Something has to be said...

When you've just spent the past 10 minutes cleaning the tea kitchen because you just couldn't be bothered tidying up after your meeting the afternoon before and while you're waiting for the water to boil so that you can have your first cup of coffee because you know you're going to crack'em if you don't, *someone* goes in there and repeatedly sneezes all over everything.

And we're talking f-off, sneezeguard shattering sneezes. Without covering his mouth.

Nevermind that you've already placed your coffee and milk in a mug (because one likes to be prepared for when the water doth boil) and silly you, you didn't cover it because why on earth would you be expecting germ warfare?

And while you're sitting at your desk cringing, he was considerate enough to finish making your coffee and brings it to you.

Seriously... I can't drink this. I don't even want to go back into the tea kitchen because of the cloud of biohazard. I'm going to have to accidentally knock it off my desk or something.

*places coffee mug vicariously on the edge*

Alright, I've cracked'em.

No surprises here.

*yawn*

Ever come out the other end of a weekend and felt more tired than ever?

The odd thing is that I was home and in bed by midnight every night.

I need a nap.

No... I need a holiday.

The World Game.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back outside...

Yesterday, we had a game of soccer ('futbol') in Northcote.

It was Skiers v. Boarders and whilst speculation was ripe that Camper Dan had unfairly stacked her team (skiers), in the end it was the skiers who had to do a lot more pleading to get all the ladies in red up and on the pitch.

I will admit that I was one of the reluctant ones. I had gone wearing a red shirt as I'm a skier (just... Bird's Hill Park, darlings) but my willingness to play was not overly enthusiastic. I haven't played soccer since Grade 6 and I think it was fairly noticeable. Plus I'm not big on contact sports. Or running. Or kicking.

In fact, my first instinct when I see a ball lobbed high above me is to set the ball for my attackers. Way wrong sport.

In true futbol form, we had a gaggle of Footballers' Wives on the sidelines. I think there may have been more wives than players at one point. Bygones.

Special mention goes out to fitzroyal who took a couple for the team. I never thought we'd have to invoke the Blood Rule at a friendly...

Anyway, Camper Dan's team prevailed before the showers settled in and so ended the 3rd Ladies' Soccer World Cup.

Something different.

After work last night, Camper Dan and I chose to forego our usual after work venues and went to the Gertrude Street Enoteca (www.gertrudestreetenoteca.com). I think this place is close to wine (wino?) heaven.

I had the very nice Moon 'Midnight' shiraz from the Goulburn Terrace Winery in Nagambie, Victoria. CD had a Spanish red which I can't remember and probably couldn't pronounce or spell anyway.

We even had a brush with a bit of a celebrity - although CD might not agree. It turns out that one of the owners of Gertrude Street Enoteca is Brigitte Hafner, who happens to be a food writer (amongst many other talents) for 'Epicure' in The Melbourne Age.

I've posted previously about how much I look forward to reading 'Epicure' on Tuesdays so I needn't go on about it again.

Anyway, a couple of hours here made for a perfect ending to the week. Thanks, Camper Dan!

Clarification.

As it turns out, JGT did not buy the Powerball that lights up for us. Which is fine with me because I don't look at it when I'm using it anyway! And it certainly isn't suitable for use as some sort of dance party accoutrement either.

So last night, I did a little bit of exercise and decided to incorporate a Powerball workout, if you will. I found that I'm much better at getting the thing going with my left arm than with my right.

However, I woke up in the middle of the night and both my arms were numb and tingling. Is this some sort of side effect? Am I giving myself Carpal Tunnel?

The wrists are a bit sore today, darling... A bit sore. I've got pansy paw.

You may recognise this photo...

Because I pinched it off tsaiWare's blog. Very cheeky, I am. (Thanks, J2!)

Yesterday, I received a Powerball in the post (I also met one of our neighbours in our office building but that's a story for another day). Thanks JGT!

Last night, Lady Susan and I attempted the Powerball. I think we managed to incorporate an ab workout as well because it was hilarious! I see what they're saying when they tell you to hold on tightly because if you actually get this thing going, the amount of force in your hand is incredible!

It's kind of freaky and a *very* weird sensation but I like it.

Now I can buff up my forearms for my Camper Dan tattoos.

By the way, does anyone know if this thing is supposed to light up? For some reason I thought it was supposed to.

My Super Crap Movie.

Whilst I embrace Uma Thurman's return to the big screen, 'My Super Ex-Girlfriend' is an awful excuse for a movie.

Horrible, horrible stuff.

The only thing that made it bearable was having good company. Thanks, Lady Susan!

Heaven's above...

I've just realised that I've been one day behind this entire week.

This has nothing to do with the fact that it's Saturday and I'm at work.

*hmph*

My subconscious must be trying to make me feel better about my upcoming deadlines...

Crap.

This is the house that Jack built.

Actually, this is what's used to cut my hair.

Fascinating.

A night at the hairdresser's.

Last night, I had my haircut. I really like that Cisco (sp?) doesn't actually use scissors to cut my hair. He uses some sort of blade-like device. I'll try and find a picture.

