darwin, meeting another of similar name at the pub, then getting drunk at the pub and finally the buying of a motorized esky from eBay (yes I'm not making this up) both Anne Edmonds ( Crazy Cuz) and Anna Daniels (not Crazy Cuz) decided to approach the local ABC TV(NT) and pitch an idea for an online comedy series - And Tough at the Top was born.

The girls have written, directed and starred in this off the wall Territory comedy. Highlights have included so far 'The NTique Roadshow'...their take on another TV show of a similar name and most recently a mock- u -mentry style of a campaign for the rights of racists (v.funny). The site will be updated every week - future highlights will include flapper dancing 1920's style on current day Darwin's wharf, picnicking by the local esplanade in crocodile suits(not too far from actual croc attacks)....and (of course) the obvious hooning around the highways of NT on a motorized Esky - which will no doubt be my favourite...

http://www.abc.net.au/darwin/features/toughatthetop/?section=video

Book Review - A short history of nearly everything

2008-07-13T13:20:00.009+10:00

[And yes it is!]

I really enjoy reading Bill Bryson travel novels. I think its his laid back but intelligent approach to his subject(s) and to life in general. The first novel I read of his was The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America - and loved the way he told of his travels in the USA, trying to find that fictional small town he grew up with when watching TV & movies in the 50's & 60's. Of course the hilarious thing is that the closest town he found that got to be looking and feeling like a real small town America was Provincetown! But I digress. A short history...continues his journey, but this time instead of travel its history [and what makes up everything in the universe] itself that is the journey dujour.

Mr Bryson goes back and forth in his novel trying to give an oversight of the universe that is older than anyone can say, bigger than anyone can think and more unknown than the...well unknown itself. From the creation of the planets and the mighty milky way to the tiniest of bacteria, from modern health sustaining life to nuclear bombs taking it, the Cro-Magnon man to the species that is modern man, let alone insects, dinosaurs and the stuff of life - the lot! Bill draws from papers, people and all sorts of paraphernalia to paint the picture of what is known, [and in most cases than we like to think so] unknown about virtually everything.

My love for this novel was the multiple subjects discussed and the way that we need to almost compact and change things so to suit circumstance rather than to accept that they just don't fit in a category. For example our solar system is always shown to suit text book page sizes so they fit all neatly, whereas the distance between the planets are so long that even reducing the earth to a pea on paper Jupiter is still 300 metres away...and you would need to standing in the next suburb to even get the chance to see Pluto! [Let alone if you make it real scale.] I also love the fact that when scientists and the so called 'people of knowledge' don't know, can't explain or find the missing links in history of life, they just make it up until someone knows, explains or find them [yes I'm not making that up either.]

Some of the subjects are not as interesting as others. While I found the solar system, universe and creation of the planets fascinating, I almost slept through the atom and elements chapter(s). However I am quick to point out it was only because it reminded me of high school chemistry lessons rather than the way Mr Bryson's places pen to the parchment [Mr Lee my chemistry teacher would be quite upset with me now] that sent me to sleepy by by's.

But saying this, the book is just a really great read about...well the title suggests everything. Mr Bryson did win the Descartes Prize and also Aventis Prize from the science world. Apparently some top scientist was supposed to say that the book is "annoyingly free of mistakes" - however a list of errors made by the book is online for those wanting to doubt him. It's a shame that scientists with all their brilliance get just as much fun disproving people and ideas rather than trying and finding new ones. Maybe they should focus more on endeavours to finding those bloody missing gaps rather than just making it up.

Regardless, you will be enlightened and enjoy this one.

Four big bangs of out five.

Cyanide and Happiness

2008-07-03T06:10:00.002+10:00

Whats in a name?

2008-06-26T08:18:00.011+10:00

As much as I detest the narrow minded and lowest common denominator view that the other newspaper in Melbourne - 'The Herald Sun' - offers, putting aside the usual sensational "footy shock - gangland related -petrol price- interest rate hike - oz battler being pushed over the edge " headlines that it usually spruces to it's audience, occasionally there are interesting little tit bits of information worthy a read - and good to kill a lunch break with (especially when someone has taken the 'The Age' for the green guide or epicure sections or has already done the Sudoku).

One of these was in yesterdays paper (25.06.08) in the cunningly named 'in Black & White' section (god you can imagine the pitch meeting for that title) which was about names - a dear 72 year old Mr Ed Bourke (you can imagine him on the verandah discussing the state of the country and how best to grow cabbages in the Melbourne Spring) has compiled a list of actual names that match their chosen occupation (and yes I am not making any of these up) and sent them to the wrong newspaper for publishing...

for example -

Water Ecologist - Mr Grant Hose

Melbourne Zoo CEO - Mr John Gibbon.

Minister for Finance - Mr John Lenders.

Housing Indutsry Spokeman - Mr Simon Tennent.

Rommel's aide during retreat from Tobruk in WW2 - Von Schlippenbach.

In true Herald Sun style they hinted at the list was four pages long and only published 5 names - which means that they didn't really care for Mr Ed Bourkes list - or the list wasn't really that good. Please leave any names you have read in the comments that are just as quirky as those that Mr Ed Bourke has found over the years...usually the real ones are better than ones you can make up yourself.

You Tube: Coke is it

2008-06-20T07:23:00.001+10:00

Coke ads have always been a sign of the times...But the Electric Pandas singing a Coke ad in pub scene of the early 80's? We used to sing in school 'Coke is Shit'..a bit like the pandas really

Spunk Alert: Tiago Botega

2008-06-15T12:33:00.007+10:00

Well after a long break from posting Spunk Alerts ( god forbid - no I had not run out of attractive men - more so laziness dear reader/voyeur to this catergory) - I found this hottie - and all I know about him is that his name is Tiago Botega, I'm assuming he's some sort of a model, he is 23 years old and comes from Garibaldi, Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil (why of course he does).Not that I think you really needs to know much more.However if you know more about this piece of hotness (interests, occupation, telephone number so I can stalk etc) please please let me know...

You Tube: Adorn Hair Spray 1960's TV Commercial

2008-06-07T13:56:00.001+10:00

Bless Andy finding this- He will now have a busy weekend with COL-LOS-SAL clips - let alone the Upsie Daisy and Bikini Brush ( follow up ads) by ADORN - why can't we advertise more stuff like this...

Cyanide and Happiness

2008-06-01T12:10:00.001+10:00

A str8 mans dream and nightmare...