Because Cisco was a bit backed up with appointments, his wife, Sophie, who is a colourist at the salon, 'finished' my hair.

I have no problems with this because it's not like she's just there hanging out, but there were a couple of incidents that made me raise my eyebrows.

Firstly, I had issues with her saying, 'Your hair doesn't need much blow waving...' I don't recall asking for a blow wave. Can you blow wave such short hair? What is blow waving?

Secondly, while she was putting product in my hair: 'So... do you know where he was going with this? Is it supposed to be big or flat? I think he makes it big then smushes it down in the end.' You should have seen her accompanying facial expression. And since when is 'smush' proper hair-dressing terminology?

Lastly, five minutes later while she's *still* playing with my hair: 'I could play with this for days...' That's when I started squirming and saying, 'That's great... thanks... *tries to get up*.'

Anyway, now that I don't live around the corner, I had to walk back home... and I was smushing my hair back down the entire way.

By the way, congratulations to Cisco for winning the hair competition on Sunday! Good luck at Nationals!

Songs of the Week

Way back on the 25th of January 2001, I was out on the Prince Bandroom balcony, listening to Guy Uppiah DJ. It was Miss Collins' birthday bash and the birthday girl had yet to arrive. But that's beside the point.

Guy played a song which I'd only heard once before but loved and I was finally able to find out what it was called... That song was 'Shamefaced' by Coldfeet (Francois K remix).

Every now and then when I'm shopping on Hard to Find Records (www.htfr.com), I'll look up this track to see if it's there... and last week it was! Now I have my very own copy - and it was the last copy in stock. SCORE!!!

I also had a look for 'Believe' by The Traveller & In Motion. This track is on the very first Trance Nation compilation by Ministry of Sound. Now I own this record too... and it's a double LP.

Yes, it was a very good day at Hard to Find...

And a big round of applause goes out to...

Grace!

Happy Birthday!

33 today... 33 today....

Hehehehe...

I'm in my happy place...

Meow meow meow meow...

>:o(

Ouch.

I never realised how important my thumbnail was until I damaged it stripping speaker wires yesterday.

What started as a simple split in the nail turned into agonising pain when the bit of nail got caught in some clothing and ripped right off.

Yowch.

Crap.

My CD-burner is broken.

Now I have all this music *trapped* on my hard disk.

Double crap!

Because I believe in buying music.

I just discovered that I have an iTunes account.

So I bought the Feist album 'Let It Die'.

Another fine Canadian chanteuse.

Get it.

Embrace it.

Song of the week

You guessed it... 'Give it Back' by Gaelle. I prefer the Putsch 79 'Lectro Remix.

Give it back

You hijacked my mind so
I'm falling in circles
Can't catch my fall so
I need you to be close 'cause
Where you go, I'll follow
So give it back

In my bed
Sleeping not
I cannot explain what's in my head
Longing for
An empty thought
But I seem to think of you instead

You blew my mind away
And I can't let you go

Took it and ran away
Just had to let you know

Just dropped a line to say
That I lost all control

In my head
And in my heart
I cannot complain
No one competes
Longing for this pace to stop
Never been the same
Since you loved me

You blew my mind away
Now that I'm torn apart

Took it and ran away
Is when you come for my heart

There's nothing left to say
And I don't know where to start

Give back my thoughts to me

Nine records later...

I'm beginning to wonder if I ever will retire from DJing, once and for all.

Still... I can't wait to go home and play!!!

*claps*

She's gone... a thousand mi-i-iles away...

Most likely to be found on a dancefloor in Germany.

I'm not sure what this means.

DJ Grace, vamping it up.

Come back soon, Stasch! Your disco needs you!

stencils

Finally!

I have been tortured for the past two and a half weeks, trying to find a song that I heard at Mastie's birthday... and I finally found it this morning.

It's 'Give It Back' by Gaelle.

Needless to say, I snapped up a copy. If it's out of stock, I might cry.

Seriously.

JGT - YOU FAILED!!!

I am the Lizard Queen!!!

Not really.

This morning I found www.housemusic101.com on iTunes radio.

*loves it*

A first for everything.

For the first time ever in Melbourne, I was asked to play 'tribal' music.

You see, tribal is very Sydney and apart from a few underground parties here, you don't really get a lot of it around the Melbourne discos. At least not the ones I frequent. Which could mean that they're playing tribal everywhere and I'm just unaware. But I digress...

As I blogged last week, I returned to the decks for a farewell party. I had an absolute blast and was subsequently asked to play at someone's 40th birthday... in eighteen months time. Pity I can't remember her name or what she looks like.

And I finally got to play 'Back from Outer Space' by Mirabeau, which is this hot track that samples 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor. I picked this record up back in March and it went straight from the parcel packaging into a storage case.

I will post photos from the farewell party some time this week.

I'm not coming out of retirement though. Not this time. Apart from the random 40th in 2008, the only future plan I have for DJing is when Stasch comes home.

Wish you'd been here...

JGT, I wish you had come to Melbourne this past weekend and we'd gone to yesterday's Tigers vs. Magpies games.

Then I could do my Dance of Superiority to your face.

GO TIGES!

Meanwhile, it's not really a good idea to taunt Collingwood fans who've just watched their team play horribly.

Especially when you're 4 levels below ground in a carpark and the person you're with doesn't understand why you're running away.

Happy Canada Day!

Test your knowledge on Canadian history:

http://www.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/quiz/quiz.cgi?quiz=quiz060630

I'm not going to tell you my score... because I haven't done it yet.

40 Facts about the Canadian Flag.

http://www.canada.com/topics/travel/canadianheroes/story.html?id=4d297c89-5675-4f20-b801-21e1eda67e7d&k=87266&p=1

I know I'm definitely infringing on No. 40.

Yikes!

Wah.

I missed my show last night. Now I don't know what's happened to Maddy from Shepparton.

This is what happens when you get caught up in other peoples' birthday celebrations.

Bless the greasy spoon cafe on the corner of Peel and Cambridge.

Tastes like chicken.

In two days, it is Canada Day. For you Australians, that is the Canadian equivalent to Australia Day. Seems a bit obvious, yes, but you'd be surprised how many people ask me, 'What's Canada Day?'.

Anyway, in the lead up to Canada Day 2006, I thought I would talk about something Canadian on my blog. The topic I've chosen is ringette.

Ringette is a Canadian game that was first introduced in 1963 in North Bay, Ontario. Developed originally for girls, ringette is a fast-paced team sport on ice in which players use a straight stick to pass, carry, and shoot a rubber ring to score goals.
For ten years, play centered in Ontario and Quebec, however the sport quickly spread accross Canada and is now played in all ten provinces and the Northwest Territories.
In fact, the sport has become one of Canada's favorite activities for females, with over 50,000 participants, including players, coaches, officals and volunteers, across Canada - a remarkable growth rate for such a young sport.
The growth has continued internationally with the formation of associations in the U.S.A., Finland,
Sweden, Russia, and France. In addition, Ringette Canada has been instrumental in demonstrating the game in the Netherlands, Switzerland, West Germany, along with New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

Canada vs. someone at the 2002 Worlds.

(Logo, text and photo obtained from www.ringette.ca)

Note that while there has been remarkable growth, it doesn't seem to be as popular as those other Canadian games like basketball and hockey... even lacrosse.

We played ringette in gym in elementary school. That was pretty much the beginning and end of ringette for me. I don't recall any of my friends playing ringette outside of school or there being any ringette teams in Fort Garry.

Anyway, that's it for the Canadian trivia.

Route 109.

Today I had to catch the tram into the city and back for a meeting.

I think I actually miss PTing in the mornings. Probably because I actually see other people. I know I'm not much of a people person in the mornings (noon or night) but a little bit of human contact in the morning doesn't hurt. These days, all I see are cars, trucks and buses on my way to work.

Anyway, I was tempted to go visit my coffeewhore of days gone by but their cafe was out of the way and I needed to get back to the office.

Meanwhile, City of Yarra, what is up with all the footpath rectification works?!? These days to get from Point A to Point B, you have to cross the road at least twice to avoid the hot, stinky bitumen or freshly poured concrete. Roadworks, roadworks, everywhere... Sounds like an old Iron Maiden tune.

Bozo, I say.

Last night...

Those two words always remind me of a dirty, 90s RnB boy band song.

However, back to this blog.

Last night, after a 1.5km 'sprint' on the exercise bike and dinner, I decided to sit down and have a go at 'Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories'.

I must say I was a little bit disappointed because it doesn't appear to be as detailed as 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas', and seemed to return to the old skool 'run-through-the-icon' type format, much like 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'. But I suppose that the game was designed for the PSP so maybe some concessions had to be made. The graphics are great but it seems to be lacking something.

Plus the fact that I was able to complete 4 missions without being wasted seemed a bit wrong.

One thing I do love about the GTA franchise is the effort that they put into the radio stations. One of the stations, RISE-FM, is full of house music anthems like 'Sing It Back' by Moloko, 'Feel What U Want' by Kristine W, 'Spin Spin Sugar' by the Sneaker Pimps, 'Plastic Dreams' by Jaydee, etc... You can guess which station is my favourite. And there's a classical music station too! HOT!

Anyway I got a bit bored so I decided to go through my records. Our very own Swiss Miss is leaving Australia and her farewell party is this Friday so I'm pulling the headies out for a few hours and stepping back behind the decks. Therefore, I thought it might be a good idea to re-acquaint myself with my dusty records.

And when I say dusty, I don't mean Springfield.

I've been listening to a lot of (everybody now) Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea, Maria McKee, Sheryl Crow, The Pixies, Coldplay, Depeche Mode and trance lately so when I put 'Carnival de Sao Vincente' by Cesaria Evora on, the DJ inside me stirred. But just a little.

Then I put on some vocal house and the foot started tapping.

Then I put on what is probably my all-time happy track:

This song always makes me smile.

Iloveitthankyou!

Uh-0h... I think I've got the itch.

JGT - DON'T LET ME BUY ANY RECORDS!!!

Yes.

I think I'm back to my bloggin' self.

Maybe it's because I'm actually doing interesting things.

Or perhaps I'm doing things that I'm interested in blogging about.... who can say?

Chicken or the egg?

I forgot to mention..

That the accompanying music to 'Schéhérazade' was very similar to, if not the same as, the theme music used to announce Gargamel's arrival in 'The Smurfs'.

I also found that rather amusing.

If I were a classical music enthusiast - which I may be after November 27th, right now I would only consider myself an 'appreciator' - would I refer to 'Schéhérazade' as the ballet that accompanies the Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov piece?

Hmmmm?

To the balletmobile!

As I mentioned (or 'raved'... haha... meh.) yesterday, I went to the ballet again last night. This time I went with Theatre Buddy and we saw 'Revolutions', a triple-bill featuring the works of famed Ballet Russes choreographer, Mikhail Folkine.

Included in the triple-bill were 'Les Sylphides', 'Le Spectre de la rose' and 'Schéhérazade'. For more information, see http://www.australianballet.com.au/default.htm?article=192.

Not to take anything away from the Australian Ballet but one of the more enjoyable parts of the evening was sitting on the steps playing 'Mr. Blackwell' with TB. I would like to note that while commenting on other peoples' 'fashion' may seem a little bitchy, we know that we aren't members of the haute couture army nor do we care to be. Dude... It's just clothes.

TB... now there's an unfortunate acronym. Theatre Buddy is no way related, or held in similar regard, to that highly variable communicable disease of humans also known as tuberculosis.

You'll be reading more about my theatre adventures here soon... you should see all the brochures I collected last night. So much to do in July/August... Yay!

It's here...

Sitting in my bag is 'Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories'.

Alas, I'm going to the ballet tonight to see 'Revolutions'.

Yes, the ballet again.

I'm even considering getting a 2007 subscription.

Very exciting indeed!

And when I say 'rave'...

I mean 'mention'.

But seriously, folks... 'Deadwood Falls'.

Put it on your playlist.

Sunday

Having had a restless night, I decided to get up early on Sunday and have a bit of Jude Time.

By 9am (maybe not so early for you parent folk), I was up and at'em, wandering the streets of Abbotsford and Richmond on my way to Victoria Gardens (www.vicgardens.com.au). I thought I might grab a coffee but alas, the only place open that early was Gloria Jeans. I folded and went the large latte only to realise so much dairy at that time in the morning on an empty stomach when I'm about to go see a movie was probably not the greatest of ideas. So I turfed it.

So yes, I went to the movies and saw the 9:40am screening of 'X-Men 3: The Last Stand'. You would have thought from all my ranting a month ago that I would have seen it by now. Well, I've been busy-ish. For a minute, I thought I'd have the theatre to myself but then 4 more people came in.

Anyway, loved the movie but I knew I would anyway. Nothing like a bit of action and tragedy on a Sunday morning. No spoilers here in case you haven't seen it and wish to.

By the way, the new 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie looks fantastic!

After the movie, I headed down Victoria Street for some grilled spare ribs on broken rice whilst mulling over the Sunday paper. I would have taken photos of my lunch but there were too many other people in the restaurant. Ok, I'll admit it... Even if there was just one other person at the restaurant (including staff) I wouldn't have taken a photo. Plus my camera was still sitting on the floor of my bedroom.

One day I might actually remember that my phone has a camera.

Following that, I headed down to my local for a quiet afternoon at the pub, drinking coffee, beer and destroying crossword puzzles.

I think I've worked out the perfect lazy Sunday. Now I'm ready for this week and however many fitouts, hospitals and schools they want to throw at me.

Bring it.

Lip them.

Family Excursion #2

On Friday night, the girls had their first Friday night off together in a few years so we ventured off to the Corner Hotel to see Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea play.

We had a few small adventures between when we initially arrived at The Corner and when Jen finally came on stage.

Continuing my 2006 'stepping out of my comfort zone' resolution so to speak, I went to 4 new venues that evening. Five if you count the band room and the public bar as separate venues. But why would you?

If you haven't seen Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea - chances are that the majority of my reading audience haven't - I highly recommend it. I've raved about her once before so I won't do it again.

(P.s. Big hello to shypants, thanks for the cuddle... PANTS!)

RAH!

I took my camera to the disco on Friday night.

Alas, I only took 3 pictures... the standard photos of Ambie Dextrus and kdj in the mix, as well as a hot hot photo of ye olde birthday girl.

I haven't yet downloaded these photos and I think there are other photos from weeks gone by that are still on there. My camera is currently sitting on the floor in my bedroom where I left it after emptying my handbag (shhhh) on Saturday.

As a result, I have missed out on taking some great photos this week. First there was the magnificent sunrise on Wednesday morning and accompanying said sunrise were my favourite clouds.

On Thursday morning there was another beautiful sunrise.

Then today, there was the strange man goose-stepping down Gipps Street, using a tree branch, complete with leaves, as an umbrella. Please note that while it wasn't raining at the time, it looked like it could have started raining at any point in time.

Maybe I need two cameras...

Battle of the Brains

Last night, whilst waiting for 'The West Wing' to start, I stumbled upon 'Catalyst' on the ABC which was showing 'Battle of the Brains', a four-part documentary about gifted students battling to make the team for the International Biology Olympiad in Beijing.

You're probably expecting me to make fun, yes?

Well I'm not. This is one of the most compelling programs I've seen this year. Probably in a few years actually. Maybe it's because I bombed out in Science at school and hope to pick up something. However, they happen to be studying 1st Year University Biology. All I can say is: Permission to buzz the tower, sir!

I wish I hadn't missed the first part last week. >:o(

Anyway, this is the website:
http://www.battleofthebrains.com.au/www/index.cfm
and if you're in Australia, Part 3 is on next Wednesday, 8:00pm EST on your ABC.

Delayed.

The release of Grand Theft Auto - Liberty City Stories has been delayed.

It is now due out this Friday.

That gives me some time to refresh my gaming skills.

Viva Carl Johnson!

Giselle.

Last night, I continued my forage into the arts - or to be precise, watching the arts - and went to the closing night of 'Gisele' by the Australian Ballet at the State Theatre.

Alas, I didn't go with my theatre buddy but instead it was our first family/house outing. It was a very pleasant evening indeed. Thank you, ladies!!!

I couldn't recall if I'd actually been to the ballet before. I know I haven't been in Australia but wasn't quite sure if there was a school excursion or some sort of Chinese School thing here or there.

Sidebar: I find it rather amusing that I recall attending a lot of Chinese School events but not actually attending Chinese School. I think that Chinese School was also the first time I experienced my worlds colliding - those instances when Chinese School was on at the same time as the General Byng volleyball and basketball tournaments on Saturdays and Coach Gigliotti would make us run our warm-ups up and down the hall and I would see family friends in the classrooms. Good times.

Where was I?

The only 'cultural' things I really remember from my childhood are the Chinese Acrobats and their spinning dinner plates, the Planetarium and the Natural Museum or Museum of Man or whatever it was.

Mmmm... Woolly mammoths.

Whoops...

I've been so busy lately that I forgot to do June Birthday shout-outs...

Anyhoo, better late than never!

Happy Birthdays go out to:

• Edwin
• Claire
• Flamin' Mo
• Mastie (who's an old girl now?)
• Flees
• Big Al
• Nev
• Eila
• Martin

Welcome 5000th visitor!

Yes.

Thank you.

Nothing to see here...

But there may be something after this weekend.

It's Bob & Nev's lidl mate's birthday and celebrations begin Friday night.

The emphasis should be placed on the word *starting*.

It's been a while since I've been to the disco and who knows when I last ventured across the river so all in all, it should be mighty interesting.

Must recharge ye olde camera for the occasion.

Say 'cheese'...

445.

I'm one cost plan short of a nervous breakdown.

See you.

Parental Guidance advised.

This is a warning that in approximately two weeks time, I'll have 'Grand theft Auto: Liberty City Stories' in my possession.

I shall resurface in a few months... or when I get stuck.

Which will probably be a few days after.

Anyhoo, lookout middlechild.

I *love* polar bears.

Even when they're being forced to pull the White Witch around in the middle of summer.

Meanwhile, I saw this photo in this week's 'Animal Tracks' on www.msnbc.msn.com.

This polar bear is watching a whaling crew near Barrow, Alaska. The crew were checking out conditions for whaling and hunting ducks (wabbit season!). The bear did not approach the crew.

The end of an era.

Today, Katie Couric will sit with Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Ann Curry for the last time.

I contemplated getting up at 4am to watch the broadcast on Channel 7.

But I won't.

I'm not crazy.

Much.

After 8 years...

I've finally worked out what the 'loudness' dial on my amp is for.

Uhhhh... stupid.

The view from my desk.

They may be commission flats but they sure are pretty at sunrise through the fog.

So goodbye, my friend...

I moved out of my flat. I have a lot of crap. I got to a point where I decided, 'If it's not packed, throw it out.' With my motto firmly in place, I realised I would have to return after rubbish day as I'd filled up most of the rubbish bins.

Why oh why must I hoard!?!

Stay tuned for photos of my vacating clean. Rivetting stuff.

Rubber band ball envy.

Mine's the one on the right.

This photo would be so much more artistic if J2 was here to take it.

People in the morning.

What is with people who 'queue up' behind you when you're standing at the intersection waiting for the lights to change?

I mean, really, this is Gipps & Hoddle. It's quite a large intersection, not a footbridge.

I am not your crossing guard. Do I look like I'm holding a lollipop?

*yeesh face*

In alliance with middlechild

I, too, would like to know why blogger doesn't have a polling device.

My poll would be about a current hot topic (no, not The X-Men):

If you were climbing Mt. Everest and came across a fellow climber who was dying, would you stop and assist or would you continue your pursuit?

I'm sure there are countless factors involved - especially seeing as I haven't been reading the newspaper articles - but what would you do?

And please don't comment, 'Shoot the hostage'.

Who's Who of the The X-Men Universe.

Courtesy of msnbc.msn.com

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12841419/

Mutants at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ellen Page, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin,

Dania Ramirez, and Rebecca Romijn.

As if you would seek to eliminate them from Earth.

Photo by Jeff Christensen, AP

Madonna aka Madge aka Esther.

On the news last night, they reported that Madonna had launched her 'Confessions' tour. Included in the report were a few snippets from the concert.

I'm not certain Madonna had her singing pants on because what I heard was horrible... Horrible.

Then there was the whole saddle/pole/carousel thing that she was sitting on and being transported around the stage while she sang 'Like A Virgin'.

Wrongtown.

At least she seems to have found a way to conserve her energy and prevent another hernia.

The fans seemed to love it though, as everyone who gets to see her will. And, of course, there's the new controversary about using a cross or something.

Let's just hope they don't threaten to arrest her again in Toronto!

6 out of 8.

Whilst JGT's tipping has taken a turn for the worse, this is the first weekend I've managed to tip more than 5 winners in the Ashley & Martin Footy Tipping competition I'm in through ninemsn.com.au.

However, I have no idea how I'm doing in the pub tipping comp.

This week saw the Tigers withstand a late run from the evil Crows (*shakesfist*) and take home the four points. Richo didn't score a goal but Pettifer took the mark of the year... Go you good things!

Now there's been a bit of chatter about the style of play that the Tigers used against the Crows. I have to admit that I missed the game but saw a few highlights during the Sunday Footy Show and I am quite pleased I missed the game of high-possession, keep away. And while people are calling it boring and Sheeds has got on his soapbox and poo-poo'd Terry Wallace's game plan, the fact is the Tigers caused the upset of the round.

The Crows should have turned around and invoked a full-court press, if you will, rather than let the Tigers build up their stats.

Anyways, now all we need to do is build up our low percentage...

GO TIGES!

Fight Night.

Forget Anthony Mundine v. Danny Green last week, how about Axl Rose v. Tommy Hilfiger!

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12900726/

Cross-cultural pollination.

Last night was the beginning of my new foray into the arts. Actually, foray may be too strong a word but I like it.

I went to my first play in Melbourne, which was also my first time at The Malthouse, which is pretty much the theatrical hub of Melbourne. (www.malthousetheatre.com.au)

Anyhoo, we went and saw "A View of Concrete". Seeing as I'm not in a very descriptive mood this morning, I'm just going to insert the press release here so you know what it's about:

Hallucinogenic dreams and the frisson of terrorist fantasies.

With killing humour and an eye to the idiosyncratic, Gareth Ellis delves into life on the dark side and finds a pop-up panorama of technicoloured paranoia. Ellis conjures what he calls "an alternative present" – where cats and dogs are dying mysteriously, the phone never stops ringing, and drugs are on the menu for breakfast, lunch and tea.

Winner of the 2004 Wal Cherry Award and the 2005 Malcolm Robertson Prize, A View of Concrete is a new play from a new voice in Australian theatre. A voice that signals that the world these people live in is just across the road from our own – and you know them better than you think!

A View of Concrete, directed by Lauren Taylor (Sweet Staccato Rising,Love) is an unapologetic and witty take on the world inherited by Generation Next.

Following the play, my new theatre buddy (we've decided to make this a regular outing) and I ventured into town for a bowl of pho and then delved into the world of female hip hop at The Workshop, complete with dance-off and all! It could have been a Black Eyed Peas video.

All this and home by 11.

And what I really want to know is...

Areyougonnagomyway?

The thing about spring cleaning at supremookie's is that I find music that I forgot I had.

There's a tense issue with that sentence.

And it's autumn.

Pah.

Last night, I was listening to some CD that I have and it was mixed by the wonderful Tony de Vit. I believe this CD was made in the late 90s and it brought me back to the days of 'Milkbar' at The Icebox in Kings Cross, wondering where Lexie had disappeared to in the middle of her set, the wafting smell of pizza coming from the adjoining shop, the big flash of light whenever Charlie walked between the club and the pizza shop...

Coffee anyone?

Well, we've been in Collingwood for a week now. Here is the week in review.

I've tried several different paths to work to find the quickest route but that really doesn't matter anymore.

My work shoes are not made for walking.

I'd like to know why Anh the Vietnamese dressmaker on Victoria Street gets a delivery of 3 boxes of lettuce on Friday mornings. True story.

For the past week, I have tried to find a decent coffee which isn't more than 5 minutes away. Sure, Smith Street is a mecca of cafes but we're in a semi-awkward position with no shortcuts to Smith Street which translates to cold coffee by the time you get back to work.

On Wednesday, I went to what I *thought* was the recommended coffee place in the area. I was advised that they don't make the best coffee but the service is great. My soy latte was the worst coffee I've had that I can remember. And I've recently had percolated McDonald's coffee too. Turns out it wasn't the place recommended to me after all.

I tried the grumpy cafe on the corner yesterday. I ordered a latte to take away and received a scalding cup of something with chocolate sprinkled on top. Classy.

This morning I went to a bakery on Langridge as it is sort of on my way to work. While it was fun watching the bakers and the service was muchos friendly, the coffee wasn't great. I even bought one for the boss man and thought I had to down two large cups of this stuff before he eventually came in. He is a coffee buff (aficionado, if you will) and while he appreciated the caffeine hit when he walked in, I think he might toss the rest of it.

Today I have to go to the Post Office and pick up some more mail. Mental note: there is no door to door postal delivery so I must remember to not get parcels delivered here. I'm going to look for the hole in the wall that makes the best coffee on Smith Street.

And for anyone working in the north end of the city, I highly recommend Cafe Trubi on the corner of Little Lonsdale and Hardware for the best cup of coffee.

Woo... My body is rejecting this coffee. Gotta go...

And a 1, 2, 3, 4...

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Joyyyyyyyyyyyyyce...
Happy Birthday to you!!!

Woooooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Dreams... meh.

On Friday night, I had a bizarre dream. It went a little something like this:

I was on my way home from somewhere. I got off the tram at Bridge Road and somehow managed to come out of the shops and nearly ran smack into a couple of scary looking guys. I ended up crossing the road to avoid them and proceeded to my block of flats.

When I arrived, I noticed that it wasn't just one block of flats, but four buildings around a central court a la Melrose Place. Seeing as this was all new to me, I had no idea how to get up to my flat, so I was pulling down fire escapes and playing some sort of live 'Snakes & Ladders' game but without the snakes, of course. If there had been snakes, my dream would have ended here with me screaming like Ned Flanders.

Anyhoo, I was climbing up all these buildings and at one point came across a few members of my family who were moving out of the building. Then I saw some people who I knew lived in my block so I went in their direction. There was a very odd moment where I stopped to notice the terracotta paving tiles in the courtyard and made a mental note - yes, still in my dream - to take a photo of them.

Finally, I made it up some stairs and went inside and was promptly told that I did not live in the Aged Care facility and was told to quickly move along to the next wing. So I walked through the corridor, passed Carla from 'Scrubs', then ran into Elliot (also from 'Scrubs') and asked her to help me find my flat.

And that's about it.

What does it all mean?!

The X-Men.

Last night, I stayed up way past my Sunday bedtime to watch 'X-Men 2'.

With 'X-Men: The Last Stand' about to be released on the big screen, I had some catching up to do.

'The X-Men' has always been one of my favourite comics/cartoons. I love how nasty Wolverine is, never much cared for Cyclops or Rogue, but Dr. Jean Grey/Phoenix were my favourite characters.

Actually, I stopped reading the comics because I couldn't quite grasp the whole Dr. Jean Grey/Phoenix metamorphoses (missing issues doesn't really help either).

Anyhoo, I believe that this will be explained in the the third and final installment of the movie. I now know what the ads are talking about when they say 'the return of Jean Grey'.

I can't wait.

By the way, how come Halle Berry doesn't have an English accent like cartoon Storm?

And why is Rogue so young?

End of the road.

In case anyone is still bothering to look, 'Requests Hall of Shame' has been deleted.

It was a good idea, I just failed with the upkeep.

Jen Cloher.

On the way to downtown Warracknabeal a couple of weeks ago, fitzroyal brought along several CDs, most of which I hadn't heard of before. She even gathered a few 'dancey' CDs that she thought I might enjoy listening to, what with my former life as a dirty vinyl pusher.

Anyhoo...

One of the CDs that came along for the ride was 'Deadwood Falls' by Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea.

Yesterday, I picked up both 'Deadwood Falls' and 'Permanent Marker' (Jen's EP).

The one song I can't get enough of is 'Better off Dancing'. It's my new happy song.

So long Erasure.

And that's the end of my rave on Jen Cloher.

For more info: www.jencloher.com

For all you Melbournians:

I believe there's a public transport ticket blitz today.

The end is near.

Tonight, I'll be catching the 24 for the last time.

That means no more junkies over-crowding me on the tram and making me want to vomit.

No more standing at the wind tunnel tram stop at the corner of Queen and Latrobe.

Tomorrow morning, I will catch the 48/75 tram for the last time.

I will no longer have to endure people standing too close to me at the tram stop.

I will no longer be able to play 'spot the ticket inspector' in the mornings anymore.

I will no longer be able to stalk Di at Federation Square.

I'll never have to spend $98.70 on a monthly tram pass again.

I'll never have to get on the stinky 57 going up Elizabeth Street.

I'll never have another City Weekly thrust in my face on a Thursday morning.

For tomorrow is the last day that I will have to travel into the city for work.

YAY!!!

Skeletor.

These are my new winter cycling gloves. Now I need a rain jacket that preferably isn't fluorescent yellow.

Kent Street Primary tree

Melbourne's Skipping Girl

'And beautifully she sank as up river was the bank...'*

On Saturday, I took a walk down to the Yarra and attempted to take some photos. These were the results. I actually walked halfway across the footbridge (I'm not very good with footbridges and overpasses, generally). Then I freaked out and turned around.

* 'The River' by Missy Higgins.

Graffiti alert.

I had embarked on a search for 'RENKS' but instead I found these:

Go on, I dare ya!

I wasn't sure what this was.

It looked sort of like a mistake.

But then, it also looks like a fireman.

I'll never get my Learner's Permit because I have no idea what this sign indicates.

What a weird season so far...

This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I had 'Sunrise' on in the background and was most disturbed to hear that Collingwood were on top of the ladder. Second on the ladder is Adelaide.

Appalling.

The Tigers are sitting 10th on the ladder (for those who aren't in the know, there are 16 teams) which is fantastic as we've won the last 3 games in a row AND everyone had written us off after the first game when we were annihilated by the Bulldogs.

Saturday's 'Dreamtime at the G' match vs. Essendon came to a nail-biting finish with the Tigers defeating the Bombers 97 to 95. I, along with Jude 1, sat in a very anti-Tiger environment and were most pleased when the siren sounded.

The ladder after Round 6 is as follows:

1. Collingwood - Oh well, it's good for Victorian Football.
2. Adelaide - Meh.
3. West Coast
4. Western Bulldogs
5. Hawthorn - what?
6. Fremantle
7. St Kilda - Poor Kosi. :(
8. Sydney - Finally finding some of their premiership form.
9. Melbourne - Who cares?
10. Richmond - GO THE TIGES!
11. Geelong - So much for winning the NAB Cup.
12. Kangaroos - Make a decision about Rocca!
13. Port Adelaide - Oh Warren, what has become of you?
14. Essendon - Can they find another forward option besides Matty Lloyd?
15. Carlton - Last year's wooden spooner.
16. Brisbane - 'Tis rebuilding time for the team that won 3 in a row not so long ago.

May Birthdays

A great big Happy Birthday goes out to the following people:

Mum
Joyce
Glenn
Heidi
Krista
Stascha
Di
Hayley
Scotty

*throws cookies*

Is it really worth it?

So I went back to the optometrist this morning and told her that I didn't want these monthly lenses. She tried to do the hard sell and blabbed on about how much they're better for my eye health but I just told her rather bluntly, 'The past two weeks have been really uncomfortable.'

She had another look at my eyes and I don't know if this was some sort of punishment for not following her advice but, with my head resting in the opthamological vice and the super bright light shining into my eyes, she says, 'I'm just going to invert your eyelids.'

Yes, that is as uncomfortable as it sounds.

Then I was attacked with the cardboard strip again. This time I had a look to see what it was because I was especially intrigued when she said, 'You'll just have to sit for a minute before you put your lenses back in otherwise they'll stain yellow.'

Right.

(by the way, I did say to her 'those cardboard strips are WRONG!')

Anyway, these are what those strips are... in case you want to use them to torture anyone.

FLUORETS* (strips)
PROPRIETARY NAME(and dosage form):FLUORETS* (strips)
COMPOSITION:Each paper strip is impregnated with approximately 1 mg of fluorescein sodium
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:Fluorets stain corneal and conjunctival abrasions or ulcers a bright green and foreign bodies are surrounded by a green ring.Loss of substance in the conjunctiva is indicated by a yellow stain.
INDICATIONS:For use in detecting corneal abrasions and foreign bodies in the eye, in applanation tonometry, in assessing the patency of the nasolacrimal duct and in contact lens fitting procedures.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:Hypersensitivity.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:Pull the tabs apart at the right-hand end of the envelope and withdraw the Fluoret. Moisten the tip with tear fluid from the lower fornix, sterile water, or sterile saline, and gently stroke the Fluoret across the conjunctiva. For best results, the patient should blink several times.
SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:Each applicator should only be used once and then discarded. Care should be taken to handle the strips by the non-impregnated end only.
IDENTIFICATION:A lint free, narrow paper strip with an orange-coloured tip.
PRESENTATION:Sterile, individually wrapped paper strips, packed in gravity-feed cartons of 100 strips.

At the end of my visit, I kindly asked the optemetrist to write out my contact lens and spectacle prescriptions as I will not be back. I didn't say that last part tho.

Weak.

Pirate Jack Sparrow falls from coconut tree.

Making news all over the world this weekend was the story on Keith Richards falling from a tree whilst on holidays in Fiji.

In yesterday's Herald Sun, they reported that Richards and Charlie Watts were attempting to climb a coconut tree when Richards fell out.

What makes grown men climb trees?

Especially grown men from world famous rock bands.

Tomorrow...

I'm going back to the optometrist.

I've had these monthly disposable lenses in my eyes for nearly two weeks now (during my awake hours, that is).

The nausea subsided after the first week but then these lenses started to feel like my fortnightly lenses when I stretch out their use too long.

They also have the feel of a contact lens when it's been left out of solution for a bit too long.

Anyway, I've decided I'm going to tell my optometrist that these lenses are not for me.

Now I'll have to revert back to the other lenses and hopefully not go through the whole nausea deal again. I'm sure JGT doesn't want to go through me saying 'I'm gonna puke' on the hour, every hour, again.

At least I got two weeks of 'free vision' out of this.

410 posts ah ah ahhh!

a.k.a Things you see on the Great Western Highway (the M8/A8), Victoria.

The steering wheel of the Holden Commodore we rented

(and fitzroyal's hand and forearm).

Either the Pyrenees or the Grampians. I can't remember.

Farmers burning off out yonder.

Beaufort, Victoria.